The Blood Truce
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**Location: Maksan's Camp, Hills on the Outskirts of Granada, Before Dawn**
*The military camp spreads out across the hills, where tents glimmer under the moonlight. Military leaders gather around a large map detailing the location of the upcoming battle.*
**Maksan, the stern and cold commander, stands before the map while speaking with his military leaders, including the experienced commander of the army and Tamim, his sixteen-year-old nephew, who listens with focused attention.**
**Maksan:**
"The Seville army is advancing with Four thousand infantry, archers, and cavalry. They intend to attack through the hills, which puts them at a disadvantage. The terrain here complicates their movements, especially with the rocky outcrops and ravines."
**The experienced commander gestures at the map with precise movements:**
"If we continue to block the path to the hills and fortify the strategic positions here, we can mitigate the impact of Seville's forces. However, we also need to secure the hills to prevent them from using the heights to their advantage."
**Tamim, with curiosity and tension, asks:**
"Wouldn't it be better to face them directly ? Why choose to fight in the hills?"
**Maksan, with coldness:**
the enemy knows that. A direct assault on the city could be too costly. The hills provide us with a tactical advantage, allowing our forces to position themselves strategically and offer a strong defense against their attack. If the battle happens here, we will have the advantage of controlling the heights and obstructing their advance."
**The experienced commander, affirming:**
"That's true, but we must be cautious not to fall into a trap. If Seville's army manages to bypass our traps and reach higher ground, we could find ourselves in a difficult position."
**Maksan, firmly:**
"That's why we need to focus on fortifying our critical points and setting traps in their likely weak spots. We want to convince them that fighting here is their worst option."
**Tamim, with concern:**
"But what if they decide to attack Granada directly after seeing the difficulty of the battle in the hills?"
**Maksan, with a resolute look:**
"If they decide to attack Granada, we will have time to prepare more effectively. For now, the important thing is to make the battle in the hills as costly as possible for them, and we will be ready for any eventuality."
**The experienced commander, after some thought:**
"We will take the necessary precautions to secure the hills and fortify our defenses. We will stay alert to Seville's plans and be ready to adapt to any changes in their strategy."
*The leaders begin to issue orders and organize their forces in preparation for the upcoming battle.*
### ** The Hills Battle**
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**Location: Hills Surrounding Maksan's Camp, Battle Morning**
*Sunlight filters through the thick dust enveloping the battlefield, revealing the rugged hills that have turned into a bloody combat zone. The powerful sounds of battle fill the air, from the soldiers' cries to the thundering of projectiles.*
*At the summit of the hill, Maksan watches the battle with coldness and severity. He moves steadily, overseeing the troops as they continue their assault on the advancing Seville army. The soldiers, clad in armor and wielding weapons, prepare to face the enemy.*
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**First Assault:**
*The Seville army, consisting of 4,000 soldiers, advances toward the hills. The catapults set up by Maksan begin hurling heavy stones at the Seville forces, causing chaos in their ranks. Stones crash into the soldiers, causing many to fall.*
**A Seville soldier, shouting:**
"Protect yourselves! Attacks from above! Watch out for the stones!"
*The soldiers retreat to protective positions behind their shields, while the catapults continue to launch stones, increasing their disarray.*
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**Direct Engagement:**
*The two armies clash on the narrow slopes, where the fighting becomes fierce and chaotic. Blood stains the ground, and cries of battle fill the air. The scene is filled with close combat between soldiers.*
**A Granada soldier, shouting to his comrades:**
"They're coming! Get ready! Let's stop them here!"
*The soldiers advance to repel the attack, swords clash, and shields collide. Blood spills from the soldiers' wounds, and the fight grows more brutal.*
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**Maksan, on the Front Lines:**
*Maksan issues orders with cold severity. His stern face is visible under the light as he commands his army leaders.*
**Maksan, speaking to one of the commanders:**
"Secure your positions! Don't let the enemy advance past the hills!"
