.......
Eric returned to the camp on the small hill not far from Antioch.
Although the winters in Antioch were not particularly cold, at least much milder than in Normandy, it had snowed for the past two days. The temperature dropped even further, making camping in the wild an unpleasant experience. The snow would soak the bottom of the tents, and it would get even colder in a few days when the snow melted.
Furthermore, out of fear of harassment and raids from the Turkic Cavalry Archers, they had to remain fully armed at nearly all times. They wore their Chain Armor, with their kite-shaped Shields perpetually slung over their backs or hung from the pommels of their saddles.
Whether marching or sleeping, they would only partially unfasten their armor when they needed to relieve themselves.
Some Knights began to complain that if this continued, their shoulders would be too sore to lift their Lances and Swords long before they even reached Jerusalem.
