- ARCHIVE - Sultanate Court of the Mamelukes

[Darth Tracid]

A messenger arrives, carrying a letter with the seal of the Ottoman Empire.

"My dear brother in faith,

I am very happy to see our two nations bound together even more, and I express my deepest sympathy and support for a mutual security pact between our nations.

Too often have we allowed the infidels on the balcan and from other parts of Europe to tear our relations apart and therefore weaken our strenght. They have used this time and again to attack us and tear land from us, land that is rightfully ours under the name of allah.

No more, I say. And therefore, let us build strong relations, not only as brothers and neighbors, but as good friends and allies.

For if we stand together, nothing will stand in our way.

Allah is great."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The squadron of war galleys had returned to Egypt. The Captain tried to explained to the Sultan why they had failed to bring the King of Cyprus.

"Great Master, you see, it was..."

The Sultan listened to everything the Captain had to say without saying anything or show what he thought about it. Then, with a cold expression on his face he nooded to a nubian guard on the right side of the Captain. In just a blink of an eye the nubian guard had seperated the Captains head from his body.

The Sultan then raised from the throne, uttering.

"Natser min Allah... Assemble the war council!"

 

[Chris8b]

A Berber arrives

Having been forced to ground by Christian ships before reaching the Nile delta, the delegation of the Zayyanid Caliphate rides in to Cairo on horses purchased from a costal village.

At the lead is a young man, clearly of Berber descent, bedecked in layers of green and teal linen. His slight paunch does nothing to hide the fact that he is a warrior.

As the small retinue arrives at the palace, the man awaits admission to the see the Mameluke sultan. Once admitted, he prostrates himself appropriately then rises when commanded.

"My forgiving sultan, I am here by through Allah's will at the command of the most revered and honorable Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad, Sultan of the Zayyanid Caliphate, to represent matters of secular relations and trade between our peoples. I ask for sanctuary within your house and permission to speak at length with you as I would a brother. My name is Akkul al-Kabylia."

"To add to your magnificient wealth, my sultan offers you this saber, blade forged of the finest steel and hilt encrusted with gems and mother of pearl from the mountains and shores of my land."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan, just returning from a meeting with one of his Generals, welcomes Akkul al-Kabylia.

"Praised be Allah the mercifull who guided you safely to my Halls."

He looks at the fine gift.

"It is a fine gift indead and its clearly that your master is a wise and talented man who send such an appropiate gift in these times. I will remind my Vizier to send something back as a gift from me, to your generous master. I also understand that you are from Kabylia, or am I misstaken? Please join me for dinner tonight and tell me more about your beutifull lands and especially more about your master, the Sultan..."

 

[unmerged(6629)]

A herald announces the arrival of Emir Amer bin Hamad bin Mohammed al-Hajri.

"Greetings great Sultan. I was dispatched by my grand Vizier Sheikh Ghazi bin Said as soon as your messenger arrived and have been invested with the authority to speak for Oman."

After the meeting the Emir hurries of to be filled in on the latest happenings at the war council.

 

[unmerged(7400)]

A fast cavalier arrives in Cairo, and demand an interview with the Vizier as quick as he can, when he his granted, he talks with difficulty in arabic.

I have a message from my Khan, Hulegu Il-Khan, of Baghdad. the proposition has been made that the Il-Khanate could become independant quicker and better by staying under the Mamelukes wings. Therefore, Hulegu Il-Khan has broke his vassalisation to the Al-Agta Khanate, and offer the Mamelukes their vassalisation, valuable right now.

 

[unmerged(3236)]

The representative looks at the messenger from the dishonourable Il-Khanate and then speaks.

You are well aware of the effects if you join this war, and the effects if you do not. I trust you will leave the dishonourable scum that is the Il-Khanate to fend for itself.
The representative then hands over a secred note to the sultan

 

[Chris8b]

The Zayyanid delegate dines with the Sultan

"It is a fine gift indead and its clearly that your master is a wise and talented man who send such an appropiate gift in these times. I will remind my Vizier to send something back as a gift from me, to your generous master. I also understand that you are from Kabylia, or am I misstaken? Please join me for dinner tonight and tell me more about your beutifull lands and especially more about your master, the Sultan..."

