Chapter 23

Daud and his fleet of ships arrive in the Langkat sultanate waters, where they are met with a warm welcome from the sultan's officials. The Acehnese crew is amazed by the beautiful landscape of the Langkat region, which is known for its lush jungles and pristine beaches. The sultan's officials show Daud and his crew to a luxurious palace, where they are treated with great respect.

Daud meets with Sultan Musa and his advisors in a grand hall decorated with intricate tapestries and ornate furniture. The Sultan and his advisors look wary and nervous as Daud begins to speak.

"Greetings, Sultan Musa," Daud begins. "I have come on behalf of the Acehnese government to offer you a proposal. As you know, the Dutch East Indies is a great threat to our sovereignty, and we believe that together, we can fight them off and ensure our independence."

The Sultan and his advisors look at each other uncertainly. They know that if they submit to Aceh's rule, they risk the wrath of the Dutch East Indies. On the other hand, they are also wary of facing Aceh's military might.

"What assurance do we have that Aceh can protect us from the Dutch?" one of the advisors asks.

Daud smiles confidently. "We have a strong navy and a skilled army that has proven its worth in battle. We will provide you with the support you need to defeat the Dutch and gain your freedom."

The Sultan and his advisors look at each other, considering Daud's offer carefully. They know that they cannot continue to live under the Dutch's rule, but they also know that the Dutch will not take kindly to their defection.

After much discussion, the sultanate decides to accept Daud's offer and join forces with Aceh. Daud and his crew stay in Langkat for a few weeks, training the sultanate's army and helping them to prepare for the upcoming battle.

As the Acehnese and Langkat forces marched towards the Dutch stronghold, Daud observed the terrain carefully. He knew that a frontal assault would be suicidal, so he suggested a more strategic approach. He advised the forces to split up into small groups and launch surprise attacks on the Dutch outposts and supply lines. This would cause confusion among the Dutch ranks and weaken their defenses.

The Acehnese and Langkat forces followed Daud's plan, launching coordinated attacks from different directions. The Dutch were caught off guard and struggled to respond. The Acehnese and Langkat forces quickly seized control of the surrounding areas and cut off the Dutch supply lines.

Daud sat in Sultan's palace, nervously fidgeting with his fingers. He had just sent a message to the Dutch commander in the Langkat stronghold, offering them safe passage out of Langkat if they surrendered peacefully. It was a risky move, and Daud wasn't sure how the Dutch would react.

The Sultan noticed Daud's nervousness and asked him what was troubling him. Daud explained the situation, and the Sultan nodded thoughtfully. "It's a bold move, but it might just work," he said.

Just then, one of the palace guards burst into the room. "Your Highness, we have a message from the Dutch commander," he said, handing a scroll to the Sultan.

The Sultan broke the seal and began to read the message. Daud watched him anxiously, waiting for the Dutch response. Finally, the Sultan looked up and smiled. "It seems they have accepted our terms," he said. "They will surrender peacefully and leave Langkat."

Daud breathed a sigh of relief. He had been worried that the Dutch would reject their offer and retaliate with force. "That's good news," he said, a hint of pride in his voice. "Our negotiation tactics seem to be working."

The Sultan nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We must continue to use diplomacy whenever possible. It is always better to avoid unnecessary bloodshed."

Daud smiled, feeling a sense of satisfaction that he had helped Langkat achieve victory through peaceful means. He knew that the road ahead would be difficult, but he was determined to do whatever it took to ensure Langkat's safety and prosperity for his future reigns.

The Dutch forces surrendered, and Daud and his forces took control of the stronghold without a single shot fired. The Acehnese and Langkat forces celebrated their victory, and Daud was hailed as a hero. He had proven himself as a brilliant military strategist and a charismatic leader.

As they settled in the stronghold, Daud turned his attention to rebuilding and securing the area. He knew that the Dutch would not give up easily and that they would likely launch a counterattack soon. Daud used his knowledge of modern technology to help fortify the stronghold, setting up early warning systems AKA the invisible drones, reinforcing the walls and defenses.

The Acehnese and Langkat forces prepared for the inevitable Dutch counterattack, but it never came. The Dutch forces were too demoralized and scattered to mount a significant response. And with Daud's leadership and guidance, the Acehnese and Langkat forces were able to maintain control of the area, strengthening their position and expanding their influence.

After the battle, the Langkat sultanate pledges their submission to Aceh, recognizing the strength and military might of their new allies. Daud's reputation as a brilliant strategist and commander only grows stronger as news of his victory spreads throughout the region.

Daud becomes a respected figure in the region, known for his intelligence, charisma, and military prowess.

Daud's success also catches the attention of the Dutch East Indies, who become increasingly concerned about Aceh's growing power. They begin to plan their next move, determined to regain control of the region and crush the Acehnese resistance once and for all.

Despite the looming threat of the Dutch, Daud remains optimistic about Aceh's future. He sees the potential for a united front against colonial powers and works tirelessly to solidify alliances and strengthen his army.