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ISBN 978 969 696 552 7

Printed and bound in Pakistan by Pixel Printing Solutions

I dedicate this book to those who strive for a just system…ishq se…junoon se…

AND

To my loving mother and family. I could not have done this without their love, support and prayers.

The youth to whom the stars are not out of bounds

Are the ones I love indeed —

- - - - Allama Iqbal

Hispania! You are the trustee of the Muslim blood,

In my eyes you are sanctified like the Haram.

Prints of prostration lie hidden in your dust,

Silent calls to prayers in your morning air.

- - - - Allama Iqbal

Contents

The Rebel
The Frontier Falcon
The Nation-Sellers
Their Host
Rabia’s Anxiety
Realization of Rabia’s Dream
The Nation and its Warrior
New Endeavors
Father and Son
The Spider’s Web
The Mujahid and The Traitor
The Man-in-Black
One Crore
Al-Zeghel’s Hopelessness
Tareef Bin Malik
Renewed Enthusiasm
Loja’s New Ruler
Crime and Its Punishment
Angela and Rabia's Father
Tears and Smiles
The Last Defender of Al-Hamra
The Last Arrow in the Quiver of the Nation
About the Author

Badr Bin Mughira: The Shaheen of Andalus

The Rebel

(1)

Fifty horsemen descended from the foot of the mountain while passing through the dense forest and stopped in front of a broken bridge by the river where the forest ran thicker. Running along the wild trees were grapevines, trees of apples, pomegranates, and various types of fruit-bearing trees, a witness to the fact that this forest was once an orchard. Across the river, on both sides of a broken-down road, grew tall trees whose branches intertwined to form a roof. Long, lush green grass growing from the sides embraced the stony road that showed that the feet that once trampled them, now seldom treaded this path.

The river was shallow and could have easily been crossed over by the cavalry maneuvering a few steps up or down. But being cautious, the two horsemen leading the group turned around on reaching close to the bridge and gestured to stop. The cavalry was equipped with the best weapons and accessories. One of the leaders of the cavalry sported a white cape and turban that covered his entire face except the eyes. His companion, like the rest of the cavalry, wore armor and aventail. Accompanied with this, his beautiful brown horse, sword-hilt decorated with jewels, and shining armor and aventail created a unique grandeur.

The duo, who apparently were the leaders of the squad, stood by the bridge for a while and stared at each other.

Finally, the white-turbaned rider said, “I repeatedly get the thought…what if he rejects our proposal?”

The brown horse-rider replied: “Then he leaves us no option but to take him as a rebel and treat him like one.”

“No! He has gained his independence from our enemies. If he undertakes the responsibility of guarding just this border, even then, we will respect his independence.”

“And what if he refuses this proposal too?”

“Even then, I will not oppose him. However, I will most certainly be disappointed for not being able to induct such a vital asset into the Granada’s army.”

Before the brown horse-rider could reply, a deer appeared on the other side of the bridge. The rider took out an arrow from his quiver but as he raised his bow, an arrow swooshed from the trees, piercing itself into a wooden plank that was hanging by a tree near the bridge.

The deer jumped and disappeared into the forest. The entire cavalry was horror-struck by the unexpected arrow. The brown horse-rider looked at the wooden plank and noticed a few murky words on it besides the arrow sticking out of it. He said to his white-turbaned companion, “I think there is something written on it.”

Both riders dismounted their horses and approached the plank by the tree. There was an endorsement written on it:

“On this side of the river, the kingdom belongs to the Frontier Falcon.

These pastures are dedicated to the horses of the mujahideen. The right to the fruits and animals belongs solely to those who have committed themselves to wrangle Andalus out of the claws of foreigners. Only those people from Granada can enter this land who wish to join the ranks of the mujahideen.”

Those who are content with being enslaved by the enemies of Islam and those who have accepted their subjugation by the Christians should not dare to step in this land. We answer a sword with a sword.”

After reading this warning, the white-turbaned rider looked at his armor-clad companion and said, “Like the people of Costa, he too has the right to view the people of Granada with suspicion. However, I would like to meet him at any cost.”

His armor-clad companion replied, “He lives eight miles away from here in an old castle, but we cannot reach there without him believing we come with good intentions. This dense forest is infested with archers. Let me raise a white flag. Maybe one of his men might appear, which would give us a chance to convey our message.”

The white-turbaned rider nodded in affirmation. His companion called out to one of his troops and approached close to the bridge waving a white flag. He waited and then cried out loudly, “Is anyone there?! We have brought a message of friendship for the Frontier Falcon.”

After a while, there was some movement in the branches of a thick tree on the other side of the river-bank and a youth jumped down, advanced towards them and said, “Our reply to friendship is friendship but the Frontier Falcon might object as to why you needed several armed individuals to deliver a message of peace?”

The armor-clad rider replied, “I am sure Badr Bin Mughira’s fighters won’t be overwhelmed by fifty fighters from Granada. However, we need to enquire that if he has any objection to this, we can ask these soldiers to return or else we can handover our weapons to you or our companions can stay on that side of the river, and you can take the two of us to your leader.”

The youth replied, “If you know the name of the Frontier Falcon, you must also be familiar with his disposition. Instead of meeting with you, he would prefer to know the strength of the army of which these troops are a vanguard of.”

The armor-clad rider removed his aventail and, while handing it over to one of the soldiers, said, “If you have no respect for a general of Granada’s army, then you will certainly have regard for its royal household.”

(2)

Appearing worried, the youth turned around and looked at the trees. After a brief silence, the sound of galloping horses was heard from behind the trees and immediately a rider appeared and stopped by the river, sporting a white turban instead of a shining armor over his body and aventail over his head. He was a handsome youth of eighteen or nineteen years with a face that radiated exceptional courage. He quickly took account of the troops on the other side of the river and proclaimed, “To meet Badr Bin Mughira, you don’t need any royal of Granada to intercede on your behalf. He would be more than happy to meet someone who is a pure soldier.”

The armor-clad rider replied, “The purity of a soldier’s intentions can only be judged in the battlefield, and if fate would join your leader and I on the same front, then the boiling blood from my wounds would testify to the purity of my intentions. Go and inform your leader that if he doubts Moosa’s intentions then let him lay siege on any city of Castile. I, along with fifty of these soldiers, would support him under the shade of the swords and raining arrows.”

On the other side, the youth listened attentively to his speaker and without uttering a word, moved forward a few steps, wading his horse in the river. He moved close to the armor-clad rider, dismounted his horse, held out his hand and said, “If you are indeed Moosa, then, without asking you another question, I put forward my hand of friendship.”

While shaking the youth’s hand, Moosa said, “So, are you Badr Bin Mughira? I am amazed that—”

“You are amazed as to why we didn’t recognize each other at first sight?,” Badr Bin Mughira interrupted him.

“This is exactly what I wanted to say. I expected you to be much older, but I think you’re in the right age to be called a falcon. Now, if you could forget the past grievances you have for the royalty of Andalus, then I would introduce you to the one I consider to be the last arrow in the quiver of Andalus.”

“If you consider Murad Abu Abdullah Al-Zeghel to be the last arrow in the quiver of Andalus, then, meeting him would certainly be an honor,” Badr Bin Mughira said respectfully. “The mujahideen from Granada who have joined my ranks have spoken highly of only a handful of people, and those army generals whom I heartily desire to meet are Moosa and Al-Zaighri. From the royal family, the only person is Al-Zeghel.”

“We could not bring Al-Zaighri along but if you can see past the white veil then consider Al-Zeghel right here in front of you,” Moosa replied.

When Badr Bin Mughira looked at Moosa’s white-turbaned companion, he extended his right hand towards him and unveiled his face using his left. Al-Zeghel appeared to be about fifty years of age. Appearing deeply interested, he looked at Badr Bin Mughira and said, “It is youths like yourself who are the last arrow in the quiver of Andalus.”

Badr Bin Mughira said, “I appreciate your encouragement, but unfortunately in Andalus the hands that should be mastering the arrows are playing rubabs.”

Al-Zeghel replied, “I will snatch away the rubabs from their hands and, if not, then I shall chop those hands off. Those useless hands of Andalus are playing rubabs because they do not have arrows. I am collecting arrows for them. I have come here to invite you to join the army of Granada.”