Akkul is visibly pleased by the reception he's received from the Mameluke sultan, "Yes, sultan, I am indeed from the Kabylia. You have heard of it? Have you perhaps travelled to Bejaia? No, I suppose not. Kabylia is a harsh land but one that I love like no other I have travelled to. Our people are righteous and free--we roam the mountains and farm the valleys paying homage to no one but Allah. The most revered Sultan, by Allah's mercy, has granted us the pleasure to rule ourselves and we pay little formal tribute. He is wise in this regard as he's earned the loyalty of our warriors against infidels and would-be conquerors. Even our women are fiercer than any Christian man. Praise be to Allah."

Akkul looks at the array of plates before him. "Your generosity is magnificent, my most feared sultan. What are these fanciful meats?"

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Vizier welcomes the messenger from the Il Khanate.

"Your words warm my heart as it probably will warm my master´s. Your break of vassalship is a good and noble thing to do. For to long have the dark shadow of the Timurids rest over Baghdad and its surroundings. How ever, I did hope that your break of vassalship would had comed in a more appropiate time. I do not want to say that we didnt warn your master about this sort of actions from the Timurid Khan, but..."

The Vizier raises his eyebrowns and let out a sigh.


"It seems that the Timurid Khan is skilled in politics and tactics, casue now the Mameluke Sultanate is pointing its arms against the infidels cross the Mediterranian, as you may have heard. In order to restore the Sultanates honor. The Mamelukes are powerfull indead, but to both fight in the north as well in the east may be somewhat troublesome... I am not ready to accept your oath as a vassal. How ever I will speak to the Sultan about this issue. He have many things on his mind right now and he will have to consult his allies before taking any actions. Hopefully the Sultan will reach a decision soon about what to do. Until then I will pray to Allah to grant the Il Khanate its rightfully earned liberty."

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan did appriceate this conversation with Akkul. It was always nice to get his mind on something else then retrebution, for a while...

"Ah it sounds like a marvelous landscape. As for this dinner, I believe that."

He made a sweep with his arm to the left.

"That this is Ruabil l-lahma, or crisp patry with meat filling."

He then made a sweeping move with his arm to the right.

"And this I think is Asabi gullash bi l-lahma; dry pastery fingers with meat filling. And this looks like feta and lamb stuffed grape leaves. I do hope you enjoy it." He said with a smile on his lips.

 

[unmerged(17818)]

 

[unmerged(6629)]

"May He who Sees all and Knows all forever smile upon you, Sultan Yusuf. The Omani people do not take their oath lightly and will fight by your side. May He who is ever merciful be kind to the unrighteous souls who shall soon stand before him."

Imam Malik, Protector of the Faith and leader of the Kharijis.

 

[unmerged(7924)]

A letter arrived at the mameluke court.

To the Sultan that controls the desert land of Egypt,

I was not enjoyed when I heard that you are trying to spread the misbeliefs in your realm, at least not at the cost at my ally, Cyprus. Until you call back that order, our nations will be at War.
You heathens may not have to fight my men, but I will surely support my allies, moraly and economily.

Vlad II "The Dragon", Warlord of Wallachia, Knight of the Order of the Dragon.

 

[unmerged(7924)]

A letter arrived from Wallachia.

Sultan Yusuf, of the Egyptian Mamelukes,

I was surprised when I received the letter the Grand Vizier had written. It gladdens me that you would like to have good relations towards Wallachia. May this war be short and with few casualties.

Vlad Dracul, Voivode of Wallachia.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan goes to see the delegate from Alger in private.

(OOC: You got mail in your mailbox)

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan and the Grand Vizier meets.

"So they Knights join their ranks and Wallachia gives economical support..."

