Chapter Text
Morgiana was waiting outside the baths. Maids giggled as they walked by, causing Alibaba to blush and hurry to get on the way. The last thing he needed was for any untoward rumors circling the palace about the two of them. It wouldn’t be fair to Morgiana, and the Queen would be a terror about it.
They gathered Sinbad and his generals under the guise of showing them around the city. Sinbad made a show of it, flustering anyone that tried to pry any deeper. Thankfully the trip to Papak’s was easy to traverse. The people had grown used to Alibaba running through the streets in the last couple of years. They waved hello and shouted joyful comments but otherwise didn’t bother the group. Instead, they kept a respectful distance, while still sending the prince teasing glances as they reached the brothel.
The girls outside immediately sprung into action. Sinbad was all but surrounded by the girls, being cooed at without mercy. Jafar and Masrur weren’t left out either, though they didn’t look as enthused as Sinbad.
“Master Prince,” demured Dione, who slipped an arm around his shoulders. “What lovely guests you’ve brought this evening.” A smile graced her lips as she eyed Sinbad and his troupe. “May I offer the Royal Treatment?” The other girls sighed and groaned sadly at the words. Alibaba nervously nodded, refusing to look anyone in the eye.
No matter what - this was humiliating.
“Well then, follow me.” Dione nodded to three of the girls and they cheered, following the group into the building and up the stairs. The place was lively that night. Most of those who would have noticed them were too busy being entertained by the women.
Merikh and Bahram were standing guard at the office, like before. They were let in with the same warning to not cause any trouble. Once in the office, the girls separated from them and gathered in the back corner of the room.
When Sinbad looked like he was going to complain at their lack of presence, Jafar elbowed him in the side. Thankfully.
Papak was at his desk, reading glasses gone and papers cleared. Tirdad was in his usual spot by the window, Kassim and Lo’lo’s forms with him. They were prepared for what came next.
After giving a respectful bow, Sinbad took a seat in front of the desk. Masrur stood behind his chair silently. That left the other chair open. Alibaba looked to Morgiana, who shook her head. He figured as much, but it didn’t hurt to make sure she didn’t want the seat.
After he sat, Alibaba nodded to the other two leaders.
“Thank you for gathering. There is much to be discussed to bring King Sinbad up to speed on our efforts and to make a plan going forward.” Alibaba glanced between Papak and Tirdad. They stayed silent but didn’t object. So, that was a good start.
“Alibaba has given me a good sense of what position you’re in now.” Sinbad cut in. “You’ve managed to make the Barasi back off in the sea, but not the desert. To be frank, from what I’ve heard, you might as well give up on that front.” Sinbad shook his head. Alibaba winced. He might have thought the same, but did Sinbad have to be so blunt about it?
Papak leaned back in his chair. “The same thought has occurred to us as well. Alibaba has Kassim aiding me in looking for a way to possibly take the slums back.” He motioned towards Kassim, who shrugged. Sinbad nodded his head sharply.
“That’s good! If you can take the slums back, even if it’s block by block, it could help hinder their movement in the city.” Sinbad then crossed his arms and dropped the usual cheerful attitude for something more serious.
“Most of the bandits scattered across the desert after your attack. One group, containing what seemed to be the higher ups of the camp and that mysterious Fanalis man, went a different direction.” Sinbad nodded to the silent form of Masrur. “Masrur followed those men to the west gates, where they disappeared into the city.” That made sense. Mirno’s largest gambling hall was by the gates. They could have gone through there and either holed up or dispersed through the city.
“So they're hiding out with old Mirno eh?” Tirdad hummed, tilting his head back in thought. Sinbad shook his head.
“I don’t think so. It would be too obvious. I think that they dispersed into the city, using the traffic as a cover for the escape.” There was no way Masrur would be able to pinpoint the strangers in such a large crowd. Not without help that is.
“It brings us one step closer at the real headquarters. The one with the bosses.” Alibaba nodded along to the reasoning. It certainly made sense. However, there was something that Alibaba didn’t agree with.
