The Way Of The Water, The Way Of The Sand: The Story of the Sab'yn

There. I present to you over 14 microsoft-word-12-font-times-new-roman pages about absolutely nothing.

Anyone getting sick of the detail and/or story and just want to see an AAR let me know.
Anyone who want it to keep going like a sort-of-novel let me know too.

This is actually fantastic... my favorite AAR so far, and I've been reading them since 0.72. Keep on chooglin', man.

i like it- plz continue....

dont change anything!
continue i please:beam:

Wow, great story. A lot better then the ~15$ book I bought a couple of days ago.
Really, I like this different approach, keep it up please.

parallel if you won't write as much ill request the .org staff to ban you for making us sad,becasue you gave us such good reading and after that left us to only remember it :no:














keep it up!:2thumbsup:

LOL point taken

Though university started again. But then I'll probably skip studying to write anyway haha.

K voices heard, won't bothering asking next time. Just thought some of you might be sick reading 14 pages about nothing. I personally liked writing it so it's all good.

Yeah, continue like this! It's a great read, with it's unique style and good characters. I wouldn't mind you writing a novel...:clown:

:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup:
Need I say more?:smash:
Kept going I love this:yes: it makes me want to write a AAR but mine would be more about a Civil war:skull:

keep on!


(btw i am copy pasting everything in a notepad :laugh4: just to read it later

and go to make it a book after you are done with the story and i shall make a fortune from your writing and you wont recieve nothing BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHHAHAH





j/k:beam:

:2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: It's not about nothing. The detail and Novel writing style is what makes it so freat. PLEASE continue

This is easily the best AAR I've read in a long time. The way you flesh out the static characters of the campaign map, create motivations from AI movements... masterly, and I really hope you see this through. I really enjoy the style, the drama, that I can picture it all in my head. I want to know what happens to the Desert Wolf!

Superb AAR man , if you published it as a book i'd have bought it. It keept me excited staring at the screen for 2 hours !.

Thanks for da support guys.

Wish I could write. I can't this week due to English midterm and essay, which I suck at because I am good at imagination not arguement writing.

It's due tomorrow so I can probably write tomorrow night.

Hopefully

"This is the 1st opportunity that I have had to read this and I as you problay know, I love a good story based AAR which delves into the plot a bit and has some depth to it. Well done Sir."

Chapter 5: Friends and Enemies

The army of Lord Nasha Karab Yuhan'em was camped in the foothills of Hadramaut, northeast of Sabata. The army was in celebration, there were food and wine for everyone. It was as if a great battle had been won. Indeed one could say a great battle had been won. The only difference was that this battle was fought between the princess of the Sab'yn and vengeful spirits released by Athtar. These spirits, having already done their job but not wanting to return to their lord, had decided to pick a fight with the princess. It was a hard struggle, but Mubsamat came out on top. The cries of a new life sounded the horns of victory, and the spirits rushed back to the heavens.
"Mubsamat," Nasha danced into the tent with joy. He had been, just like a male wolf, out of the wolf den during birth. But now, no one could hold back this happy wolf. "Mubsamat, my lovely Mubsamat." He knelt down beside a tired princess, clutching her sweaty hands. "Well done...well done."
"My Lord..." Mubsamat smiled at her husband. They looked at each other, both at a lost of word. But they needed no words, for no amount of word could have described their joy.
But that does not mean others don't need words. Captain Yasir entered the tent. Nasha turned to look at him. Even Yasir, always serious, always stern, and usually stone-faced after Tamane, had a wide smile on his face. He bowed. "My Lord, Yada' is out there stirring up the men. They request to see the young lord."
The new couple had, after weeks of marching, became the star of the army. The Lord inspired the men with his leadership, and his past record gave them confidence. But the real sight was the Lady. Though no laws were written about this, no woman was supposed to accompany an army, and few wanted to. Mubsamat, a pregnant princess, had insisted so forcefully that she accompanies her husband that no one could stop her, not even the fierce Wolf of the Desert. And while pregnant, she insisted she share a few light duties that she can still do with a big stomach. Her presence comforted the troops, and seeing the loving couple together made the men forget all about the possibility of death in the mission to come. Now, this new life in camp gave the men something to protect, and reminded them of something worth dying for: their families back home.
A new string of cheers could be heard from the outside. "A name! A name!" Yada' could be heard leading it. The cheer started outside the tent entrance, and quickly spread throughout the camp.
The nurse, a peasant woman from a nearby village, gentle handed the sleeping cub to the father. Nasha turned back to his wife. Mubsamat smiled at him. "What should we name our son, my lord?"
Nasha thought. Yashir saw his lord and turned and waved to Yada' outside. In a few moments the camp was silent in anticipation. Finally, Nasha decided. "Anmar. The wise advisor to the legendary king Yatha'. Anmar Yuha'mem. That shall be his name."
Yasir turned and walked out the tent. Soon the camp was filled with the name of the young lord. Mubsamat continued to smile at her husband. "I wish my father and brother could see little Anmar."

In the mean time King Yazil Il Watar was in Sabata. He busied himself with the reorganization of the city. The plans for sewers needed to be overlooked and approved. The judge needed to be told of changes under the new ruler. The local Bedouin tribes needed to be pleased with gifts. Though a year had passed, many things still need to be done before Sabata and the province of Hadramaut could be completely integrated into the Sab'yn kingdom.
He had left Maryab in the hands of his capable son. Saba, Qataban, and Ma'in are peaceful, prosperous provinces. Halik had watched his father work all his life, and had helped many times. The King had thought that Halik could keep these provinces peaceful and prosperous. He was not entirely right. The cities and provinces were peaceful, but the king's court was not.

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"He was given control over the entire Sab'yn army!" Yelled out Lord Nawfim Athat Yafish. "There is not a single other lord with him! What's to stop him from turning his army around and take over the kingdom!"
"Princess Mubsamat is in his hands!" Joined in Lord Awsalat Athat Yuhaqbiz. "That is the equivalent of having a hostage from the royal family! Why did the royal family give this mercenary general a hostage without demanding three in return?!"
"Lord Nawfim. Lord Awsalat." Prince Halik tried to calm down the opposition. "I know you are both competent captains. I know you are both decedents of the noble tribe of Saba. I know you are loyal, and you genuinely fear for the welfare of the Il Watar family..."
"Then!" Nawfim cut in sharply "Then, my prince, you should know we have reason to fear this wild wolf!"
The court fell under a dangerous silence as everyone stared at Nawfim. "Nawfim!" A deep voice echoed throughout the room. Everyone turned to look at the source. It was that of Lord Sha'ram Yuha'nam. He is the direct descendent of the great Nasha Yuha'nem, and had a strong claim to the throne of the Sab'yn king. Yet during the chaos in Maryab years ago, he had thrown in his lot with Yazil Il Watar. He was instrumental in securing the position of Yazil and ending the chaos, and in return he was made high general of the Sab'yn forces, in charge of the training of the lord's bodyguards and the garrison of Maryab.
"Nawfim!" Lord Sha'ram slowly walked out from the line-up of lords towards Nawfim and Awsalat, who stood in the middle of the court. "You disrespectful runt! You are the youngest in this court. If your father had not died two years ago, you wouldn't even be standing here." He stopped in front of Nawfim. Then, without warning, he swung his fist, ramming it into Nawfim's chest and knocking him onto the marble floor.
"Lord Sha'ram!" Prince Halik yelled.
Sha'ram paid no attention. He looked down at the young lord. "You have not stood here for two years and you dare interrupt the prince!"
"Sha'ram!" Halik stood up from the prince's chair. "You are at the king's court!"
Sha'ram turned to the prince. "Pardon me, my prince." He bowed, and walked back towards the line-up of lords.
Behind him, Awsalat helped Nawfim to his feet. Nawfim stared at the back of the high general, still clutching his chest in pain. "Yes." Nawfim started. Awsalat tried to stop his friend, but Nawfim shook him aside. "Yes, I apologize for my rudeness. But you! Lord Sha'ram!" Sha'ram stopped. "You are the most senior here! Are you not the least worried about this Desert Wolf?! Do you not think it inappropriate that a mercenary general be given more power than the king?!"
Another short silence hung over the court. Then Sha'ram laughed. "Perhaps it is inappropriate, but I trust in the king's decision." He started without even turning to face the young lord. "It is precisely because I am not some young, rash lord who has no experience and doesn't know what he's doing, that I can trust in the king."
"You!" Nawfim started to rush forward. Awsalat grabbed his shoulder and stopped him. Nawfim stared at his friend in court, merely three years his senior. Then he threw aside his friend's arm, turned around, and stormed out the palace.
Awsalat turned to Prince Halik. "Pardon the rude behaviour of Nawfim, my prince. He meant well."
"That I am sure." Halik answered.
"But I share his fears, my prince." Awsalat continued. "A subject should never have more power than the king. But Lord Nasha does."
"He also commands the provinces of Qataban and Ma'in, my prince! If he..."
"As long as he is away!" Prince Halik raised his voice. "As long as his away, the provinces are under our control. I will hear no more on the subject of Lord Nasha's loyalty today. The Bedouin tribes plaguing the trade routes north of Ma'in should be more urgent. I want to hear ideas on that."

