Cup of Blood . . . Bread of Salvation

Cup of Blood … Bread of Salvation

The Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain

Book Five

Robert E. Hirsch

This book is dedicated in entirety to my loving, compassionate, patient, and supportive wife, Melissa Ann (Lewis) Hirsch. She is the cornerstone from which I launched into writing the Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint-Germain. Her heart and spirit are to be found in one chapter after another of the series in terms of character, philosophy, persona, understanding of people, motives, and political/social point of view. It is so rare in life that one could hope to meet, love, and share their one existence on this earth with a person of identical heart. In that, I have been more than fortunate as Melissa and I, together, have faced life, unanticipated obstacles, unimaginable challenges, and hardships well beyond the normal spectrum of experience. Melissa, you are my anchor, and I thank the stars for you each night.

Author’s Disclaimer

Although deeply steeped in history of the 11th century, the entire five novel series of The Dark Ages Saga of Tristan de Saint‐Germain—Promise of the Black Monks, Hammer of God, A Horde of Fools, God’s Scarlet Fury, Cup of Blood … Bread of Salvation—is a work of fiction. All characters, names, incidents and dialogue, whether historical or fictitious, are purely representations of the author’s artistic interpretation and imagination.

Vanity

Oh, but vanity … wellspring of deception and ruination, disassembling others as well as self. Vanity, rising from the backwater scum of that part of the bosom lying concealed from others—silently feeding those worms of our pride feasting on ambition.

Though we for millennia have spoken of and analogized Achilles’ heel, that myth is misdirected; our weakness lies not at the foot, but within the ‘heart’ where envy is bred, where that ceaseless war of weighing ourselves against others is waged.

So it is, then, that vanity has shaped humanity’s fate, recarving maps of civilization while chiseling at history in the same manner that devastating sea storms carve great scars and gaps into stone cliffs once imagined to be immovable and indestructible.

Yes, all this, driven by … vanity.

Prologue

By the 5th century, in Western Europe, the ability to trample over and butcher others fueled by an insatiable thirst for blood became so prevalent and irreversible as to give rise to a bleak, merciless period known as the Dark Ages. It was an era punctuated by violence as marauding Vikings, savage Germanic tribes, and roving Muslim hordes scarred the European landscape with invasion, bloodletting, and subjugation. Bludgeoning the enlightenment of the Age of Antiquity and Roman classicism into the fog of history, mankind regressed into the blackness of ignorance, intolerance, and savagery.

The seminal, defining measure of the Dark Ages in Western Europe became a bloody holy war engineered by a coven of high Roman Catholic clerics driven by religious devotion, righteousness, and the heart‐fire of liberating the Holy City of Jerusalem from the grasp of Islam. These obsessions placed in motion a bitter wheel of hatred and intolerance precipitating into a cataclysmic disaster ignited by the triple tinderboxes of race, religion, and culture. This conflict, the remnants of which stand to this very day, became known to history as the First Holy Crusade.

The effect of war in shaping global history and national boundaries is evident. Be that as it may, of all factors forging the maps of history, the force of migration has an even greater impact. Just as Romans swarmed out of Italy to establish their vast empire, Vikings and Germanic tribes migrated south, Moors migrated north out of Africa, and Huns and Tartars migrated west from Asia. One particular horde of Tartars, the Seljuk Turks, abandoned their steppes, drove west, and established a powerful empire in Persia. Overcoming the indigenous Saracens of Arabia who made up the Islamic Abbasid caliphate, the Seljuks captured Baghdad in 1055. Having converted to Islam, they ventured further west, invading Anatolia, Asia Minor, and Syria, all belonging to the Christian Byzantine Empire. Defeating the Byzantines at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, the Seljuks forced the Byzantines from those areas, halting their Islamic advance at the very doorstep of the Christian Byzantine capital, Constantinople, merely twenty miles across the Bosphorus Straight.

The Byzantine Empire at this time was the last vestige of Christianity and the old Roman Empire in the East. Although now more Greek than Roman, and having split with Roman Catholicism during the Great Schism of 1054 into its own rite of the Greek Orthodox Church, the besieged Byzantines begged Western Europe for military help against further Turkish encroachment. Specifically, Byzantine Emperor Alexius Comnenus pleaded with Pope Urban II of Rome to send European knights to stop the Turkish threat. Pope Urban, wishing to establish a state of détente with the Christian Greek Orthodox Church in the wake of the Great Schism of 1054 and recapture Jerusalem from Islam, sent out an incendiary plea to the knights of Western Europe to undertake a holy crusade to help Catholicism’s fellow Christians of Byzantium.

