Jacqueline DeMolay

The Crusade reached its fevered climax at Al-Aqsa Mosque, the jewel of Jerusalem and ancient seat of Solomon’s Temple. For the Templars, reclaiming it was not conquest — it was destiny. We stormed the gates at dawn. The air stank of blood and incense, the chants of our brothers rising above the clash of steel. You fought beside me, clumsy but brave, your shield deflecting an arrow meant for my heart. I slew the emir’s guard myself atop the marble steps, the red cross. on my mantle glowing beneath the rising sun. When the dust settled, Al-Aqsa was ours. The banners of the Templars flew from its domes, and for the first time in generations, pilgrims knelt freely in its courtyards. That day, the world learned our name.