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Lord Nasha encamped before the desert province of Zufa. Making the final preparations before pushing into the province. The trek through the road-less foothills of Hadramaut had been painfully slow, and he ended up having to deal with bandit gangs and some wild Bedouins. Operating constantly in this harsh environment had worned down his men, and he decided to camp and let the men rest for a long while.
He had finish reading a message sent from King Yazil, telling him all was well in the kingdom and not to worry about the kingdom, and expressing his wish to see Anmar, now almost a year and a half. He wrote a reply, telling the king about their progress, and about the princess being pregnant again.
"Sir." Yada' peaked in from outside. "There's a lone man outside the camp, asking to see you."
Nasha gave the message to Yasir beside him and looked up. "Who is he?"
"He calls himself Shamah, my lord." Yada' replied. "He says you are acquaintances. He also says he has important business, and won't leave until he sees you."
"Shamah..." Nasha shook his head. 'Can't be.' He thought. 'Not here.' "Guide him in here."
"Yes, my lord." Yada' bowed and walked off.
Mubsamat entered the tent a just a moment later. "Who is it?" She asked.
"I am not sure unless I see him." Nasha paused, then added. "Come, sit beside me here." Mubsamat tilted her head, not knowing what her husband is thinking, but she complied.
"My lord, I have brought the man." Yada's voice came from outside.
Nasha stood up and walked out in front of his table. He blocked Mubsamat's view of the tent's exit. "Bring him in."
Yada' entered the tent. An Ethiopian man walked in behind Yada'. He was slightly shorter than Nasha and dressed in fine armor with a long scimitar, like a commander of some kind. Yada' saw Lord Nasha's threatening face, the face he never showed in the presence of his wife. The Ethiopian man bowed. "Lord Nasha. Good to see you alive."
"You are?" Lord Nasha asked. "I thought sending an assasin after me meant you wanted me dead." At those words Yada' jumped around and reached for his sword. Beside Nasha, Yasir's sword was already drawn. Mubsamat twitched. The guards raced into the tent, their hands on the hilts of their swords. The only two man who stayed as if nothing happened was the Desert Wolf and this mysterious Shamah.
Shamah smiled. "You can't blame me, sir. You were running me out of business. My men need to live on something. And that was years ago, can't we approach each other on better terms?" He reached for his scimitar. The captains and guards approached threateningly, but he smiled at them. He untied his scimitar and threw it to Yazil. "There."
Nasha nodded to Yasir. The stern man sheathed his sword, walked up to Shamah, and searched his body. Confirming the man has no other weapon with him, the captain backed off. The guards left the tent. Yada' sat Shamah down on a chair, and sat down beside him. Nasha sat down on his wooden table, still blocking Mubsamat's view. Mubsamat realized what her husband is doing, and moved quietly towards the rear of the tent. "Well, what is the pirate lord of the red sea doing here?" Nasha asked.
"To offer you my services of course." Shamah answered with a smile. "Thanks to you and the Sab'yn royalty, I am not making enough to pay my men. Most of them have gone off further north to join some other pirates. I and the rest figured we might as well." He turned to Mubsamat, who had just lifted an edge of the tent and was bending down to sneak out. "And I have some gifts for the lady and the young lord too." He yelled just as Mubsamat stepped outside.
Nasha walked back to his chair and sat down. "So, how does a pirate lord who tried to assassinate me intend on earning my trust?"
"With this." Shamah took out a small piece of parchment and handed it over to Yada'. Yada' stood and delivered it to Nasha. Nasha looked at it. It was a message from Yusif.

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On it was Yusif's report about the city's garrison, supplies, and defences. He had also written that he believed the people, while not happy with Murthid as a ruler, are frightened into resistance by the invading force.
Nasha turned to Shamah. "How came you by this?"
"Why Yusif handed it to me himself. I was a part of his spy ring, and he sent me to deliver the message."
Nasha put aside the message and leaned forward. He looked at the former pirate. "Well then, you must know about what's going on in the city. What do you suggest we do?"
Shamah also leaned forward. "I suggest we do not approach the city directly. The province is in chaos. Bandits fill the hills to the south of the city, making the peasant's life hard. In the deserts to the north, the Bedouins terrorize the caravans. We will earn the good will of the people first. Then we can march on Ubar."
"That's going to take months, or years." Yada' spoke. "Are we supposed to tell the king that to keep sending us supplies when we have achieved nothing yet?"
Shamah turned to Yada'. "Oh but you have. You have made Hadramaut peaceful."
Yasir walked up to Shamah. "Are you sure you are not just buying time for Murthid to prepare?"
Shamah leaned back and shurgged his shoulder. "Who knows? I'm just offering my suggestion."
Nasha looked at Shamah. "All right, I'll write to King Yazil." Yasir turned to look at his lord in disbelieve. Yada' started to speak, but Nasha rose his hand to silence him. "We march for the low hills south of Ubar. We will clear the bandits to secure the path for supplies to come through. Then, we will march north and lay siege to Ubar. We shall deal with the Bedouins while we lay siege."
Shamah smiled and turned to Nasha. "Thank you, Lord Nasha. And one more thing. I have about fifteen men with me. They are camped in the hills not far from there. Can some preparations be made for them while I go lead them here?"
Nasha did not smile. But his threatening face had soothed. "Yada', go see to it."
"Yes, my lord." Yada' and Shamah stood up. They bowed and left the tent.
Yasir watched them leave with his stone face. Nasha looked at his stone-faced captain. "You don't trust him."
"No, my lord." Yasir answered, his voice heavy as always. "I don't."
Lord Nasha nodded and stood up. "Good, because I don't either." Yasir turned to look at his lord. "That plan was my original plan. He had nothing to do with it." He walked beside Yasir and looked out the tent. "Watch him."
"Yes, my lord."

