Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah looked from the balcony of his Royal Palace at dusk. His newly built Capital Pandua was the envy of entire Hindustan. Trade & commerce flourished. It was a melting pot of different culture. Assyrians, Africans, Turks, Pashtuns and people from numerous other race had made Pandua their home & accepted him as the Sultan. He was a proud man.
Ilyas had much to boost about. At just 20 years of age he waged war against two powerful Emirs of Bengal. The war continued for 14 years and ended in a decisive victory for him. He then crowned himself as the first Sultan of Bengal.
As a ruler he was egalitarian & just. He respected his Hindu subjects & didn't persecute them. In fact he appointed Hindus in various important positions of his Sultanate. All he cared for was loyalty in return. He craved for it. And the Hindu women.
"Salam Sultan," said Karim to Ilyas.
Karim was the Sultan's principal advisor & a highly reputed Islamic Scholar.
"What brings you here Karim at this hour?" asked Ilyas.
"I bring bad news Sultan. My spies have unearthed a plan about a conspiracy to assassinate you. The Finance Minister, the Foreign Minister along with few Pashtun nobles have hatched a plan to kill you and usurp the throne," said Karim slowly.
"My ministers? Are you absolutely sure?" inquired Ilyas.
"Absolutely Sultan. Those infidels & those treacherous Pashtuns are moving with stealth. You must stike them before they strike you," replied Karim.
Ilyas smiled wearily. How many times will these infidels try to stab him in the back? He laughed at their immaturity.
"I give these infidels much freedom, yet they betray me. This time I'll teach them a harsh lesson," said Ilyas to Karim, his eyes burning with hatred.
"What are your orders Sultan?" asked Karim.
"Bring those Ministers chained in my court Karim. I'll deal with them. As far as the Pashtuns are concerned, their fate is in your hands my friend. Do as you see good," said Ilyas.
Karim bowed & left.
Ilyas came to his bedroom & sat on his bed. He knew what he'd do. He'd instill fear in the heart of every infidel in his land.
As per orders, the ministers were brought to the court. At first they feigned ignorance but later broke down under pressure. Then they started begging for mercy from the Sultan. Ilyas then spoke, "I see you as my friend. I give you freedom yet you stab me. I must now make an example out of you two so that nobody questions my authority again."