University of Virginia Library

9. CHAPTER IX.
THE INVASION OF GUZAN.

Selim began his reign over Guzan with all
the popularity that could well be enjoyed by a
monarch. Nevertheless, the conduct of the
elder princes threatened to disturb the tranquillity
of the kingdom, unless wise precautions should
avert such an evil. The wicked brothers, immediately
after the choice of Selim as king by
the council and people, took their departure in
one of the royal ships from the island, and setting
sail at once for the dominions of a neighboring
potentate who had always been the enemy
of Guzan, threw themselves upon his protection,
asserting that they had been driven from
their inheritance by an usurper, and promising
him a share in the kingdom if he would aid
them in re-establishing their rights.

The king of Xanda, the name of the country
to which the princes fled, was quite willing to
receive the two brothers, but at that time he
was engaged in warfare with another power,
and could not promise them immediate assistance.
He, however, tendered them posts in his
army, which Osmyn and Nadab at once accepted,
hoping to influence the king of Xanda to
espouse their cause, as soon as he should be
successful in the war he was prosecuting.

Selim, on first learning of the absence of his
brothers, conjectured that, aware of his knowledge
of their former treachery, they feared his
vengeance now that he could wield the power of
Guzan. He therefore sent messengers to assure
them of his friendly feeling toward them both,
and his forgetfulness of all the past, inviting
them at the same time to return to their country,
and indeed, offering them posts of honor in
the government. To these overtures they replied,
that they were very well content to remain
at Xanda, and when they desired to return to
Guzan, they should not consult his pleasure.
This answer put a stop to all further efforts on
the part of Selim, though he cherished no ill
feeling towards his brothers, and in fact would
willingly have contributed to their good in any
proper way.

But the affairs of his kingdom soon began to
occupy the attention of the young monarch more
than could the concerns of such ingrates as
Osmyn and Nadab, and he called around him
his father's ablest councillors, in order to fully
understand the requirements of his people. He
found great assistance, likewise, in the experience
and decision of the old corsair-chief, who
could not only give instruction in points of
nautical and military discipline, but likewise in
diplomatic action; for the pirate in his earlier
days had seen much of both camp and court.
It was therefore with deep regret that Selim
heard the latter announce, one morning, his intention
of leaving Guzan, and resuming his wild
life upon the Indian Ocean.

“I cannot remain, my young prince,” said
the corsair. “This inactive life on shore eats
into my soul. My thoughts continually dwell
upon that unfortunate boy, and vainly do I strive
to banish his image. On the broad ocean, and
perhaps in conflict alone, can I hope to find respite
from bitter memories.”

“Alas, my friend, I sympathize with you,”
replied the king. “I have perceived that for
some time past, your mind has been overcharged.
Yet, I had hoped that I could find honorable occupation
for you in forming a navy for the
defence of Guzan. Should my brothers obtain
means to invade their native country, I shall
miss your counsel and support.”

“You shall have both, prince!” cried the
corsair, earnestly. “Wherever I may be, should
war threaten you, I will return and defend your
kingdom. But, war to this realm is, I trust,
distant, and perhaps will never come.”

“But where shall I seek you, should there be
urgent need of your services?” asked Selim.

“I will leave with you one of my most devoted
followers, who is equally attached to yourself.
Moussa is a true man, and will serve you
faithfully—and should danger threaten, despatch
him at once to the `Isle of Eagles,' and there
he will learn of my whereabouts.”

“And will nought induce you to remain with
me, Ali-Naro?” inquired the young monarch.

“If aught could retain me, it would be my
friendship for you, noble prince,” answered the
corsair. “But I feel that the land is not my
place. The wild tempest, the mountain-wave,
the shock of battle—these are my true life, and
in these I must seek refuge from oppressive
thoughts.”

Selim saw that it would be vain to urge the
subject, and therefore reluctantly consented to
the departure of his outlaw friend, who shortly
after set sail from Guzan, leaving his follower
Moussa in the service of the king.

But the apprehensions expressed by Selim
regarding the designs of his brothers, were not
without foundation, as became manifest in a very
short time after Ali-Naro's vessels had left the
island. Osmyn and Nadab from the day of
their arrival in Xanda, had not ceased to represent
to the king of that country the position
of Guzan, and the facility with which he might
make an attack upon their brother, whom they
charged with every sort of erime. The monarch
of Xanda at length resolved to fit out an expe
dition against his ancient enemies the inhabitants
of Guzan.

His measures were well taken, and cunningly
concealed for a long time; so that nearly the
first intimation that king Selim had of the peril
which threatened him was the intelligence
brought in by a fisherman that a large fleet was
manœuvering not three days' sail from the entrance
of the port.

At once the monarch made vigorous preparations
for defence. Calling to him the trusty
Moussa, on whose judgment he could rely, he
bade him at once proceed in a small armed vessel
to the mouth of the harbor, for the purpose
of reconnoitering the enemy's force. “If they
present a formidable appearance,” was his instruction
to the corsair, “delay not to make all
sail for the `Isle of Eagles.' Arriving there,
you will inform Ali-Naro of my straits, and return
with him as speedily as possible to Guzan.
I, in the meantime, will defend my kingdom
against the invader, who I doubt not is conducted
hither by my unnatural brothers.”

