Episode 157
Al Adil had long known that Marshal was no ordinary man.
When his initial assassination attempt failed spectacularly, he had dismissed it as mere luck on Marshal’s part.
But observing Marshal’s actions since then, Al Adil had to admit there was more to him.
After all, how many people in the world did his brother Saladin engage with so attentively?
What was most striking was Marshal’s demeanor when speaking with Saladin.
It was something Al Adil had noticed before—how could a figure from the Christian side show such profound respect to the Sultan of Islam?
There were others in the Kingdom of Jerusalem who showed respect to Saladin, but Marshal was different.
If it was all an act, then that made him even more remarkable.
Even Al Adil, who had spent decades navigating the political arena, couldn’t imagine pulling off such a convincing performance.
‘What on earth did he write to make my brother’s face turn so grim?’
Saladin, who had been deep in conversation about the Mongols, had fallen silent ever since Marshal handed him the parchment.
Marshal claimed it was a prophecy, but no one was allowed to see it except Saladin.
‘They say Marshal’s prophecies in Europe have been uncannily accurate… What if this one is too?’
Islam would never recognize Marshal as a prophet, no matter what.
Everyone knew what happened to the Jewish rabbis who acknowledged Marshal as a prophet at the last council.
And the few Islamic scholars who did recognize him were only safe because Saladin guaranteed their protection.
But what if Marshal’s prophecy turned out to be true?
Especially if he entrusted it to Saladin… The claims that everything in Europe was fabricated would be impossible to maintain.
It was likely a calculated move to hand over the parchment in front of so many witnesses, ensuring no one could doubt the prophecy’s credibility.
Naturally, this only made the contents more intriguing.
“Is this… true?”
“Yes. It is undoubtedly what will happen. God showed me two visions this time, which is confusing, but one of them is certain.”
“No matter how barbaric they are… No, I shouldn’t speak of it. I’ll keep it to myself for now. But it’s hard to believe. They call themselves a nation, their leader a king, and they send envoys for diplomacy. Yet you say they will commit such atrocities?”
“I find it hard to believe myself. Honestly, I hope this time I’ve seen a false vision.”
“Let’s keep an eye on things. Are you planning to return to your camp?”
Saladin’s face, asking the question, looked as if he had aged several years in just a short time, burdened with worry.
Looking around, Al Adil noticed the guards were also struggling to contain their curiosity about what troubled the Sultan so deeply.
The only person maintaining composure in the room was Marshal, the one who had delivered the prophecy.
“Yes, I need to ensure the others who are undecided make up their minds. Once that’s done, I’ll return here.”
“Return? Why?”
“To observe the developments firsthand, being here is the quickest way.”
It was only natural that the Ayyubids, who were sending messengers in all directions from the south, would have better access to information than the Crusaders camped in the north.
Saladin seemed surprised by this, shaking his head slightly.
“You’re willing to stay here after entrusting me with this? Aren’t you worried about your safety?”
“You’re the only one who knows the contents, and I trust you’ll protect me. Of course, I’ll bring my own guards, if you permit.”
“Very well, do as you wish. If what’s in my hands is true, I’ll have many questions for you.”
“Then I’ll take my leave.”
Marshal bowed confidently, just as he had when he arrived, and left the audience chamber.
As soon as the sound of footsteps faded, Al Adil hurried over to Saladin.
“Your Majesty, what did Marshal say? Judging by the atmosphere, it doesn’t seem like it’s anything too serious…”
“No one must know until I decide to reveal it. I’m sorry, but I can’t tell you either. Just know that if it comes to pass, it will be shocking.”
“If Marshal’s prophecy is true, will you…?”
Al Adil stopped himself, realizing the sensitivity of the topic.
Saladin, understanding his brother’s unspoken question, nodded heavily.
“I suppose I must.”
“Really? But there will be backlash…”
“I know what you’re worried about, but even that will become meaningless.”
Saladin’s gaze fell on the parchment in his hand.
Following his gaze, Al Adil swallowed hard.
He had a chilling premonition that he might witness one of the most significant events in Islamic history.
At Nasir was trying to maintain a calm facade, but he was more vigilant than anyone about the Mongols’ movements.