"My Prince!" Awsalat spoke up in court. "The Desert Wolf had been gone with the army for two years! Should any of our enemies decide to invade now we would be vulnerable!"
"And, Awsalat, who's going to invade us now?" Prince Halik's annoyance was evident. He had been hearing the same complaints since the departure of Lord Nasha, and the people complaining had been growing. People jealous if the power of Lord Nasha, people who are afraid for their own safety, and people who had just never supported the Il Watar clan, they are all speaking out. "The Ptolemies and Seleucids are busy with each other. The Akusmites from across the sea are busy with the Ptolomies. And our army is fighting Murthid right now. Who's going to invade us?"
"Is not Lord Nasha simply storing up the supplies we are sending him, so he could turn around and march on us?" Nawfim added in. "Is he not trying to gain the loyalty of the troops?"
"And how would he do that? The army is paid for by the kingdom. Yusif is in contact with him. Our trusted captains Yada' and Yasir are there to watch his moves. How would he go about turning the troop's loyalty against us without us receiving word of it?"
"What about the Bedouins and bandits, my prince?" Aswalat questioned.
"From your report, young captain, your men are doing fine." Halik snapped. "The Bedouins are on friendly turns right now, and you both know that. I will hear no more today. We have went through all other cases, so today's court is here dismissed."
"My prince..." Aswalat and Nawfim started together.
"The king will arrive back in Maryab today." Halik cut them off. "Safe your complaints for tomorrow."
Aswalat and Nawfim bowed unwillingly, and left the court with the rest of the nobles. Sha'ram, the old general, stayed behind. "Don't mind them, my prince. They are but jealous." Halik nodded. Sha'ram bowed and left. He walked out the palace and into the crowded street. As he carelessly turned into a narrow ally, a servants came up to follow him. He passed on a note to the servant. "Tell these people. We meet again in six days at my courtyard. The time will be decided later." The servant nodded and sneaked off.
At the palace, Halik and the royal family greeted the return of his father and explained the situation. Yazil smiled at his son. "You must not be angry with Aswalat and Nawfim. They are willing to voice their opinions. As long as they speak out in the manner they do right now, they are still loyal. And their fears are not unjustified."
"So why not recall Lord Nasha?" Tawbtawan, Halik's young wife, asked. "If those fears are a real possibility, the why not recall Lord Nasha?"
Hamlat the queen answered. "It is just a possibility, dear daughter. And we do not want Lord Nasha to think we doubt his loyalty." She smiled gently at her inexperienced daughter-in-law. "There's always a risk when we trust someone else. But the more we doubt them, the more likely they are going to betray us out of fear for themselves. Even the wife of the prince needs to learn when to trust and when to doubt."
"That I understand," Halik began. "But why should we not allow Lord Nasha to know the situation right now? Should he not be ready to turn around at a moment's notice?"
Yazil put his around his son's shoulder. "There is no such risk yet. I do not want to needlessly rush Lord Nasha. If needlessly rushed, a general wouldn't be able to properly conduct a campaign. Remember that, my son." Halik nodded. Yazil continued. "When such a risk really arises, I shall let Lord Nasha know."

Nasha sat on his horse and watched Murthid's cavalry pull away towards Ubar. Behind him, his men were rushing around to put out the fires in a small peasant village. Yasir was directing the effort. Yada' and Shamah sat on their horses beside Nasha.
Shamah smiled. "He's good."
"Only in battle." Nasha replied.
"Hey, hey." Yada' joined in. "Don't get impressed with the enemy."
"I am not." Nasha turned to Yada'. "He's not fit to rule, trying to burn down a peasant village like this."
"But don't forget we won." Yada' added.
"It's only a light skirmish." Shamah said, but added. "But look at them running back to Ubar." Yada' and Shamah laughed. The two had seem to become good friends in the months since Shamah's arrival. Their light-hearted personality matched each other. Nasha looked at them laugh and shook his head.
He turned to the village. The fire has been mostly put out. "How did he know that we plan on storing our supplies here?" He asked quietly to himself.
"I think he can answer that." Yasir walked up to Nasha, dragging behind him Far'am, the person that had led Nasha and the Sab'yn army here. Behind Yasir and Far'am gathered the angry villagers, with clubs, pitchforks, and other dangerous objects in their hands. Nasha dismounted. Yasir threw the trader at Nasha's feet. Yada' and Shamah also jumped off their horses.
Nasha looked down at the shaking merchant. "Far'am, you lead them here?"
"Please, my lord, please." Far'am kneeled in front of Nasha.
Yasir took out a bag and chuck. It landed beside Far'am and its contents of gold coins spilled out. "His bribe."
"No, it's not like that." Far'am pleaded. "I didn't work for the bribe. I simply went into town to meet my brother. Murthid caught me and said if I don't lead them here they would come and murder my family."
"And for that you let them burn down our village!" A voice rose up from the crowd. "Why don't you let them burn down your own village!"
Nasha looked at the crowd. He looked back down at Far'am. He bent down and picked up the bag of coins and stood up. "Yasir, take Far'am back to camp. We'll deal with him there."
Yasir stared coldly at his lord. He bowed without a reply. He pulled Far'am back to his feet and started dragging the merchant toward his horse. Nasha turned to the crowd. "I apologize." He bowed to the crowd. "If I had not chosen this site, this would not have happened." He threw the bag of coins to the town leader. "This should be more than enough to cover the damage done. And I'll leave half my man here today to help you rebuild some of the buildings. I'll see if I can find some timber that could be of use. I promise this will not happen again." He bowed again. The peasants looked at this foreign lord. They had never heard of a lord who bowed down to mere peasants. And soon voices of thanks rose from the crowd. Nasha left Yada' in charge at the village, and rode back to camp with Shamah.
Yasir and Far'am were already in his tent. Far'am was cowering in a chair. Yasir stood over him. He looked as if he was ready to execute the merchant. Mubsamat was outside the tent, looking worriedly at her husband. Nasha stopped and told his wife what happened, and asked her to bring some water. Shamah walked ahead inside. He walked up beside the captain and slapped him on the back friendly. "Hey, don't look so scary." Yasir turned to look at Shamah with the same deadly stare. "Hey, hey, now. I didn't do anything."
Nasha walked inside and sat down behind his table. "Yasir. Tell the men we are leaving for Ubar tomorrow. We are done here. The men will be glad to hear this."
Yasir stared at his lord. "And him, sir?"
"Don't worry about Far'am. I'll take care of it." Yasir bowed, again without an answer. "Shamah, go with Yasir."
"Aye aye, sir." Shamah danced out beside a stirn Yasir.
Mubsamat walked into the room with a bow of water. Far'am looked up at the lady. She smiled at held out the bowl. "Here." She said kindly. Far'am took the bowl of water with shaky hands, and drank it.
Nasha waited for him to finish drinking, than spoke. "How would you like to be my servant, Far'am?" Far'am looked at Nasha wide-eyed. Nasha smiled. "I'd like a trusted servant and friend. How about it?"

