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3 DAYS LATER
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Three days had passed since I had sent my son-in-law, Imil-Fazli, with the main army to the aid of Antioch, which was besieged by the accursed Franks. A few hours after I myself had left the city gates of Aleppo, I saw the banners waving, pointing the way to the camp. The dust rose from under my feet, and the anticipation of battle burned in my heart. I was already impatient to see my son-in-law.
Created by: MegaChell
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[blockstart:501]
Army camp! Before us appeared a small, but with a large arsenal camp where we had to establish productive reserves.
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[blockstart:502]
Chests of food! Since the sun was blazing outside, the food would simply go bad, so they put them in chests!
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[blockstart:503]
The wells are built! Now we need to install the bakeries!
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[blockstart:504]
There is enough water and food now! We must reach Antioch across the bridge!
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[blockstart:556]
Yagi-Siyan, the majestic governor has been killed! He was killed by one of the soldiers sent from Diyar-Bakr! The defense of Antioch is in your hands, Dukat...


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[blockstart:557]
Frankish commanders! It would be desirable to destroy them
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[blockstart:558]
The Frankish commanders have been killed! And now the Frankish command is weakened.
Also, some reinforcements have arrived from the south!

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[blockstart:559]
The siege of Antioch is broken. The Franks, bloodied and exhausted, withdraw their troops, leaving our city alone so that we can catch our breath." "The battle for Antioch is over. The Frankish army, battered and tired, turns back, our city intact. A sigh of relief echoes through our streets." "The dust settles on the fields of Antioch. The Frankish war machine grinds to a halt, their soldiers marching away defeated. The ordeal is finally over.
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[blockstart:560]
Through the painful struggle, Allah strengthened our warriors, and together we saved Antioch! May we find peace in this triumph! The clash was terrible, but by the will of Allah we stood as one and defended Antioch! May peace come to our land.
The remnants of the Franks flee, and their commanders surrender.
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[blockstart:561]
The Frankish legions rush into battle! We will never surrender Antioch to the invaders! With mad fury the Franks rush into battle! Antioch will never fall!
Our goal: Protect the Palace of South Antioch!
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[blockstart:562]
Just when we thought that the attack had only hit the southern city, hordes of enemies poured out of the Byzantine camp into the northern city...
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[blockstart:563]
No matter how desperately we fought, the Frankish forces were too many. They had gained a future foothold for attacks...


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[blockstart:564]
The Franks are no longer a threat to the Saracen settlement! Victory!
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[blockstart:565]
My dear friend,

The news that has been brought to me is grave and demands immediate attention. The vile Franks, who have desecrated the sacred truce, are preparing a vile attack on one of our settlements, located near the mountain range that extends northeast of Antioch. If you seek them, you will find their dirty boots there.

To my great regret, at the moment I am tied up in a siege that requires all my attention and strength. Therefore, I entrust this urgent task to you. You have the wisdom and courage to appreciate the gravity of the situation and take the necessary measures to protect our people.

I trust in your ability to understand this situation and to repel these barbarians who have encroached on our lands. I await your report with news of the measures taken and the results of your operation.

May Allah bless us and grant us victory in this coming battle.

With deep respect,

Yagi-Siyan, Governor of Antioch
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[blockstart:566]
Scout: Governor Yaghi-Siyan, may the mercy of Allah be upon you.

Yaghi-Siyan: Scout, speak. You look as if you've seen the genie himself.

Scout: I'm returning from the lands north of our borders, Governor. There... there I learned of an impending attack.

Yaghi-Siyan: (Frowns) An attack? On Antioch?

Scout: No, Governor. Not on Antioch. The Franks are preparing an attack on one of the Saracen villages. It's two days' march from here.

Yaghi-Siyan: (His lips press into a thin line) A Saracen village... Do these Frankish dogs think that a truce is weakness?

Scout: They speak of revenge, Governor. They say that the Saracens have violated their borders. They plan to attack at dawn in three days.

