Volume 4 – Chapter 8 – A Necessary Alliance …

| Morning of January 20 - 1249 - Citadel of Damascus - Attila |

<< Your Majesty, wake up. We have arrived >> Rasha said whispering in my ear.

Without saying anything, I got up and got my head out of the carriage.

The bright sun was lighting up my face.

The cool breeze lifted my hair into the wind.

I had arrived in the city of Damascus.

There, all the most important leaders of the region would gather to discuss the main dossier, namely the attack of the peoples of the north.

For now, only I have detailed knowledge about them and currently, only I know how to deal with them.

Despite this, I am still a stranger to them or rather an "invader" so I don't think they will trust me right away.

Having said that, my goal is to not only try to create a collective alliance agreement but also good relations with all countries after the invasion is over.

Once Rasha and I arrived, we got off and set out inside the small castle of Damascus.

There, a series of bodyguards gave us a not very friendly welcome.

They looked at me with disdain and contempt.

They knew that I was not an Arab but a European and this created some small problems.

Once we reached the end of the corridor, other guards opened the doors of the reception room for us.

It was large and spacious, with a long marble table in the centre.

The guards accompanied me to the place they had chosen for me, it was the farthest from the entrance.

Even from this little bullshit, it was clear that they didn't invite me lightly.

I noticed that I was the first to arrive so I sat down and patiently waited for the meeting to begin.

After about a few minutes the other leaders also began to enter.

They were 4 people I didn't know and honestly, they all seemed the same to me.

They went in and sat down, but none of them looked at me for more than 5 seconds.

Then the only person I knew entered, Sultan Al Kamil who, from what I understand, is also the organizer of the meeting.

When he arrived, no one rose to welcome him, except me.

Seeing this he was particularly happy.

I had to thank him, plus it's only thanks to him that I'm here.

If I didn't show up, not only would it be disrespectful, it wouldn't be convenient either.

On the other hand, it is better to act more than alone.

He sat at the head of the table and from that moment on the meeting began.

The Sultan took the floor: << Gentlemen, thanks to all of you for having presented yourselves here today in my beautiful Damascus. I hope the city is to your liking, as well as this castle. That said, you also know why I invited you here today. That is the invasion of the peoples of the north. I meant that… >>

<<Wait>> said one of the other attendees interrupting Al Kamil's speech.

<< Why is this lousy Christian here among us? >> he said asking the Sultan.

<< The King of Jerusalem Attila is here with us to discuss the same reason. He asked me politely if I could admit him to this meeting, and I accepted as he too has things to say >>

<< Ah, my amazement >> the other replied: << I did not think you would allow a cursed Christian, among other things your invader, to sit at this table with us. Frankly, I don't know why you did this! >>

<< Calm down >> answered another of those present: << If the Sultan has decided to allow him to enter, there must be a reason. I understand that you dislike him, but this does not mean that he deserves to be mistreated >>

<< I mistreat who I want, it will certainly not be you to tell me what to do >>

Awkward silence is created, the meeting had not started in the best way.

It was at that moment that the Sultan decided to resume with his speech: << I wanted, first of all, to give my solidarity to some of your cities that have fallen because of these barbarians. They caused damage to me too, but I'm not the one who suffered the most. Once this story is over I will promise that I will use part of the money to help you rebuild them >>

<< Great thought from you >> said another participant again: \ u0026lt; But I do not think you will have the opportunity, since these damned crap have already taken almost half of my country! >>

I don't know exactly who he is, but I guess from his words that he is the leader of the state that was invaded first.

<< Don't worry, I think we will get out of this whole situation >> said the one with a little salt in his pumpkin: << I understand that you are worried, but you must not panic, we will help you >>

<< In this regard, from what I understand King Attila knows much more than we do about these barbarians, so I would like him to share his information >>

Everyone present turned to me.

