A large, green field softly merging with the forest somewhere at horizon. Blue sky with rare white and fluffy clouds. Wind flows playing softly with the growing wheat, like invisible men running over the top of the crops, shaking them. Air is still cool and drops of morning dew were shining all over the field like small gems on the sun. Ulrich stood in the middle of the field, looking in to horizon, searching for something when suddenly strong rain fell from the clear sky and Ulrich begun to feel all wet and sun at same time was so hot, so that Ulrich could swear that under all that rain he begun to sweat. Am I dreaming? The realized thought broke the deep dream like a thunder. What a strange dream! A feeling of thirst was suddenly added to all the previous feeling. A strong ray of light stroke in to Ulrich eyes as he begun to turn to a side, still dreaming. The light was final step for Ulrich to awaken. Indeed he felt wet, heated and thirsty. What is going on? Without any real desire Ulrich slowly opened his eyes to find a blue sky above him and seagulls flying around, screaming as usually annoying and loud. What is this? Where am I? Ulrich raised his head to find himself lying on the beach. Still with sleepy mind, Ulrich took a seat to get a better view of the situation around him. The picture that opened to his eyes was terrible: shipwrecks, items and bodies were around him, some bodies were still in the water and sea waves were trying to drop them off ashore, along with other wreckage and stuff.

Observing the horrible picture, Ulrich could not gather his thought for some time, unable to concentrate on situation and trying to figure out if he was still asleep or not. Understanding that world around him and situation he currently is in are real, Ulrich tried to remember what was before this dreadful awakening.
Ulrich was sailing with his young square to Jerusalem. He was just accepted in to Templar Order as a knight of the Holy cross. Ulrich knew that he was accepted and promoted to a knight so quickly mostly due to actions of his noble father back in Germany, but he had a strong will to prove that he can achieve greatness by his own actions, without any help of his parents. Ulrich remembered several more knights sailing with him, yet he didn’t have a chance to speak with them all. Pilgrims were also everywhere on the ship, so it must have been overloaded. As last lights of sun disappeared over the horizon, Ulrich went to sleep, leaving his belongings close to him. That was the last memory.

We must have got in to the storm or ship simply fell apart from being overweight. And all my armor and weapons are at the bottom of the sea now, how convenient… wait! Where is Gustaf??? Ulrich quickly stood up, slightly wavering asides; his legs were somehow weak after the adventure he had survived. GUSTAF!!! Ulrich shouted as loud as he could, fussy looking around, trying to find his squire. There was no response except shouts of seagulls and sound of the sea.

After some time of venturing amongst the bodies and wreckage, Ulrich found a body of small boy, lay on the sand, down with his face, motionless. A dagger pierced Ulrich heart as he recognized the colors of boy’s coat-of-arms. Slowly Ulrich approached him, not wanting to believe his eyes. Unfortunately it was Gustaf, the God took him for some reason in the beginning of his life. Ulrich took a seat next to Gustaf’s body, staring on to the calm sea with sad and empty eyes, a small tear run down Ulrich face as he closed his face with his hands trying to imagine that this is not happening…

Hour or two passed while Ulrich was sitting next to his squire corpse, thinking of something, staring in to infinity. Why did God spare my life? So many people have died this night and I was safe in a dreamland, I could save them if I wasn’t asleep. Ulrich took a look over the bodies, most of them were wearing German clothes, those were his countrymen. By what act did we summon this wrath of God upon us? I shall not fail my German compatriots again! This must be the God’s will, my task is clear.

After finishing mourning Ulrich stood up and went to find a tool to dig a grave for Gustaf. While searching for such, Ulrich found a leather flask with water and closed small barrel with salted pork. Both came in handy because thirst and hunger were getting stronger and now that could be fixed. Finding a proper wooden plank and finishing his meal, Ulrich took out his knife to sharpen the edge of the plank. Although knife was rusty after sea water, it did its job good and in few moments an improvised shovel was complete. Ulrich found a nice spot a bit higher on the beach and begun to dig.

