QUOTE:
To Alar II,
Sultan of the Fatimids.

As-Salamu Alaykum,

News has no doubt reached your noble court my master, Yazid I, has taken a neutral stance in the war with the disbelievers.

In his wisdom my Sultan has decreed his domains will be closed to all foreign armies, both Christian and Muslim.


Allahu Akbar,
Qalawun of Arabia.

The scroll was given to a faris, who was commanded to put the sealed message in the hand of Alar II of the Fatimids. Two copies were made, the first delivered only to Tiberius the Harsh the II, the second delivered only to Jata Lubormiski, Sheikh of the Bedouins.

QUOTE:
To Smelgar,
Protosebastos of the Romans.

As-Salamu Alaykum,

The Muslim potentates protecting the Holy Land have been informed the lands of Arabia are closed to their armies.

I believe they will keep faith with my master.


Insha'Allah,
Qalawun of Arabia.

The scroll was given to a faris, who was commanded to give the sealed message only to Smelgar of the Romans.

QUOTE:
His Majesty Yazid I, Sultan of Arabia
His Eminence Qalawun, Grand Vizier of Arabia

Peace be upon you, Your Majesty
Peace be upon you, Your Eminence

I am pleased to inform you that order has been restored in Jerusalem. No trace was found of the band of thugs that attacked the undefended city. As a consequence of the restoration of order, it is again the case that pilgrims of any of the Abrahamic faiths are welcome to visit the city. The people of your realm can thus again make such pilgrimage without the constant danger of being knifed in the night or robbed down to their small-clothes.

Regarding your misguided fellows currently arrayed against us in war: our dispute is with Alar, and we fight those who march with him only because they march with him, and not for any other reason. If we have reason to believe that he has the temerity to hide in the Bedouin lands (which we do) then we shall try to attack that place for that reason alone and not for any other, taking care to avoid collateral damage as far as we are able.

Sirs, your actions already have demonstrated you are wise beyond your few years: at your age certainly I could not say the same. Perhaps with that same wisdom and your acknowledged neutrality you can craft a resolution to this problem that departs from the present tragic course, which is a permanent state of war.

I have the Honour to Remain, Sirs, Your Most Humble and Obedient Servant,
Smelgar, Protosebastos of the Romans

Signed and sealed with the Roman Eagle

To Deaglan Artavasdus, Protosebastos of the Romans.
To Hugh of Montfort, Prince of Antioch.

QUOTE:
As-Salamu Alaykum,

The Sultanate of Arabia declares war on your kingdoms. We will meet on the field of battle.

Allahu Akbar,
Qalawun of Arabia.

Signed and sealed.

A short message arrived at the Antioch camp. The answer was short and clear.

QUOTE:

To Qalawun of Arabia.

a man and a nation of honor declares war before crossing the border of the nation which is target of the declaration. Arabia crossed our border before I received your message.

This fact will be become known all around the world. We will see whether you are brave enough to wait for us at Markada - alone. Otherwise I have to think Arabia is only the tail of the Bedouins.

Hugh of Montfort

The original message was sent to the Arabian camp. Copies of the message from Qalawun and from the Antioch answer were sent to all allied nations of Antioch and to all Christian nations in Europe.

The Prince recapitulated the events of the last weeks.

The attack of the Arabian army at Markada ended inglorious for them. The militia there and two Hospitaller knights fought a victorious struggle against them. Scouts reported that they retreated to Al-Anbar.

The consequence for this aggression followed soon. An Antioch army got order to cross the border moving to Malatya. After a short combat the Arabian banners there were pulled down and the army got further order to charge to Afar the next Arabian shire at the Antioch border. Afar was reached two weeks later and the Hospitallers expected to meet the Arabian army there.

Didn't Qalawun of Arabia wrote in his declaration of war 'We will meet on the field of battle.'? the Prince thought by himself. They had enought time to move their army to Afar but no Arabian army was sighted there. The Prince gave order to sent out some scouts to find the enemy. Some days later the scouts reported the position of them: They stand at Al-Anbar - but not alone. The scouts reported about a Bedouin army at Al-Anbar too.

Oh. thought the Prince. They called for help to fight against us. I'll write them a second message.

QUOTE:

To Qalawun of Arabia.

at first you declare war to the Principality of Antioch and then you are missed on battlefield. I expected to meet you at Afar for a fair combat all the more because I can't sent all my knights in this fight. You surely know that the Bedouins are at the southern border of Antioch after conquering Edessa.

Now my scouts reported to me that your army stayed at Al-Anbar. They reported a Bedouin army there too. Are you in sorrow about your shires? Why didn't you charge to Afar to fight against us there? The peasants there will be lost without help from your knights. I'm a little bit disappointed about this.

I wait for your army at Afar - but only a short time. War is hard work and the few Hospitallers of Antioch have much enemies and hard to work at a lot of fronts.

God the almighty bless you and lead you to the way of truth.

Hugh of Montfort
Prince of Antioch

PS: Antioch isn't a kingdom. It's a Principality. I forget to write this to you in my last message.

The message thas given to a Farmer of afar with the order to bring it into the Arabian camp at Al-Anbar.

The message from Hugh of Montfort arrived at Al Anbar where Qalawun was restocking his army.

He read the Prince's scroll and smiled, amused by the taunts within. As he ate a light meal of fruit, he wrote a reply.

QUOTE:
To Prince Hugh of Antioch,

As-Salamu Alaykum,

I offer praise for your pious concern regarding the farmers of Afar. It seems that even an infidel is capable of mercy and goodness.

I must ask Prince, is it the way of all Christians to charge foolishly into battle or is that merely the custom of your land ?

For many moons travelers from Jerusalem and beyond have come with news about your failed campaign against Alar II and Jata of the Bedouins. If your battle commanders were skilled as leaders, not just warriors, so many of your brothers would not be suffering in prison.

But I am a humble servant of Allah, not worthy to question His judgement upon the Christians.

All is as Gods wills it, Prince.

We will meet in battle soon enough.


Allahu Akbar,
Qalawun of Arabia.

A scout rode in the camp of the Hospitallers and moved directly to the tent of the Prince to bring news.

What's the matter with the enemies armies. the Prince asked.

The Arabian army is on the marsh. They already crossed the border of Afar...but there is something important to know. answered the scout.

Let me guess. said the Prince a little bit smiling. They come not alone. The Bedouins are coming too.

Yes my Prince said the scout.

I expected this. Let's go and prepare for battle. We will give them a good fight. A lot of enemies - a lot of honor for us.

The Prince gave order for battle-formation.