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It was the month after the birth of Masihum, Nasha and Mubsamat's second daughter. Young Anmar was now four, and Haywat, their first daughter, two. The siege of Ubar had lasted for seventh months. The Sab'yn army were strong enough to assault the wallless city, but the decision was to wait while they talked with the Bedouins. Now the business with the Bedouins was almost over, Lord Nasha called an unexpected meeting. Even Yusif sneaked out the city to attend.
"I have here a message from Maryab." Nasha began. "Read it to everyone, Far'am."
Far'am bowed and took the piece of parchment. "My princess." Far'am began. "Tell Lord Nasha that the nobles are becoming restless. The king wants him to be prepared to march back at the fastest possible speed. The end."
The four summoned men looked at each other, then back at Mubsamat. "It was from Lady Tawbtawan." She answered. "It was given to a messenger at Sabata by one of her servants. We had been exchanging messages this way since the start of the campaign."
"The King and the Prince do not frequently send messages, and had not send any since three months ago." Nasha began. "For the king to go through Tawbtawan, he wants to minimize the chance that the rebellious members of the nobles know he contacted me." "The situation is serious then." Shamah spoke.
"It is. This meeting is to decide on our action. Should we assault the city now? Or should we wait one more month for the city to surrender? Or should we start back for Maryab."
"We march back for Maryab." Yasir spoke first, without a moment of hesitation. Everyone looked at him. "The kingdom is most important."
"I am for marching back to Maryab also." Yada' agreed.
"But if we march for Maryab, Murthid could fall on our rear." Shamah said. "I am for assaulting the city."
Everyone turned to look at Yusif. He thought for a moment, then spoke. "When did this message arrive, Lord Nasha."
Everyone was confused at a question instead of an answer. "This morning, Yusif." Nasha answered. Yusif let out a sigh of relief. "Why?"
"Murthid had spoken about meeting you for a talk since yesterday. In fact I was allowed out to ask you for a meeting tomorrow at dawn." Yusif answered. "I was afraid Murthid had got this news from a spy in camp, and that's why he wanted to talk." Yasir stared with his cold glance at Shamah first, then Far'am. Yusif continued, "I think we should decide after the talk tomorrow."
Nasha nodded in agreement. He arranged the time with Yusif, and dismissed the meeting. The men stood up and bowed. As they turned to leave, Nasha glanced at Yasir, who lightly nodded, and walked out the tent.
"Far'am." Nasha called to his servant, who was staring blankly at him.
"Y-yes? My lord?"
"Is there something you want to say to Lord Nasha?" Mubsamat asked.
"No, no my lady."
Nasha pouted a bit, then spoke. "Then, could you bring me a blanket? There's extra work tonight."
"Yes, my lord." Far'am walked out the tent.
Mubsamat sat down beside her husband. "Murthid wants to talk because he heard from a spy that we're done dealing with the Bedouins. Far'am's the spy isn't he?"
Nasha turned and smiled at the princess. "I believe so, and this is a good time to use this belief. Would you grab me a bowl of your hot soup?"
Mubsamat smiled. "Of course." She stood up and walked toward the tent flap.
"And tell the Yada' and Yusif not to do anything to Far'am. We will deal with the servant tomorrow." Nasha called after his wife. Mubsamat turned and smiled again. She nodded and walked out.

The next morning, the two armies lined up in the field west of Ubar, so their generals could have somewhere to run shall things heat up. Nasha and Murthid rode out from their respective army with a few chosen men. Nasha had taken with him Yada' and Yasir. Amongst the people Murthid took was Yusif. The two groups stopped a small distance away from each other. The two lords dismounted, walked up to each other, and clasped the back of each other's arms in greeting. They smiled at each other. Nasha started. "Well, Lord Murthid. Why have you called this meeting?"
"Lord Nasha Yuhan'em. The great Desert Wolf." Lord Murthid spoke. "I only want to be your friend."
"And I yours. If you would kindly hand over the city of Ubar, I am sure I can ask the great king Yazil Il Watar to give you command of some troops."
Murthid laughed. "No no no, Great Wolf. I do not need that command. Instead I am going to give you an offer of friendship. You turn your army around to help your king, and I promise I will not fall on your back."
Nasha's smile faded. Murthid laughed again. He rose his hand. At the signal, his bodyguards knocked Yusif off his horse. Two of them jumped off and dragged Yusif forward and threw him at Nasha's feet. "You have your spy, I have mine. Do we have a deal, Desert Wolf?"
Yada' and Yasir dismounted and rushed to help Yusif up. Nasha looked at Murthid's sneering face. "Fine, you have a deal."
Murthid laughed, and walked back to his horse. Nasha walked back to his own. They all mounted, with Yusif sitting behind the Lord. The two groups departed for their lines. Nasha could hear the troops of Murthid cheering behind him. "Well, Yasir?"
"Shamah didn't do anything, sir." Yasir answered. "It's Far'am without a doubt."
Yada' chucked. "He is good."
Nasha smiled. "Yes, he is."
"Looks like you are better, though." Yusif added.
"Then, let's show him." Nasha said.
They galloped back to their lines. Yasir rode for the line of light infantry. Yada' rode for the cavalry on the Sab'yn left flank. Nasha rode up to his bodyguards behind the line. He jumped off his horse, letting Yusif ride it back to camp. He grabbed a horn from his belt and blew into it. At the sound, Shamah waved raised his hand, and then let it fall. The archers and slingers of the Sab'yn lines let loose their missile at the unsuspecting defenders of Ubar.
Murthid, who had confidently rode back to the town square, heard the sound of battle behind him. He rushed back out the town. And examined the situation. "I've been had!" He hissed through his teeth. The meeting had tricked him into lining up his forces in the open. Now, his men lacked the cover of the city's buildings, and faced the missile superiority of the Sab'yn forces. They could not turn around and run back for cover, for the Sab'yn cavalry would fall on the rear of the confused ranks of defenders, followed quickly by the light infantry of the Sab'yn. They could not stay where they are and face the missile superiority of the Sab'yn.
There's only one thing to do. Murthid rode out in front of his men. "Forward!" he yelled at his line. "They are all lightly armed! I have given you good armor, good spear, good shields, and good swords. Take them in the melee and beat them." The spearmen and levies from the east coast rushed forward. The battle for Ubar had begun.

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The infantry of Ubar rushed forward under the missile exchange and crashed into Yasir's light infantry. A fierce melee ensued in the center. As more and more defenders piled into the fight, the more heavily armed defenders started gaining the upper hand. But Yasir was not going to let his line give away that easily. Yada', at this moment, also committed his cavalry into the fighting. Cutting the defender's momentum.
Seeing his infantry not being able to push through. Murthid moved his bodyguard cavalry to what he thought was the unprotected right Sab'yn flank.

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But there waiting for him was Nasha's bodyguard infantry. Murthid did not even get the chance to charge before his cavalry was forced back by a shower of arrows, javelins, and slinger-bullets.

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On the Sab'yn left, Yada' disengaged his cavalry from the melee, and rushed for the unprotected archers and slingers of the Ubar defenders. His cavalry did much damage to these lightly armed skirmishers.
Seizing the chance, Nasha ordered Shamah's archers and slingers forward to cover the left flank. He and his bodyguards rushed into the melee at the center from the left.

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The defender infantry, who were steadily pushing forward, now had to run and face this new threat. They put up a great fight. But finally, Yada's cavalry returned and fell on their rear.

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The route began. Many surrendered. Murthid fled back into the town, somehow evading Yada's cavalry. He was finally taken down by the spear of Yasir himself. The battle was over. Lord Nasha's first campaign was successful. Ubar and the province of Zufa were now firmly in Sab'yn hands.

