How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph
Quote #1
My master Otto had said this was why the Crusade was required, not merely to free Jerusalem from the Saladin's armies, but to send fighting men far from the marketplace. (7.14)
War always has a bigger effect on society than just what happens on the battleground. In this case, it gets angry brawlers away from the market, too.
Quote #2
"The fighting is already underway!" said Hubert. "Christians and Mussulmen have begun fighting in the Holy Land!"
I was bitter with disappointment at this news. I was gathering up the leather feed bags, the horses having eaten, and placing the bags in a leather-hinged trunk.
"The Christian knights are laying siege to the great castle-town of Acre," said Hubert. "But King Richard is not yet there." (15.22-24)
Sounds strange, but Sir Nigel and his band of Crusaders would be disappointed to get all the way to the Holy Land and not be able to fight. After all this prep work, it would be kind of a letdown. It's also a bit of a letdown that a war might end before the king even shows up.
Quote #3
The army loved these games, especially the squires and the yeomen foot soldiers, but as the hour of battle approached our laughter seemed too loud, our smiles too bright. (23.2)
These games are kind of like warm-ups before a sporting event—they get the soldiers' feet and reflexes moving and put them all in the zone. But the effect is kind of eerie. These guys are getting revved up to kill each other, as well as maybe be killed themselves.