“I don’t think the real headquarters is in the city.” He confessed. Sinbad looked at him in surprise. “I don’t see Mirno offering his home that much to them. Not with the alliance being newly made. And we would have noticed the Barasi congregating anywhere else.” The hardest part about nailing down the Barasi was how scattered they were in the city.
It was almost like a giant spider’s web. Nowhere was truly safe and you couldn’t see where it ended or began. It drove Papak insane, the man often ending up ranting in their meetings over the matter. Tirdad was no help, often antagonizing the other man for his own amusement.
“Regardless, we know where one of their important numbers was last seen at.” Jafar offered. Lo’lo let out a huff of impatience.
“The Fanalis,” Morgiana said aloud. Her eyes were troubled. “He’s the Barasi’s slave.” That still stung Alibaba’s heart. Someone from Balbadd was using a slave as one of their fighters. Who knew if it stopped with the Fanalis man. Perhaps it went even further than that.
Alibaba certainly hoped not. He was praying that Tirdad’s predictions to be untrue. To think that they were raiding those slave ships just to get their own gang numbers. It sickened Alibaba.
Sinbad nodded solemnly to her. “Exactly.”
Papak nodded, though he still kept a neutral face. “Kassim’s already started a form of attack. He’s been adept at moving my men in the right direction.” As Alibaba had predicted.
“I know the slums better than my right hand.” Kassim pipped up. “Give me enough time and men, and I can clean it up.” This was said with a dark grin that reminded Alibaba of the Fog Troupe days. It seemed that Kassim had been wanting to get back at the Barasi even more than Alibaba realized.
“That, however, is only the start of what I have planned.” Sinbad said suddenly. It caught the attention of everyone. Papak raised his brows in interest.
“Oh?” He asked. “What is the rest of this master plan?” Sinbad’s smile only grew.
“We get the Barasi nervous, make them think we’re coming for their territories in the slums.” He explained. “Then, when we get them flustered, we set a trap.” A trap?
“A trap?” Lo’lo repeated Alibaba’s thought out loud. Sinbad nodded.
“Yes. We hold a large meeting, one that they can easily notice, and bait them into attacking. If the leaders of the Underground Alliance were present, they would be forced to send in their top members.” Sinbad leaned back in his chair smugly.
“We then capture them, and get information on the rest of the group and finish them off for good.” The plan was solid. and it certainly was achievable. Alibaba could see it working. Yet, there was something he didn’t like.
“An interesting way to further the plot, King Sinbad.” Tirdad said, eyes twinkling. “Using us and our people as bait for the evildoers before swooping in to save the day.” The captain clapped softly with a teasing smile. “I approve.”
“I don’t.” Papak snapped with a frown. “It’s too dangerous. We have no idea how strong their ‘top members’ are. They have magic tools!”
“And we have metal vessels.” Sinbad countered easily. “And household weapons. Trust me when I say that I can and will accomplish this. You have my full promise to protect your people and end the Barasi in one fell swoop.” Sinbad held Papak’s eyes with a solid intensity that made the air feel almost thick. It reminded Alibaba of the few times that Aladdin summoned the Rukh.
Papak didn’t respond at first. He still looked conflicted. Alibaba understood. It put his people, his own brothers, in danger. But, it was a good plan. The sooner they took down the Barasi, the better. It would bring them closer to finding the palace spy, and ensuring that Al Tharmen lost its footing in Balbadd.
“Papak, you need to have faith in your people.” Alibaba spoke up. Papak looked at Alibaba, and when he didn’t protest, Alibaba continued. “You and Tirdad are great leaders. Your people trust you, and they are strong individuals themselves. They know what they can handle. And, when a fight breaks out, I know they can hold their own. I also know I can count on you and Tirdad in the fight. You both are strong enough to do this. To finish this fight.” It was important that he got this point across. Tirdad and Papak had done so much work, had done so much in this war that Alibaba knew he could trust in them.
