The Merchant of Alexandria - a Fatimids AAR

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The Merchant of Alexandria – A Fatimids AAR

I posted this AAR on the Paradox forum...as i have some time now, i 'll transfer it here.

Goal: minor victory by obtaining all the Kingdom Advantages (you need all the trade goods).
Using: Laudan’s mod.
Playing as Fatimids: Starting with 8 Provinces (from East to West: Lebanon, Palestine, Sinai, Cairo, Alexandria, El Alamein, Benghazi and Cyrenaica).
(PS: there is no time frame in the game: however Kings get older. In my AAR: young is 20-25, middle-aged 35-40, old 45-50, very old 55-60, venerable 65-death).

http://img69.exs.cx/img69/7969/monempirenomdesrgions9nc.jpg

Part 1: a new Caliph

1005
When Caliph Aadil came to power in 1005, the Fatimids Empire was already very large. He was ruling the populations from the beautiful gardens of Lebanon to the desert storms of Cyrenaica.


http://img114.exs.cx/img114/245/aadil2ga.jpg


Aadil didn’t want to expand his control much further, he’s goal was to create a prosperous Caliphate where all the various goods of the world could be found. The future seemed bright as he had just married the daughter of the King of Byzantium, which happened to be one of the mightiest Empires of the region, and he was young, 25.

http://img114.exs.cx/img114/5650/elena7wt.jpg


There was one problem that had to be resolved first. The Zirid Caliphate was at war with us. While not very keen to conquest, Aadil was however very much interested in the province of Tripoli as it had some very good soil that allowed the breeding of Horses and the like which were not available in the Fatimids Caliphate. If the Zirids were not ready to sell us these goods, we would have to conquer Tripoli.

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/6360/tripolietleschevaux9gz.jpg

Aadil’s first decision as new Caliph was to hire a marshal.

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/6503/emiraahil0sy.jpg

Emir Aahil was ordered to organize the defences of the province of Cyrenaica which borded the Zirid Caliphate. At the same time, another marshal, Emir Abrar, was updating the military infrastructures of Alexandria: a Fletcher was then under construction.

http://img20.exs.cx/img20/7888/emirabrar8zf.jpg

Caliph Aadil promoted also one of his old friends, Emir Adam, to the rank of Builder and asked him to work with Emir Aahil and transform the city of Cyrenaica into a powerful stronghold.

http://img201.exs.cx/img201/2267/emiradam2ps.jpg

As he wanted to prevent any attempts of murder and treason, he asked his best friend, Emir Adyar, to protect his back. He would have to track down any enemy spy that would attempt to infiltrate the court of the Fatimids, especially the ones from the Zirids.

http://img230.exs.cx/img230/6051/emiradyar1rq.jpg

1010
Despite being at war, neither the Fatimid Caliphate nor the Zirid Caliphate attempted to conquer the other. At the same time, Aadil had managed to arrange a trade agreement with the Novgorod Kingdom, which was far in the North.
Emir Abrar, second marshal of the Caliphate, was ordered to Palestine as a messenger had announced that mercenaries were willing to be hired. As the military infrastructures of the Caliphate were not yet ready to produce decent troops, Aadil considered that it was a good idea in order to have at least one full army. Meanwhile, as the Fletcher had been finished, Aadil ordered the construction of large stables in Alexandria, so the army could recruit Camel Riders…these would be the bone of the army.
In Cyrenaica, Emir Adam, had managed to finish the construction of a Fletcher and had immediately started with the plans to create a large Sword smith. Emir Aahil was satisfied as he would soon be able to recruit a strong army of well-trained soldiers.
Aadil was however very relieved when a messenger arrived in 1013 from the Zirid Caliphate to announce that they were willing to make peace…they were even willing to sign a trade agreement! As soon as they would have enough horses, they would sell them to us.

