VAULT - Royal Court of Egypt (Mamelukes)

[Voshkod]

The Timurid horsemen thundered down the Nile valley into Cairo. The bulk of the men and horses were dispersed to camps along the riverside, where a week would be taken to rest up. The horses grazed on the rich grass down by the water, and the men spent time washing off the dust and grime of a month on the march. Not too many had fallen in this first half of the long march; the land was known to the Mongols, and the fodder for horses relatively rich. Apart from some minor skirmishes in Iraq, all had gone well. The real challenge lay ahead - the ride along the Africa coast, that narrow strip where desert met sea.

Abu Sa'id Yesugai and his family, along with Prince Umar, and the Khan's guards, went into the city to find the Caliph - though along the way they made a stop at the Grand Tournment, still going on, despite the collapse of the Middle Sea into war.

 

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Cairo, Egypt

Arrival of the Great Khan​

It was ironic, that the mongols, who ruined many great cities, and were defeated by the Mamelucks in the battle of Ayen Jalut, would be greeted as saviours in the city of Cairo.
Abbasid banners, as black as coal, were striked out of mosques, and tall minarets, aside with mongolian and Almohad flags, a show of unity by the Egyptians.Several men among the crowds took out their instruments and began to play in greeting for the arrival of the Horde.The masses cheered in estecasy for the arrival of the Khan.
The mosques cried out in unison"Allah is Great, Allah is Great, Patience has beared fruit oh you those who believe, the armies of Allah come to the battle of paradise, Come all come all to praise the one sole God of Heaven and Earth!"
The Abbasid Gaurds, all in black, arrived to escort the khan and his family to the Center of the city, Crescent Palace, while another bridgade showed the rest of the horde an encampment set out of Cairo.

The Calipah, in a simple Grab of White and Red robes, followed by his advisors and officials greeted the Khan.Strangly, they were all Iraqis, and few Egyptians were among them, even the gaurds held that common rigid Tigrisian character.Another peculiar aspect of the Calipah's entrouge, was the many Andalusian officials among them.

"Assalam Alekum Oh Khan of the Orient!I welcome you to Egypt!core of the future Abbasid Caliphate inshallah, How was your trip my brother?"

 

[Voshkod]

Abu Sa'id Yesugai dismounted, crossed the space to the Caliph of Egypt in three quick paces, and embraced the man. "Your welcome is magnificent, my brother! Even now my men are resting their steeds and enjoying the hospitality you have laid out for them. Samarkand will not forget this."

The Khan turned to his family. "Caliph, my brother, this is Khada Yesugai, my brother and heir." The young man, hardened beyond his years, his face a fierce Mongol mask, bowed briskly. "And this is the Princess Orqina, my older sister, who is authorized to discuss certain matters on my behalf." Orqina stepped forward, her fine Persian features set in a ceremonial smile. She knelt.

"And finally," the Khan said, "this is Chabi, my younger sister. You've heard much about her, I'm certain." Never raising her eyes to meet the Caliph's, young Chabi stepped forward. She would not look out of place in a Ming court but here, on the banks of the Nile, she looked beautifully alien. She knelt as well, sneaking a quick look at the Caliph as she did.

"This is Prince Umar of Fez," the Khan said next, gesturing the young man forward. "He rides with us to war. I intend to rest the army for a week alongside the Nile, my brother, then ride on. If you permit, Chabi and Orqina will stay in Cairo."

 

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Hakim likewise embraced Yesugai "Do not thank, what is essential my brother, for since when was treating brother muslims an act of grace?but an act of faith"He smiled.

He bowed to Khada Yesugai,a mongol who obviously lusted for blood, might as well hide the birds in the palace for the extent of his stay thought Hakim.He shaked his hands warmly and said "Welcome brother Khada".Lady Orqihna was then presented, a woman with the charms of Isfahan and Yazid.A beautiful woman indeed to look at.He averted his eyes and bowed slightly "Welcome my lady to Cairo.."

Chabi was presented next, a Gem from the Orient.Her beauty was, strange to him, but she was attractive none the less.He tried to penetrate her , trying to look at her directly, but she continously averted her eyes .He looked at the Khan "Yes I have heard much of Lady Chabi" He then turned to her "Welcome my lady to Egypt, I hope the heat hasnt been an annoyance to you?"

He bowed to Umar "Thusly we hear Fez joined the Almohads,let us hope this is for the best" He turned to the khan again "Keep your army as long as you wish my brother, for I have mustered all the graneries of Egypt to replenish your supplies for at least 8 seasons.Your sisters are most welcome in Egypt my khan, now please join me in the Palace" He bowed.
The entrouge of officials shuffled away , creating s sort of passage for the Calipah , Khan and his family.
Hakim quickly led them through the many corridors of the Palace to the main majlis of Crescent Palace, where many foods, Andalusian,Iraqi,and Egyptian were set out.The Calipah gestured to the pillows and silk Cascades for his guests to sit.Servents arrived carrying Arabian coffee and Dates.
"So tell me my brother, how was your trip from Samarkand?did you pass by Baghdad?"

