The Genoese sailors and Crusaders worked together tirelessly for two weeks to complete the arduous task of dragging the galleys onto dry land, dismantling them, and harvesting the wood and materials. Although it would cost them extra time, the additional building materials for a second siege tower were worth delaying their return. A small group of ten men was sent back to the Crusader camp to inform the leaders of the reason for the delay. At the end of the two weeks, the work was done, and the group began their journey back to Jerusalem. The pace of travel was much slower, however, and the long train of wagons hauling wood and materials extended far down the road.
“How long do you think it will take us to get back?” asked Geoffrey as he and Rodrigo rode alongside the slow-moving caravan.
