CHAPTER 1192: CHAPTER 753: AUTUMN OF 1489 AD, FERNANDO’S STRATAGEM, THE QUEEN’S ARRIVAL

"What? Let Isabella come here? To the besieged camp where the plague has broken out?!"

The mountain wind blew away the smoke, bringing the chill of the morning. King Fernando’s expression changed, and his emotions grew agitated. His gaze became stern as he stared intently at the religious Grand Inquisitor Thomas, looking at that aged and withered face. Yet the other just calmly nodded, responding with composure.

"Fernando, given the current situation, the only way to inspire the besieged Holy War Army, especially the main force of the Kingdom of Castile’s army, is through the devout Isabella! And once Isabella learns about the current situation in the camp, with her strong-willed nature, she will surely come here on her own!"

"Moreover, after I arrived in the camp, I communicated with the priests accompanying the army. Besides the Holy War Army from each country who are clamoring for withdrawal, the various lords of the Kingdom of Castile also wish to retreat... This situation, as the general of the Holy War Army, you cannot be unaware of!"

At this point, Grand Inquisitor Thomas’s eyes sharpened as he looked at King Fernando, asking in a deep voice.

"If Isabella does not come, can you control the various powerful nobles leading troops from the Kingdom of Castile? Duke Enrique of Medina-Sidonia? Duke Inigo of Infanta? Duke Alvaro of Bejar? Duke Bertrand of Albuquerque? Duke Faslik of Alva?... And the highest, most influential Duke Luis of Mesinaselli!"

Upon hearing this string of noble names, King Fernando’s face turned somber, and he pursed his lips in silence.

This series of dukes, with fiefdoms spread across the western, central, and northern regions of the Kingdom of Castile, are actually the greatest obstacles to royal centralization! And leading them, Duke Luis de la Cerda of Mesinaselli, traces back to more than two hundred years ago, to King Afonso X of Castile’s eldest son Fernando de la Cerda. Yes, coincidentally, sharing the same name with King Fernando.

Duke Luis, having made significant contributions in wars against the Portuguese and Moors, holds considerable sway in the military. Faced with the threat of the plague, the usually brave duke seemed worried, perhaps also contemplating withdrawal. And the only one who could hold him steady, was the devout and revered Queen Isabella!

"Fernando, if the dukes propose withdrawal, how do you plan to appease them? Or are you already prepared to seize the opportunity of their proposal to withdraw the troops? And then shift the responsibility for withdrawal to the leading proposing duke?..."

Grand Inquisitor Thomas spoke calmly. King Fernando closed his eyes, silently clenching his fist. After a while, he opened his eyes and looked at Grand Inquisitor Thomas.

"Respected black-robed monk, you are right! Only Isabella’s presence can boost the morale and keep the Holy War Army persevering. Now, I have no other choice. I must stake everything to surround the mountain city ahead!"

"Praise be to the Almighty! Fernando, you have finally made up your mind! It is written in the Book of Ephesians, ’God can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.’... This is total commitment, believing in the divine achievement!"

Grand Inquisitor Thomas smiled satisfactorily, quoting scripture. Then, with a stern expression, he said in a deep voice.

"The Kingdom of Castile’s force of over twenty thousand, Isabella can stabilize the army’s morale. As for the thousands of Holy War armies from other countries wishing to withdraw, let them withdraw! The Baza fortress cannot be forced, reducing forces won’t matter..."

"The besieging forces of the Lord must find a way to endure longer. As for the Moorish defenders, we must make it hard for them to continue! Fernando, do you have any ideas for further striking the Moors?..."

"Hmm, striking the Moors..."

King Fernando pondered for a long time, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. Then, lowering his voice, he spoke softly.

"Respected black-robed monk, I’ve thought of some historical events, though they don’t quite align with the Lord’s mercy..."

Hearing this, Grand Inquisitor Thomas nodded, promising.

"Against heathens, any means can be forgiven by the Lord. The Lord will remove all your sins!"

"Hmm... I need a death warrior infected with plague, who can enter the city of Basa as an envoy, to negotiate with the Moors’ nobility! Ideally, he should stay in the city, make as much contact with the Moors as possible, reach their water sources, and even die there..."

"Good idea..."

Without a change in expression, Grand Inquisitor Thomas affirmed the ruthless plan. After pondering for a moment, he confirmed.

"May the Lord protect you! Among the accompanying priests, two have been in contact with patients, showing rashes... I will select one from them to become the death warrior for city negotiations..."

"May the Chief Divine witness! If there are two, using the title of chief and deputy envoys would be more secure."

"Alright, then let both priests go... I believe they will sacrifice themselves for the Lord!"

"Oh yes, before these envoys enter the city, I will release several Moorish noble prisoners, allowing them to first contact the infected... ensuring nothing is left to chance. May the Lord protect!"

"Praise the Almighty! The merciful Lord watches us, granting the promised blessings to achieve the victory of the Holy War Army!"

Having reached an agreement, King Fernando and Grand Inquisitor Thomas exchanged a glance, revealing faint smiles. Standing amidst the light smoke and mountain wind, they bowed their heads in prayer, watching the smoke dissipate in the wind before parting in their respective ways.

That night, several messengers set out, each with three horses, towards the Northwest’s Jaen camp. Two days later, demonstrating sincerity, the Holy War Army first released a group of captured Moorish nobles back to the city. Subsequently, King Fernando sent envoys into the city to negotiate with the Moorish lords and nobles about withdrawal and surrender talks.

Days passed without any progress in the negotiations, but King Fernando’s envoys fell sick in the city and were sent back by the defending army. When the black smoke of burning bodies rose again in the besieged camp, similar smoke began to appear in the mountain city too. The morale of both besieging and defending sides almost simultaneously dropped.

The black-gray pillars of smoke swayed in the sky, like the hand of the God of Death gently caressing everyone beneath this sky. He overlooked status and faith, taking the soul once chosen!

The sky grew gloomy, the sunset dark red. In such a cold and fearful atmosphere, a magnificent and dignified royal carriage, adorned with royal patterns, appeared at the distant horizon of the north, accompanied by over a thousand cavalry. Soon, the splendid golden carriage arrived at the besieged camp.

Under the disbelieving gaze of tens of thousands of Holy War soldiers, a resolute-looking queen with sharp eyes, wearing the royal garb of Castile, and carrying the gilded Scepter of the King, stepped boldly off the carriage. Accompanying her was a benevolent-looking, gold-crowned Cardinal.