|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.
<
<
<
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.
<
<
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.
<
<
I responded:<
Finally, everyone fell silent.
At last, I could begin speaking: <>
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.
<
The crowd cheered.
<
I showed them the head, which was now nearly rotting.
A single cry rose from the crowd: <
Yes, it definitely felt like a fascist celebration.
<
<
While the crowd was in ecstasy, I was forced to return to reality.