[blockstart:500]
And then Diyarbakir appeared on the horizon where Emir Amir (Seljuk commander of Anatolia) was located and I wanted to ask him for help.


[blockend:500]



[blockstart:501]
We entered Diyarbakir, it was teeming with people and construction was starting.

[blockend:501]



[blockstart:502]
Dukat: Emir Amir, may Allah bless your lands. I have come to you from Antioch, which is under siege. The city is surrounded by the Franks, and our soldiers...

Amir: (Interrupts, restrained) I have heard, Dukat. The news is reaching us too. Hard times, and not only for you, in Antioch.

Dukat: We ask for your help, Emir. Your army is our last hope. Only your swords can crush these barbarians and save Antioch!

Amir: (Smirks) Swords, Dukat? It is easy to talk about swords while sitting in a tent. The Franks are not just robbers, they fight like wild animals!

Dukat: But we are brothers in faith! How can we abandon Antioch to its fate?

Amir: (Sighs) Brothers... Of course, brothers. But now the Byzantines, like vultures, are circling above us. The Franks are destroying us and the Byzantines are taking advantage of this to attack us from behind. They are just waiting for our troops to leave the city to attack. How can I leave my people defenseless?

Dukat: Antioch is the key to protecting our lands. If it falls, the Franks will come to you too. Don't you understand that we must stand together?

Amir: (Pacing back and forth) Standing together... Easy to say! But I need to think about my people, about Diyarbakir. We are also starving, and our supplies are depleted. You ask for help, but you yourself cannot protect your city, who will guarantee that when we save you, we will not need help too, and there will be no one to save us?

Dukat: (Despairingly) Are you going to refuse us? Are you really going to leave us to die?!

Amir: (Stops and looks at Dukat) I am not refusing, Dukat. I must think. Give me time. I'll weigh all the risks and think about what help I can give you. Let me think.



[blockend:502]



[blockstart:503]
BYZANTINES! Byzantine troops attack from the southern gate!


[blockend:503]



[blockstart:504]
We repulsed one attack, but that's not all...ит


[blockend:504]



[blockstart:505]
The Byzantines are defeated! Now I think it's worth talking to Amir.


[blockend:505]



[blockstart:506]
Amir: Dukat, welcome. You have proven yourself a brave warrior. I saw you fight alongside my men against the Byzantines.

Dukat: (Nods, proudly) We defended our lands, Emir. That is what every true Muslim should do.

Amir: (Smiles) That is true. You have proven your loyalty. And I saw in you a brave fighter and a good diplomat.

Dukat: (Hopefully) So you have changed your mind, Emir? Will you help Antioch?

Amir: (Sighs) I have thought it over, Dukat. Our losses are great, and my men are weary of war. The Byzantines, unfortunately, are not our only enemies, as you know. But I agree that Antioch is important to us all. (He pauses, his gaze becoming serious)

Amir: I cannot send my entire army. Diyarbakir is still vulnerable, as are all our lands. But I will give you my word that I will send troops to Antioch. I will send them one by one, so as not to weaken our own forces. They will help you in the fight against the Franks.

Dukat: (His eyes light up) Emir, may Allah bless you! This is more than we could have hoped for! Antioch will never forget your kindness!

Amir: (Raises his hand) Do not thank me so quickly. I do not do this out of kindness. I do this in the name of Allah, for the sake of our future, and for the protection of our common faith. If Antioch falls, then tomorrow the Franks will come to us, too, and this cannot be allowed.

Dukat: (Nods respectfully) It is so.

Amir: (Continues) I will also send provisions and weapons with these troops. Our people need peace, but our duty is to fight our enemies. I will give orders for my soldiers to prepare for the campaign.

Dukat: I will send word of this to Antioch. My people will know that there is still hope. Your help will give them strength!

Amir: (Nods, his eyes full of determination) So be it! We must stand together, and we will win!


[blockend:506]



[blockstart:507]
Ducat is dead! Mission failed...


[blockend:507]



[blockstart:508]
Amir is dead! Mission failed...


[blockend:508]