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Part 2: Completing the court

1015
In order to achieve his goal to transform the Caliphate into the Centre of Commerce, Aadil knew he would need some large Harbours that would be able to welcome big merchant ships bringing exotic goods from very distant countries. El Alamein would be one of these and so he ordered the construction of a Fishmonger as a start…later he would upgrade it to an Admiralty.
Meanwhile, Emir Ahmed http://img164.exs.cx/img164/6488/emirahmed0na.jpg and Emir Abdush http://img123.exs.cx/img123/1053/emirabdush3hk.jpg went to the court of Byzantium and started to import Hides, thus bringing the goal of our beloved Caliph closer to reality. The diplomatic skills of Aadil were at his best when he managed to sign a trade treaty with the Papacy States.
In 1017, some scientists of the Caliphate discovered rich deposits of silver and salt in the mountains of Lebanon. Aadil ordered the creation of a tool smithy in order to prepare the exploitation of these goods.
Far West, in Cyrenaica, the construction of the military structures was slowly reaching the end when a Spear Maker Factory was put under construction. Soon, any kind of troops, swordsmen, spearmen and archers, would be available in that city. Also in Alexandria, Camel Riders would soon be available as a large Armoury was under construction. The Fatimids Caliphate would fear no-one anymore.

1020
The rich fields in Benghazi made it ideal for agriculture. This is where the Caliph had placed most of his hopes. In that region we would be able to produce many trading goods and so this region was the backbone of his plan. By 1021 a large Apiary had been constructed.
Meanwhile, in El Alamein, the fishmonger was being upgraded to docks…the first ships were starting to arrive.
As the Camel Riders would soon be available, Emir Aahil was ordered back to Alexandria to start the recruitment.
1022 Troubles begin. Not willing to enter a war, Caliph Aadil refused the request of Byzantium to attack the kingdom of Sicily. This would later prove to be a mistake. During this time, Aadil promoted 2 new Emirs: one to the rank of Merchant, Emir Aaquid http://img164.exs.cx/img164/7157/emiraaquid3tx.jpg (4 merchants in the Caliphate: The Caliph, Emir Ahmed, Emir Abdush and Emir Aaquid), and one as a cleric, Emir Ayaan http://img164.exs.cx/img164/7763/emirayaar2ru.jpg , who was ordered to govern the religious city of Jerusalem.
In 1023, a new trade good was available when the salt mines in Lebanon began their production. The first Kingdom Advantage would soon be achieved.

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1025
The first vineyards in the Province of Benghazi started to produce an exquisite wine. Despite being at peace with the Zirid Caliphate, tensions were still present. Aadil ordered Emir Abrar to move from Lebanon to Cyrenaica with his army in order to protect the West. That army was mainly a Mercenaries army: there were only 2 Desert Spearmen companies from the Caliphate…there was a company of Slavonic Bowmen, 2 of regular Spearmen, 3 companies of Axe-men and one of Pronaias (medium Cavalry). http://img237.exs.cx/img237/1971/abrarsarmy9mq.jpg
The East part of the Caliphate was quiet for the moment as the Byzantium Kingdom was a good friend and the Abyssids were peaceful.

http://img237.exs.cx/img237/8386/abbassids0pz.jpg

In 1027, the building of a Hemp field in Benghazi allowed the production of another trade good. Furthermore, the Khazars who, like the Zirids, were also selling horses proposes us a Trade agreement. Now we would always be able to have cavalry units.
Emir Aadil and his wife had given up hope that a child would bring life and laughter in the palace. The Empress was already 40 years old and 22 years of marriage had not brought the heir they had longed for. It was like a miracle when in early 1028, the empress announced to the Caliph that she was pregnant. When the boy came to life, the entire Caliphate was in joy…finally an heir was there!
It was during these joyful years that Emir Adam finished the building of the Wax factory in Benghazi, that the first silver was dug out of the mountains in Lebanon and that the first horses arrived from the Zirid Caliphate. http://img237.exs.cx/img237/8925/largentduliban1qv.jpg As it seemed, things were moving smoothly but that would end soon.

1030
After so many years of friendship, Caliph Aadil accepted an alliance offer of the Byzantium Kingdom…but he should have looked closer to the diplomatic relations of his friend. Indeed, the Byzantium Kingdom was already at war with too many Kingdoms.
In Benghazi, another building was finished: a Weaving Mill that would produce Linen. Emir Adam had done some fine work in that province and many trade goods were already available.
http://img237.exs.cx/img237/9923/benghazi4xp.jpg
In Alexandria, work began on the production system of Marble (Tool Smithy and Quarry).

