A Sultan in Palermo by Tariq Ali Page B

liking to the man and could not understand why Ibn Fityan had any doubts about him. True, a choice confronted those whose leadership was respected by Believers. The conquest had thrown them off balance, but it was the qadi of Palermo who had decided to surrender the city to Rujari’s father on terms that were not as unfavourable as those imposed on Salerno. If the Believers had not surrendered, the Franks would have burnt the town and killed everyone. Would that have been better?
    ‘Why did we lose Siqilliya?’
    The Amir had not disturbed his thoughts, but entered them. Idrisi looked at him and smiled. ‘Because we could not take Rome. Our ships were moored on the Tiber, but we were morally too weak to take advantage. They bought us off with sacks of gold. If we had taken Rome, our armies would have marched South and prevented the intrusion of the Franks.’
    ‘And the Pope?’
    ‘He would have worked with us till a more powerful force emerged.’
    Both men laughed at the thought.
    ‘Our faith,’ Idrisi remarked, ‘inspired devotion and conquests, but it is like a hurricane. Transient.’
    ‘Let me ask you something, Ibn Muhammad. I appreciated your discretion last night. Everyone present was loyal, but it is better not to take risks. If they burn Philip it will be difficult to control the anger of our people.’
    ‘But why? As far as they are concerned Philip is a Nazarene just like the Sultan. Might not some think it’s good they’re killing each other?’
    ‘You underestimate the intelligence of our people. Few believe in Philip’s conversion. I have noticed that those who do are themselves converts from our faith. What matters is what they say to each other at home or in the bazaar. And here as well as in Palermo and in the lesser cities, they whisper to each other that Philip remains a Believer. His punishment will only confirm this belief.’
    ‘You are right, my friend. In fact, that is what they are going to charge him with.’
    ‘There will be a response.’
    ‘In Siracusa?’
    ‘I will keep the city under control because anything that happens here has much graver implications. But your two sons-in-law will be able to give you much better information. And later today, my sister-in-law arrives with our niece Elinore. It would be a great honour if you ate with my family tonight.’
    ‘The pleasure will be mine.’
    As the Amir walked away, Idrisi wondered how much he knew. His wife must have told him about Mayya, but did he or his wife suspect that Elinore was not the Sultan’s daughter? Before he could think about this further, his attendant came forward to inform him that his grandsons and their fathers awaited him for breakfast.
    The boys ran to hug him and he kissed each of them tenderly. ‘You little devils, why did you run away from me in Palermo? I was going to show you many things in the city and buy you gifts, but ...’
    ‘It wasn’t us, Jiddu,’ said Khalid.
    ‘Our mothers said you were angry with them and if we didn’t rush home, you would put them in prison,’ interjected Ali.
    Idrisi threw back his head and laughed. ‘Did you believe them?’
    The boys shook their heads.
    ‘Good. Now just look at this breakfast the Amir has had prepared for you. Eat all you want, but you must start with the fruit. What delicious figs and dates we have here. After that you can eat what you like. I need to discuss something urgent with your fathers. When you’ve finished, come outside and join us. There is a beautiful fountain and if it gets warmer you can take off your shoes and dip your feet in the water.’
    Idrisi put his arms around the shoulders of his sons-in-law as he guided them out of the room. He wanted the boys to see he appreciated their fathers.
    ‘We know why your daughters went to Palermo and we are grateful for your support,’ said Abu Khalid. Of the two he tended to speak more openly. ‘We do not know how to deal with the situation. If they were to speak like this to an