They Pledge Allegiance to the Ottoman Empire
Scene 1: The Sultan’s Summons
Setting: Captain Rashid’s courtyard in Algiers, the afternoon sun casting long shadows across the flagstones. The brothers sit with Rashid, drinking tea and discussing their next moves. A messenger arrives, dusty from a long journey, bearing a sealed letter bearing the imperial crest of the Ottoman Sultan.
Time: Afternoon, three weeks after the capture of the Spanish galleon
The messenger’s arrival had disrupted the peaceful afternoon. He was a tall man, lean and weathered, his clothes still dusty from the road. He carried a leather pouch sealed with the Sultan’s own crest—a sign of importance that made even Captain Rashid sit up straighter.
"Captain Rashid," the messenger said, bowing formally. "I bring word from His Majesty, Sultan Bayezid II. He requests the presence of the corsair captains known as the brothers of Lesbos in Constantinople."
Khizar felt his heart skip a beat. The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire—the most powerful ruler in the world—was summoning them.
"Why?" Oruç asked bluntly. "Why would the Sultan want to see us?"
The messenger smiled thinly. "His Majesty has heard of your exploits. The capture of the Spanish galleon. Your escape from the Knights Hospitaller. Your growing reputation as corsairs who show mercy. He wishes to meet you."
Khizar exchanged a glance with his brothers. This was an opportunity beyond anything they had imagined.
"We would be honored," Khizar said carefully. "But we are simple corsairs. Why would the Sultan take an interest in us?"
"His Majesty is always interested in men of talent and ambition," the messenger said. "And he has heard that you possess both."
Rashid nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "This is a great honor," he said. "The Sultan does not summon men lightly. You would be wise to accept."
"We accept," Oruç said without hesitation. "We’ll leave at once."
Scene 2: The Journey to Constantinople
Setting: A small Ottoman galley, sailing through the Dardanelles toward Constantinople. The brothers stand at the rail, watching the magnificent city appear on the horizon—a sprawling metropolis of domes and minarets, of palaces and gardens, of bustling markets and quiet mosques.
Time: Two weeks later, approaching Constantinople
The journey had taken them through waters they had never sailed, past islands and coastlines they had only dreamed of. But nothing had prepared them for the sight of Constantinople.
"By Allah," Ishak breathed, his voice filled with wonder. "Look at it. It’s... it’s magnificent."
"It’s the heart of the world," Oruç said, his voice hushed with awe. "The center of everything."
Khizar stood in silence, his eyes drinking in the sight. Constantinople rose from the water like a vision from a dream—its domes gleaming in the afternoon sun, its minarets reaching toward the sky like fingers pointing to heaven.
"They say the Hagia Sophia is the most beautiful building in the world," Ishak said. "They say its dome seems to float in the air, supported by nothing but faith."
"We’ll see it soon," Khizar said. "We’ll see everything."
The galley sailed into the Golden Horn, past the great chain that protected the harbor, past ships from every corner of the known world. The city was alive with sound and color—merchants calling out their wares, sailors shouting to each other, the bells of churches and the calls of muezzins mingling in a symphony of faith and commerce.
"We’ve come a long way," Oruç said, his voice soft. "From Lesbos to here. From potters to... to this."
"We’ve come exactly where we were meant to be," Khizar said. "Ilyas would have loved this."
"He would have," Ishak agreed. "He would have been the most excited one of all."
Scene 3: The Imperial Palace
Setting: The Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire. The brothers are led through a labyrinth of courtyards, corridors, and gardens. They are dressed in their finest clothes—silks and brocades provided by Captain Rashid for this momentous occasion.
Time: The day after their arrival, morning
The palace was like nothing they had ever seen. It was a city within a city, filled with fountains and gardens, with chambers of gold and halls of marble. The brothers walked through its corridors, their eyes wide, their hearts pounding with anticipation.
"The Sultan will see you now," a courtier announced, his voice carrying a note of authority. "You are to present yourselves with humility and respect."
"Of course," Khizar said. "We understand."
They were led into a vast audience chamber, its walls covered with intricate tiles and its ceiling supported by columns of marble. And there, seated on a golden throne, was Sultan Bayezid II.
He was an older man, his beard streaked with grey, his eyes sharp and penetrating. He wore robes of deep purple embroidered with gold, and a turban adorned with a single, magnificent jewel. Beside him stood his advisors, their faces carefully neutral.
The brothers approached the throne and bowed deeply, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and awe.
"Rise," the Sultan said, his voice carrying a quiet authority. "Rise and let me look at you."
They rose, and the Sultan studied them with an intensity that made Khizar’s skin prickle.
"You are the ones they call the brothers of Lesbos," the Sultan said. "You are the ones who escaped from the Knights Hospitaller. The ones who captured the Spanish galleon. The ones who show mercy to your prisoners."
