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The Book of the Lion Chapter 23 Summary

  • Before heading into battle, the camp practices with games and warm-ups. Edmund notices that as the battle draws near, the false enthusiasm grows.
  • Edmund returns to find Rannulf doing his chores, and he rushes to take over. As they prepare for battle, Rannulf hands Edmund a wrapped gift. It is a giant hammer-looking thing. Edmund is disappointed; he wanted to fight with a sword. However, when he lifts it over his head, it's not so heavy after all.
  • Mass is offered before battle and everything is strangely quiet; after, Sir Guy orders everyone to the walls.
  • As he watches the enemy army across the battlefield, Edmund keeps reminding himself that he's alive. He can hear Hubert breathing next to him—another sign of life.
  • Nigel would have preferred to wait for the king to arrive, but the men who've been camping out have grown restless and their numbers are decreasing from disease.
  • The Crusaders begin to advance, with their moving tower rattling as it is pushed forward.
  • When the tower strikes the enemy wall, the fighting begins; shouts ring out and arrows rain down.
  • Edmund and Hubert are too far in the back to be a part of the fighting.
  • A graceful Frankish soldier stands on top of the wall, his helmet glistening in the sun. Shortly thereafter, though, he falls over the wall into the enemy city.