Actually, that is not quite accurate. What happened was shocking and surprising to all but Francis. Crow had been listening patiently to the Captain's rebuttal to Francis' speech. He went on and on about Holy Mother Church and Francis' duty to defend her as a monk of Christ. His exact words were: “Francis of Assisi, I have known of you for some years now, and now I see that you can be as fierce as I have been told when the occasion demands.”
“I beg your indulgence to know why I a man of family and peaceful in my fields, should take up the sword and spear on His Holiness's behalf. I will have you to know that I have the fullest blessing of my dearly beloved wife to pursue this noble and valorous mission. I fear neither scimitar nor camel. Our cause is as just as it is holy!”
Francis gazed into the Captain's eyes throughout his rebuttal. Now he continued that gaze, soft, but disarming. He was silent for a long time just gazing. Finally, his eyes hardened just slightly as he drew a deep breath to speak.
(to be continued)
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