‘Another time he developed an unusual interpretation of jihad. He wrote that the main obligation of jihad should be to permit the drinking of an amber-coloured wine that sprays fire when lit and, more importantly, have sex with young boys who had not yet sprouted beards as well as with old men. There was only one reward for victory in this jihad. Paradise.’
Balkis clapped her hands in delight. ‘That also explains why the five obligatory fornications could work with old men. Once young boys are hilal, old men would have few problems in meeting their obligations. They could do so in a passive mode. Am I upsetting you?’
Before he could reply the agitated commander of the boat entered the cabin and bowed. ‘Forgive the intrusion, Amir al-kitab, but an armed vessel has signalled us to stop. Their commander wishes to speak with you.’
‘Who are they?’
‘It is one of the Sultan’s ships. It was once the favourite vessel of Amir Philip.’
Idrisi looked at Balkis who failed to hide her concern.
‘There is no need to worry, Lady Balkis. I know the men on that ship well. They are completely trustworthy. While I’m away, think carefully of your five obligations and how you will fulfil them in Palermo.’
Idrisi followed the commander to the deck. The moment the men from the armed ship saw him they fired a cannon in his honour. Long years ago he had travelled with them to Ifriqiya. Now he waited as the elaborate ritual of transferring a distinguished personage from one vessel to another took place. A boat was lowered with Idrisi and two armed sailors, who rowed him to the adjacent vessel. A giant catapult was then lowered with a man casually clinging to it. He secured the scholar and then both were rapidly lifted to the deck at great speed.
Ahmad Ibn Rumi, the Amir al-bahr, had replaced Philip as commander of the fleet. He was a haughty man with an independent air about him. He often conveyed the impression of being impenetrable, to ward off sycophants and time-servers, but Idrisi, who knew him reasonably well, knew it was a mask often worn by Amirs with real power. Philip had been the same. The two men embraced and Ahmad conducted his guest to his cabin. The first thing Idrisi noticed on the table was one of his maps. After admiring his handiwork, he turned to face Ahmad. The man was sitting weeping silently. In a world where many would have viewed the removal of an Amir with eager and greedy eyes, Ahmad Ibn Rumi was deeply wounded by Philip’s fall from favour. Idrisi spoke softly. ‘Ahmad, dear friend, I too am upset, but there is nothing we can do. Philip insists we let him die. He says we are not yet ready to win and we should wait till Sultan Rujari passes away.’
‘May Allah roast that serpent Rujari in hell for this crime.’
‘The monks pray that God will raise him to heaven for defending his faith.’
‘It has nothing to do with faith. It’s a blood sacrifice to save the throne for his family. The whole of Siqilliya is aware of this fact. Ibn Muhammad, I asked you here to discuss a plan.’
Idrisi knew what to expect.
‘With four big vessels already in port in Palermo we have the capacity to take them by surprise and rescue Amir Philip.’
‘We discussed all these possibilities with him in the Great Mosque. You know him better than me. He will not be moved.’
‘He is wrong.’
‘I agree.’
‘He is the only leader we have capable of uniting the Believers after Rujari’s death and leading us to victory. Do you agree?’
Idrisi fell silent. He knew where this sort of argument would end. He also knew that Ahmad spoke the truth. Without Philip, the community of Believers would be orphaned. It was Philip’s military and political skills that had prevented a bloodbath on the island. He thought by sacrificing himself he would provide time and space for his people to organise, but he did not ask who would lead them. Rebellions without a plan were common on the island. Each and every one had been defeated.
‘Why do you not answer?’
‘Because kind friend, Ibn Rumi, to reply in the affirmative would encourage your adventure, to reply in the negative would be an untruth. Best to remain silent.’
‘Ibn Muhammad, I was in Catania as well. I, too, met the Trusted One.’
Idrisi’s heart sank. The preacher would have incited rebellion.
‘He promised us an army of ten thousand armed men could reach Palermo quicker if I transported them in my vessels.’
‘I hope you didn’t agree.’
‘No. I said I would think before taking any measures.’
‘Allah be praised, Ahmad. Allah be praised. If you had agreed and let him down, word would have spread far and wide. The Barons and monks would have demanded that you be burnt with Philip.’
‘I asked only for your advice. I will decide on my own.’
‘Of course. But when you make the decision, ask yourself the consequences of rescuing Philip and hiding him in Ifriqiya. That is your plan, is it not? I thought so. But while your ships sail away, who will defend the Believers in Palermo? It will become impossible to restrain the Barons. They will want blood in the rivers on either side of the qasr. Our blood.’
‘The alternative is to let Philip burn? Will not many of our people curse us for not even making a single attempt?’
‘But if you make an attempt which fails you will die as well. Who will that help? If you succeed, all of us in Palermo, including your wife and children, could be killed. Rujari is no longer strong enough to prevent a massacre. I have a better plan.’
‘Speak.’
‘The day after Philip burns, the Trusted One should organise raiding parties to Catania and Noto to punish the Bishops and monks and the Lombards they have hired to protect them. They have stolen our lands and treat the peasants who once worked on those estates as slaves. The Bishops are hated and for good reason. They demand the right to deflower our women on their wedding nights. The Lombards flog the men at the slightest pretext. A carefully organised rebellion in this region where we are still strong would have an impact in every corner of the island. The Trusted One could make it clear that this is our response to the crime committed against Philip al-Mahdia. What do you think?’
Ibn Rumi reflected before he spoke again, ‘You are determined to sacrifice the life of the only man capable of leading us to victory.’
‘It is he who is determined, not me.’
‘The path you recommend is not without merit. I will think about this carefully. If you see my ship heading back to Siracusa you will know I have accepted your plan. Otherwise we shall meet in Palermo.’
The two men embraced, but just as Idrisi was about to leave, Ahmad took his arm and whispered fiercely in his ear, ‘Philip means more to me than my own father.’
Idrisi gripped Ahmad’s hand. ‘I know how you feel and how difficult this decision will be for you. Whatever you decide, remember I am always there as your friend and will help in any way I can.’
An hour later the two ships had still not lifted anchor. Idrisi anxiously paced the deck, waiting to see the direction in which the Amir of the Sultan’s fleet would decide to sail. Balkis was walking with him. Hearing what had happened her first response had been to wonder where her child would be born. He became angry with her, then controlled himself and explained patiently why there were some things in this world that transcended love, passion or the production of children. At a time when the fate of the entire community of Believers was dependent on the decision of Amir Ahmad it was selfish and thoughtless to contemplate one’s personal future. She had never heard him speak so harshly and angry tears filled her eyes.