Mordecai nodded understandingly. Clearly, the girl was uncomfortable - it would not be prudent to go on about her, [i]condition[/i], if that was the right word.

He raised his eyes skyward, and noticed that already the first faint tint of the dawn was appearing in the eastern sky. His staff felt heavy in his hand, and he realised that he hadn't slept all night. 
"The Crusader Army won't wait forever." murmured Mordecai. In a louder voice he said; "Swift you must be if you are to find your parents before daybreak. The city is under attack, and the victor's identity will decide the future of the Holy Land." 

With that, he gathered up his robes and turned from the group, his eyes fixed on the Mount of Olives in the distance. Hastily constructed tents and workshops were pitched almost at random on its lower slopes, but the Christian force had not touched the crest of the hill. It was considered a Holy place, and both Jews and Christians held it in high esteem. They would not dare to camp on the height.