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1031
Caliph Aadil was walking quietly along the long alleys of the gardens when a messenger came running to him.
“Sire, the Byzantium Kingdom is suffering heavy loses against the Kingdom of Sicily…they have lost already 3 provinces!”
“What?” replied the Caliph, “this time we’re not just friends anymore, we’re allies…take a new horse and ride to the city of Cyrenaica but first come with me.”
He went into the palace and wrote a note that he handed to the messenger.
“There, you will give this letter to Emir Abrar; meanwhile I will send another messenger to Sicily in order to bring a declaration of war”.
It took him 4 days and 4 nights, the messenger barely stopped to eat and change horses, to get to Cyrenaica. He ran into the stronghold and handed the letter to Emir Abrar. The later read it carefully and his face became darker, he then called for his aids.
“Sire, you wish to talk to us?”
“Yes, we’re a war with Sicily; inform the captains of the companies…we will embark tomorrow for the Sicilian province of Apulia. The city of Bari isn’t well defended, so this is where our Caliph wants us to strike first. Now go and tell them!”
One week later, very early in the morning, Emir Abrar was deploying his army about 2 miles from the city of Bari when one of his scouts arrived.
“What’s the situation?” asked Emir Abrar?
“The city is almost defenceless, sire, there are only one company of town guards and one of peasants”.
“That’s all? Well, seems like an easy start of our campaign…”

http://img187.exs.cx/img187/482/bariappulie5kb.jpg

And so it was…the two defending companies were easily beaten and the city surrendered. Emir Abrar’s army would stay there for a while in order to be sure that the city was under control. At once, Abrar sent a messenger to Alexandria to announce the good news.

1032
The news of this first defeat of Sicily didn’t seem to please a lot of countries. The Zirid Caliphate decided to break the trade agreement and stopped sending horses. Fortunately, our trade agreement with the Khazars allowed us to keep this trade good. The Zeta Kingdom declared war during the same year…more would follow. Caliph Aadil looked again at the note on the diplomatic relations of the Byzantium Kingdom…”how did he manage to get so many enemies? How could I have been so stupid to let my Caliphate enter these conflicts?”
However, there was also some very good news. The new revenue from the silver mines in Lebanon was greatly helping the war effort.

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1035
Some more bad news…Italy declares war on us…

http://img108.exs.cx/img108/7294/dclarationdeguerreitalie4ub.jpg

Late in the night, Caliph Aadil was still working in his office and studying the map of the Mediterranean. Things were starting to get serious…from one enemy at the start, Sicily, the number had risen to 3 (Sicily, Zeta and Italy). The Caliphate wasn’t prepared for such a war and it had only two armies as Aadil had mainly worked to create a trade Empire. Just before midnight, a messenger from the Zirid Caliphate arrived at the door of the palace.
“A messenger from the Zirid? It’s been months since we last had one, let him come in.”
The man entered and handed a letter to the Caliph...he whispered: “I am sorry, Sire”
The Caliph read the paper and remained silent. He turned to the messenger.
“It’s not your fault if the Zirid Caliphate declares war on us...go in the kitchen and take something to eat. Your under my protection tonight so you can rest quietly before going home tomorrow”.
“Thank you, Sire” and the messenger went away.

http://img108.exs.cx/img108/6285/dclarationdeguerredezirid8zs.jpg

Next morning, Emir Aahil entered the Throne room.
“ Sire, you asked for me?”
“Yes my friend...how is it going with the Camel Riders?”
“Very good Sire, i’ve already been able to recruit 3 full companies of Camel Riders...they are well trained and highly motivated.”
“Fine, now take them and ride as fast as you can to Cyrenaica...the Zirid Caliphate has declared war”
“But Sire? I only have 3 companies!”
“I know, but Emir Abrar has done some good work in Cyrenaica and you’ll be able to complete your army. Your first goal will be to defend our East boarder...and if the occasion is there, take Tripoli and keep it...we will need this prosperous region”.
“Yes Sire”...

And the Camel Riders of Emir Aahil rode fast into the desert...

http://img108.exs.cx/img108/1166/emiraahilgoingtocyrenaica5zi.jpg

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1036
Extract from the notes of Ibrahim, scribe of the Caliph:

March 7
Brittany has offered us a trade treaty. All in all we’ve got at least as many friends as enemies. The Caliphate has been at joy again after the miraculous birth of a new prince.
Meanwhile, in Apulia, General Abrar has started to build training grounds in order to be able to recruit directly in Italy the troops he will need to defeat the Zeta kingdom, Italy and Sicily.