It took longer than Ulrich thought to dig a grave but finally it was done and Ulrich returned to where Gustaf was laying. Come my friend, I shall accompany you to your resting place. Ulrich turned Gustaf on his back, to pick him up, when he noticed that there is a small wooden chest in Gustaf’s hands. Boy was holding it tight, pressing it to his breast. But it’s my paper chest! Ulrich’s hands begun to shake as he realized that boy died trying to save the documents identifying who Ulrich was, deed to small amount of silver and other family papers. Silently, with horror seen on his face, Ulrich took the chest from dead boy’s hands and putted it aside, picking up Gustaf’s body and carrying it to the grave, silently, not even blinking. World around went silent or maybe Ulrich didn’t want to hear anything as he dug in a tomb, observing as Gustaf was disappearing under the sand. I have promised to your parents that I will bring you back alive, that I will help you to become a knight. How can I return home now? I remember you playing with other kids in the yard, you always was brave, brave and foolish. You should save your life, not my title…

It was middle of the day when Ulrich finished burial. Wind got stronger and noise from the sea also. Ulrich stood in front of a grave looking at improvised cross, made from two planks with a German words inscribed on them with a knife: Hier ruht Gustaf Chatter

Clouds were gathering above in the sky and so was Ulrich, gathering what he had to venture in to the land, to find out where he was and where to go next. Endless sands of desert promised nothing but death, but there wasn’t much of a choice for Ulrich, so he went in to direction of as he thought was an oasis somewhere on a horizon.

It was very fortunate that clouds closed burning sun, so Ulrich was able to save the precious water he had. By the evening oasis was seen clearly and that brought some hope to Ulrich as there should be water in there. Reaching oasis, Ulrich found some remains of structure, made of clay bricks. There also was some straw laid inside the walls that led to thought that this oasis is inhabited by people, atlas sometimes. Placing barrel with salted pork on the ground, Ulrich took a seat to allow his legs to rest a bit. It was getting dark and day’s heat suddenly was changed by cold of the night. Ulrich found some firewood and used his dagger and rock to blaze some sparks to ignite the fire. Cold of the night has withdrawn. Ulrich got warm and comfy sitting near to fire and looking at the flames. Memories of his home back in Livonia appeared in his head, remembering his mother - Aija, a local woman.

She was very beautiful and young when Ulrich was born, her name meant melody in local understanding and Ulrich did remember how she was singing to him, beautifully and very comforting. His father, German knight named Ansgar Todden, who sailed to Livonia with missionary priest to bring the Holy Word to Baltic pagans, married this young woman after a year as he arrived to a small fisherman’s village – Riga. Having a good education, Ansgar quickly understood the importance of that place in both economical and military aspects. River provided access to Rus for trade along with multiple land roads leading to Novgorod, Pskov and Revel. There were rumors that Ansgard married Aija to get influence with local village elder, she was his daughter, but in truth Ulrich knew that they were in love and that was the true reason for marriage and Ulrich birth.

And so, with the thought of his home Ulrich fell asleep, lying on the straw bed. Sounds of fire cracks escorted Ulrich in to the dreamland for some time and disappeared later in the dreams.

Ulrich’s dreams were interrupted by the strange sound, definitely made by some animal of unknown origin to Ulrich. Sun already appeared from the horizon and it was warm already. Ulrich stood up and checked surroundings to find several unknown beast with some cargo on their weird backs and several men dressed in long white cloth and turbans on their heads. All stared for a moment on each other, as both sided were surprised by this encounter, then one of the strangers, who was oldest one, took few steps towards Ulrich and said with a slight bow “As-Salamu Alaykum!”. Ulrich returned the bow and greeted that man: “Good day!” although Ulrich could only guess that he was greeted by those words. Suddenly all the tension within those people disappeared and they begun to move around the oasis, unpacking their things and caring about their weird animals. Ulrich stood silently observing all the actions, definitely feeling disorganized in current situation. The old man who greeted him approached Ulrich again and with strong accent said on French: “You be from the people with cross, yes?”

