Chapter Three "threads of conspiracy"

**Training Grounds**

Abdullah, a ten-year-old boy, and his older brother Tamim, who is sixteen, are practicing in the training grounds. Their sparring is intense, but Abdullah ends up defeated, looking tired and disheartened. Tamim, despite his own exhaustion, comforts Abdullah. Ibn al-Jaysh, the commander of the armies, has been observing them throughout.

Abdullah: "Tamim, I'm frustrated. Even though I've worked so hard, I feel like I can't keep up with you."

Tamim: "Abdullah, don't let frustration get the better of you. Every defeat is an opportunity to learn and grow. When I was your age, I faced many challenges, but I learned from each experience."

Ibn al-Jaysh: "Abdullah, what Tamim is saying is correct. When you face a stronger opponent, use it as a chance to learn. Every difficult experience is a lesson that can contribute to your development."

Abdullah: "But how can I use these defeats as learning opportunities?"

Ibn al-Jaysh: "Start by analyzing each match. What didn't work as it should? Was there a mistake in technique or strategy? Learn from each experience and use your mistakes to avoid repeating them in the future."

Tamim: "Yes, and every time you feel discouraged, remember that it's part of the path to improvement. Keep working hard, and you'll see progress over time."

Abdullah: "I'll try to apply these tips. I feel like I need to focus more on what I can improve."

Ibn al-Jaysh: "Exactly, Abdullah. I'll help you create a training plan that focuses on strengthening your strengths and improving your weaknesses. With determination and will, you'll be able to achieve your goals."

Tamim: "I'm here to support you every step of the way. Let's start working on a plan to improve your performance and skills."

Abdullah: "Thank you for the advice and support. I'll do my best to apply them."

**(The scene ends with Abdullah, supported by Tamim and Ibn al-Jaysh, beginning to create a new training plan focused on learning from mistakes and improving performance.)**

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**Training Hall**

**(Time: the next morning. Location: The training hall is set up with various training tools and targets. Abdullah looks determined and enthusiastic, while Tamim and Ibn al-Jaysh are preparing to oversee the exercises. The strong relationship between the three is evident in their interactions.)**

Abdullah: "I'm excited to start training today. How will the exercises help me improve?"

Ibn al-Jaysh: "Today, we'll focus on applying your strategies and developing your basic techniques. We'll start with the fundamentals and then move on to more advanced drills."

Tamim: "Abdullah, remember that I was in your place a few years ago. I'm here to help you, and as you know, Ibn al-Jaysh played a significant role in my training and will offer you all the support you need."

Abdullah: "I'm grateful to both of you. Two years ago, Ibn al-Jaysh was my trainer, and he helped me a lot in developing my skills. Now, I see the benefits of my training and feel confident."

Ibn al-Jaysh: "Tamim, you've made significant progress over this period. I'm proud of all you've accomplished, and Abdullah is here to follow the same path. Hard work and dedication are the keys to success."

Tamim: "I've clearly seen your development, Abdullah. You were young, but you showed determination. Now, I'll be here to support and guide you, just as I was guided."

Abdullah: "I feel a great deal of support from both of you. I'll work on improving my techniques and learning from every exercise."

Ibn al-Jaysh: "That's the right spirit. Focus and dedication in training will yield results, and I'm here to help you every step of the way."

Tamim: "Let's start with today's drills. I'll be beside you throughout to help you apply what you've learned and guide you in the right direction."

**(The training begins, with Abdullah engaging enthusiastically in the exercises while Tamim and Ibn al-Jaysh oversee his progress. The strong and positive relationship among the three is reflected in how they guide and support Abdullah, boosting his confidence.)**

Abdullah: "Thank you both for all the support you're giving me. I'll do my best to achieve success."

Ibn al-Jaysh: "We believe in your ability, Abdullah. Hard work will lead to great results."

Tamim: "Keep working hard, and we'll see noticeable improvements in your performance. I'm here to support you every step of the way."