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/3082/envahirzeta2uv.jpg

June 14
Emir Abrar is invading Napoli with his rested troops. The city of the Zeta Kingdom should fall without too much problems.

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/1880/attaquedenapoli9sr.jpg

July 2
Very bad news…Sicily has managed to bring an army into Lebanon and General Aahil is in Cyrenaica!
The Caliph has organized the defences of Beirut and called back General Aahil who has now a full army. Beirut has full stocks of food and a complete garrison…it will be able to resist a long siege until Emir Aahil gets there in about 2 months.

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/1835/sicilyinvadeslebanon6yu.jpg

July 10
The City of Napoli has fallen. Emir Abrar has proven once more how great a tactician he is…

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/8280/victoiredenaples2eu.jpg

July 21
Croatia has declared war! Our Caliph has lost its sleep and works very late in the night. The war isn’t going so badly but this is not where he wanted to lead the Caliphate. He wants to lead it into prosperity and while War is not bad for commerce, Peace is much better.

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/2453/croatiadeclareswar6kc.jpg

August 5
The Sicilian army is laying siege to Beirut…the situation seems stable. Caliph Aadil has sent a messenger to Sicily…he wants to end this nonsense and asks the Sicilian leader to accept a peace proposal.

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/9885/sigedelebanon8ba.jpg

September 28
Sicily accepts our proposal…this is fantastic news. One week later, the Sicilian general breaks the siege of Lebanon and makes his way back to Sicilian territory. Will this fragile peace last?

http://img193.echo.cx/img193/310/traitdepaixaveclasicilie4un.jpg

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1040

It was in that year that Italy tried to conquer Napoli….

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/903/italyinvadesnapoli2eq.jpg

but they underestimated Emir Abrar greatly, for he would crush them like bugs.

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/2963/italyinvadesnapoli25yv.jpg

The enemy marshal set up his camp outside the walls of our city and started a siege. Unfortunately for him, he came alone…

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/4241/sigedenaples4od.jpg

Emir Abrar, with his strong temper, decided that he didn’t want to wait until the enemy would give up its positions and ordered the preparation for an attack in order to break the siege.

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/1927/breakthesiegeofnapoli5zm.jpg

One early morning, Abrar’s troops rushed out of the walls and onto the enemies. It took them only half a day to eliminate that puny Italian army and another victory was achieved by Emir Abrar.

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/2262/victoryoveritaly0rs.jpg

From now on, no one would dare to question the presence of the Fatimids Caliphate in the southern part of Italy.
The caliph decided to exploit that victory and this new fame to send peace proposals to his European Rivals. And So, The kingdom of Zeta, of Italy and Croatia all accepted as they new it was better than lose more territory. Furthermore, as their Sicilian ally had already signed a peace treaty with us, there was no reason to continue this war. An other good news was the trade treaty made with Wessex
Now, the only real enemy left was the Zirid Caliphate…and they didn’t have as much allies as Sicily had. If we can take Tripoli, we will be able to get closer to our goal and the first Kingdom advantage will be achieved.

http://img97.echo.cx/img97/7766/kingdomadvantages1ho.jpg

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1043 Introduction

The Zirid Caliphate attacks! Emir Shallal enters the province of Cyrenaica and heads directly to the fortress.

http://img79.echo.cx/img79/9043/invasiondecyrenaica2hk.jpg

http://img79.echo.cx/img79/8427/ziridattaque1204053pu.jpg

http://img79.echo.cx/img79/1276/ziridattaque21204054bg.jpg



One week later, a second army, lead by Emir Dimar, enters the territory of the Caliphate more in the south and sets up a camp.
Emir Shallal lays siege to the fortress. However, Emir Aahil doesn’t want to wait for the second army and decides to break the siege.

http://img79.echo.cx/img79/3579/breakthesiegeofcyrenaica12044m.jpg

Emir Shallal didn’t expect this but manages to retreat without losing too many men. At the same time, Emir Aahil who had started a pursuit of the enemy’s army, hearing from a scout that Emir Dimar’s army was marching against the now defenceless city of Cyrenaica, decides to go back to the stronghold in order to prepare its defences.

http://img79.echo.cx/img79/6231/nouvelleattaque12043rb.jpg

Seeing that they were now out of danger, Emir Shallal reorganized his army and then joined Emir Dimar at the gates of the city of Cyrenaica….


http://img79.echo.cx/img79/6763/nouvelleattaquepartie212042wy.jpg

How will this end?