"We are," Oruç said, his voice steady. "We are the sons of Yaqoob, potters from Lesbos."
The Sultan laughed—a warm sound that caught Khizar by surprise. "Potters! You are potters who have become corsairs. You are corsairs who have become legends. You have captured the imagination of the Mediterranean."
"We have done what we had to do, Your Majesty," Khizar said. "We lost our brother to pirates. We swore to fight back. That is what we do."
The Sultan nodded slowly, his eyes gleaming with approval. "I have heard of your brother. Ilyas, was it not? A boy taken too soon by the cruelty of the world."
"Yes," Oruç said, his voice tight with emotion. "He was the best of us."
"Revenge is a powerful motivator," the Sultan said. "But it is not enough. It burns hot and fast, and then it leaves only ashes. What will you do when the ashes are all that remain?"
Khizar was silent for a moment, considering the question. Then: "We will become something more, Your Majesty. We will build something that lasts. We will create a legacy that honors our brother’s memory."
The Sultan’s smile widened. "You have answered well. I see promise in you—the promise of greatness. That is why I have summoned you."
Scene 4: The Offer
Setting: The audience chamber, the Sultan’s advisors having been dismissed. The Sultan sits on his throne, his attention fixed entirely on the brothers. The room is silent except for the distant sounds of the palace.
Time: Midday, the meeting continuing
"The world is changing," the Sultan said, his voice thoughtful. "The Spanish are growing stronger. The Portuguese are sailing around Africa, seeking new trade routes. The Venetians are building fleets that challenge our supremacy. We need allies. We need men who can fight, who can command, who can lead."
"And you think we are those men?" Oruç asked.
"I think you could be," the Sultan said. "If you choose to be. I am offering you a chance to serve the Ottoman Empire. To become captains in my navy. To fight under the banner of the crescent and star."
Khizar felt his heart racing. To serve the Ottoman Empire—the most powerful state in the world—was an honor beyond anything he had imagined.
"And what would we have to do?" he asked carefully.
"You would serve as corsairs," the Sultan said. "You would raid the shipping of our enemies—the Spanish, the Venetians, the Portuguese. You would expand our influence across the Mediterranean. You would become the sword of the Empire."
"And what would we receive in return?" Oruç asked.
The Sultan smiled. "You would receive wealth beyond your dreams. You would receive titles, lands, the respect of the Empire. You would receive something that no pirate can ever have: legitimacy."
Khizar looked at his brothers, saw the same hunger in their eyes that he felt in his own heart. This was everything they had ever wanted—a purpose, a mission, a place in the world.
"We accept," Khizar said. "We accept your offer, Your Majesty. We pledge our allegiance to the Ottoman Empire."
The Sultan rose from his throne and descended the steps, coming to stand before them. He placed his hand on Khizar’s head, a gesture of blessing and authority.
"Then I welcome you," he said, "to the service of the Empire. May your name be remembered for a thousand years."
Scene 5: The Pledge of Allegiance
Setting: The Imperial Mosque, the brothers standing before the Sultan and the chief religious official. The ceremony is formal, sacred, binding. The brothers recite the oath of allegiance, their voices echoing across the vast space.
Time: Evening, the day of their acceptance
The ceremony was held in the Imperial Mosque, a vast space of marble and gold, filled with the scent of incense and the echoes of prayers. The brothers stood before the Sultan and the Chief Imam, their hearts filled with a solemn sense of purpose.
"I swear by Allah," Khizar said, his voice steady, "that I will serve the Ottoman Empire faithfully and truly. I will fight its enemies, protect its people, and uphold its laws. I will never betray my oath, never abandon my duty, never forget my honor."
"I swear by Allah," Oruç echoed, his voice carrying the same solemn weight. "I will serve the Empire with all my strength. I will lead its fleets, defend its shores, and bring glory to its name."
"I swear by Allah," Ishak added. "I will be faithful to my brothers, loyal to my commanders, and true to my oath. I will never falter, never retreat, never surrender."
The Imam blessed them, his voice rising in prayer. The Sultan watched, a smile of satisfaction on his face.
"You have sworn well," the Sultan said. "Now, you will receive your rewards. Titles. Lands. Ships. The resources you need to become the greatest corsairs the Mediterranean has ever known."
Scene 6: The Titles
Setting: The palace courtyard, a formal ceremony. The brothers kneel before the Sultan as he bestows upon them their titles. Khizar is named "Khidr Bey," Oruç "Oruç Reis," and Ishak "Ishak Agha."
Time: Morning, the day after the pledge
The courtyard was filled with the elite of Constantinople—nobles, commanders, religious officials. The brothers knelt on a raised platform, their heads bowed, their hearts pounding.
"Khizar," the Sultan said, his voice carrying across the courtyard. "For your bravery, your skill, and your loyalty, I name you Khidr Bey. You are now a commander in the Imperial Navy."