Yagi-Siyan: (Smiles without a trace of humor) Revenge... They hide behind revenge when they want to kill the defenseless. And what about the defense of the village?

Scout: There are few warriors there, Governor. No more than twenty, maybe less. They will not stand against an entire detachment of Franks. I rushed here as fast as I could.

Yagi-Siyan: (His eyes flash with anger) You did the right thing, warrior. These Franks must not think that their raids will go unpunished.

Scout: Time is short, Governor. How can we save them?

Yagi-Siyan: We will not abandon our brothers and sisters to their fate.
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[blockstart:567]
Honorable Dukat. I have allocated you a warehouse in the south, there you can find gold and iron deposits, please! Get 30 gold so that we can pay the garrison's wages, you have 2 days (1600 seconds, pay in the Diplomacy window)
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[blockstart:568]
– GOVERNOR! – someone shouted from the crowd gathered at the square.

The word echoed across the cobblestones, carrying a raw edge of desperation. The Governor, a man whose face was usually composed and serene, felt a tremor of unease. He had hoped to avoid this confrontation.

- Quiet! – he boomed, his voice resonating with authority. – I know, my warriors! My warriors and defenders of Antioch. Times are difficult now, but what do you want?

He tried to project an image of strength, his gaze sweeping across the faces before him, a sea of ​​weary men in worn leather and dented steel. He recognized many of them; they were the backbone of his defenses, the men who had held the line against the recent raids.

A grizzled veteran with a scarred face and a voice rough as sandpaper stepped forward. “We will not give our lives for nothing!” he declared, his words met with a chorus of agreement from the crowd. “We've spilled our blood for you, Governor. We’ve faced the enemy, endured hardship, and now… we’re hungry! Our families starve. The city grows rich while we… we barely scrape by.”

The Governor's heart sank. He knew their words were not empty threats. He had seen the city’s coffers, knew the surplus was meant for grand projects, for the enhancement of his own legacy, not for the needs of these men. But he could not afford a mutiny, not now. He softened his tone, a flicker of understanding crossing his features.

– I understand your grievances, my loyal defenders, – he said, his voice now laced with a hint of empathy. – I am not blind to your sacrifices. I know the weight of this responsibility lies heavy on your shoulders. Believe me, the city is grateful for your unwavering service.

A younger man, his face pale and gaunt, pushed his way to the front. “Gratitude doesn’t feed our children, Governor! It doesn’t buy tools, or seeds for the next harvest! What are we to do if all we get for our service is empty words and empty plates?”

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd, their expressions shifting from weariness to resentment. The Governor could sense the tension building, a dangerous undercurrent flowing through the ranks. He could delay no longer. There was no need to offer them something concrete, something they could taste and see.
-FINE! I will give you the required amount before the end of 2 days!
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[blockstart:569]
Trouble is among us! Part of the garrison is waiting for the governor at the city square.
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[blockstart:570]
We need a mint to feed the army of Antioch!
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[blockstart:571]
Now I ask you to do a small thing... Well, or it's a big city in ruins barracks
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Bring there
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with the help of the carts that I gave you:
5 wood, 5 rough stone, 3 bricks and 3 dressed stones.
To build other objects you must bring nearby 3 stone, 5 wood and 2 hewn stone and 3 bricks

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[blockstart:572]
Long ago, when Antioch was just a handful of huts, and the mountains were higher and more inaccessible, there lived in these parts a powerful genie named Azrakh. He was not one of the simple spirits, but one of those who possessed secret knowledge and countless treasures.

Azrakh, famous for his cunning and ability to control the elements, collected gold from all over the world, the likes of which neither kings nor priests had ever seen. Gold that sparkled like stars and could blind a mortal. He intended to hide this treasure, so that none of the greedy and unworthy could take possession of it.

