[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-reborn-king":3,"chapter-the-reborn-king-the-reborn-king-chapter-97":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","The Reborn King",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},1100630,1437,"Chapter 97: Assassination?","the-reborn-king-chapter-97",97,"\u003Cp>Nasr’s men rested. They were tired after the long retreat and knew that the Kingdom’s army was chasing behind them. Nasr, although being hasty with the retreat, was still smart enough to know that he couldn’t leave his men on the open path. Any pitch battle would likely see the destruction of his army. He had first-hand experience with the synergy and training of the Kingdom army and knew he wasn’t up to standard. He had to make the conditions right if he wanted to fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was lucky that they had to bring their siege equipment with them and wait for conveys of goods, slowing their chase, but raiding bands of Calvery had harassed them every so often. The lack of Caverly was the main issue Nasr faced and he needed to head west to restock it. He could borrow from his vassals or outright pay them. He knew from Adrina’s reports that the crown had seen a drop in gold due to Yusuf, but there was still enough to be able to afford it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his tent, he unfolded the map once more. He repeatedly tapped the table with his finger analysing it. He needed to create the perfect conditions to fight William and the only way to do so was in a fort or preferable terrain. All those close by were weak, however. The Kingdom had proven their capabilities at sieging them quickly and even with his large army, he didn’t have enough to hold such thin walls, or those damaged by the invasion prior to the retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The port city would have been the most preferable place to hold and Nasr knew William had realised this holding up their waiting. He looked at the map and decided on his location. He would have to cut off the main highway on the road and turn west early, but it would take them to a series of hills. To hold on them was the perfect place, that was in a reasonable distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Grace, a letter from the capital.\" A message came in and Nasr egerly called them over snatching it from their hands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>’It will be possible to carry out the order, but it’s a matter of knowing the exact location of the Kingdom camp. I will send over a group of operatives in the coming days to your location.’The letter came from who Nasr believed to be John and it brought a great smile to his face. Nasr quickly wrote a reply telling his future location handing it to the messenger and chasing him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His Sultanate had forgotten its roots and what made its name feared. Although he distrusted Adrian previously, he was right at dealing with the problem the Grand Prince posed by using espionage rather than military might. Although it was a failure; after calming down Nasr thought and realised that it was the greatest weapon available. Harun had done it killing his daughter and kicking off a war early when he was underprepared. Although he disliked Alfred, he realised the boy had managed to consolidate his power over the years using it, secretly killing off anyone who posed a threat after the purge. With a smile on his face, Nasr planned the next coming days, wishing for everything to be perfect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Days passed and William stood a distance away in his camp. He looked at the series of hills in the distance where Nasr had taken a defensive position. It was a smart play and William had to give his praise. Any of the forts or castles that could have been used in the surrounding area where once they had knowledge of already at how to attack. He returned to his tent but was quickly interrupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive me, General, your son has asked for you to come to his tent.\" It was a weird request and made William squint his eyes in confusion, but he gave a nod. His son would hardly summon him, instead coming to find him instead if he had something. Despite this William got up. He grabbed his sword, a voice in the back of his mind telling him to bring it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He walked quick, almost breaking out into a jog. Arriving onfront if it he pulled its flaps apart, he saw his son standing there with his hands up a man behind him holding a blade to his throat. \"Sorry father. I got careless.\" Issac said in a joking tone, but the sweat on his head showed his fear. William drew his sword, pointing it in the direction of the assassin. His eyes were cold and sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Release him and I can guarantee your life.\" His overbearing voice spoke and he took two steps forward. The assassin had squinted eyes, but quickly smiled and let go of Issac and pushed him gently forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Forgive me for the brash way to call this meeting, but your tent was to guarded to enter.\" He looked at William’s still cold face, \"Besides I think you would cut me down even if I could get in there.\" He finished with a light chuckle to ease the tension but it had no effect, the temperature still felt like it was falling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What do you want?