Swords of Justice
Chapter 4: (The Approach)
The morning sun rose, and Hamza was walking on foot, holding the reins of his large horse. The female slaves rode on the horse's back after Hamza had agreed to the request of one of them who wanted to go find her children.
• Hamza: We're nearly at our destination. Are you sure your children are still here?
• Slave Woman: Yes, I left them with someone over there.
• Hamza: Alright. Let's hope nothing bad happened to them.
Meanwhile, in the palace:
• King: You must find my daughter before harm comes to her! I've already accepted the marriage proposal from the prince of Foza and sent him a letter of acceptance. He could arrive at any moment.
• Taher: Don't worry, Your Majesty. I'll dispatch our finest soldiers to retrieve her—by any means necessary.
• King: You'd better. And I will make sure to punish Commander Jalal for making that decision without consulting me. I thought he was a wise and clever man. How could he take the princess outside, when he could've brought the doctor to her?
• Taher: True. He's a brave warrior, but lacks the cunning of a true strategist. If you'll excuse me, Your Majesty, I will issue the order to search for the princess and return her safely.
• King: Yes, go do it—immediately!
Minister Taher left to write the order, but instead of drafting a search command, he wrote a different letter and whispered to himself:
• Taher (to himself): Sadly, Jalal and his men are doomed...
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The princess's carriage was moving along the main road toward the city center. Jalal's six men guarded it from the outside, while Jalal himself sat inside with the princess.
• Hasnaa: Why are you guarding the carriage like this?
• Jalal (laughing): Haha! You're the princess—how else should we guard you?
• Hasnaa: But this way, people will know someone important is inside.
• Jalal: Even if they suspect something, I'm a well-known warrior around here, and my men are strong. No one would dare attack us. And even if a madman or a group tried, the seven of us would easily defeat them. Trust us.
• Hasnaa: Alright… though I still prefer diplomatic solutions...
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At that same time, Hamza and the women arrived at the city center.
• Hamza: You're free now. You may live in peace.
• One Woman: Thank you! I don't know how to repay you.
• Another: You're a righteous man in a corrupt world.
• Hamza: Better days are coming, God willing.
He bid them farewell, and only the woman looking for her children remained.
• Hamza: Where were they last seen?
• Woman: Over there, in that restaurant.
They entered the place.
• Hamza: Who did you leave your children with?
• Woman: The restaurant owner.
Hamza called for him. The man came out and asked:
• Restaurant Owner: What do you want?
• Hamza: Do you recognize this woman?
(The man stared at her for a moment, then said:)
• Restaurant Owner: Yes, I remember her. She left her son and daughter with me.
• Woman: I want my children back.
• Restaurant Owner: Do you think it's that easy?
• Hamza: What do you mean?
• Restaurant Owner: I spent money feeding and clothing them, giving them shelter. I want compensation.
• Hamza: How much? I'll pay you.
• Restaurant Owner: Ten gold coins.
• Woman: That's a huge amount. I can't afford that!
• Restaurant Owner: Then I won't return them—unless you become my slave.
• Woman (with sorrow): For my children... I'll give up my freedom.
• Hamza (furiously): Freedom is a priceless treasure. How can you give it up so easily? You must cherish it!
• Woman: But I want my children back!
(Hamza pulled out a pouch and handed it to the owner. The man opened it and found exactly ten gold coins.)
• Restaurant Owner (shocked): By the heavens! Ten gold coins!
• Hamza: What are you waiting for? Bring the children now.
• Restaurant Owner: Alright, alright...
The children returned to their mother's embrace in a deeply emotional moment.
• Woman (tearfully): Why would you spend so much for us?
• Hamza: If we don't help each other, then who will?
• Woman: I won't accept free help. Name your price. Whatever you ask, I will do it—no exceptions.
• Hamza: Then promise me this—never return to slavery. Stay free, no matter what happens.
• Woman: I promise. But the amount you paid was large...
• Hamza: Don't worry. I'll manage with what I have left. I've slept on cold mountain rocks before—I'll survive.
They parted ways, and the woman prayed for Hamza, that God would support such a righteous man.
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At the same time, the princess's carriage arrived at the city center. It was Hasnaa's first time visiting this place.
• Hasnaa: I didn't expect it to be so crowded...
• Jalal: Unfortunately, the sun is setting soon. Let's rent an inn for the night.
• Hasnaa: But I want to talk to the people—ask about their lives and hear their demands.
• Jalal: The palace guards are probably searching for you already. If we do that, they might find us. Also, people usually return home before sunset. Let's do it tomorrow—what do you think?
• Hasnaa: Alright...
They went to the nearest inn and asked to rent the entire place for the night.
• Innkeeper: I'm sorry, but a man has already rented one room. I can't kick him out.
• Jalal: I'll pay you double—just remove him.
• Innkeeper: I don't run my business that way. If someone pays, they stay.
• Jalal (angrily): What's wrong with this man? I said I'd pay you double!
• Hasnaa: Let it go. Leave him be.
• Jalal: He might be mad and attack you.
• Hasnaa: You're seven strong men. He couldn't even hurt one of you—remember, you said that?
• Jalal: Fine. But at least accept our generous offer for the rest of the inn.
• Innkeeper: Very well, it's yours.
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Meanwhile, Minister Taher had sent a suspicious letter sealed with the words:
"I Request the Kill."
• Taher (laughing): Farewell, Princess Hasnaa... Hahahahaha...
...To be continued