The timarli moved to lead Seth into the cave, but made a stop before the entrance as if he had changed his mind about something. "That is master Ali's daughter and only child. One day she will marry the paşa that master Ali decides to be his successor. Everyone expects him to be Rıza Paşa Kocataş. He is the only one that remained loyal to master Ali and most of these men you see are his. You will certainly have to work with him. Now, let's go." Their steps echoed throughout the cave and it was sure that if the timarli said this after entering the cave, everyone inside would have heard it all.
"Emir!", he timarli exclaimed loudly by habit when he came into the improvised throne room and the echo replied many times. "Here he is. His name is Adrian Seth." The throne was nothing more but a carpet on the ground with a pillow on it. The sharp reverberation brought a painful grimace to the emir's face. The timarli, feeling guilt, bowed deeper than usual. With a nod, the emir sent him away, and then spoke to Seth.
"It is a trait of wise lords to admit that they have made a mistake. I have made a mistake. I should have asked your king to bring you with stealth, and not with might. The might is with his 100,000. With us should be stealth.
My spy has informed me that my brother's surveillance has found us thanks to your extravagant deployment. We have opened him a window of opportunity, which he will surely exploit. Our situation is unusual, efendi Seth. Your king's army is marching on my brother, but if he captures me, then your armies will have to relent. If he captures me, then this will no longer be an intervention on request by Akhisar, but a war of conquest. As you know, this is forbidden. My brother will complain to the Council of Elders, and then your king will have to relent. I have information that he has already sent a force of 4,000 strong towards here." It seemed as if the emir forgot to explain why he didn't ask the Council of Elders for help himself, or why the Council would listen to a usurper's complaints.
"You should feel no guilt, for that was my mistake. Peretz must have told you the same he tells everyone who comes to me. But you, you are a guest here and a valued friend. Rise, and bow no more. Here you should feel at home. I would ask you to enjoy my hospitality, but enough time has been wasted and we must make ready. My brother's army will be here in less than two hours, maybe one. We have women, children and baggage, so we cannot escape and hide: we must defend until your king's army confronts with my brother. This is Rıza Paşa", the emir gestured at the ornately dressed man on his right, "And he will lead my main army. My daughter Fatima will take care of the logistics and the reserves. She is busy, but she will come here soon. I want you two to start working on a plan of defence immediately.
Iced rose tea will be served soon, if you need a refreshment."