\" He asked still pointing his sword. He had a guess who sent the man, but he wouldn’t let his guard drop. Issac picked up the weapon on his table. Although it wasn’t a sword, he still could use a dagger if necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Regent sent me. He said that Nasr had ordered to sow chaos in the Kingdom camp. If I could kill you it would be perfect, but your son was also a good choice.\" Throwing his over to William’s feet and taking a seat on the small bed, he raised his arms to show he wasn’t a threat. \"As you know everything has been prepared for your arrival, but Nasr has now become desperate to end the war one way or another.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>William’s glare softened ever so slightly hearing Adrian sent him, but he still didn’t drop his guard just in case. \"So what do you want?\" He asked the question again still not satisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We need you to die. Not really, but to make it believable for Nasr. We can’t have him suspecting anything yet, and the best way is to show proof of a successful mission.\" The assassin didn’t mince his words, talking blatantly. He knew it was a risk, but he had to take it, to get the man on board. He had heard what type of character William was and assumed this was the best method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>William pondered the words and sighed before giving a nod. It was a good chance to shatter the morale of Nasr and end the war and he would use the opportunity given to him. \"Issac. Pass it.\" He reached his hand out asking for the dagger whilst giving his sword instead. Issac didn’t hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Willam walked over to the table and placed his right hand on it. Placing the dagger over his ring he quickly cut down and a loud groan left his mouth. Blood began to pour as he threw the finger to the assassin with the ring of his family seal. \"That good enough.\" His voice was slightly pained, but he didn’t let it interrupt his treatment, quickly wrapping it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The man nodded and walked past the two, leaving the tent. With him gone Issac moved quickly. He had questions to ask but treatment came first. Grabbing a rag he put it in his father’s mouth. Creating a small fire, he waited for it to grow, before placing the dagger in it. He watched as the steel began to heat and glow, before taking it out. Getting one nod of reassurance, Issac unwrapped the wound and placed the dagger over it. With a sizzling sound and the smell of burning flesh, pained groans left WIlliam’s mouth as his body tenseed up. Issac pressed hard, pulling the blade away after a couple of seconds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Falling backwards, William, wrapped the wound once more. \"Find Marcus and tell him to fake my death. Make all those who need to know about it and have panic spread through the camp.\" William returned to normal giving the order to his son. Issac hesitated but didn’t leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why would you do that father? Surely the ring was enough.\" He was worried about asking it and couldn’t understand why he went to extreme lengths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaking his head he put on a small smile\" Esmond and I have spoken numerous times. They will always take a part of the body to prove the kill.\" His words weren’t enough and William stood back up placing his hand on his son’s shoulder, \"Listen. If you ever wish to take my position in the future Issac you have to be ready to make sacrifices to ensure victory. You already have the capabilities to take my place, but you must be ready to do anything. A finger is a relatively small price for this. Think if Nasr and the Safrids have news of my death and I reappear on the battlefield, what do you think will happen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Issac thought on his words and sighed, \"They would think they have seen a ghost.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"They would think I am unkillable. Nasr and those politically savvy will know they have been betrayed and realise they have nowhere to retreat. The foot soldiers however will think that the enemy cant be killed. They will become desperate or afraid. A broken army is no good at all.\" William said before waving away Issac, \"Go see Marcus and return with armour that can hide my appearance for now.\" Issac bowed and left leaving the man alone smiling at the future battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An hour passed and Nasr watched from atop the hill at the Kingdom camp at the chaos that was spreading within the camp. He held the finger smiling, playing with it between his fingers. \"Return to the capital. You have proven your worth. Get John to prepare a mission North. I want you to finally deal with Harun. With Ali’s death, all we need is Harun and the rebellion ends.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assassin was more than willing to get away from here and bowed, quickly leaving. Nasr knew the war wasn’t over just because William died, but it at least meant that they had one less issue to deal with.\u003C\u002Fp>",1739,"2026-06-03T11:17:48.774Z","2026-06-03T11:17:51.400Z",1,"novelbin.me","7aac25796d59fa8dd5c67bf5d85cbcad72b35c8e9aabce67cfdbe18f1a064d39","the-reborn-king-chapter-98","the-reborn-king-chapter-96",487,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-reborn-king-cover.jpg"]