The twin shamshirs rained a shower of sparks as he struck them against each other and brought the drill to an end with a sword positioned in each hand at his sides. Again, a riotous cheer rang through the throng of soldiers standing witness to the spectacle. Whatever one’s personal feelings about the caliph, it could not be denied he was a masterful swordsman. Nor was he a king solely reliant on the protection of others. He would not be an easy man to kill. And this presents a serious challenge. “Well, does that satisfy your curiosity?” Despina asked.
