But for any competent ruler, religion is just a tool.
Taqidin was silent for a mont, then nodded and said, "I must admit you’re right. In Egypt, many nobles are secretly adopting the customs of heretics. They are fond of astrology, alchemy, and so have even secretly converted to the Coptic Church."
The Coptic Church is a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church (including the Arnian Apostolic Church, etc.), which broke away from the Orthodox Church of Constantinople six hundred years ago and is still widely present in Egypt and the southern Ethiopian region.
Under the rule of the Saracens, or Arabs, in Egypt, conversion of heretics was not enforced, which is a typical practice of the Fire Worship. In fact, many Saracen Lords were not keen on heretic conversion.
This ant they could no longer levy the non-believer tax (an extra tax on heretics).
But this does not include the ruling class.
"So, don’t pay attention to so gossip. All sches and intrigues, in the face of grand trends, always seem so insignificant."
Saladin was very calm.
As long as he could win this war and retake the Holy Land, he would be the uncrowned king of the entire Zoroastrian world, more deserving than the nominal Sassanid King. A re rumor was just a trifling matter.
If he lost.
No.
"This ti, I will not lose."
Saladin silently walked out of the camp, with the Nubian slave behind him imdiately raising a large umbrella and respectfully following him.
"Taqidin, prepare a group of troops. I want to personally inspect the camp."
He mounted his horse, his expression stern.
From beginning to end, he had no intention of asking Master Shemir whether Torle was responsible for this matter.
Most likely not.
The remaining twenty percent, even if it was, couldn’t be.
...
Torle didn’t know what exactly happened last night. He lived in the tent outside the dragon pen.
This was a vast open area, and Kurs was worried that the Karelian Fire Dragon would catch wind of its scent, so he never got close.
At this mont.
Torle, with a flattering smile, placed a whole sheep in front of the Karelian Fire Dragon.
The giant dragon from the Land of the Far North lazily opened its eyelids and then quickly closed them again, exhaling two puffs of sulfur-laden smoke from its nostrils.
Torle imdiately understood and opened his mouth to emit orange dragon fla.
However, the temperature of the dragon fla was probably not high, as it took several minutes to roast the whole sheep only half-cooked.
Only then did the Fire Dragon open its mouth, its python-like tongue curling the sheep into its mouth, swallowing it whole into its stomach with a single bite — the Karelian Fire Dragon’s appetite was so large that most of the year it had to remain in a state of dormancy.
In fact, although this giant dragon was irritable, it was very reclusive by nature and would not easily leave its territory. If it didn’t have this habit, even stones might be chewed away in its territory.
This showcased Anna’s cleverness in raising a Sea Dragon.
Although ever since Anna raised the Sea Dragon Nikou, fishern near the Marmara Sea found it harder to catch big fish, at least Nikou could hunt for itself, unlike the Fire Dragon in front, which had beco a gold-swallowing beast.
The food available at sea is also far more abundant than on land.
Even the Fire Dragon would often dive into the sea to feed, possessing decent swimming skills.
Torle reached out and tentatively touched the Fire Dragon’s scales. Seeing that it didn’t get angry, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of secret delight.
The blood of the Karelian Fire Dragon was the source of his power, so he ford a special bond with this dragon from then on.
Strictly speaking, it was more like a unilateral infatuation; if the giant dragon treated him a little better, he would feel genuinely happy.
This was also one of the reasons Master Shemir was willing to entrust his companion to Torle.
Only Torle would find ways to amuse it.
"That’s him!"
"Leave the stuff and run!"
In the distance, there ca a burst of hushed whispers.
Torle looked back in confusion.
He found out that it was the group of servants delivering livestock. When these people saw Torle looking over, they couldn’t care about etiquette and hurriedly pushed the cart forward, then turned around and ran as if they had seen a ghost.
"A bunch of cowards."
Torle snorted coldly: "How can humble humans appreciate the beauty of a giant dragon?"
He then looked at the half-awake Fire Dragon, his eyes full of reverence, and began to busily transport the cattle and sheep from the cart, roasting them one by one with dragon fla and piling them in front of the giant dragon — it took him a lot of effort, as his dragon fla was not only low in temperature but also needed to be at a short distance and had limited durability.
But perhaps because of the unique sulfur scent picked up from the Karelian Fire Dragon, the Fire Dragon happened to like this taste.
What could he do?
Of course, spoil (infatuate with) it!
...
In Losa’s camp.
"Saladin’s fallback plan has been deployed."
Losa held the emblem in his hand, opposite was Andreas, with Mueller’s passionate pre-battle speech faintly heard.
The attack on Eira Port was within his expectations.
Although Saladin’s fleet in Egypt was mainly concentrated in the North, the Lords in Yen and Hashim, among others, were Saladin’s vassals.
To have them assemble a fleet to attack Eira Port was not difficult for Saladin.
Moreover, if Reynard could navigate the land, there’s no reason Adil couldn’t do it.
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