xymnovel Chapter 135 Saladin's Ambition
Chapter 135 Saladin's Ambition
Chapter 135 Saladin's Ambition (Part 4)
Saul lowered his head, looking apologetic, and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. Emir Haran was merely jokingly bestowing this title upon himself."
.
“Harlan is now in the hands of Sultan Izz ad-Din of Mosul, while my lord is merely a wandering chieftain without a title, mainly active in the pastures around Harlan-Raka, with a few thousand nomadic followers,” Saul explained. “My lord often jokes that, being close to Harlan and having an army, how can he not be considered the Emir of Harlan?”
"As for why my lord has never achieved fame, it all started 15 years ago," Saul sighed, recounting the story as if it were a tale. "My lord's father, Ali Bektegin, ruled over five bei territories east of Mosul. My lord was the eldest son, with a younger brother named Yusuf. My lord followed his father into battle from a young age, earning military merit and being commended by his father for his military talent, thus being designated as his heir. Yusuf, being young and lacking military ability, had no right to inherit. Fifteen years ago, my lord succeeded his father, but only a year later, he was stripped of all his titles by the Mosul authorities, which fell entirely to his brother Yusuf. After taking power, Yusuf, on various pretexts, exiled my lord—"
"East of Mosul—Yusuf—" Saladin mused, "Is it that Yusuf Burke, also known as Zaindin?"
"Your Majesty is wise; it is he," Saul nodded. "According to the traditions of the steppes and the laws of the Zangi, military merit and seniority should be respected. However, the shadows of power and blood ties can sometimes obscure the scales of justice. My lord, overnight, lost all the titles and lands his father had bestowed upon him, and was even driven out by his own blood relatives, like a stray dog, wandering among the steppes and deserts that his family once protected."
"My lord did not give up easily. After years of arduous struggle, he reunited his old followers and kin, and through his martial prowess and command, he gained a foothold on the outskirts of Haran-Raka," Saul said. "Perhaps my lord still harbored a sliver of hope for his former master, hoping to regain recognition through military achievements and return to his rightful place. Therefore, he actively served the Sultan of Mosul, and seven years ago, he fought against you as one of Zangi's generals on the plains of Tal Sultan."
“However,” Saul raised his head, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes, “as time has passed, especially since His Majesty’s mercy seven years ago, my lord has gradually come to understand that true glory and justice may not lie in that court that has betrayed tradition and family ties. He has watched His Majesty fight against the Franks, stabilize Egypt in the west, and unite with the peoples of Damascus in the east, implementing benevolent governance and upholding the way of Allah. His Majesty’s reputation and deeds have long since traveled through Egypt and Syria, reaching the ears of every Muslim!”
His tone became firm and fervent: "Although Lord Kokberi has long lived on the edge of the steppe, he knows every pasture, every water source, every branch of the trade route, and even many unknown paths and passes around Mosul and the bends of the Euphrates River like the back of his hand. He often tells the common people that if summoned by God, he would be willing to lead the way, using his skilled riders and his deep-rooted knowledge of the terrain to serve in clearing away the gloom in the north and restoring true order to the land of God."
Saladin listened quietly, his expression calm and his eyes focused, showing no impatience or disdain.
Only after Saul finished speaking did he slowly open his mouth, his voice as steady as ever: "General Kokberi's fate is truly regrettable. God ordains everyone's destiny, but also gives everyone the wisdom and courage to choose their own path. Court intrigues are often deadly and catch people off guard, but precisely because of this, resistance and revenge against the injustice of fate are naturally, rightfully, and legitimately deserved by God. I am honored to have been able to lend a helping hand in his struggle."
Saul was overjoyed and was about to bow in gratitude when Saladin stopped him, asking, "Wait, Your Excellency Saul. God delights in sincere believers, but also tests their resolve and wisdom. Since General Koqberi is willing to lead the way with his thorough knowledge of the North, then, in order to be able to command him effectively in the future, and to live up to the lives and blood of his warriors, I need to know the exact number of General Koqberi's troops, so as to have a clearer understanding of any possible future battles."
He paused briefly, his gaze locking onto Saul like a hawk's: "As General Kochbury's confidant and seal-bearer, you must know this as well. Could you briefly tell me how many experienced riders your lord currently commands?"
"Your Majesty," Saul replied respectfully, "Although my lord Kokberi has no city to rely on, he has gathered his people on the Harlan-Raka plains for many years and now has about 1,500 loyal warriors who can ride into battle and are armed with bows and swords."
Saul continued urgently, "Furthermore, regarding the defenses and military intelligence surrounding Harlan City, I also—"
Saladin raised his hand to stop Saul, saying, "The city's defenses and military situation are changing rapidly. Even if what you say today is absolutely accurate, there will inevitably be discrepancies when the time comes. It won't be too late for me to send out scouts to investigate on the day we set out."
"Saul, your lord, He sent you a thousand miles to express these sentiments and what He can do for me," Saladin raised his voice, speaking lightly, and asked with a smile, "Then, in his heart, does he have any specific expectations for the future? God's rewards come in many forms; what form of affirmation does he most desire?"
Saul had already discussed this point repeatedly with Korkbury, and they had been preparing for this question that the Sultan might raise for a long time. He immediately stood up confidently, put his hand on his chest again, and said with utmost humility: "Your Majesty the Sultan, my lord Korkbury has instructed me to make this statement."
"He was a man who had lost everything, like a traveler who had lost his way in the desert. Now, to be able to witness the brilliance of such an enlightened ruler as Your Majesty is already a great blessing and guidance."
"He pledged allegiance to His Majesty in order to follow the right path and justice, to wash away the dust of past injustices, not to seek rewards."
Your Majesty has the world in your heart and your vision is like a torch. Whatever you bestow upon me in the future, in whatever form, place, or by whatever name, will be a boundless grace to my Lord that far exceeds what he could have imagined in his humble past.
"His only wish was to have the opportunity, with the scimitar in his hand and the map in his heart, to contribute his modest efforts to His Majesty's cause, and to prove that he was neither an ungrateful wretch nor an incompetent coward."
Saladin's eyes flashed with extreme satisfaction, and he secretly praised Saul's propriety.
He nodded slightly, gesturing for Saul to sit down.
"Saul, your words are sincere and powerful, just like the impression your lord Cochbery left on me." Saladin's voice echoed in the quiet hall. "Please tell General Cochbery that I am aware of his past hardships and perseverance."
I have received his choice and intention today. My doors are open to all brave warriors who are righteous and courageous, regardless of their tribe, accent, or interpretation of God's scriptures.
He paused for a moment, his gaze seemingly passing over Saul and turning northward.
"Ten days. I need ten days to settle the trivial matters with the Franks," Saladin said solemnly. "Tell Kochbury to nourish his soldiers, clean his scimitars and bows. Ten days later, I will lead 40,000 troops north to meet him on the banks of the Euphrates River in the Raqqa-Haran section. Together, we will first capture Haran, then advance eastward, and finally take Mosul!"