They didn’t need Sinbad saving the day. They could stand on their own and Alibaba just knew, Sinbad or not, that this was something they could accomplish. Because they were stronger together, and because they were two of the best people Alibaba had met. Crazy as well, in regards to Tirdad, but the fact remains.
Sinbad being there only made it more possible to win. Sinbad was the insurance they needed, but Tirdad and Papak were the fighting force. The battering ram to the front.
“Well, if that doesn’t invoke patriotism I don’t know what does.” Tirdad teased, causing Alibaba to blush.
“Tirdad!” He hissed. Why did that man insist on that train of thought? The man chuckled but thankfully dropped the subject.
“Fine.” Papak sighed before turning to Sinbad. “We’ll let you know when it's time. I’m counting on you for this to work.” Sinbad nodded. Papak then looked back to Alibaba. “I’ll be needing Kassim for a longer period.”
“That’s fine.” Alibaba nodded. Kassim would be the best instrument in this.
“I’ll have Jafar help as well. He’s good with underhanded warfare.” Sinbad said. Jafar twitched at the description but nodded with a bow.
“I’ll be happy to help.” A glance to Kassim showed him none too happy at the idea either. Alibaba sent him an apologetic smile. While Kassim wouldn’t like it, having Jafar would help a lot. So the other boy would have to suck it up.
“I need to train more as well.” Morgiana commented with a frown. Sinbad perked up.
“Masrur could help with that.” Masrur nodded silently. Morgiana looked up at him curiously, and from the back, there was a grunting sound.
“Hey!” Lo’lo growled. “I’m her sparring teacher. If you want in you have to beat me first brat!” He cracked his knuckles with a menacing aura. The insult was odd, given that Masrur looked to be the same age as Lo’lo.
For his part, Masrur didn’t look troubled. Though, he did eye Lo’lo with a small smile that sent shivers down Alibaba’s spine.
“Well!” Tirdad clapped. “It looks like we have a clear path of action. I can’t wait for the fireworks to happen.” He let out a cackle and jumped out of the window . Papak sighed.
“One of these days he’s going to break his neck.” He muttered in an almost wistful manner. Alibaba chuckled. Sinbad barked out a laugh of his own at the exit.
“I like him! I wonder if I can convince him to visit Sindria?” The look on Jafar and Masrur’s face spelled the doom of such an event. Alibaba sympathized. Still, he couldn’t rid his mind of the adrenaline rushing through him.
This was it. This next step would bring them closer to shutting down the Barasi. They couldn’t afford to mess up. Not for the larger plot at hand, nor for those involved. Alibaba refused to let this be a repeat of the desert raid.
They were going to win.
“Do you know what Sinbad will say tonight?” Morgiana asked. Alibaba let out a reluctant frown. They were on the way to pick up Sinbad for the new meeting. Kassim and Papak’s efforts in the slums have been successful. More so than what Sinbad and Papak expected. Alibaba knew better.
Kassim had done this song and dance before with less on his side. They started by taking control of the docks. Something that became easier with Gina’s help. Somehow Tirdad was able to convince her to help. Not without complaint, but enough to get the western docks under their control. Then they expanded Papak’s territory forcing the Barasi gangs to retreat back. Block by block, gang by gang, they knocked off more and more pegs from the Barasi map. Now they were mostly huddled near Mirno’s territory or scattered in small groups across the city.
Now was the time to spring the trap. It’s been baited as a large gathering of the Underground Alliance. All three heads would be present, including a good portion of the combined people under their command.
“Not really.” He admitted. Sinbad said he had a speech ready to further sell the point across. Alibaba was hesitant but agreed nonetheless.
“He wants to show off.” Morgiana said with a petulant look. Alibaba blinked in surprise at the irritated tone she used.
“Do you not like Sinbad?” He asked curiously. Morgiana purposely kept her eyes away from Alibaba as they walked.
“I didn’t say that.” She mumbled with a blush. That was different. Morgiana was fine with Sinbad in the old timeline. Not that she interacted with him a lot. Alibaba had only known her to stick close to Masur. Granted that was after the short time she traveled with Sinbad and Aladdin.
