The Fourth Crusade and decline of Constantinople devastated the trade integral to Rus wealth and power, while Teutonic crusaders threatened northern territories.
When As-Salih died in the middle of the conflict with the crusaders, Shajar Al-Durr knew King Louis IX had already succeeded in conquering important Egyptian port cities.
Starbuck was no crusader after perils; in him courage was not a sentiment; but a thing simply useful to him, and always at hand upon all mortally practical occasions.