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1043 Part II

Early morning in the castle of Cyrenaica...Emir Aahil is taking his breakfast:

http://img200.echo.cx/img200/4266/monchateau8gw.jpg

- Sire!!!
- What?
- We have spotted enemy movements!
- Where?
- Emir Dimar is taking positions in the north...

http://img200.echo.cx/img200/2686/bataille14fy.jpg

- Anything else?
- Yes, Sire. Emir Shallal has placed his troops in the south!

http://img200.echo.cx/img200/4576/bataille27hc.jpg

- I don't like that, not one bit. I really feel like a slice of cheese between two pieces of bread!
- Sire?
- Humm whatever....order our troops to be ready. We aren't in a good position so we will try to surprise them by launching an attack against Emir Dimar's positions first as he seems to have weaker troops....after? we will see.

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1043 Part III

08h00

- CAMEL RIDERS....READY TO ATTACK!!!!
- YEAAAAAAAHHHH!
- TAKE POSITION OUTSIDE THE WALL....NOW!!!

The Camel riders followed closely by the rest of the army deployed in front of the castle, ready to attack Emir Dimar....

However, at the same time, the enemy got nearer and when the camel riders arrived at the deployment spot, a company of peasants was already there!

- CAMEL RIDERS....ATTACK AND DEFEND THE POSITION!!!


http://img34.echo.cx/img34/2456/leschameauxattaquent0sf.jpg


8h30

- Sire, the camel riders have effectively defended the position but have had heavy losses!
- Tell them to go back into the castle....is the desert spearmen company i ordered to attack the enemy from the rear in position?
- Yes Sire...they are going to engage the peasants anytime.
- Ok...let’s make them pay for my unfinished breakfast....Knights....ATTACK!!!!


http://img58.echo.cx/img58/863/bataille36lz.jpg

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1043 Part IV

9h00

The sand was turning to red on the battlefield.

- Captain, what’s the situation? Asked Emir Aahil.
- It seems we are taking advantage over the forces of Emir Dimar…still, we need more time.

Suddenly a scout arrived on a horse…

- Sire, Emir Shallal will be here shortly!
- Already? Whispered Aahil.
- Apparently a scout told them about our attack very early…they are getting closer.
- We cannot fight both armies at the same time…sound for the retreat into the castle!
- Yes Sire!

The army withdraws from combat into the safety of the castle…just in time before Emir Dimar can attack.

http://img58.echo.cx/img58/4241/bataille47io.jpg

9h30

- We almost had them…this is really annoying. Let the soldiers rest for a while and give water to the horses.
- It’s been taken care off, Sire.
- Our strategy didn’t work….we have to think about something else…but first i’ll finish my breakfast, can’t think clearly if I am hungry…and I am much more hungry than I was this morning.

http://img58.echo.cx/img58/5868/bataille57se.jpg

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While Emir Aahil was busy in the north of the city, a small group of enemies started to destroy the South gate.

http://img206.echo.cx/img206/7493/bataille68vq.jpg

- Sire...the enemy is trying to destroy our South gate.
- WHAT? Can't we rest a bit?
- It's a small group but it could become dangerous...
- Move the army to the south of the city...we shall destroy them!!!
- Yes Sire!

And so the entire army moved to the south gates...

http://img206.echo.cx/img206/5148/bataille74sa.jpg

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1043 PartVI

11h00

- Sire, the troops are in position!
- Order the breakthrough...they shall not enter...Attack!!!!

The heavy doors open quickly and the troops rush out...the enemy wasn’t expecting this. During half and hour, the troops of the Emir fight themselves a way out.

http://img198.echo.cx/img198/8030/bataille8a2bu.jpg

11h30

- We have broken the enemy lines Sire!
- Send the Sarrasins to crush those pesky archers...
- Yes Sire.

