Baldwin

Under a cloak and bandages soiled by his leprosy-torn body, silver mask on his face, King Baldwin lay dying on his bed. Somehow, he had kept Jerusalem in Christian hands, but who would rally the troops like he had? His sister’s husband was a insubordinate knight. Their son was far too young, and his own former regent was far too old and exhausted to rule. An advisor suggested wrapping someone else in the bandages, cloak, and mask. “We’d wash them first, obviously,” said the advisor. The young boy took over, but soon died. And the foolish knight fell to Saladin.