Le Saint de Lazarus

Beneath a mask lies a prison. Conceal beneath the steel veil I see hell all too well. Crusaders come with banners raised high, they bark and they tell lies. More is discussed about their lusts than how to deal with petulant dust and blood. Amongst a sea of murderers and usurpers are those who know God from the devil. Their eyes reveal a dismay and great pain at seeing the Holy City ruled like a political tool. From the shadows I mark these men as true pilgrims, they wade their way to The Holy Sepulcher, to see Christ's chamber. There I dare not draw closer, for my coat and my cross would cause outrage and horror. Marked by a green rood I march amongst the alleys waiting for the day of my doom. Saracens speak of the chastisement that awaits me in hell, but I rely on the mercy of the Most High, and pray he speeds me through this Purgatory.

The bells chime, and the doves fly. A procession of clergy passes by, blessing the clean and cursing me with liturgies of hate. They tell me I am beyond God's grace, that the devil devours my face. I look to them and scoff, for I full well know Christ healed many of my same affliction. What devils these neo-Pharisees are who judge me. They sit in their seats and sing dead prayers to dead saints. They ask the congregations to be generous and give to the poor, but they spend not one coin on us or those they supposedly support. They are a "Den of robbers," as the Lord would say. They bring shame to his name. I am comforted by those that bare the green cross beside me. I thank my brothers who sustain me when I grow too weary. Twenty I am and Twenty I shall only see. Oh this flesh eating disease, take me quickly! Blot out this vile world, let me see the heavenly rays of what awaits for flesh eaten saints.

My skin gives way, and my hand can no longer hold the pen. I face my end, but not with fear or trepidation. I have served my sentence, I have done my penance. I have protected the meek and clothed the weak. My body perpetually rotting as I have endeavored to keep the peace. Now Saladin approaches the city and the armies prepare to flee. I suppose it is fitting that I should see the last day of Christian Outremer. Within the ocean of the mob, God has brought many faithful lot. With my brothers I decay in this grave, this giant cemetery about to be flooded with the blood of believers. Oh God have mercy upon your children! Remember your promise to defend us, give the innocent women and babes a chance to escape before it is too late!

After the Leper Knight perished, Crusaders rushed to the Damascus gate and offered a white flag of surrender to Saladin. The surprised Sultanate agreed to the surrender of Jerusalem and granted safe passage for the women and children to the sea.