Badr Bin Mughira shook his head. “This invitation had been put forward earlier too, but my companions and I would rather prefer to live in this forest instead of being exhibits of the royal court of Granada. Here, we do not have marbled palaces or satin tunics, but we are certainly satisfied that, unlike the people of Granada, we are not subjects to a Christian king. These mujahideen who have given up all their life’s interests to reside in this forest would not yield to the servitude of someone else in Granada. I fear that in the atmosphere of Granada, the mujahideen’s sharp swords that have repeatedly embittered the fangs of Christians, would lose their ferric properties. In the Granada’s furnace, they would melt and transform to become strings of rubabs. A falcon is a falcon until it lives in the peaks of mountains and flies in the open skies. I am sorry, but we are not familiar with the etiquettes of the royal court. We are only soldiers, and our struggle has just one objective. The day the Sultan of Granada announces to re-erect the flag of Islam over Cordova and Seville, then, I assure you, that would be the moment when you would not have to invite us. We would come to you voluntarily and in those ashes of Andalus, where the citizens of Granada would be willing to shed their sweat, shall our blood flow. I swear by God if anyone is of the view that I am doing this to be a leader of a group of people, then, he is mistaken. I am but a soldier waiting for that general from Granada who possesses Tariq’s vision and Abdul Rehman’s heart. This valley would give him a base and I shall keep guarding this place until he comes. If one of you is that general, then, this entrenchment is at your service, or else begone and let me wait for his arrival. Before me, my father and before him, his father guarded this entrenchment, anxiously awaiting the arrival of that general. I too would continue to perform my duty.”

Badr Bin Mughira became silent after saying this, and Al-Zeghel stared at him with subdued emotions of love, affection and devotion. Finally, he said, “This is what I had expected from Mughira’s son. Young man! Blessed are those pastures where your horses graze. Blessed are those trees under whose shades you sleep. No doubt, the palaces of Granada can never be a home for a falcon. But I have not come here to invite you to stay in those palaces. I have come here to give you good news. We have decided to fight with Castile till our last breath. Today itself, Abul Hassan is ready to announce war but I have asked him for a period of four months and in that we need to do a lot. And I don’t need to tell you what you have to do.”

Badr’s beautiful eyes were filled with joy. He held Al-Zeghel’s hand with both his hands, and said, “If nature has chosen this hand to raise the flag of rebellion, then I kiss it.”

Al-Zeghel hugged Badr with open arms. Moving away from Al-Zeghel, Badr looked at Moosa and said, “I welcome you and your companions.”

Moosa moved forward, put his arms around him, to which Al-Zeghel smiled and said, “Moosa! This falcon has fallen in your hands after great difficulty. So, don’t let it go.”

While kissing Badr’s forehead Moosa said, “Don’t you worry. Instead of keeping you in my custody, I will try to fly with you.”

“I know you quite well,” Badr answered with a smile. “Who is not aware of the apple of Granada’s eye?”

Moosa said, “Here, I must say something.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“I thought that, given the circumstances, you had become quite cautious, but what you demonstrated today was not according to your normal traditions. You decided to come to us all alone without giving a thought that our intentions could be evil.”

Badr laughed and replied, “Even if fifty men did have evil intentions, I do not consider it to be a grave danger.”

“And what makes you say that there is no army behind us”, said Moosa.

Badr Bin Mughira replied, “I was informed of your arrival when you were about twenty furlongs away and I was also aware that there was no army behind you. When you were descending the mountain, I was on a tree listening to your conversation, and despite that, I was cautious. The fact is that your fifty men were within striking range of my men.”

With amazement, Moosa quickly glanced around at the surrounding trees. While smiling, Badr said, “We don’t call it an arrow if the target can see it. Let me put your curiosity to rest.” Saying this, he removed an arrow from his quiver, loaded it in the bow, aimed at the plank by a tree across the river and cried out, “Our honored guests would like to know how many falcons are present here at this moment. Attention! The plank is your target.” As soon as Badr Bin Mughira’s arrow flew out of his bow and pierced itself into the plank, arrows rained from all directions, filling-up the plank. Leaves, sliced by the arrows, fell-off from the trees.

In amazement Moosa said, “So, your men are also behind us, on the trees?”

“Yes, and even in front of you. You will find arrows on the other side of the plank too.”

Al-Zeghel said, “Moosa! We need to learn a lot from this youth. I will send a few generals here. I want to put forward a lot of suggestions to him, and I have decided to return today itself.”

Badr Bin Mughira said, “Please forgive me for making you stand here for so long. Please come, we will sit and talk.”

Al-Zeghel replied, “But your residence is quite far from here. And if we were to go there, then, I’m afraid we won’t be able to return today.”

“I won’t be taking you far. Come! You are free to eat the fruits and animals in this forest and your horses are free to graze around.”

“We accept your invitation!” Saying this, Al-Zeghel mounted his horse. With Badr leading, the entire cavalry crossed the river. Upon crossing it, Badr cried out to his companions to appear and in no time about two hundred archers jumped down the trees from both sides of the river and gathered around him.

Galloping, a rider appeared from the other side of a hidden road. He halted once he reached close to Badr’s archers and Al-Zeghel’s soldiers. Appearing confused, he started staring at them. The rider was about twenty years of age. Instead of having features and complexion of a pure Arab or Muslim Berber, he looked of a mixed Spanish race. His face, too, radiated with intelligence rather than a warrior’s might. Like Badr, he also wore a white turban over his head, but had a red cape over his chainmail. Two bags were tied next to his horse’s saddle.

While looking at him, Badr said, “Bashir, I’m glad you have arrived. This is the king of Andalus’s brother, Al-Zeghel, and this is Moosa. They have brought us good news. Soon, they are going to announce war against Castile.”

Bashir jumped off his horse and shook hands with them to which Badr said, “This is Bashir Bin Hassan. Surely, you must have heard of him. There isn’t a better surgeon in Andalus than him. He left his luxurious palace of Cordova and preferred to live in this forest with me.”

Badr signaled to his companions, and one after the other, they disappeared in the forest.

(3)

Badr and Bashir led their guests into the forest and, after a while, reached the banks of a stream where a large cloth-spread was laid out for them on the lush green grass, under the shade of trees. About fifty to sixty of Badr’s men were present here, too. They tied the guests’ horses and put grass in front of them to feed on.

While Al-Zeghel and his soldiers sat down to eat, they were wondering what their host had prepared for their unexpected guests. On Badr’s clap, a few men carrying platters appeared from behind a cluster of trees and, after a while, roasted meat of forest animals and abundant fruits of different kinds were placed in front of the guests.

The guests looked at each other in amazement. Finally, Al-Zeghel said, “You have taken a lot of trouble. I am amazed at how you have managed to arrange so much in such a short time.”

“Like I explained earlier, when you were at a distance of about twenty furlongs, I had been informed of your arrival. I had also known that you had not stopped on your way for breakfast. And when my informant also told me that you do not have any supply logistics either, then I could not think of any other option but to have some food prepared too.”

After having lunch, everyone offered their afternoon prayers in the leadership of Al-Zeghel. Later, Badr, Al-Zeghel, Moosa and Bashir separated themselves from the rest and sat down under a tree. Moosa spread out the map of Andalus and discussed the various options of the oncoming war. Al-Zeghel agreed with various options put forward by Badr and said, “A few days before the attack, you will be called to Granada. I would like to give some more bordering areas under your command with immediate effect. With this forest as your base, you would be able to secure those areas. With this border secure, we would be able to deploy most of our forces to another front. I had sought the permission of Abul Hassan to make you the governor of this border, but I was apprehensive that such a move would immediately alert Ferdinand and he would attack us without giving us time to prepare. Therefore, I believe for namesake, let the governor be anyone else while you be the de facto governor. For the next four months, teasing the Christians would not be in our interest. In this duration, we want to be aware of their conditions. You can call the mujahideen of Cordova, Castile, and other cities to join you. If the Muslims of Granada and Andalus unite, we can get rid of the Christians forever.”

Badr replied remorsefully, “I wish someone had realized this fifty, hundred years or two hundred years ago. Some two hundred years ago, there were three hundred thousand immigrants just from Cordova, Toledo and Seville who came to Granada with the intention of taking part in the war, but their swords melted away in the fire of envy and jealousy. Fifty years ago, in this valley alone, there were about sixty thousand mujahideen. Today, I only have five thousand. But if Granada has decided to fight, then the quantity can multiply threefold. Even now, there are horses available that graze in this forest. If I need arms, I will inform you.”

Before giving the bordering areas under Badr Bin Mughira’s supervision, Al-Zeghel finalized several details, after which Al-Zeghel ordered his troops to prepare to return.

The Frontier Falcon

(1)

Muslims had ruled Andalus for the past eight centuries. The history of these eight centuries is the rise and fall of a great nation, whose opening chapters were inked with the blood of Arab conquerors and the great leaders of the Umayyad dynasty. Now, this great nation, whose grandeur would silence the defiant waves of the Mediterranean, was writing its closing chapter with tears of hopelessness. Now, the tree of culture and civilization nurtured and grown by the chivalrous Tariq Bin Ziyad, Moosa Bin Naseer and the successors of Abdul Rehman, was facing the strong and defiant winds of autumn.

The Muslims had entered this country like a storm. When all the walls of opposition broke down and the people of Spain laid their arms down in front of the Arab horsemen, this storm changed to clouds of mercy and the barren lands of Andalus transformed into a heavenly garden. In a country where humanity was dying, trapped in barbarism, it became a torchbearer of Europe.

