Assad didn't turn back. "Talk about what? Surrender? Exile?"
"Don't know. They just said they want to talk with you."
Assad laughed. "Tell them I'm busy. I'm waiting for the battle. After it's over, then we'll talk."
North Damascus, November Brigade position, 7 AM. The sun rose from behind the eastern hills, shining on the newly dug trenches. The Turks' tanks appeared, first one, then two, then three, forming two columns, with their gun barrels pointed towards Damascus.
A young soldier squatted in the trench, hands trembling, gun shaking.
The veteran beside him patted his shoulder. "Don't be afraid. Everyone's scared the first time in battle. Fire a few shots, and you won't be afraid anymore."
"What if I die after a few shots?"
The veteran laughed. "Well, if you're dead, then you won't be afraid anymore."
The Turks' artillery fired.
