Middle Eastern tyrants

Chapter 200 Double King
The Zion garrison's positions north of Damascus.

The shells exploded not far from the 126th Infantry Brigade command post, causing dust to fall from the ceiling.

"Hold on! You must hold out for at least another four hours!"

Brigade Commander Aaron had just roared out another counterattack order into the radio when a communications soldier handed him a plaintext telegram from the city command headquarters.

"General Yukustov ordered...the entire army to surrender?"

As Brigadier General Aaron read the telegram, he felt as if the last bit of strength in his body had been drained away.

After a brief silence, Brigadier General Aaron crumpled the telegram into a ball and said dejectedly, "What's the use of surrendering now? Those Surrians won't accept our surrender; they'd love to tear us apart alive!"

Lieutenant Isaac, who was serving as his adjutant, opened his mouth, only to find that he didn't know how to comfort his superior.

Because at that moment, even he himself was filled with despair.

The conflict between Zion and Surria has long since transcended the boundaries of conventional military conflict; it is a deep-seated blood feud between nations. Frontline commanders and soldiers like them, whose hands are stained with blood, can hardly expect to be forgiven after surrendering.

Just then, a messenger rushed into the command post, panting, and reported: "Brigadier! The attack outside has stopped! The Surrian artillery fire has ceased, and the infantry has stopped advancing!"

Brigadier General Aaron suddenly stood up and rushed to the observation post. He picked up his binoculars and looked into the distance. Sure enough, the battle line, which had been filled with the deafening sounds of gunfire, was now gradually cooling down, with only the smoke still slowly dissipating.

Immediately afterwards, the sound of a loudspeaker came from the opposite position.

The clear Hebrew voices echoed throughout the front lines, reaching the ears of every Zion soldier.

"Soldiers of Zion! Listen! Damascus has been liberated, and your command has ordered your surrender. Continuing to resist is pointless! Now, lay down your weapons, raise your hands, and come forward! As long as you give up resistance, we will guarantee your safety! Surrender and you will not be killed! Repeat, surrender and you will not be killed!"

The shout was like a heavy hammer, causing every Zion soldier who was still stubbornly resisting to raise their heads in bewilderment and look up at the sky.

Brigadier General Aaron slowly lowered his binoculars, the muscles on his face twitching slightly from the intense inner struggle.

“Brigadier.” The adjutant looked at Aaron.

Aaron did not answer immediately. He carefully observed the battlefield. Surria had indeed stopped his attack, seemingly giving them time to make a decision.

Clearly, the current situation indicates that the command has reached some kind of surrender agreement with the Arabs.

Brigadier General Aaron closed his eyes in anguish, then slowly opened them a moment later, his voice hoarse: “Pass on my orders: have everyone lay down their weapons and surrender. As the Surrians demand, walk out with your hands raised. We have lost.”

The staff officers in the general staff all cast complicated glances at him.

Brigadier General Aaron sighed: "This war was a mistake from the very beginning. Retribution may be late, but it will never be absent."

As a devout believer, Aaron recalled a line from the Book of Obadiah: “As you have done, so he will do to you; and your punishment will be on your head.”

Brigadier General Aaron then looked at his adjutant: "As a senior front-line officer in Zion, the Arabs will definitely shoot me. Remember, when you surrender later, push all the combat orders, especially the more brutal ones, onto me. Say that everything was done arbitrarily by your superiors, and that I forced you to carry them out. Let me take some of your sins with me."

Lieutenant Isaac's eyes instantly reddened, and all the officers and soldiers in the command post who heard these words were deeply moved.

They all saluted Aaron.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Damascus, West District.

When news of Zion's surrender resounded over Damascus, the entire city fell silent for a moment.

Then, like a long-awaited volcanic eruption, deafening cheers burst forth from every street and every window!

"we won!"

"Liberated! Damascus is free!"

"Allahu Akbar! For freedom!"

The emotions that had been suppressed for so long were finally released at this moment. The citizens of Damascus came out of their homes one after another. They lit torches, oil lamps, and even raised anything that could emit light, facing the setting sun as if they wanted to leave the victory forever in this day.

Some embraced and wept, thanking God for His protection; some stood in the streets singing and dancing; and many more repeatedly shouted the name of freedom and God, their voices converging into a torrent of joy.

Guerrilla fighter Omar walked through the jubilant crowd, his heart already home.

In the battle just now, he led the Twins' army to destroy several Zion ammunition depots and transportation hubs, and now, his only thought was to confirm the safety of his family.

The closer he got to home, the faster he walked, until he was almost running.

However, when he finally arrived at the familiar front door of his home, the sight before him made his blood seem to freeze instantly.