When the dark clouds of fear and barbarism dominated Europe, every house in Andalus was lit with lanterns of science and knowledge. When majority of the people of Europe covered their bodies with hides of animals, lived in forests and caves, the people of Andalus spread drapery making and architecture to the south of the Mediterranean. In Europe, books and their readers could be counted on fingers, whereas in Andalus, it was quite impossible to find a person whose house did not have a personal library.

The Umayyad era was the golden age in the history of Andalus. Even today, when a tourist visualizes the magnificence and splendor that is buried in the ruins of Cordova, Seville, and Toledo, he enquires with amazement, “Was this that very land where prosperity and progress left the ambassadors of Charlemagne awestruck? Is the modern-day Spain and the Andalus of the Arabs the same land which was once a goldmine? The land where misery and poverty did not exist? The land whose trade and commerce were spread all the way to Russia, Iran and China? The land whose universities were renowned the world over and students of Aristotle and Plato sat at the feet of its scholars?”

The souls of Andalus’ historians, who maybe, each evening, wander around these deserted places, reply to us, saying, “Yes! This Spain is the same Andalus that belonged to the Arabs, whose power and majesty has become a legend of the past. This Rock of Gibraltar is the same one where Tariq Bin Ziyad’s ships had anchored. Cordova is that very city where the pompous courts of Abdul Rehman III would leave the ambassador of great emperors absolutely awestruck. While this Andalus is the same, the nation whose sweat and blood bestowed life and beauty to its ashes has been obliterated. Buried beneath these ruins lie the bodies of the glorious builders who made this country a tower of light for the rest of Europe.”

World history depicts the rise and fall of nations but the rise and fall of the Arab conquerors is an era from which a lot could be learned. That sun, that moon and those stars who since the creation of Adam must have witnessed, with their unblinking eyes, thousands of caravans on the paths of progress and degenerations had a heart, then, the legend of the rise and fall of the Arab rulers, would certainly be engraved on them.

(2)

In Andalus, after the victories of the Muslims, the initial period saw the establishment of many small Christian kingdoms towards the northern border. During the reign of powerful rulers, these kingdoms would become vassals to the Islamic Sultanate of Andalus and during the time of weak rulers or during the time of infighting among Muslims, these kingdoms would declare their independence and carry out looting raids on the border areas. The era of the Umayyad rule was a period of magnificence for the Muslims. Despite the treacherous, clandestine activities of the small Christian kingdoms of the north, the Umayyad emperors would still treat them with generosity.

After the decline of the Umayyad dynasty in the 5th century Hijri, the Muslims of Andalus had reached the last stage of divergence and decentralization. The great Andalus empire became divided into some twenty states. Alponso VI took advantage of this dissent and united the northern Christian states of Astoria, Leon, and Castile to form an empire.

The autocratic rulers of Andalus, called upon Alphonso for assistance whenever they lost to their neighbors. He would demand a price for his assistance to pitch one ruler against the other. He did this to such an extent that almost all the rulers of Spain became his subjects, and loot, murder, and plunder flourished after military check posts were established throughout the length and breadth of the country.

During these troubled times, Yusuf Bin Tashfeen, the ruler of Algeria and Morocco, came to the rescue of the Muslims. He rescued the Muslims from the mighty claws of the Christians. However, he could not strategically unite the imprudent Muslims. When all his strategies and efforts failed, he captured Andalus and made it a province of his African empire.

The African dynasty of Al-Moravid that was founded by Yusuf Bin Tashfeen could not be established for long. As soon as the nobles of Andalus sensed the weakness of the rule, they quickly seceded, and every major city became a separate kingdom. At this critical stage, Abdul Momin tried to support this falling building of the Muslim rule by defeating the conceited rulers of Andalus’ small kingdoms and laid the foundation of the Al-Mohad dynasty.

The Mohads repeatedly defeated the Christian attackers of the north, but unfortunately, they governed being based in Africa. Therefore, their hold on Andalus gradually became weakened and the conspiracies of the emirs of Andalus increased.

In 1212, the Christians defeated the remaining Mohad armies at the Battle of Las Navas de Tolosa and after this several Muslims cities were captured by them, one after the other.

From 1238 to 1265, Muslims fought each other and during this time Ferdinand III, the Christian king of Castile, and rulers of Aragon united themselves and Cordova, Helenbesia, Seville, and Mercia were conquered. For the Muslims, the capture of Cordova and Seville by the Christians was no less than the capture of Baghdad at the hands of the Tartars.

Now, in Andalus, their last protectorate was the Kingdom of Granada. This kingdom spread from Montserrat to the coastal region of Almeria and from here it stretched all the way to Gibraltar. The Muslims ruled Granada for another two hundred and fifty years. Many people from the occupied territories came to Granada believing it to be the last entrenchment for their self-defense. They offered their services to the rulers of Granada, though the sword of the Muslim emirs which had subdued the mightiest powers was now placed back in its scabbard.

For about one and a half century, the Kingdom of Granada was a target of many internal squabbles among its selfish emirs and its border areas were subject to much looting, plunder, and killings at the hands of Christians. At times, the rulers of Granada defeated the Christians on several occasions, but it was deprived of an ambitious personality whose leadership would have entirely stopped the threat posed by the Christians.

If an emir would be victorious against the Christians, the general public would rally around him for a period of time, but after a while this kingdom would become an arena of jealousy and envy.

Despite the circumstances, Granada was the most advanced city in the fields of arts and sciences not only in Europe but also in the entire world. Its builders, too, were renowned around the world. Students from far and wide sought education in its universities and Granada’s surgeons and physicians were second to none.

When any nation chooses for itself the path of freedom, prestige, and prosperity, then knowledge and education work for it like a whip. However, when it strays away from this path, these very arts and sciences become an addictive drug, and the deficiency of its actions is not even pricked by its conscience.

In mid of the 9th century Hijri, 15th century A.D., signs of Granada’s degeneration were becoming apparent quite rapidly. With the matrimonial union of Ferdinand V and Isabella, two Christian kingdoms of Aragon and Castile were united and the intense discord among the Muslims proved to be the last blow to the glimmering flame of the Muslims.

(3)

Badr Bin Mughira was called the “Frontier Falcon” by the emirs and people of Castile. Because of his unprecedented victories against the attacking Christian troops, he became famously known by this title in Granada too. This sixty-mile long and forty-mile wide mountain and forest was a home to these independent individuals who were neutral towards Granada but continuously at war with the neighboring Christian kingdoms. Before Badr, his father Mughira was the emir of the region, who had captured and annexed several Christian regions into his kingdom. When the rulers of Granada tried to make him their subject, he would tell the royal emissary that if the ruler of Granada stopped paying tribute to Castile then this region would be theirs and that he would join the army as an ordinary soldier who would take pride in waging war against the Christians. However, unlike Granada he would not become slaves to Castile. During those days, Granada had become the center-stage to the civil war and the ruler of Granada was not courageous enough to unite the opposing emirs against the Christians of Castile. Therefore, he sent a message across to Mughira saying that he will not be a hurdle as long as Mughira’s activities were focused on the Christians.

The subjugated Christians nobles of Castile could not form a united front against Mughira because of their mutual rivalries and this gave him ample time for preparing. Some Muslims living under these Christian kingdoms joined hands with him but while his ranks had swelled to about six thousand soldiers, a dramatic revolution was in the offing in Christian Andalus.

Owing to the marriage between Ferdinand V and Isabella, northern Christian kingdoms created the union of Castile and Aragon, which became a major threat to Muslim Andalus. Smaller Christian rulers appeared insignificant in front of Ferdinand’s rule. Compared to Granada’s subjugated kingdoms, he considered the smaller independent region of Mughira a greater threat. He also felt that to conquer this region he would have to sacrifice a substantial amount of his army.

Assessing the upcoming threat, Mughira started preparing mujahideen groups from the length and breadth of Andalus. He delegated the protection of the independent areas to his subordinate and, as an ordinary merchant, toured major cities of Andalus. Muslims of Cordova, Seville and other cities, whose souls were suffocating in the chains of slavery, committed themselves to taking part in a war under him. In due time, they would raise the flag of revolt in their respective cities. Hence, Mughira realized that after living under slavery in Christian Andalus for a long time, there were very few Muslims left here who would be willing to live and die for Islam. The techniques adopted by their Christian rulers to make Muslims strangers to their own religion proved to be successful to a certain extent and now, under Ferdinand, different ways were aggressively enforced to apostatize them. Muslim schools were banned from teaching Arabic. They were not allowed to wear Arabic attire. They were forced to send their children to Christian schools. There were some concessions to those who had converted to Christianity. However, Muslims who opted to stay were ordered to wear a special symbol. They were mocked in the markets. This resulted in the formation of a community that appeared to be Christians but performed the Islamic prayers in the privacy of their homes. For the remainder of the Muslims, the biggest threat was a nationalist movement. A group of hypocrites raised the issue of Andalusian and non-Andalusians. These people were uniting the Spanish Muslims against the Arab Muslims while the Christian government, realizing that this would be to their advantage, began patronizing them. They used to spit venom against Arab and Berber Muslims in mosques and public places. In such circumstances, many Arabs and Berbers immigrated to Morocco while some settled in Granada.

