Flames of Fitna (Book 4 of Hanthalah)

Interlude

          "The desertions from your camp into ours number in the thousands," ibn 'Abbas argued. "How many more tribesmen will join us, do you think, thus further weakening your ranks?"

"We still hold the advantage in numbers," Talha declared.

"Yet, they seem to be seeping away," ibn 'Abbas retorted. "People simply favor the kin of the Prophet. 'Ali is entitled to the Caliphate, by the grace of Allah, for he is of the greatest knowledge in Islam among us, and was of the earliest converts besides."

"And we also have a cousin of the Prophet in our midst," Talha declared proudly, tugging on his companion's sleeve. Zubayr, who seemed less keen than his counterpart in this endeavor of theirs. "Zubayr here commands great respect. And he is also among the earliest converts."

And there it was. The segway they needed to exploit the apparent lack of passion that made Zubayr the weak link.

'Abdullah kept quiet as he was of no status to act as a delegate. He was only present as a mere attendant. But he shared a look of understanding with his mentor ibn 'Abbas all the same.

"Zubayr," ibn 'Abbas shifted his focus. "My dear Zubayr. You were a disciple of the Prophet, prayers and peace be upon him. And you were a staunch partisan of 'Ali once upon a time. You pledged allegiance to him back in Madinah following the assassination of our previous Khalifa, according to all reports."

"With a sword at my neck," Zubayr admitted. "With a sword at Talha's as well."

"Your claim is contested, Zubayr," ibn 'Abbas persisted. "What is your true motive?"

"There is an unbridgeable gulf between my views and those of 'Ali," Zubayr explained.

You both seek elevated position, 'Abdullah thought. 'Ali claimed the Caliphate to which it is rumored that Zubayr was pursuing either for himself or for his son. The son being the nephew of 'Aisha who was the halter that kept this army together, that hypothesis seemed plausible.

"But are you truly prioritized among your party?" ibn 'Abbas inquired in a genuine voice, as though reading 'Abdullah's mind. "Do they truly intend to grant you that which you wish for? Speak truthfully, Zubayr, who is it that leads the prayer in your camp? Has Talha made a claim for it? And is the Mother of the Believers truly invested in your cause, or are you merely contributing to the fortune of Talha?"

"That's enough!" Talha blurted out. "You insult us? You imply that we are those who wish to wreak havoc in the lands while your party is responsible for the death of our wronged Khalifa? We only intend to exact justice for him!"

"And you have achieved just that by retributing against the assassins in Basra," ibn 'Abbas proceeded in a level tone. "When you took the city, you showed those guilty among the Basrans the justice of Allah. We wish for you to continue your pursuit of tranquility in this community by pledging allegiance to the true Commander of the Believers. 'Ali ibn Abu Taleb."

"By God, these are novel events our community is being exposed to," remarked the hesitated Zubayr.

"And you have the option to prevent these events from festering and reaching the point of no return," ibn 'Abbas replied. "You command a large following. More people are deserting this cause by the minute. I want you to ask yourself this, Zubayr. Will this cause of yours bolster you to that which you wish to achieve?"

Zubayr did not answer, and to 'Abdullah's pleasure, nor did he meet ibn 'Abbas' eyes.

'Abdullah knew that there was slim chance for reconciliation. In the event of battle, it would be prudent to face as weak a foe as possible. Even if the rebels still outnumbered the Shi'a of 'Ali when all was said and done, the great number of desertions would weaken their morale, especially if those desertions included that of one of their leading figures.