Chapter 143: Chapter 143: The Council of Prosperity
Jerusalem, January 15th, 1181
The winter light slanted low across the vaulted chamber of the royal palace, illuminating rows of parchment scrolls, ledgers, and maps spread before the council. King Baldwin IV sat at the head of the great table, his thoughtful gaze sweeping across the faces of his closest advisors and officers, who represented the pillars of his newly reformed kingdom.
Around the table were the men he had carefully appointed to key roles in the administration: Brother Thomas, his steadfast Chancellor overseeing the realm’s law and records; Sir Godfrey of Ibelin, the Justiciar charged with enforcing royal justice throughout the kingdom; and Martin of Palermo, the Treasurer whose Sicilian expertise in finance was already bearing fruit. Balian of Ibelin, trusted both as a commander and counselor, was also present, ready to report on military matters.
Integration of Syrian Territories and Royal Justice
Baldwin began with measured authority. "The incorporation of Syria and Gaza into the kingdom is now nearly 4 months behind us. Brother Thomas, tell us how the courts and administration are holding up under the new order."
Brother Thomas rolled out a parchment and spoke clearly. "Your Grace, all personal or regional courts have been formally abolished. Every legal dispute—whether between nobles, merchants, or peasants—now falls under the jurisdiction of the royal courts, administered through the offices of the Justiciar and his deputies. This standardization of justice has brought stability to previously fractious regions."
He paused briefly. "Though initially there was hesitation—particularly among the Syrian lords who were used to autonomy—the recent decree allowing them to retain a fixed portion of the taxes collected from their lands has softened resistance considerably. The nobles now see that they have a direct interest in the success of the Crown’s system."
Sir Godfrey added gravely, "The uniform application of law has curtailed feuds and petty disputes that once bled the realm’s resources. Merchants, especially, find confidence in courts where laws are predictable and enforcement swift."
Martin of Palermo then rose, unfurling a thick ledger heavy with accounts. "Sire, the economy is flourishing under these reforms. The revenues from Syria’s cities and countryside now contribute nearly forty percent of the kingdom’s total income. Damascus, with its renowned bazaars and trade routes, accounts for a significant portion. Smaller towns and villages, though modest individually, aggregate into a steady source of coin through customs duties, market fees, and the jizya tax on Muslim subjects who remain."
He gestured to the open ledgers. "In Acre, Jerusalem, and Jaffa, trade continues to grow, buoyed by security on the roads and consistent laws. The kingdom’s ports benefit indirectly from the flow of goods arriving through Syria’s caravan routes, even if no Syrian ports have been conquered. Our merchants and tax collectors monitor this trade closely, ensuring steady income."
Baldwin nodded thoughtfully. "And what of the royal bank?"
Martin smiled faintly. "Progress is steady. Using the Templars’ model of deposits, letters of credit, and secure transfers, we have established a rudimentary royal banking network spanning Jerusalem, Acre, and key Syrian cities such as Damascus and Homs. This allows nobles and merchants to move large sums safely without physically transporting coin—a boon in these unstable times."
He added, "Several merchants have begun to entrust their wealth to the bank, using it to finance trade expeditions and military supplies. There remain challenges—ensuring trust in distant branches in Europe and training clerks—but the foundation is solid."
Balian then took up the report on the army. "The kingdom’s forces have grown substantially. Counting knights, sergeants, militias, and auxiliaries raised from across the realm, including newly integrated Syrian levies, we number between thirty and forty thousand men under arms."
He spread a map showing training grounds dotted across Jerusalem, Acre, Damascus, and Aleppo. "Training continues on a rotating basis. Militias from each district cycle through monthly drills, learning to fight alongside Frankish knights and under the supervision of instructors from the Hospitallers and Templars."
Balian continued, "We have established new forges in Acre, Jaffa, and Damascus, using local iron and skilled Syrian smiths. These workshops have increased production of swords, lances, and crossbow quarrels by a third, ensuring our forces are well-armed and equipped."
Brother Thomas then turned to the Silk Road briefly. "While not the largest single source of revenue, the trade routes through Aleppo and Damascus continue to provide a reliable stream of customs duties. Our officers ensure that merchants traveling from the east pay their tolls fairly and consistently, which has encouraged greater use of the route."
Martin added, "The stability of these routes under royal protection also encourages merchants to divert their goods this way, increasing volume and revenues over time."
Baldwin took a deep breath, absorbing the full scope of the reports. His kingdom was growing not only in size but in strength—economically, militarily, and administratively. The nobles had been placated, the merchants emboldened, and the army prepared for any threats.
Yet, as always, Baldwin knew the peace was fragile. Beyond his borders, old enemies watched and waited.
But for this day, the Kingdom of Jerusalem stood prosperous and united—a kingdom reborn under his steadfast hand.