Yusuf was twenty-live, and still working for his uncle, when news came of trouble in Egypt. Vizier Shawar wanted Nuradin's help to keep the country out of the hands of his enemies. He promised to give a lot of money to the Syrians to make them come, but it was only when Amalric. the Frankish King of jerusalem, decided to move into Egypt that Nuradin began to think about sending his army. The Franks mustn't get to Cairo and use the money that they find there to make their armies in the Holy Land stronger.' he said. Yusuf worked hard for months to get the soldiers ready for the long journey to Egypt. There was a lot to do and General Shirkuh was always busy. He spoke to Yusuf only to give him more work and more dificult problems to put right. The young man worried that he couldn't go on the campaign. but he worked as hard as possible to make ready all that the army needed. The days went by and still Yusuf heard nothing about going. He knew that the army was leaving in less than a week. My uncle will leave me behind. and I'll spend the rest of my life counting swords and paying soldiers!' he thought sadly