Episode 134
As the first summer of the 13th century drew to a close, the Crusaders and the Khwarazmians remained locked in a stalemate, neither side gaining ground.
“It seems the only option is the one you suggested last time.”
“Didn’t I tell you that before?”
“Of course, I trust your judgment completely. It’s not just anyone’s wisdom, but one granted by God. However, others seem to be more concerned.”
Was King Philip II implying that he wasn’t worried about me? As I was about to tease him, he quickly added, sensing my intention.
“Naturally, I share their concern for you, but I have even greater faith in you. God wouldn’t lead you into a trap, so what is there to worry about?”
“That’s true.”
“Ah, but I’m not suggesting that King Richard or Emperor Heinrich VI lack faith. It’s just that I have more trust in you than most.”
In any case, the Crusaders had decided to accept my plan. It was the logical step, given that no other strategy could break the current deadlock.
However, I couldn’t reveal the entire plan, as I had my own secrets to protect. I couldn’t let it be known that the Syrian Assassins were under my command.
This secrecy made it difficult to explain the plan fully, which was likely why Philip II had decided to accompany me to Antioch. He must have sensed something was amiss.
It might be an overreaction, but someone as shrewd as him could certainly have his suspicions. If only I could send him back to the main camp, it would ease my mind.
“But Your Majesty, won’t the French troops feel uneasy if you leave your post? While I appreciate your company, it might be better for you to stay near the knights…”
“It’s not like I’m going away for long. Unlike King Richard, I’m not one to lead from the front.”
“Still, your presence greatly affects the soldiers’ morale.”
If he understood what I was saying, he’d go back. His presence makes it difficult to stage the act I’ve planned.
Whether he knows this or not, or perhaps he does, Philip II seemed determined to stick by my side all the way to Antioch.
“The morale of our allies is just as important as that of our own troops. If I personally welcome the reinforcements from Hungary with you, it will strengthen our Crusader alliance.”
“Well…”
“And King Richard is also quite concerned about you. I should accompany you to ease his worries.”
His sly smile confirmed my suspicions. He knew exactly what he was doing.
Fortunately, I had prepared an excuse for such a situation, so I wasn’t too worried.
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s consideration, I feel confident about reaching Antioch safely. However, I must ask you to reconsider entering Antioch with me.”
“Oh? Why is that?”
“My collaborators are extremely tense. They’re putting everything on the line for this.”
“Understandable. But how does that relate to me not going?”
“If both you and I enter Antioch, they might see it as a lower chance of success. In the worst case, they might abandon the plan or devise a more intricate one, increasing our risk.”
While I’ve shared the general outline of the plan, no one in the Crusaders knows the details. Even someone as capable as Philip II can’t deduce the full picture without information.
No matter how imaginative he is, he wouldn’t suspect that I’ve completely allied with the Syrian Assassins. That’s beyond imagination—it’s in the realm of fantasy.
Someone as pragmatic and cold-headed as Philip II wouldn’t make such a leap. Of course, he would want to uncover the full story of my plan.
“If you put it that way, I can’t insist. But I’m genuinely curious—how did you recruit these collaborators? If telling me would jeopardize the plan, you don’t have to.”
“I can’t reveal their identities yet, but I can tell you how it happened. You might recall some people at the last council in Jerusalem who supported my recognition.”
During the last council, I identified some Jewish rabbis and Islamic scholars who were vulnerable and persuaded them to support me. Most of them faced backlash from fervent Islamic fundamentalists, but the important thing was that it happened.
“Those who survived are now providing me with reliable information. This timely alignment is proof of divine intervention.”
“I see. So that’s how it is. But can they be trusted…? No, they risked their lives to support you, so they must be trustworthy. Once everything is resolved, I’ll ensure they’re well rewarded.”
“Such rewards might be seen as an insult. They reacted strongly when I mentioned something similar before.”
“True. Anyway, I understand the situation better now, so I’ll trust you and head back. I’ll be waiting for good news.”
“Thank you. Please wait with peace of mind.”
Judging by his reaction, he seemed to believe me, but dealing with someone as sharp as Philip II was exhausting. I needed to send him back to proceed with my plans comfortably. It wouldn’t do to reveal all my cards to him.