"Ishak," the Sultan continued. "For your steadiness, your wisdom, and your devotion, I name you Ishak Agha. You are now an officer of the Empire."
"Oruç," the Sultan said, pausing for effect. "For your courage, your leadership, and your fierce spirit, I name you Oruç Reis. You are now a captain of the Imperial Fleet."
Khizar felt tears prick at his eyes. From potter’s sons to commanders of the Empire—it was almost too much to comprehend.
"Rise," the Sultan said. "Rise and receive the thanks of your Empire."
They rose, and the courtyard erupted in applause. The brothers stood together, their faces alight with pride and joy.
Scene 7: The New Ships
Setting: The harbor of Constantinople, where a magnificent fleet awaits. The brothers are led to their new ships—three magnificent galleys, each one a masterpiece of Ottoman craftsmanship.
Time: Afternoon, the day of the ceremony
The ships were beyond anything they had ever imagined. They were galleys, long and sleek, with rows of oars and banks of cannons. Their hulls were painted in the Ottoman colors, and their sails bore the crescent and star of the Empire.
"They are yours," the Admiral of the Fleet said, his voice filled with pride. "Each one is the finest ship in the Imperial Navy. You will command them, lead them, and make them legendary."
Khizar stepped aboard his ship, his hands running along the rail. The wood was warm beneath his fingers, the deck solid and true. This was his ship. His command.
"What will you name them?" the Admiral asked.
Khizar thought for a moment. Then: "Ilyas’s Blessing," he said. "I’ll name her Ilyas’s Blessing."
"The Revenge," Oruç said. "I’ll name mine The Revenge."
"Hope’s Legacy," Ishak said. "I’ll name her Hope’s Legacy."
The Admiral nodded, his eyes gleaming with approval. "Excellent choices. Your brother would be proud."
Scene 8: The First Patrol
Setting: The deck of "Ilyas’s Blessing," sailing out of the Golden Horn into the open sea. The brothers’ ships sail in formation, their crews manning the oars and cannons. The brothers stand at the helms, their eyes fixed on the horizon.
Time: Morning, the day of their first patrol
The fleet sailed through the Golden Horn, past the great chain that protected the harbor, past the majestic buildings of Constantinople. The brothers felt a surge of pride—they were part of something greater now, part of the Ottoman Empire’s grand design.
"Look at us," Oruç said, his voice filled with wonder. "Commanders of the Imperial Fleet. Who would have thought?"
"Not me," Khizar admitted. "Not when we were making pots in Lesbos. Not when we were in the Knights’ dungeon. Not ever."
"But here we are," Ishak said. "Here we are, and we’re never going back."
"Never," Khizar agreed. "We’re going forward. We’re going to become legends."
Scene 9: The Conversation with the Admiral
Setting: The Admiral’s cabin, late evening. The brothers have been invited to dine with the Admiral of the Fleet, an older man named Korkut who has served the Empire for forty years.
Time: Evening, a week into their patrol
Admiral Korkut was a formidable man—tall, stern, with a face that had weathered a thousand battles. But beneath his stern exterior, Khizar detected a warmth, a respect for the young men who had risen so quickly.
"You have done well," Korkut said, pouring them wine. "The Sultan is pleased with you. The Empire is pleased with you."
"Thank you, Admiral," Khizar said. "We are honored to serve."
"Serve well," Korkut said. "Serve faithfully. And never forget that you serve something greater than yourself."
"We understand," Oruç said. "We understand better than you know."
Korkut studied him for a long moment. "You have suffered great loss, I know. Your brother. Your freedom. Your innocence. But suffering can be a gift, if you let it. It can forge you into something stronger, something greater."
"That’s what we intend to be," Khizar said. "Something greater."
Korkut nodded, a slow smile spreading across his face. "Then I have no doubt that you will achieve it."
Scene 10: The Oath of the Empire
Setting: The deck of "Ilyas’s Blessing," the stars bright overhead. The brothers stand at the rail, their hands clasped together in the familiar circle of brotherhood.
Time: Late night, the oath renewed
"We have pledged our allegiance to the Ottoman Empire," Oruç said. "We have sworn to serve, to fight, to die if necessary."
"We have," Khizar agreed. "And we will keep our oath."
"What does it mean to be servants of the Empire?" Ishak asked. "What does it truly mean?"
Khizar was silent for a moment. Then: "It means we are part of something greater than ourselves. It means we have a purpose, a mission, a place in the world. It means we will never be alone again."
"We will never be alone," Oruç agreed. "We have each other. We have the Empire. And we have our cause."
"To the Empire," Khizar said. "To the Sultan. To the brother who watches over us from heaven."
"To Ilyas," they said in unison.
The stars shone bright above them, and the sea stretched before them, vast and full of promise. They had found their place in the world—as corsairs, as commanders, as servants of the Ottoman Empire.
And nothing would ever take that away from them.
End of Chapter 17