Responding to the pope’s passionate preaching, a zealous army of 100,000 crusaders marched from France, Germany, and Southern Italy, arriving in Constantinople during the spring of 1097. From there they sailed the Bosphorus, launched into Turkish territory, and twice defeated the Seljuk Sultan of Rüm, Kilij Arslan. By late August, after arduous marches across Asia Minor and Anatolia, the Latin crusaders found themselves in Syria, the last barrier standing in the path of their holy quest to re‐conquer Jerusalem from Islam and the Seljuk Turks.

This enormous Christian army perfectly epitomized the arrogance and brutality of the European warrior class of the age. Led by a confederation of dukes and princes intent on halting the aggressive spread of Islam, they saw their foe as dark, godless heathens whose religion had infected Southern Spain, North Africa, and the East.

Beneath the veneer of their professed piety and Catholic faith, many within this Christian horde were driven by the lure of fabled Muslim riches and territory. Thus, obsessed with incongruent motivations and led by an eclectic mix of leadership driven by altruism as well as greed, the crusaders launched the final leg of their struggle to the death over belief, culture, plunder, and dominion against the great Syrian city of Antioch.

Chapter One

Antioch: The Mystical Court of Yaghi Siyan

It was late summer of 1097 when Pope Urban’s enormous crush of Christian warriors entered Syria along the northern edges of the Holy Land. Jerusalem, the final target of their quest, merely a few weeks’ march to the south, had but one obstacle standing its way—Antioch, the massive city of the Orient.

Antioch, established three centuries before the birth of Christ, in the wake of Alexander the Great’s march eastward, had been named after one of his favored generals, Antiochus. Its location as a vital and pulsing trade center between East and West destined it to become the third largest city of the entire Roman empire, with a burgeoning population approaching over 300,000. Of special significance to Christians, it was at Antioch that Peter met Paul and the two agreed to allow gentiles into their religion. Later, in the 6th century, Emperor Justinian constructed a formidable fortification system and encircled the entire city with a massive wall, heightening its glory and significance.

Over time, a series of catastrophes conspired to threaten the city’s grandeur and power in the form of three devastating earthquakes, the plague, and the city‐wide outbreak of a deadly fire. Next, the Persians attacked, plundering the city. In 638, it was conquered by the Arabians, who allowed it to decline in favor of Aleppo and Damascus. In 969, three centuries later, it was re‐conquered by the Christian Byzantines and restored to its former eminence and glory. Then came the Seljuk Turks, sweeping relentlessly in from the steppes of Asia, claiming dominion over Antioch in 1085, just fourteen years after their poignant victory over the Byzantine Empire at the bloody Battle of Manzikert.

The power of the Seljuk hammer in Northern Syria had been wielded by the celebrated Malik Shah, but after his death in 1092 succession wars ruptured Seljuk unity. Shah’s son was caught in a vicious fight over control of Baghdad, while Shah’s nephews, Ridwan of Aleppo and Duqaq of Damascus, were battling each other over control of Syria. Religious division further fragmented the region. As the area had once been part of the Byzantine Empire, a large Christian Armenian population inhabited the territory, living alongside Syrian Muslims, some of whom had over time converted to Christianity. The conquering Turks themselves were mostly Sunni Muslims, whereas a sizeable portion of Syria’s Arab population adhered to the Shia sect.

In the midst of this boiling caldron of Christian‐Muslim division, Shia‐Sunni feuding, and Turkish infighting, Antioch was governed by the aging but wily Turcoman, Yaghi Siyan. Knowing that survival depended on backing the right horse at the right time, not always the same horse at all times, Yaghi Siyan cleverly vacillated between Ridwan of Aleppo and Duqaq of Damascus as a means of survival.

As the former faithful slave of the celebrated Malik Shah, Yaghi Siyan had earned Shah’s full trust and confidentiality, and was rewarded accordingly. In 1090, Malik Shah appointed him governor of Antioch. At the time, it was a common custom among Seljuk clans to appoint the most intelligent and trusted slaves to positions of responsibility and prestige. On Shah’s death in 1092, this same respect was extended to Yaghi Siyan by Shah’s heir, Tutush, granting even further power and land rights to the former slave. Tutush died in 1095, leaving Yaghi Siyan as the emir of Antioch and its surrounding territories.

Yaghi Siyan, interestingly, was mostly renowned for his unusual appearance. Possessing an abnormal head of enormous proportions accompanied by wide and hairy ears, his long, snow‐white hair was but a shade from turning stark silver, and his hoary beard of similar thread flowed all the way to his navel. Many claimed he resembled not a man but a strange, plump, feline‐like creature lounging on his cushioned throne, gazing forward with that curious confidence of the cat toying with the wounded mouse. Nonetheless, Siyan’s destitute past and tortuous ascent to success had colluded to keep him humble and judicious. He had survived and surmounted many tribulations, but only through uncommon guile, intelligence, and perception; qualities others often failed to recognize because of his bizarre visage.

