Chapter 44: March of the Faithful
The declaration of the holy crusade spread like wildfire through the kingdom. From the grandest cities to the smallest villages, the church's message was heard by all. The sermons were repeated in every church and chapel, the words of Father Marcellus inspiring a fervor that had not been seen in generations. The people, driven by a mixture of fear and righteous anger, began to rally to the church's cause.
In the days following the declaration, the church's forces began to mobilize. Knights and soldiers, pledged to the church's service, donned their armor and prepared for battle. Monks and priests took up arms, ready to defend the faith against the forces of darkness. The church's banners, emblazoned with the symbol of the Creator, were raised high as the crusaders marched through the streets, their voices lifted in hymns of praise and devotion.