[Köşk Höyük, Central Anatolia, Ottoman Empire]
The resounding blast of horns marks the commencement of the battle.
The Mamluks took the first step, deploying 4,000 infantry onto the field, closely followed by 1,000 Arabian horse archers. It was evident that the Arabs sought to leverage their numerical superiority in this initial move.
Orhan, quick to perceive this strategy, directed his officers to dispatch their own force of 4,000 men to confront the advancing enemy.
While the numbers seemed evenly matched on the battlefield, there were notable distinctions.
In contrast to the Mamluks, the Ottomans predominantly comprised a professional field army. Despite their lower numerical strength, their exceptional quality was well-established.
This force represented the pride of the Ottoman military—a professional army that defined their identity and earned them a formidable reputation as a feared adversary in the West.
Despite recent setbacks, such as the resurgence of the Roman Empire and its co-emperor, the Ottomans still maintained their formidable reputation.
Not long before the Byzantines succeeded in reclaiming their former territories, the Timurids had effectively destabilized the Turkish empire in the aftermath of the Battle of Ankara.
This event led to their previous sultan being held hostage, plunging the empire into complete anarchy. Despite this, the power structure of its military remained intact.
With their military structure intact, the Ottomans continued to exert dominance in both Rumelia and Anatolia.
However, Byzantine co-emperor John VIII Palaiologos dealt a significant blow to the Ottomans in Rumelia, causing a substantial and permanent reduction in their military strength.
However, even in the face of this, engaging in direct hand-to-hand combat remains notably advantageous for the Ottomans due to their extensive experience and superior equipment.
"Ya sayyid, this Turkish commander displays an unusual lack of fear. I find it admirable," Al-Mustakfi complimented his opponent, his smile unwavering as he conveyed this to his strategist.
"Ya sayyid al-sumui, while they still surpass us in terms of quality, that alone does not ensure our defeat. What concerns me the most are the terrains currently occupied by the Turks."
Uthman surveyed the battlefield and made an intriguing observation.
"Filled with cavalry counterattacks and tactical retreats, breaking the Turkish forces might prove challenging if we continue to deploy more men into the field."
The initial clash in the battle was intense, with both sides fiercely attempting to repel their opponents.
Without any suspense whatsoever, the Ottomans emerged victorious.
Despite their defensive and tightly formed formations, they displayed an impressive ability to break through the lines, causing chaos by drilling into the Arab centerline.
The Arab horse archers found themselves unable to counter this turn of events.
Their attempts at harassment proved futile in aiding their compatriots, who were teetering on the brink of breaking.
Instead, they became targets for the determined Turkish archers, steadfast in keeping the horse archers at bay, rendering them ineffective in the current combat situation where the Ottomans held the upper hand.
To address this, the Mamluks deployed two contingents of heavy infantry into the field, each consisting of 3,000 soldiers, aiming to balance the quality on both sides.
With quick response, the Ottomans sent an additional 2,000 men to reinforce their line.
The battle took a toll on both sides, with the Mamluks managing to regain their composure and reform their nearly collapsed formation.
This compelled the Ottomans to temporarily retreat their lines and regroup.
"It doesn't look promising, Vizier; our men are exhausted. At any moment, we might face defeat. Even if we send in more men, they won't be able to halt the enemy's advance, as they are numerically superior to us,"
One of the Ottoman officers reported, prompting contemplation from Orhan.
Strategically winning this battle was important for Orhan.
Defeating the Arab forces, though challenging, was deemed easier than facing the Crusades as the Arabs themselves are not entirely united as one due to their different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Orhan recognized that weakness.
To achieve victory, he needed to disrupt communication and sow confusion for the Arabs first.
Fortunately for the Ottomans, he had already strategically placed several spies amidst the chaotic fighting when he ordered reinforcements to aid the initial line earlier.
"Now is the time; signal the flags," Orhan commanded succinctly.
In the Ottoman command camp, signal flags fluttered in response.
Al-Mustakfi and Uthman observed this development with raised brows.
Remarkable spectacle unfolded on the battlefield.
The Arab who were in the battlefield suddenly ignored their commanding officers orders and broke their ranks, presenting themselves vulnerable at the moment.
Seizing the opportunity, the retreating Ottoman forces swiftly reformed, forming crescent formations that enveloped the bewildered and disorganized Arabs.
With deadly precision, they pushed the enemy forces back.
Unaware of the tactical shift, the senior Arab commander on the field struggled to regain control of his men.
"Madha tafaeli? al'iislahi, al'iislahi!" he shouted in vain.