**(The scene ends with Abdullah training with enthusiasm and dedication, while Tamim and Ibn al-Jaysh oversee and encourage him, reflecting the strong and supportive relationship between them.)**

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**Council Hall**

**(The prince Badis ibn Habus is seated on his throne, with ministers Yusuf ibn Naghrela and the Arab minister al-Nai' standing nearby, each presenting their views on the potential war with Seville.)**

Prince Badis ibn Habus: "Yusuf, as we've heard, you oppose the war due to concerns about foreign interventions. Al-Nai', you believe escalation is necessary to protect the kingdom. How can we reach a decision that balances caution with preparedness?"

Minister al-Nai': (with insistence) "Your Highness, if we continue to avoid confrontation, we might open the door for Seville to exploit the situation and increase threats. War might be the only option if we don't act now. We need to prepare militarily and be ready to face any arising threats."

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: (calmly) "I'm concerned that war could open the door to foreign intervention, which might complicate things further. We have an opportunity to push Seville through diplomatic channels without needing escalation."

Prince Badis ibn Habus: (thinking for a moment, then speaking firmly) "I've listened to both perspectives. Al-Nai' is right that the situation requires military readiness, while Yusuf guides us towards considering potential interventions."

Prince Badis ibn Habus: "Based on the discussion, I decide that we should begin military preparations, but also maintain a focus on diplomatic efforts. We can bolster our defenses and ensure we're capable of countering any external threats, while simultaneously seeking diplomatic solutions with Seville."

Minister al-Nai': "Agreed, Your Highness. We will start immediate military preparations and ensure we have all necessary strategies to handle any potential interventions."

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: (understandingly) "Your Highness, if this is the decision, we will need a detailed plan to avoid entering into a prolonged conflict. I will coordinate diplomatic efforts to complement the military actions."

Prince Badis ibn Habus: "So, we begin with military preparations while continuing to seek diplomatic solutions simultaneously. We must be ready for any developments. I expect everyone to work diligently to ensure this balance is effectively executed."

**(The scene ends with Prince Badis ibn Habus agreeing to start military preparations while hoping for diplomatic solutions. Al-Nai' starts organizing military readiness, while Yusuf ibn Naghrela begins coordinating with diplomatic channels to ensure the kingdom is prepared for all possibilities.)**

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**Side Room in the Palace**

**(Yusuf ibn Naghrela enters a side room after the heated discussion in the council hall. In the room, he opens a wooden box and takes out an old letter. He then opens a small notebook and begins writing a new letter. After finishing, he places the letter in a small leather pouch and seals it.)**

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: (speaking to himself) "Igniting a war between Granada and Seville will create the chaos we need. It will be the perfect opportunity to get rid of Prince Badis ibn Habus."

**(Yusuf summons a trusted messenger, dressed in simple and appropriate travel attire, and hands him the pouch.)**

**Yusuf ibn Naghrela:** "This letter contains sensitive information. It must reach al-Mu'tasim ibn Samadih as quickly as possible, and ensure he reads it upon arrival. Speed and accuracy in delivering the letter are crucial."

The Messenger: "I will make sure the letter arrives as quickly as possible, sir."

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: (with a faint smile) "Don't be delayed. Every move is calculated precisely. The chaos we create will work in our favor."

**(The messenger departs towards Merya, while Yusuf returns to his office to continue his work. His son enters the room, looking concerned and curious.)**

Yusuf's Son: "Father, why this great concern with the letter? What are your true goals?"

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: (calmly) "The letter is addressed to al-Mu'tasim ibn Samadih, urging him to declare war on Granada. The goal is to ignite conflict between Granada and Seville, which will create the chaos we need."

Yusuf's Son: "But why were you initially against the war, and now you support it?"

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: "True, initially I was against the war due to the significant risks it could entail, such as foreign intervention and destabilization. But the situation has changed. Prince Badis has started to distrust my loyalty and refuses to listen to my advice as he used to, especially after the incident that occurred years ago."