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That night, amidst the celebration, Far'am was called into the lord's tent. He crept up to the tent flaps and peaked inside. The Lord and Lady sat behind the table. To their right stood Yasir, and to their left stood Yada' and Shamah. They were all staring at him. He wanted to turn and run. But before he could do so, a hand slapped him on the back. He jumped around. It was Yusif, and this time he was also stone-faced. "Not going in?" Before he could answer, Yusif grabbed his arm and dragged him inside.
Yusif threw Far'am before the table. "Far'am," Nasha started. "I spared your life once for guiding Murthid. I asked you to be my friend, and promised your safety and the safety of your family. You chose instead to try to fool me and be my enemy. Why?"
"I am sorry! I am sorry!" Far'am knelt down before Lord Nasha and placed his forhead on the cold ground. "I had lied under Murthid's orders. I am not a merchant, I am Murthid's slave. My family are all his slaves. I was threatened with their life, my lord. I had wanted to speak up many times, but I was afraid for their lives."
"How can a slave be such a good spy?" Yusif questioned.
"Murthid didn't trust the spies he can hire." Far'am answered, still kneeling. "He trained me as one since I was young. I had always been used to spy the realm, and I had been doing it since I was seven."
An uncomfortable silence came over the people inside the tent. The sound of celebration outside got louder. Far'am, scared, slowly looked up. To his surprise he saw a grin on the face of Lord Nasha. "Go back to your home, your family is waiting. Yusif has ensured their safety."
Far'am could believe his years. He turned to look at Yusif. Yusif smiled and nodded. Far'am turned back to face Lord Nasha and put his head on the ground again. "Thank you, my lord. Thank you."
He got up and turned around to leave. Lord Nasha called behind him. "If you'd like, I would still like to have you as a servant and a friend. You can bring your family too."
Far'am turned around and bowed deeply. "I will do, my lord. I will do." He turned and ran out the tent.
Nasha turned to Yasir, the only person in the tent who still has a stone face. His expression was one of disappointment and anger. "You disapprove of my decision, Yasir?"
"Beg your pardon, my lord." Yasir started. "The man was an enemy spy. He had betrayed the chance you gave him."
"He had betrayed no one. He was a spy from the start, and not my servant. And he had no choice."
"In times like these, who has a choice?" The tent fell silent again. Yasir bowed and walked out.
"I'm sorry, my lord." Yada' broke the silence. "My family and Yasir's family had been enemies of the Il Watar clan during the period of chaos." Yada' said in a sad voice. He was not his cheerful self. He was never cheerful talking about the past. "Yasir had lost his father in the struggle. Afterwards, we were both forced into the army as hostages to the Il Watar clan. His cousin was also. He had taken great comfort from watching over his young cousin, much more like an older brother than a cousin. But his young cousin had fallen at Tamane."
Yet another heavy silence came over the tent. The Desert Wolf looked outside the tent at the celebrating soldiers. "The only thing," he began. "The only thing I know about my parents were that they began as bandits in the hills of Qataban. They had turned their life around and entered Tamane as traders. They were successful. But the bandit leaders didn't like the examples my parents set for the other bandits. They had my parents murdered, then bribed the authorities to overlook the murder." He paused. Mubsamat leaned to her right side and put her arms around her husband and placed her head on his shoulder. Lord Nasha continued. "At least that's what my father's trading partner always told me. He had taken care of me like a father. He took me to Carna and tought me about trading."
"What happened to him?" Yusif asked.
Nasha looked up painfully at the ceiling. "Some marauding Bedouins got him and his cavaran when I was seven. I couldn't find any shop or store that would take a starving kid without a family as an apprentice, so I joined the mercenary ranks."
"And look at where you are now!" Shamah spoke up. Everyone looked at him. "Come on. We all have some wierd story. I was born on a pirate ship. My father was a pirate and my mother his captive. We're all doing fine now. That's what's important. Cheer up, it's supposed to be a celebration night."
"Save the celebration for later." A voice came from the tent entrance. Yasir walked in with a piece of folded parchment in his hand.
"You've been listening?" Yada' asked.
Yasir nodded. "A messenger from Maryab gave me this while I was listening. It's a message for Princess Mubsamat." He walked up to the desk. Mubsamat held out her left hand and took the message, her right hand still around her husband's shoulder. She unfolded the parchment and held it out. Nasha looked down to read it with his wife.
After a quick scan, Lord Nasha looked up at Yusif. "I'll leave you in charge of the city with some troops." He turned to Yasir. "Go tell the men to be ready to move at dawn tomorrow. We are going home to kill some friends."

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...obleRebels.jpg

:2thumbsup: Great! True novel style.

Say, anyone know if I can get copyright for this?:laugh4:

By default the author has copyright. Needn't do anything, you already got it. At least this goes for Dutch law, and I imagine elsewhere too ... (it being the most practical solution to an otherwise nasty can of worms...)

Wow, your ability to turn gameplay stuff like a rebel army turning up into the storyline is truly awesome. I'm quite lost for words on how good I think this is.:dizzy2:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tellos Athenaios

By default the author has copyright. Needn't do anything, you already got it. At least this goes for Dutch law, and I imagine elsewhere too ... (it being the most practical solution to an otherwise nasty can of worms...)

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A fellow dutchman! Hi Tellos Athenaios. whereabouts are you from. I'm from Utrecht. I won't type in dutch here, cause I find it really annoing when other people do that.

Passewaaij.

Passewaaij? where is that, sounds like somewhere in Brabant.

Chapter 6: Divided

The sun was rising. Far'am woke up early like a servant was supposed to. He walked towards the cook's tent. He needed to prepare the lord's breakfast. Even just a piece of bread and some meat, he needs to get the lord to eat something. The lord had skipped breakfast for days, ate only a few hard break cakes on the march, and would not have a proper dinner. As he walked pass the lord's tent at the center of the camp, he saw a weak candlelight shining through the flaps.
Far'am walked into the tent to find Lord Nasha Karab Yuhan'em standing in front of his table with his back to the tent flap. Far'am look at the young lord, over ten years his junior, walking first to his table to look at the outstretched map, then over to the chairs to Far'am's right. On the chairs were stacks of reports from the scouts. Lord Nash picked up one, and walked back to the table. Princess Mubsamat was sitting in one of the chairs to Far'am's left. Her eyes were closed and her husband's sheep skin covered her body. She had probably wanted to watch over her husband, but ended up falling asleep.
Far'am remembered the story Shamah had told him a week ago, the story of the young orphan that became the most famous mercenary general, the story of the struggle of this mercenary general and his final decision to join the Sab'yn. Now this young orphan was working without rest while the rest of the army was fast asleep. Far'am felt a deep sadness and his face begin to warm. "My lord..."
Nasha turned around. "Ah, Far'am..." He stopped and looked outside. "Great Almagh. It's dawn."
"My lord, had you not slept?"
Nasha looked at Far'am and smiled. "Sorry, Far'am. There's too much work left." Far'am looked at the smiling lord, and he felt like the young son watching his father working without rest, worrying. "Will you go wake the captains and have them meet here?"
Far'am nodded silently and walked out the tent. Nasha looked at him walk out. His eyes suddenly felt dry. He closed it and let the moisture return. The army had been marching at the maximum speed for nearly fourty days through the road-less wilderness of Zufa and Hadramaut. He had sent Shamah to negotiate with the nearby Bedouins. Those desert nomads, always loyal to no one but themselves, refused to take part in this rebellion. But they agreed to not fight for either side. He had taken a great risk in not spending each night setting up camp defences. The camp of his army had no walls, no gates, only a disorganized array of tents. Should anyone launch a night raid, his army would disintegrate before anything could be done. All this just so his men could march a few more hours each day through the desert.
He opened his eyes. They had reached the Qataban Hills. The reports had started to increase greatly since two weeks ago. The rebels had finished gathering. For every two men Nasha had with him, the rebel had three. They were ready to march on Maryab. Thanks to them, Nasha had not slept for nearly five days, and he was starting to feel the effects. He had gone on without sleep for five days many times before, but no longer. Now he asked himself if he was ever going to get some sleep. He turned to look at his wife. The princess had said she would not go to sleep before her husband, saying she would rather wait. He chuckled.
Yada' and Shamah entered the tent. Yada' looked at the Lord Nasha's ghastly face. "My lord, had you not slept again?"
"No time. I'll rest when the situation stabilizes."
"Hey, good wolf." Shamah spoke. "Don't go chasing a gazelle without sleep, or the gazelle will come back and relieve itself on you when you faint." He laughed.
Nasha chuckled. It was half insulting, half advising, always crude, and, when Shamah said it, always funny. His face hardened. "Yasir's messenger had arrived last night. He reconfirms his goal was accomplished. Sha'ram is now marching on us."
"So Yasir's first report wasn't a mistake? Sha'ram really fell for it?" Yada' asked, surprised.
"That's weird." Shamah spoke. "Sha'ram has enough men to assault Maryab and take it before we arrive. He is experienced, so why is he choosing an open battle by marching on us?"
"Either way, Maryab is safe for now." Lord Nasha walked up to the map. The two captains followed behind him. "Yasir report he and the cavalry would arrive at this village here by evening. We will march in an hour. We shall reach here by noon and set up a defensive camp. Let the men rest while we wait for Yasir."