Now, she spent most of her time with either Masrur or Lo’lo. The two men would trade off on her training. Lo’lo didn’t like sharing the teacher title, but he admitted that having Masrur help while he left to fight the pirates was good.
Though the initial spar between the two adult fanalis was terrifying. Morgiana had stars in her eyes while Alibaba had fear in his.
Still, she never showed this kind of attitude to Sinbad before.
“You’ve spent too much time with Kassim.” Alibaba concluded. Kassim was, by far, not Sinbad’s fan. Sinbad nearly represented everything that Kassim hated. A smug and rich royal that had a personality that bordered on arrogance and was prone to childish antics. Then there was the shrewd nature that Sinbad was able to get his way with everything.
Kassim was happy to not be in a position to deal with Sinbad. Or Jafar. Especially Jafar. Alibaba couldn’t count the number of rants, and complaints he heard from Kassim about Jafar.
“Whatever the case, we’ll find out soon.” Morgiana didn’t comment, but he did see her pout turn into a determined line. Alibaba hoped for Sinbad’s sake that he doesn’t do anything to anger the girl. She looked ready to pounce.
She’s spent too much time with Lo’lo too. Alibaba thought decidedly.
Sinbad was waiting in the courtyards near the gates. The guards in the area looked positively nervous and stressed. Stories of Sinbad and his feats reached numerous ears, and they likely were shocked to be in the presence of such an individual.
Alibaba sent the guards reassuring smiles as they joined the group. One guard looked positively happy at the arrival. Sinbad had sidled up to him and was pestering the poor man with questions.
“So where can I find the best entertainment? I’m sure that something new has popped up since my last visit here!” The guard was visibly leaning back from the casual grasp Sinbad locked him in, arm around the shoulder as if they were old buddies.
“The Serpent’s Shallow is a well known tavern that holds shows of talented dancers and singers once a week.” Alibaba reported to the King. “Please stop pestering the guards Lord Sinbad” Sinbad laughed and pulled away from the now relieved guard.
“We’ll have to visit there sometime then!” Sinbad cheered. “Now, are you ready for another round of training?” Ah yes, the excuse they were using for them to be out this late. They made sure to leave through these gates to go to training to make it somewhat obvious. This way, there wouldn’t be too many questions. Jafar and Masur had left earlier in the day and would meet up at the Old Grounds.
“Morgiana wanted to come this time.” The guards visibly winced. Morgiana looked the same, but the guards seemed to act as if she was giving one of Lo’lo’s grins. Sinbad didn’t seem to notice and nodded along.
“Of course, the more the merrier!” Sinbad started the trek out the gates. Alibaba and Morgiana followed suit.
“Good luck my Prince.” And, “May the stars have mercy on you.” were said quietly by the guards as they passed. Alibaba sighed but didn’t say anything. In truth, if he were to be sparring against Morgiana, he would need all the help and prayers he could get.
Thinking on Morgiana’s strength, Alibaba noticed a difference in her dress.
“Do they fit well?” Alibaba asked while pointing at the cuffs on her wrists. They held the same design as before, with a ruby set in and chains wrapped up just above the tops of the cuffs. Morgiana held up an arm with a smile.
“Yes.” Alibaba smiled back. That was good. He was happy to help her with that. If being a Household member was something she wanted, then Alibaba would provide that without issue. Sinbad looked back and let out an impressed whistle.
“Those look lovely on you Miss Morgiana.” He complimented with a smile. Morgiana ducked her head shyly. “You know, those would be perfect for a Household vessel.” Wait, no - Alibaba felt his stomach twist.
“With your bond to Alibaba, you could easily garner the Djinn’s favor and get a small part of its power.” Sinbad continued, heedless of Alibaba’s mental panic. Morgiana, also unnoticing of Alibaba, nodded.
“Alibaba mentioned that to me. He said it would make me stronger, so I decided to join his Household.” She explained quietly. Sinbad hummed under his breath and sent an interested smile to Alibaba.
