Chapter 465 - 331: Curse of the Steppe

"Do you remember, Yajisiyan? Do you remember the great Antioch, once hailed as the pearl of Syria? A century ago, the Greeks seized the city from the Fatimids, and three years ago, Suleiman Shah of Rom took it back from the Greeks.

The defenses of Antioch are comparable to those of the eternal Constantinople. But even the strongest walls cannot withstand betrayal from within.

Those misguided Shiite followers may ally with us because of the Christian offensive, yet the Christians will never truly be our allies," Jurist Scholar Abdullah said in a somber tone.

Yajisiyan looked to his nephew, Mahmud, awaiting his opinion.

"I largely agree with Abdullah’s assessment. The threat from the Heretics is far more severe than that from the misguided. The Christians are completely untrustworthy—what they have done in the villages is simply appalling. We are right to be vigilant against them," Mahmud responded, a pleased look on his face. He was delighted to be able to state his opinion before his uncle and showcase his insight.

"Precisely," Abdullah said in agreement with Mahmud’s answer, a hint of approval in his eyes.

However, Yajisiyan frowned slightly.

Mahmud keenly sensed his uncle’s dissatisfaction and opportunely shifted the topic:

"Of course, we might be able to take a more moderate approach. While we must be wary of the Christians, we don’t need to cast ourselves as their sworn enemies. After all, our actions should be rational and have limits.

As the Prophet taught in the Quran, the People of the Book who have submitted are entitled to protection.

Furthermore, while the number of Christians in Hama City is not large, it is not to be underestimated. If we provoke further armed resistance because of this, the losses will outweigh the gains."

(The "People of the Book" (Ahl al-Kitāb) in the Crescent Sect primarily refers to Christians and Jews. These two groups are considered peoples who have received revelations from Allah and possess their own sacred scriptures—the New Testament and the Old Testament.)

"What’s your specific plan?" Yajisiyan gestured for him to continue.

"That Christian army is closing in. We must reinforce Hama City’s defenses, and the need is urgent. Our forces are limited and cannot match them in open battle, so we must resort to a defensive strategy and prepare for a siege.

To better withstand a siege, we’ll obviously need to dig trenches, erect palisades, and build earthworks outside the walls. The Christians within the city are the perfect labor force for this task. We’ll have them exit the city to help build these defenses. They’ll have no reason to refuse. Once they are all outside, we’ll bar the gates and leave them there.

Until the Christian army arrives, we can periodically send out basic provisions of food and water to sustain them, as a token of our goodwill."

"Isn’t that just supplying the enemy? Once the Christian army arrives, the Christians from the city will surely surrender and switch sides. Moreover, they’ve lived in Hama City for years, so they must know the walls’ weak points, and even where the patrols are most lax.

Furthermore, our forces are insufficient. We can’t possibly monitor every corner, or even keep watch on every section of the wall. They might even dig tunnels for the Christian army. After they finish the earthworks, we should send them to their maker with a volley of arrows from the battlements," Abdullah retorted coolly.

"Don’t be so hasty, Lord Abdullah." Mahmud chuckled and continued to explain, "I haven’t finished. My plan is to have the adult Christian men of Hama City go out to build the fortifications, while their women and children remain inside. If those Christians dare to side with the invading army, then as punishment, their women and children will be thrown from the walls.

More importantly, by controlling the women and children, we can apply psychological pressure and force the men to become our spies."

"Excellent, excellent. You are truly my nephew, Mahmud." Yajisiyan laughed and patted Mahmud’s shoulder, clearly very satisfied with his nephew’s stratagem. Then, he turned to Abdullah, a flicker of anticipation in his eyes, "What do you think of my nephew’s plan, my dear Jurist Scholar Abdullah?"

"Mahmud’s wisdom is truly astonishing," Abdullah nodded slightly, his tone carrying a trace of sincere admiration.

However, Ahmed, who had been ignored on the side, was starting to grow impatient. Having had no opportunity to interject for a long time, he scuffed the tip of his foot against the floor, making a faint noise, clearly trying to attract Yajisiyan’s attention.

’Ahmed couldn’t care less about Christians or Shiites. He didn’t even care about Allah. All that mattered to him was whether he could succeed Balha as Guard Captain.’