Halik surveyed the empty camps of his teacher. He had rode the long distance out from the city to looked at his teacher's camp. Sha'ram had taught him how to lead troops. He had risked his own life to protect the Il Watar clan during the years of chaos. Of all the noble families, why did he rebel?
"Well, my son." He heard his father spoke beside him. "You know war better than I. What do we do now?"
Halik shook his head to get rid of the thoughts. "We stay in Maryab."
"My prince." Awsalat Athat Yuhaqbiz objected. "If we march out now we could fall on their rear. We could end the rebellion right now. They are all inexperienced rebels..."
"Rebels who outnumber us three to one." A voice behind Awsalat cut him off. It was Shamdar Il Yakif. "Not to mention led by a skilled general."

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"You merchant!" Beside Awsalat, Nawfim Athat Yafish turned his horse around. "You dare talk like that to a nobility." Nawfim reached for his sword.
"Lord Nawfim." King Yazil's heavy voice sounded. "He might be born a merchant, but he is still the garrison commander of Carna."
Nawfim turned back to the king. "Sire," Nawfim objected before Awsalat could stop him. "He bought his position from that wild wolf."
"Lord Nawfim." Shamdar rode up in front of Nawfim and Awsalat. He smiled. "I didn't buy my position with money alone. I bought it with talent also."
"Oh? And what talent do you have?" Nawfim smirked.
"I was able to bring Carna's garrison to Maryab before the rebel forces finished gathering was I not?" Shamdar continued to smile. "What about you, my good lord? What were you able to accomplish?" Nawfim's face turned red with anger. Awsalat rode forward to place himself between his fiery friend and the upstart merchant. Shamdar continued. "With the addition of my men, the city, with its strong defences, would not fall easily to Sha'ram's inexperienced troops. Lord Nasha has marched his men back from Ubar much faster than anyone had expected him to. If I was Sha'ram, I would not want Lord Nasha's army to fall on my rear while I am assaulting the city. Therefore I believe he is marching to fight Lord Nasha."
"Or join up with him." Nawfim cut in.
"I trust Lord Nasha." Halik spoke weakly.
"You also trusted Lord Sha'ram, my prince."
"Did we?" Everyone turned to look at the king. He smiled and said no more.
"Either way." Awsalat started. "We need to march out. Lord Nasha's men did not get to rest after their battle at Ubar, and they would be further worn out from the long march. They are in no shape to fight the rebels. We need to fight them instead."
"We might loose." Shamdar said.
"You said yourself they are but raw recuits. Even if they do outnumber us three to one, they are all in inexperienced light troops. We can win."
"Yes we can." Halik spoke. The gathered nobility all turned towards him. "Even if it was a trap to lure us out, even if Sha'ram was able to form his troops up and force a battle on us, we can win." Nawfim sneered. But before he could say anything, the prince continued. "But we can also loose." His voice was cold as the night wind in the desert. Nawfim and Awsalat could say nothing more.
Halik turned and rode back towards Maryab ahead of the gathering. He was not angry. He was just tired. Sha'ram must have had a reason. His father knew what it was, but he did not. He had trusted his dear teacher, and Sha'ram had helped him govern Maryab well. He did not understand, and he did not want to listen to any more accusations of treachery.

Yasir had been sent ahead with the cavalry to harass the rebels. He was to purposely let Sha'ram know that Nasha's forces had arrived. As planned, Sha'ram turned the rebel army around and marched to meet Nasha's worned-out army. With his task accomplished, Yasir rejoined Nasha with the cavalry.
The Lord Nasha was at the camp gate to welcome him. Yada' was there to congratulate his friend and Shamah was there with his terrible joke and laughs. Nasha dismissed the cavalry and ordered them to rest. They walked to the lord's tent. "Why did Sha'ram march for us?" Nasha asked as soon as they sat down in their respective position. "Even if you are there to harass his rear, his best bet is still no assault Maryab."
"That merchant somehow marched the garrison of Carna all the way to Maryab in time," Yasir answered. "And then he somehow snuck all that men pass the rebel force into the city without being attacked."
"Shamdar?" Yada' asked. Yasir nodded. His face was still stone, but he was just as surprised as his friend.
Nasha smiled at the news. His eyes had not decieved him. The merchant who had the reputation of sneaking his caravan through the desert safely without paying the Bedouins must be clever. Or lucky. In any case Maryab was out of danger for the time being. Nasha looked down at the map. "Shamah, how much rations did you say we have stored?"
"Enough to make the men so full that they can not move for..." Shamah looked down at the report, "twelve days."
"The rebels are mostly light troops. If Sha'ram march them hard they can be here in two days ready to fight." Yasir said.
"We better assume Sha'ram will march his men hard." Yada' suggested. "He wouldn't want to give our men enough time to rest and reform properly."
"What's to worry?" Shamah punched Yada' playfully on the shoulder. "We'll rest one day, and then strengthen the camp one day. Let them lay siege to the camp. When they do, King Yazil will lead the defenders of Maryab and fall on their rear. Should we not be able to hold the camp, the rebels would still be in no position to fight the King's men when they arrive. Either way we will win."
"Yes, but now we need to see how to lessen our losses." Lord Nasha spoke. "The army will march for Tamane." The captains turned to look at him. "Sha'ram leads the rebel force, but its men are mostly paid by the Lord Akh Athtar Yazi'." He explained.
"And as rich as that big bully is," the captains turned around to see Princess Mubsamat and little Anmar walk into the tent. Mubsamat looked around at the captains and began again. "As rich as Akh Athtar is, he can not keep paying the rebels forever. The rebels must have thought they could win over the kingdom before my husband's return, and so they would be disheartened to hear of our arrival. Akh Athtar would need to offer up more money to keep them in their ranks. The more time that passes the more restless the rebel force would become, and the more money Akh Athar would need to spend. When that bully uses up his money, the rebel force would dissolve by itself." The captains stared at the princess, all of them speechless. She turned to her husband. "Am I right, my lord?"
Nasha smiled. "You are." He turned to Yasir. "Yasir, I want you to ride ahead and inform the city of our arrival and prepare. Then send a messenger to Maryab and inform the king of our plans." Yasir nodded.
Nasha turned to Shamah. "Shamah, you will organize the infantry and march with me to Tamane."
"Oh yes, sir." Shamah answered. "And might I suggest that we take not the road, but instead march through the hills to decrease the chance of being discovered by enemy scouts."
"My thoughts exactly. I am, after all, a Qataban, and I had many campaigns into this area." Nasha turned to Yada' "Yada', you will remain here with the cavalry. I want you to move them and have them strengthen the camp so it seems we have remained here. When the rebels arrive, tell Sha'ram and Akh Athtar if they give up the rebellion I will help them negotiate a lesser punishment, and at least keep their lives. And tell the rebel ranks if they return to their homes without causing any more trouble, they wouldn't be punished. Shadow the rebel force and inform me of their movement."
"Yes, my lord."
Nasha looked at all of them in turn. "We move tomorrow morning." The captains stood up. They bowed to Lord Nasha, turned around and bowed to the princess, then left the tent.
Nasha turned to look at his wife and son. "Well, what have we here?" Nasha smiled and held out his arm. Young Anmar ran into his father's embrace. Nasha laughed and picked him up. He turned to Mubsamat. "What is it? Where's Haywat?"
"She's asleep. Far'am's family is taking care of her." She sat down beside Nasha and rested her head on his shoulder. "My lord, Far'am tells me that you lied to me this morning. You have not slept last night either."
Nasha flinched. "That Far'ram. I told him not to tell."
Mubsamat smiled. "Well then." She grabbed Lord Nasha's left arm and started dragging him towards the tent entrance.
"There's still a lot of work to do." Nasha protested.
"What can a general do if he collapse before battle?"
Before Nasha can say anything else, young Anmar, still holding on to his father's shoulder, spoke. "Father, come sleep."
Nasha looked at his four-year-old son and admitted defeat. He looked back at his wife. "Only a few hours." She smiled and nodded. Unfortunately for her, it really was only a few hours.

