Zayyad

29. Evacuation.

After the adhan for Zuhr prayer, those inside the tent prayed first before exchanging sides with those outsides. Zayyad standing besides his horse now with Ismail besides him. 

"Do you really think that Birkanat has a back up army?" Ismail asked curiously. 

Zayyad stared into the horizon the horizon and answered, "The possibility is high. I'm sure that General Ya'qoob has the same thoughts but it's their approach to it that I don't know. It affects Hajala right now and that's why they should take measures immediately or this region will be taken." 

Ismail rubbed his arm and muttered, "We aren't fighting Birkanat alone right?" 

"Yes, Islmail." Zayyad nodded. "That state is large and acts like a border. Soldiers reside there more than the civilians. Birkanat is the main town there and all the armies are named Birkanat too." His brows furrowed and he folded his arms. 

"One thing is for sure, the Shams empire won't be sending a large army over as back up. Other Kafir states won't get involved because they have their slice of the war going on. And Abyada is far away, but it's special troops can move if they are hidden well. What I'm sure of is that it won't be many, because a major movement will alert other camps." 

"Ya Allah. The generals will have to deal with this." Ismail sighed. 

"That's what I hope for too Ismail." Zayyad agreed with him. "Khafeef is seen as a region the Kafir just want to claim. They won't let other camps assist us so, we are basically on our own. Khafeef can't be given up and the Shams empire won't stop until they destroy it. The best way I think camp Rabi' to follow might be dangerous." 

"That is?" Ismail inquired. 

"They should stop taking a defensive stand and attack back more than now." Zayyad said coldly. "They keep seeing us as a shield that need to be taken down. It will be better if we become spears too. Camp Rabi' should start from Birkanat. Now that they let their army out, more soldiers should be sent to fight them non stop. If we want to win, we shouldn't stop until we take them back to their borders. Then invade Birkanat. Once it's taken down, camp Rabi' can then have a rest. The Shams empire wont attack anytime sooner and the other Islamic camps will do their parts in stopping any advances." 

"That's a long and dangerous approach." Ismail exhaled. 

"Being a soldier to protect Islam was never said to not be dangerous. We have to protect Khafeef but the people will never be at ease with swords always hanging on their necks." Zayyad returned.

…..

The soldiers were injured and there were weak old citizens that didn't leave their village with women and children. The other soldiers had to gather some broken wagons and arrange them quickly. Before Magrib, those leaving where already arranged before the village. 

"Five of you will scout the road ahead. Two to the west and two to the east. Stay alert and close to the caravan as much as possible." Fawaz quicklu gave instructions. 

"Uthman, I'm letting you lead them back safely. May Allah protect you all." He smiled at Uthman who was at the front. 

"In Sha Allah." Uthman nodded and Fawaz waved his hand. The scouters moved first. 

"You will arrive at camp Rabi' before midnight if everything goes smoothly. Do not stop until you arrive there. The moment you get close to the camp, they will receive you and you need to come back quickly with more soldiers." Fawaz added. It was an emergency situation, so they can only skip salat.