The Sarrasins are causing heavy losses to the enemies archer companies. Despite heavy losses, victory seems to be close.

http://img198.echo.cx/img198/5509/bataille91de.jpg

12h00

The sun is pounding heavily on the troops...

- Our troops are fighting the last archer companies under the palm trees...
- Great....victory will be ours!

http://img179.echo.cx/img179/1316/bataille107ll.jpg

13h00

After a very long fight and very heavy loses...

- Sire the archers have been defeated!
- Fantastic!
- Wait!
- What?
- Emir Shallal is charging our men with his knights!
- Order them to come back into the castle!!!!
- Sire...it’s too late.

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1043 PartVII

13h00

- Sire, Emir Shallal and his knights have defeated our exhausted troops....he’s entering the town!
- Camel Riders, Knights! For the Caliphate of the Fatimids...ATTACK!!!!

The Emir turned to the captain of the archers

- Captain...order the archers to fire on the knights!!!
- hem, Sire, the archers have run out of arrows..
- WHAT?
- Well yes Sire, they only have a limited amount of arrows and now they just don’t have any anymore...
- Order them to attack with their swords then...
- Yes Sire....BOWMEN....WITH YOUR SWORDS...ATTACK!

http://img258.echo.cx/img258/5136/bataille115hs.jpg

13h30

- We’ve won Sire...Emir Shallal is no more.
- Yes but at what price...we don’t have camel riders, the bowmen don’t have any arrows and i’ve got only one knight left.

http://img258.echo.cx/img258/5373/bataille122sg.jpg

Will Emir Aahil be able to defeat Emir Dimar?

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1043 Part VIII

14h00

- Sire...Emir Dimar is breaking through the East gate!!!
- Did the archers have time to find some arrows?
- No, Sire...
- Bowmen...for a last stand to defend the city!!! CRUSH THEM!!!
- YEAAAAAAHHH

http://img41.echo.cx/img41/6097/bataille136br.jpg

14h30

Sand is in the air....wind is getting stronger. Emir Aahil and his bodyguard, Vizir Ahmed, stand in the main street. In front of them Emir Dimar turns his head into their direction after having killed the last brave bowman of the Fatimid Caliphate.

http://img41.echo.cx/img41/8818/bataille143sp.jpg

Emir Dimar rides to Emir Aahil:
- You fought bravely for Cyrenaica....but lost.
- Yes, the dices haven’t been favorable to me today....what will you do with us?
- You’re an honourable man...you can go back to the Caliph and tell him that the Zirid are the new power in the region...and intend to remain it.
- The Caliph won’t accept this defeat...he will send another army.
- Well...we’ll see then, won’t we?

And so ended the siege of Cyrenaica... a very bloody battle with almost no survivors...

Emir Aahil and Vizir Ahmed disappeared into the desert and headed to Alexandria in order to bring the bad news...

http://img41.echo.cx/img41/2219/bataille152xp.jpg

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Part 2: the revenge of the Fatimids

1043...still

Meanwhile, in Alexandria, the Caliph was having intense diplomatic meetings. The French were very interested in the various goods of the Caliphate and thus offered us a good trade agreement...this would surely prove to be useful in the future.

http://img29.echo.cx/img29/6594/tradewithfrance3xt.jpg


The Abassids also had a plead...a very different one. They were in trouble with the Kingdom of Kiev. However, the Caliph wasn’t willing to enter another war, so he refused. The Abassids had expected this and had kept a very interesting offer on the side.

- Sire, said the Abassid ambassador, we ask you to reconsider your position.
- It’s all considered, we’ve had enough wars and we are still fighting the Zirid caliphate.
- We know, Sire, but we need so much your help that we are ready to make you a great offer.
- What is it? Gold, diamonds? I already have all this...
- No Sire...we offer you the province of Jordan...
- The...., the caliph remained silent for a while. This was indeed a huge offer.
- I’ll give you my answer tomorrow.

In fact, the caliph had already decided that he would help the Abassids...the province of Jordan was rich and he could well use it in his war against the Zirid too.

http://img29.echo.cx/img29/5461/attaquerkiev6hf.jpg


One week later, Emir Aahil and Vizir Ahmed arrived in Alexandria...

