How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph
Quote #4
"The pagans have it," he continued, speaking carefully to still his stammer. "And they will not let it free to the Christians. That's one of the reasons we are called there." (19.26)
The Christians of the Middle Ages saw it as their duty to reclaim the Holy Land from the Muslims. In terms of the book, this means we aren't just dealing with individuals and their sense of duty, but with whole groups.
Quote #5
"I'm sorry," I rasped.
Rannulf's eye said: for what?
"For being such a useless squire."
"A squire with a strong arm," Rannulf replied, "who can read a ship's chart—at what exactly are you useless, Edmund?" (21.14-17)
Edmund's being a little hard on himself right now. He's been fighting the fever, and now he apologizes that he wasn't able to attend to his duties. He's just so wired to serve that he won't give himself an excuse for not doing his job. Luckily Rannulf isn't a cruel guy and points out that Edmund isn't worthless just because he's been sick.
Quote #6
Three days had passed since the battle. Day and night it was too hot to think of further fighting. Hubert and I attended Nigel, which meant that we did little more than drowse in his tent, brushing flies from our eyes. We ate Templar bread and drank inferior wine, fit for squires, a beverage that had almost turned to vinegar. (24.17)
We interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to point out that sometimes Mother Nature really gets in the way of fulfilling one's duty. Still, though, Hubert and Nigel keep on tending to Nigel and his needs.