Mughira was not very optimistic after he returned from his visit to the different cities. From thirty cities, about four thousand Muslims took pledges at his hands for the war. Therefore, he was not disappointed and vowed to spread the message of war to every city of Andalus. He also felt that unless and until the flag of revolt is not raised by a brave ruler of Granada, the Muslim dream of a renaissance would remain unfulfilled. His biggest wish was that the ruler of Granada declare war against the Christians and after this he would join the army of diehard fighters, but Granada’s throne was amid severe dynastic squabbles. Despite the circumstances, Mughira did not lose hope. Every year, he would disguise himself and tour different cities, preparing people for war. On returning to his residence, he would spend most of his time writing letters to secret organizations in different cities of Andalus.

One day, Mughira was sitting in a room of an old fort in the forest. A soldier came in and reported that a few soldiers had arrested and brought in a stranger from the border areas, who said that he had brought an important message from Toledo. Mughira had not yet had a chance to visit Toledo yet to further his activities. At his signal, the stranger was presented before him. At this point in time, Badr was fourteen years old and was sitting next to his father. sitting close to his father. The stranger entered the room, looked around and said, “I would like to talk to you in private.”

Mughira gestured to the soldier to leave and said, “Okay, speak up!”

The stranger directed an inquisitive glance at Badr, to which Mughira said, “You don’t have to worry about him. He is my son.”

The stranger pulled out a letter from his pocket and presented it to Mughira. “Kindly read this.”

After reading the long communiqué, Mughira became contemplative. The last words of the communiqué echoed in his ears: “Ten thousand diehard warriors are waiting for you in Toledo. I am amazed that you have continued to ignore this city. Compared to the Muslims of other cities, Muslims of Toledo are more oppressed and within them are those who, instead of unjustly giving their lives, would rather give precedence to courageously die fighting under your banner.”

Mughira stared at the messenger and said, “Go and tell them that I will surely come. I shall arrive very soon.”

Later, Mughira called in some soldiers and ordered them to escort the envoy safely across the border.

(4)

Late into the night, Mughira moved out from his bed and began disguising himself as a monk. A soldier came into the room and informed him that his horse was ready.

“I am coming.”

The soldier left the room. For a while, Mughira stood by his son’s bed, looking at his innocent face in the candlelight. Finally, he bowed down and kissed his forehead. Suddenly, Badr shivered, sneezed, and opened his eyes. “Where am I?” He asked in a petrified voice and then screamed, “Father!”

He embraced Mughira and said, “Father! Father! I will not let you go alone. I will come along with you.”

“What is the matter, son?” Mughira asked while embracing him.

“Father, I had a really terrible nightmare. I saw that a pack of wolves was following us. You were left behind. They captured you. I wanted to return to save you, but you were saying, ‘Badr, you should run away. You should run away.’ Father! If you plan to go, then I will also come along.”

“No, son!” Mughira said in a grieving tone.

“Father! Last year you had promised that you would take me along if you went to Granada.”

“But, son, I am not going to Granada. I am going to Toledo, and you could face a lot of danger there with me.”

“I am not a coward.”

“Son, if I were to go into the battlefield, I would have surely taken you along with me. But it is better that I go alone to Toledo.”

“But I am sure that you won’t go there alone.”

“How is that?”

“My dream. Father, you yourself say that my dreams are not untrue.”

Mughira gazed at his son, thoughtfully. “Why don’t you open yourself to another interpretation of your dream: if you were to come along, then, we would have to face the wolves?”

Badr thought and said, “Father, when will you return?”

“I shall come back before the moon of the next month. But, if I am delayed for any reason, then don’t come running after me. In my absence, you will be the caretaker of this forest. I shall leave with the trust that you will not be careless towards your duties. If you come after me, I will think that you have not obeyed my orders.”

(5)

A month had passed but Mughira did not return. At times, such trips that were scheduled for weeks would extend to months. While his companions were not worried, Badr’s concerns were increasing by the day. He proposed to the consultation committee to send a clever spy to Toledo, but they suggested that before a spy could be sent, it was important to establish the identity of the person who had sent the invitation. Badr pulled out a letter from a pile of documents inside a cabinet which invited his father to Toledo, but the writer gave a number of reasons to conceal his identity and wrote, “If you think hard you will know who I am. I had met you in a rest house in Seville. It was unfortunate that you did not reveal your name to me before climbing onto your horse and I did not get a chance to speak, otherwise, I might have proved that our goals are not different. Before I could say anything at all, you galloped away. I did not follow you believing that you might become suspicious of me. If you were to come to Toledo again, the way to find me is that there is a rest house right outside the eastern gate of the city. The owner of the rest house is a short man who has a couple of teeth of the lower jaw broken. You can go to him and say that you want to meet a lost friend. He will bring you to me. Before you meet me, do not disclose your name or objective at any point in time.”

This letter was reassuring as much as it was worrying. So, Badr’s companions sent a clever spy to Toledo, but before his return, an emissary of a secret organization of Cordova came and gave the devastating news that Mughira was hanged publicly at a square in Toledo. The secret organization was told about this incident by a few traders coming from Toledo.

After a few days, Badr’s spy returned and confirmed the news. Badr and his companions interrogated him further, but he told them that he could not trace the person who had invited Mughira to Toledo. The spy told them that he went to the inn during the night, placed the dagger on the chest of the inn’s owner and when he was compelled to tell me the truth, he told me that he was assigned this task by the city’s mayor. After listening to the spy, Badr and his comrade arrived at the conclusion that the traitor who had invited Mughira to Toledo was an agent of the city’s mayor or governor, and the inn’s owner was used as bait to catch the lion of the jungle.

Gradually, the news of Mughira’s assassination spread to Andalus. With this news, a blanket of pessimism spread over the covert organizations. The people of Granada too, felt that one of their strong arms had been broken. Nonetheless, to the mujahideen, Mughira’s rather young but promising son proved to be a befitting replacement.

One day, the Christian governor of the border territory suddenly attacked. Badr retreated and led them to the difficult terrain of the mountainous region where one archer was enough for a hundred soldiers. After losing more than half of their army, the Christians started retreating from the forest. Badr’s archers proved more lethal than the mountains and soon the Christians felt that after escaping from the fire they now reached the foot of a volcanic mountain. They were no match for the arrows coming from the soldiers hiding in dense trees. The army of 6,000 returned with only 1,500 troops. As the Christian general was escaping with his remaining group amid a volley of arrows, one of Badr’s soldiers jumped over his horse and both stumbled to the ground.

Seeing their general fall, the Christians didn’t dare to look back and give a second look. They panicked and became scattered, running here and there. On reaching their border they were about to face another devastation.

Badr’s horsemen had blocked all their exits. Behind them was a rain of arrows and in front of them was a wall of shining lances. On the left was a slope that apparently had no hindrance. Those who survived the arrows and lances turned their horses in this direction. But, after half a mile down, there was a deep ditch. Hopeless from all sides, about 200 men jumped off their horses and fell into this ditch while some threw away their swords.

Badr Bin Mughira ordered some of his soldiers to chase the men in the ditch while he appointed another group to guard the prisoners.

(6)

The battle ensued with the early rays of the sun, and by noon, Badr’s 2,000 soldiers disguised themselves in the uniforms of the Christian army prisoners. Riding their very horses, they were now ready for a bigger mission. A little before sunset, citizens of an important city prepared to receive their victorious general. When the darkness of the evening was falling upon the reddish sky, a soldier at the bridge of the gate exclaimed, “They have arrived! Long live Count Santiago!”

Cries of “Long live Count Santiago!” were raised everywhere. Church bells were rung. Thousands of men and women gathered outside the city gate. The city’s bishop stood among them with a garland of flowers. As the sound of the galloping horses came close, the excitement of the cheering people grew.

A horseman suddenly appeared from the clouds of dust, his white cape fluttering in the wind. He reached the gate of the city, halted his horse, and looked back. After a while, about 2,000 horsemen gathered in front of the gate. A wave of shock fell over the city dwellers. Worried, they started dispersing around. The white-masked rider roared the shout of Takbeer and the atmosphere resonated with the sound of “Allahu Akbar!” The bishop could not believe his ears and carefully examined the flag of the white-masked rider. Instead of the cross, the flag sported a crescent. The garland of flowers fell from his shivering hands.

