Victory Is Almost Ours Part Two
12 December 803
City of Quf
Suhail lead the charge himself this time. Behind another great host of the last true Egyptians. Suhail had nothing to fear from Sultan. In this war he could throw everything he had into the fight. Before him Murad ibn Abdullah, the deformed regent, awaited.
Suhail called out to his opponent, "Murad ibn Abdullah! Let us exchange words before we exchange blows."
"Very well," a voice called out front behind the column of enemy soldiers. Murad trotted up on a charger. His silver mask hid his disfigured face. Suhail forced his mount forward. The two met halfway between their respective armies alone.
"Speak quick," Murad wheezed out. As if he had difficulty breathing.
"Why not surrender? Why not persuade your nephew to swear fealty to me. I promise to allow him to keep you petty title as sheikh of Aswan," Suhail said with a satisfied smile. "And you lives as a sign of my good intentions."
"You are a bold one. We outnumbered you. Yet you still cling to victory." Murad said, "I was right to fear you eight years ago."
"Yes calling on Sultana's hatred of my father. I was awestruck."
"But it seems that trick is no longer usable."
"Yes. The lunatic on the throne now hasn't the strength to stop me. Just like you don't. I was hoping to avoid bloodshed." Suhail said reining in his charger.
"Then retreat. I promise to spare you not pursue."
"I am sorry Murad. But I can not."
"May Allah bring you favor in this battle," Murad said as he turned his mount around.
"May Allah bring you favor in this battle." Suhail turned his mount around and trotted back to his line. He turned toward the enemies. He drew his sword and pointed it at Murad. Across the battlefield, Murad was doing the same.
In the capital of Aswan
Sholah lead a group that laid siege to Aswan. With the army of her daughter's betrothed alongside the mercenaries. It was only matter of time.
Isa Nobatia watched his army scaled the walls of the capital from the hill. He turned to his future in-laws with a pleased smile.
"It is only a matter of time now," Isa said stuffing his face with food. Sholah and Amumet turned her up in disgust.
"I would not underestimate a siege." Amumet said as she motioned with her hand for a servant.
"My lady?"
"Tell the general to reinforce the right flank," Amument stated.
"The hunchbacked will try to flee through that side once the city is captured."
The servant nodded and disappeared among the encampment. Isa snorted, "What make you so sure about that?"
Sholah turned to Isa and walked closer, she spoke, " He is a child not versed in the ways of war. His uncle army is fighting my husband in Quena. He will try to reach him."
Isa snorted again and clapped his hands, "Allah has bless my family with our union. My son and your daughter. Not only did I again a powerful and cunning ally but favor of a sultan."
Amumet and Sholah shot sideways glance at Isa. Isa laughed and stood up, "Do you think your husband is the only one with dreams for the sultanate? The sultan is a fool. A crazy fool. I doubt he will enjoy a long fruitful life. Especially as Emir Suhail grows in power. And you husband is the strongest emir right now."
He walked over to Sholah. He then placed a hand on her shoulder, " I am lucky I guess. I am happy with my territory. So as long as your husband lets me and mine keep our territory, he can have the sultanate."
Sholah forced a smile to her face, "I see. I will tell him as such."
"Good. Well I have a desire to lead from the front. We will dine in the city." Sholah watched as Isa mounted and rode off. Amumet spit at his chair.
"This alliance not last long. I will not allow his foul spawn to have my daughter," Sholah said un-balling her fist.
"Do not worry. Only an Egyptian may rule Egypt."
The siege lasted only one month. With attackers attacking in random intervals to confuse the defenders. When it became clear that his uncle army would not returning, Abdullah surrendered. Sholah escorted Abdullah to Quena's City of Quf where Suhail held Murad. He was conducted into the city with much ceremony. Though he was sure it was more for Sholah's victory. Sholah escorted Abdullah into the palace. She allowed him brief reunion with his uncle, who had been under house arrest since his capture. They were separated after a while. Each night, the rooms they occupied changed to different rooms in different wings. If someone was going to rescue them they were going to need the powers of foresight.
After about four days of this they were both dressed in finery and brought for Suhail in the Great Hall. The now fifteen year old walked defeated up to the usurper. There to spectate were many of the sheikhs and shiekha that once served him. Isa stood with his son Al-Mughirah and his other children. Isa was here to gloat and introduce Al-Mughirah to bride-to-be Alia.
On the thrones was Suhail and Sholah with his three other wives behind him in mundane chairs. All dressed in finery with Suhail's and Sholah's cloth looking more exquisite. All Suhail's children save the youngest were around as well. The twins held each other's hand and stood beside their mother. Again dressed in finery with Haroun's looking far closer to Suhail's then most. Alia continued to glance over Al-Mughirah as other looked forward.
Murad and Abdullah walked down toward Suhail behind two guards. They stopped when guards stopped. The guard bowed to Suhail and Sholah. Then took a position in front of them.
"I applaud your wisdom, Abdullah," Suhail said looking at him.
"To spare my people the suffering, I will any shame."
"There is no shame in surrendering. Especially to me child. I am just more experienced. I hoped to spare you this fate years ago. When you were too young to know what was going on. But your uncle only delayed it."
"Our territory is yours. We have surrendered. You have won, Suhail. Release us or kill us," Murad said. It was difficult to tell but Suhail knew he was angry underneath his mask, "Either way end this farce."
"Uncle be silent." Murad turned to Abdullah and bowed his head, " Emir Suhail please forgive my uncle. He speaks out of love."
"I see. I will spare your lives if you and your uncle swear fealty to me as your liege lord. As an act of good faith if you swear fealty, I will even grant you the title of sheikh of Aswan."
"Treacherous cur. I will cut you down where you stand." Murad moved to attack Suhail but before the guards could react Abdullah was in front Suhail. Using his own body as a shield. Murad stopped and returned to his position. However the guards kept their weapons trained on him. Even Sholah's hand was on the hilt of her blade.
Abdullah took a knee. "I swear fealty to you Emir Suhail and those of your bloodline. In war I will obey your commands. In peace I serve as guardian of the people in your lands."
Murad took knee. But he did not speak. Suhail walked down to Abdullah and helped him up. "Shiekh Abdullah I accept your oath of fealty. And I grant you the title of Shiekh of Awsan. May your line be long and fruitful."