Inevitably, his commands fell on deaf ears, as the disarrayed Arab units already broken from their formation completely.
With this unexpected development, Al-Mustakfi was amazed.
"Impressive. Planting discord amid the ongoing battle—a rather unorthodox approach to victory, I'd might say."
He then shifted his attention to the officers below him he gave his order,
"Sound the retreat, summon the cavalry, and push them back,"
As another horn blared, signaling the battered Arabs to withdraw from the battle, the hoofbeats of horses soon replaced them.
However, seemingly anticipating this move, the Ottomans promptly reorganized their formations, this time creating several tight schiltrons—a compact quadrangle pike formation designed to nullify the effectiveness of cavalry charges.
Initially successful, the formation eventually crumbled against the elite Mamluks chargers.
Breaking through the Ottomans' tight ranks, it wasn't until another cavalry unit, the Sipahi, which Orhan had conservatively held back, entered the battlefield that the Arabs' cavalry tactically retreated.
This left the helpless Sipahis to escort their battered comrades back to camp.
The first day of battle concluded in a stalemate, with both armies unable to secure the initial line before withdrawing their troops.
Out of the 10,000 men the Arabs deployed, less than 3,000 were reported as casualties, while among the Ottomans, more than 1,000 casualties were recorded out of 6,000.
In terms of the battle's kill count, one could argue that the Ottomans emerged victorious.
However, objectively, both sides failed to achieve any meaningful results.
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[Orhan's main camp, Ottoman Campsite]
Orhan observed with solemnity, "The Arabs seem determined to draw us into a protracted battle of attrition."
The Anatolian plain, on this damp night, unfolded in an unusual manner, with the night breeze carrying an unexpected chill for the season.
As misty fog gradually enveloped the surroundings, the Ottomans found themselves layering on additional coats to ward off the escalating cold.
Even within the tent where Orhan and his officers convened, a tangible cold lingered despite the thick wool.
However, Orhan's fiery eyes seemed to defy the cold, radiating a warmth that contrasted with the visible mist as he breathed.
"Vizier, if that's their strategy, we won't be able to endure a prolonged confrontation."
"These desert forces have indeed surpassed expectations in this invasion. I struggle to comprehend the alliances the Greeks must have forged to embolden the Arabs to thrust their massive troops into our territories."
An officer expressed his frustration, irritation palpable in his voice.
"Indeed, breaking the truce over unjustified claims? These Arabs are living up to their reputation as trucebreakers. Curses be to Allah; brethren of the faith or not, this is unacceptable."
Another added,
"We cannot let this go unaddressed. We must seek reinforcements from the beys. Initially, they sought our assistance to defend their territories, but now, in our time of need, they seem to turn a deaf ear to our plea for support."
Voiced another, the eldest among the officers.
The mention of the beys stirred frustration in Orhan, and he muttered inwardly, "Scum of the earth! While we were drenched in blood, they reveled in feasts and merrymaking."
Not too long ago, these beys implored Orhan to safeguard their precious lands while they themselves hid in their palaces.
These individuals are the epitome of what Orhan finds utterly detestable.
They contribute nothing but tributes, shielded from providing military assistance under scutage by the Sultan to refrain from interfering in the Interregnum not too long ago.
"How much longer can we endure this battle?" Orhan inquired of his officers.
"Estimated to be no more than a week, or worse, three days," one of them answered.
"I believe it all hinges on the supplies the Arabs currently possess."
Another officer added, "Not too long ago, our scouts reported significant baggage trains arriving from Cilicia, en route towards the enemy campsite."
Orhan attentively listened to his officers, and the moment they mentioned baggage trains, his eyes brightened.
"That's it!" he roared, "The supply line. If we can sever their supply route, victory is within our grasp!" he declared emphatically.
The officers exchanged glances; it seemed they were receptive to the idea. However, one of them raised a hand in objection.
"Vizier, I don't believe it would be feasible. The enemy has already gained the upper hand in protecting the route. Even if we strike now, it would result in heavy casualties."
Murmurs rippled through the group.
Those who had initially agreed appeared to reconsider after hearing the objection, displaying a collective hesitation in the face of the proposed strategy.
In stark contrast, Orhan exuded unwavering confidence, clearly possessing distinct strategies of his own.
"I propose executing simulated night raids on their camp," he suggested assertively. "To further mask our true intentions, a dedicated task force should create a smokescreen, engaging in multiple raids to divert the attention of the Arabs until we successfully disrupt their supply lines."
This time, no objections arose; the Ottoman officers recognized the soundness and brilliance of the plan.
