Futuhusham_-_The_Islamic_Conquest_of_Syria_-_Al_Waqidi

Part 3: Al - Yarmiik
wives and children. When the Muslims saw them they attacked without my
permission and took some of them as prisoners.
The rest returned to the village and took refuge in a fort. I went to the fort and called
out, "Woe unto you! To where were you marching before you ran back?" One of
them came and said, "0 'Arabs, we were going out, but you frightened us. The
governor of 'Amman had ordered us to go to 'Amman to be under his protection
there. 0 'Arabs, will you grant us your rule and protection?"
"Yes," I replied and wrote out the treaty for them stipulating payment of 10,000
dinar. When we wished to leave they said, "Nikita, governor of 'Amman will
definitely put you to great difficulty. If you triumph over him it will be to our
mutual benefit."
"How do we overcome him?" I asked.
They replied, "King Bannes has ordered Nikita to take his men to join Constantine
at Caesarea. If you manage to reach and defeat him before he leaves you will acquire
a large booty."
"How many troops are there in 'Amman?" I asked.
"5,000," they replied, "but their hearts are filled with terror of you. They will never
be victorious."
"0 Muslims," I called out, "What do you say about attacking the patrician of
'Amman and winning his booty?"
"As you wish," they replied. "For if Allah kills him at our hands it will be good for
the Muslims and a defeat for the Christians."
I asked the villagers, "Which road will they be passing through?"
They pointed out the Amorium Road. We continued until we reached another huge
valley where we hid for a day and night without anyone pitching up.
25) The dream fulfilled
In the morning I said, "0 Muslims, 'Umar has sent us to reinforce AbU 'Ubaydah. To
fulfil that purpose is much better than sitting here. Leave now. May Allah have mercy
upon you. It will weaken and disgrace the Christians when we arrive with our 7,000
men."
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