Blessed as we have been as Franks and as the faithful people of God, nevertheless we Christians of the order of the bellatores who fight and who protect all the community of faith among Franks (Hollister and Bennett 157) have been enjoined by His Holiness to carry out a mission unique in all the world and reconquer and reclaim from "the accursed race" the peoples of Jerusalem and Christianity whom the Persians have outraged them by "sword, pillage and fire" (Monk 183). To you it falls to instruct the laboratores of our estate to organize the equipment I and my servants will need for our journey to Jerusalem. I trust you with this though you are a woman, but you are my beloved fourth order and a Christian. And besides, "God wills it!" (Hollister and Bennett 228).
First let me dispose of all practical matters. I will require four horses as well as a wagon for carrying our supplies to Jerusalem. Instruct the servants to pack shovels and other tools that will be useful on the journey (Three Orders, Hollister and Bennett 218). Add to this a supply of strong rope, which may be needed on the journey or which may be required if we must build siege engines at the site of our battles (Ibn Al-Athir 188-9; Comnena 185). You need not include such things as plows, which the old men on the estate will need to continue working the land. The oxen, of course, will remain on the estate (Month of March, Book of Hours 233). Set aside one sack of grain, and have servants make ten pies for us (Hollister and Bennett 184). That should serve us on the first part of the journey. I have no doubt that God will provide us with opportunities to resupply our needs along the way as we travel the distance to the Holy Land.
I will require a full suit of armor such as is worn by an ordinary soldier, as well as ample weaponry, for I must "gird my body with iron" that I may shield the soul (Bernard 190). Helmets, swords, shields, spurs, and chain mail, to start (Thre...