Incarnation in an Age of Destruction and Chaos

There was a middle-aged man with a short black beard, bearing some gray strands that added a distinctive dignity to his appearance. His sharp eyes radiated innate intelligence, and there was a clear scar resembling a gully extending from the top of his left eye to the end of his face, indicating a fierce battle he had fought in his youth. His long black hair cascaded over his shoulders like a lion's mane surrounding his neck, giving him an aura of authority and strength. This imposing man, who filled the space with his presence, was the father of Ismail, Ali Al-Niburi, known by the nickname "Lion of the Plains" due to his might and bravery in war.

Ali lifted his head slightly, acknowledging Ismail's presence, while his facial features reflected a mixture of pride and seriousness. Around the table were several individuals, nearly four boys of varying ages, all older brothers of Ismail. Everyone looked at Ismail with scrutinizing eyes, filled with affection and interest.

Ali said in a hoarse voice, focusing on the plate in front of him as if each word carried weight: "Sit down."

Ismail complied with his father's command, sitting down with apparent tension, saying as if following a routine: "How are you, father?"

Ali replied in a frustrated tone, as if bearing the world's burdens: "Fine."

After these words, the hall quieted, and everyone began to eat. But as soon as Ali started eating, it was a clear signal that he was the head of the family.

The only sound in the hall was that of cutlery, and the atmosphere was still, enveloped in mixed feelings of calm and anticipation. One of the boys broke the silence, cautiously asking: "What news from the Abghadan?"

For those who don't know, Abghadan is a region under the Ottoman Empire, located in northern present-day Bulgaria. The boy who spoke was the eldest among all the boys, around 14 years old, and it was clear he had inherited his father's looks. His name was Ibrahim.

Ali looked intently at Ibrahim and then said after a moment of deep thought: "The old hag of Russia is still sowing discord in the Abghadan region, and the Sultan remains powerless." His expression was neutral, but it carried a hint of disdain.

Although Ali's words were few, they provided a clear summary of the events. Ismail's attention was drawn to his father's words, and he involuntarily said, as if a new idea had come to his mind: "This in turn indicates a civil war." His words were slightly unsteady, reflecting the innocence of his youth.

These words fell like cold water on everyone, and the eyes turned toward Ismail, who had not yet reached the age of seven, staring at him in astonishment.

Ali looked at him with slight surprise and asked: "What do you base your vision on, Ismail?" He was stroking and caressing his beard, his eyes bearing a watchful expression.

Ismail flinched slightly but steadied himself, saying confidently: "The Abghadan is very important to the Sublime Porte, as it exports wheat to Europe, especially to the Austrian Empire, resulting in a significant annual revenue for the Porte."

Upon hearing Ismail's words, Ali was astonished, as he did not expect his child to possess such information despite his young age, but he gave a slight nod acknowledging his words.

When Ismail saw that his father allowed him to continue, he said: "But Russia also depends on wheat cultivation, yet Europe fears or avoids cooperating with the Russians due to their sectarian differences. Moreover, Russia has ambitions in Europe and the Black Sea, so most European countries avoid cooperating with the Russians."

Ismail paused at this point, and Ali listened intently, as he had not yet reached this conclusion. However, Ali's pause slightly irritated him, prompting him to say with some frustration: "And then?"

Upon hearing this, Ismail showed a slight smile and said: "I apologize, father, but what will I gain from you for the rest of the speech?" Politics in this century was fragile due to a lack of information, so Ismail recognized the value of his words.

"What?" Ali exhaled in surprise, saying with an astonished look: "Are you asking something from your father, you wayward one? Consider it compensation for my falcon whose future you destroyed." His tone carried some anger.

Ismail replied with a steady gaze, reflecting the same sharpness in Ali's eyes: "Our family does not give anything for free."

At that moment, Ali smiled and said: "Good answer." Then he continued: "What do you want?"

Ismail said directly, with strong affirmation: "A craftsman and money."

Upon hearing Ismail's words, Ali looked astonished, while Ismail's brothers stared at him in strange disbelief, reflecting feelings of surprise and bewilderment.

Ali exclaimed in astonishment: "Money is well-known; perhaps you'll spend it on clothes or wooden swords, but why a craftsman?"

Ismail replied with a smile, as if hiding a secret: "A need in the heart of Jacob."

Everyone looked on in astonishment, while Ali felt a sense of alienation. Previously, Ismail would describe the moment of his birth with a single word, but now he was mysterious and enigmatic. However, he smiled and said: "Alright, but how much do you want?"

Upon hearing Ali's words, a victorious smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said: "300 lira and five craftsmen and a building warehouse of stone."

Upon hearing Ismail's request, silence enveloped the hall, and Ali looked on in shock with his mouth agape, saying nervously: "You wayward one, I myself only earn 27,000 lira annually, and you want 3,000 lira for mere words?"

Ismail looked at Ali and said proudly: "Do you think I'm foolish? I know how much you will earn from delivering these words to the Sublime Porte; is it not my right to get some crumbs?"

Silence fell among everyone, except for Ali and Ismail, who were exchanging sharp arguments.

After five minutes of back-and-forth between father and son, Ali said in surrender: "Alright, I agree."

A triumphant smile appeared on Ismail's face as he said: "Okay, I will not hide my theory from my father."

Ali wanted to throw the plate in front of him at Ismail's face, but he exhaled and said: "Speak."

Ismail said: "Russia is mobilizing its forces; it will not sacrifice millions of gold coins every year. It may launch a war, but not with the aim of complete control over the Abghadan."

Upon hearing this, Ali looked with dull eyes and asked: "The Crimea?"

A smile appeared on Ismail's face as he replied: "Yes, Russia wants complete control over the Crimea. It is currently mobilizing armies, but the most important thing it is doing now is sowing discord among the residents of Crimea. And what happens if there is fighting? No, even a civil war in Crimea?"

Ibrahim, with a pale face, said: "They will occupy Crimea under the pretext of protecting the Orthodox Christians."

Upon hearing Ibrahim's words, Ismail said: "If Russia controls Crimea, then let us read Al-Fatiha for the Abghadan region and the Aflak."

Upon hearing Ismail's sarcastic words, everyone's face paled, and there was a complete silence after Ismail's last words.

Breaking the silence, Ali shouted: "Prepare my horse; I will go to Baghdad."

Ismail said, with a gleam in his eyes: "I will go with you too."