Chapter 2: Know Yourself, Then Know Your Enemy
Sultan frowned, his worry no longer hidden.
His voice carried a trace of unease as he asked,
"How many soldiers of mine will you sacrifice before this war ends?"
Anwar didn't even hesitate.
"As many as it takes to win."
His tone was indifferent—cold, almost detached.
"I'll return in six months. Stay alive until then, your majesty!"
Sultan paused for a moment, then replied quietly,
"You too… Anwar. Come back alive."
---
The road to the eastern garrison stretched long and silent.
Anwar moved swiftly, his pace steady as he advanced toward the city of Al-Bouq. Beside him was his new assistant, Lamia, struggling to keep up.
By nightfall, they reached a small inn in Kareem Village.
It was said to be one of the most beautiful villages in the region—lush green fields, towering trees, and people known for their generosity despite their poverty.
The next morning was peaceful.
The air was calm. Birds chirped softly as the sun rose over the horizon.
Anwar stood alone, quietly watching the sunrise.
Then—
Footsteps approached.
A man appeared, slightly out of breath.
"My lord, I am Hammadi from the intelligence division. I was ordered to report directly to you."
Anwar glanced at him briefly, then nodded.
"Speak."
The spy straightened his posture and began in a formal tone,
"We are nearing engagement with the enemy. The battle will begin in less than a month."
Anwar's expression didn't change.
"How many soldiers are stationed at the eastern garrison?"
"Ten thousand, at most," Hammadi replied. "Poorly equipped… and barely trained. Most of them can't even defend themselves. They will likely flee once the battle begins."
Anwar responded calmly, as if discussing something trivial,
"And the enemy?"
"Over fifty thousand. Well-trained, heavily armed, and ready for combat at any moment."
A silence followed.
Anwar's gaze sharpened slightly.
"Their commander?"
Hammadi hesitated for a brief moment.
"…Azrael. The same man from the Battle of the Dam. He's the one who killed Commander Suleiman."
For the first time, Anwar seemed to think more deeply.
"If they're the same troops from that battle… this won't be easy."
He paused, then added in a low voice,
"And Azrael… a man driven by greed and fame."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Good. You've done well. You may leave."
"Yes, sir!"
The spy turned to go—
"Wait."
He froze instantly.
"Yes, my lord?"
Anwar looked at him with sudden intensity.
"Did you see any fire on your way here?"
"…No, sir."
"And wells?"
"Yes. There's one here in Kareem Village, another in Ouled Hassan… and several more beyond the mountain."
Anwar nodded slowly.
"I need you to do something for me."
He leaned in and whispered a few words into the spy's ear.
The man's eyes widened slightly—then he nodded and ran off without another word.
---
After the spy left, Anwar calmly sat down on the ground, crossing his legs like a child.
Then, he began writing.
One letter for the eastern garrison.
One for the village chief.
And one for the lord of Al-Bouq Castle.
As he wrote, Lamia finally woke up.
She stretched lazily, letting out a small yawn.
"Ugh… I haven't slept on a proper bed in three months," she complained. "I'm exhausted from all this riding."
She looked around, her eyes softening.
"This place is so peaceful…"
"Good morning," Anwar said lightly.
Lamia blinked, then frowned.
"Good morning… Wait, you're here? What are you doing?"
Anwar looked up, slightly surprised.
"Oh—right. I need to write a few letters."
He paused briefly before adding,
"I don't think we'll be staying here tonight."
Lamia's expression dropped instantly.
"What? We're leaving again? We haven't spent two nights in the same place!"
"Al-Bouq Castle," Anwar replied calmly. "We have important work there."
She crossed her arms, clearly annoyed.
"Then go alone. I'll just stay here. I'm useless there anyway."
Anwar shook his head.
"Unfortunately, you're coming with me."
His tone turned slightly more serious.
"This place won't remain safe for long."
Lamia sighed in frustration.
"Fine, fine… As long as you carry that cursed seal, I guess I have no choice but to follow your orders.