From the towering stone walls of Calais, the scale of the Holy Order's army was breathtaking.
For centuries, this was how the world was ruled. Kings demanded land, the Pope gave his blessing, and tens of thousands of men marched forward to drown their enemies in blood.
Down on the grassy plains, the Frankish and Germanic commanders were orchestrating their grand assault.
The Dukes and Counts rode at the very front of the infantry lines, sitting upon stallions draped in heavy chainmail and velvet skirts.
"Keep the lines tight!" roared Duke Odo of the Western Franks, "Shield to shield! Do not break the formation! Move the towers forward!"
At his command, the sergeants and unit captains began barking harsh orders, whipping the air to get the men moving.
"Bring up the rams! Keep the hides wet!" shouted Count Lothair, riding back and forth along the lines.