Moussa took leave of the monarch, with assurances
of his devoted service, and, embarking
in a small vessel belonging to the government,
immediately proceeded to fulfil the duty imposed
upon him; whilst Selim, convoking the councillors
of his kingdom, laid before them the intelligence
he had received of the approaching
enemy, and called upon them to assist him to
take proper measures for repelling the invasion.
Much alarm was manifested by the worthy dignitaries,
so that their advice became of little
importance; whereupon Selim ordered his military
officers to muster at once all the able-bodied
men of the kingdom, and directed his treasurer to
provide the means of arming and equipping the
soldiers that should be levied.

In a much shorter period of time than Selim
anticipated, he found himself at the head of quite
a respectable army, and set himself to the work
of disciplining it with great vigor. At the same
time he took measures to strengthen the seaport
of Guzan, by erecting new defences and posting
large bodies in positions where they could survey
any advancing ship. He likewise collected
all the vessels that could be of service, which he
manned and armed, and placed at the mouth of
the harbor. Thus prepared, Selim awaited the
appearance of the foe.

Nor was he compelled to wait long. The
king of Xanda was an old soldier, and knew
very well that too much notice should never be

given of an enemy's approach. He soon showed
himself, with a large force of ships, and made
active preparations for a landing on the very day
in which he reached the island.

At first the defenders of the seaport conducted
themselves with great resolution, bravely attacking
the invaders, wherever they endeavored to
effect a descent, and driving many of them to
their ships. At the same time, the small armed
vessels of Guzan engaged some of the Xanda
fleet, and succeeded in capturing two, which they
burned in sight of the assailants.

During this defence, which lasted for a whole
day, the young king Selim directed the operations
with skill and coolness, and on several occasions
led the attack against his enemies; so
that when the approach of night occasioned a
cessation of hostilities, the old councillors of
Guzan began to feel less tremulous, and ventured
to hope that the invaders would be successfully
resisted.

But, though the assault had been discontinued,
Selim did not neglect throughout the entire
night, to make every possible disposition of his
strength for a renewal of the defence on the following
morning. He visited every post, encouraged
the citizen soldiers, and exhorted them,
by all they held dear, to continue the brave conduct
which they had thus far exhibited. Besides
this, he took steps for strengthening the approaches
to his capital, in order, if compelled to
fall back from the seaport, to be enabled to dispute
the passage of the king of Xanda to the
interior.

The morning dawned, and at the first gleam
of light, the young monarch was on the field.
The enemy was equally alert, and had already
directed a large force upon a point below the
town which had not been attacked on the preceding
day. Thither Selim despatched a body
of his men, whilst he himself directed the main
defence of the town.

The assailants met with quite as warm a reception
on this as on their previous attempt.
The defenders of the place, principally merchants,
fishermen and mariners, fought under
their prince's eye with unbated ardor, and steadfastly
resisted the most strenuous efforts of the
foe to land upon the shore. Several of the Xanda
vessels were fired during the morning, and
their crews forced to abandon them; and when
the sun began to sink in the evening sky, scarce
ly a single advantage had been achieved by the
assailing ariny. The shore was strown with
arms, and dead and dying men, and many
wrecks of the dismantled vessels drifted high
upon the beach, and were speedily made use of
as intrenchments for the brave islanders.

“If my gallant people fight thus to-morrow,”
said Selim, “we shall teach these marauders a
lesson they will never forget. As it is, I doubt
if they venture against our capital, after these,
vere treatment they experience at the seaport.”

“Our brave citizens fight well indeed,” said
the officer to whom the king spoke. “And I
doubt not we shall be able to beat off the enemy.
But another assault is approaching, even now
it is here.”

This assault, as it soon appeared was led by
the king of Xanda in person, who, enraged at the
constant repulses which his troops had received,
during the greater portion of two days, was now
resolved to retrieve his disasters by leading a
final attack that he doubted not would carry
everything before it. For this purpose he had
gathered all his choicest soldiers and mariners, a
reserved force, and inspiring them with the
promise of unchecked pillage, advanced in a
semi-circle of boats, in order to concentrate his
assault upon the very centre of the town.

King Selim on his part collected all his
veterans of the previous conflicts, together with
such forces as he could withdraw from the roads
leading toward his capital, and marshalling them
behind the defences of the port, prepared to lead
them against the king of Xanda. He did not
seek to inflame their courage by an harangue,
for he could see in their determined looks the
resolution which they felt to beat off the foemen,
or perish before their young monarch's eye.
Staying therefore only till the Xandians had begun
to disembark, he waved his sword above his
head, and led the way towards them.

