Episode 41
The grand opening ceremony of the historic Auvergne University had unexpectedly turned into a heated debate over which family the Prophet might consider for a marriage alliance.
Frankly, I couldn’t care less about their chatter, so I focused on strengthening my own position.
What pleased me most was that they had finally agreed to implement the new farming methods I had suggested. For now, they’re only doing it because the Prophet said so, but the results will speak for themselves soon enough.
I can already imagine them clamoring to say they believed in me all along, which might be a bit annoying, but it’s an event that will only elevate my worth, so I’ll endure it.
Everything is proceeding according to plan, except for one thing. That person over there, fiddling with a dagger and looking like they’ve bitten into something sour.
“What are you sulking about now? Did someone offend me so gravely that they deserve to die, and I just haven’t heard about it?”
“I just think you’re too indifferent, Apostle. There’s fierce competition over who will have you as a son-in-law, yet you seem so unconcerned.”
“It’s like preparing the soup before you even have the meat. The mere fact that there’s such a debate only serves to increase my value, so there’s no need to worry.”
“If the candidates being discussed were truly worthy, I wouldn’t have any complaints. But this is just…”
Are the candidates for my bride really that lacking? If Richard himself selected vassals from Aquitaine or a princess from Aragon, they shouldn’t be considered inferior by any means.
“I heard there’s even a proposal from France. From the Count of Champagne, I believe?”
“Ha… It seems the unbelievers of Europe are destined for the fires of hell. What is the King of France doing? A count? If he had any sense, he’d be begging you to marry his only daughter.”
“Philip II doesn’t have a daughter, though.”
“It’s about standards, Apostle. You should be aware of your own standing and firmly reject any absurd proposals. Don’t forget the example of the previous Apostle, Muhammad.”
Marrying like Muhammad in Europe? What nonsense. But in front of Fatima, who equates me with Muhammad, any argument is futile.
Though, if we’re being honest, was Muhammad’s marriage really that exemplary?
“Fatima, are you suggesting I should marry someone much older, like Muhammad did with his first wife, who was forty?”
“Well, forty is a perfect number, but it is a bit much…”
“And later, should I marry a six-year-old child?”
“Six is young, but if it’s you, Apostle…”
Even as she says this, her voice trails off, acknowledging the absurdity.
In the Middle Ages, Christians criticized Muhammad as a demon-possessed pedophile because he married a six-year-old girl when he was over fifty. By modern standards, it would be a police matter, and even in medieval times, marrying a six-year-old was considered too early.
This has led some modern Islamic countries to justify child marriages, showing Muhammad’s marriage had a significant cultural impact on Islam.
“Come to think of it, aren’t the Assassins Shia? They wouldn’t view Muhammad’s young bride favorably.”
“They don’t treat her as the Mother of Believers like the Sunnis do. But I think we should acknowledge her as one of the greatest theologians of her time. And wasn’t she the daughter of Abu Bakr, the first caliph? It’s not about age; you should marry someone with at least those qualifications.”
Is it because it’s the marriage of a revered leader? Her enthusiasm is amusing, so I decided to prod a bit more.
“Then who do you think meets those qualifications? I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
“As the living representative of a united East and West, you shouldn’t be limited to choosing a wife from either side. In fact, it might be wise to select one from both Christianity and Islam for balance.”
“Christianity doesn’t allow polygamy.”
“Well… but if it’s you, Apostle, maybe it could work?”
What nonsense. That would make me a heretic despised by both Christians and Muslims.
“Your advice is appreciated, but you should study the world’s affairs a bit more. Faith is important, but remember that God favors those who are prepared in reality.”
“Yes! I’ll keep that in mind.”
“By the way, shouldn’t we have heard from Nasr by now? Hasn’t he reached Syria yet? It’s been quite some time.”
“Oh! I’m sorry. I meant to tell you, but I got distracted by the marriage discussions…”
I took the letter from the distressed Fatima and opened it immediately.
“It’s understandable to forget when you’re busy. Don’t worry too much. Now, let’s see what interesting news it contains.”
I had instructed Nasr to investigate the current Arab world dynamics and what was being said about me.
Islam, if you look closely, is even more complex and fragmented than medieval Europe. I saw potential opportunities depending on the situation, which is why I ordered the investigation…
“Oh, really now?”
“Did something happen? Did my brother make another blunder?”
“I think I need your opinion on this. Read it.”
While I maintained a smile, Fatima’s eyes grew cold and intense as she read the letter.
This wasn’t the usual “Shall I kill them, Prophet?” but a genuine murderous intent, reminiscent of when she first tried to kill me.