“Ah, I read about it in a book about Dungeons and Equips.” Alibaba said with a nervous laugh. Sinbad stared for a moment longer, but then shrugged and left it be.
“You’ll have to show me that book sometime!” Right. Alibaba wanted to melt into a puddle.
Thankfully, they came upon the Old Grounds by then. Kassim and Lo’lo were waiting with Jafar and Masrur. The pair of duos were standing apart from each other, with the Fanalis standing in the center. Kassim and Jafar seemed to be purposefully looking in opposite directions.
“It’s about time.” Kassim muttered as they got closer. Jafar scoffed as he took his place by Sinbad.
“Patience, as they say, is a virtue. As the Prince’s right hand, I’d think you take that to heart.” He said with a cheery smile that sent shivers down Alibaba’s spine. Sinbad sent Jafar a confused look.
“But you hate waiting on me all the time-” Sinbad cut himself off with a yelp of pain. Jafar didn’t look to have moved, but his smile was more pointed at Sinbad now.
“I believe we must go now, my King.” He said politely. Lo’lo let out a large yawn as he and Masrur joined their respective groups. Alibaba shook his head and decided to not question it. Instead, he looked to Kassim.
“Is everything in place?” Kassim glared at Jafar a second longer before letting out a snort and turning to Alibaba.
“Yeah. It’s at Tirdad’s docks.” Kassim then began to stride forward. Alibaba sighed and exchanged an amused look with Morg and Lo’lo before following suit. They made quick talk going over the plan on the way there.
Papak and Tirdad would begin with opening words before giving the floor to Sinbad. Sinbad would then give out his speech. Tirdad would have his crew stationed at the exits to notify them of any movement towards the warehouse.
When they get the notice, everyone will hide. The warehouse has a hidden exit into the old cistern system under the city. It spanned all of Balbadd and provided a quick and easy escape. There were only a few exit points, Tirdad’s warehouse being one of them. When all of their people were safely hidden Alibaba, Sinbad, and their allies would hide elsewhere in the warehouse.
When the enemy entered, they would wait for Jafar’s signal. At the signal, they would attack.
It was a simple plan, but it was one that just might work.
There were more people than Alibaba expected at the warehouse. Boxes and crates were cleared out to make room for people. At the back, there was a stack of crates that made a makeshift platform. Tirdad and Papak were there, waiting.
Getting through the crowd wasn’t too difficult. Men and women cleared a path as they came through with minimal effort. There were times when a sailor would call out to Lo’lo, the most prolific in their group with the ship raids. The odd captain or two would also give short nods to Alibaba in greeting. Most of them were those that were friends of Tirdad’s. There had been a few times when they were still planning the raid on Summer’s Eve that Tirdad had taken Alibaba to meet with them.
Those that were a part of Papak’s brood had instantly recognized Kassim. They gave him brotherly claps on the shoulders in passing or helped cleared a path. Alibaba didn’t see many of the girls from Papak’s houses, not that it was strange. He assumed that they were at hard work making things look as normal as possible in the city. Or perhaps more likely, they were entertaining as many as the guard as possible to give them more leeway.
Sinbad and his generals got their own fair reception as well. They were looked upon with questionable looks by those who didn’t recognize their status. Those who did watched with either wary or baffled eyes. Sinbad smiled cheerily at the crowd, but for the most part, kept a serious persona.
“Alibaba.” Papak watched as they climbed up onto the temporary platform. “I hope this works.” His eyes strayed to Sinbad at this, mouth forming a straight line. Beside him, Tirdad let out a cackle and threw an arm around Papak’s shoulder.
“Aw don’t worry so much!” He chastised. “If anything, this will be sure to garner an interesting night.” Papak threw him off with ease, but Tirdad didn’t look bothered. If anything, his body became more relaxed. The man leaned back on his heels, hands clasped behind him and a toothy grin adorned his face.
“I’ll be sure to carry us into this next victory.” Sinbad promised. Papak didn’t look convinced but nodded.