With the obstacle removed, it was time to get started.
“Hmm… So this is Antioch.”
A city that had been a strategic hub since ancient Roman times, and one that the Byzantines were desperate to hold onto. Though its value was declining as the river to the sea receded, its symbolic importance remained unmatched in the region.
Even for the Master of Alamut, who instilled fear across the Islamic world, Antioch was no exception.
Nur al-Din Muhammad, gazing at the bustling cityscape of Antioch with his followers, couldn’t help but express his admiration.
“They say its glory has faded, but the city is still vibrant, and the people are bustling about. A city with such a deep history must have resilience.”
“The residents of Antioch seem to believe they’ll benefit if the Crusade ends successfully.”
“Then I must apologize in advance. Their dreams will be cruelly shattered.”
Once the war ends, this place will fall to the Khwarazmians, but their dominance won’t last long. The Byzantines might try to reclaim it, or the Ayyubids might push north.
Whatever happens, Antioch will be engulfed in the flames of war multiple times, leading to its decline. The time to witness a thriving Antioch is running out.
Though I doubt I’ll have reason to return once this is over.
“By the way, you…”
Nur al-Din turned to Nasr, who had arrived on time.
“You’ve prepared thoroughly. I didn’t expect we’d enter the city so easily.”
“Didn’t I tell you? Everything was ready.”
The Assassins of Alamut had slipped into the city with the merchants Nasr had arranged, without any hindrance. They had even scouted escape routes in case of trouble, but it turned out to be unnecessary.
“I didn’t expect we’d bypass inspections so easily. This is a major city for the Crusaders, especially during wartime.”
“These merchants have been trading here for over a decade, building trust. They’ve made a good impression on the Crusaders by supplying various goods for the war.”
“Impressive. To have prepared so meticulously.”
“To catch a big fish, you need the right equipment. We’ve set the stage; now it’s up to you to execute.”
Nasr’s plan was flawless, not just in its design but in its execution. He had detailed the target’s schedule, routes, and security levels. It was astonishing how he had obtained such information.
“Can we trust this information? If there’s any mistake, it could cost us all our lives.”
“Of course. Didn’t I say I’d accompany you personally? I wouldn’t risk my life on uncertain grounds.”
“True, if things go wrong, it won’t just be us—your head would be on the line too.”
The level of detail suggested they had a mole inside. How they managed that was a mystery, but entering the city successfully changed my perspective.
With such thorough preparation, it seemed plausible they had planted a few insiders. Reflecting on it, the previous leader of the Syrian Assassins, Rashid, was rumored to have infiltrated Saladin’s inner circle with his assassins.
Dismissed as mere rumors, the unfolding events suggested there might have been some truth to those unsettling tales.
“It seems the Syrian group’s organization is far more robust than I anticipated. I may need to reassess my evaluation.”
He had lost count of how many times he had reevaluated, but Nasr’s threat level kept rising in his mind.
Originally, he had planned to kill him once the war was over, but it seemed a change of plans was in order.
First, he would take Marshall’s head and use the celebration of their success as an excuse to gather everyone. If he could eliminate Nasr and the Syrian leaders there, it would be a clean sweep of future threats.
He could tell Tekish that Nasr had died a martyr during the assassination of Marshall.
Nur al-Din, with a smile that betrayed none of his sinister intentions, looked down at the square that would soon become a scene of slaughter.
“Is that where the false apostle will meet his end? Soon, we will rewrite history with our own hands.”
Nasr, smiling back, nodded vigorously. He seemed particularly pleased today, clearly looking forward to the event.
“Exactly as you say. A new era is about to begin.”
“Hahaha! Well put. Yes, the curtain is rising on a new era.”
Of course, there would be no place for you in that new era.
Suppressing the laughter that threatened to escape, he hummed a tune to himself.
“He’s so pleased, I almost feel guilty about the betrayal.”
Acknowledging Nasr’s significant contributions, he resolved to make his death as painless as possible.
With the execution already complete in his mind, Nur al-Din waited for Marshall to arrive at the square.