Deus Lo Volt!

by Evan S. Connell

  With victory achieved the Franks collected as much spoil as they could. Impoverished knights came back proudly wearing silk garments. Some boasted three and four painted shields. Some went prancing around the tents on Arab chargers. They did not stop to gather enemy heads because this happened at dusk. Very soon one and all were overwhelmed by darkness.

  No more was it light than Turks crept out of the city to gather corpses on the river bank. Many were half obscured by sand. These they buried in a mosque outside the wall, which they name the Mahometry, buried them with arrows, jewelry, cloaks, bezants, whatever belonged to the dead. No sooner did they retreat than here came Franks who rushed into the diabolic sanctuary, dragged cadavers out of tombs, chopped off heads, searched for gold. Peter Tudebode relates how these heads were carried to the Frankish tents so they might be counted. Four horse loads of enemy heads went as gifts to the emir of Babylon since he had promised to become Christian.

  Turks watching from the ramparts grieved openly when they observed their dead mishandled. They put aside all shame. They screamed aloud. Pagans lament an unburied corpse much as Christians lament a soul en route to hell. Christians perish for the sake of futurity, Turks for the wickedness of misbelief, since Almighty God who creates and sustains, who makes and destroys, has ordained that at the cost of suffering to Christianity the false light of Islam should be extinguished. Therefore did the bishop, wishing to excite their grief, promise twelve deniers for the head of each Turk. And having got a supply he mounted them on poles to display beneath the walls and freeze the hearts of those inside. So the Turks, gazing down upon these bloody prizes, squirmed with anguish.

  Three days later the fort was begun, using stone from the Mahometry. Carpenters, masons, puddlers, lackeys, and others who had fled when attacked, being now delivered from a thicket of infidels, seeing the enemy dead, lifted up their voices to praise our Lord. This was appropriate and just, since by His disposition a pagan throng at whose hands numerous Christians had fallen became themselves victual for birds of prey and savage beasts.

  These Turks chose to parade on the walls a most valiant knight they captured during the month of March and kept in a donjon, Rainald Porchet. They ordered him to ask of his comrades how much they would pay so he did not lose his head. From where he stood on the wall he shouted that they must not pay ransom. If I die, he shouted, it is no matter. You have slain twelve emirs and the bravest men of Antioch. Be assured in your love of Christ that God is with you now and evermore.

  When the misbelievers asked what he had said the interpreter replied that it was nothing good. Yaghi Siyan had him brought down from the wall and inquired if he would live honorably among Turks. Rainald Porchet asked how he might do this without sin.

  Accept the teaching of Mahomet, said Yaghi Siyan. Deny that Lord whom you worship and believe. If you do that we will give you horses and mules and gold and whatever else you desire. We will give you wives. We will give you land.

  As our Lord was tempted by Satan, Rainald Porchet felt tempted. He prayed with clasped hands, iunctus manibus, imploring God for assistance. He knelt in prayer to the east, humbly asking that his soul might be transported with dignity to the bosom of Abraham.

  Yaghi Siyan demanded to know what was said. The interpreter replied that Rainald Porchet denied the faith of Mahomet and would not accept the goods he was offered. Yaghi Siyan ordered his head struck off, which was done. Next, because he failed to make this knight turn apostate, he brought forth the Christian prisoners from Antioch and bound them in a circle. Firewood, hay, and chaff was stacked around them, the torch applied. While their flesh burned they screamed and shrieked. Their voices resounded in heaven and they came into the presence of our Lord wearing white stoles. This according to Peter Tudebode.

  Once the fort was built Christians could travel among the hills or to Saint Symeon for merchandise. Also, the activity of Turks was restricted, not only those within Antioch but those outside who attempted to provision the city. A Syrian caravan approached through the mountains expecting quick passage but had not reckoned on Tancred who captured it and took everything, oil, wine, barley, and other valuables. Tancred often rode unexpectedly here or there with his knights, so the enemy learned to dread his name.