- What are you doing here old friend, asked the Caliph? How’s the situation in Cyrenaica?

Emir Aahil blushed and whispered.

- I’ve lost the city, Mylord.
- You WHAT?
- Two armies have attacked the city, Sire. I did my best but it wasn’t enough.
- Very annoying...we have to protect Benghazi at all costs...but tonight you’ll rest and tomorrow we’ll recruit a new army...afterwards you’ll join Emir Abrar and take back the city.
- Sire...i am really to old for this....i don’t have the strengh anymore. I ask you to accept my resignation.
- I understand...stay here and we’ll play chess again like in the old times...
- It will be a pleasure Mylord.
- Ahmed?
- Yes, Sire?
- Send a messenger to Italy...he has to inform Emir Abrar about the situation and ask him to protect Benghazi and wait until we send another army before attacking Cyrenaica.
- Yes Sire.

One week later, Emir Abrar was on board of his ship...hailing back to Africa.

http://img29.echo.cx/img29/8599/abrarcalledback0by.jpg

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Emir Abrar set up the organization of the defences of the Benghazi. Fortunatly, many mercenenaries were camping in Benghazi...

http://img222.echo.cx/img222/4309/movingsquads22qg.jpg

that allowed Abrar to fill up the garrison of the city as well as his own army. He redeployed the slavonic axmen and the slavonic archers in the city defences...this allowed him to hire more companies of mercenaries.

http://img222.echo.cx/img222/9977/mercennarycamp3pj.jpg

Caliph Aadil was also very busy despite his old age. He had selected a new Marshal, Emir Anwar, and had started the construction of the Granary in Alexandria.

http://img222.echo.cx/img222/9793/anwar7ci.jpg

Emir Anwar entered the throne room.

- Sire, you called for me?
- Yes....have you been able to recruit a company of camel riders?
- Yes Sire, very brave men....i intend to find more of them before joining Emir Abrar and defeat the Zirid Caliphate.
- I am afraid, the Zirid Caliphate will have to wait. I have managed to calm the population of our new province Jordan, but in Lebanon, an usurpator is claiming the province for himself...and he’s got a very strong army...more than 500 men.

http://img115.echo.cx/img115/989/rebellesauliban22ez.jpg

- 500 men? That’s impressive...
- Exactly and now he’s killing and burning everything on his way...i need you to stop him.
- But Sire, i only have this company of Camel Riders...i’ll need more time before i can have an entire army.
- I know, however a scout has informed us that there is a big camp of mercenaries in Jordan....so take gold and buy yourself an army.
- Yes Mylord.

And so Emir Anwaar left the city of Alexandria in order to defeat the dangerous rebels.

http://img115.echo.cx/img115/2633/movingtojordan7da.jpg

The Caliph sent a messenger to Emir Abrar in order to inform him about the delay. He arrived one week later in Benghazi.

- Sire...a messenger!

Emir Abrar stood up and walked towards the newcomer...

- When do the reinforcements arrive? Asked he impatiently.
- Well...no Sire, there are some revolts in Lebanon and the Caliph has sent the new Marshal there in order to bring peace to the region...you’ll have to wait some more time.
- What? But it’s now that we should attack...my men are ready!
- I am sorry Sire.
- Don’t be....go back to Alexandria and tell the Caliph that i will do this on my own!
- But...Sire?
- Go now.
- Yes Sire...

And so the messenger went away. Emir Abrar, at the head of his army, left the city of Benghazi in order to attack Cyrenaica...

http://img115.echo.cx/img115/4753/politicalview2ki.jpg
Actual situation of the Caliphate

[Anguille2]

Mai 1044

The night just began when Emir Abrar entered the province of Cyrenaica. A scout came back to the army and went directly to the Marshal.

- Sire....there’s an army coming towards us!
- How did they know we were coming, asked one of the captains?
- They didn’t, replied Abrar. They are on their way to Benghazi....it’s an invasion army. Did you see who is leading the army, is it Emir Dimar?
- No Sire, said the scout. The army is led by Emir Azeem, a low-ranked marshal with no stars yet.
- Well...let’s crush them!

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/4862/interception6bx.jpg


And so a fierce battle started...but Emir Abrar was an old fox and knew that part of the desert very well...Emir Azeem had no chance. Victory was quickly achieved but the army suffered some substantial losses. Midnight had just passed.