The presence and example of both monarchs
produced a great effect upon the action of their
troops. They rushed to the conflict with such
determination and energy, that very soon the
battle became bloody and desperate. The two
kings met in the first shock, and for a long time
their swords mingled in contest. At length, a
fortunate stroke of Selim, who was an accomplished
swordsman, disabled the king of Xanda's
arm, and he was forced backward immediately
by the impetuous young prince. His followers

perceiving their leader giving way, began to
slacken their blows, so that the men of Guzan
soon obliged them to take once more to their
boats and draw off for some distance into the
stream.

Selim, almost exhausted by his exertions in
the combat, now retired also from the beach,
and drew up his followers in good order at the
entrance of the town. But scarcely had he removed
his armor for a moment's repose, when
a tumult was heard among his guard, and the
next instant a man, half-robed and dripping
with water, rushed into his presence, pursued by
a dozen soldiers with drawn weapons.

“Sire! prince! it is you I seek!” cried the
fugitive, as he sank overpowered at the king's
feet. “Look on me! I am Moussa!”

Selim in astonishment recognized the voice
and features of the faithful corsair, whom he believed
at this time to be far away on his mission
to the “Isle of Eagles.” He saw at once that
all hope of succor from Ali-Naro must now be
abandoned, as it was evident that his messenger
had been intercepted.

“How! why are you here?” cried the young
king, in a tone of surprise and concern.

“Alas, my prince! it is fate which has done
this,” answered the corsair, bowing his head.
“I have done all that mortal could, but it was of
no avail.”

“Speak, then, and let me know how you are
here, instead of at the `Isle of Eagles?' ”

“Prince! I was attacked, and my small
vessel was forced to yield. Three ships against
a craft like mine were not to be beaten away.
They made prisoners of all of us, and—”

“How then did you escape? Why are you
pursued by my soldiers?”

“We found him climbing the beach, and
thought him a spy,” here interposed the leader
of those who had pursued Moussa into the king's
presence.

“It is true,” rejoined the corsair; “and I
had just escaped from the enemy's shipping, by
swimming ashore during the conflict. Nor have
I arrived without a wound,” continued Moussa,
placing his hand upon his breast, whilst his face
began to grow deadly pale.

“Wounded!” cried Selim. “My faithful
Moussa!”

“I would speak to you—alone—my prince!”
said the corsair, in a faint voice, as he rose slow
ly from the ground. “ 'Twas—for that—I risked
my life.”

The king made a signal for those around him
to retire, and then extended his hand to the almost
fainting corsair.

“Moussa!” he said—“my friend! are you
hurt seriously?”

“No matter, my prince?” answered the follower
of Ali-Naro. “I am here—in your presence—it
is enough! Listen, O my king—I
have much to say—in a few moments.”

“Loan upon me!” cried Selim, supporting
the frame of Moussa, which grew weaker every
moment. “Speak, my friend.”

“You are—betrayed!” murmured Moussa,
speaking with great difficulty. “There are traitors
in your capital, who meditate your overthrow
this very night.”

“Moussa! what say you?”

“It is true, my prince! Before this last assault,
while I lay a prisoner in the king of Xanna's
ship, I overhead the plot. Your brothers,
Osmyn and Nadab, landing secretly, have already
reached the city, and stand ready, with many
traitors there, to turn the inhabitants against
their king. This last assault, had it been successful,
would have forced your army back from
the seaport, in which case the traitors were to
close the capital against your retreat.”

“Is that their plot—wretched men!” cried
Selim, indignantly. “Have they no pity for
their countrymen? But we shall yet foil them.
I will ride at once to my capital, and—”

“Do not, if you value your life, my dear
prince,” cried Moussa. “Alas, you know not
how far the treachery has gone. The princes
have gained thousands to their cause, and even
now they hold the city in their possession! There!
behold, my prince! there is the traitors' signal!”

As he spoke, Moussa pointed in the direction
of the capital, and Selim looking thitherward
beheld a column of flame and smoke shoot up
from the city, and cast a lurid gleam over all
the plain. At the same instant lights were discovered
ascending to the mast heads of all the
enemy's vessels lying before the town.

“This was to be the signal that Osmyn and
Nadab had succeeded in tampering with those
left in defence of the city,” continued Moussa.
“And, look! the king of Xanda is about to recommence
the battle—his boats are making for
the shore!”

“It is true! But we will meet them!” cried
Selim, in an undaunted voice. “We can at
least die in defence of our country. Come, my
brave friend! come, Moussa! you shall be nearest
to me in the fight.”

“Alas! my prince!” gasped the corsair. “It
is too—late! My battles are—ended.” With
these words, he fell suddenly to the ground, the
crimson blood gushing from his mouth in a rapid
stream.

“Farewell—my—dear prince!” murmured
the dying corsair, who had, by the force of his
will sustained his failing energies to this moment,
though an arrow-wound in his breast had been
draining his life-blood for some time—“tell the
captain—I died—doing my duty.”

These were the last words of poor Moussa.
The next instant his body lay motionless in
death.

The young monarch, summoned away to meet
the new assault, could cast only one look backward
as he said:

“May Allah rest thee, faithful follower of Ali-Naro.
I go to avenge thy death!”