Chapter 21
Beginning of 1061 (452 from the Hegira), hills of central-eastern Sicily
Umar was hiding among the marabouts near Catania, waiting for the opportunity to take off his armor. He was sure of Idris and Mezyan's loyalty, and he knew for sure that they would join Qasr Yanna and fulfill their assignment. However, the mystery of that body entangled in the brambles was about to find an explanation.
In the middle of the morning, while he was moving quickly along the paths beaten by the relay races, Mezyan, holding Umar's helmet in his hand, expressed his doubts:
«Do you think the Qā'id hasn't done enough to free Nadira? »
«He gave his sister to his enemy. Umar's judgment is only clouded by despair. »
«Ibn al-Ḥawwās does not deserve his betrayal. I wonder if it's right to help him .
