In the Shadows of the Mountains - Chapter Ten: Vengeance of the Betrayed

It didn’t take long for Tariq’s men to locate Imam Harun al-Din, Layla’s father, and a respected figure among the Islamic community. Harun al-Din was a revered_ Qadi al-Qudat_, the Chief Judge responsible for upholding Islamic law—a man known for his wisdom, restraint, and unwavering faith. His position granted him immense respect, and his authority over the community had shielded his family for years.

But Tariq was beyond caring about respect or titles. To him, Harun’s position only made the betrayal worse, tainting his family’s honor by failing to prevent his daughter’s escape. Under Tariq’s orders, his soldiers captured Harun and his family under the cover of night, binding them and escorting them to a secluded, makeshift cell within Tariq’s camp.