Ulrich repeated men’s words in his mind “people with cross – crusaders?!” then replied: “Yes, I’m crusader. And you are?”

Old men nodded several times then said: “Your people call us Arabs, Muslims, Saracens, choose one you like…” he laughed.

Ulrich got concerned, that was seen on his face: “Aren’t you at war with us?”

Old man with smile on his face: “Yes! Big leaders, big countries are. We are small people, we trade. We have good’s, you have gold – we trade, no war.”

Ulrich with relief: “Then you are merchants… Could you tell me where am I? And most important where are my fellow crusaders in here?”

Old man with enthusiasm: “Two days of travel from here, your people have outpost. We are going there to trade, we can take you there, my friend!”

Ulrich respectfully: “Thank you! I have few silver to pay for your troubles, but if that’s not…”

Old man interrupting: “No, no my friend! No pay. We do this to be good host.”

Ulrich smiled and bowed slightly accepting the offer.

Old man: “We will go with new sun, camels must rest and we too. Join us when sun will be low, we eat and talk then.” With those words old man turned around and left to his business.

Ulrich stood for a while, observing those people, then went to find water in the oasis, thinking of the evening invitation from the old man…

Day’s heat begun to wear off and strong, hot wind stopped as suddenly as it begun to blow in the middle of the day. World around became quite again and only sounds of camels and people talking in different parts of the oasis were in the air.

Ulrich finished his preparations for travel, there wasn’t much to prepare any way, except his supplies of pork and water, checked his cloth and went towards the big tent, where most of Saracens were already gathered. Just in case, Ulrich hid his knife behind the belt under the coat-of-arms, although he was kindly invited to join the meal, Ulrich still understood that he is an enemy to those people and that kept some tension inside Ulrich’s head. Upon his approach, Ulrich was greeted simultaneously by most of the people, who were sitting in the tent, around small fire - “As-Salamu Alaykum!” This caught Ulrich a bit unprepared and so instant attention from so many men at once paralyzed him for a second or two after which Ulrich greeted in return: „Good evening!” slightly bowing his head.

Old man, with whom Ulrich spoke this morning, pointed to empty seat near the fire, where big pillow was laying on small carpet: “Please, my friend, sit down. Eat with us this evening!”
Ulrich smile din return and went to take a seat. It was very comfortable to sit on soft pillow, and fire was very handy to protect from cold of the night. Man sitting to the left hand from Ulrich, a big Saracen with dark skin wearing white turban and colorful dressing gown, passed to Ulrich small ceramic cup, with some drink in it. Ulrich took a look inside to find water, as it seemed, took a look at all who were sitting near the fire and were staring at Ulrich, waiting for him to drink, that made Ulrich a bit nervous, instantly bringing idea that they were about to poison him, but in the end Ulrich took courage, raised a cup in front of him, showing his gratitude to hosts for a drink and finished cup with one go. The drink was not water at all. It was very strong potion, for moment Ulrich could not breathe at all and probably became all red, which resulted in minor laughter among the gathered people. With hoarse voice Ulrich spoke: “That was very interesting drink and very strong. What is it?”

Old man smiled and replied: ”Al kohl”

While Ulrich was trying to overcome the effect of strong drink, he was offered a plate with some food consisting rice and some fruits. Ulrich nodded in reply and begun to eat. Fruits provided very sweet assortment after salted pork and rice was extremely delicious. After hunger was gone, Ulrich begun to observe his hosts. They were speaking with each other with tempered voice, telling some jokes or stories and laughing at them. Although surplus of this al kohl were abundant, Ulrich notices that those people allowed themselves no more than two cups. After some time of chat, big Saracen to the left, draw his saber very slowly and presented it to Ulrich to take a look, speaking something, most probably describing the weapon. It was a very fine blade, made of metal Ulrich never seen before, it had strange ornament all over the blade, like sea waves, metal was shining in the light of the moon and fire, making it look very mystical. Ulrich has thanked blade owner for showing this fine weapon and returned the blade.