As with many enduring a particular foible, his mien cast him into an isolated lot early on, marking him as peculiar. This isolation profoundly affected his emotional development, forcing him to question himself and deeply question and weigh the motives, judgments, and reactions of others. More significantly, it drove him to seek comfort in a netherworld of his own devise, a place where fables, dreams, theatre, and the improbable served as a salve to assuage his discomfort with reality. Fantasia, therefore, anchored him because he assessed real life to be a scaffold of sorts, and perceived fellow men as willing executioners. Serving as the ruling emir of Antioch, he viewed his own existence as an improbable tale, a living refutation of reality.

In the face of reports of a great foreign army advancing toward his city, Siyan dismissed panic and impending doom, holding court as usual, refusing to emote alarm in the midst of rising fears flooding the streets of Antioch. Sitting there nestled on his lush, exquisite pillows, his throne appeared to be an ornately gilded nest, not a seat of authority. Positioned in a casual recline rather than sitting erect, he called on those seeking audience; greeting visitors, signing proclamations, and dispensing justice each morning of the week.

The palace nobility of Antioch had grown accustomed to the meticulously choreographed but curious entourage surrounding Yaghi Siyan as he held court, but visitors often grew confused, if not startled, by the oddity of it all. Adjacent to Yaghi Siyan’s throne‐chair sat a tiny man from a land far away; a slave whose face and body were heavily painted various tints of blue. It seems the slave had been painted as he stood on the auction block the year before when Yaghi Siyan happened across him. Amused, captivated by the man’s diminutive stature, unusual appearance, and high‐pitched elfin voice, Yaghi Siyan purchased him on the spot, insisting that he remain painted from that day forward.

On that first day, unable to properly pronounce the full western name of his new acquisition, Siyan dubbed him with the shortened version of ‘Ben’, adding ‘fazi’ to the end, which translated as ‘opening.’ Siyan felt that the tiny man’s appearance opened people’s eyes to the realm of other possibilities. Two days later, to further embellish this effect, Siyan ordered that the little man be clothed in a costume of unfamiliar fashion but of Yaghi Siyan’s own design, causing one to assume the slave had been relegated to the role of jester or another such position of amusement.

Yet, there was no humor in the little man’s eyes as he sat ensconced in court each day next to Yaghi Siyan. As the emir held morning court, it was not uncommon for him to lean over to the blue man, exchange whispers, then nod, declaring, Ay, Ben‐fazi, I think you may be correct!

Evidently, clownish as the slave appeared and poor as his mastery of the Turkish tongue was, he had earned his way into carrying sway.

On the opposite side of Yaghi Siyan’s throne seated on the floor, a huddle of young boys aged eight to ten was assembled. Wearing elegant slippers and ballooning trousers of exquisite fabric, denoting nobility, they were shirtless and wore no head‐cover, contrary to Muslim aristocracy and courtly expectation. The incongruence of their dress was exacerbated by their immediate proximity to the emir. Whereas high court officials were nowhere to be seen within range of the throne-chair, these boys had been given a location of privilege. This, of course, further fueled rumors that Yaghi Siyan possessed a penchant for young boys, yet no such thing had ever actually been confirmed. Further puzzling, this pack of boys was easily distracted amongst themselves, but their occasional flare‐ups seemed not to perturb Yaghi Siyan as it did others. Ignoring their disturbances, he sustained business as if they were not even present.

To the back of these boys stood eighteen young women from Yaghi Siyan’s brimming harem. Heavily clothed and veiled, the sensuality of their large almond eyes and heavy brows was irresistible, as was the mystery emanating from behind their veils. Standing there, motionless as marble statues, in contrast to the boys at their feet, these perfectly proportioned young maidens embodied the delicate precision of a master sculptor’s finely chiseled masterpieces. If not for a rare blink from time to time, it was difficult to tell whether the women were real or statues.

Just beyond their position on the floor, seated in the same fashion as the boys, sat a cluster of old men, all of whom appeared to be beggars. Quietly listening to visitors approaching Yaghi Siyan’s throne, bowing, and stating their purpose, these men would at times put their heads together in quiet counsel, assessing the merits of what had just been said, proposed, or requested. On occasion, the eldest of these beggars would stand, advance to Yaghi Siyan’s throne, kneel, and exchange whispers with the emir. When done, the old beggar would place his forehead to the floor at Yaghi Siyan’s feet, stand, and return briskly to his place amongst his fellow beggars.

