CHAPTER 79 - 79: THE WEIGHT OF VICTORY

May 7, 1180

A week had passed since Aleppo's capture, and the city's restless heart slowly began to still. The early morning sun rose over battered walls and hastily repaired gates, illuminating a city both weary and watchful. Within the ancient citadel, a war council gathered in the great hall — stone walls adorned with banners and maps marking the lands soon to be reclaimed.

King Baldwin IV sat at the head of the table, flanked by his closest advisors: William Marshal, Sir Gerard of Nablus—recently appointed commander of Aleppo's garrison—and the ever-steady Odo of St. Amand, Grand Master of the Templars.

Gerard unrolled a large parchment, detailing the city's condition. "Aleppo is secure. The garrison numbers five thousand seasoned troops, with reinforcements arriving steadily. Supplies are stockpiled and rationed carefully. Though there remains unrest among the townsfolk, our patrols maintain order and prevent uprisings."

William nodded. "We must keep discipline tight. An angry city can ignite faster than powder."

William added, "Our engineers continue fortifying the walls where breaches were made. Towers are reinforced, and additional mangonels are being constructed. We plan to strengthen defenses against any counterattack."

Baldwin's eyes swept the room. "Good. This victory is pivotal. But Saladin will not take it lightly. Word will reach him swiftly. He will know that Aleppo has fallen."

Odo of St. Amand, ever vigilant, interjected, "The sultan's spies are active and will certainly confirm the truth. He will realize the army facing him is a diversion—a feint meant to draw him out."

"Precisely," Baldwin said. "He will understand the army facing him is a diversionary force. He will have little choice but to respond. The pressure on Damascus is too great for him to sit idle. His pride and political position depend on a swift reaction."

William spoke thoughtfully, "Our scouts report his forces are already mobilizing. We must prepare for battle, but also for the possibility he chooses a battlefield favorable to his own tactics."

Baldwin's fingers traced the lines on the map. "We must not let him dictate the terms. Our main army must move quickly and strike decisively before he can consolidate."

He turned to Odo. "Send this letter to Bohemond of Antioch at once."

Odo nodded. "I will have a swift rider dispatched immediately, my king."

Baldwin carefully handed the parchment to a messenger, a lean horseman waiting just outside the hall. The letter bore Baldwin's seal and contained precise instructions:

"To Bohemond, Prince of Antioch,

Though you lead the diversion force, your role is crucial beyond mere defense. Should Saladin march toward Aleppo, you are to guard the road to Jerusalem with vigilance and harass his rear relentlessly. Prevent him from severing our line of communication or cutting off our retreat.

Stay steadfast and swift. The fate of the kingdom rests upon your watchfulness.

By my hand, Baldwin, Duke of Palestine and King of Jerusalem."

The messenger bowed low, mounted his horse, and spurred away with haste, disappearing quickly over the horizon.

Gerard looked toward his men assembled outside the hall. "The men are eager, but wary. News of the city's capture spreads fast, and morale is high, but caution tempers their enthusiasm."

"Good," Baldwin said. "Victory breeds pride, but it also breeds recklessness. We will harness their spirit without letting it undo us."

Odo added, "And the stormracks and pike formations will give our smaller forces the edge when engaged. We have trained well, but we must use terrain and discipline to our advantage."

Baldwin nodded approvingly. "The coming days will be decisive. Aleppo is a prize, but it is also a beacon. Saladin will come. We must be ready."

As the council dispersed, Baldwin took a moment by a window overlooking the city. The banners of Jerusalem still flew high above Aleppo's walls, but in the quiet below, he sensed the fragile peace before the storm.

The war had just entered a new, perilous Chapter.