The people listened to the roars of “Allahu Akbar!”. They also spotted that the leader of the attackers had a crescent on his fluttering flag but before they could jump into action, Badr Bin Mughira’s 2,000 diehard warriors had entered the city through the wide-open gate. After a while, a few of Count Santiago’s soldiers, who had escaped through the forest and headed to the city, learned from fleeing city dwellers that the city had been captured by the Muslims.

Before midnight, Badr Bin Mughira had taken away all the gold, silver, ration, and several livestock as booty and fled the city. After handing it over to 500 of his horsemen, he headed to the nearby cities and villages.

The next morning, when his fatigued troops were on their way back to their residence, they had several flocks of livestock, mules, and donkeys loaded with booty leading before them.

A night before the attack, Count Santiago could never have imagined that they would have to spend the night in captivity of these people about whom their 6,000 fighters had sworn in front of the Holy Mary’s statue that they would not return until they put the last man of the enemy to death.

He had expected stiff resistance from his enemy, but after Mughira’s death, he had not expected that they would repulse this surprise attack so skillfully. During battle, he saw a white-caped rider with lightning speed who galloped from one end of the forest to the other, commanding his cavalry and infantry soldiers. It impressed upon him that the new leader was no less lethal than Mughira.

He spent the entire night restlessly tossing and turning in bed. The food that his men had presented lay untouched. Because of his position and stature, the guards dealt with him with respect and dignity. When someone tried to say a few words of consolation, he would abruptly ask, “Who was the falcon? Where is he now? I would like to see him. I swear by the Holy Mary, he is not a human.” At times, in a fit of rage he would yell, “How will I ever face them on my return? Why don’t you just kill me?!”

After his capture, he had taken an oath of honor not to try to escape, therefore, he was not shackled nor harmed by Badr’s soldiers like an ordinary prisoner. However, when he tried to take out his dagger to pierce it in his own chest, a soldier caught hold of his hands. On raising an alarm, a few other soldiers unarmed him by force while Badr’s lieutenant assigned a couple of guards for his security. He said, “It is our duty to ensure his safety until our leader returns.”

On Badr’s return, a little before noon the next day, the shouts of “Allahu Akbar” resonated in the silence of the forest.

After spending a restless night, Count Santiago came out of his tent and lay in the lush green grass in a deep sleep, under the cool shade of a tree. Rubbing his eyes, he was awoken by the shouts of the people. Badr Bin Mughira, who was wearing a white cape over his armor and with only his eyes visible from his veil, came and stood right in front of him. Blood was splattered all over his white cape. Count Santiago took a few looks at his masked opponent from top to toe and said, “Alas! Only if my hands would reach your mask and I could see who has given me the worst defeat ever?”

Badr replied, “A soldier should not be bothered by victory and defeat.”

Saying this, he addressed his companions and said, “I had expected a better treatment of him by you. I would like to know why his oath was not respected and why were his weapons taken away from him?”

One of Badr’s lieutenants came forward and replied, “We wanted to stop him from the misuse of the weapons. Suicide does not suit a brave person.”

“Return his horse and weapons to him,” Badr demanded. Unchain the rest of the prisoners, blindfold them and escort them to the other side of the border.”

Santiago enquired apprehensively, “So you expect your soldiers to escort us to the border without being rained with arrows from behind our backs?”

Badr replied in a rather bitter tone, “No! Because this is part of our traditions.”

Badr’s lieutenant came forward and whispered, “But I don’t understand the reason for letting them go without taking ransom.”

“In your opinion, how much would that be?”

“At least fifty thousand.”

“We have gained a hundred times more than that. Go and escort them across the border. After a few years, when their treasury is replenished, we will invite them here again. Now, my companions and I need to take some rest.”

Saying this, Badr proceeded to the fort.

(7)

After this victory, the title “The Frontier Falcon” given by Santiago gradually became common to all. Several fables of bravery became associated with this name. Superstitious Christians used to say that the Frontier Falcon was a supernatural human who has been spotted fighting simultaneously in the forest of the rebels, in the Christian dwelling that is several kilometers away and in the cities. His legend travelled from the Kingdom of Ferdinand and reached Granada. The Islamic scholars termed him a Ghazi. Poets penned fictitious tales of love and romance with princesses of high pedigree. Intellectuals threw light on various aspects of his personality.

Shepherds and farmers from afar, returning after a laborious day, would become the center of attraction of the people. They would spread stories of having seen the Frontier Falcon at a certain place at a certain point in time.

Santiago was one of Ferdinand’s favorite warriors, but after his crushing defeat, Ferdinand had no desire to make an immediate move against his new and intriguing enemy. Before sending any new troops to the other side of the border, Ferdinand thought first of fortifying his border entrenchments. After two years of preparations, Ferdinand gave priority to his show of strength instead of a victory so that he could remove the Frontier Falcon’s image of invincibility from the minds of the people. He dispatched a few missions, but the result of these attacks were no different than Santiago’s misadventure.

Ferdinand had come to realize that the Frontier Falcon was a formidable enemy in his own territory of influence but lacked a large enough group to come out of the forest and take over any part of his kingdom. Therefore, he started concentrating on finishing that last Islamic sultanate, whose people were not only against living under him like subjects but were also striving to achieve their lost glory.

Meanwhile, Badr Bin Mughira took advantage of the situation and constantly kept consolidating his strength. Gradually, when the people of clandestine groups of various cities found out that the Frontier Falcon is none other than Mughira’s young son, those who were keen on taking part in war left their homes and joined-up with him.

One such individual who migrated from Cordova was Bashir Bin Hassan. Living up to the reputation of his famous ancestry, he became a skillful physician and surgeon at a very young age. He proved to be a valuable asset and support to Badr.

The rulers of Cordova and Seville had remained under his treatment. When the Crown Prince of Castile injured himself severely after falling off his horse, Ferdinand sent for him. On the Crown Prince’s recovery, Ferdinand and Isabella offered him the post of Royal Physician, but he refused and returned to Cordova. After two years, when he received a letter from Badr Bin Mughira, he left his luxurious palace and gave priority to living with a warrior in the forest.

(8)

Two months after the meeting with Al-Zefel, the ruler of Cordova, Abul Hassan, issued a secret decree and gave custody of some of Cordova’s bordering areas that were connected to the Frontier Falcon’s mountains and forest, to Badr Bin Mughira. Badr Bin Mughira did not get himself involved in the affairs of tax collection, judiciary, and other local issues. He left these responsibilities with the border administrator while he took over the administration of check posts and construction of new defensive outposts.

Apart from a few trustworthy army officers, no one knew that their commanding general was the very same youth who was remembered by the title of “The Frontier Falcon” or “Shaheen”. He was referred to by these titles not only by the people of Andalus but also by the Muslims of Granada. One day, the border administrator announced to the soldiers that, on his request, the Frontier Falcon had promised to give a few days’ training to them in his forest.

“I will send you in batches of two hundred, one after the other. I am sure his training will prove beneficial for you.”

The troops were more excited to have a look at the Shaheen of the forest than to learn new war tactics. Badr Bin Mughira’s lieutenant, Mansour Bin Ahmed, would receive the troops disguised as the Frontier Falcon and would send them back after training them, for a few days, on the war tactics of fighting in the forest and mountains.

Ferdinand did raise his concerns over the entrenchment along the Granada’s border, but Abul Hassan sent a reply saying that these preparations have been done to protect against any attack by the Frontier Falcon. Besides Abul Hassan’s reply, Ferdinand was also satisfied as apart from the normal formalities, there were no new restrictions to the access of any of the kingdom’s cities from the border. As usual, traders from Cordova, Castile, and other cities could pass the border to the cities of Granada on showing a transit document issued by Ferdinand’s rulers.

The Nation-Sellers

(1)

During the night, in a room of the royal palace of Castile, Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand sat on gilded chairs, facing each other. The expressions on their faces showed that they were both in deep thought.

Trying to bring a smile to her face, the Queen said, “Why are you so worried? I don’t think that the tribute amount is such a big issue to cause you concern.”

The King replied, “Oh Queen! I am not concerned about the tribute. I spend more on maintaining the border check post than the tribute I receive from Abul Hassan but his refusal to pay the tribute shows that he has confidence in his strength. Unfortunately, there is no other claimant to the throne of Granada. So far, more than our swords, the primary guarantee for our successes was the disunity among the Muslims.”

The Queen replied, “Even if the Muslims of Granada have united, I don’t think that they would raise their head against us. I am sure that they have not forgotten what happened to the rebels of Cordova, Toledo, and Seville.”

“You are talking about those times when there was much infighting between the Hispanians, Berbers and Arab-Muslims. Our ancestors had worked extremely hard to take advantage of their disunity which helped them in capturing three regions of Spain. Otherwise, I am not prepared to believe that, had they been united like us, we could not have gained victory over them.”