*Cavalrymen ride through the hills, launching flanking attacks to destabilize the enemy lines. Blood covers the ground, and the intensity of the combat is apparent.*
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**Climactic Moments:**
*The battle reaches its peak, with soldiers fighting fiercely. Blood stains the ground, and bodies lie next to each other. Arrows fly over the combatants' heads, and blood pours from wounds.*
**A Seville soldier, in pain:**
"We weren't prepared for this! We're trapped!"
**A Granada soldier, delivering a strike:**
"Press them! Don't give them any room to advance!"
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**Post-Battle:**
*As the battle ends, the Seville army begins to retreat. The bloody battlefield reflects the scale of the losses. Soldiers from both sides start gathering the dead and wounded.*
*Maksan surveys the battlefield, his face showing seriousness. He speaks with his army leaders.*
**Maksan, addressing his commanders:**
"We achieved victory, but the cost was high. We must tend to the wounded and remain prepared for any future threats."
*The soldiers work together to assist the wounded and clean up the battlefield.*
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**Maksan:**
"I have decided to send a message to the Seville army commander requesting peace negotiations. We are prepared to defend Granada to the last breath, but continuing the war is not in the interest of either side."
**Maksan's Assistant:**
"How will you explain this in the message?"
**Maksan:**
"I will inform him that our forces are ready to face any attack and defend Granada with all our might. However, we believe that peace is the best option for everyone, and we request that he convey this offer to Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad."
**Maksan's Assistant:**
"And what if the amir agrees to negotiations?"
**Maksan:**
"The Seville army commander would need to halt any attacks until we receive the amir's response. I will ask him to maintain calm for now and avoid any escalation until we determine how to proceed."
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**Seville Army Commander:**
"I received a message from Maksan, the Granada commander, requesting the start of peace negotiations. He says they are ready to defend Granada to the end, but they believe that continuing the war is not in the interest of either side."
**Seville Army Commander's Assistant:**
"What do you suggest we do?"
**Seville Army Commander:**
"I will forward this message to Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad. Until we receive the amir's response, I will instruct our forces to cease any further attacks."
**Seville Army Commander's Assistant:**
"What about the next steps if the amir agrees to the offer?"
**Seville Army Commander:**
"If the amir agrees to negotiations, we will arrange meetings to start discussions. Until then, we must adhere to a ceasefire."
**Seville Army Commander's Assistant:**
"I will prepare and send the message to Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, and we will proceed based on the expected response."
**Seville Army Commander:**
"Understood. Let's wait for the response and prepare according to the amir's instructions."
---
*The message is sent to Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, and the Seville army commander prepares to act based on the expected response.*
**Location: Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad's Palace in Seville**
*The message from Maksan arrives at Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad's palace in Seville after several days of arduous travel. The message reaches the reception hall where ministers and advisors are gathered. The message is received with keen anticipation.*
**Messenger, after delivering the message to the staff:**
"Your Highness, this message is from Maksan, the Commander of Granada."
*One of the staff takes the message and presents it to Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad. The amir slowly opens the letter and begins to read it with a calm but focused expression. He lifts his eyes after reading the message, showing signs of deep contemplation.*
**Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, addressing the ministers:**
"Maksan is offering us a chance to negotiate for peace. It seems he seeks to avoid further fighting and emphasizes Granada's desire to prevent more losses."
*Discussions begin among Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad and his ministers. Some ministers appear hesitant, while others show interest in the possibility of achieving peace.*
**First Minister, with concern:**
"Your Highness, do you think Maksan is sincere in his offer, or is he trying to deceive us?"
**Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, seriously:**
"It is difficult to fully ascertain his intentions, but we must consider the current situation. The upcoming battle, while necessary to demonstrate our strength, could lead to significant losses that outweigh the benefits. My plan was to achieve a limited victory and then begin negotiations with Granada from a position of power. However, given the current situation, continuing the fight might cost us more than we stand to gain."
**Second Minister, optimistically:**
"If we can negotiate favorable terms, we might achieve our goals without further battles. We should examine the situation with an open mind."
**Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, after deep thought:**
"Yes, I intended to use victory as leverage for negotiations, but ongoing combat could erode our strength and resources. If we agree to negotiate now, we might avoid major losses and secure favorable terms. We cannot ignore that continued fighting will further deplete our resources and capabilities."
**Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, candidly:**
"I admit I was feeling a bit desperate. I had hoped to achieve some victories before negotiating, but the military and logistical situation requires us to be pragmatic. Peace now might be the best option to safeguard our interests and minimize losses."
*Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad orders a reply to be sent to Maksan, agreeing to start peace negotiations. He outlines preliminary conditions for the negotiations and requests to set a date and place for the meeting.*
**Amir Al-Mu'tamid bin Abbad, to the advisors:**
"We will respond to Maksan with our agreement to negotiate. We need to prepare ourselves thoroughly for the talks and outline the points we want to include in the final agreement. Peace is our goal, but it must be fair to our interests."
*The advisors begin preparing the necessary documents for the negotiations and start outlining Seville's needs and conditions.*
**Location: Battlefield Site – The Hills between Seville and Granada**
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**[Preparations for Negotiations]**
*The scene shows the hills chosen as the site for negotiations between Maksan and the Seville army commander. A large tent has been set up for the meeting, decorated with Granada's flags on one side and Seville's flags on the other. The area is carefully arranged, with guards positioned around the tent to ensure security.*
**[In Yusuf ibn Naghrela's Office in Granada]**
*Yusuf ibn Naghrela sits at his desk, surrounded by strategic papers and maps. He appears busy and tense as he speaks to his assistant.*
**Yusuf ibn Naghrela** (firmly):
"We have reached a crucial stage. We must do everything in our power to undermine the negotiations between Maksan and the Seville army commander. I want you to spread rumors about Maksan's weak position and the significant discrepancies between the demands of both sides."
*The assistant bows respectfully and leaves quickly to execute the orders. The assistant is seen moving between nearby camps, starting to spread false messages among soldiers and local officials.*
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**[Beginning of Negotiations]**
*At the battlefield site, Maksan and the Seville army commander meet in the negotiation tent. Maksan appears calm and stern, while the Seville army commander seems tense but determined.*
**Maksan** (calmly):
"Thank you for accepting the invitation. We hope these negotiations will provide an opportunity to resolve the conflict peacefully."
**Seville Army Commander** (seriously):
"We are here to seek a solution, but we must be honest and straightforward in our discussions to ensure our interests are met."
*The discussions begin with both sides presenting their terms and concessions. Maksan proposes a ceasefire and mutual concessions, while the Seville army commander discusses issues related to borders and resource exchanges.*
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**[Impact of Rumors]**
*Meanwhile, the assistant tasked with spreading rumors distributes fake messages claiming that Maksan is unable to achieve victory and that Granada's army is in disarray. The messages sow doubts among some individuals in the camps, but Maksan maintains calm and confidence.*
**Maksan** (to his advisors):
"We have noticed attempts to influence the negotiations. Let's stay focused on our goal and continue the dialogue logically."
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**[Continuation of Negotiations and Results]**
*The negotiations continue earnestly, with both sides exchanging proposals and reaching compromises on key issues.*
*Eventually, Maksan and the Seville army commander are seen shaking hands after reaching an agreement. The accord includes mutual concessions, and both sides agree to end the conflict and avoid further losses.*
**Maksan** (agreeably):
"I am pleased that we have reached an agreement that secures peace and avoids further bloodshed."
**Seville Army Commander** (agreeably):
"Yes, the important thing now is to work on stabilizing the situation and ensuring the implementation of what has been agreed upon."
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**[Reactions in Granada]**
*In Granada, Yusuf ibn Naghrela watches the outcome with concern. He shows frustration at the failure of his attempts to undermine the negotiations. He is seen speaking to his advisors, trying to assess the new situation.*
**Yusuf ibn Naghrela** (angrily):
"Despite all attempts to sabotage the negotiations, an agreement has been reached. We need to reevaluate our strategies based on these developments."
*The advisors agree, and they begin formulating new strategies to address the situation following the successful negotiations.*
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**[Additional Information]**
*It is revealed that the conflict, known as the "Strange War," lasted only 15 days, a relatively short period compared to other wars of that time. Granada's modest victory in the negotiations improved its strategic position and enhanced its stability.*
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