Visitors new to court gazed about blankly, astonished by such lack of convention surrounding the throne of a powerful emir. The vignette confronting them seemed surreal in a sense, yet all within the Antioch court behaved as though nothing was out of place, heightening the illusory feel of things. The pretension of courtly Antiochians that nothing was amiss forced newcomers to, in turn, mask their curiosity, joining in on the apparent charade for fear of creating offense.

The first individual summoned before the throne that morning was the city commandant of Antioch, General Ahmet. Face flushed, he could not suppress the urgency that had been pulling at him for days. Master Siyan, he said, the first of the foreigners have already approached and the full force is expected to arrive within the week. Their advance contingents are already pitching perimeters at various points before our walls. Our military garrison here is well‐numbered at 5,000, but our scouts estimate over 100,000 within the foreign army’s ranks!

We don’t know their intentions, Ahmet, said Yaghi Siyan, looking over at the tiny man to his right already nodding in agreement with the emir, yet you behave as if they intend to besiege us. Besides, 100,000 men or not, they can’t all be men-at‐arms, surely.

No, Master, replied Ahmet. Perhaps a third are knights and footmen, the others labor in support roles. Nonetheless, we’re woefully undermanned before such huge numbers!

At this, the tiny man whispered something to Yaghi Siyan.

Looking at General Ahmet, Siyan said, Ben‐fazi asks if they have siege equipment, towers, ballistas?

No, our scouts report no heavy machinery, but their advance parties are downing trees already. We suspect their army may have battalions of engineers and craftsmen, along with sappers.

General, nodded Siyan, despite the enormous size of this foreign army and vague, unconfirmed reports of its defeat of Kilij Arslan in Asia Minor, we command a well‐fortified, well-armed, impregnable fortress. Then, too, please know that I’ve taken precautionary measures. I’ve already dispatched my sons Shams ad‐Daulah and Muhammad on diplomatic missions to, if necessary, seek military assistance from Duqaq in Damascus and Ridwan in Aleppo. Should that not work, then Shams ad-Daulah shall make his way to Mesopotamia to seek help from the great Kerbogha, atabeg of Mosul, a leader mightier than Duqaq, Ridwan, and ourselves combined.

The very mention of Kerbogha of Mosul prompted the huddle of boys to break into chatter, accompanied by a busy exchange from the beggar‐men. The young women remained motionless save their eyes, which took on new light, as did the eyes of painted Ben‐fazi.

You spread needless alarm, General, Siyan admonished, stroking his long white beard with deliberation, his eyes narrowing.

Ahmet felt the chastisement. Yes, Master, I understand! he lied, snapping to attention. But within, Ahmet was beginning to simmer. He knew the two demented brothers from Aleppo and Damascus despised each other to the bone, being heavily engaged in a deadly duel over control of Syria. The eldest, twenty‐year‐old Ridwan of Aleppo, had already had two of his younger brothers strangled to death by the Order of the Assassins, and Duqaq of Damascus had barely escaped the same fate by a hair on the night Ridwan’s assassins had come looking for him. And even with Duqaq’s alliance with Antioch, he was not dependable and reputably flighty.

Worse, Ridwan of Aleppo had openly expressed designs of taking over Antioch despite his marriage, just years earlier, to Yaghi Siyan’s own daughter. Siyan had offered her up to avert war, but most Antiochians suspected it was just a matter of time before that ploy collapsed in the face of Ridwan’s insatiable greed.

No, thought General Ahmet, neither Ridwan nor Duqaq could be counted on for help. The only prayer would be Kerbogha of Mosul, but he was a long, long distance away in Mesopotamia, and seemed little interested in Syrian affairs.

Spotting General Ahmet’s diffidence, Siyan said, As you know, Ahmet, the bulk of our population here in Antioch is Christian, not Muslim. To calm your fears, tomorrow I shall allow you to expel those Greek and Armenian Orthodox Christians with a history of raising disturbances, and you may also begin keeping a closer eye to the rest, but without getting too heavy‐handed, mind you. As you know, we’ve had to provide refuge for our Artah garrison because Artah’s Armenian revolt was instigated by the very approach of this foreign Christian army. Armenians are a different race than us, Ahmet. With a Western army approaching our gates, some of them might incline toward a return to Christian rule.

Siyan’s orders placated Ahmet minimally, yet he feared sedition among many Antiochian Christians. Therefore, it forced a question. And what of the Syrian Orthodox Christians, Master?

Yes, Christian, but Syrian, said Siyan, not Western like the Greeks, Armenians, or the approaching army. Being dark by birth, race alone shall keep Syrian Christians in our corner. They’ve no interest in a return to Byzantine rule, nor rule by anyone else of a white race. They’ll remain true to us, Ahmet, as will our Muslim population. Blood clings to blood of its own kind, Ahmet, as history has shown. Race is the great divider of the world, and the great unifier amongst those of the same color.

