William Stearns Davis
"God Wills It!" A Tale of the First Crusade.
"God Wills It!" by William Stearns Davis is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around the First Crusade, focusing on the experiences of a young nobleman named Richard Longsword and his interactions with various historical figures, including those from Christendom and the Islamic world. The story explores themes of faith, valor, and the conflict between cultures during a tumultuous period in history. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Richard, a twelve-year-old boy, in a poignant prologue that depicts the dying Pope Gregory VII giving a powerful exhortation that inspires the call to arms for the Crusade. As the narrative unfolds, Richard joins his father and companions on an adventure where they thwart a band of Berber raiders who have attacked their town. This encounter leads Richard to rescue a Greek lady and maintain a newfound friendship with Musa, a Spaniard fleeing persecution. These early chapters set the stage for a tale filled with chivalry, warfare, and the complexity of human relationships amidst the backdrop of the impending Crusade.