Ultimately, unanimous agreement was reached to implement the scheme of severing the enemy's supply train.
Satisfied with the collective confidence, Orhan proceeded to sketch out detailed plans for the execution of their strategy.
However, one concern lingered in his mind as he mapped out the scheme: Al-Mustakfi's strategist, Uthman.
During his earlier encounter with the Egyptian prince, Orhan had observed an inconspicuous figure standing behind Al-Mustakfi.
His finely tuned instincts, shaped by a lifetime of experiences, warned him of the potential threat this man posed.
Throughout the years, Orhan had come to rely on and trust his instincts implicitly, and they had yet to steer him wrong.
It wasn't until later that he realized the mastermind behind the day's battle was none other than Uthman.
Despite Orhan's initial perception of triumph, he now comprehended that it merely served as an evaluation of his command capabilities by the Arab strategist.
Though he wondered whether Uthman had truly witnessed his full capabilities, Orhan remained resolute.
As the paramount military leader of the Ottomans in his era, the notion of being outmaneuvered by an unnamed strategist seemed incompatible with his esteemed position.
To assert this, tonight would be the night where he would show the Mamluks the consequences of provoking both him and the mighty Ottoman Empire.
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[Al-Mustakfi's tent, Mamluks Campsite]
Soft candlelight bathed the tent in a warm glow, accompanied by alluring fragrances that set the stage for an intimate evening for the Egyptian prince.
Passionate movements, sensual moans, and enticing sounds unfolded upon a meticulously arranged bed, concealed beneath the embrace of plush blankets and a delicate veil of linen.
These shields veiled both the bed and its occupants from prying eyes, creating an illusion of privacy in the midst of the bustling camp.
It appeared that the prince was thoroughly immersed in his desires, unaffected by the day's outcomes.
The absence of anyone near his tent suggested a deliberate isolation, a choice born from indifference rather than necessity.
However, this moment of indulgence was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected intrusion.
"Ya sahib al-sumui, it is I, your humble servant," announced Uthman from outside the tent.
"In a moment," responded Al-Mustakfi, his breath still recovering.
Uthman patiently waited as a figure emerged from the tent—a half-naked, disheveled boy. The boy offered a slight bow to the strategist, who conveyed his disapproval with a disdainful click of his tongue.
"Off with you, boy," Uthman ordered, ushering the young intruder away before entering the tent himself.
Amidst donning his undershirt, Al-Mustakfi realized Uthman's presence in his tent.
"Don't startle him so much, ya sayyid," he remarked, addressing Uthman without facing him.
Unable to withhold his disapproval, Uthman scolded the Egyptian prince.
"I must remind you, ya sahib al-sumui, that such disgraceful acts should not be committed during times of war, especially near the war camp. Do you intend to invoke the wrath of Allah?"
This admonishment hinted at a secret known to Uthman regarding Al-Mustakfi's conduct.
While aware of the shameful acts committed by a member of the esteemed Caliphate family and a successor no less, Uthman chose to remain silent on the matter, maintaining a vocal façade only in the presence of the one involved.
"Even in heaven, I can indulge myself in such acts, for Allah provides me with such comfort," Al-Mustakfi nonchalantly replied, much to the anger of the strategist.
"Do not distort the words of our Holy Prophet. Your words are unacceptable, and if not for me, you would already be beheaded by your brother," Uthman reminded.
"Yes...yes...so, what was it that you are so intent on disturbing my night, ya sayyid?" Al-Mustakfi went straight to the point after finishing donning his night attire.
"We are to have a meeting with the commanders in the command tent; your presence is required, my liege."
"Is that so? Then what are we waiting for? The gentlemen have been waiting for too long now."
As they emerged from the tent, the wheels of war continued to churn relentlessly.
While the day's battle had concluded, the looming prospect of another conflict lingered in the shadows.
Orhan, poised in anticipation, awaited the pivotal turn of his fortune.
In contrast, Al-Mustakfi, already caught in the whirlwind, witnessed the unfolding clash between the Mamluks and Ottomans, sensing a shift in the regional dynamics.
All eyes remained fixed on the unfolding war; in the West, aspirations stirred, greed plotting its course as it eagerly anticipated the repercussions echoing from the East.
Ambitions once dormant found new life.
Despite the Byzantine Empire's current low profile, their ambitions remained shrouded in secrecy.
Concealing their intentions like sheathed fangs, John, positioned at the heart of it all, refrained from revealing his strategic hand.
He all the more understood that excessive interference could potentially harm the empire more than it stood to gain at this particular moment.