Sylum: Second-In-Command

Born Antonio Crisafi in 1115 AD, Turin – Italy, he was the youngest son of the Crisafi family.

Intending a career in the priesthood, he was inspired by the writings of Bernard of Clairvaux, and in 1129 set out to find the Templar Knights, finally tracking down Hugues de Payens in 1131. At only 16 years of age he began his service as a Squire due to the influence of his family name, and his considerable education from the Benedictine Monastery in his home town.

As a Prior he found his true calling, serving God in the austere environment of the Holy Land, and as he grew in both years and experience, Antonio rose with seeming effortless speed to the rank of Preceptor by the year 1148, serving his Master, Captain Alexis de Chateauneuf.

Attacked while on escort for Benedictine Monks heading to Pilgrimage in Jerusalem during the time of the Second Crusade, he was captured along with his Master, and three other Priors, having distracted the enemy long enough for the Brothers to escape danger. Antonio watched his beloved Templar Brethren die at the hands of their captors, and found an unlikely ally in a Crusader who occupied the jail cell next to his own – Robin Longstride. An undying friendship was forged between the two men as they endured the physical abuses of their situation, and encouraged one another to remain strong that they might one day escape.

Their affection would last them forever.

After the death of his Master, tortured into a lingering agony until he finally succumbed to his injuries, Antonio escaped from prison with Robin and despite a desperate situation as they fought their way free, salvation came for them both at the hands of Nicholas Dupre.

Before Antonio left home to complete his education, he had unknowingly fathered a son by his sister’s handmaiden, Constance. She had been sent away to a Nunnery in shame, dying in childbirth to bring William Crisafi into the world. The child was given to the Papera Family as they journeyed out of Italy to make a new life for themselves, finally settling in Northern England.