CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER THIRTEEN – WAR TALK "Pashas, how is the development of the plan " Bitaqir asked as she stood before a large map. " The jannisaries have been divided into three: the archers, defence and attackers" Ibrahim Pasha replied. "Azim Pasha has sent news through a messenger with a plan highlighting the positions of the enemy" Mahmoud Pasha announced. "Let me see" Bitaqir requested. Mahmoud Pasha showed her the plan . "So we need to make a counter attack that will force them out of our boundaries" Bitaqir suggested. " That is fine" Ibrahim replied. " So how about we move the archers here, at the highlands" Prince Selim pitched in , moving the seeds representing the archers to the nearest hill facing the enemy. " And the attackers at the war front ?" Bitaqir asked. " They should be at the war front of course" Mahmoud Pasha replied in a non-chalant manner. Thinking that how can a ruler not know where the attackers should be. " I know that Pasha, I was asking in which positions , how will they attack and how will they force the enemies put of our borders considering the fact that we're outnumbered." Bitaqir replied whilst paying attention to the map before her. " I think that the attackers should come from two directions, the first ones should be here, at the war front, another from the side once the war is in motion " Ibrahim Pasha suggested . "And the defence ?" Bitaqir asked again. " Azim Pasha has already made a plan, here" The Commander replied from the door way. " Greetings " He bowed towards Bitaqir. " Seems like a good plan but...." Bitaqir started. " What is it?, majesty" Ibrahim Pasha asked . " This plan is too sketchy and taking into consideration that we're outnumbered, this is suicide " Bitaqir spoke after consideration. " Majesty, what do you suggest?" the commander asked. " We need a fall group" Bitaqir stated and the entire room became quiet as confusion and doubt filled their faces. "We have two groups of attackers right? " She asked. " Yes Majesty" They replied in unison. " The first group will attack first and the first line of defence will carry out their orders. Then the other groups will lay low feigning defeat for a few hours" Bitaqir started. " Then the enemy will think that we've been defeated " Prince Selim pitched in a bit too excited. " And then they'll relax and that's when we'll fiercely attack them, being unprepared they'll be easily defeated" The commander completed the sentence. "Just like the scorpions we are" Ibrahim Pasha said with pride lining his voice. " That is a great idea, I didn't know you were so knowledgeable in war affairs. " Mahmoud Pasha praised and Bitaqir flashed him a quick smile. " Then let us set out to war" Ibrahim announced. " The Jannisaries have gathered and they await orders to match out. Do you wish to speak with them before the leave?" The Commander asked " Yes " Bitaqir replied and tucked in a deep breath. ************************************** "Her majesty, Queen Bitaqir" The Aghas announced as Bitaqir walked out with the Pashas and the commander at her tail. Bitaqir stood at a high stand where all the Jannisaries could see her. " Greetings Soldiers, today you march out to war, not only to fight against our enemies and defend our motherland, but also to clear the north of the perpetrators that are terrorising and have cut off our food supply. It is with a heavy heart that I have to admit that the chances of us winning are slim, but with the strength of unison we will emerge victorious. We must show them that we are really the sons and daughters of the scorpion." Bitaqir stopped as the shout of pride echoed. " Touch one part, you touch all. They can cut of our legs and our tail will destroy them. They can try poisoning us, but we are immune . After all we are the scorpions, we have the strength to come up against the stronger forces of life and overcome every challenges before us." Bitaqir paused and looked at the Jannisaries with confidence gaining another round of pride cries " We should let them know that, we're not just any scorpions but the Amber-Coloured Scorpion, we are indistructible" Bitaqir completed as shouts of approval resonated. The Pashas looked at the back of their young queen relieved that she's so good at giving confidence. " Remember, not all who will match out will return. We will lose some, some will be injured and some will return in one piece. Your mothers, wives, children and siblings await you, go and make them proud, go and bring lost security back to them, go and make that amber-coloured flag with a scorpion at the centre rise up proudly. " Bitaqir concluded exuding the confidence she felt whilst saying that and received a round of spare stampings and matches in one place. " Majesty that was amazing " Ibrahim Pasha told her as he helped her come down from the stand. "Men match out!!" the Commander ordered and the Jannisaries matched out in an orderly fashion. " Pashas, where are the Princes ?" Bitaqir asked after looking around and not sighting any of her brothers. "The Princes that will be with us at the war have already marched out with Azim Pasha last night and the remaining Princes have already taken up positions at the mountain . " Okay , then all is set. Good luck you'll need it " Bitaqir said as she headed to her mother's chambers. Bitaqir walked off fast, failing to notice the carriage on standby and her mother sitting inside " Bitaqir, child!" Valide Aisha spoke startling Bitaqir for a while. She turned and finally noticed the carriage and figuring out that her mother is inside. " Mother" Bitaqir greeted as she kissed her mother's hand and sat beside her in the carriage. " You wanted to see me ?" She asked curious as to why her mother wanted to see her. " Is there any problem why I should not see my daughter?" Valide asked faking annoyance. " No mother , it isn't like that " Bitaqir started. " I know , child . I just wanted to see you before I leave " The Valide said with a slight smile. " Mother?" Bitaqir called her mother's attention " What is it?" Valide asked "I plan to set out to Bradmore, tonight. I want to ask aid from them" Bitaqir informed her mother. " That is a terrible idea. let me guess you plan to use my relation with the king to get his favour" Valide asked mockingly and burst out laughing. Bitaqir looked at her mother puzzled as to what is too funny. " Do you ever wonder why I never visit Bradmore or why I never receive any visit from them? They're still against my marriage to your father and that is why they have disowned me and cut off any connection I have with them." Valide concluded with a trace of pain in her eyes