“We best hurry this along,” He said with a quick look to the exits. Tirdad’s people were positioned as planned. As much as this was a trap for the Barasi, they risked getting the attention of the guards as well. The last thing they needed was that. The guards would ward off the Barasi, completely wasting this opportunity. Not to mention what they would do to gathering.
“Quiet!” Tirdad ordered sharply to the crowd. The people all came to attention, the murmurs and conversations coming to an end. “We’ve been fighting against this scourge for the last three months.” He looked over the crowd with a calm but fierce aura.
“It’s been a long and hard fought war. Many of you might think it a pointless one. That the Barasi are fated to run us all through.” Tirdad looked out at the crowd, and let out a toothy grin. “Well, I say that until the Gods themselves announce our defeat, WE STILL HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE!” He roared. The crowd cheered back with equal enthusiasm.
Papak took this chance to step forward. “Friends from the mainland and seas alike, the Barasi think we are weak. I say, given the sudden lack of their ships in the water, that is simply untrue.” He grinned darkly. “And by the day they run and hide as we take back the slums. As we take back our homes and lives from these rats!” More cheers were shouted. Tirdad and Papak both glanced to Alibaba with an expectant look.
Oh. Oh no. Alibaba shook his head sharply. This was not part of the plan. He wasn’t supposed to give out a speech. What would he even say ?
“Don’t be shy now.” Alibaba heard Sinbad’s cheery whisper in his ear before getting shoved to the front of the stage. He froze, looking out at the gathered crowd. The men and women were dying down in their cheers at the pause.
“Uh -” Alibaba swallowed a sudden lump in his throat. Tirdad was smiling at him, and Papak just looked patient. As if they thought he had something planned for this. He glanced back where his friends were still waiting. Sinbad was giving him a thumbs up, with Jafar giving him an apologetic grin beside him.
Lo’lo and Masrur were missing, likely keeping watch. Kassim stood at attention with Zainab and Hassan at his flank. He rolled his eyes at Alibaba’s panic. Morgiana, just off to the side, watched with an intense gaze. She held her arms behind her back, hands clasping her newly forged household vessel.
Suddenly, Alibaba knew what to start with.
He turned back to the crowd and straightened his back. “Friends,” He began. “Brothers and sisters. The Barasi have made many aggressions against us. Some that one might call expected. Expanding and taking turfs is just a part of the slum life.” Alibaba knew all too well. While he was taken out of the slums at an early age, that didn’t mean he didn’t see his fair share.
“But they do not care for their people. They kill and abuse those that do their dirty work.” Those children that tried to get Kassim’s help at the start. “They hire outsiders, pirates , to work for them.” This caused several of the sailors to rumble with anger. Even those who lived on the mainland knew of that kind of blasphemy. Pirates were worse than bandits and were given the worst punishments for their crimes.
“They have bandits attack caravans of innocent people coming to trade here.” Even without that woman on their side, the bandits were still a thorn in the side. Merchants trying to get into Balbadd by the desert were going down by the week. It was only a matter of time before they stopped altogether.
“And what is worse,” Alibaba paused. “Their greatest sin is that they taken in former slaves and instead of freeing them, they induct them into their own personal army.” That Fanalis man was damn near proof of that. Even if the Barasi had the same goals as the Fog Troupe, the same ideals and history, this is what made them different. The Fog Troupe, for all their best intentions and their faults, would never have resorted to such a practice. Kassim would have let the slums burn before he took former slaves and forced them to work for him.
“They recruit people into their fold with promises of power, safety, and a common goal against the nobles. They claim to have the higher moral grounds while stooping to the same practices as the traitorous nobles they claim to despise!” Alibaba felt his chest burning with a sudden passion. A fury.
In the crowd, the people listened intently. Heads were nodding and faces of righteous determination met Alibaba. They understood. They knew the point that Alibaba was trying to get across before he even said it.
