Damascus 1287
“Count Zirn, the Writ has been received and is complete with the Duke’s Seal.” announced the young attendant.
“Excellent! Lets review before we ride out, read what is says” replied the Count has he made his way for another cup of coffee.
“Yes, my lord” the attendant opens the scroll that contains documents bearing Duke Arnold’s Seal from the Austrian House, the Seal of the local magistrate some letters and a special worded information that the attendant reads out loud to the Count.
On or about the 22nd day of June to 25 October in the year 1279 in the year of our Lord, in the City of Damascus, Jedda Region, Outremer Possession of the Austrian House, in the Holy Roman Empire.
One General al Muazzam also known as the accused is charged with the following Criminal Acts against the Holy Roman Empire.
Count 1
On the dates stated in the location stated, the accused is charged with 1 count of murder against one Mr. Aftim, resident of the Damascus, servant of the Governor.
Count 2
On the dates stated in the location stated the accused is charged with 1 count of murder against on Mr. al Jazze resident of Damascus, merchant.
Count 3
On the said dates in the said location stated the accused is charge with 1 count of attempt murder on Count Karl Zirn, Governor of Damascus, representative of the Reich.
“There are several other charges of poisoning causing grievous bodily harm. Do you wish me to go on sire?”
“No, that is enough. I am glad to have the Duke’s approval it would not look fair the Governor signing a warrant when he is the victim. I want this up and above. I really liked this al Muazzam, a young fanatical general he gave me a real go and then the Prince. I would like to have a large battlefield session with him. However, once I found out the swine he really is and what he did. We are no longer talking about chivalry and the art of war. Just review the synopsis with me.”
“Yes sire, the accused in charge of a small Egyptian force contaminated the date supply for the city of Damascus in the month of June 1279. When the supplies had entered the city he systematically cut of the rest of the supply along with the other food supplies allowing the dates to be distributed within city. The siege was maintained and supplies were cut the contaminated food made its way the Governor’s residence where he killed the head servant of the kitchen staff by poison and poisoned the Governor Zirn causing him to be very ill and almost loosing his life.
It was also revealed that a date merchant was poisoned and died and several residence of the city were sick from the poison dates. Should I continue??...
“No that is good have the documentation bundled. I will muster a small detachment from the city and arrest al Muazzam at his location in the desert. Have Peter sent to me at once.” Karl then went to a table and viewed a map of the Jedda Region.
1288 Jedda region
In an isolated desert area southeast of Damascus, at nightfall. A detachment of German soldiers waited while the men on the horses talked in a small group.
Ingo was the first to speak. “Sire, we got word that he is camping 5 miles south of here. They only remain in one location and move on. They are all on horse but haven’t been to a settlement in some time and the horses must be tiring in these conditions.”
Karl listened to his advisor and looked for consensus amongst the other men. “Very well this will be a swift operation and I want him captured and returned to Damascus. He is a very cunning individual and our numbers are great but I still stress caution and be very aware of your surroundings.”
The riders broke and the orders given to the men it was almost midnight and there were no fires burning to keep the men warm.
The troops moved out and Peter could hear the distinct sound of horses there was movement in the distance. “I can’t believe it he is coming at us instead of running. Battle Order all units!” shouted Peter. The warrant was being executed.
General al Muazzam did not hesitate and charged for Karl’s unit. The spearmen tried to come around the rear to envelope the Egyptians. The crossbowmen kept the small unit of horse archers away.
“Don’t let him get away” shouted Karl. The Egyptians fought viciously they were not going to surrender. Karl had the superior numbers but his men were falling fast it was a battle of attrition. There was no way to stop this crazed man. He truly is a fighter.
Finally the melee broke and Karl was in hot pursuit.
The accused was apprehended and returned to Damascus.
1288 Damascus Court Room
The magistrate listened to closing arguments and then proceeded with his findings.
He began. “General al Muazzam you are found guilty of all counts from this proceeding. Your acts were despicable and you will punished by death for your crime against the Holy Roman Empire.
I therefore sentenced at the time and location specified by this court, to death by beheading and may God have mercy on your soul”
The court proceedings closed and justice had finally been served. The people cheered for their Governor and the law and order that he maintains to keep them safe.
Karl returned to his residence with a new person in his entourage, Randolph the Biographer. He remembered his father in law Leopold had used such a person to share his exploits and now it was time for Karl to have his own history recorded and the dream he has for the city of Damascus.
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