It was pitch black when Lord Awsalat rode into Nasha's camp hidden in the Qataban Hills. It was not only the night that was pitch black, but the entire camp. Sharmah came to greet him. He bowed. "Welcome, oh great lord to the wolf pack's camp."
"What kind of camp is this?" Awsalat asked, annoyed. "No walls, not even a simple ditch and dirt rampart. The tents are disorganized, and not a single fire is lit. Who are you anyhow, where is Lord Nasha."
"I am the Used-to-be Pirate King of this part of the Red Sea. They call me Shamah." Awsalat jumped back. Shamah chuckled. "Not to worry. I am but a wolf in the pack now. If you would follow me, I'll lead you to the alpha's tent."
He turned around and stepped out.
Awsalat left his bodyguards with their horses and walked up beside him. "So why is there not a proper camp?"
"We have left our wooden stakes behind as a gift for the rebels. It's a good break for the camels anyhow." Shamah answered. "And Lord Nasha ordered the men not to bother with digging a ramp."
"And the fire?"
"Besides a few candle-light and cooking fires, no one is allowed to light fires until we reach Tamane."
Awsalat stopped. "This is the work of the great Desert Wolf?" He boomed. "He does not care about his men's safety, does not let them warm themselves in the freezing night. What kind of..."
Shamah turned around and held out his palm in front of Awsalat's mouth. "Don't bark too loud, royal guard dog. You'll wake the cubs." Awsalat opened his mouth to answer to what he thought was an insult. But Shamah just shook his head with a smile. He motioned again. "Come, good lord."
As they passed by a tent, Shamah stopped. Awsalat stopped also. "Listen to the cubs snore." Shamah said. Awsalat listened, and sure enough, deep snores came out from the tent.
Awsalat turned to Shamah. "So early in the night?"
Shamah motioned yet again, and they started walking. "The men had been marching continuously for about fourty five days now. Except the camp we made back at the village, we had not set up a proper camp for the same amount of time."
"Why do something so foolish?" Awsalat inquired. "What if some maurading Bedouins fall upon you."
"Then we'd be dead." Shamah laughed.
Awsalat looked at him. "Then why?"
"So we can march that few hours more each day, my lord." Shamah answered. "And now the situation is stablized, the men can get that few hours more of rest."
They reached the commander's tent. Shamah flipped back the flaps and walked in. Awsalat followed. He had planned to enter the tent with a loud congratualtions. But he said nothing and stood at the entrance. In front of him, an old servant laid sleeping on the ground in the middle of the tent. On the chairs to Awsalat's right were a pile of reports. On one to his left, the young princess Mubsamat sat sleeping with a blanket of sheep skin. At the back was the general's table. A map was outstreched on the table. On the map were various pieces of parchment, more reports. Lord Nasha had crossed his arms on top of all those parchement and placed his had on his arm.
"Lord Nasha had only slept a few hours in the last ten days. We tried to help him get the work done, but he would order us to sleep." Shamah chuckled. "Do you want me to wake him?"
Awsalat shook his head. He had not shared his friend's suspicion. But at the same time, he was with most of the noble families. He had thought it unfair for a mercenary general to be given so much power, so much of the king's trust. But at the sight of the sleeping wolf and the pirate king's explaination, all the grievances disappeared. He turned to Shamah. "I am but here to congratulate Lord Nasha, to pass the word of thanks from the king for coming back with such speed. I could do so when he's awake."
Awsalat walked into the tent and sat down in an empty chair. Shamah sat down beside him. "So tell me, used-to-be Pirate King, why did you give up piracy? I heard most of the pirates simply moved north or south where they could still pillage in safety. Why did you not simply follow them?"
"Oh me and my men are just weird, my lord." Shamah chucked. "We never liked being pirates, even with the easy gold. There's a chance for a good life here, so we took it."
"So why did you not join the large empires and instead picked this small kingdom?" Awsalat asked. "I am sure they would have welcomed you."
"We're weird. We thought this small kingdom looked pretty." Shamah kept his laughing at a low volume. "Besides, with any luck it could become a big kingdom."
Awsalat joined the laugher. "We'll need all the help Almagh can give us for that's to happen."
"Perhaps he has, who knows." Awsalat looked at Shamah, surprised. "He has given as a wise king, a talented prince, and a desert wolf."
Awsalat nodded. A day ago he might have taken that line for an insult, but now he could not agree more. "One can only expect such a brilliant plan from the Desert Wolf. If Sha'ram march on Tamane, the king will fall on his rear. If he march on Maryab, Lord Nasha will fall on his rear. Both cities have strong enough defences that he can not take one before the garrison of the other arrives, and the longer we wait, the weaker he becomes."
"I and the other captains had wanted to fight at the village." Shamah spoke. "But Lord Nasha said now victory was assured, he wanted to win with as few losses as possible."
A sharp whine of a horse broke their conversation. Awsalat and Shamah rushed out the tent. A messenger ran up to Shamah. It was from Yada'. They dismissed the messenger and walked back into the tent, unfolding the message while walking.
"What says Yada'?" Awsalat and Shamah looked up. Lord Nasha sat up in his chair, looking at them.
"Yada' says the rebels have set out towards Maryab, my lord." Shamah answered.
"Now all you need to do is fall on their rear once they start besieging the city." Awsalat spoke brightly. "Victory is ours. I've been sent to congratulate you."
Nasha shook his head. "I will hear the congratulation when this is all over. But thank you, Lord Awsalat." He brushed aside the reports on his desk and examined the map. He frowned.
"What is it, Lord Nasha?" Awsalat asked.
"Sha'ram is not stupid. He knows he has no chance of victory if he tries to assault Maryab." Nasha replied. "I would have thought he would try to race me to Tamane. The men are worn out, and Sha'ram has use of the road. It is possible he could arrive at Tamane and took it before I could arrive. Tamane's garrison is not enough to hold very long, and that's why I sent Yasir ahead."
"But he's marching for Maryab." Awsalat said.
"He must be out of his mind." Shamah laughed loudly, waking Mubsamat and Far'am.
"Or..." Nasha traced his finger along road drawn on the map. His hand froze, and formed into a fist held together so tight it was shaking. "He's heading for Carna." The others at the tent looked at him. "The road to Carna pass right by Maryab. By marching to Carna, it would look like he's marching on Maryab. King Yazil and Prince Halik would then busy strengthening the city's defence, while he simply turn north and march on Carna."
"Carna? Carna is defenceless!" Awsalat exclaimed.
"And if my father march out the city to try to stop him?" Mubsamat spoke.
Nasha shook his head. "If King Yazil march out, Sha'ram would turn around and fight, and possibly win and take Maryab from the defeated troops."
Amidst the tension, Shamah stood calmly waiting for his orders. Nasha looked at him and thought for a moment. He turned to Far'am. "Far'am, go write a note." Far'am stood up. "Write a message to give to the messenger. Tell Yada' at the present speed Sha'ram could arrive at Maryab in five days shall he force march at top speed. I want him to keep harassing the rebels without break to slow them down. I need seven days. After he that, return to the army." Nasha stopped, the added. "And tell Yada' if he is not able, then do not do anything rash. I want my cavalry ready for battle. His life and my cavalry are more important than those extra two days." Far'am nodded.
Nasha turned back to Shamah. "Take a few men and take my banners and flags to Tamane. Put them up on the city so it looks like I've arrived. Then come back with Yasir him to bring the garrison with him."
"You got it, my lord." Shamah's usual smile returned.
Nasha nodded and turned to Awsalat. "I apologize for this kind of rushed reception." Awsalat shook his head. "I need to ask you to return to Maryab and explain the situation to the king and prince. Tell them before I arrive with my men not to leave the city to fight. Even if we loose Carna to the rebels, our united force can take it back." Awsalat nodded. "And I have a personal request."
"Anything that I can do, Lord Nasha."
"If you could take princess Mubsamat and my children with you, along with the family of my servant Far'am, back to Maryab with you."
Mubsamat stood up and opened her mouth to protest. She had stayed with the army for four years. She did not want to part at such an important moment. But before she could speak, her husband spoke sadly. "It's more safe." She froze, and nodded.
"Of course." Awsalat answered.

