In the Shadows of the Mountains - Chapter Seven: The Walls of Antioch

The ancient city of Antioch loomed over the landscape, its formidable walls rising like a stone sentinel against the encroaching tides of war. Tariq ibn Sahl stood on a terrace overlooking the city’s labyrinth of narrow streets and stone structures, his jaw clenched as he addressed his officers, the recent defeat still simmering in his mind.

His men—battle-hardened warriors who had shared his victories and endured his wrath—stood in a loose semicircle, each face etched with the exhaustion and unease that had settled over the Seljuk camp. Among them was Abbas, his loyal lieutenant, and a few trusted captains, each casting wary glances at Tariq, as if bracing for the eruption of anger that had become all too familiar in recent days.

“We were caught off guard in that last engagement,” Tariq said, his voice low but laced with barely restrained fury. “They took advantage of our faith, striking during our worship.” He spat the words, his hands balled into fists. “It will not happen again.”