The old man said: “This metal is Damask. Crafted by finest Arab crafters. And what craft do your people do?”
That question has thrown Ulrich in to his memories of his home, stormy Baltic sea and cold wind, but he with his father and other local fisherman’s were in the large boat, pulling out huge fishing net. Then vision suddenly changed to his mother, crafting beautiful cloth of linen and wool and to old man who lived near the Ulrich’s house, he was making very beautiful wooden sculptures of fantasy animals.

Returning to real time, Ulrich took a deep breath and replied: “My people are fishermen, but we also craft good with cloth and wood.” Old man nodded several times and replied: “Then you are not so barbarians as we thought.” With those words, he stood up, wished a good night to all and left. Others did the same, like following a command. Ulrich remained to sit alone, staring at fire, venturing in to his thoughts about old man’s words about barbarians.

Night seemed to be so quiet and empty, that Ulrich thought that time has stopped and only flames of fire told the opposite. Darkness of the night slowly faded away and first light of dawn begun to appear from horizon. An hour later live in camp begun to flow once again. Arabs went to pray, placing small carpets and singing their prayers to their God. Ulrich observed that process silently and with proper respect, trying to better understand the aspects of Muslim religion.

When morning prayers were done, everyone begun to pack their thinks and get ready for the road. Ulrich didn’t have much to pack, so he was ready in no time and helped old man to load his camel with camp equipment. Old man slightly bowed in return, placing his hand on his chest, thanking Ulrich for his help. When everyone were ready, caravan begun to move to the north. Ulrich was walking along with the old man, chatting about varies of themes – how much time they were traveling endless desert sands, where to trade with better profit and what good to bring, where are best smith’s located, what is the foundation of their religion and much more.

Days passed as caravan moved through heat and sharp desert sandstorms. Ulrich run out of questions and was walking silently, thinking about the information and knowledge he received from the old man. For a young man it was excellent opportunity to get experience of survival in desert. Old man was watching for Ulrich’s actions and often gave advice what to do and what not, mostly considering use of water and how to cover from sun and heat, where are small oases located and how to find them, how to use stars for navigation. Those were very helpful, for Ulrich had no idea of how much must be taken in consideration in desert.

On fifth day of travel old man suddenly placed his hand on Ulrich shoulder and pointed to something at horizon, saying: “We have come to Ephesos” Barley visible was town, with small stone walls and some towers. As caravan approached the city, traffic of peasants, pilgrims and other caravans increased. Everyone were staring at Ulrich with a surprise on their face of what does European is doing with the Muslim caravan. Those glazes gave only a smile to old man’s face, it looked as he was even proud of this situation. Ulrich came closer to the man and spoke quietly: “Maybe I better walk alone now? I don’t want you having any troubles because of me…”

Old man replied with the same smile: “No, no, my friend! We will present you to town gate guards first, so you could enter, and then we go different ways.”

When caravan approached the gates, old man left to speak with the guards, they were not very interested in who Ulrich was but much more in good’s merchant brought. It was obvious, that guards were demanding a tribute from the merchant, but the reason was unclear to Ulrich except of common thievery and corruption. After several minutes of barging, caravan was finally allowed to enter the town.

Streets of the town were thin and crowded – townsfolk, doing their tasks; peasants, lurking everywhere trying to sell their crops and wool; merchants, selling all sort of goods, shouting one lauder than another; thieves, trying to steal something from peasants or merchants and town guards, who were successfully missing every thievery, corruption and other almost legal events, happening at the streets.

When caravan reached the entrance to market, old man stopped and turned to Ulrich, extending his arms towards him: “We have done our travel, my friend, now we must go separate ways. You are a good man, may Allah protect you on your journey, farewell, Crusader!”