Azrakh chose a mountain that rises near Antioch. It was wild and inaccessible, like the claws of a beast. In its depths he found a cave, invisible to the ordinary eye, and hid his treasure there. But he didn't just throw the gold into the darkness... He created a golden pool in the cave.

The gold in this pool wasn't just chunks or ingots - it was liquid, like molten sun. It shimmered and played in the light, creating an unearthly glow. They say that whoever looks at this pool will find eternal wealth or eternal damnation, depending on their soul.

But Azrakh, not wanting his treasure to go to just anyone, left guards at the entrance to the cave. Not ordinary lions, but beasts created from mountain stone and blazing fire. Their eyes burned like coals, and their roar shook the very foundations of the mountains. They neither ate nor slept, but were always on the alert, waiting for anyone who would dare to disturb the peace of the genie's domain.

They say that no one has found that cave and will not see it until Azrakh himself opens it. Sometimes, at night, when the stars are especially bright, you can see a faint golden glow above the mountain, like a reflection of that very pool, and hear the dull roar of ancient lions. But these are just rumors, a whisper of the wind, born from forgotten legends.

To this day, the mountain stands, keeping in its depths the secret of the treasures of the genie Azrakh, and the guardian lions continue to watch at the entrance to the golden pool, waiting for the secret to become clear... or never.
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[blockstart:573]
I pulled out of the cave just... A mountain of gold that I could, but I didn't take everything.
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[blockstart:574]
Old Woman: (Quietly, as if thinking out loud) The sun... it always warms the same... and time runs like a river. How many years have passed... and this fairy tale is still alive... This mountain... What did she see...

(The old woman looks at the mountain, her gaze seems to penetrate the stone, her hands hold an old staff):

Old Woman: They said... there, inside, is a cave... Hidden. The mountain itself hides it. As if it knows something.

(She adjusts the scarf on her head, protecting herself from the sun, her gaze wanders across the sky):

Old Woman: Lions... They said there are lions at the entrance. Not ordinary ones, that walk across the steppe... Ancient ones, as if carved from stone. Standing... guarding something.

(She closes her eyes for a moment, as if trying to remember something):

Old Woman: And then... like the wind on the sand... Rumors... Gold. A sea of ​​gold… Gold that burns brighter than the sun… Blinds those who are not ready. They say there is a lot of it there… since ancient times.

(She opens her eyes, her gaze turns again to the mountain):

Old woman: But... it is not for us. The mountain owns it. Like its blood. Whoever touches it will bring a curse upon themselves. Animals... will tear you apart, so they said.

(She lowers her head, her voice becomes quieter, almost a whisper):

Old woman: Since then, no one has gone there. Of course, men looked for it… but in vain… They all returned empty-handed. And they didn’t see the lions. Maybe there was nothing. Maybe it’s a fairy tale…

(The old woman raises her head, the sunlight plays in her eyes):

Old woman: The mountains keep secrets, and greed does not bring good. He who does not work honestly will be overtaken by trouble. It has always been like this… Remember…
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[blockstart:575]
Yes, we are not rich in gold, we have no money and I could not reward you with riches, but I understood perfectly well that by avenging the souls of those killed during the assault, you would gain the respect of the people, and so a dozen young men wanted to join you, this is the best gratitude.
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[blockstart:576]
Message from Yagi-Siyan: "Unfortunately I cannot leave Antioch due to the burden of the siege, so I ask you to have enough soldiers and kill 20 enemy soldiers, for this you will be rewarded."
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[blockstart:577]
(Yaghi-Siyan steps forward, his face serious. He addresses the crowd, speaking loudly so that all can hear.)

Yaghi-Siyan: (Looking around the destruction) Sons and daughters of Antioch! I see that sorrow has fallen upon you, and my heart breaks for your pain. But have you forgotten that trials come from above? Was there not destruction and despair in the past, before this land received the light of Islam?

(Pause. Yaghi-Siyan strikes the hilt of his sword with his hand.)