The Queen replied, “It was the Holy Mary’s grace upon us that they split up.”

“Perhaps with Holy Mary’s grace, like Cordova and Toledo, the Muslims of Granada too continue to remain divided, otherwise, I know that their unity can compel the enemy, no matter how mighty, to its knees. If they remain scattered, they would be like piles of dust in the face of a mildly blowing wind, but if they are united, they will prove to be like an invincible rock to an unforgiving storm. It has come to my knowledge that a few scholars are trying to motivate them in the name of Islam. If this is true, then, I would not consider these words of Abul Hassan as empty threats that ‘instead of gold and silver coins for tribute our mint manufactures swords of steel’. Oh Queen, the truth is that instead of the army, I was relying more on the fact that I would take advantage of the civil war in Granada.”

“But even if the chances of civil war are not present in Granada, we should not hesitate to use our armed forces. I do not believe in giving the enemy time for preparations.”

“This is what I was thinking too, but because of Santiago’s stupidity, we have still not been able to wash away the stains of negative publicity that our soldiers’ good reputation had received.”

“Can’t we recognize the Frontier Falcon as an independent ruler and have some agreement with him against Granada?” The Queen replied.

“No, rather, I’m afraid that if Abul Hassan announces to revolt against us, he would give him unconditional support.”

An army officer entered the room, bowed in respect, and said, “Abu Dawood seeks permission to enter.”

Ferdinand furiously said, “We had ordered that he should be presented in front of us immediately!”

Overwhelmed, more by the voice than the words, the army officer quickly exited after paying his respects.

“Do you trust Abu Dawood to be loyal to you even after he goes to Granada?” The Queen inquired.

The King replied, “After having Mughira captured, he has gained our trust for life.”

“But his access to the Royal Court of Granada would not be that easy.”

(2)

Abu Dawood entered the room. He appeared to be around 45-50 years of age. From his features and complexion, he seemed to be a mix of Spanish and Arab descent. Although most of his beard was white, his face had the freshness of a youth. He sported a black gown and white turban.

Abu Dawood moved forward, first kissing the King’s hand, and then proceeded to do the same to the Queen’s. He then took three steps backwards and stood respectfully.

The King gestured to an empty chair and said, “Have a seat.”

Abu Dawood reluctantly said, “The slave wouldn’t dare disobey. However, I would like to submit that even standing in front of my King and Queen is a great honor for me.”

A smiling Ferdinand said, “The King and Queen order you to be seated.”

“The slave wouldn’t dare disobey.” Saying this Abu Dawood sat on the chair.

Ferdinand said, “We believe that nature’s signs dawn upon you even before they do on our holy monks. Once again, we would like to test your intelligence. Tell us, what is the challenge that we are faced with today?”

Abu Dawood replied, “Even a display of this slave’s ordinary intelligence and wisdom would be disrespectful. However, I would comply with your command. The Great Emperor wishes for this slave to proceed to Granada.”

Ferdinand said, “If you had replied wearing the attire of a monk, we would have believed this to be a miracle of your spirituality. But we know that you rely on your intelligence more than anything else. Tell us, how did you arrive at the conclusion that we would like for you to go to Granada?”

“The slave had come to know that Abul Hassan had refused to pay tribute, after which the slave came to know that the Great Emperor had called in a council. Moments after the conclusion of the council of the ministers, the Emperor’s emissary had come to me. In such circumstances, it was not difficult for me to understand what was to be expected of me. I fully understand that if you would send me to a front against Abul Hassan, then, that front would only be Granada.”

“Then, I’m sure you must have also anticipated what you would have to do at this front?”

“Yes, I believe, in order to sow dissent in Granada it is important that we come up with another claimant to the throne, and this slave of yours would be able to decide who that other claimant might be only after he is in Granada.”

“What is your opinion of Al-Zeghel?”

“In my opinion, Al-Zeghel would give unconditional support to his brother. But…” He paused, deliberating.

“But what?”

“I cannot say this with surety. There are some reports that this job can be done by using one of Abul Hassan’s sons. I have heard that Abu Abdullah fears that his father would nominate one of his stepbrothers as the crown prince. I have also heard that Abul Hassan likes his Christian wife more.”

Ferdinand jumped with excitement and exclaimed, “Then what are you waiting for?! If Abu Abdullah has that doubt, then you can change it to a fact. Then, you should leave by tomorrow itself!”

Abu Dawood said, “I am ready to go but with the type of work I’m undertaking, it requires I take my family along. I might have to stay there until I get all the gates of the city open for your forces. The slightest doubt about me could nullify all our efforts. Therefore, I want to cross the border posing as a refugee. On reaching Granada, more than me, my wife and daughters would elaborate the tales of your barbaric rule so that no one suspects us. Another reason for taking my wife is that through her it would be easier for me to have access to the womenfolk of Abul Hassan.”

Ferdinand nodded. “Surely, Abu Dawood, your services won’t be in vain. We promise that you will be our first governor in Granada. And until the time the throne of Andalus remains with our family, the governorship will remain with your family. If you so desire, I can give this to you in writing.”

“This servant considers your words no less than your writing.”

“Very well, then. Meet me first thing in the morning. The royal treasury will supply you with your needs for the mission to Granada.”

(3)

It was raining heavily. A coach of four horses, drenched in puddle, halted at the gate of a border fort of Ferdinand’s kingdom. The guards of the fort, who had been waiting at its gates, ran out and gathered around the coach.

A youth, appearing to be their officer, moved forward, opened the door of the coach, peeped inside and after greeting them respectfully said, “I had received instructions of your arrival from the governor. Fresh horses are ready but the journey in a horse carriage might prove to be painful for you in this rainstorm. So, if you think it’s appropriate, then, do stay here at least until the rain stops and the water from the mountains settles down. Your food is ready.”

Abu Dawood peeped outside. “This weather is perfect for my journey. We will leave this place as soon as we have had our food. I would also like to give you some instructions regarding our journey.”

“We will follow every order of yours with our heart and soul. Please come.”

Abu Dawood came out of the coach along with his wife and two young daughters. One of the girls, whose name was Angela, appeared to be two or three years younger than the other girl. Her round face, blue-eyes and blonde hair were exactly like her mother’s. Her looks, too, resembled a glimpse of her mother’s youth.

The other girl’s name was Rabia. She was Angela’s stepsister. Rabia’s black, shiny eyes were quite different to her stepmother and sister. She was taller than the two of them. Seeing the slight redness in the fairness of her face, it seemed as if nature’s painter had mixed milk and honey and complemented it with a bit of pink. With the combination of seriousness and mischievousness in her looks, nature had made her an amazing posture of feminine beauty and elegance.

There was a slight resemblance in Rabia and Angela. A resemblance that could be felt but could not be described. Both girls were beautiful. If Angela’s beauty was the laughter of a desert flower, Rabia’s earnestness had a seemingly smile of a budding flower.

Led by the army officer, these people entered a room of the castle and sat on the chairs around the dining table.

The servants brought sumptuous food in dishes of silver and placed it on the table. At Abu Dawood’s signal, the army officer too sat down on one of the chairs. While having food, Abu Dawood asked the officer, “How far is Granada’s first check post?”

The officer replied, “About eight miles. However, three miles down the road you will enter their border. I think if I write to the officer of their check post, he can make some arrangements for your protection across the border. But the governor has instructed me that I should not let him know anything at all.”

Abu Dawood replied, “The governor has followed my instructions. I am not entering their border as an ambassador to the King but would like to go in as a Muslim refugee.”

“In my opinion, if you want to deceive them, then, leave this coach and this road and travel either by foot or on horses by using a different route. Otherwise, don’t you think they would become suspicious as to how your coach slipped by our watchful eyes?”

“I believe the merchants of Granada and Castile travel these roads unimpeded. However, the plan that I have throughout should be successful to a certain extent. Order twenty of your horsemen to get ready and instruct them to stay behind us and when we increase our coach’s speed on nearing Granada’s border, then, they should act as if they are trying to intercept us. When the soldiers at Granada’s check post see that the Christians are trying to intercept us, then, they would surely interfere. We will get their protection and your soldiers would return after a minor skirmish.”

“Although the plan is good, the road ahead is rough. I fear that during the dash, your coach could get into an accident.”

Abu Dawood replied, “Minor accidents do happen in such circumstances. If the coachman is injured or a horse is hit by an arrow or two, then, even this should be taken as insignificant.”

“Very well, then, I will personally take part in this task along with my soldiers.”

On the army officer’s order, a servant called in a soldier of the fort. The officer said to the soldier, “Order twenty horsemen to get ready. We are going on a mission.”

Then, he turned to Abu Dawood and said, “Have you heard anything about the Frontier Falcon?”

Hearing these words, Abu Dawood’s wife and daughters were startled and looked at the officer. Abu Dawood replied calmly, “Yes. I have heard a lot about him, but I believe his territory is quite far from here.”