"Yes Master, would you like me to dispatch some messages calling for more aid from friendly nations." The Grand Vizier asked.

"Hmmm, no! This is a personal thing between me and the King of Cyprus. Unless the infidels escalate this issue we will handle this ourself. As I understand we will meet two fleets, the knights and the cypriotic´s. Let it be so then and may Allah grant us victory..."

 

[Chris8b]

A letter arrives for the Zayyanid delegate

Akkul Al-Kabylia receives a letter from al-Jaza'ir and approaches the Mameluke sultan.

"My most feared Sultan, the most revered Sultan Abu'l-Abbas Ahmad has received your request and wishes to aid you. The Zayyanid hold on our lands is still new and we are wary of endangering our economy without assurances of recompense.

We propose the following agreement between the sultanates:"

An Agreement Between the Zayyanid Caliphate (Algiers) and the Mameluke Sultanate

[1] In recognition of the holy nature of the Mameluke war against the eastern island nations, the Zayyanid Caliphate agrees to loan the Mameluke Sultanate 1000 ducats (1 eco point).

[2] Said monies will be repaid within six months of cessation of hostilities between the Mameluke Sultanate and the Islands of Cyprus and Rhodes.

[3] Until such time that repayment is made, the Mameluke Sultanate agrees to make available, each quarter year, goods in the following amounts: One galley's hold of silk; one galley's hold of precious goods such as gold, learned books, or frankincense; and three galleys' holds of supplies material to the building of naval vessels.

[4] The Zayyanid Caliphate agrees to harass and take prize any ships of Christian nations that seek to resupply the islands should such ships traverse or seek to water along the Barbary Coast.

[5] Upon repayment of debt in accordance with the terms above, both Sultanates concur that this agreement is void. At such time, both Sultanates agree to negotiate further agreements favorable to each in accordance of Islamic Law.

"My most revered Sultan has empowered me to confirm this agreement should it be amenable to you. The monies even now are being prepared for immediate shipment."

Akkul awaits the sultan's response.

 

[unmerged(7924)]

A letter arrived to the Sultan of Egypt.

Sultan Yusuf,

People here in Wallachia is getting worried of this war. They overdo the situation, they doesn't realize that the Mamelukes can not hurt us. But, as they still fear the muslims (women and children in Wallachia fear them.) they are anxious.

I also understand this is a thing betweem you and the Cypriot King. Let it be so then. I offer you a white peace on the behalf of Wallachia. However, I will still support Cyprus as I would in the war, economically.

Also, if you should annex or force-convert Cyprus, I will not see lightly upon that. That will probably mean a war against our nations again.

Vlad II Dracul of Wallachia.

 

[unmerged(6629)]

The war council takes a well deserved short pause for dinner and a moments peace. One or two members show sign of tiredness after having planned since the sun came up and most of the last night as well but spirits are high. Troops have been gathered, new recruits have been sent to reinforce the regimens. Two days ago they personally inspected the fleet that are being gathered at the coast. Supply lines have been drawn, provisions bought, depots have been filled at the caravan rests along the road to Oman. Messengers have ridden scuttle traffic in all directions to co-ordinate the forces and if someone turns his eyes against the sky he can be almost sure to see one or more carrier pigeons on their errands. The assembled men have reason to be pleased with themselves. Shattered laughter and enthusiastic cries can be heard from the group. It seems beyond doubt that all members are sure that they will win the day. As the servants carry out the dishes and plates with honey covered dates arrive a musician starts playing. The tired men leans back among the cushions and are for a moment allowed to forget about the hardship of war.

 

[unmerged(7347)]

The Sultan studies the proposal from Alger.

"Done!" He says after a while.

"How ever, in the interest of both of us, I would like to add this artichle..."

Ships from the Zayyanid Caliphate will have to right to anchor and resupply in Egyptian ports, without paying any extra fees. They will also have the right to recruit manpower in all the coastal cities of Egypt.

"...as the fifth point."