Harun stood at the head of a large hall, before him was all his Grandfathers vassal's, the lords of the north. Raising his hand the hall silenced allowing him to speak. "For these past few months, my usurper brother has stolen my birthright and been allowed to rule. That is why I call for you my loyal subjects to rally your men behind me and bring order back to the Sultanate. I don't ask you to do this for me but for my father. The man who fought alongside you all those years ago. We can't let his legacy be tarnished by the very son who murdered him."
His words got a round of applause, yet many still wavered. Standing up Harun's Grandfather, Ali, took his place next to him. He was an old man yet no one looked down on him. "The wars to come will be bloody. We will have to kill our fellow countrymen and betray the teaching of our founder, but know this, what we do is just. The Kinslayer on the throne is no righteous lord. If we live under his rule, then the Sultanate which we have worked so hard to defend from the Grand Prince of Vladmire, will fall." His words got differing opinions from the crowd. More agreed with the cause than when Harun spoke but it still was a mixed opinion.
On one hand, they believed that Harun was the true Sultan, yet they also felt that it was more important for them to defend the north from the Grand Prince. When the Northern lords fell it would open the heart of the Sultante. Seeing the apprehension of the North Harun began to feel nervous. He needed their support if he was going to have a strong enough force to take back the throne.
A gentle touch on his shoulder calmed him down. Looking back he saw his twin sister, Zarah, smiling gently at him. "You must hide your nerves, brother. A moment of weakness in front of the lords will push them further away from your cause." Whispering into his ear, Harun nodded. He understood that what they needed was reassurance just as he had been given.
"Everyone. I'm sure you are nervous due to our northern border being undefended and no one in the Sultanate understands your importance to our peace more than me. But you must know this, my brother wished to cut the North's food and gold supply, only stopped by the intellect of the council. He sees you all as traitors with or without me here. This isn't just a matter of a claim to the throne, but the survival of your houses. However, it is also true that if you all march south with me, we ask for death if not from my brother then the Grand Prince, but we are not alone."
"The force under my brother's direct control is split. Many do not see him as the true Sultan and are ready to flock to my side. They see him for his true nature as an evil and incompetent ruler. We must be ready to act when we have the chance."
The lords looked at one another nodding in satisfaction to the answer. The threat of their food supply being cut off was a valid reason to revolt and the reassurance that they weren't alone in the rebellion was a great relief. More and more started to agree until the whole hall was full support.
"Listen. Gather your forces and prepare. Those close to my brother have to see that we are serious about the rebellion. Once they do and the drums of war start, we show no mercy to those who support the usurper." With a confident smile, Harun looked down at the vassals who cheered, chanting, 'DOWN WITH THE FALSE SULTAN.'
Ali looked at his grandson nodding approvingly. Harun looked at his sister and smiled, silently thanking her for her help.
"It's not a surprise but are you sure it's true?" Isra asked in a tired voice. She took one last look at the letter detailing her brother's move to the north before handing it back. It was obvious to anyone who knew the inner workings of the Sultanate what he was planning when arriving there.
"It's true. Esmond confirmed it." Answering in a voice equally as tired he slumped his head on the table. The circles under his eyes had grown after Edwards's birth and his mind was unable to properly rest. "Tell me about these brothers of yours?"
Looking at the ceiling she tried to recall the few interactions she had. "I didn't talk to Nasr much but from what I saw of him he was an ambitious man who left no weakness. Harun on the other hand, likes to play a dumb guy but his leadership on the battlefield had his praises sung around the palace. However, unlike Nasr, he has one weakness, Zahra."
"His sister?" With a questioning tone, Alfred sat back up. He felt intrigued to know his enemy's weaknesses and although Esmond told him briefly about it, Isra definitely would know more.
"There was a reason she never got married. It's him. Didn't allow my father to wed her off like a possession. All types of rumours floated around them due to their close relationship, some more vile than others, but their bond is tight. I fear that if anything happened to her, my brother would try and destroy the world."
"Interesting. If you know this then Nasr definitely does." Alfred leaned back in his chair. His eyes stared at the ceiling as he began to plan ahead. "They definitely will go to war. I just wonder how they plan to deal with those surrounding them."
"Nasr may not be the brightest but the council is not the same." Isra cut in. Her tone serious. "It has been the tradition for the council to be made up of anyone regardless of rank, valuing skill above all. It's thanks to this the Sultante has always survived."
"I know." A knocking on the door interrupted the two conversation. Signalling Chris to open it, The old duke walked in, still as imposing as ever.
"I greet the King and Queen." Bowing politely, Afled offered a seat to him. "As you have ordered, the troops have begun mobilizing. We have disguised it as a military exercise but as you know there is only so long we can do this before people get suspicious."
"It's fine. They can get suspicious all they want. The new Sultan would be more shocked if there was no movement on our behalf." Alfred said waving the concern off. Writing down a few things on a small piece of paper he handed it to William. "Get this to Catherine. I'm going to be needing her soon."
William took the paper and bowed, yet didn't leave instantly. "How are you two holding up?" With a worried voice, he asked. He could see that Edward was taking a toll on the two and he could understand why. He had a child himself and it was hard enough let alone with the problems the Prince has.
"We are fine my friend. It just tiring that's all." Alfred responded with a soft smile. Looking towards Isra she was the same yet it was obvious that there was an underlying emotion of sadness underneath it.
William saw this and knew not to press the matter. Alfred had to appear strong even in front of his most trusted allies. His appearance could look tired and he could be exhausted but as long as he carried on then it was fine. "Just don't push yourselves too hard. We still need you to run the Kingdom."
Taking his leave he heard the chuckle from the young man behind him. His lips rose in satisfaction hearing it, knowing it had been a while since he had.