“His territory is quite far from here, but his comrades have snatched away our horses three times.”

“When?” Angela enquired.

“Last year. This year he has not focused on us but last year he had captured even this fort for a week.”

Angela asked, “So, you surely must have seen him. What is he like?”

“Well, he did not remove his mask in front of us but from the sound of his voice he didn’t seem much of age.”

Maria asked, “So, then, how did you remove him from the fort?”

“Well, he left on his own will. He only needed our surplus grain and horses.”

Angela said, “I have heard that he’s very cruel.”

The officer replied, “His biggest virtue is that he is not cruel. He does not raise his hand on the unarmed and helpless. He does not attack a befallen enemy. No doubt, he is the biggest enemy of our kingdom, but he is a noble enemy.”

Abu Dawood said, “I must appreciate your honesty. Like you, Santiago too admires his nobility.”

Angela said, “Father! If we were to meet him along the way, I’m sure he would supply us with his best horses to complete the journey.”

Rabia asked, “Why do people call him ‘The Frontier Falcon’?”

The officer replied, “This title was given to him by Count Santiago because when it comes to being fierce, fast and clever, he’s no less than a falcon.”

“Is it true that he’s Mughira’s son?” Abu Dawood inquired.

“There are different opinions about that. Some say that he’s his son, some say he’s some Moroccan.”

Abu Dawood nodded. “We’ll soon come to know who he is.”

“Does His Highness the King plan to launch an attack?” The officer asked, almost apprehensively.

Abu Dawood replied, “His force is not large enough to have the King personally launch an attack. A clever man is enough for him who is familiar with his war tactics.”

(4)

The rain continued to pour down heavily. After riding at a normal speed for about a mile and a half, Abu Dawood ordered his coachman to increase the speed of the coach. The horsemen who were pursuing stopped their horses on the signal of their officer. When the coach had about a mile’s lead, the horsemen gave it a chase.

In the lower part of the valley, some parts of the road had disappeared under the rainwater, therefore, despite Abu Dawood’s insistence, the coachman was taking precaution to a certain extent. When the distance between the coach and its pursuers would become very little, they would reduce their speed to let the coach take a lead.

Due to the flooding, the road had been damaged from several sides. Because of the jumps of the coach that were caused by the rocks and holes on the road, Abu Dawood’s wife and younger daughter, Angela, were protesting vehemently. Even Abu Dawood’s head had bumped with his wife and daughter several times, but he appeared to be absolutely heedless to Angela’s screams and his wife’s cries. Once, the coach even bounced after hitting a stone that was submerged in the water on the road. A screaming Maria jumped, and her head hit the top of the coach. She cried out, “Order the coach to stop or else I will open the door and jump out! You are a barbarian! You want to get rid of us before reaching Granada? For God’s sake, stop the coach!”

With another powerful jolt Maria’s and Angela’s heads collided against each other. When Angela started wailing, Abu Dawood said, “If I knew that you would prove to be as courageous as your mother, I would never have brought you along. Look at Rabia! She hasn’t even uttered a word of complaint from her mouth!”

As soon as Abu Dawood said this, Maria and Angela lashed out at Rabia.

Maria said, “Rabia is glad to go to people of her race and religion.”

Angela shouted, “Rabia is even sure that in case of an accident, you will first attend to her.”

Ignoring their taunts and sarcasm, she said, “Father! Why are you upsetting Angela and Mother? Please order the coach to stop.”

Abu Dawood said, “Maria! Be a little patient. We have entered Granada's border. As soon as their men see us in this condition, they will try to intervene. When I had given this suggestion at home, you jumped with joy. Now you are upset because of a little discomfort. A person has to go through a lot of dangerous phases to get power and prestige.”

Maria shouted and said, “You’re so stupid. Who on earth would be waiting for you in this storm? They must be sitting comfortably in their rest houses.”

Abu Dawood said, “Nonetheless, it is important that we continue like this until their check post. Otherwise, we won’t be able to convince them that we were on the run and the King’s soldiers were chasing us.”

The coach was now moving uphill along a more stable road, therefore Maria and Angela’s tongues were wagging less. Their excitement, too, was subsiding.

“I have seen a horseman!” Thecoachman yelled.

“Our job is almost done. He will soon alert his comrades.”

Saying this, he peeped out from the window of the coach to the rear and signaled with his hand to the pursuing horsemen. At the same time, he instructed the coachman to gallop faster.

After a while, when the coach was descending the mountain, the coachman yelled loudly, “The water seems to increase down the valley. There is no sign of the road. Dashing blindly forward could prove to be very dangerous.”

Abu Dawood said, “Take precaution but don’t stop the coach. You will have double the reward.”

Again, Maria and Angela raised a hue and cry. Abu Dawood consoled them by saying, “The coachman is not stupid. He’ll reduce the speed himself as soon as he reaches down.”

The lower part of the valley appeared to be a large stream, but for the sake of the reward, the coachman, making a sign of a cross on his chest, forced the horses into the water. However, the coach got off the road and the two horses in front fell down after stumbling over some rocks. With the sudden halt of the coach, the coachman, who was sitting on the edge, bounced and fell on a horse’s back, rolling into the water. Seconds later, the four horses galloped in full speed. The water was shallow. Without any further incident the horses passed the low land onto the road.

Passing another cliff, the coach entered a wide plain. Sitting inside, Abu Dawood was unaware that the coach had been deprived of its coachman. Thus, the horses left the road and started running in the open field. When the jolts became unbearable, Abu Dawood started calling out to the coachman. Receiving no response, he opened the door of the coach and glanced outside. The coachman had disappeared. There were dense trees at some distance and the coach was heading for a collision course with some boulders in its path, which could prove fatal for all of them.

The horsemen that were in pursuit could hardly have reached in time to stop the horses. Suddenly, a contingent of thirty to forty horsemen appeared from the forest in front and quickly reached near the coach. Leading on a dark horse was a masked man, whose white cape was fluttering in the air. On the masked man’s cue, the rest of the horsemen raised their swords and while raising the slogans of ‘Allahu Akbar’, diverted the attention of the intercepting horsemen, who had diverted their course after firing a few arrows at the coach.

Seeing the coach without its driver, the masked man raced his horse towards it. He came close to one of the horses in front and after positioning his horse near it, jumped on it. He was still trying to balance himself when one of the coach’s wheels broke after crashing into a rock and the coach overturned to the other side. The reins snapped under the feet of the horses, but the ones in their mouth remained intact. The masked man extended his hand and first grabbed one and then the other horse by the reins and tried to stop them with all his strength. Dragging, stumbling and crashing into the rocks, the coach finally came to a halt.

After a while, when the masked man’s comrades returned after chasing away the intercepting horseman and arresting the distraught coachman, the masked man pointed at the groaning passengers near the broken coach and said, “Unfortunately, I could not save them from getting injured, but I am sure that their lives have been saved. There is a suitcase inside the coach that belongs to them. Do take it along.”

Semi-conscious, Abu Dawood opened his eyes and sat up. After feeling his bloody forehead, he looked at the masked man and his comrades and said in a feeble tone, “Thank you.” Then, he turned his attention to his wife and daughters.

“Maria! Rabia! Angela!” he said after shaking each one of them, one after the other.

Maria opened her eyes while groaning and closed them feeling fearful. After a moment, she reopened her eyes and after crying, “Angela! My Angela!” shook her aggressively. Angela was bleeding from her lower lip and temple. After moaning a few times, she started staring at her mother.

Their Host

(1)

Rabia opened her eyes on gaining consciousness. In the candlelight, she saw that she lay in a spacious room. Abu Dawood sat on one of the chairs near her bed while a youthful stranger sat on another. Seeing his daughter had gained consciousness, he bowed and placed his hands on her forehead and said, “Rabia, my daughter.”

Rabia asked in a frightened tone, “Where am I?”

Abu Dawood replied, “My daughter! We have reached a very secure location and we are a guest of a person under whose refuge we are safe from every danger. And this is your physician.”

Maria lay on a bed on the other side of the room. Angela sat with the support of a pillow on another bed. Gesturing at them, Rabia asked her father, “How are they?”

Abu Dawood replied, “They are fine.”

Another youth entered the room. Rabia’s glances focused on him for a while. Abu Dawood stood up.

“Please remain seated!” The youth stepped forward and while placing his hand casually on Abu Dawood’s shoulders said, “I just came to see how your daughter was doing.”

Abu Dawood replied, “She has just opened her eyes. I am sorry that we put you through so much trouble.”

The youth replied, “I wish we had a suitable place where guests like you could stay.”

Angela got up from her bed and quietly came and sat down besides Rabia. “Rabia, how do you feel?” She said while placing her hand affectionately over her forehead.

“I am fine. There is pain in my leg and head. How is mother?”

“She is fine.”

