North east of the Zagros mountains, a few miles off the Caspian shores stood a city. The city was named Qazvin, center of the Safavid Empire this city splendored with wealth. Its streets bustling with visitors from all over the world, one could spot Arabic merchants, Chinese explorers, and Austrian guests talking to each other. Discussing various matters, sometimes fights would break out due to their origins. However no sooner would guards arrive and stop before escalating further.

This was a price to pay, to possess a wealthy city one would have to face the problems that came with it. Though it seemed the ruler had no qualms about this, as in the center of the city stood a magnificent palace. Its walls were built with the best marbles the world could offer, these walls were decorated with murals. Depictions of glorious events the empire experienced.

Navigating through the palace would be a difficult task, as its many hallways winded here and there. Creating a complex system where only the experienced knew how to navigate through it. These hallways led to rooms, rooms where even the poorest of them had something a four star hotel would possess.

It was an architectural marvel, the water system worked perfectly even though no nearby pumps were present. Water fountains would still work even though no pumps were placed, its gardens were perfectly irrigated even with no one to water them.

In one of these gardens a group of people circled around a table. A man wearing beautifully embroidered silk clothes sat on a chair, on his side a woman wearing a veil covering her face accompanied him. In front of them a few men wearing black and yellow robes sat with respectful expressions.

“ Shah Tahmasp I, we, your loyal viziers have something to report.” One of them, a man wearing a yellow outer robe with a one undershirt spoke out.

“Grand Vizier Ma’sum speak what you have to say.” The man, known as Shah Tahmasp I responded.

“My Shah, yesterday in the middle of the cold night a few envoys sent by Ferdinand I arrived at our gates. They came informing us that our enemy in the west, the Ottomans, have started a spring campaign against the Habsburgs.” Grand Vizier Ma’sum reported.

“To make the Habsburgs send an envoy to us, the Ottomans must have shown up stronger than they expected.” Tahmasp I chuckled in amusement, listening to his Grand Vizier talking.

“Indeed, although the news is outdated due to the long distance, it seems that before heading to Vienna the Ottomans had taken every inch of territory the Habsburg held in Hungary.” Ma’sum nodded in agreement to the Shah.

“That much? It has only been 2 months since March and they took all of Hungary.” The Shah no longer laughed as he started taking matters seriously.

“I also did not believe their words, however the envoys insisted and kept on telling the same thing.” Shaking his head, Ma’sum continued.

“After taking Hungary the Ottoman main host immediately headed to Vienna, taking account of time the envoys took to travel here, it has been 12 days since the siege started. Meanwhile another army led by Sultan Suleiman's son, Shizade Ya’kub cleaned up the remaining cities before joining his father on the 10th day” Grand Vizier stopped a bit to catch his breath before continuing on.

“Not long after, from Belgrade another of sons, Shizade Alauddin, started marching to Vienna with a fresh batch of soldiers. There are rumors that this army is equipped with weapons similar to arquebuses.”

“Suleiman must have put a lot of his time and wealth into this campaign. Tell me, how many troops do they possess?” Shah Tahmasp I feeling a bit agitated questioned

“Padishah, though we do not know the specifics of their armies, the Habsburg envoy came with some information of their numbers.” This time a man wearing black robes responded, continuing he said

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“From the information the envoys gave us, Sultan Suleiman led an army of 80.000. His son Shizade Ya’kub led an army that split into two, each of them comprising around 20.000. As for Shizade Alauddin they are not sure, though to equip an army with arquebuses the most they can have is around 10.000.” Confidently the man conveyed the estimated numbers the Ottoman rallied.

“So in total they invested 130.000 soldiers to the cause, such a large number means that Suleiman aims to wrestle Austria and most likely Croatia away from Europe. It seems that after defeating us at Chaldiran they assume we won't be of threat any time soon.” A sneer appeared on Tahmasp I face, he did not like the feeling of being underestimated.

“Padishah, for the Ottomans to rally such a force they must have had to pull some soldiers at the borders. Weakening their defenses, we must take advantage of this opportunity and take back what was stolen from us.” The woman beside Shah Tahmasp I advised him.

“Padishah, I also agree with Nafsah Khanum. Such a large force could not have come from nowhere.” The Grand Vizier Ma’sum supported the woman.

“No, not yet. Though they have placed their military in the campaign a portion of them are still at the borders, well rested and equipped. We will wait until they have exhausted more resources into the campaign before making our move.’ Tahmasp I refused and spoke what he had in mind.

“I see, the Shah is wise. Then shall we start our preparations for this incoming war?” The Grand Vizier inquired.

“Correct, Grand Vizier, you are responsible for the logistics and ammunition. Nafsah Khanum you take responsibility over the recruitment, and Vizier Nu’man prepare…” Giving out a series of orders, Tahmasp I delegated a few tasks to his subordinates.

“Alright, this meeting is concluded. Finish your assignments by the end of September, we will start our campaign in the mid of Autumn.” Standing up Tahmasp I nodded to his subordinates before walking away with Nafsah Khanum at his side.

Leaving the garden they started walking through the halls of the palace. Nafsah leaned forward inquiring about a suspicion she had.

“Shah, may I ask of something” Hesitating a bit, she decided to ask the man.

“What is it, Nafsah?”

“When the Ottomans gained victory over us at Chaldiran, our empire was on the brink of collapse. The effects are still present till today even with our current efforts, and the populace are still in fear of the Ottomans. Is there something I have no knowledge on that gives you confidence in a 5 month preparation?” Cautiously she questioned the Shah’s decision.

“You don't have to be so cautious my child, though, you have to keep a front when present in formal settings. When it's just between you and me you can keep your guard down.” Chuckling Shah Tahmasp I reassured Nafsah.

“In truth during our previous war with the Ottomans not all our troops were defeated and scattered at the battle. At the time I was at Gorgon amassing an army to continue fighting the Ottomans as I did not expect such a devastating defeat. Then things continued as they did. Ismail I was defeated then I took the throne calming the chaos that arises from our defeat.” Pausing for a bit, Shah Tahmasp I watched two cats play fighting at the edge of a fountain.

“To answer your question, since I did not use any military force to calm down the chaos, I decided to keep them a secret. Something that was quite easy during such a chaotic situation.”

“I see,

a 40.000 large army invading their borders is more than enough to make the leftover Ottoman armies experience a defeat.” Nodding her head Nafsah could finally understand the confidence behind the Shah.

Right as she finished speaking, one of the two cats jumped backwards in an attempt to avoid the other cat's attack. Unfortunately behind it was the fountain filled with water, with a splash the cat fell into the water. Panicking it tried to swim, but to no avail as slowly it started to drown.

The other cat watching it’s brethren downing looked around for help. Meowing it looked at the two creatures closest to it. Unable to resist the pleading look on the cat, Nafsah started running to the fountain then without hesitation plunged her hands into the water.

A pair of delicate hands plunged into the water, clasped around the cat's body. Pulling it out of the water, Nafsah took a piece of cloth from her attire and wrapped it around the shivering cat. With care she dried the cat’s soaking body before pulling it into her embrace, trying to warm it.

“It seems that you have something else to take care of, go ahead and take care of the cat. You can leave me alone.” Smiling Shah Tahmasp I who witnessed the unfolding events gave Nafsah permission to leave his side.

“Thank you Padishah, I will be with you again tomorrow morning. In the meantime I will take care of these pore furballs.” Nafsah thanked the Shah.