**:**
As the sun rises above the horizon, the army camp prepares to leave Malta after a month of relative stability. The city, despite the damage left by the conflicts, begins to show signs of recovery. In the camp, soldiers and assistants wander among the tents, busy preparing equipment and getting ready to depart.
**Abdullah**: *(helping load supplies onto camels, looking out at the city)* "I still can't believe a month has passed already. It seems like things are starting to stabilize here, but the road to recovery is still long."
**:Tamim *(organizing equipment into leather bags)* "Yes, the city needs a long time to return to its former state. But now we need to head back to Granada. There is much work awaiting us there."
**Omar**: *(standing next to Ali ibn Murad, who is checking the final preparations)* "Ali, how are things in the city? Is there anything else we can do before we leave?"
**Ali ibn Murad**: *(looking worriedly at the soldiers, responding seriously)* "Things are gradually improving, but there's still a lot of work ahead. Your efforts have been appreciated, but now you must head to Granada."
**Maksan**: *(appearing next to his horse, speaking to Abdullah)* "Abdullah, are you ready to return to Granada?"
**Abdullah**: "Yes, sir. I feel I will be more useful in Granada where new challenges await us."
**Maksan**: "Then, your presence in Granada will be essential. The challenges there will be significant, but your experience here will be valuable."
**Omar**: "It's time to depart, and we hope the journey to Granada will be smooth. We'll need all our strength and determination to face what's ahead."
**Ali ibn Murad**: *(placing his hand warmly on Maksan's shoulder)* "I wish you a successful journey, and hope you can achieve your goals in Granada. I will remain here to coordinate efforts and provide necessary support."
**Abdullah**: *(shaking Ali ibn Murad's hand warmly)* "Thank you, Ali. We will stay in touch and keep you updated. I wish you and the people here all the best in rebuilding."
**Maksan**: *(preparing to mount his horse, taking a deep breath)* "The time has come to leave. Let us hope our journey is smooth and that we return to Granada swiftly."
*(The caravan starts to move, camels and animals pulling carts carrying supplies, while the soldiers bid farewell to the city they are leaving behind. Abdullah, Maksan, and their companions head toward the horizon, where their long journey across the sea to the mainland begins.)*
**Abdullah**: *(looking at Ali ibn Murad, waving goodbye)* "I wish you all the best, Ali. We are confident that Malta will overcome this crisis."
**Ali ibn Murad**: "Thank you, Abdullah. Take care and stay safe."
*(The caravan moves away from the city, heading across the sea to Granada, as hope and ambitions fill the soldiers' hearts in facing the challenges ahead. The journey will be long, but they face it with team spirit and optimism.)*
---
About a month later
**:**
Under the blue sky of Granada, the city begins to prepare for the return of Maksan's army after their successful campaign. The atmosphere is vibrant, with streets filled with decorations and flags, and poets preparing to write celebratory poems that express the joy of victory and pride in their leader.
In a large square in front of the royal palace, the townsfolk gather to await the arrival of Maksan and his companions. There are decorated tents, and the sounds of music and poets fill the air with the fragrance of hope and pride.
**Abdullah**: *(excitedly talking to Maksan)* "We've heard the celebration will be grand. It seems the city is preparing to honor you as you deserve."
**Maksan**: *(smiling modestly)* "I'm grateful for this warm welcome. I didn't expect such a large celebration."
As the caravan approaches the square, the great poet **Abu Ishaq al-Andalusi** stands on a raised platform, beginning to recite a poem dedicated to celebrating the victory. The audience stands in complete silence, listening to the verses that take them into a world of pride and honor.
**Abu Ishaq**: *(begins reciting the poem)*
(Explanation of the poem at the end of the chapter)
```
On the measure of resolute people come the resolves
And on the measure of nobles come the honors
And small things become great in the eyes of the insignificant
And great things become small in the eyes of the mighty
The sword of the state tasks the army with its concern
And the green armies have failed before it
And it demands from people what is within itself
And that which the fierce beasts do not claim
It sacrifices the best of birds, its weapon being its own
Eagles of the heavens, their events and the wings
And what harm is there if they were created without talons
Since its swords and spearheads were created
```
As the poem concludes, the square erupts in loud applause and cheers, expressing joy and pride in the victory. Maksan, standing beside Prince Badis ibn Habus, felt the profound impact of this moment.