Yada' was able to buy Nasha the time he needed. When Sha'ram, Akh Athtar, and the rest of the rebel force reached the outskirts of Maryab, they found the road blocked. The once divided Sab'yn army now faced the rebels together.

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...6/00Battle.jpg

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...Formations.jpg

From the Sab'yn lines rose mighty cries of "Traitors! Traitors!"

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...Battlecrys.jpg

Sha'ram rode out from his lines to meet King Yazil. Halik and Nasha was there also. They stared silently at each other for a long time. Finally, Halik broke the silence. "Lord Sha'ram, please stop this madness."
Sha'ram shook his head sadly. "It's too late to turn back, my prince."
"You have no chance of victory." Nasha spoke up. "Why waste the lives of more men?"
Sha'ram turned to Nasha and smiled. "The great Desert Wolf. I have underestimated you, and so I admit my defeat. You are more skilled than I. But as I said, we are all too far gone."
"Surrender and we'll spare your life and keep your position as well." Halik pleaded. "Please." Sha'ram shook his head. Halik turned to Yazil. "Father, promise Lord Sha'ram he'll retain his position." Yazil did not move, did not speak. He only stared at the rebel general. "Father?"
"You have been waiting for this day, haven't you, Sha'ram." Yazil spoke.
"So have you, Yazil."
The two stared at each other. They laughed. The men around them looked on, confused. Yazil spoke. "In that case, let's get started."
"By all means."
They both swung their horses around and rode back towards their lines. Their respective followers, still confused, followed. The Sab'yn King reached his lines and dismounted. Halik and Nasha silently followed suit. Halik stared painfully at his father. Yazil looked aside, at the rebel ranks. "Give the orders, Lord Nasha." Nasha nodded silently. He took out a whistle and blew on it.
Shamah ordered the archers and slingers forward and showered the rebel ranks.

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...03Commence.jpg

Yasir lead a detachment of light infantry and cavalry on the rebel right flank, while Yada' lead another on the rebel left.
The heavy infantry moved at the rebel center. Halik lead the charge. His frustration turned into anger. His sword and his skill with it were both gifts from Sha'ram. Now he used them on the man that gave them to him. The rebels were all light troops. None of them had seen battle. Under the ferocious attack by the battle-hardened veterans of the Sab'yn army, the rebel center crumbled.

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...neCrumbles.jpg

Sha'ram tried to rally his men. But both Yazil and Yada' had brushed aside the rebel ranks opposite them. Shamah brought up his archer-spearmen and overwhelmed what's left of the rebel line.

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...verwhelmed.jpg

Seeing that all is lost, Sha'ram turned around and fled.

https://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y2...6/06Escape.jpg

With their leader gone, the remaining rebel force surrendered.
Halik survayed the carnage. His anger had turned back into sadness and frustration. He heard Lord Nasha's voice beside him, telling Yasir to go off and search for Sha'ram. "No, let him go." He heard the questions flying at him. Sha'rams a traitor, he must be caught. Even if we want to keep him alive, we need to find him first. Halik did not want to listen. "He is my teacher. He is not..." Before Halik could finish, he felt the cold iron of an armor hit his left leg then slide down it. He turned and looked down. "Lord Nasha? Lord Nasha!"

Keep bringing on the good stuff!!!. :2thumbsup: :2thumbsup: Great installment again. about the game though. What direction are you going in? I went east in my saba campaign, and unfortunately it wasn't really worth the trouble. The two african provinces have mines though (or the possibillity to build them) as well as african units you can use. Problem there is, that you might get into a war with the ptollies, and that's not very nice at all. Still if you go east you'll bump into the seleukids and the provinces out there are not nearly as rich as the african ones.

Zat's going to be revealed next time.

BTW, who liked the huge amounts of maneuvering that took me hours to make up and figure out? (and who didn't like it)

Don't think I'll be able to do it every time though. Just needed to fill some spaces and make some believable reason why Maryab didn't fall to a veteran general.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Parallel Pain

Zat's going to be revealed next time.

BTW, who liked the huge amounts of maneuvering that took me hours to make up and figure out? (and who didn't like it)

Don't think I'll be able to do it every time though. Just needed to fill some spaces and make some believable reason why Maryab didn't fall to a veteran general.

---

I liked it. It gave a more real feel to the whole thing. Wars in those times were very different, sometimes armies were unable to find each other, manouevering is a big part of war in these ages. Perhaps to make it easier on yourself and prevent repetition do a little less the next time?

Guys we have a huge problem

So I decided to go on a huge playing spree yesterday and today. I got Homna, and decided that's it for Arabia and moved into Africa (hey the Ptolemy attacked me at Carna first)

Anyway that's fine. I took that city on the coast, then beat Ptolemy to Axum, they as my strategy took umm that city that was named Thebes not sure how's it's spelled now Dsomething. Then I moved inland and took that walled rebel city that the Ptolemy took and so I took it from the Ptolemy. So I have taken 4 settlements in Africa and is sieging my 5th one.

So after playing hours and hours I got here, which is fine.

Then I minimize to check on my screenshots...

And I was like WTH Fraps stopped taking screenshots like 2 turns after I took Used-to-be-Thebes and there were like 20 battles after that till where I am now and I took hours to get here. (It's VERY HARD, afterall I am playing on Very Hard/Very Hard with elephant/1st cohort mod and darth AI formation mod).

As I was planning on looking at the screenshots to refresh my memory, I don't remember everything. In fact I don't remember a lot of things.

So we are down to a few choices
1) I write what I remember and you guys do without the screenshot
2) I make it up to fill the blanks and also make up the screenshot (as in take stuff out of context)
3) I play it all again from a previous saved file (which means it'll take me hours again, and the file I got is from BEFORE I took Thebes)

And just for the sake of options though no one will vote for them
4) I just do simple reports and no more story
5) I stop doing the AAR all together

So vote 1~3 (and 4 and 5 if you really want though I don't and I doubt you do) or suggest something.

That sucks. That's happened to me before, but I've never lost more than a single battle's worth of shots.
I'd go with option one.

That's very annoying indeed:no: Very sad.

I would prefer option 3, but I can't really expect you to play that huge amount of battles again (unless you really want to of course, but I doubt that) Option one seems good to me. Your writing is very strong and can carry the story a long way all by itself. Still hoping for option three though....