As Siyan finished, Ben‐fazi leaned into his ear, pointing at the general. Unable to read Ben‐fazi’s expression through his face paint, Ahmet guessed Ben‐fazi was undermining him; the two men had disliked each other immensely since laying eyes on one another. When mysterious Ben‐fazi had appeared a year earlier, Ahmet had ridiculed the little man’s appearance and odd voice, never suspecting the newcomer would end up earning Yaghi Siyan’s affection and trust, becoming a valued pet of sorts.

Issuing Ahmet a cold look, Siyan pulled at his beard, his lips riffling as if engaged in self‐conversation. Ben‐fazi believes you fail to recognize this foreign army is engaged in a holy war, he said. Yes, a Christian jihad against the Islamic takeover of Jerusalem, which is to them, as to us, a cradle of their faith. They view themselves as holy warriors intent on recapturing Jerusalem for Christianity, so says Ben-fazi. Therefore, it’s quite possible they have little intention of molesting Antioch. They could simply have come here to negotiate safe passage south, something I would gladly grant since the Seljuk tribes of the Levant are my enemies. Little would I care should they lose Jerusalem.

But Master, reasoned Ahmet, bowing but holding his ground, jihad is a word thrown about recklessly by warring Sunni and Shia factions effusing bad blood or staking territory. And Jerusalem has been in Muslim hands for four centuries, going back to our enemies of the Fatimid Caliphate of Arabia and Egypt. What would suddenly incite these Christians to invade after all this time? Not jihad, Master, but plunder and land, just like Ridwan of Aleppo, or Kilij Arslan, or the Byzantines. A holy war, says Ben‐fazi? Ha! And how would he know such a thing?

Ben‐fazi is from the West, Ahmet, replied Siyan, and he’s heard the preaching there. But he’s since converted to Islam and is now faithful to Antioch, and to me. But he understands the roots of this unexpected invasion better than we do. It makes little sense to us, but it is what it is, in the eyes of the foreigners at least.

Ahmet sighed, resignation filling his face. He wished to strangle the blue man but instead bowed with deference.

Be on your way then, Ahmet, said Siyan, flagging the back of his hand at the commandant, unless you have anything else for my attention?

There is one other matter, said Ahmet. Late last night, a large troop of ghazis maneuvered the approach up Mount Silpius and appeared at our rear gate.

The Iron Gate? asked Siyan, surprised.

Yes, Master. An odd mix of Persians, Turks, and Arabs led by a huge fellow who thought much of himself. He demanded we open the gate immediately and allow his ghazis entry.

Demanded? Oh? And what was your reply?

Because you were asleep, and I had no wish to disturb you, I refused. I told him to have his men sleep on the rocks until morning. Besides, with the rash of Seljuk infighting and feuding gripping the region, I didn’t trust the unannounced arrival of such a sizeable force, no matter the claims of seeking refuge from the Western army advancing our direction.

Ah, well done, Ahmet. But then, did you get their leader’s name?

After blathering much profanity, the man identified himself as a Persian named Mahmoud Malik. But such an ass, acting like he owned the place!

Rubbing his beard, Siyan dropped into reflection. I do believe I’ve heard the name, actually, he said, brows drawing down. Go back to the Iron Gate, Ahmet, and tell him that he and his men shall sleep yet another night among the rocks, and another, until he discovers the art of courtesy.

Yes, Master! replied Ahmet, pleased for the first time all morning. Bowing in reverence, he left the court, accompanied by his detail.

Looking at Ben‐fazi, a tiny flicker issued from Siyan’s eye as he said, Maybe the rocks will teach this rude visitor some manners, eh? I despise men of such grain, as I’m certain you do also.

Ben‐fazi shrugged, offering little sign of agreement. Rather, even through the paint, a shadow arrived, darkening his expression.

What is it? asked Siyan.

Nothing, Master Yaghi, lied Ben‐fazi, his tone betraying a trace of dread. He, in fact, was well acquainted with the name Mahmoud Malik, and the profound evil of him. Please, he added, continue with the many important affairs awaiting you this morning.

Chapter Two

The Children of Firuz

When court concluded, the palace hall was cleared of visitors, court officials, and other attendees, including the huddle of boys and beggars, along with the eighteen young women of the emir’s harem. Only Yaghi Siyan, Ben‐fazi, and a squad of guards remained.

Bring in the children, ordered Siyan, gesturing to the guard captain.

A boy of ten and his sister, twelve, were ushered into the hall, followed by their father. As they advanced, Yaghi Siyan’s eyes brightened a fraction with each footstep taken forward by the two children. Firuz and his children! declared the captain, pushing the boy and girl toward the throne, planting them just inches from Yaghi Siyan.