 

[Voshkod]

"The ride has been long but easy so far, my brother," said Abu Sa'id as they walked. In Persia the roads were good, and the people respectful. In Iraq and Baghdad they hid. Long memories, I suppose. The lands beyond Iraq - your lands - have been open and friendly." He lowered his voice. "It is the roads ahead I fear. The Tunisians have not yet opened their border. I fear the number of horse that travel with us will devour the grass on the coastline. I expect to lose at least a third of my strength there alone."

He looked around at the buildings, the flags. "A beautiful city. By the way, has an emissary from the Hedjaz arrived by any chance?"

 

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"Ahhh Iraq, how I would love to see the Abbasid flags upon Basrah and Baghdad, I always felt a part of my soul is missing without them."The Calipah shook his head, pained by memories"Yes the Saharah is most unforgiving, however, I can assure you, there are many areas to graze, if the first Islamic invasions were successful to the level of invading Andalusia herself, then you can easily reach Tanga and the Almohads.
Yes Cairo is a beautiful city, but not of my tastes.As for the Hedjaz, I believe an entrouge will arrive soon, you can understand that they have recently seccumbed to Abbasid power, and I believe its taking them time to reassert themselves"The Calipah handed the khan a glass of Gergan, a mixture of honey and pressed apple.

 

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To my Friend and Ally, Ruler of the House of Abbasid:

As we have discussed, war with Portugal is unjust and should be avoided, yet the Portuguese press on. They do not realize how dependent their trade is upon Dar es Islam.

If lives are to be saved, and Africa saved from despoilation by the Europeans, we must take strong steps.

I have written their king to end all trade and commerce throughout the Almohad Empire with Portugal. Their merchants will be expelled and their goods seized. Our merchants have already left their nation under my orders, taking their goods with them.

Likewise all trade from within the states of Fez and Morrocco are denied to them.

This is the start. Should they arrive at peaceful terms for ending the conflict I would gladly restore such relations.

However, I write you, friend, to ask that should Portugal not relent, that you join me in this boycott. The markets of my land are rich and valuable. Yours are just as profitable, if not moreso. Let us see what Portugal does, but if they will not turn back, then I beg that you, too, end your trade with them.

From there we will convince the Persians, the Timurids, the Omanis, all with whom their far flung merchants trade, and it shall have a crippling effect upon their economy.

We shall make up any shortfall in our own commerce through stronger and more bonding commercial relations between our own two great nations, and this will serve as the beginnings of a foundation upon which we shall build an alliance to protect all of Africa.

What say you my friend? Do not act prematurely, but should Portugal not turn back, will you join me to save Africa from deflowering by the Christians?

Respecfully,

Yasmine Mohammed, Sultanta of Greater Almohad Algeria

 

[Voshkod]

The Khan took the drink gratefully. "Thank you, my brother. You say Cairo is not to your taste? You'd prefer Baghdad, perhaps? And as for the Hedjaz, I have heard that they have submitted to your will. I will not lie, my friend - that disturbs me. I would prefer the Holy cities to not be under the influence of any of the larger powers. We will talk about Basrah when the war is over. I am of a mind to rid myself of it, but it is a port. Of course, what use is a Timurid navy?"

 

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The Calipah nodded "Baghdad is to my tastes, she is an ancient city, though not to the level of Cairo, but a birth place to my forefathers Caliphate.As for the Hedjaz, why does it disturb you my brother?they were under Abbasid control until 1258, when the mong...I mean when the Empire collapsed.As for Basrah, yes it is an important harbour, but surely the Timurid Empire has many, from Shiraz to the ports of India.I merely wish to retrieve the lands of Iraq my brother, for me to truly revive my forefathers toil.The Timurid navy I believe has done an intresting move in Sina, or so I hear.They tried to hail ships over the sand?what an intresting idea, you may think Im crazy, but I always believed that a canal built into the Sina desert, connecting the Red Sea and the Middle Sea would be beneficial,but ahhh that is a silly idea I guess.Now, I hear you are a man of science my brother?"

 

[Voshkod]

The Khan had ridden off for the Tunisian frontier, leaving his sisters Chabi and Orqina to discuss matters with the Caliph.

"As my brother, the Khan, indicated, I am authorized to negotiate this wedding contract." The Lady Orqina's voice was flat and business-like, as if she were discussing the price of dates in the market.

"Both of us want to see this wedding. What else does Egypt want from this? Oh, and do you want to see the goods before you buy?" A slight note of dismal sarcasm slipped into her voice.

 

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The Caliph smiled elusively "I have glimpsed Lady Chabi a while ago, patience serves all , dont you think, Lady Orqina?Now what does Egypt want....well as you know my lady, I would like to reinforce my position in the East by regaining my ancestors cities, one which is under Mongolian control at the moment.Basrah...I would like to regain basrah from the Timurlank Empire, in exchange for say... 20 thousand Dinars of Golden inlays? (+2 eco) I think that would suffice.Other than that, the Caliphate wishes nothing.We however promise to stand by you in all ills, and well defend you as we defend our own homes"The Caliph nodded "Tell me of Chabi"

 

[Voshkod]

Orqina sighed. "Chabi is my sister, and I love her dearly. It pains me to marry her away at such a distance, but such is the price of being born with the right blood. She is sweet, chaste, lovely, still a bit young at heart.

