Moreover, to show his faith in them, he gave them the rank of officers of his own bodyguard, and when, wearying of idleness, they asked it of him, allowed them to take their share of duty in the guarding of his palace and person.

This, at a time when peace still reigned between Frank and Saracen, the brethren were not ashamed to do, who received no payment for their services.
Peace reigned indeed, but Godwin and Wulf could guess that it would not reign for long.

Damascus and the plain around it were one great camp, and every day new thousands of wild tribesmen poured in and took up the quarters that had been prepared for them.

They asked Masouda, who knew everything, what it meant.

She answered: "It means the jihad, the Holy War, which is being preached in every mosque throughout the East.