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HALEB 1098 year
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The day was the same as all the others, without a hint of change. I was walking around my chambers, lost in everyday thoughts, when suddenly my attention was drawn to some movement on the horizon. There, like a ghost from nothingness, appeared a stranger. An ominous premonition crept into my soul. Who is he? And what is he planning?

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(Ambassador): “Noble Ducat, may the blessings of Allah be upon you. I come from Antioch, a city teetering on the brink of disaster. I am sent to you in our darkest hour.”

(Ducat): (Nods slightly, his gaze steady) “Ambassador of Antioch. Your city’s plight has reached my ears. Speak plainly. What brings you to my palace, and what do you ask of me?”

(Ambassador): (Takes a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly) “The Franks, those infidels from the west, have descended upon our city like a swarm of locusts. They have laid siege to Antioch, their siege engines raining fire upon our walls, their blades thirsting for our blood. We have fought valiantly, but our numbers dwindle, and our supplies are running low. We can no longer hold them back alone.”

(Ducat): (Raises an eyebrow, his tone laced with a hint of suspicion) “The Franks… their ambition knows no bounds. I have heard tales of their barbarity. What assurance do I have that this is not a ruse, a ploy to weaken my defenses?”

(Ambassador): (Raises his hands in a gesture of desperation) “My lord, I swear upon the honor of Antioch, and upon the souls of my ancestors, that what I speak is truth. We are in desperate need. Our people, our children, they look to you for salvation. The fate of Antioch, and perhaps the whole region, rests upon your decision. We are not capable of fighting them ourselves.”

(Ducat): (His face remains impassive, his eyes narrowed slightly) “Antioch is a valuable ally… and a vital bulwark against the encroachments of the Franks. But I must consider what this assistance would cost. What strength do you have remaining? How many men and resources do you have available for this fight?”

(Ambassador): (His voice gaining strength with renewed hope) “We can muster a few thousand skilled men, though we are weakened, and we have ample provisions in our stores. We will fight beside you with all our hearts. We swear to honor any commitments we make to you, great lord.”

(Ducat): (He walks a few paces, considering, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword) “The Franks are a relentless foe. The road ahead will be fraught with peril. I am aware that you are close to the frontline, I must consider this carefully. But the plight of a fellow Muslim city… I cannot ignore it. I will gather my council, and we shall discuss your plea. However, know this, if I commit my forces to aid you, I will demand a fair and beneficial agreement with Antioch.”

(Ambassador): (Bows low, his voice filled with gratitude) “Great Ducat, may Allah guide your decisions. We place ourselves and our city at your mercy, and we will be forever grateful. Whatever demands you have, we will meet them, in exchange for salvation.”

(Ducat): (Nods, his gaze unwavering) “You have spoken well, Ambassador. I will consider your plea. Return to your encampment outside my walls and await my reply.”

(Ambassador): (Bows once more and steps back, relief washing over his face, as he turns to leave.)
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[blockstart:502]
After thinking for a while I agreed to send him an army, I wanted to go myself, but business does not allow it, I will send my son-in-law, and then I will join myself

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[blockstart:503]
(Dukat): “Imil-Fazli, my son-in-law. The time has come. You are setting out to save Antioch from these Frankish dogs. I place great hope in you.”

(Imil-Fazli): (Bowing) “My lord, I am ready to fulfill your will. My sword will serve you and protect our brothers in Antioch.”

(Dukat): “Do not rush to Antioch, my son. On the way, send messengers to the emirs. Gather their warriors under your banner. Tell them that the Dukat of Aleppo calls them to a holy war against the infidels. Let their best troops flock to you.”

(Imil-Fazli): “I understand, my father. I will lead the army. I will gather the armies of our brothers, and they will follow me. And what do you order me to do if I do not gather enough forces?”

(Dukat): “Do not worry about this, Imil. The power of our house is known in these lands. Show your zeal, and the emirs themselves will come to your banners to earn my favor. Our glory and our cause will convince them.”

(Imil-Fazli): “And when will you yourself, father, join us?”

(Dukat): “When I have gathered enough forces here in Aleppo, and also made sure that your path is safe. I will not risk you and the army. I will come to you as soon as I am sure that Antioch is safe from the Franks, and my forces are ready for war, but as you gather an army, your strength will increase, which will make your path safer.”

(Imil-Fazli): “I understand, father. Then I await you, my lord, and will lead the army gathered on your path to Antioch. I will not fail you.”

(Dukat): “Confidence in your voice, Imil, that is what is needed. Now go, do not waste a minute. Let our banners lead you to glory. Allah will grant you victory on this path.”

(Imil-Fazli): (Bows again and turns) “So be it, father. May Allah bless your path. I will do everything as you have ordered me.”

Imil-Fazli leaves the courtyard, his warriors following him. Dukat watches him go, his face serious and thoughtful.
Ambassador, where are you going? - asked Dukat.
"I'll go to Mosul, they say Keborga can gather a huge army to help us!" - answered the ambassador.
I won't bother him...
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