"So, you want Basra. A port on the Persian seas? Instead of money, we would like a port on the Middle Sea. You give us Cyprus, we give you Basra."

 

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The Caliph was amazed "I did not expect such a haggle Lady Orqina" He smiled "Cyprus is my first line of defence against the crusaders in palestine, surely you can see my reluctance to give it away?.I would however,allow Timurid ships in my ports (OOC: Discuss with Mods possibility of your SMs being in Egyptian ports under a pact) but I think dinars would suffice my dear.I do not give land away, but expand.Look at this as an investment, you gain a great ally in the East,dont you agree?I will tell you what, they say "a book is worth many lands" I will translate all the books of the Abbasid libraries and scientific manuscripts to your brothers language, plus the 20 thousand dinars, AND a full alliance for Basrah"he nodded.

 

[Voshkod]

Orqina smiled cooly. "I'm not sure why you're so surprised, Caliph? You gain Basrah, a large and rich province close to your beloved Iraq, in exchange for a minor island. In return, you get the Timurid fleet in the Middle Sea, ready to sail against future foes. You get Chabi, and a pact of mutual defense and allliance, and you don't pay us anything. A more than fair deal." She rose smoothly, smiled again. "Perhaps you could think on it? We have plenty of time, and there is much I'd still like to see in Cairo."

 

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The Caliph withdrew into slight silence for a moment or two "Actually, considering the benefits, they outweigh the undesirable circumstances.Yes I regain a muslim city in exchange for a desolate Greek town, not to mention having your powerful navy in the Middle Sea.Yes lady Orqina, I like it, draft a treaty, and I will sign it right away.Now when can we give the wedding a date?" He inquired.

 

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War is a businesss

War is a business​

Roberto Feretta, one of the most known spices merchant in Naples comes to Egypt. Although he knows city of Cairo ( including it`s darker streets ) very well, he`s a bit nervous today. His efforts to be an official representative of Naples merchants in case of "war trade" led him to this position, and now he can be sure that his private interests won`t lose with interests of others. However if he fails, the others will eat him alive. Occasion to make such an amount of gold doesn`t happen so often.

He went down the accomodation-ladder and looked around. The port was noisy and full of colours and smells, as always, but for a professional`s eye everything changed.

" Well , well, well, where are all those Portugese rats now? He he he."

The war was killing trade in Mediterrean, it was hard to count those merchants who had to sell their ships, stores and hire themselves as accounts or counsellors. But Feretta knew what to do with that, and with some small greedy help of muslim trade rulers, he and many other merchants could make some gold, and come out richer from all that affair.

He took his steps to offices of Egyptian trade rulers, and demanded an appointment.

 

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Cairo, Trade Commision
Changes were happen in Egypt, the rise of the Abbasids prompted a far better administration in the country, that went against the normal routines of other nations.The merchants led this Naples trader to the Commisions head quarters, demanding to see the officials.
The cleric eyed him suspiciously, war had made Frankish faces untrustable "Give me your trade papers, the ones you take from Alexandria before your arrival" he said uncarinly while shuffling some papers.

 

[Arilou]

A tall, gangly turk dressed in the uniform of the Emirate of Dulkadir's palace guard approaches the court. As he draws closers he falls upon his knees...
"Oh Lord of the Faithful! Whose name is called out first in all the prayers of all the righteous lands of Islam! Sovereign sultan of Egypt and Steward of Syria! Sword of the Faith against the infidels and heretics! I am humbled beyond words to stand before the splendour of your court, whose lowliest courtier in virtue and in power is ranked far above the kings of most other lands! I, Metin, by the Grace of Allah firstborn son of the Emir of Dulkadir, bring our most humble greetings! Know that the people of Dulkadir wishes for nothing but your friendship, that trade may flourish between our countries and the glory of Islam thus become even greater (Allah be willing). However, my father, the Emir, refuses to see that, and while he may feign friendship he his heart harbours only treachery... For you see, at the same time he sends emissaries to the Turks... My father was once a great man, but time and age has made him weak and debauchered, his faith weakens and his moral fiber laxes... Nonetheless, O great Caliph, Righteous Successor, I hope that you in your mercy might spare our people despite the vileness of their ruler, and thus offer us peace and trade..."

 

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The people of the court looked at the gangly Turk with speculation and curiousness.The Caliph, who was busy with lady Orcqina looked at him "Peace be upon you my good man, you come from Dulkadir....ahhhh....very little news has come to us of our northen neighbours.Allah forgives all sins, perhaps if I sent an inquisitor from my court to lead your Sultan back to the true path though I am not sure what exactly you wish me to do..." The Calipah smiled and gestured to his servents to bring some refreshments to the Turk "Drink up and rest, you look tiered"

 

[Arilou]

Moves closer and whispers conspiratoriallly
"Only that you should know that my father's words are not what they seem... But that your realm has an ally in the court of Dulkadir, should he chose to ally with your enemies."