  During this time Christian law took root. Those found guilty of sexual crime were punished harshly, which was fit and just since these servants of God exposed to pagan swords ought not to wallow in lustful thought. What value has bodily congress where death seems imminent? Therefore to mention prostitutes was intolerable. Guibert de Nogent speaks of a monk who fled his monastery to join this expedition, more out of caprice than piety, who being caught with a woman was tried by fire and convicted. The monk and his whore were stripped, drawn naked through the ranks while being savagely whipped to the terror of all who watched. Neither feast day nor Sunday passed that Bishop Adhémar did not preach the authority of Holy Writ to every corner of the camp, enjoining abbots, priests, and clerics to hold themselves above reproof. He exhorted men to be patient in their deprivation.

  Comte Stephen de Blois again wrote to his wife Adela. Having assured her that he was safe with the army of Christ, drawing ever nearer to the House of Jesus, he observed that for twenty-three weeks they had besieged Antioch and he had managed to double the amount of gold and silver she bestowed upon him when he withdrew from her embrace. He recounted the battle against Turks at Nicaea, after which by God’s help they conquered the whole of Cappadocia, seized castles belonging to a prince called Assam and made him flee. By the river Euphrates they had defeated other Turks, driven them backward toward Arabia, forced them to abandon sumpter beasts and baggage. Yet a great many contrived through hurried marches night and day to reach and enter Antioch. Inside were thought to be five thousand Turkish soldiers, not counting Arabs, Syrians, Turcopolitans, Saracens, Armenians, and divers others who caused much evil. Under the walls numerous Christians were slain, their souls lofted to Paradise because their blood was that of martyrs. And so Comte Stephen bade his wife farewell, counseling her to watch over his lands, to act with lenity toward her children and the vassals.

  This letter was composed on Easter Day by his chaplain, Alexander. While it was being written a skirmish took place during which sixty Turks dropped screeching into hell, their bloody heads exhibited that the knighthood of Christ should derive joy therefrom.

  Now by the Aleppo road came seven thousand enemies. Lord Bohemond met and defeated them, mounted fresh bleeding heads on stakes facing Antioch to challenge and terrify Yaghi Siyan. In response, the Turk flaunted Bishop Adhémar’s standard of Blessed Mary upside down.

  Spies crept through the Frankish camp, Syrian, Turk, Armenian, each adopting the language, demeanor, and custom of the role he played. Because of such mischief Bohemond brought out several prisoners. In view of Antioch they got their throats cut, after which the bodies were smeared with butter, spitted and roasted. Bohemond’s captains were told to reply, if asked what this portended, that henceforth infidel spies would serve as nourishment. If the story is true, I could not say, but it swept the Levant, gripping with terror all who heard it, and every spy in camp got out as soon as he was able.

  Thanks to the indulgence of our Lord, who does not fail to hear and judge the pleas of His children, Antioch was delivered from bondage through trickery. How did this happen? According to Raymond d’Agiles, fourteen years earlier when Turks got control of the city they compelled Greek and Armenian youths to labor as servants and gave them wives to make them tractable. Still, these youths would escape when they could and they brought word of a captain named Firouz, charged with defending the Tower of Two Sisters, who would betray Antioch. Yaghi Siyan had punished this captain for hoarding and selling grain, which enraged him and impelled him to seek revenge. His name, Firouz, is said to mean Victorious One. He came of a distinguished family, Beni-Zerra, which means sons of those who fashion breastplates, which is to say armorers. Albeit he was raised Christian he had converted to the evil fai
th of Mahomet, thereby comitting the sin of apostasy. But one night the Lord appeared, rebuked him and commanded him to deliver Antioch into Christian hands. They say Firouz wondered at this apparition. Once more the Lord commanded him to betray Antioch. Now Firouz went to Yaghi Siyan and revealed what he had been ordered to do. Are you not a fool? the governor asked. Would you obey a ghost?

  For a third time Firouz beheld the Messiah. Then he was terrified and ashamed and sent word to Bohemond, who played upon his guilt. Bohemond promised to restore him to the faith of Jesus Christ if he would surrender his post, meanwhile through flagrant cajolery hinting at wealth and honor. For seven months they negotiated.

