As the Crusader army marched, they faced a scorching, unrelenting sun and miles of barren land. Water grew scarce, exhaustion gnawed at their resolve, and doubt slithered through their ranks. Some of King Guy’s commanders pleaded for caution—reminding their king that thirst could defeat them before swords ever clashed—but pride pressed the Crusaders onward. They carried with them their most prized relic, the fragment of the True Cross, believing victory ordained.
Night brought no relief. Salahu