Yaghi-Siyan: Are you talking about being abandoned? I, Yaghi-Siyan, the Sword of the Seljuks on this land, could I allow my subjects to remain unprotected? Did I not, the viceroy, swear to protect this land?

(Yagi-Siyan gestures towards the fortress, then addresses the crowd again):

Yagi-Siyan: The garrison, my warriors, have done their duty, defending our citadel. We could not afford to lose everything when the enemy is so numerous and treacherous. But know, I swear to you before Allah, I swear by the Prophet, I will lead you out of this darkness!

(Yagi-Siyan's voice becomes louder and more confident):

Yagi-Siyan: I will punish those who destroyed our city, I will restore every stone and every street! This city is a gift from Allah, and no one, no one will take it away from us, as long as life glimmers in me! You must pray that the Lord will guide us on the true path, so that we, like an indestructible wall, could withstand any enemy! This is our city! This is our land! And we will restore its glory!

(Yagi-Siyan takes a sword from a soldier nearby):

Yagi-Siyan: Allah Akbar!

(Yagi-Siyan looks around the assembled group once more, his face expressing firmness, determination, and perhaps a bit of despair.)
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[blockstart:578]
YOU DON'T DESERVE POWER HERE IN THIS CITY!!!
The tension was too high, it looked like the People were about to kill Yagi-Siyan, but then he started...
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[blockstart:579]
WHERE WAS OUR GARRISON! WHEN THE FRANKS WERE PLUNDERING THE CITY?
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[blockstart:580]
WHERE WERE YOU, GOVERNOR OF ANTIOCH AND OUR GARRISON WHEN THE FRANKS WERE ROBBING OUR CITY... WHERE?
Cries of indignation and discontent with Yagi-Siyan broke out throughout the crowd.
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[blockstart:581]
The people of Antioch are angry that the governor and the garrison did not save the city and are gathering in the main square!
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[blockstart:582]
The crusader force was defeated, but much of the infrastructure of southern Antioch was destroyed and the people were angry.
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[blockstart:583]
A detachment of crusaders has entered the city through the southwest passage! There are many of them. We must hurry to help!
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[blockstart:584]
Saracen village. In the middle of the desert there was a small Saracen village right at the foot of the mountain. When suddenly our warriors came out of the house! Those who managed to survive in that battle, they are! Having asked about my son-in-law Imil-Fazli, they simply remained silent...
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[blockstart:585]
In the middle of the desert stood an old man, what, but what could he forget here? Approaching him, he told that 10 warriors had recently run here... Suddenly he disappeared too...
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[blockstart:586]
The Frankish wells are destroyed! I think their army is getting closer and closer to the plague
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[blockstart:587]
Wells of the Franks! Near one of the oases near the Frankish camp we have discovered wells from which they got water. Let's destroy them!
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[blockstart:588]
The army of Keborga is victorious! The leader of the Byzantines, Tactius, flees from the battlefield, but Bohemond of Taranto, like a true knight, will fight... perhaps the last battle
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[blockstart:589]


Keborga's army is defeated and he is forced to flee the battlefield!
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[blockstart:590]
The armies did not stand still for long and clashed in this duel... Who will win?
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[blockstart:591]
Kerbogha's army! Belated but colossal. Can Antioch avoid its fall?


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[blockstart:592]
The victory over the outpost came at a high price, but the way to Diyar Bakr was open. Dukat, leading a detachment of warriors of Yaghi-Siyan, moved to the northeast, not knowing what trials awaited him. Yaghi-Siyan, with a pain in his heart, remained in the besieged Antioch, entrusting some of his defenders to the commander. He released them like chicks, praying to Allah that they would bring him and his people the long-awaited help and victory.
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[blockstart:593]
Yagi-Siyan stood by the palace, all agitated and desperate, for a long time he waited for me and when he saw me, then:

(Yagi-Siyan speaks, his voice full of despair, but with a smoldering spark of hope.)

