Tree of Pearls, Queen of Egypt

The Accusation

 The Accusation this innuendo shook Mu’ayyid al-Din profoundly, and the missing letter once again came to his mind. He studiously ignored the youth’s impudent remark, however, and turned once more to the Caliph. “Sire, I am still convinced of the wisdom of my earlier opinion. The money we have conserved will suffice to satisfy Hulagu and avert war. You are the General of our armies,” he added, turning to the Dawadar. “If you disagree with me and continue to insist that the troops may yet be made ready for war, then the matter shall be decided by the Commander of the Faithful.” The Caliph stared at Mu’ayyid al-Din. “I would know the opinion of our Minister.” “I maintain that we must conciliate Hulagu with the means at our disposal in order to avert war,” he firmly declared. “And yet he demands that I go to him, or that I send one of you in my place!” “His Highness shall send whichever one of us he sees fit,” Mu’ayyid al-Din replied. Abu Bakr let out a contemptuous laugh. “I do believe that our Minister dearly hopes to be sent on this mission to his friend the Khakan,” he sneered. Al-Musta‘sim wondered at this untoward speech and he glared disapprovingly at his son. Abu Bakr now rose and his face took on a serious expression. “I speak the truth, father. Ask your Minister. Is there not between Hulagu and himself old friendship and established correspondence?” Mu’ayyid al-Din blinked in surprise and directed a reproachful glance at the Caliph. “You have no right to speak such words, Ahmad,” the fond father chided. Abu Bakr silently extracted a letter from his pocket and handed it to his father. “This letter is my witness.”  | tree of pearls, queen of egypt Al-Musta‘sim took the letter and read it slowly, once, twice. Then he looked up in stunned silence at his Minister. “Do you recognize this letter?” he demanded. Mu’ayyid al-Din made a monumental effort to remain calm and collected. He looked at the letter. “I know it, my Lord. It was stolen from me.” Al-Musta‘sim threw the letter at him. “It proves our son’s accusation. You have corresponded with Hulagu.” Mu’ayyid al-Din bent down to pick up the letter while he considered his words carefully. “Yes my Lord. But does it prove that I have conspired with him? Does he not complain of my refusal to serve his ends?” Abu Bakr now spoke. “It is clear from this letter that the exchange between you is long-standing. Was it not your duty to inform the Commander of the Faithful of it? How should we know what has passed between you? Most likely you have already agreed to deliver the city into his hands and some trifling differences have arisen over the manner in which the treachery shall be accomplished. This is not the conduct of a loyal minister devoted to his master, as you hypocritically claim to be.” Mu’ayyid al-Din was at a loss how to respond. He began to speak, but the Caliph silenced him with a wave of his hand. Anger was now visible on his face. “Abu Bakr speaks truly. I did not expect this of you, Mu’ayyid al-Din. You should have informed me of any communication between yourself and our enemy when first it arose.” Mu’ayyid al-Din again attempted to defend himself, but Al-Musta‘sim again commanded his silence. “I have long supported you against the rumors that surround you, but now it seems that your detractors did not lie. I can see no reason for your silence regarding this correspondence with Hulagu, other than that you thereby expect some great benefit to yourself.” Mu’ayyid al-Din could no longer hold his tongue. “I saw no purpose in speaking to his Highness of matters that would only vex him. It is my duty to serve him faithfully and to defend the sacred institution of the Caliphate. Is there then anything in this letter that indicates treachery? If so, then this slave is the hostage of his master’s will.” Al-Musta‘sim shifted uneasily in his seat. “So it shall be,” he mumbled. “And now answer me this. Would it also have vexed me if you had revealed the whereabouts of the slave-girl?” Mu’ayyid al-Din was...