Their father stepped behind them but Siyan frowned. Ho there, he motioned, no need for you to come any further, Firuz.

Yes, Emir Siyan, bowed Firuz, backing away. I didn’t mean to offend.

The boy was afraid, eyes darting downward with furtive glances, unwilling to focus on the emir. One foot awkwardly positioned atop the other, his face was pink with color and the fingers of one hand clung tightly to the grasp of his sister. He was breathing hard, which brought a smile from Yaghi Siyan, but that failed to set the boy at ease.

There, there, young Garik, cooed Yaghi Siyan, reaching out gently to rumple the boy’s dark spill of curly hair, nothing to be afraid of from old Yaghi here. I’ll always be careful with one as fragile as you.

This did little to calm the boy. Trembling, he glanced at his sister, seeking comfort, but found none. Her eyes were anchored on those of Yaghi Siyan, studying him, unsmiling and unafraid. Their steady bead announced that intangibility of youthful but knowing awareness undeterred by authority or age. Good morning, Master Yaghi, she offered, her voice lacking expression.

Ah, aha, my sweet blossom, Karine! chortled Siyan, his eyes glimmering in amusement at the familiarity of her salutation. While others referred to him as ‘Master Siyan,’ he liked to think that her greeting of ‘Master Yaghi’ was driven by affection, though any such sentiment was voided by her frigid expression. Still, the lilt of the girl’s voice, an ungiving, neutral tone, pleased him for some reason. The only other person allowed to address him as Master Yaghi was Ben‐fazi, who now sat erect as a shaft of wheat. Having lost all air of previous perturbation, he was eyeing the children with curiosity.

The children had first been brought to court three weeks earlier. Siyan had come across them incidentally as he toured the Antioch market. Struck by their appearance, he made inquiries about them and learned they were the offspring of his preferred armor maker, an Armenian named Firuz. Firuz had been prosperous as Antioch’s premier armorer before the recent Turkish takeover, and was a highly regarded figure within the large Armenian community of the city. As time passed, Yaghi Siyan came to depend on Firuz’s iron‐working skills and soon became the man’s most profitable patron.

Firuz enjoyed another unexpected advancement when Siyan, in a thinly disguised attempt to boost his own influence within the Armenian community, appointed Firuz as Captain of the Guard over the Tower of the Twin Sisters, one of more than 400 towers lining the ramparts of Antioch. This was unusual in that Firuz was the first Armenian appointed to a trusted post beneath the boot of Seljuk rule over Antioch. Siyan’s single requirement was that Firuz convert to Islam. A good number of Armenians had already converted from Christianity over the past twelve years, especially of late, but more likely for purposes of trade and stature than purposes of actual faith.

Siyan’s insistence to convert had caused Firuz distress since he was actually a devout Greek Orthodox Christian. However, after much soul searching, the nagging of his ambitious Armenian wife overcame Firuz’s own objections and he accepted Siyan’s proposal. Notwithstanding, there remained within his proud Armenian heart a murky backwater of shame and regret. But no matter how many doors Yaghi Siyan opened for him, Firuz refused to view him and the Turks as nothing more than foreign occupiers.

On discovering Firuz’s children in the marketplace, Siyan had them summoned to court a half dozen times for short visits. The lone parties privy to these surreptitious visits were Ben‐fazi and a small retinue of palace guards. Their father merely presented the children, then was surreptitiously dismissed.

To Ben‐fazi, by now rather familiar with Yaghi Siyan’s foibles and eccentricities, the two children had struck a peculiar chord within the old man’s heart, much like Ben‐fazi had after being spotted painted blue on the auction block. Simply put, Ben‐fazi’s tiny stature and elfin voice had pricked Yaghi Siyan’s imagination, a place where the ‘unusual’ flourished.

It appeared these children had done the same.

Chapter Three

The Persian

As court assembled the following morning, the first man presented was accompanied to the throne by General Ahmet. Emir Siyan, said the commandant, delivering a crisp salute, Mahmoud Malik, Persian general from Asia Minor and the Sultanate of Rüm.

Even as the Persian advanced, a pall fell over the court. Larger in girth and height than most had ever witnessed, his over‐sized skull was meticulously shaved to the scalp, and oiled, fairly gleaming in the light. Onlookers could not help but notice that his thick, muscled neck flesh melded into equally muscled shoulder flesh; his naturally dark skin, further deepened by the desert sun, especially his face and neck, evidenced horrendous war scars. Most striking was his gait; exaggerated and overly imposing for a stranger in a distant court. In a word—frightening.

