The camp was a hive of activity as Rashid's forces prepared for the imminent attack. Leila's warning had sent shockwaves through the council, and while some questioned her motives, Rashid had little choice but to act on the intelligence.
Every able-bodied soldier worked tirelessly. Weapons were sharpened, barricades reinforced, and the perimeter patrolled with an intensity born of desperation. Rashid knew that they were running out of time, but he refused to let fear take hold.
A Divided Council
In the heart of the camp, the war council convened to finalize their strategy. Rashid stood at the head of the table, flanked by Nassar, Faruk, Malik, and Leila. Maps and reports were scattered across the surface, detailing the camp's defenses and potential weaknesses.
"We have three days, perhaps less," Rashid began, his voice steady but urgent. "We can't afford any mistakes."
Faruk leaned over the map, his finger tracing the eastern approach. "Mansa Musa's forces will likely come from this direction. The terrain favors a frontal assault, but it also means we can narrow their advance and force them into a choke point."
Nassar nodded, his eyes sharp with focus. "Agreed. If we position archers along the ridges and use the terrain to our advantage, we can inflict heavy casualties before they even reach our walls."
Malik, however, looked unconvinced. "That's assuming they don't flank us. We've fortified the main approach, but the northern perimeter is still vulnerable. If they attack from multiple directions, we'll be overwhelmed."
Leila spoke up, her voice cutting through the tension. "Mansa Musa prefers overwhelming force. He'll throw everything he has at you, but his ego will demand a grand, decisive victory. He won't split his army unless he's desperate."
The room fell silent as they considered her words. Finally, Rashid spoke.
"Then we'll focus our defenses on the eastern approach, but we won't ignore the other fronts. Faruk, I want a contingent of scouts monitoring the northern and southern perimeters. If there's even a hint of movement, we need to know immediately."
Faruk saluted. "It will be done."
"Nassar, oversee the placement of archers and traps along the ridges," Rashid continued. "Malik, coordinate with the engineers to strengthen our barricades. And Leila…"
He turned to the hooded informant. "You'll stay close to me. If you're right about Mansa Musa's plans, I'll need your insight when the time comes."
Leila nodded, her expression unreadable.
The Calm Before the Storm
As night fell over the camp, Rashid walked among his people, offering words of encouragement and quiet reassurance. The soldiers greeted him with respect, their morale bolstered by his presence.
In the training grounds, he found Faruk drilling a group of younger recruits. The captain's voice was firm but encouraging as he corrected their stances and movements.
"You're doing well," Rashid said as he approached.
Faruk turned, a rare smile breaking through his usually stern demeanor. "They're eager, but inexperienced. If it comes to close combat, they'll need to rely on their instincts."
"They'll have to learn quickly," Rashid replied, his tone grim.
Faruk nodded, his expression sobering. "They'll fight, Rashid. They believe in you. We all do."
The words carried a weight that Rashid didn't take lightly. He placed a hand on Faruk's shoulder. "Thank you, my friend. Stay vigilant."
A Whispered Warning
Later that night, as Rashid reviewed the battle plans in his tent, Leila entered silently, her movements as fluid as a shadow.
"You shouldn't be here," Rashid said without looking up.
"I needed to speak with you," she replied, her voice low. "Privately."
Rashid set down the map and gestured for her to sit. "What is it?"
Leila hesitated, her eyes searching his face for a moment before she spoke. "There's something I didn't tell you earlier. Mansa Musa has a weapon, a new kind of siege engine. I don't know the specifics, but I've seen it in action. It's devastating."
Rashid's jaw tightened. "Why didn't you mention this before?"
"I wasn't sure if you'd believe me," she admitted. "But if he brings it here, your defenses won't hold."
Rashid leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. "Do you know how to disable it?"
Leila nodded. "It's heavily guarded, but it has a weakness. If we can destroy the mechanisms before it's deployed, it won't pose a threat."
Rashid considered her words carefully. "Then we'll need a team to infiltrate his camp and deal with it. Can you guide them?"
Leila hesitated again before nodding. "I can."
"Good," Rashid said. "I'll assemble a team. This could be the key to turning the tide."
A Dangerous Mission
By the following morning, Rashid had chosen the members of the infiltration team: Malik, two skilled scouts, and Leila as their guide. The mission was dangerous, but its success could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
As they prepared to depart, Rashid pulled Malik aside.
"Be careful," he said. "I can't afford to lose you."
Malik smirked. "Don't worry about me. Just make sure the camp is still standing when we get back."
Rashid clasped his friend's arm, a rare moment of vulnerability passing between them.
The Enemy's Camp
The team moved under the cover of darkness, navigating the rugged terrain with practiced ease. Leila led the way, her knowledge of the enemy's movements proving invaluable.
When they finally reached Mansa Musa's camp, they paused to observe from a distance. The siege engine loomed in the center, a massive construct of wood and iron that bristled with deadly potential.
Malik turned to Leila. "How do we get close?"
"There's a gap in their patrols near the western edge," she whispered. "But we'll need to move quickly. Once we're inside, focus on the mechanisms. I'll handle the guards."
The team nodded and moved into position.
The First Blow
As the team infiltrated the camp, Rashid remained in his own camp, watching the horizon. The sense of foreboding that had haunted him for days now pressed down like a weight. He could only hope that Malik and the others would succeed.
Faruk approached, his expression grim. "Scouts report movement to the east. It's starting."
Rashid nodded. "Then we hold the line."
The storm was coming, but Rashid was ready to meet it head-on.