When she finally spoke, her voice was as cold as ever, yet somehow different.
“Shall I kill them?”
On a secluded hill near Jerusalem, two men sat facing each other.
One, adorned with lavish jewelry, pulled out a gold coin and placed it on a makeshift table.
“Thank you for coming all this way. This is a token of appreciation, unrelated to the task at hand.”
“Thank you. You are indeed a man of honor.”
“Unsettling news has reached the Sultan’s ears. Though he hasn’t expressed it, I’m sure he’s deeply concerned.”
“So, you intend to nip this in the bud before it becomes a bigger issue. Your loyalty is commendable.”
“Though our interpretations of doctrine differ, we share the same resolve not to forgive those who defile the Quran. Am I wrong?”
The man in the turban, typical of Shia followers, nodded slowly.
“That’s why I’m here to listen. Our leader, Nur al-Din, is also very interested in this matter.”
“Then you must have some idea about the target.”
“We’ve done some research, but if you share your information, it would increase our chances of success.”
“His name is Edward Marshall, also known as the Marshall of Auvergne. He’s a count with his own lands, and his followers are growing by the day.”
“That’s troubling news. He must have many guards.”
“Indeed. There was an assassination attempt before, likely by the Almohads. It was a complete failure.”
The man in the turban clicked his tongue in response.
“If the Sultan’s own brother has summoned me, he must be formidable. But it won’t be a problem. We’re not like those Almohad amateurs.”
“I’m well aware of the reputation of Hassan’s descendants. Your confidence is reassuring.”
“Once he’s dead, what should we do? Should we bring his head?”
“By the time you bring a head from Europe to here, it would be unrecognizable. A man of his stature dying would cause enough chaos for us to confirm it ourselves. Now, let’s hear your terms.”
The Assassins, a symbol of fear even in the Islamic world, were known for their ruthlessness. The man in the turban, trained in the formidable Alamut, remained tense.
And rightly so, for he was in the territory of the Ayyubid dynasty, the most powerful Islamic state, and facing Al-Adil, the Sultan’s brother.
“Our Imam wishes to reunite the traitors who have become a thorn in our side.”
“You mean in Syria.”
“Yes. Help us consolidate Syria. Their territory is within the Ayyubid realm, so with your support, we could easily crush them.”
“You’re not asking for money but for a merger of power…”
Al-Adil closed his eyes in thought. The mysterious assassins, who spoke their minds even before his powerful brother, left a strong impression on him.
And precisely because of that, he judged it too dangerous to leave them as they were.
Unlike his overly lenient brother, he was different.
How could anyone dare to speak so insolently in front of the Sultan and expect to be left unscathed?
“Before I called you here, I reached out to Syria. It’s closer than Alamut, so I thought it might save us some trouble.”
“Did they refuse?”
“Not exactly a refusal. They claimed internal issues prevent them from engaging in external activities.”
“Using internal issues as an excuse to avoid confronting the enemies of Islam is just a roundabout way of saying no. It makes me question their faith.”
“Indeed. That’s why I believe it’s better for you to take control of the shadows. Just remember, you owe your success in unifying Syria to my support.”
The man in the turban bowed respectfully. “Of course, O mighty Sword of Faith.”
“And just to be clear, report back to me once everything is done. The Sultan doesn’t seem particularly fond of you, so let’s avoid unnecessary complications.”
“Understood. I’ll get started right away.”
“Oh, you’re not returning to Alamut?”
“That would take too long. I came here with the intention of acting immediately. If you could cover the expenses for the journey to Europe, I’d appreciate it.”
Without waiting for a response, the man pocketed the gold coins Al Adil had given him and stood up.
As the man walked away, Al Adil surveyed his surroundings, sipping cool water. A cautious guard approached him.
“Do you think it’s wise?”
“What do you mean?”
“There’s a chance it might fail. Or the Sultan might catch wind of it.”
“My brother may not be fond of the Assassins, but using them is a different matter. Even if he finds out, it would just mean a lecture at most.”
Al Adil handed his empty glass to the guard and continued, “And if it fails, we can use that as leverage to demand something else. In fact, if it fails… never mind.”
Realizing it wasn’t something to share with the guard, Al Adil swallowed his words and mounted his horse.
Islam had been too passive and complacent for too long. The Crusaders were causing chaos, yet why should they just stand by and watch?
“My brother is a great ruler, but his only flaw is his soft heart.”
If that was the case, then it was his duty as the younger brother to compensate for his brother’s shortcomings, as ordained by God.
Al Adil’s gaze turned toward Europe, the land where he would rise above all others in the Islamic world.