Ulrich shake man’s arms, bowed slightly and replied: “Thank you! It was an honor knowing you, and my gratitude for your hospitality and wisdom, good bye, Saracen…”

Both smiled and went each in his own direction…

For several hours Ulrich ventured the streets, investigating the surroundings and situation, asking directions to local magistrate. The question was simple, but most of people had no idea where the central authority is located in the city. Finally Ulrich found an old guard on one of the squares. It looked like man was sleeping but Ulrich was desperate to find anyone who can be of assistance, so he approached the guard and said:
“I beg my pardon, but could you please direct me to local magistrate?”
The reply was a snore coming from the man. Ulrich placed arm to the man’s shoulder and shake him a bit: ”hey? I’m talking to you! Wake up!”

Guard opened his eyes, raised his head to face Ulrich and with very sleepy face and terrible stench from the mouth said: ”Ehh??? And who will ya be lad?”

Such attitude made Ulrich eye twitch a bit, but he remained in self control and stepping back a little to escape from evil stench coming from the guar, Ulrich replied: ”I’m Ulrich Todden, son of Ansgar Todded Livonian, a knight of holy cross!”

Old guard awoke completely and noticed the anger in Ulrich voice: ”No need to be angry, ehh, Sir?! What ya wantin?”

Ulrich replied with cold voice: ”Direct me to local magistrate…”

Guard pointed a direction with his hand: ”it’s that way, Sir. Walk tiz large square, den turn right by the big road, ya cant miss it den.”

Ulrich looked at pointed direction, then turned his head towards the guard again and said with same cold voice: ”Thank you! And try to stay awaken, you are a guard after all!” After those words, Ulrich moved in pointed direction, hearing the guard reply to him: ”Ya, ya, sure I will…”

Anger was imprinted at Ulrich face for some time as he walked to magistrate, but eventually it faded off. After a while Ulrich approached a large palace made of clay bricks, with big cylindrical roofs, sharpened to the point, baring crosses. Large gate was the only entrance to the inner yard of the palace, so Ulrich approached it and hailed the guards: ”Greetings! I’m with a business to local magistrate.”

One of the guard took a look at hic companion then again on Ulrich and replied: ”Well, you will have to wait. Magistrate is busy right now…and probably will be busy several more years now…” both guards laughed.
Ulrich inquired with curiosity: ”So long? But what happened? I’m a knight and I need to see him as soon as possible!” meanwhile, Ulrich took a peek inside the inner yard of the palace and noticed several man-at-arms with horses, waiting for someone to come out from the palace. This was definitely an escort for someone important.

Guard replied: ”Hmm, as you probably noticed this city has drowned in corruption and lack of order and law, all due to careless attitude of our magistrate. And so a higher authority has arrived to fix this, Lady of those lands. Hmm, well, maybe you can complete your business with new magistrate or our Lady, all right come in, but we’ll be watching ya!”

Ulrich nodded and slowly moved in to the inner yard. When suddenly some action begun inside the palace and large door was opened by the guards.

As massive doors opened, from the darkness appeared two guards, who made few steps forward and away from each other and took their places guarding the entrance to the palace. Following them Ulrich noticed a woman, wearing beautiful light purple silk cloth. Her movement and grace amazed Ulrich so he stood with round eyes until the Lady mounted her horse and moved away from the inner yard with her escort. Following the Lady a small and rather round man exited the palace, and followed the Lady with his eyes as she ridded away.

Regaining control over him, Ulrich moved to small and chubby man, who still stood in palace entrance door. Approaching the man, Ulrich begin to introduce himself: “I am Ulrich Von Riga, Templar knight, arrived …ehh… few days ago, I must speak with local magistrate about my assignment.”

Fat man turned to Ulrich. His fake smile turned to grim as he noticed how Ulrich looked at the moment. “Are you now? And how can I know you are truly one who are you claiming to be? … Sir?...”

