Chapter 45: Return
Chapter 45: Return
In the end, the battle never broke out. In reality, once the enemy discovered that Lothar's party wasn't carrying a caravan or pack train laden with gold and silver treasures, they had already begun to have second thoughts. The reason they still approached was merely to try and extort some wealth.
This was an era where the big fish ate the small fish. At any time, in any war, one had to consider the cost-benefit ratio of engagement. If he lost too many trusted men, it could very well shake his own position, and the gains would be meager. Added to that was the possibility of being caught in a pincer attack by reinforcements sent by Sa'd al-Din.
The enemy ultimately chose to withdraw.
When Lothar had challenged him to state his name, the fact that he didn't take the challenge showed he wasn't some reckless fool who acted on impulse without regard for consequences.
"Lothar, at a time like this, we absolutely cannot choose to hand over our wealth." Abdullah rode abreast with Lothar, imparting his wisdom. "In this desert, there are no morals or any regulations that can restrain your enemy. Surrendering your wealth will not only fail to make the enemy back down but will instead expose your weakness and make you seem easy to bully."
Lothar, quick to learn by analogy, added, "And it would greatly demoralize the soldiers. With the morale falling, even if the enemy originally intended to let us go, they might change their minds."
"Exactly!"
***
Two full days passed. They bypassed Irbid, where Sa'd al-Din was personally garrisoned, choosing a longer, more remote, and less traveled route to avoid potential enemy encounters. Lothar had no confidence that if he ran into Sa'd al-Din again, he could bluff his way past him a second time.
"Over this small hill, Kaymont is just ahead." Abdullah smiled, halting before a sand dune.