God's Kingdom Part 30 - It's Been A Good Run
Word must have gotten out that I was saying yes to assisting my allies with their troubles. I was more than happy to assist my southern neighbors, Abyssinia. They were fighting off a Muslim invasion and were hard pressed. The Army of Jerusalem is known for many things, their ability to kill infidels is first amongst those things.
I however did not personally lead my armies south. I was heading in the opposite direction to be with my Heddy. I wanted to be there with her when she gave birth to our child. God is great... it's a boy! The doctors told me that the boy would always be stunted but otherwise would be healthy and strong and wise. I didn't care about his vertical limitations, I cared that my son would someday sit the throne of Poland and Croatia.
I've learned that the downside to having family ruling many of the kingdoms in Europe is that they all come calling when a peasant sneezes. However I wasn't about to shirk my obligations and tarnish my good name by ignoring these calls to war. Also I wanted to assist my kinsmen in staying in control of their lands. More glory for the dynasty!
To me the elevation of the dynasty became very important. In my later years it had become more vital than expanding the borders of my kingdom. I had become known for seizing opportunities and capitalizing on political marriages. That renown only grew after I secured a marriage between my son Raoul and the Queen of Scotland. Someday a de Boulogne would rule Scotland.
With my assistance Abyssinia and Trinacria are able to quickly win their wars. I began to dream about a mighty host of all my allies, led by me, crushing the Muslims and freeing all of the Near East and Africa of their scourge. Perhaps it was time for a new Crusade.
Ok, this was getting out of hand. The Armies of Jerusalem were not some common mercenary band to be expected to come running to service just because they were called. However a strong Abyssinia was desirable because they protected my southern border. I told Keylye this was it. After this he was on his own. First I give him my daughter, then I give him assistance, next he'll be expecting my crown.
Word of Raoul's death hurt worse than the blow of a war hammer ever could. He was still so young and barely into his marriage and new life in Scotland. I was told he died of an illness. Probably the cold, wet weather of his new homeland. That or haggis. I've heard haggis could kill a man. I take a bit of satisfaction in knowing that Raoul left behind two children, one of them the future King of Scotland.
The loss of my second youngest son caused me to reflect on life. I'd seen 76 years on Earth. I'd spent nearly my entire life ruling and leading men in peace as well as in battle. I've outlived 5 wives and 2 of my 9 children. My time was growing short but I still felt like I had much to give to my people and to my family. Besides, Heddy was a lot of fun and made me feel 60 again.
I was able to celebrate one more victory. It felt great to lead men into battle despite my advanced age. While not as quick or strong as I was in my prime I was still a capable and skilled general and my skills lead to an easy defeat of the Abyssinian rebels. I hoped that my son-in-law would now leave me alone and figure out how to rule on his own. Not bloody likely.
I returned to Jerusalem but things just weren't the same. Heddy was in Krakow running her kingdom and there were no wars to keep me distracted and give me a reason and drive. In March, 1283 I went to sleep one night after reflecting for hours upon the 50 years of my reign. I was happy and satisfied with all I have accomplished. I left behind a strong dynasty and a strong kingdom. And when I went to sleep I was ready to never wake up.