Emir, the man said, not bowing but nodding, I am Mahmoud Malik, warlord, recently arrived here to Antioch. I’ve brought a force of 700 ghazis of Persian, Seljuk, and Syrian mix, my private army. I’ve recently been engaged in skirmishes to the north with these invading forces surrounding your gates. As things now stand, and in your own favor, I offer you my services.

Hmmm … Mahmoud Malik … said Siyan, his brows knitting with reflection. I’ve heard talk of a mercenary to the far north by that name. Have you not spent time in service to Sultan Kilij Arslan of Nicaea?

Yes, Malik stated gruffly, at his whim and whenever peril threatened his borders.

Cupping his chin, Siyan’s fingers disappeared one by one into his hoary bush of a beard. I’ve heard the name elsewhere as well. Might you be the same man known as the ‘Butcher of Medina’?

Malik offered no change of expression. I’ve been called that, he said. I was commissioned by the caliphs of Medina in the past to quell a Shia uprising plaguing their domain.

Siyan’s eyes dropped, displeased. It’s said that after decapitating several thousand rebels and mounting their heads on lances along the avenues of Medina, you then sought out their women and children, and did the same.

I was hired to settle an issue, and that’s what I did. There had been a string of earlier uprisings also. I merely settled things for good.

Allah blesses women and children, scowled Siyan, shaking his head.

Ah, but Allah has also, since my birth, directed me. As such, he has guided my sword as well. Who are we, you and I, to question Allah?

If you take comfort in such belief for the benefit of sleeping at night, then so be it. But tell, how is it you’ve ended up here in Antioch?

I was in flight from an enemy of Syrian Seljuks, Lord Abdul Azim, to the north, whose family once ruled much of these lands many years ago.

Abdul Azim? echoed Siyan, his thoughts reverting in time. Ah, yes. His father was among the first Seljuks to enter Syria and claim land here, but his realm was overrun by the clan of Tutush, my former master. As I recall, Abdul was but a boy at the time, barely escaping the massacre of his entire bloodline.

That’s true. As you know then, the boy grew into a man and has never forgotten those days. His hatred for anyone connected to Tutush runs deep, which would subsequently include yourself, Emir Siyan.

Probably, acknowledged Siyan, but what’s his business with you?

Not long ago, I raided his sultanate east of Anatolia and was on my way back to the Sultanate of Rüm. During my retreat, I learned of Kilij Arslan’s defeats at Nicaea and Dorylaeum by this same Christian force arriving here in Antioch. You’ve heard, have you not, that the entirety of Asia Minor has been lost and that Kilij Arslan remains in hiding?

We’ve heard rumors of such. Do you confirm it?

Verily. And because of that unexpected turn, my flight from Abdul Azim was forced south. Encountering the invaders as they turned south for Antioch, I battled my way here. I learned from Syrian shepherds along the way about the back path up Mount Staurin to the city’s rear gate. Turning, he gave General Ahmet an evil, penetrating stare. But this damned fellow beside me refused entry, forcing us to sleep on the rocks! Refocusing on Siyan, he continued, Now, to your own good fortune, as I said before, I offer you my services.

Your services? asked Siyan, his brows drawing down until his eyes appeared shut. For a price, no?

Certainly, but to our mutual benefit. Malik’s expression lightened then, and he nearly smiled. You’re not in a favorable position at the moment, Emir. Of course, should you refuse, I’ll be on my way.

On your way? chortled Siyan, tugging at his beard thoughtfully, taking on that renown expression of the cat lying on its side, lazily toying with a subdued victim. And just where would that be, General Malik? Your protector, Kilij Arslan, is lost, your path back north is blocked by a foreign army, and because you’ve plundered Abdul Azim’s sultanate, he now stands in your path. Ha! I dare say he’ll stop at nothing to see your head separated from those shoulders!

Unperturbed, Malik stated calmly, You are far from alone in the face of this threat. Ridwan of Aleppo and Duqaq of Damascus could easily become targets of this Christian invasion. Should you not be interested in my services, I’ll simply seek work beneath their banners.

Siyan’s lips peeled back into a grin, undetectable beneath the snowy cover of his beard. Glancing at Ben‐fazi, catching his eye, he straightened and again faced the Persian. No, Malik, it seems you are in a bit of a snare, especially since you’ve already engaged these crusaders—who’ll recognize your black banners—and you’ll not be able to break out for Aleppo, although it’s only three days march from here, and Damascus is even further than that. Here, he crossed his arms and reclined his head back on his pillows, to stare at the palace ceiling, yawning with lost interest. There was a long pause in which everyone held their breath. But I shall, in honor of Allah’s generosity alone, award you temporary refuge here behind my walls … Slowly bringing up his head, his eyes targeted Malik’s, and he raised one boney forefinger, saying, On one condition: that should it become necessary, you will fight for Antioch.

