The Journal Of:
Stephen of Cloyes
May 1212
Dear Journal,
My name is Stephen of Cloyes. Due to recent events, I
thought it would be important for me to write down my
experiences in a journal. A few days ago, while I was tending
to my sheep, I received a letter from Christ. I was also told
to go and preach the Crusade. I decided that the best way to
do this was by giving King Philip of France the letter. My
premonition was correct, he thought I was just a foolish, young
child toying with him. Of course, he refused. However, I did not
listen and continued to preach. I have decided that I will
lead a band of children to free Jerusalem, something that
the adults have not been able to do. Many people were
impressed by my actions and many children wanted to join
me. In a month’s time, we will start on our journey west.
June 1212
Dear Journal,
Towards the end of June, the children and I massed at
Vendome. In front of me were thousands of kids from
different walks of life; some were peasants but others were
of noble birth. After we were given blessing by the priest, and
all the parents left, we started out on our expedition. Many
of them went on foot, but I made sure I wasn’t. (I am the
leader after all) I insisted that I was carried in a cart,
with a canopy to shade me from the sun. Though I was
treated as a prophet, it was a painful journey. The summer
was usually hot and we depended on charity for food. Many
of the children have died, and some have escaped. However, I
don’t worry as I know we will reach Marseilles soon.
,
July 1212
Dear Journal,
Hey, I’m back. We have finally reached Marseilles and I
couldn’t be happier. The citizens greeted the children and I
kindly. During the night, many of us found houses to sleep in;
the others slept on the streets. The next day, all of the
remaining crusaders rushed down to the harbour to see the
ocean divide, like Christ told me. When this did not happen,
they turned against me. They were crying, telling me that I
betrayed them. Luckily, some stayed and waited two days for
god to complete the task. Again, I didn’t know what to do.
However, the merchants said they would give us a ship so we
could travel across. We took up this offer and we left.
Hello, if you are reading this, I am not Stephen of Cloyes.
After they left on ship, they haven’t come back. The years
have passed, and there has been no word from them. We have
accepted the fact that they are dead.