I got up and said: << Before starting, I would like to officially thank Sultan Al Kamil for inviting me to his magnificent city. I am grateful to be here, albeit amid your understandable suspicions and insults. But don't worry, I fully understand your point of view. Having said that, the Sultan is right, I know a lot more about the barbarians than you do. Don't ask yourself how I know, you are free to believe or disbelieve my words. The only thing I can make sure of is that I'm not lying to you, it wouldn't make sense for me to give you false information. I begin by saying that these barbarians are called "Mongols" and come from the lands of the Far East. Their leaders are the son of a great ruler and are now expanding towards us. Everything in their path is destroyed, women are raped and all men are forced to serve in their huge army. Their strong point is the cavalry, so we cannot hope to beat them with our simple infantry. Unless we arm her with spears and spears. They have a lot of cavalries, but they could never exceed the number of our spearmen. Another strong point is the infantry, which almost always comes later, as most of the time it is the cavalry that does the dirty work. Their infantry is by far the largest ever, that will be a problem once they get there. I propose to temporarily create an alliance and establish a line of fortification made with the efforts of all specialized against cavalry and infantry >>

Everyone seemed amazed by the amount of information I threw upon him.

<< Well, it seems to be an excellent plan >> said the only leader who had not spoken until now.

<< I think so too >> said the Sultan: << Thanks for your useful information King Attila >>

I sat back in the chair.

<< So even Christians know how to reason, good for you >>

I swear that if he says something else about Christians, I will kill him on the spot and send everything to fuck.

<< Actually, the strategy of King Attila makes sense, the only thing we need now is stable where the fortified line he talks about should be >> said the reasonable one.

I decided to take the floor again: << Dear gentlemen, I'm glad you like this plan but I have a request. I would like to be the absolute commander of the troops of the alliance >>

After I said this, everyone changed their gaze towards me.

There was silence again but the tension was palpable.

The Sultan said: << King Attila, we are grateful for your information, but I don't understand why you would like to have control of our troops >>

<< I understand the question, so I will answer you in all sincerity. You, Sultan, should know of my ability to command, on the other hand, if it were not for me the war against Emperor Frederick II you would have won it. It was I who also coordinated the French army on that occasion and it was I who reduced your troops to a pulp. I know I may sound arrogant, but the facts prove me right. But I don't want to be commanded just for this reason. If I will be in command of the army, I can also ask for help from the Byzantine Empire. They, seeing me as head of the army, will be more willing to offer us their help. And we all know that more money and extra troops are not something we can give up. I also sent the letter to Federico himself asking for his help, some of his troops could arrive in a few months. I tell you this, if you want everything to end well, without unnecessary victims then I advise you to do so. If, on the other hand, you want to lead, then the troops of Emperor Frederick and hypothetical troops of the Byzantine Empire will only defend my borders >>

All of them had stood still and looked at me, they were pondering if my proposal made sense.

After a few minutes of silence the Sultan Al Kamil said: << As much as it pains me to admit it, King Attila is right. If this will allow us to win the war, then I will put my pride in the background >>

"I agree with the Sultan, I am also in favour of King Attila's proposal," said the first who ever defended me today (in addition to the Sultan).

<< I agree too, the sooner this story ends, the better >>

<< It is enough for me that you help me with these barbarians, I don't care that I have to command >>

The last one who hasn't answered yet was the one I was going to kill if I had the chance.

He said: << You all seem stupid, do you want to let a Christian lead our troops? >>

<< If this will help us win the war, yes >>

<< No! I will never let a Christian tell me what MY troops are to do! I understood that this meeting is unproductive for me, I will do as I want >>

He took it and went away.

And he did well, otherwise, I would have killed him.

We resumed discussions until the end of the meeting.

| Afternoon of January 28–1249 - The provisional throne room of Acre Castle - Attila |

I returned to Acre where my ministers awaited me.

Seeing me arrive, Mansour and Aaliya approached me.

<< Welcome back, Your Majesty >> Aaliya said.

<< I see that you are whole again >> said Mansour.

He's always been a very open guy, so the fact that he answered me like that didn't bother me it created a certain friendly bond. And it was this bond that I needed with my ministers.

I saw Bruno arrive to meet me: << Welcome back, Your Highness >>

<< Thanks, Bruno. Tell me, is there any news? >>

<< Actually, yes, a lot of refugees are arriving because of that problem with the barbarians of the north >>

I entered the palace and decided to go to the balcony that overlooked the city.

He, in my streets, there was many people, almost dressed in rags, who were there to beg for some money.

Their situation is pitiful, they do not deserve this life and yet they prefer this to be killed by the Mongols.

Bruno who had followed me to the balcony said: << Your Majesty does not worry, I did as you asked, that is, to build temporary houses for the refugees, these you see outside are the ones who are still waiting to be placed >>

<< You did well Bruno, my compliments >>

After that sentence, I turned back to look at the city.

It was at that moment that I returned to real life again.