The siege of Constantinople has temporarily entered a standoff. Apart from the Ottoman artillery position firing sporadically each day, neither side has engaged in further combat.
In the Ottoman camp, surrounded by the Imperial Guard, Mahmud II is receiving a wizard who has arrived from Asia Minor.
This wizard appears to be half a foot in the grave, emanating a strong sense of decay. Mahmud II instinctively wrinkles his nose and covers it with his hand: "You are Iskander, the renowned Curse Master of the Black Sheep Tribe?"
The wizard raises his head, showing eyes devoid of pupils, sending a chill through one's heart.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Suppressing the discomfort rising within him, Mahmud II says somewhat impatiently, "Can you curse the Emperor of Greece?"
"Certainly, my Majesty."