Should it become necessary!? shouted Malik, derision washing into his tone as he pivoted full circle, looking at those in court as if the emir had gone daft. Why do you suppose they’ve amassed here at Antioch? he fumed. Do you not smell invasion though it burns your own nostrils? Ha! Rather than offer me fair compensation to help defend your walls, you ask me to fight for nothing? Oh, but life is too precious a commodity to flitter away in such imbalanced bargains, I say!

Say what you wish, sniffed Siyan, pointing to Ben‐fazi. My counselor and I have reached into the basket and pulled from it three possibilities. Granted, invasion is one of them. But respite is another. Antioch is the last large city before Jerusalem, which is, according to Ben‐fazi, the ultimate target of these crusaders. They may simply be seeking markets and supplies before their push south. And the third possibility, they may be seeking to negotiate passage, as do many armies passing through new territory to a final destination.

His face contracting with incredulity, Malik laughed aloud, his tone seeping mockery, which settled ill with the old emir. Ha! They’re here to attack you, Siyan! Just as at Nicaea and all along the path through Asia Minor, Anatolia, and Armenia! His face knotting scorn, he shook his head, pointing to Ben‐fazi. I’ve no idea who this little blue pigeon sitting there next to you might be, yet you claim him as your, your counselor? Pointing at the boys, the pack of old men, and the row of silent maidens, he ranted on, And whatever in the name of Allah is all this absurdity surrounding me? Have I landed in a damned mad‐house!?

At this, General Ahmet advanced, his face coloring. Watch your words, imbecile! he hissed, motioning to the guards. Considering his private fears about future siege, part of him knew the Persian’s additional troops could prove valuable in the end. His voice lowered to a whisper. The old cat, despite his appearance, has claws, damn you. He could have you gutted before you blinked. Hold that tongue of yours!

Having reached the limits of his patience, Yaghi Siyan waved off the guards. Sitting rigid for the first time, his expression evolved from anger into that dubious, antithetical smile of the jackal. Mah‐moud Ma‐lik, he purred, elongating each syllable as his jaw tightened, do you wish to walk from this court in one piece?

Aware that he was caught standing at the edge of a crumbling precipice, Malik backed a step and bowed. My pardon, he said with strained humility, I was merely trying to warn you about what’s soon to unfold, Emir Siyan, and I delivered it poorly, apparently. But heed my words, you’re in danger. The serpent is gathering his train to coil, then to strike.

Satisfied by Malik’s slide into deference, such as it was, Siyan’s eyes bored in on him. Two things then … he said coldly. First, you shall apologize to Ben-fazi, then you shall vow to fight for Antioch should the necessity arise. Should you refuse, your head shall be plated, your arms and legs shall be parted from your trunk, and your remains shall be fed to my cats within the half hour. And by cats, I refer not to house cats, but my private collection of panthers, lions, tigers, and other exotic felines of which I am quite fond.

Seeing no room to barter, Malik bit his lip, nodding in agreement. To the blue man, he scowled, I ask your pardon. He then went silent.

And? insisted Siyan.

And yes, assented Malik, biting back bitterness in favor of a false smile, I vow to fight for Antioch.

Very well then, replied Siyan, motioning to General Ahmet. Ahmet, garrison Malik’s ghazis and familiarize him with our defenses. With a flap of his hand, Siyan dismissed the Persian. The thug had accomplished little during his visit but earn the full contempt of Yaghi Siyan, who had struggled against men of such vein his entire existence, and loathed them.

As Malik stalked away, Yaghi Siyan motioned to his guards to have the next visitor approach. But had he taken a closer look at Ben‐fazi, he would have seen that beneath the cover of his paint, the little man’s face was turning ashen as Mahmoud Malik stepped to the throne; his heart began thumping against the walls of his chest and tiny tremors seized the tips of his fingers as his thoughts reeled back in time … to the day the big Persian nearly took his life.

It’s him, but he failed to recognize me because of the paint, thought Ben‐fazi, shivering to the bone. His eyes locked on Malik as he strutted to the back of the crowd, taking position there, crossing his arms. Like the trapped fly awaiting its fate, staring at the motionless spider beyond, Ben‐fazi sat statue‐like, his conscience reknitting the moment of his enslavement and conversion to Islam. He had kissed the Koran that day and cried, Allah! for the sole purpose of saving his own skin while others about him were being butchered. The ploy worked with witnessing Muslim clerics, even though Malik insisted the little man be killed. Later, fortune snatched him from the scabrous grasp of Mahmoud Malik into the softer palms of Yaghi Siyan.

Yet, in his heart, Ben‐fazi felt all of this had been directed, in truth, not by Allah but by his own Christian God.

Chapter Four

The Crusader Advance

At the very start of the campaign, the