"Guard Captain Balha’s death in battle is indeed a great loss. However, with the enemy army bearing down on us, the position of Guard Captain must be filled promptly." Mahmud, who had keenly sensed Ahmed’s restlessness, deftly steered the conversation toward him.

"Exactly, exactly." Ahmed, as if a great weight had been lifted, nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of eagerness and excitement.

"Lord Ahmed worked with Lord Balha for many years and is familiar with the city’s defenses. He is indeed the most suitable candidate to take over," Mahmud said, looking at Ahmed with approval in his eyes.

Ahmed was so grateful he was moved to tears. If not for the formality of the occasion, he almost wanted to kiss Mahmud’s feet. For him, this was not just an opportunity; it was a crucial moment to climb to the pinnacle of power.

Yajisiyan glanced at a stain on his trouser leg with a look of disgust, then shot a cold glance at Ahmed. "Then, it is decided."

Yajisiyan’s trusted Commander had already been sent to Tutush, leaving only two officers: Balha and Ahmed. Now that Balha was dead, he could only rely on Ahmed.

Afterward, Yajisiyan sat back down at the chessboard and gestured with a light wave of his hand for everyone except Abdullah to leave.

Outside the main hall, Ahmed showered Mahmud with effusive praise, expressing his gratitude with great excitement.

Although Mahmud disliked such low-level flattery, he still felt a sliver of satisfaction at having won over an important high-ranking officer at a critical moment.

Mahmud’s gaze unconsciously fell upon Eric, who stood nearby, and a slight smile touched his lips. "As a reward for his bravery in battle, Guard Captain Ahmed, see that this Personal Guard of Lord Balha’s is handsomely rewarded. A good suit of Zha Armor would be a fine prize. He is a hero who fights bravely for Hama City, and I hope he survives as long as possible."

’Only then did Eric understand. When Mahmud had spoken up to get him out of trouble, it wasn’t for Eric’s sake—it was for Ahmed’s. He was doing Ahmed a favor.’

Eric immediately dropped to his knees at the opportune moment. He put on the air of a common soldier, looking utterly overwhelmed by the praise from a superior as he expressed his gratitude to Mahmud.

"Of course, of course!" Ahmed replied instantly, his eyes shining with excitement. "Lord Balha was my dearest friend. Anyone who fought alongside him will be handsomely rewarded by me. I cannot fail our heroes!"

Eric maintained his feigned kneeling posture until Mahmud’s figure disappeared down the corridor.

Ahmed clapped Eric’s shoulder. "Alright, kid, get up. Lord Mahmud is long gone. This misfortune has turned into a blessing for you; today is your lucky day. Lord Mahmud has taken a liking to you. From now on, you can proudly call yourself a City Guard soldier and swagger around with the authority of Balha’s former Personal Guard."

"R-Really? Lord Ahmed. Have I really become a member of the City Guard?" Eric put on an expression of mixed shock and joy.

"With Lord Mahmud vouching for you before the Governor, who would dare question it? But you can’t use your old name anymore. From now on, you are Said, the son of a silk merchant." Ahmed sighed. "Be grateful. Thank the heavens. You will never meet a man more generous or capable than Lord Mahmud. It’s a pity that such an excellent man has been toyed with by fate. He should have been the master of Hama City."

"Just now, it seemed like the Governor holds Lord Mahmud in high regard. Even if he can’t inherit Hama City, it’s only natural that he’ll become a powerful and influential figure here, right? Perhaps we’ll still have the chance to be under his wise leadership," Eric asked, taking the opportunity to probe for information.

Ahmed, however, shook his head. "Kid, you’re not one of the Turkic People. You don’t understand. A tent on the grasslands can only hold one master. Blood kin are both your closest relations and your most terrifying enemies.

Unlike the Persians, Arabs, or Greeks, succession for the Grassland People has always been a matter of ’you die, I live.’ Just as an eagle follows only one master in its lifetime, the Turkic People will only follow one lord.

Lord Yajisiyan’s young son, who was born three years ago, and Mahmud... in the end, only one can survive. The one who lives will become the master of Hama City. This is a curse unique to the Turkic People."