Yüsef fought valiantly – but vainly – against overwhelming odds. In truth, the outcome of the unexpected skirmish was a foregone conclusion and defeat was inevitable. Outnumbered, Yüsef and his Saracen comrades were no match for the Crusaders lead by Raynald de Châtillon, Lord of Oultrejourdain.
Despite his belief in the righteousness of his own cause, Yüsef was overwhelmed by the absolute fanaticism of the Franj. Surely, he thought, these Unbelievers aren’t merely men; they must be evil djinns, the spawn of Shaytan.
Yüsef and his small band of holy warriors had been caught unawares by a numerically stronger troop of Crusaders. The ensuing battle was brief but merciless. Yüsef and his comrades stood back to back and valiantly fought the Franj inflicting death and injury upon them with their flashing, bloody scimitars. And yet, as they fought, they knew their situation was hopeless. Worn down by successive waves of Franj warriors, they were finally overcome and in those final, few moments, Yüsef prepared for death. But an honorable death was denied him that day; Raynald de Châtillon had other plans for his captives and their lives were spared. Stripped of their weapons and roped together, Yüsef and the other survivors – they totalled seventeen – were marched into captivity at his fortress of Al-Karak. Continue reading