“I know, without a doubt, that not a single one of you would stand with them. That you would condone such heinous acts. Because you are true children of Balbadd. Whether you are from the slums, the islands, or even from the palace walls - no true son or daughter of Balbadd would stand for this. If we are to burn out the corruption that has infected this city, we have to start with the Barasi.” Alibaba clenched his fists, thinking of the manifests of ships he poured over with Tirdad and Papak months ago. Before they boarded the Summer’s Eve and freed Lo’lo and the other slaves.
He thought of Tirdad’s tired look when he explained that those ships were common. That nobles in Balbadd have been in this trade for years without anyone knowing. The echo of his father’s outrage at the news rang in his ears. And the image of those freed from the Summer’s Eve, of the hope and confusion in their eyes, burned in Alibaba’s mind.
“The Barasi are wrong .” Alibaba finished with a deep breath. “No matter their words or their power, they are wrong. What the nobles involved have done is not something to defend. They are worse than the scum in the water, but if you do as the Barasi do - treating your people like pawns to sacrifice and the victims of slavery as new soldiers then you are no better than the nobles you condemn.”
Alibaba swept out his hands, gesturing to those on stage, and to the crowd, “This is more than just some crown funded gang war. This is a fight for Balbadd. We are fighting the Barasi in defense of our people, our home, and our very morals.” And when the Barasi are done the nobles are next. Alibaba thought silently. This was going to end on all fronts. If it was the last thing he did.
The crowd was silent - but not in a bad way. They were standing tall, heads high with equally determined looks in their eyes. As if they heard Alibaba’s silent promise. Swallowing the lump that was forming in his throat, Alibaba stepped to the side.
“King Rashid knows the danger of the Barasi. In an effort to help our cause, he called for the help of King Sinbad of Sindria.” Alibaba looked to Sinbad and nodded. The older man smiled and walked forward to the center of the stage.
Despite facing a silent judging crowd, Sinbad looked to be thriving in the spotlight. He grinned down at the people without hesitancy.
“I couldn’t speak any more clearly than Prince Alibaba.” Sinbad admitted. “He’s right. The Barasi are a poison that needs to be weeded out. They deal in cruelness and fear - completely separate from the ideals that formed this great country.” The crowd listened as Sinbad spoke. Like always, Sinbad had that charismatic effect against crowds. It was easy to follow in his lead and agree with what he proposed.
Not that it was a bad thing. It was certainly helping now.
“The Barasi are taking your homes, and are trying to strike a division among the people to brew a civil war.” Sinbad said with a shake of his head. “Mind games. They’re treating the people of Balbadd like game pieces and the city as their own playing board. Their only purpose is to sow discord and despair into the people. They want you to lose and feel like there is no hope in winning.” Sinbad then leaned into the crowd with a mischievous smirk. It gave off the image as if he were imparting a secret.
“But they are the ones who should be hopeless. They can’t take hope from you. I won’t let them. My generals and I will beat the Barasi down and make them regret ever thinking that they could attack your great people.” It was moving. Alibaba could have seen where that would have worked.
Normal civilians and those who were part of a rag tag resistance group would have lept for joy at the promise. Alibaba knew because he had seen it happen before. When the Kou was trying to marry into the crown and Sinbad promised to help fix the social gap between the classes.
Now, on the other hand, it didn’t fall with the same impact. The crowd was still nodding in agreement, but they weren't shouting and cheering as one would expect from being faced with such a promise. These people are fighting a losing war, like before, but they aren't desolate.
Unlike the slums from the other timeline, these people were actively fighting the threat. They were robbing small time nobles and hoping for the best. They went out and looked for a fight with the Barasi, and they did so with an intention of winning.
They didn’t need a promise for someone else to win the fight for them. Not when they had put so much effort in already. Sinbad still smiled brightly and didn’t seem bothered by the muted response. Honestly, it was probably better this way. The more noise they made, the more likely they’d get the attention of the guards.
Sinbad probably thought of that.
“Alibaba.” Kassim leaned into Alibaba’s side and pointed to one of the lookouts. They were giving the hand signal for company. Alibaba straightened and reached a hand to Amon. This was it.
The Barasi were here.