Last King of Kings

Chapter 5: Abu Bakr, Caliph of Arabs

Abu Bakr was still concentrating his power and authority, when he heard that a new Persian Shah was crowned, around two weeks after he was elected as Caliph of all Arabs. He was a close friend of prophet Muhammad and one of the first who converted to Islam. There wasn't anyone better for leading the Arabs and Islam to greatness. He read the reports about the young Shah, a mischievous smile forming on his face. Servant, who brought him this report was still standing there, awaiting further instructions.

"You, bring me Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib, young Usama ibn Zayd, Umar ibn al-Kha??āb and Khalid ibn al-Walid. We have much to discuss."

Servant quickly bowed and then exited the room. Abu Bakr was still smiling, re-reading this report to make sure got everything right. His plans started to construct inside his head. Plans so grand he wouldn't dare to think of them as reality few years back. But now, with Arabia united under the banner of Islam, stronger than before, now was a right time to strike. The Romans and Persians, both exhausted by the wars they waged with each other didn't have time to care about Arabs in the south. And that would be the last mistake they made. At least so Abu Bakr though.

After a while, the men he called entered the room. They bowed and greeted each other before their attention was all focused on Abu Bakr. Without a word, Abu Bakr smiled and gave them the report, letting every one of them read it. After they were done reading, they looked on Abu Bakr, who still had this pleased smile of mischief.

"My brothers, do you know what this means for us? What this means for Islam? It's time we act. It's time for those Persians, shivering in their strongholds, offering their prayer to fire, instead of the true god, for Romans, who have thought so mighty of themselves and of their false god, to taste the power and mightiness of Allah, the true god. Brothers, these times are in our favour and we shall use them. It is time of conquest!"

His preaching speech was met with quiet nodding and agreement among these men.

"Caliph Abu Bakr, I agree with you, I do. And I suggest we start drafting our plans immediately. I will let my men inform the other, so they can start preparing for a campaign." Abbas nodded and immediately favoured in Abu Bakr's decision.

"Yes, Caliph Abu Bakr. I suggest we attack Mesopotamia. Without it, Persians will be without supplies and coin, therefore doomed." another man, Khalid ibn al-Walid suggested a strategy of the attack.

"Yes, yes, I agree, general Khalid ibn al-Walid. I too think that taking out Persian source of income will prove beneficial to us and our campaign." agreed Umar, Muhammed's father-in-law and his senior companion. "Now, Caliph Abu Bakr, how do you plan to start?"

"I was thinking of striking into the Persian land first, then Roman second. After all, that new Roman ruler is much more dangerous than that child disguising as a monarch. After all, defeating the child-shah will be easier than experienced general-emperor."

"Yes, Caliph Abu Bakr. I agree. Defeating the Persians first will help us with our campaign against the Romans later. Let us free the Persians from their cult of worshipping fire and convert them to the true faith."

As the four men discussed the strategies and initial approach to their campaign, Usama ibn Zayd, son of Muhammed's son was quietly listening and observing the old men, as they intrigued, fought, and conversed. He observed them, with disdain and disrespect dwelling inside of him. Even though he was technically a grandson of the prophet Muhammad, he never agreed with his teachings and became muslim only through pressure by his father. He didn't agree with forceful spread of their faith to other states and he didn't agree with ideas and plans of his elders. He lacked the zealousness and devotion these men had, which he always thought was nothing more than a greed for wealth and power and thought of these men not as devoted and pious icons, but as people without moral barriers. He was half-right. Although these men were devoted and pious to their new religion, the lust for power played its role in the formation of their plans, as all of them wanted to carve out their piece of Mesopotamia.

After a few days of meeting and discussing, their base plan was formed. That, of course, included forceful conversion of anyone non-muslim and desecrating all Fire Temples they came across. Their plan was laid out, the dice was cast and armies of religious zealots fighting for their only true god started preparing to march. Letters were sent out, commands were given and soldiers were recruited, each of those with care and properly. The Caliphate was preparing for war.

Abu Bakr was conducting one of his daily prayers when he was interrupted by a servant bringing some "urgent letters." Abu Bakr didn't consider these letters to be so urgent to interrupt his prayer, so he had the servant whipped. He then read the letters, which proved to be letters from his spy in Constantinople, who wrote that Roman Basileus sent an envoy to the young Shah, urging the Caliph there is more to these envoys than it seems. Abu Bakr thought of this as nothing more than an act of courtesy from the Roman monarch, hoping the hostilities between the two empires will continue as he will strike and wipe both of them. This was the biggest mistake he made as a ruler – underestimated his enemies.

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