Those words made Ulrich face to twitch nervously from the dishonorable attitude, but then he remembered that his looks were not the best at the moment, so that thought calmed Ulrich and he took out papers from the small battered chest and presented them to fat man. “Here are my papers, confirming my heritage and status”

Fat man studied papers slowly and closely, then took a look at Ulrich, bowed and said: “My apology, sir Ulrich, but I was just appointed as local magistrate, so to be sharp will not be too bad, you know.”
Ulrich took back his papers and said: “Yes, of course… But what happen here? I just arrived and I’m afraid I lack the knowledge in latest news.”

”Well, you see Sir, last magistrate drowned in corruption and lust, so our Lady made a clear statement, that she will not tolerate such behavior, so magistrate was executed few minutes ago and I and the new one” fat man smiled again.

Ulrich took a small pause to understand the situation then continues: “I see. Well I suppose to be assigned to duty by the Lady…”

Fat man made a strange face, showing active thinking: “Well, I don’t have any military job for you right now, Sir Ulrich, but there is a small village few miles from here which need a new governor…ehm..by the same reason I was appointed here…”

Ulrich took a deep breath ”Well, it will do I guess…”

Fat man rejoiced: ”Excellent! I will order my secretary to sign papers immediately!”

With those words, fat man bowed slightly and moved back in to the darkness of the palace. Ulrich stood for half hour at the gates, over thinking what has happened, when small boy, a page, exited the palace with pack of papers in his arms:
”Are you sir Ulrich Von Riga?” Boy asked with tiny voice.

Ulrich nodded in reply and took the papers. Official letter stated that he was to go to small settlement, 20 miles away and take control of the lands and all alive on that lands, pay taxes to rightful Lord or Lady, and reply to summons of Templar Order Magister, should he need military help.

Completing reading the letter, Ulrich took a look at horizon and sunset, nodded to page once again and moved away from the palace.

Most of the inns were too crowded and had no rooms left, along with that Ulrich had no silver to pay any way, so he went outside the city to the pilgrims camp, that was deployed near the main gates, asked for permission to stay for the night, revived one and settled near a small fire to sleep.

Night passed instantly, Ulrich didn't believe at first that it was a morning already, but so it was. People around him begun to move, going by their business. Ulrich rose, packed his thins and moved to direction of his new lands.

Sun was high, it was hot. Air was standing still and Ulrich was breaking sweat as never before. Dusty dirt road went through some desert hills up and down, turning left and right for several hours. Rare bushes and palms provided small shade for Ulrich to rest under and set to his journey again and again.

It was long after the middle day, when road made it's last turn between two hills and begun to descend in to some valley. Ulrich saw some vegetation and a river, then few houses and a old, clay mansion appeared. The view was magnificent as sun was blinking in the water and soft wind shivering leaves of bushes and trees. Rare people wondering around to small lake and back.

Ulrich moved to mansion. It was very old and decaying. Wooden door was locked so Ulrich knocked few times. After few moments someone old replied: "Yes, yes, I'm coming... ehh... if it's more of you laze beggars I'm going to beat you with an ugly stick...ehh... you lazy villagers..."
Door opened and Ulrich saw an old man, wearing a turban and long robe. he took a look at Ulrich and asked a bit surprised: "Yes? Can I help you?"

Ulrich took out his papers and a deed to those lands and passed them to old man, saying: "In fact you can, my good man! I am new lord of those lands..."

Old man took papers, opened the scroll and tried to read something, yet Ulrich understood that his eyes were too old to see what is written out there. "Ehh.. a new lord? Well...well finally we will have someone to take care of thins here. I'm too old for that, you see. Welcome to you feif, Sir...ehh...sir..."

Ulrich took back his papers: "Sir Ulrich Von Riga"
Old man nodded. both stood for few moments silently, Ulrich was taking a look around, old man was staring at the ground thinking of something, slightly muttering, then Ulrich said: "Can you show me around? What do we have and how are we doing?"