Volume 6 – Chapter 10 – Once an empire dies, another is created…

|Morning of November 9 – 1249 – Camp on the banks of the Tigris River (on the island) – Attila|

As the fire was dying down, everyone could still hear the cries and moans of the Khan's wife.

She called out to him relentlessly, in despair, but received no answer in return.

Almost as if by design, the fire on the shore occupied by the Mongols died out first, revealing the decapitated body of the Khan while I was holding his head.

His wife, after seeing him, stopped calling his name and let herself weep while holding her child in her arms.

Shortly after, the fire on our shore also died down, revealing the truth to our men.

I turned to my comrades and silently raised the Khan's head as a sign of triumph.

A cheer rose so loud it drowned out the woman's sobs.

This is how wars end—one side cheers, the other despairs.

I walked back toward the camp with the Khan's head still in my hand.

After delegating a nearby soldier to take care of it and preserve it (even though he looked like he was about to vomit from disgust), I called for Rasha.

She threw herself into my arms, and after a passionate kiss, she said, "I knew you could do it, though I admit I got worried once the fire started rising."

|Morning of December 3 – 1249 – Damascus – Attila|

I would have loved to stay in that gigantic, incredibly soft bed forever, but the sunlight wouldn't allow it.

Once I woke up, I found a letter beside the bed.

Apparently, I had been so tired that I didn't hear anyone enter the room—I had been very vulnerable at that moment.

Note to self: never fully fall asleep again.

I opened the letter.

In essence, it informed me of a meeting between all the representatives of the (temporary) alliance this morning, and I was invited to join the discussion.

So I got ready and went to the meeting.

Once I arrived, I waited before going in.

It was true that I had been invited, but I felt that I wasn't exactly welcome, so I limited myself to eavesdropping.

<<We were on the front lines to fight! You can't do this us!>>

<<Exactly! We never thought you would be the one to make such a proposal!>>

<<Each of us has our own identity that is not the same as yours! We will succumb to this!>>

Perfect, that's enough.

I entered the room, where I essentially saw people shouting at the Sultan, who seemed to be struggling.

I silently sat down to listen, and once they saw me, they stared for a couple of seconds before continuing to berate poor Al-Kamil.

<<We are not just helpless sheep to screw over as soon we ask for help!>>

<<Indeed, ours was an effort of equal cooperation, and we will never bow to this request!>>

My fears were confirmed.

This is what happens when people become political leaders without knowing how to behave as such.

Well, I think it's time to intervene and offer the Sultan yet another favor.

<<That's enough, I've heard enough! Everyone, sit down and calm yourselves>> I shouted at them all.

<<And who the hell invited you here? Mind your own business and leave. It's none of a filthy Christian's concern what happens here>> replied one of the more hot-headed among them.

I responded:<<For now, you'd better shut up immediately because while you were jerking off behind your men, I killed the Khan personally with my bare hands. So sit down for two minutes and let me speak, or I'll kill all understood?!>>

Finally, everyone fell silent.

At last, I could begin speaking: <<I understand the situation in broad terms. What you are saying is utterly absurd and nonsensical. The reality this: a group of small states, threatened by Mongol enemy, asked for help from more powerful kingdoms to defeat this threat. stronger agreed formed temporary alliance desperate situation. Now that threat gone, everyone counting their money drawing conclusions. Not only I, but take Sultan example—we didn't just militarily enemy maintain control territory, we also took your refugees fleeing war, filling our cities brim while still guaranteeing an acceptable standard living. Who pays all this? Certainly not us—you will pay this. And how? With money, course, after it doesn't seem like any have much (if any). So how if little or nothing? national sovereignty. This necessarily mean be forced into Sultan's kingdom give up case, owe him huge favor. But there other factors consider, instance, let me name few: citizens really want return villages tasting life Damascus Acre? all, many will? those who do enough restart economy these towns (and off debt with money)? guarantees they won't go bankrupt, disasters happen? You need nothing world free, once incur debt, simply vanish. I being friends before, that's possible. So, solve In my opinion, since share culture, language, faith close kingdom, suggest join it, negotiate right independent on political matters. foreign policy would become central kingdom's priority, internal local legislation remain hands. Honestly, don't choices, proposal seems most reasonable solution. affairs, so I'll leave discussions. After speak whomever deem necessary. Thanks again hospitality, Al-Kamil. I'm heading back Acre>>

After this long speech, I left the Arabs to their affairs.

|Morning of December 10 – 1249 – Balcony of Acre Castle – Acre – Attila|

Upon returning to Acre after a week, it was time to officially declare our victory.

By now, I've started to enjoy making proclamations and speeches from this beautiful balcony.

I think I'm beginning to understand, at least in part, what the dictators of the twentieth century felt.

Once I stepped onto the balcony, I saw nearly all the people of the city gathered, waiting to hear my speech.

It was time to begin.

<<Dearest citizens of Jerusalem and beyond, today I am proud to announce our incredible fortunate VICTORY OVER THE MONGOLS!>>

The crowd cheered.

<<It was tough, but the story of how we did it is unbelievable. Well, your family members who went to front and returned ALIVE will tell it. Meanwhile, sing praises those sacrificed themselves for all us. Don't believe me?! Here ultimate proof death that cursed Batu Khan!>>

I showed them the head, which was now nearly rotting.

A single cry rose from the crowd: <<VICTORY! VICTORY!>>

Yes, it definitely felt like a fascist celebration.

<<Now, the Kingdom of Jerusalem can prosper in peace and try to create ideal society! Worthy our great history immense culture! I declare an entire week celebration for this victory ours! And want sincerely thank all you, as you know well, without driving economy money defend kingdom from invaders, would be nothing! Therefore, festivities begin today! Celebrate, comrades! HURRAH!>>

<<HUURRRRAAAAAAA!! >>

While the crowd was in ecstasy, I was forced to return to reality.