The Life and Times of
Angus Angus, Count of Angus
The Littlest Crusader
Angus Angus, Count of Angus
The Littlest Crusader
Angus Angus, Count of Angus, age 11
“And so as we commit the good Count Robert to the ground, we shall always remember his fair and generous rule, and shall pray the Lord God that he shall guide Count Robert’s son Angus to become the model of Christian peace and charity his father was.”
Bishop Barclay lowered his head in silent prayer, and the others gathered at Count Robert’s grave did the same, bringing the funeral to a close.
As the assembled nobles began to share reverent stories of the late Robert, and his brothers John and Malcom and sister Doada cried, Angus closed his eyes and tried to pretend nothing was happening. To the others, he must have looked peaceful, for he could hear their comments of how maturely he was reacting to his father’s death. Inside, however, he felt sadder than he had ever felt before. When his mother had died, six years ago, he had been too young to appreciate what had happened. Now, at eleven, he knew that his father was gone forever, taken by a disease of the lung, and that he would never see him again. The issues of distance had meant that this funeral was almost three weeks after his father’s death, and he had cried so much in that time that only bare sorrow was left.
He felt eyes. a hand on his shoulder, and turned to find King Duncan staring down at him with pitying eyes.
“Your Father was a good man,” he said.
His concentration broken, Angus began to feel the tears well up in him again. “Th-thank you, your Grace. I really miss him.”
King Duncan looked over to the grave where the coffin had been placed, and said nothing for several minutes. Eventually, he said,
“I lost my father last year. He was older than your father, and I was much older than you are now, but I know how it feels to lose someone close to you. But it wasn’t just grief that affected me, I was afraid. Afraid I wouldn’t live up to what my father was. But I found comfort in God, and you can too. You have your whole life ahead of you, and I’m sure God has great things planned for you.”
Given that God had just taken his father from him, Angus was not so inclined to agree.
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Diary of Angus Angus, Count of Angus, BSc SSc
August 14, 1098
Most unusual of occurrences today. Was visited by a messenger of the Pope regarding Crusade. Wrote a few months ago, Pope has called for a crusade against Heathens, everyone to participate in. Seems the Pope feels Count of Angouleme hasn’t been fulfilling his obligations, sent out a messenger to inform him that he must join the crusade or be excommunicated. Also seems the Pope is a bit thick, doesn’t know difference between Angouleme, France and Angus, Scotland. Maybe just can’t write? Intelligence obviously not needed for job as Pope, will look into making Malcom Pope, ha ha. Anyway, messenger said I had to go on crusade or be excommunicated. Hope they have toy shops in Jerusalem.
August 18, 1098
Been thinking about what King Duncan said at dad’s funeral. Said God had great things planned for me. Maybe intended me to be King of Jerusalem? Dad said we should treat everyone like the Good Samaritan did, but maybe God took him away for a reason? Maybe dad was wrong, and I’m supposed to convert the heathens?
August 19, 1098
Looked at map today. Jerusalem very far away. No idea how Pope expects me to get there. Stupid Pope. Had a look at the map, found somewhere closer with fewer allies.
Gran very cross when I said I wanted to attack Lisboa. Said dad had planned to invade Lisboa when he was Count. Said dad had a premonition of bankrupting the county and losing the war. Said dad very glad it was only a dream, and that he was able to avoid making the mistake of attacking Lisboa. Said if I knew what was good for me, I’d stay at home and use our money for the Library dad wanted to build. Stupid Gran. Stupid Dad. I have a cunning plan.
Little Angus is growing up fast, though, so he might be leading his armies fairly soon.