He doubted those madmen would advance without consolidating their forces, but the world was full of surprises.
‘Better to be prepared.’
He had already sent a letter to Saladin, knowing Baghdad’s forces alone couldn’t stop the Mongols.
Thankfully, Saladin promised to send reinforcements if the Mongols attacked.
The reply stated that while it would take time to organize the troops, they could send support by the new year.
That assurance eased his mind somewhat.
Even though the Sultans didn’t always follow the Caliph, they had to show respect outwardly.
As long as they claimed the title of Sultan of Islam, they couldn’t openly disregard the Caliph’s authority.
If Baghdad fell to the Mongol invaders, the Sultans would also face disgrace.
In fact, they might be more criticized for allowing the Caliph to fall into the hands of such barbarians.
At Nasir relied on this political dynamic.
Of course, he had no desire to be captured by the Mongols.
He doubted they would kill him, but being a prisoner was humiliating.
What At Nasir truly hoped for was a gesture of goodwill from the Mongols.
If they expressed a desire for peace, he was willing to forgive them.
He had recognized Tekish as Sultan, but not out of genuine approval.
However, things didn’t unfold as he hoped.
“Your Excellency! A letter from Isfahan!”
“So, they’re the ones in a hurry. I told you we’d get a signal if we waited. What does it say?”
“Well, it’s just that…”
At Nasir felt a twinge of unease at the messenger’s hesitation.
If the contents were favorable, wouldn’t they have been eager to share?
“Speak freely. No, I’ll read it myself.”
Snatching the letter, At Nasir read it.
Fortunately, it was written in their script, making it easy to understand.
And with each word, his hands and eyes trembled with rage.
Never in his life had he received such an outrageous letter.
[To the religious leader of the West, the Caliph.
You know well the fate that befell those who opposed me and my followers. The Sultan of Khwarezm and the King of Western Xia defied the will of heaven and met their end.
Not only them, but even the greatest empire of the East could not resist me.
With such power, how can you deny my entry into your city?
I advise you not to resist.
Do not make the mistake of taking up arms against us.
If you open your gates and welcome my army, I promise the fate that befell Khwarezm will not be yours.
If you accept the heaven we believe in, you may continue to practice your religion.
I assure you, your position as a religious leader will remain intact.
“These insolent barbarians dare to mock me!”
At Nasir tore the letter to shreds, rising from his seat in fury.
Destroying a letter from a foreign ruler was a breach of etiquette, but he no longer cared.
If they had any sense of decorum, they wouldn’t have sent such nonsense.
Unable to contain his anger, Khalifa turned his gaze to his trusted advisor, Al Kasab.
“You said we should make peace with the Mongols, didn’t you? Tell me, should I bow my head to those Mongol scoundrels while enduring such disgraceful treatment?”
“I apologize. I underestimated the situation.”
Once the contents of the letter were revealed, even those who had advocated for caution joined in the chorus of voices condemning the disrespectful barbarians.
The letter from this so-called Genghis Khan was not just an insult to Khalifa but a direct affront to the entire Islamic faith.
“Who are they to decide whether to acknowledge our religion or not? And what arrogance to act as if they’re doing us a favor by guaranteeing Khalifa’s position. Does that mean they think they can dethrone him whenever they please?”
“Those wretches deserve divine retribution. This letter alone shows how they view our religion.”
“You must not yield to them!”
“If we make this letter public, every outraged Muslim will rally to support you. We must make them painfully aware of the consequences of insulting our faith!”
Already seething with rage, Khalifa needed no further persuasion. His resolve solidified in an instant.
Any fear of what might happen if the Mongols actually invaded vanished in a heartbeat.
He was certain, as his advisors had assured him, that Muslims worldwide would not stand idly by.
The fervor of his ministers, who were practically leaping with indignation, was proof enough.
“Very well. Let’s show them exactly who they’ve provoked. Kasab, bring me paper immediately. I will write a reply to them myself.”
“Yes, sir!”
He would make it clear to that upstart chieftain, who had only just managed to call himself a ruler of a barren land, what it meant to insult a religion with a legacy spanning over 500 years.
With his restraint completely shattered, Al Nasir’s hand began to dance across the paper with unbridled fury.