Drawing Cards in the Middle Ages to Rise in Ranks-Chapter 442 - 124: Immortality

In the distance, Guy and his knights have already started to retreat.

The Kurdish convoy followed behind the Crusader troop led by Losa.

Even though they had joined Losa, their mistrust of the heretics was still evident.

At the front of the team.

Abdullah led more than ten Kurdish cavalrymen clustered behind Losa.

"Sir, we now have thirty cavalrymen and one hundred and fifty infantry left. Although the numbers are small, I guarantee they are seasoned veterans tested by fire, and as long as you provide them with warhorses, every man can immediately become elite cavalry."

Kurds are a nomadic people; whether it’s camels or warhorses, even a youth can skillfully ride.

"I trust your combat strength; when we reach Hebron, I will provide you with mounts."

Losa said with a smile.

Perhaps to the current Losa, such a joining of a formidable army was not yet a significant force.

But Losa still showed Abdullah great respect, not just for emotional reasons; the Kurds are excellent mercenaries, and through Abdullah, more Kurdish cavalry could be recruited in the future.

Especially camel cavalry, which at times can show even greater combat effectiveness than ordinary cavalry in desert regions.

"Sir, we are very willing to participate in this battle to wash away the shame of once being defeated by Saladin’s Mamluks, but we still need the replenishment of weapons and equipment."

"Rest assured, you will not be lacking, I promise to offer you fair treatment."

Losa said earnestly.

Abdullah gave a bitter smile and said, "Sorry, sir, I shouldn’t doubt your generosity and fairness."

Losa rubbed his brow and said, "To worry is normal; after all, my territory at present is doing everything possible to prepare for war, and were it not for the supplies from Eira Port, resources would indeed be a problem."

For instance, the iron ore produced in Transjordan is of decent quality, but the quantity is quite limited. As Jerusalem prepares for battle in various places, it is difficult to satisfy the increasing consumption of Marles’ burgeoning blacksmith workshops.

...

Outside Hebron, white tents lay like a sea of flowers growing in the desert.

Extending endlessly, unable to see the borders at a glance.

What does an army of ten thousand mean in this era?

Apart from the city-states on the Apennine Peninsula, in this era most cities had a population of less than ten thousand.

For example, Alandler had only a population of six thousand before Losa took charge.

Nuremberg, such a large German city, had only a little over ten thousand inhabitants.

Moreover, this army of ten thousand also included its accompanying laborers, baggage train personnel, essentially conscripted old farmers, with almost no combat capacity but indispensable nevertheless.

In the Battle of Hattin, the Crusaders hastily advanced, being toyed with by Saladin’s forces in the desert, cut off from supplies, soldiers thirsting miserably, thereby leading to the collapse of Jerusalem’s full-strength field army.

Hence, Losa had repeatedly emphasized the importance of supplies.

Andreas clearly understood this too, working these days until his eyes were black-ringed.

"The messenger from Baron Tih has just come; his army is arriving soon, send someone ahead to welcome them, let them settle into Camp Five; the materials stored there should be enough for three days."

"How is the team procuring the earthenware pots? Every water pot needs checking; the matter of storing water is of utmost importance."

Not only does mankind need to drink, but the consumption of water by warhorses and pack animals is especially astonishing.

"The team has returned, having procured twenty thousand water pots, all filled with clean water sources."

"Good... I’ll go have a look."

Andreas suddenly stood up; his vision went black for a moment, almost causing him to fall directly to the ground.

"Sir, are you alright?"

The scribe beside him rushed forward to help.

Most of these scribes were made up of clergy from the Alandler Bishopric, considered old partners with Andreas.

"It’s okay, help me up."

Andreas gritted his teeth, waved his hand, took a deep breath, steadied himself, and refused the scribe’s company.

"Did the people dispatched to inspect the water sources along the advance route return; the water source map purchased from the Bedouin cannot be wholly trusted, it must be personally checked."

"They’ve gradually returned."

"Keep these in mind; I’ll go to the baggage camp; any urgent matters may seek me there."

In the concerned gaze of the scribe, Andreas slowly walked towards the camp.

Simultaneously, he made a decision—to find Kurs, who was receiving the Lords.

Even the body of a mortal has its limits in the end.

He thought Kurs, his teacher, had handed him all these trivial matters during this period to make him realize this fact.

...

Damascus.

Saladin, this King of Syria and Egypt, looked somewhat grim.

He had just listened to a messenger’s report, initially believing Baldwin IV, who was supposedly on his deathbed, his leprosy had somehow healed.

The Kingdom of Jerusalem had once briefly been in a ’honeymoon phase’ with Saladin; during that time, Saladin even sent his own royal physician to visit Baldwin. His condition was absolutely undeniable.

He had no reason to fake it; if it weren’t for Baldwin contracting this sickly disease, Jerusalem’s situation would be much stronger than it is now.

"Did you see it with your own eyes?"

The messenger answered earnestly, "My Lord, I swear by the holy fire, I saw King Baldwin personally taking off his mask, and his face showed no sign of being ravaged by leprosy."

He hesitated and then added, "Your servant guesses it’s thanks to that heretic cleric named Urding; I’ve heard he has cured many Crusader Princes of old maladies; he also developed the so-called Lazarus Potion, which is very effective in treating external injuries."

"Urding..."

Saladin frowned and asked, "Did you bring back samples of the Lazarus Potion?"

The messenger looked ashamed and said, "Those poor heretics are very fervent; even though I offered a high price, they wouldn’t sell me the potion."

Saladin sighed lightly, "This mission should have placed a Frankish Mamluk with you."

"You can take your leave; your journey has earned merits and is without faults; you shall be rewarded."

Once alone.

Saladin asked the black-clad caster beside him, "What kind of magic does this Urding use that could even heal Baldwin’s leprosy?"

"Your Majesty, magic is not omnipotent."

"But Baldwin has recovered."

"Taking others’ lives, sacrificing to Hell’s devil, could heal perennial diseases perhaps."

"I understand Baldwin; he wouldn’t do such a thing."

Among those who wish for longevity, who seek eternal life, are too many kings, emperors.

They stand at the summit of secular power and yet try to make themselves immortal.