He saw that the door had been shot through and lay on the ground. The house was in a mess. He pushed the door open and saw that the tables and chairs were smashed to pieces, the cabinets were overturned, and clothes and daily necessities were scattered all over the floor. The walls were full of bullet holes.

Omar's body seemed to have suddenly lost all its strength. He moved into the house step by step, like a broken puppet.

Finally, he slumped helplessly onto the still relatively intact old sofa, his gaze falling on the family photo on the coffee table.

Outside the window, deafening cheers and songs filled the air, and countless lights shone, symbolizing new life and freedom. Inside, only desolate ruins and a heartbroken man remained.

The crown of victory may belong to anyone, but it will never belong to the family that has lost a loved one.

"dad?"

Just then, a childish yet delighted voice rang out from the doorway.

Omar turned his head sharply, almost unable to believe his eyes.

His wife, Mishar, stood unharmed in the doorway, embracing their son, smiling at him with tears of emotion glistening in her eyes.

His son lunged at him.

Omar reached out and hugged his son tightly.

The overwhelming joy made him dizzy.

Mishar explained to him, “Uncle Khalid from next door told us that the Zionians were going to sweep through this area, so he led us and a few other families into his cellar beforehand. We only came out after we heard the news of Zion’s surrender on the radio and confirmed that it was safe.”

The family of three embraced tightly, and Omar, a man who had never retreated in the face of gunfire, burst into tears at this moment.

He bowed his head, kissing his wife and son's foreheads again and again, and prayed in a trembling voice: "All praise belongs to God! There is no god but You. You saved us from great fear, and Your grace is perfect."

This time, Omar was convinced that God had indeed heard his prayers.

Outside the window, the cheers continued to rise, and the brightly lit streets illuminated the city that had regained its freedom.

Countless soldiers like Omar who had left home returned home and rediscovered their own warmth.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Damascus, the Allied temporary command post.

With Lieutenant General Yukustov announcing his surrender, the last remaining organized resistance in Damascus quickly collapsed.

This brutal battle, which lasted for many days, finally ended in a complete victory for the Arab coalition.

Lu Lin stood by the window, gazing at the war-torn city. The afterglow of the setting sun spilled onto the ruined streets, mingling with the celebratory fireworks rising from all over the city.

The radio crackled to life, and Ibrahim relayed a message: "Upon learning of the fall of Damascus, Zion's 38th Armored Division, which had been exerting pressure on the northern front, has begun its retreat. Furthermore, representatives from various Arab countries and the UN envoy are en route to your location by helicopter."

"understood."

Just then, a guard's greeting and a series of steady but hurried footsteps came from outside the door. Fahd knocked on the door and came in to report: "Lieutenant General, Commander Hafez of Surya has arrived."

Lu Lin nodded, and soon, Commander Hafez, dressed in military uniform and looking travel-worn, strode in with his core officer corps.

This leader, known for his iron-fisted approach, looked exhausted, but more than anything, excited and relieved.

He walked straight to Lu Lin, reached out and tightly grasped the latter's hands, shaking them vigorously up and down.

Hafiz's voice was solemn: "Your Highness Amir, your actions are worthy of the promises you made before. The entire nation will never forget your kindness to Surria!"

He paused slightly, then continued, "From this day forward, Surria's military strength and industrial capacity will be unconditionally open to you. We are your most steadfast ally. Whatever you need, just ask, and Surria will do everything in its power to help!"

Lu Lin could feel the weight of the other's hand and words, and replied, "Thank you for your trust, Your Excellency Hafez. As for helping, it may not be long. Don't forget that liberating Damascus is only the first step. Our goal is Haifa, Jerusalem, and to raise the Arab flag on the rooftops of Tel Aviv! Suriya is also an indispensable ally of ours."

Upon hearing this, Commander Hafez's expression immediately turned extremely solemn: "This is exactly what we have been hoping for! To completely expel the Zionians from Arab lands is a long-cherished wish of our ancestors. Suriya will naturally use all its national and military strength to accomplish this task!"

As they were talking, the radio rang again. It was Ibrahim, asking Lu Lin if he needed to mobilize Arab reinforcements from other directions. He informed Lu Lin that he had ordered the troops stationed on the east bank of the Hashim River to head north via the Daraa Highway and that they would arrive in Damascus soon.

After listening, Lu Lin replied directly to Commander Hafez: "Let them station themselves outside Damascus. The order inside the city can be maintained by the Surria troops and my direct troops."

Commander Hafez listened attentively, and after Lu Lin ended the call, he said sincerely, "Your Highness Amir, only today do I truly understand the truth of the outside world's and Zion's evaluations of you. Your courage and military talent far surpass those of all Arab officers."