Yagi-Siyan: Dukat, hero of battles, and you, who have kept the enemies in fear for so long - can you find the strength to show your might once more? Antioch, my home, our city, is on its last legs. The Crusaders... their army is growing inexorably, like darkness in the sky.

Dukat: I know, Yagi-Siyan. The walls of our city are shaking under the blows of the enemy. My army... has suffered losses. But we have not broken.

Yagi-Siyan: No, Dukat, we have not broken, but we cannot stand forever. There is a way, Dukat. A way that can lead to salvation. In the north, near Antioch, a Byzantine outpost is held. It is like a thorn in the side of our defense. By destroying it, we will open the way to important allies.

Dukat: And to whom, Yaghi-Siyan, to these Byzantines? They are our enemies. Aren't we the only ones who should be trusted?

Yaghi-Siyan: Not the only ones. In the east, in Diyar-Bakr, there ruled an Arab emir, Amid... (he pauses, as if collecting his thoughts, remembering). Yes, Amid. He is known for his wisdom and courage, his troops are a stronghold. You, Dukat, after defeating the Byzantine outpost, will turn to him with a request for help. He will give us troops, food, and we will be able to return not defeated, but strong.

Dukat: (looks directly at Yagi-Siyan) You want me to shed blood in battle and then humiliate myself before this governor? I am not used to asking for help, Yagi-Siyan. But if the destruction of this outpost is the only chance... I am ready.

(Dukat sighs heavily, considering the emir's words.)
Very well, I am ready to help for the sake of the people of Antioch...
[blockend:593]


[blockstart:594]
A terrible sight appeared before Dukat’s eyes – the field where the army of Son-in-law Imil-Fazli had been routed. Bodies lay everywhere, strewn across the ground like fallen trees. Many of them were martyrs who had died in the name of faith. But the outrage committed against them by the marauders filled Dukat’s heart with anger. How could they so shamelessly rob fallen Muslims, daring to trample on the laws of Allah? This sin would be avenged, and the guilty would be punished.
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[blockstart:595]
The battle, though fierce, has left not only the defenders of Antioch exhausted. The Frankish army has also suffered heavy losses, and their strength is waning with each passing day. Thinned ranks, exhausted warriors, exhausted logistics - all this forces them to postpone the assault in order to rest and replenish their forces. This is a respite, but not the end of the war, but only the calm before a new storm.
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[blockstart:596]
Thunder crashes over Antioch, bringing terrible news: Dukat's army is broken. Its remnants flee the battlefield in panic, their banners trampled. Dukat himself, grieving the loss of his warriors and the futility of his efforts, understands that his place is not here now. His duty is to return to Aleppo, gather new forces and prepare for future battles. Antioch is left defenseless, its fate hanging in the balance.

[blockend:596]

[blockstart:597]
The heart of Islam is pierced by pain. Dukat, the faithful servant of Allah and defender of the faith, has fallen at the hands of traitors. The sky has darkened and the earth has trembled from the wrath of God. Antioch is orphaned, for there is no one to come to its aid, and the army has scattered like sand in the wind. The fall of the city is inevitable, and no one can stop the wrath of Allah that has fallen upon us for our sins.


[blockend:597]


[blockstart:598]
Antioch has fallen. The walls that once stood proud are now piles of rubble, and the once bustling streets are eerily quiet. The ancient city, witness to glorious victories and great tragedies, is now a shadow of its former glory. Flames lick the ruins, and the wind carries away the ashes of former glory. This is the end of Antioch, a city that has fallen victim to the lust for conquest and an inexorable fate.

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[blockstart:599]

On the horizon, like a morning ray, the banner of Dukat shone! Like a long-awaited salvation, his army entered Antioch, bringing with it hope and deliverance from fear. The city gates, although destroyed, looked as if they were welcoming their defender, and the hearts of the inhabitants were filled with jubilation. The arrival of Dukat is like a breath of fresh air, it is a victory of faith and justice, it is the beginning of a new era for Antioch.

[blockend:599]