The first youth, who was discharging his duty as their physician, said, “I don’t think it’s good for her to talk right now. I will give her some medicine to help her sleep. Complete rest is very important for her.”

The other youth asked in Arabic, “I hope she was not badly injured?”

The physician replied, “I will be able to give you a proper answer in the morning. However, there is nothing to worry about.”

Abu Dawood asked, “In your opinion, when will she become healthy?”

“She will be good in no time and I think you should take some rest too.”

The next day, when Rabia awoke after a long, deep sleep, she saw Angela standing by the room’s window, peeping outside. Maria sat on her bed with the support of a pillow.

“Angela! Angela!” Rabia whispered to her.

Startled, Angela looked at her, and she came and sat down beside her.

Rabia said, “Did you see the two strangers that were here last night?”

Angela replied, “I was looking at them right now while standing by the window.”

“I thought it was only a dream.”

Angela said, “If you come to know where we are at right now, you would say that we are dreaming with our eyes wide open.”

Rabia said, “Maybe I…fell off the coach and became unconscious. But this accident happened a little after noon. Then, when I regained consciousness, it was night. There was a candle lit in the room. I think we are at some check post in Granada.”

“No, we have strayed far away from it. You were transported here in an unconscious state. Rabia, you always said that I have no place for you in my heart. But, by the Holy Mary! I cried for you the whole way. We might have reached here by midnight. Father said that the person treating you is the best surgeon in Hispania.”

“But where are we right now?”

“Rabia! You won’t believe it. Right now, we are in the Valley of the Falcon.”

“In the Valley of the Falcon? No, you are joking.” Rabia tried to sit up, but found her body would not obey. She clasped her aching head with both her hands and lied down. “Angela, tell me honestly. Stop bothering me.”

“What I’m telling you is the truth.”

“But I can’t understand this.”

“Rabia! You would not even believe that you have seen the Frontier Falcon. Not only have you seen him but —I am afraid you won’t even believe me. But, by the Holy Mary, I am not lying. You have even had the honor of spending a few moments close to him.”

“What do you mean?” Rabia enquired anxiously.

“What I mean to say is that you have spent some precious moments of your life with him.”

“Mother! Mother! Ask Angela to stop!”

Maria began laughing, “Angela is telling the truth, but no need to worry. You were unconscious.”

Frustrated, Rabia looked at Angela again. While controlling her laughter, she said, “Rabia! There is no cause for alarm. He transported you along with him to this place on his horse. If I had been unconscious, it would have happened with me too. I heard that the Falcon would be an extremely barbaric man, but now I feel he is some angel. Father had become hopeless that you would ever gain consciousness, but he felt your pulse and put you up on his horse and consoled him, saying, ‘I am taking her to the best surgeon of Andalus and I’m sure her life will be saved! You can come along with my comrades. Take me as your friend.” And Father said, ‘I don’t know who you are, but if you save my daughter’s life, then a case filled with gold and jewels is yours.’”

He said, “Don’t take me for people who do good only for a reward. My comrades will even protect your gold and jewels. Saying this, he sped his horse. When we reached here by midnight, we were told that you had arrived here way before us.”

“Okay, so how did you get to know that he was the Frontier Falcon?”

“Father had just told us that before you woke up.”

“So, the masked man who endangered his life to stop the horses of our coach was the Frontier Falcon?”

“Yes, and yesterday, late at night, when you gained consciousness, he had come to see how you were faring. Before that, he had come and enquired about you, two or three times. He came in the morning too. He was probably going on a mission since he was dressed in a soldier’s attire. He had also told Father that he might not be able to come until the evening and I believe your physician sat on the chair the whole night. When I awoke, he was checking your pulse.”

“Where is Father?” Rabia asked.

Angela replied, “He and the physician have gone to the other room to see the coachman. The poor soul has been badly injured.”

(2)

After three days, Rabia’s headache had eased considerably, but because of the pain in her knee, she could not walk without support. The cavalryman who had saved her life and the physician treating her were Badr Bin Mughira and Bashir Bin Hassan. Abu Dawood was amazed at how the Frontier Falcon suddenly reached there for their help. In the past three days, he had managed to gain the trust of Badr Bin Mughira after narrating to him tales of oppression about Ferdinand and his rulers. After Friday prayers, he delivered a passionate speech in front of Badr Bin Mughira’s comrades depicting the plight of the Christians’ Muslim subjects in Andalus, leaving the crowd emotional. Then, he narrated spirit-elevating stories of Andalus. He praised Badr Bin Mughira and his comrades’ war of independence immensely and concluded, “We should not have any misunderstanding about our future. If we do not decide to unite and organize ourselves for a decisive war against Ferdinand, then, we will gradually be annihilated. My message to you is that a courageous death is better than a coward’s life. And this is the message I am taking to the people of Granada. I am sure after listening to the atrocities, Abul Hassan will not delay in proclaiming war against the enemies of Islam.”

After the speech, when he was returning with Badr and Bashir to his room, then, Badr Bin Mughira said, “Once you are in Granada, you’ll be able to infuse a new spirit into the Muslims.”

Abu Dawood replied with grief, “I’m just doing my duty. But people don’t usually pay much heed to a stranger.”

Badr said, “No. Now they have awoken.”

Bashir hesitantly asked, “If you don’t mind, may I have the audacity of asking you a question?”

Abu Dawood replied, “If you too would hesitate to ask me something, then, that would be very wrong.”

Bashir said, “God has bestowed you with immense religious knowledge and you practically get up for Tahajjud prayer every night too and your tongue is magical, but I’m surprised that you -”

Abu Dawood interrupted Bashir’s saying. “You’re amazed that despite all these things, how come my own wife and daughter are still adhering to the Christian faith? Is this what you wanted to say?”

Bashir was surprised. “Yes, this is what I wanted to ask. I’m sure you must have a logical reason for this.”

“Well, there is a reason, but I wouldn’t call it a logical one. I think in this regards a religious edict from warriors like you would be more appropriate. This is my second wife. The first one was a Muslim and her daughter, too, is a Muslim. But, this wife of mine is from a Christian family of Merci and before getting married to her, I was aware of the fact that living in a Christian kingdom, I would not be able to convince her to leave her faith. Despite this, I went ahead and married her so that I would be considered a liberal Muslim in a Christian land. I could not stand the injustices and humiliation of my people. I wanted to incline them towards a revolution. I used my Christian wife as a shield. To this day, I have not revealed my objectives to her. She thinks that I am no different from the thousands of Andalusian Muslims who have drifted far away from their religion. In fact, she even goes to her fellow Christians and says that I am closer to Christianity than to Islam.”

“The advantage I have taken from this is that I have prepared many revolutionary groups of Muslims in different cities. You will be amazed, but I have been living in Castile for the past ten years. I have access to the houses of the Christian nobles, but till today, even, they have not found out that I am working against their kingdom. You have the full right to criticize my modus operandi but God is aware of my intentions. Before getting married to this woman, I felt that the government’s spies were after me. But, after getting married to her, my problems have eased considerably.”

“And the consequence of whatever I have done over the past twenty years would be apparent when Abul Hassan or any other successor to Granada’s throne after him, would proclaim war against the Christians. Now, you might want to know the reason for my fleeing from there. I have not run away because the government has uncovered my conspiracies. The only reason is that a youth from the royal family of Castile wanted to marry my younger daughter. They had persuaded my wife on the matter and because of my past conduct, my wife was convinced that I would never object to the marriage of my daughter to a Christian youth. But when I found out, you can imagine my condition. Previously, I had thought of going to Granada once my work was done and convert my Christian daughter and wife to Islam. Now, I have realized that it was too late for that. When I opposed this proposal, I received an order from Ferdinand. Now, the only option I had was to migrate, but I was afraid that if they found out that I wanted to migrate to Granada, then my wife might not support me willingly and would snatch away my daughter, who does not approve of the proposal.”

Bashir asked, “The girl didn’t agree to get married to the youth of the royal family?”

“No. The youth had lost an eye after an arrow hit it.”

Badr Bin Mughira posed a question, “So, how did you get here?”

“I did this judiciously and stopped opposing the proposal. I asked a friend of mine to write a letter and took the help of his servant to deliver the letter to my house. Acting on my instructions, he delivered the letter at night. In it, I had asked him to write that Angela’s maternal grandfather was on his death bed and he wishes to see his daughter and granddaughter before leaving this immortal world. After receiving such news, women seldom go into details. Because the letter also mentioned something about inheritance, my wife prepared herself for the long journey to Merci. Angela had despised the marriage. The eventual result was that we decided to go first thing in the morning. I had already briefed Rabia about it. She said she would certainly love to meet her stepmother’s father. When we were having dinner, that monocular youth arrived. When he got to know that we were going to Merci, he, too, wanted to come along. When I objected, Maria sided with him saying that the journey would become easier if he came along and I was compelled to surrender.”

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