He also made his promise: "In the upcoming battle against Zion, I have decided to hand over the army of Suriya, along with those of other Arab countries, to you for unified command until complete victory is achieved."

Lu Lin did not refuse, but solemnly promised Commander Hafiz, "Then I will be unworthy of this important trust."

At this point, Lu Lin had effectively gained supreme command of all the Arab forces participating in the war.

Commander Hafiz seemed to remember something else and asked Lu Lin, "Your Highness Amir, there's something else I don't understand. What exactly allows you to win so many battles against the Zion army?"

Lu Lin pondered for a moment and gave his answer: "Fully prepared for battle, overwhelming artillery superiority, and a tiny bit of insignificant talent." Commander Hafez nodded thoughtfully.

Just then, the roar of a helicopter came from the sky.

A Chinook transport helicopter with UN livery landed smoothly not far away. The cabin door opened, and commanders from various Arab countries and UN Special Envoy Elandson, among others, disembarked.

Lu Lin turned to Commander Hafez and said, “Your Excellency Hafez, taking Damascus is a great victory for Surya in restoring its former capital, but for the entire Arab nation, it is only the beginning of completely defeating the Zionist hegemony. There is still a final score to settle between us and those scum.”

“It seems we need to hold a meeting to discuss our next steps,” Commander Hafez immediately chimed in. “I’m familiar with this place, so I’ll arrange the venue.”

Lu Lin nodded happily: "Thank you for your trouble."

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Shuangzhi, Riyadh, the hall of the "Loyalty Committee" in the new royal palace.

A huge crystal chandelier illuminated the council chamber, which was covered with a deep red carpet. The oval-shaped chamber was filled with the most powerful people in the Shuangzhi Kingdom—princes from various factions and tribal chiefs.

The princes representing the conservatives, such as Prince Talal and Prince Yasir, and the princes representing the Sudri faction, such as Prince Suleiman and Prince Abdul, sat upright. Even several elderly members of the royal family who had long since retired from worldly affairs and needed the support of servants appeared at the edge of the venue. They had not even appeared when the war with Zion was announced.

These elders were even older than King Shams, belonging to the same generation as the founding king, and held a highly respected position within the clan.

The one who presided over this conference concerning the foundation of the nation was the Great Mufti, who represented the highest status of the Dusik religion.

After everyone was seated, the Great Mufti slowly rose to his feet, his deep and solemn voice echoing throughout the hall:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful,
We gather here today, in the presence of God, and in accordance with tradition and justice, to elect the successor to King Shams ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud—the new king of the Kingdom of Shams.

He surveyed the assembled princes and continued, "According to the ancient tradition and fundamental law of 'succession by brother' in the Bishop's Court, the new king should be chosen from among the late king's brothers of the same generation, in order of age."

When the phrase "succession by younger brother" was mentioned, many princes unconsciously glanced at the few empty seats in the front row.

Prince Talal leaned over to Prince Yasir, who was sitting next to him, and whispered, "What's going on? Not only is Muhammad absent, but Walid and Mursad are also missing?"

Prince Asir was also puzzled: "Let's wait and see."

Grand Mufti paused slightly, then announced according to procedure: "According to tradition, His Highness Crown Prince Walid will be the first in line to the throne."

Before he could finish speaking, a court official stepped forward quickly and whispered a few words in his ear.

"Are you sure?" Grand Mufti frowned slightly.

After receiving an affirmative answer, he first looked at the empty seat, then announced to the crowd: "In new circumstances, Crown Prince Walid has officially announced his relinquishment of his right to succession for personal reasons."

A suppressed commotion arose in the hall.

Grand Mufti's expression remained unchanged as he continued the proceedings: "Therefore, according to the order of succession, His Highness Prince Nayef, the fifth son of the founding king, will inherit the position of crown prince."

At this moment, a new change occurred, and Prince Nayef's eldest son stood up respectfully and said, "Due to the deterioration of my father's health, he has voluntarily relinquished his right of succession."

Following that, Prince Ahmed, sixth in line, also chose to withdraw due to health reasons.

The murmurs at the scene suddenly intensified.

Grand Mufti hadn't anticipated the current situation either. He shouted "Silence!" a few times, then read out the next name: "Seventh in line, Prince Mursed? Mursed?"

However, the position representing Mursad is vacant.

Prince Talal and Prince Yasir exchanged a glance, shifting uncomfortably in their positions.

At the Allegiance Council, unexcused absence is considered an automatic waiver of rights—whether due to health or other reasons, it means the prince has voluntarily withdrawn from the competition.

Discussions erupted among the princes again, and a sense of unease quickly spread.

The Grand Mufti composed himself, preparing to announce the next name: "Then, the eldest in line to the throne is—Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud..."

boom--

The heavy, carved wooden doors of the council chamber were flung open.