Prince Badis ibn Habus then approached, raising his hand to bestow upon Maksan the title of "Sword of the State," a prestigious honorary title given to distinguished leaders and commanders. This title symbolizes strength and excellence, reflecting the great appreciation for Maksan's role in the victory, without any actual sword being presented.
**Prince Badis ibn Habus**: *(looking at Maksan with respect)* "By virtue of the title 'Sword of the State,' I honor you today for your great achievements. This title is a symbol of power and honor, reflecting our immense gratitude to you."
With reverence, Maksan received the title from the prince, accepting the honor with gratitude. This moment was a significant acknowledgment of his contributions and a mark of pride for everyone toward Maksan.
**Maksan**: "Thank you, Prince. Thank you all. This victory is the result of everyone's efforts, and I am grateful for all the support you have provided."
The people of Granada celebrated throughout the night, with the city adorned with lights and colors, and the atmosphere filled with joy. The title "Sword of the State" and the poem symbolized the celebration of victory and the enhancement of national spirit, making the return to Granada an unforgettable experience for Maksan and his companions.
---
**:**
On a calm evening in Granada, where the city was adorned with lights celebrating Maksan's victory, the atmosphere at the palace of Yusuf ibn Nagrala was charged with tension and anger. In a private room of the palace, Yusuf ibn Nagrala and his son Suleiman sat at a round table, illuminated by the faint light of candles casting shadows on the walls.
**Yusuf ibn Nagrala**: *(placing his hand on the table with tension, looking angry)* "Seville has failed on all fronts. Even after the defeats, they have not achieved victory, and now they are negotiating a truce after their first loss. This shows how weak they are."
**Suleiman**: *(listening with annoyance, then cautiously responding)* "The issue is no longer just about defeat in battle. The situation has become more dangerous, especially with Maksan who has returned victorious and now has significant influence."
**Yusuf ibn Nagrala**: *(angrily)* "Yes, Maksan. This formidable leader, who could not openly challenge my power before. But now, after his return with victory, it seems he has the capability to defy me."
**Suleiman**: "What do you mean?"
**Yusuf ibn Nagrala**: "If Maksan manages to solidify his position here, he could oust me from my ministerial position. If that happens, our lives will be at risk. The position guarantees my protection, but I have wronged many people. Even those close to me have betrayed me, which could be the cause of our downfall."
**Suleiman**: *(seriously)* "You are right. If things are left as they are, Maksan could threaten your position. What do you plan to do?"
**Yusuf ibn Nagrala**: *(taking a deep breath, devising a cold plan)* "We must get rid of Maksan. He must be assassinated. In a week, when the celebrations calm down and things return to normal, it will be the right time to act. From now on, we will start planning."
**Suleiman**: "We will need secret alliances and patience. We cannot risk being discovered or exposed."
**Yusuf ibn Nagrala**: "Exactly. We must avoid any suspicions or indications that might expose us. This is our only chance to ensure our survival in power."
As Yusuf ibn Nagrala and Suleiman devised their plans, the city was immersed in the celebration, and the night passed in lights of joy and hope. But in the corners of Yusuf's palace, shadows were plotting Maksan's fate, who was unaware that dark threads were intertwining around his future.
---
---
**:**
On a calm and beautiful evening in Granada, the lights sparkled on the walls of the Alhambra, which glistened under the moonlight. The palace, known for its stunning beauty and intricate architectural details, was filled with festivities. The ornate decorations on the walls, the gardens full of fragrant flowers, and the hanging lights reflected the grandeur and rich history of the place.
In the serene gardens of the Alhambra, Sarah, Maksan's wife, sat in her elegant attire watching little Balkin, named after Maksan's deceased older brother. Balkin was playing joyfully, adding a cheerful atmosphere to the garden.
**Abdullah**: *(Enjoying playing with Balkin and pointing to Sarah)* "This little one resembles my uncle Maksan in many ways."
**Sarah**: *(Watching the child with affection and smiling)* "Yes, he does."
Earlier in the day, Abdullah appeared preoccupied. He had come to visit Maksan and Sarah at the Alhambra. Concern was evident on his face, which made Sarah feel uneasy as well.