Yusuf's Son: "What incident do you mean?"

Yusuf ibn Naghrela: "The death of Prince Balqin's son some time ago had a significant impact on our relationship. Despite the passage of a long time since the incident,

**Boy:** "Do you think this incident affected your relationship with the prince?"

**Yusuf:** "Indeed, it affected my credibility and influence. The prince began to doubt my loyalty and question my ability to give advice. I no longer hold the same power I once had."

**Boy:** "So, what will you do now?"

**Yusuf:** "The war between Granada and Seville will create the chaos we need. Amidst this chaos, we will have the opportunity to remove Prince Badis ibn Habus and shift the situation in our favor. Additionally, igniting this conflict will allow us to increase our influence and achieve our goals."

**Boy:** "Do you think this plan will lead to the results you hope for?"

**Yusuf:** "I hope things will unfold as we intend. The chaos we create will open new doors for us to control. We have a well-devised plan, and we will monitor every development closely to ensure each step is executed as planned."

**(The scene ends with Yusuf ibn Naghrela observing the unfolding events with cunning and calm, revealing his complex plan aimed at achieving his objectives through creating chaos and manipulating alliances.)**

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**Streets of Granada**

**(Time: Afternoon, during the hot summer days. Location: The narrow streets of the old city of Granada, characterized by narrow alleys and historical buildings bathed in warm sunlight.)**

**(Abdullah, the ten-year-old boy, walks with Sheikh Muhi al-Din, his esteemed teacher. They stroll through the streets, observing the poor and needy from various faiths.)**

Abdullah: (pointing to a group of poor Christians) "Sheikh Muhi al-Din, why do we help these Christians? Isn't it better to help Muslims first, especially since there are many of them in need?"

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: (stopping and distributing alms to the Christians with a smile) "Abdullah, charity and giving should be inclusive. We live in a diverse city, and we must be fair in our assistance."

Abdullah: "But why help non-Muslims if there are many Muslims who need help?"

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "Compassion and empathy should transcend religion. Let's take an example from our history here in Granada: Yusuf ibn Naghrela."

Abdullah: "Yusuf ibn Naghrela? But he is Jewish, isn't he?"

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "Yes, Yusuf ibn Naghrela was Jewish, but he is one of the most prominent figures who influenced our history. Let me tell you more about him."

**(Sheikh Muhi al-Din begins to explain Yusuf ibn Naghrela's history as they walk through the streets.)**

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "Yusuf ibn Naghrela was born in Granada to a Jewish family. In his youth, he played a significant role in politics and economics. During the reign of Prince Muhammad ibn Yusuf, known as 'al-Nasir,' Yusuf ibn Naghrela emerged as a prominent advisor. His exceptional skills in administration and finance led to his promotion to the position of minister."

Abdullah: "How did he become a minister while being Jewish?"

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "At that time, Granada experienced a period of coexistence among different religions. Yusuf ibn Naghrela was an extremely influential figure and proved his competence in administration and public service. The prince recognized Yusuf's abilities and entrusted him with government responsibilities despite his different religion."

Abdullah: "I see now, but it seems strange that someone of a different faith was treated this way."

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "This is a lesson in humanity, Abdullah. Yusuf ibn Naghrela was not just a minister; he was an example of how to transcend religious barriers for the common good. Despite the conflicts and differences in his history, his achievements reflect the importance of competence and justice."

Abdullah: "And what about now? How does this affect us today?"

Sheikh Muhi al-Din: "The lessons we learn from Yusuf ibn Naghrela's history are that human values go beyond religion. When we help others and are fair and kind, we are on the right path to building a strong and cohesive community. Compassion and empathy are not confined to any religion or culture, but are part of the universal values we cherish."

**(Sheikh Muhi al-Din and Abdullah continue their walk through the streets of Granada, with Abdullah gaining a deeper understanding of the values of compassion and coexistence.)**