| Morning of December 10 - 1248 - Tent not far from Jerusalem - Attila |
I entered the Sultana's tent, set up just outside Jerusalem.
When I saw him, he had his eyes closed.
Maybe he was resting.
I sat down as cautiously as possible so as not to wake him.
Yet, once he was seated, the faint sound of the chair woke him.
Once awake, the Sultan started looking at me without saying anything.
I motioned for my guards to get out.
The Sultan, noting that I was sending my guards away, did the same.
The interpreter and I remained in the room.
I said to the interpreter: << Hey, you go away too >>
The interpreter bowed his head and went out.
The Sultan and I were faces to face.
Since I had invited him, he was waiting for me to tell him something.
So I began to speak: << I begin by saying that I thank you for being here today. I guess you had to give up some commitments to be able to allow this meeting >>
He replied: << Yes, it's true. But I never thought I'd be able to come back here. Thanks again for your invitation. But I would like you to tell me a curiosity: Why this sudden invitation? >>
<< I have invited you here, Sultan AL Kamil, because I would like to make some agreements with you >
The Sultan looked at me with a raised eyebrow: << An agreement? You already have Jerusalem and the whole coastal territory, what more do you want? >>
<< I'm talking about an agreement, not blackmail. Don't worry, I have enough of territories >>
<< Interesting, tell me what agreement you want to make and I'll see if I can answer you >>
<< Honestly, I don't believe in any religion. I mean, even if I am a Christian king on the face, this is just a political cover. I am an "atheist", that is, I don't believe in any higher divinity. Having said that, the fact remains that for many people religions are necessary and a clash between them can lead to wars of this kind >>
<< I understand what he says, but said so it seems a confession. What exactly does the agreement consist of? >>
<< I don't care about religions, I'm interested in effectively governing this kingdom. So I decided that, from now on, the city of Jerusalem is also open to all Muslim pilgrims who want to visit it >>
The Sultan looked at me dazed and after a while, he replied: << Do you want to open Jerusalem to Muslim pilgrims? >>
<< Yes, Jerusalem is a fundamental city both for you and for us. And, in my opinion, this conflict we have between us just doesn't make sense. So I would like the city to be official "Christian" but that it allows freedom of worship and that it is a quiet place even for Muslim believers. Attention, I know perfectly well that in reality, you think that the city is yours and that therefore this agreement of mine could be taken as a concession and therefore an insult. But I tell you in advance that this is not the case, I would just like to create useless wars >>
<< Well, this is excellent news for me. I never thought a Christian King would ever let us do such a thing. But I have a question, will our faithful have to enter paying or can they enter for free? >>
<< I would need money so much but rest assured, your faithful can enter for free >>
<< I must say that I am very amazed at this moment >>
<< But I would like two favours>>
<< If these are things I can do I will do them >>
<< The first is to also tell the other Muslim leaders about this proposal of mine >
<< Do you want to extend this permission to them too? I think they will be thrilled >>
<< There are no doubts, the second is that I would kindly like not to have any of your spies in my kingdom. If you want, I can swear not to do the same, but obviously, you can't take my word for it. I can tell you this: even if I am a Christian King, I have the greatest interest in having economic, cultural and scientific relations with you. I could also be a valuable ally in the war if it concerns me. Do you think you can respect my whim? >>
The Sultan stretched out in silence for a while, then replied: << Well, I will consent to your requests. I am really happy with this agreement and gladly accept it. But this thing could also have been signed without necessarily our meeting. Is there anything else you need to tell me? >>
<< I see that you are much smarter than you seem ... >>
Morning of December 15th - 1248 - The provisional throne room of Acre Castle - Attila |
<< Good day, Your Majesty >>
This is what Mansour and Aaliya told me.
Mansour had black hair, was slender and black (he wasn't exactly African, he was more of a common Arab) even though he didn't have a beard (perhaps because it didn't grow).
Aaliya on the other hand, although she had all the characteristics of a common Muslim (slender, black hair) was not only taller than her brother but also had a red dot on her forehead.
<< Excuse me Aaliya, I was wondering why you had that red dot on your forehead >>
<< Ahh, Your Majesty that dot is part of the Hindu culture. I had read it in a book and I liked it as a decoration. I hope it is not a problem to have it >>
<< Don't worry. Let's get down to it, I double-checked your evidence. I noticed that Mansour is better at math, while Aaliya is better at culture. Am I wrong? >>
Mansour replied: << No, you are right >>
<< Well, so I decided this. From now on, Mansour, you are the finance minister. And you Aaliya if the minister of education >>
The two were shocked not only had they passed the exam but had even been chosen as ministers.
Both were moved to tears.
With a smile on my lips, I said to him: << Well, cry, you have just ended up in hell, I hope you are ready. Because there are whole mountains of work to do >>
My new ministers stood up and bent to 90 degrees and said in chorus: << It will be an honour to work for you, Your Highness! >>
<< Bruno! >>
After a few seconds, you open the door Bruno says: << Yes Your Highness?! >>
<< I present to you the new ministers. The boy is Mansour, the new finance minister. While the girl Aaliya is the new minister of education. Prepare them a room and clothes worthy of a minister >>
<< S-immediately Your Majesty! >>
<< As much as you two, in 2 hours I want you in my throne room. Clear? >>
<< Of course, Your Highness! >>