Swords of Justice
Chapter 21: (Commander Jalal)
Five years ago, Jalal stood before the palace gates, bidding farewell to Minister Younes before heading to his very first battle. He had chosen to become a knight instead of a minister—his only reason was to protect Princess Hasna.
Minister Younes: Are you certain, my boy? You're about to take part in a bloody war. Why not reconsider and become a minister like me, safe within the palace walls?
Jalal, slightly tense: I have made my decision, uncle. I'm deeply grateful to you—you saved me from death, raised me as if I were your son… and you were the one who told me: "Choose the path you desire." I want to be a knight, a brave warrior who will defend the kingdom from danger.
Minister Younes, smiling: Or perhaps… you wish to win the princess's heart?
Jalal, blushing: No, uncle… truly, I wish to protect the kingdom. He sighed, then continued: I cannot deny Princess Hasna's role in this—she awakened the warrior within me. I would be selfish if I ignored her call. I truly wish… to become the hero of this kingdom.
Minister Younes was astonished by the maturity in Jalal's words. In that moment, he saw a bright future for him, as if the boy were a child of prophecy destined for greatness. With a smile, he simply said:
"Then go… and be the hero."
---
Days passed. On a vast battlefield far from home, two mighty armies clashed in a brutal war: the soldiers of the Kingdom of Darhomsan against the soldiers of the powerful Kingdom of Malakana. Victory in today's battle would secure Darhomsan a strategic region crucial for future wars. Failure was not an option.
The field roared with chaos—clashing steel, cries of pain, shouts for mercy, blood staining the earth. Yet among the madness, one knight stood unshaken: Jalal. With his sword and shield, he lit the fire of courage in his comrades' hearts, crying out: "Be the heroes of today!"
He cut through the enemy ranks like lightning, his comrades following his lead. The soldiers of Malakana soon shouted: "That man in the front—do not face him alone! Attack him with five men at once!" But it was useless. Jalal struck them down one by one. Even the enemy commander, terrified, tried to flee on horseback. Jalal fixed his eyes on him and thought: "Tonight you die." He hurled a spear, striking the man down.
The battle ended in a resounding victory for Darhomsan. That night, the soldiers celebrated around a roaring fire.
"You were incredible today."
"You killed their commander with a single throw!"
"As long as Jalal is with us, we will win every battle!"
Jalal, modestly: I didn't do much… I was simply lucky.
Their laughter was cut short when a messenger arrived.
"Is Jalal here among you?"
Jalal: That's me.
"I was sent by Commander Salah Al-Din. He orders you to come with me."
Everyone was shocked. Salah Al-Din was the supreme commander of Darhomsan's army. Why would he summon an ordinary soldier like Jalal?
---
That same night, in his war tent, Salah Al-Din was discussing strategies with his generals. The messenger entered and announced: "I have brought him."
Salah Al-Din: Let him in.
Jalal entered, overwhelmed by the powerful aura of the great commanders.
Salah Al-Din, smiling: You are Jalal, are you not? Sit with us.
Jalal: It is an honor to be here among you, sir.
Salah Al-Din, chuckling: I heard you led the charge, broke through the enemy lines with your sword, and slew their commander yourself.
Jalal: Yes, sir. That is what happened.
Salah Al-Din, beaming: Thanks to you, we now hold this land—a key to future victories.
Jalal: I only did it for our kingdom, sir.
Salah Al-Din leaned forward.
Salah Al-Din: Tell me, Jalal… what did you feel when you swung your sword at the heart of the enemy's army?
Jalal, puzzled: What do you mean?
Salah Al-Din: Did you not feel… invincible? As though no one could defeat you?
Jalal glanced around at the other generals, then back at Salah Al-Din.
Salah Al-Din: Speak freely. None here will be offended.
Jalal swallowed hard, then said:
Jalal: Very well… Commander Salah Al-Din, and honored generals—I felt like the hero of the battlefield. Not only that, I felt… stronger than anyone else. Stronger than all of you. Stronger than anyone in history itself.
Silence fell over the tent. Then, one by one, the generals smiled. Salah Al-Din burst into laughter so hard that he nearly fell to the ground, wiping tears from his eyes.
Salah Al-Din: This… this is exactly what we seek!
Jalal, stunned: What?
Salah Al-Din, regaining his composure: From this day forward, Jalal, you will command one hundred men.
Jalal, stammering: W-what?! A commander? Already?
Salah Al-Din, firmly: Long ago, my own master taught me: the ideal commander is the one who sees himself as the strongest on the battlefield. When you believe you are unmatched—that you are legendary—that is the proof you are destined to lead. Every general here once stood where you stand now. Tomorrow, you will lead one hundred men. That will be the first step on your path toward greatness.
---
And so Jalal became the commander of one hundred men. With them, he achieved victories unseen in Darhomsan for decades. Together, they reclaimed the fortress of Magenda, stolen by Malakana ten years earlier. After seven months of brutal war, Darhomsan finally triumphed in the Battle of Magenda's Return.
It was time for Jalal to return home—no longer a soldier, but a commander—ready to share his first great victory with Princess Hasna and Minister Younes.
---
The royal army marched into the capital, banners of Darhomsan flying high. The people cheered. The generals, with Salah Al-Din at their head, entered the grand hall, where King Hussein honored them with a royal feast.
But that night, instead of celebrating, Jalal longed to see Minister Younes again. As he walked through the palace halls, he suddenly saw Princess Hasna waiting for him. He hurried to her with a smile.
Jalal: I have returned, Princess Hasna. I am now commander of one hundred men. I swear I will become stronger and protect the kingdom, just as you asked me to.
Princess Hasna, smiling softly: Congratulations, Commander Jalal.
Jalal: Thank you, princess. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must see Minister Younes—I have missed him dearly.
At that moment, her smile faded.
Princess Hasna, sorrowfully: There is something I must tell you about Minister Younes… He has passed away. The plague took him.
---
Two months later, Jalal stood atop a great hill, watching over the kingdom. He remembered Younes's last words: "Go, and be the hero." Jalal became the guiding light for the kingdom's dream of peace, more determined than ever.
Years passed. Battles came and went. Jalal grew stronger, rising from the commander of one hundred men, to four hundred, to seven hundred, and finally to a thousand. Side by side with Princess Hasna, he fought for Darhomsan's promised peace.
---
Five years later, in the village of highwaymen, a captured assassin confessed that he was the one who had murdered Minister Younes in that cruel manner. Jalal's fury erupted like thunder.
Jalal, roaring: Today, you will taste the pain you gave my uncle!
The assassin only laughed. But his smile vanished as Jalal's furious strike nearly split him in half.
Assassin, leaping back in shock: By the gods… his rage makes him stronger… but also blind.
The assassin pulled out poisoned needles from his pocket and hurled them toward Jalal.
Assassin, laughing: These needles carry a deadly toxin. Its symptoms mimic the plague. You will die!
The poison struck—but when the assassin turned, Jalal was suddenly behind him, blade at his throat.
Assassin, horrified: What?! I hit him! I saw it!
Then he realized: he had struck Jalal's discarded armor. Jalal had tricked him.
The assassin's world spun. His head rolled across the ground. With his last breath, he muttered:
"So… he cut off… my head…"
Jalal gazed at the heavens and whispered:
Jalal: I will protect you… Princess Hasna.
To be continued…