Book 5 – Chapter 2 – I

 The fact that Crown Prince Arslan had returned to the fortress of Peshawar was not really much to rejoice about. Only a month ago, they had set out from the fortress. After capturing two more fortresses from the Lusitanian army along the continental highway, they had been halfway to the king’s capital, Ecbatana – only…

Book 5 – Chapter 1 – IV

While the Parsian army welcomed the result of the battle, the Turanians could not help but be filled with disappointment and rage. The Parsians’ morale had clearly been boosted by the fact that their reinforcements had successfully entered the fortress.     Prince Ilterish angrily rebuked his comrades.     “Can you still call yourselves warriors of Turan when…

Book 5 – Chapter 1 – III

 The Parsian army quickly began to turn back.     The Lusitanian army had not moved. They’d been trying to make their move, but still could not. His Highness Guiscard, the king’s brother, who had always been at the center of command, giving out judgments and orders, and carrying many responsibilities, had been taken prisoner by King…

Book 5 – Chapter 1 – II

Parazada, who had borrowed a horse from Kubard, finally managed to catch up with Arslan’s army late that night. As he hurried towards the army that was slowly advancing west in the moonlight, a group of men appeared in front of him and blocked his path.     “Who are you, insolent person? Who would so arrogantly…

Book 5 – Chapter 1 – I

It was a rather refreshing morning. The summer sunlight fell on the ground like a shattered crystal, and a cool breeze was in the air. When the sun rises high enough in the sky, the dry heat will become unpleasant, but one can always avoid it by taking refuge in the shade. In the Kingdom…

Book 4 – Chapter 5 – VI

 Ecbatana had been the royal capital of Pars for over three hundred years, and now, even under the occupation of Lusitanians, things seemed to be calm. The market was open as usual, and although the Parsians and the Lusitanians were at odds with each other, they still maintained order, buying, selling, eating, drinking, singing, and…

Book 4 – Chapter 5 – V

A hawk soared through the sky. It rose and descended in the air, then turned itself around and went straight down behind the other side of the mountains.     “Ah! What a fine hawk!”     Exclaimed the young man of the Zott clan. The nineteen-year-old Merlane was escorting Princess Irina and her party, who had crossed the…

Book 4 – Chapter 5 – IV

Arslan’s army only stayed in the fortress of Saint Emmanuel for a brief time. The kahina, Farangis, had been in charge of funeral prayers for the fallen Parsian soldiers, and the trainee knight Etoile, also known as Estelle, offered prayers for the fallen Lusitanians. Afterwards, Arslan’s army prepared food and weapons, and left the fortress…

Book 4 – Chapter 5 – III

In the end, Guiscard turned a deaf ear to Hilmes’s confession. At times, overthinking choices in political and military strategy would render him indecisive, and he could not alter his original plan at such short notice. The most important thing now was to let his trusty Montferrat and Baudouin win their battles.     A terrible strategy…

Book 4 – Chapter 5 – II

“I’ve come to borrow your power once more.”     These were the first words spoken by the long-absent guest.     This was a dark, cold, and damp stone room, deep underground beneath the royal capital of Ecbatana. Piles of strange books towered in dusty corners, as well as minerals, animal remains, and plants used in magic rituals…