Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 
Chapter Two



Zahra finished Jalaf's letter. "Fatima, Jalaf is returning."

"When will he be back?" Her friend asked.

"In two days. He just finished ransoming back all the prisoners he captured."

"Well then are all the wedding preparations done then?" Fatima asked as she laid back on the couch so she could breastfeed her daughter in comfort.

"Yes. Though I won't be leaving the city for his estate until Toledo has been captured. He just doesn't think its safe to raise a Family there at the moment."

"Well if the rumors are true that the Saharan Army is being recalled, that might not be a problem come next year."

"But didn't they just conquered Timbuktu?"

"Yes and the money gained enabled us to hire several tribes to our cause. My Husband is sending them into Valencia to draw the Spanish out."

"Should he be telling you this in bed?"

"Oh no, I overheard this without his knowing." Fatima switched her daughter to her other breast. "By the way do you wish to go shopping tomorrow with me? I need more material for my younger sister's dress for the wedding."

"Yes of course."

...On the Road to Cordoba...

Jalaf was riding at the head of his troops when he spotted the herald coming up the road. "Salam Herald, what news do you bring!" He shouted.

"The Sultan has a message for you sir!"

"Then come friend."

The herald came forward and read his message. "You have proved yourself. Can anyone deny it? Have a gift for you. My gift is great. Daughter Zahra sends her love."

Jalaf grinned, to those in the know, the sultan had sent a coded message of 'You can have my daughter.' Though not in line for the throne, he was definitely not far from it.