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/3527/victoire4nw.jpg

- Sire, we have to go home to rest the men and refill the companies.
- No!
- But Sire, we cannot go further, the men are tired and need a rest after that battle.
- Can’t you see? They were going to attack us in Benghazi....their army is defeated and they probably have only limited defenses in Cyrenaica....if we wait, they’ll get a chance to reinforce the city and send another army.
- What if Emir Dimar is in the city?
- We’ll take the risk.

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/8564/attaquedecyrenaica8xw.jpg

It was 2 in the morning when the army arrived in front of the city. The men were tired but they trusted Emir Abrar...he had led them to victory each time.

- Scout! Check the defenses!
- Yes, Sire.

The city had only the garrisons to protect it....and most men were sleeping. Cyrenaica was regained in one night. Emir Abrar became very famous after that victory and gained another star for this fantastic achievement...Emir Abrar had a new nickname: “The desert fox”.

http://img196.echo.cx/img196/6282/victoireestproche9vs.jpg

[Anguille2]

1045
Shuayb, the prince, was finally ready to take some responsibility in the Caliphate.

http://img223.echo.cx/img223/8350/2a1lk.jpg

For the moment, he was helping his father to do the daily business and made his first diplomatic experiences.
The Ambassador of Sweden came and Shayb skillfully arranged a trade treaty with the kingdom of the north.

http://img91.echo.cx/img91/338/1b5qy.jpg

1046
The Calif was tired. The war with the Zirid Caliphate wasn’t finished despite a glorious victory of Emir Abrar during the reconquest of Cyrenaica (which he didn’t even had allowed). Furthermore Emir Anwaar hadn’t been able to recruit an army strong enough in order to eliminate the rebels in Lebanon. In June he got really sick and that’s when he called his son to him.

- Son.
- Yes Father! Whispered Shuayb.
- My days are coming to an end.
- Don’t say that...you’ll soon feel better!
- No, i won’t...a man knows when his time has come...and this is now.
- But...
- Let me speak, Son. You will become the new Calif...you know that i wanted to create a prosperous Caliphate...under my rule, the Caliphate has increased of 3 Provinces but we still don’t have control over Tripoli which would give us access to various trade goods we still need...Will you continue my work?
- Yes Father, i will.

This seemed to calm Aadil. He spent the last days watching the gardens of Alexandria...and then he passed away.

In the following days, you could hear those words in the whole Caliphate.

“The great Calif is gone, Long live the new Calif!”

http://img91.echo.cx/img91/8982/3b7yf.jpg

[Anguille2]

Part 3: A new Calif

http://img21.echo.cx/img21/4307/shuayb9ms.jpg

1047

The first decision of the new Calif was to use the trade agreement the Fatimids had with France. He arranged a trade route that brought Dyes in the Caliphate...a new trade good was now available. He really believed that he would achieve his father’s vision during his life-time.

http://img21.echo.cx/img21/3046/4b6cb.jpg

He knew however that it was important to have children...therefore he needed a wife. After studying the map of the known world, he decided to contact the mighty King of Hungary, Geza I....an alliance with Hungary would help the Fatimids control their northern enemy, the Kingdom of Kiev.

http://img21.echo.cx/img21/7103/64xv.jpg


http://img21.echo.cx/img21/7/5a6wk.jpg



The Calif spent two weeks in the castle of the Kingdom of Hungary where he had long walks with Tesla, one of the daughters of the King.
- Sire, i am here to ask for the hand of your beautiful daughter, Tesla.
- My dear Calif, we are honoured that the ruler of the mighty Fatimids wants to have a strong bond with the Hungarians. Before accepting this, we have a request.
- What kind of request? Asked Shuayb carefully.
- You know we don’t have a good relation with the Papacy...we therefore ask you to break relations with them.

Shuayb remains silent for a while. He then turns to Geza I

- We don’t really need this relation with the Papacy. I will recall our ambassador at once. This alliance is really too important and furthermore, i am really in love with Tesla and i believe she has fallen in love too.
- Ah ah...yes...she’s really lovely indeed.

And the two men shook their hands...the Fatimids had a new Empress.

http://img21.echo.cx/img21/892/tesla3tr.jpg