  Being closer to me than life itself, Firouz declared, very well do you know how I have loved you since we undertook this common friendship by authority of God. So do you creep ever more deeply into my heart. With earnest care I have pondered the subject of our discourse. Here is what I believe. I will rejoice eternally in heaven if I deliver my native land from the dogs that govern it and introduce a people who love God. I will enjoy the society of blessed saints forever if I lift the yoke of oppression from Antioch. It is clear that should I fail at this task my house and the honor of my distinguished family will cease to exist. Even the name Firouz. Therefore I urge you, be attentive. Here is what I will do. I will give up the fortified tower that I am charged to defend in order that you with your people may breach the city. So much will I do.

  Yaghi Siyan during this period had appealed to the Muslim ruler of Jerusalem, to Rodoan who was prince of Aleppo, to Docap who was prince of Damascus. He had sent further to Arabia and to Chorosan seeking aid from Bolianuth and Hamelnuth. Hence these emirs came marching toward Antioch with twelve thousand choice knights led by the atabeg of Mosul, Kerbogha. Here were Agulani, Publicans, Azymites, Kurds, and others from distant lands. This news alarmed the Franks. In particular they dreaded the Agulani whose horses were sheathed in iron. Bohemond now urged Firouz to consummate their understanding without delay, saying they had agreed upon a meritorious act and the moment was at hand.

  In the course of supreme enterprise it will happen that events occur which are impossible to foresee. Just so, Firouz one day took his son to the tower he was charged with guarding but all at once told his son to hurry home. There the boy saw his mother embrace a Turk. Horrified and disgusted he rushed back to his father, who spoke with deep bitterness. If I live, said he in allusion to the Turks, I will repay those filthy dogs. Now more than ever did he mean to carry out the plot. Truly does God order each event from inception to end.

  Saracen histories tell how the citizens of Antioch began to suspect treachery, more from divination than any proof. Certain principals therefore obtained audience with Yagi Siyan. They reminded him that numerous Christians lived or worked inside the walls and at this council the name of Firouz was mentioned. They knew this Armenian for a convert. Thus he was invited to the meeting because all hoped to discover by his words if he was justly or unjustly suspect. Firouz, being quick to understand, praised the foresight of the governor and these citizens. Your mistrust is laudable, said he, and over-caution does no harm. The duplicity you fear may be thwarted by those who keep watch from the turrets and those who patrol the ramparts. Let them be changed often so they do not remain anywhere long enough to negotiate with the enemy. This would eliminate all chance of treason.

  His words satisfied everyone. They agreed that his advice was sound and that what he proposed should be effected. Firouz, then, having escaped the trial, knew he could hesitate no longer. He notified Bohemond that they must act. Tomorrow, he said by way of messengers, you will sound the trumpets and ride out of sight, pretending that you go to pillage the land. But at night you must return quickly, silently. I will be at the tower I command and will direct you.

  Bohemond now told a servant, Malacorna, to advise the cavalry and have them prepare.

  Anon, a herald proclaimed that all should obey orders. So the Franks rode noisily out of sight. Before day they quietly returned. And by the Tower of Two Sisters was a ladder fixed to projections from the wall. Bohemond directed his boldest knights to ascend. If it please God, said he, we shall hold Antioch in our grasp. Thus in a short time sixty knights stood atop the wall.

  Firouz, however, began to tremble because they were so few. Micro Francos echome, he said in his native tongue and asked where was the most fierce knight Bohemond. Why did Bohemond stand on the ground?

  At this a Longobard descended the ladder and ran to ask why Bohemond did not join the others. Bohemond is said to have felt ashamed because he ought to have gone first. Very nimbly he climbed up and more knights followed. They ran around killing everyone they met. The ladder broke under the weight of so many armored knights but there was a postern gate nearby and certain Franks exploring in the darkness came upon it and broke through and entered the city. Thus at dawn the people awoke to see Bohemond’s red banner on a hill. By the account of one who participated that is how Antioch was taken.

