Basim approached the Qasr Salih, where Al-Rukh was based in.
Civilian 1:What is happening? Why are the soldiers patrolling?
Civilian 2:There was an attack in Sharqiyah. Everyone's on edge.
Civilian 1:Sounds like trouble. Let's go home.
Basim:The whole area is on high alert. I am expected.
Despite the increased guards, Basim managed to get inside the fort. He overheard conversations between the guards.
Soldier 1:What's wrong with the General? He's in a panic, screaming for reinforcements we don't have.
Soldier 2:Something that happened in Sharqiyah has him worried... More than usual, I mean.
Basim approached the villa at the center of the fort, hearing Al-Rukh's panicked orders from inside.
Al-Rukh:Stay alert! They broke into the Officer's room. If they break in here, it is all your heads!
Basim eliminated the guards of the north ward of the fort, finding a letter that was previously being inspected by a soldier.
Patrol Orders
The General's balcony will remain open until further notice. Adjust your rounds to double the number of passes by the western side of the villa.
–Captain Abu
Basim:The General's balcony might be open. That is a brave move for a coward. And foolish.
Basim climbed to the villa's back balcony and read another note on a bench.
Unsent Orders
Captain,
Any instructions you received from the Warlord were given before the current situation. As his General, command falls to me in his absence. Disobeying me by claiming obedience to him will not save you from answering for your insolence when he returns.
I want your men in Qasr Salih by the end of the day. That is an order.
–General Jasoor ibn Basil
Basim spotted a pair of guards patrolling the villa grounds.
Soldier:If you asked me, that key is trouble.
Basim assassinated the guards, recovering a key from one of them.
Basim:A key. There must be a door it opens.
Basim approached the main door and dealt with the soldiers guarding it, opening it with the key afterwards.
Basim inside the room with Al-Rukh and his guards
Basim opened the unlocked door and entered Jasoor's room. Inside the building, he found Al-Rukh in a state of paranoia with his soldiers.
Al-Rukh:It will be fine. I am worried for nothing. Hah, yes, I am certain. All will be well.
Basim dealt with Jasoor's guards and confronted him.
Al-Rukh:You will regret this. I am feared in battle. Have you not heard of me?
Basim:I heard you are a coward who steals credit for other man's bravery.
Al-Rukh:Guards! Double wages for the one who brings me his head! Triple!
Basim:Ah, there's the coward now!
Al-Rukh:You are nothing! Guards! Guards! A year's pay to the one who saves me!
Basim:Who is Al-Mardikhwar? Where is he?
Al-Rukh:Guards! Guards!
Eventually, Basim eliminated Al-Rukh. On his body, he found a note.
Short Letter
Al-Rukh,
I've heard troubling rumor that your celebrated past accomplishments were somewhat exaggerated. It seems you have been telling lies.
I expect you at the Great Garrison when I return. We have much to discuss.
-Al-Mardikhwar
Basim:There is a note. Al-Mardikhwar had questions about our friend's past. Smart. He was ordered to a meeting at the Great Garrison.
Basim:One down. Now to deal with Al-A'eshma.
Basim:That is two down. I should return to Fuladh.
Basim found another letter on Jasoor's bedside table.
Folded Letter
Al-Rukh,
My friend, you are a worrier. No jinni has come to haunt you. I have something to take your mind off your trouble. The latest design is almost completed. It is my best work. It is perfection. It would be immodest of me not to say so.
Come to my camp so I can witness your reaction. Even a determined land camel like you cannot fail to be impressed.
↑A time jump occurs during "Taking Flight". Despite it being unclear how much time Basim takes to complete his training, several notes in Baghdad describe events that date to mid-862, with two documents being of importance: "Resignation of Abu 'Abdallah" is al-Mu'tazz renouncing his right to caliphal succession in favor of his elder brother al-Muntasir, which historian al-Tabari dated to 27 April 862 in Tarikh al-Tabari's 34th volume "Incipient Decline: The Caliphates of al-Wathiq, al-Mutawakkil, and al-Muntasir", while "Trouble at the Court" details al-Mu'tazz's cousin Al-Musta'in being appointed caliph following al-Muntasir's death that June. This, coupled with the fact that this memory and the succeeding ones must happen before 865, when al-Mut'azz and the Turkic Army should be shown besieging Baghdad to defeat al-Musta'in and his Tahirid forces, implies that they happen in 862.
