“Good work on locating the camp, thank you for your reports commanders. We appreciate your loyal service. Reward them!” Decreed Mehmed, turning away in clear dismissal.
Abdullah followed their retreat with his eyes as the Honorable Arm of the Lord Treasurer, discreetly stepped forward and meted out their rewards.
Mehmed was frowning in thought, all the lords present waiting with baited breath. “The main issue is of our own people, We will not abide by true citizens, civilized people of the Empire, Our citizens, to be so carelessly discarded. Therefore, We shall launch an ambush. We shall be participating in it personally.”
There was an uproar at these words, some going as far as to leap to their feet, while others dropped to their knees, in protest. “You cannot risk it, Your Majesty!” The objection came from the High Marshall of the Emperor’s Guard.
“Yes, my sovereign, your Divine Grace cannot risk himself for such a minor victory, a mere skirmish with barbarians!” Added the Exchequer of the Lord Treasurer. “Many esteemed and experienced military officers are present in this camp My Sultan, please appoint one of them for -.”
“You all seem to be forgetting that my dear cousin here has been leading uncles’ armies since he was a wee lad. He has personally conquered the Provinces of Bahar and Lapil,” he interjected with a sly grin at the sweating representative of the Emir of Bahar, and the stony faced lord from Lapil. “I say you should go cuz, what’s life without a little spice? In fact, I’ll come with you,let’s show these barbarians what for, eh?”
“Absolutely not, Grand Duke, you are next in the line of succession, as the Sultan does not have any sons, therefore both of you cannot risk yourselves in the same battle. I will accompany His Majesty in the Skirmish myself. We will take 4 phalanxes into the valley as well as twenty Blood Guards for His Highness’s safety,” Abdullah stepped in to negate Akber’s bloodthirsty eagerness.
“A sound suggestion, my lord. I would like to hear ideas from the Lord Marshall, General Karim, as well as Andrug Raisal before I decide the plan of action,” Mehmed invited the foremost military commanders to speak.
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