  Yet another relates how seven hundred knights were chosen to climb the wall. The plan was kept secret, a herald rode through camp announcing that they were going to face Kerbogha. Then at the appointed time Bohemond sent his interpreter who returned saying Firouz urged them to hurry because watchmen with lighted torches had just gone by, and Firouz lowered a rope that the Franks attached to a ladder made from strips of hide. When this ladder had been secured Bohemond climbed a few steps, after him Godfrey de Bouillon. Next, Robert the Fleming. They were saved from discovery by the howl of wind rushing through mountain gorges, by the tumult of the swollen river, by the noise of rain dashing madly against the wall. Whatever the fact, these Franks triumphed who set their hope in God Almighty who knows not how to be conquered.

  According to William of Tyre, Firouz had a brother who despised the army of Christ, so Firouz did not confide in him. About the ninth hour when the Franks rode out of camp these two stood side by side on the ramparts watching. Firouz, anxious to know his brother’s thoughts, said he could not but pity such misguided people who would meet a bitter end. Behold how confidently they ride forth, said he. Little do they know what snares have been laid. Little do they know what tomorrow will bring.

  Would that already they had fallen beneath Turkish swords, his brother replied. From the day they marched into view we have had no rest.

  At these words the spirit of Firouz shrank. And lest the will of God be thwarted he began to plot his brother’s death.

  According to William the rope was made of hemp, secured atop the wall, fixed below with iron hooks. Midnight was past when the interpreter crept forward. Firouz spoke through an opening in the wall. Go quickly to your lord. Tell him to come without delay. Firouz then hurried into the turret where his brother lay asleep and stabbed him. Bohemond, upon seeing the corpse, embraced Firouz who had slain his own brother, who demonstrated that he loved Christianity above all else.

  When those who had gained the wall saw the light of an approaching torch they hid behind a buttress and as the Turk came in reach they murdered him before he was able to cry out. Next they hurried down the staircase and opened a portal to admit their comrades. Raymond, waiting for a signal, brought up his legions so almost at once Frankish knights crowded the streets. Thus, Antioch awoke to shouts and screams of terror. Many Franks outside the wall thought Kerbogha’s army had arrived, but others said those were not the shrieks of exultant Turks. As the sky lightened it was possible to make out Frankish banners on the southern hill. Antioch, capital and glory of Syria, had fallen.

  Eagerly the pilgrims searched for gold and jewels and broke through alabaster screens to get at Turkish women. They ran through apartments looking for silk, velvet, coins, treasure of any sort. In mosques where enemies of God congregate, where the false writing of Islam is worshipped, where prophets of the Antichrist hold forth, they gathered and burned deceitful works. They slit the bellies of iniquitous Saracen priests, drew out the entrails and led them by their own entrails aroun
d heaps of burning parchment. In this way the exuberance of wickedness was checked. And how could acolytes of the Lord feel other than they did? They saw with dismay what Saracens had done. Eyes gouged from images of the saints, noses plastered with shit.

  Armenians, Syrians, and other true believers in the city wept for joy. They picked up weapons and guided the Frankish host through unfamiliar streets, pointing out the homes of wealthy Turks, and helped to slay the guards. They who had so long borne the yoke of servitude now saw fit to exact revenge, bathing the stones of Antioch with the blood of tyrants. Raymond d’Agiles relates how infidels hoping to escape dashed back and forth but were cut to pieces. Some on horseback got through the gates but were followed into the hills and driven over a precipice. The jubilation of these Franks who pursued the Turks was boundless, yet they felt grieved to look down upon thirty dead or dying horses with broken necks.

  Antioch being gloriously rich, pilgrims stuffed their pockets. However they did not find much to eat. They learned that the citizens had been as hungry as themselves. And they learned that in darkness they had slain many of their own.

  Streets, courtyards, and houses soon began to stink since ten thousand infidels rightly met the sword. Pilgrims scarcely could walk a dozen steps without sloshing through pools of blood or trampling on bodies alive with insects. But what of Yaghi Siyan? He wakened to the blast of oliphants and fled on horseback. At some mountain village he was recognized by Armenian woodcutters who lopped off his head, which they delivered to Bohemond for a reward. These woodcutters sold the governor’s ornamental belt and the sheath of his scimitar for sixty gold bezants. Is it not a tribute to the omnipotence of our Savior that he who caused many Armenians to lose their heads should be deprived of his own by one of them?