**Abdullah**: *(In a soft voice, speaking cautiously to Maksan)* "Uncle Maksan, I need to discuss something important with you."
**Maksan**: *(Smiling calmly and sitting beside Abdullah)* "Of course, what is it?"
**Abdullah**: "I received an invitation from Yusuf bin Naghrela for dinner this evening. Do you have any idea why he might have invited you?"
**Maksan**: *(Looking somewhat surprised, with a thoughtful expression)* "Yusuf bin Naghrela? That's intriguing. He might have unclear intentions. Perhaps he wants to negotiate political agreements or settle old scores. But there's no need to worry. We'll understand everything tonight."
**Abdullah**: *(Increasingly worried)* "I don't understand why Yusuf is inviting you. Could he have unclear intentions or undisclosed plans?"
**Maksan**: "It might be related to an attempt to improve relations between us or resolve pending issues. I will attend the dinner with Yusuf bin Naghrela, but I will be cautious. Everything will be fine."
While Maksan was preparing for the dinner with Yusuf bin Naghrela, Abdullah and Sarah remained in the palace garden. Abdullah was playing with Balkin, who was attracting everyone's attention with his innocent smile and playful movements.
**Abdullah**: *(Gently playing with Balkin)* "We need to take good care of you, as you will be the heir in the future. We must prepare you for your significant responsibilities."
**Sarah**: *(A bit surprised)* "What do you mean?"
**Abdullah**: "Yes, Uncle Maksan will assume the position of prince after my grandfather. I will be his assistant. I don't aspire to be a prince, as I believe the role of an assistant is sufficient."
**Sarah**: *(Surprised, her question reflecting curiosity)* "I didn't expect you to not want the position. Why do you prefer to be just an assistant?"
**Abdullah**: "In the family, there must be order. Uncle Maksan deserves to be the prince. I prefer to be his assistant. I don't want to be in a position that might put him in a difficult spot or in conflict. Family is important, and honoring it is fundamental."
Sarah was touched by Abdullah's kindness and his dedication to the family. It was clear that Abdullah valued his family relationships deeply and placed them above all else.
**Sarah**: *(With affection)* "You are truly a rare person, Abdullah. The family deserves this kind of dedication."
**Abdullah**: "Thank you, Sarah. Maksan's family and mine are the most important things to me. All I want is the best for all of us."
As night fell, the lights sparkled in the Alhambra, and the atmosphere was filled with calm and serenity. While Maksan was on his way to dinner with Yusuf bin Naghrela, Abdullah and Sarah shared quiet moments in the palace garden with Balkin, reflecting on the future and anticipating what it might hold.
---
**Poem Explanation:**
**On the extent of resolute people come the resolves,**
**And on the extent of the noble come the virtues.**
This means that the resolve of a person is proportional to their determination and nobility. If a person is of great importance and danger, their resolve and actions are significant; if a person is insignificant, their resolve and actions diminish. Similarly, virtues are proportional to the person who performs them—they are noble in noble individuals and base in base individuals.
**Small things are magnified in the eyes of the small,**
**And great things are diminished in the eyes of the great.**
This indicates that small-minded individuals exaggerate the importance of trivial matters, while those of high stature diminish even the greatest achievements in their eyes.
**The effort of the leader demands more of the army,**
**And the armies of the conquered are unable to meet it.**
This means that the leader's demands and ambitions are so high that even large armies cannot fulfill them. The leader's expectations exceed what is humanly possible for ordinary forces.
**He demands from his followers what he himself possesses,**
**And this is beyond what even fierce beasts claim.**
The leader expects his followers to exhibit the same level of courage and audacity that he possesses, a level of bravery that even the fiercest of animals do not profess to have.
**The most perfect of birds, the eagles,**
**Would sacrifice themselves for their weapons.**
This implies that the eagles, as the noblest of birds, pledge their lives to protect the leader's weapons, reflecting their value and dedication.
**What would harm them if they were born without talons,**
**When his swords and their handles are created.**
The eagles' talons are unnecessary because the leader's swords and their handles are sufficient to ensure protection. The presence of these weapons makes the eagles' own talons redundant.
**
This is a real poem by the poet Abu Tayeb Al-Mutanabbi in praise of Sayf Al-Dawla Al-Hamdaniya.