The resounding footsteps instantly drowned out all the murmurs. In absolute silence, Prince Mohammed walked to his seat and sat down.

He nodded slightly to his left and right: "Sorry I'm late."

The princes present were stunned by the sudden entry of armed men and the grim atmosphere, their faces turning pale. As they looked at the heavily armed soldiers, their hearts gripped by immense fear and a sense of foreboding.

As if oblivious to the reactions around him, Muhammad turned to the astonished Grand Mufti and said:

"So, where were we next?"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The Arab allies' post-war meeting was held in the city hall, where soldiers were quickly setting up the meeting room—finding a large, complete, and electrically powered place was not easy these days, while the rest of the members waited outside.

However, this minor inconvenience did not dampen everyone's spirits.

Officers from various countries gathered in the hall for a lively conversation, each with a triumphant glow on their faces.

They recounted every battle from Quneitra to Damascus, those legendary victories against overwhelming odds, those miraculous comebacks—memories they would cherish for a lifetime.

"Congratulations, Your Highness Amir."

Jan Elandson shook hands with Lu Lin: "The glory of this victory rightfully belongs to you."

Lu Lin's gaze swept across the street being cleared outside the window: "I have handed Yukustov over to you. I look forward to the day he testifies against Zion in court."

“I assure you, the truth about all the crimes will be revealed,” Elandson solemnly promised.

At this moment, the Grand Imam, Taimiyequ, suddenly appeared and said to Lu Lin, "Your Highness, the Prince asked me to tell you that the domestic affairs have been settled."

ended?
Elanderson, who was standing to the side, was also somewhat surprised to hear this news, as he had heard that Shuangzhi had not been living a peaceful life during this period.

"It seems I congratulated you too early," Elanderson said humorously, spreading his hands. "Please allow me to congratulate you again."

“You certainly congratulated me too early,” Tamiya corrected with a smile, then gestured for Ulima behind him to bring out a brand-new general's uniform. The entire hall fell silent as the dark green uniform was displayed before everyone.

“It should be said,” Tammy’s voice clearly echoed in every corner, “that this is a triple celebration.”

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

In the council chamber of the new palace, the old and deep voice of the Grand Mufti solemnly rang out: "Therefore, in accordance with tradition, in the name of the Most Gracious and Merciful God, and following ancient traditions and the fundamental law of the kingdom, Muhammad ibn Abdulaziz Al Saud is hereby appointed as the Guardian of the Two Holy Sites and King of the Kingdom of Dujah."

Outside the post-war conference of the Arab allies, the voice of Tamiyah reached the ears of the representatives of various Arab countries: "Amir bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is hereby appointed as General of the Army of the Kingdom of Shuangzhi, and concurrently as Minister of Defense!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Prince Muhammad rose and spread his arms, and the palace guards immediately draped his royal robe over him.

With the help of his personal guards, Lu Lin changed into the uniform of a general and the accessories of a defense commander.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

The chief court attendant bowed and presented the royal scepter, passed down through generations, and a pure gold crown inlaid with countless jewels. The Grand Mufti, with the most sacred ceremony, handed the scepter to the new king, and then placed the crown, symbolizing supreme power and responsibility, firmly on Muhammad's head.

Taimiye personally placed the heavy epaulettes, symbolizing the kingdom's highest military power, on Lu Lin's crisp new military uniform. The golden insignia reflected a cold light under the lamplight, complementing the general's rank on his shoulder.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

"With God's witness, the new king has ascended the throne!"

"This order is effective immediately!"

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

boom--!
Inside the council chamber of the new palace, regardless of their former faction affiliations, everyone gave the new king the warmest applause. Muhammad had indeed legitimately ascended to the throne according to the tradition of succession by brother, but more importantly, it was clear to everyone that this new king had already taken control of everything.

Meanwhile, outside the Arab allied forces' meeting room, thunderous applause erupted. All the officers, regardless of their nationality, cast admiring glances at the young commander, the sword of God, the liberator of Damascus.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

A soldier whispered a few words in Commander Hafiz's ear, who immediately smiled and said, "The meeting room is ready, please come in."

Officers from various countries then filed in. Facing the oval conference table, Hafiz, who should have been seated at the head of the table, turned to Lu Lin and gestured for him to enter.

Amidst the approving gazes of everyone, Lu Lin walked towards the position that symbolized the highest military power in the Arab world.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Muhammad stood before the throne, turned, and faced the princes and ministers of Shuangzhi.

Lu Lin stopped at the head of the Arab station, turned around, and faced the senior officers of the Allied forces.

Then, at the same moment—

They sat down.

(End of this volume.)
(End of this chapter)