King Simon ordered his 3 sons to come along with him towards the Tbilisi fortress.They all said farewell to queen Nestan Darejan and princess consort.Simon commanded his bodyguards to stay around the Ksani fortress and defend his family.Soon,they arrived at their destination and met the crown prince in front of his tent.Giorgi hugged them one by one.The king put his hand on Giorgi's shoulder and looked at him:
-Son,it's time for you to reunite with your wife and son.You have to take a break for a while.I brought your brothers here.They have never participated in any battle yet.They need to be here at the military camp.
-As you order,father!
-Go now.We will manage to deal with the Ottomans on our own.-Simon smiled at Giorgi.
The crown prince got on his horse and rode towards the Ksani stronghold.The king went to the Georgian men in front of his tent:
-Who wishes to be my bodyguard?Lift your hands!
All of them lifted.The king laughed for a second:
-Oh,come on!I don't need 20 wardens.I only need 4 in order to protect every side of my tent.Since,all of you want,I will randomly opt out for 4 men.
Simon closed his eyes for a second and marked who he wanted as his bodyguard by pointing his finger.
-Whoever I chose,come forward.
The king opened his eyes and 4 men separated from the group.Afterwards,Simon closed his eyes again and told them:
-Now,I will choose my spies.I only need 5 men.
The king pointed his finger again at some of them and as soon as he opened his eyes,5 men came forward and stood on the opposite side of the ones who were chosen as wardens.
-Now,my spies,be all ears.You will go towards distinct sites.The one who is the first one on the left,will go to Dmanisi.The one next to him will march towards Gori.The one standing beside him will go to Erzurum.The one next to him will go towards Istanbul and the ultimate man will go to the Ksani fortress,the closest place to Tbilisi fortress.I need you in order to figure out what the Ottomans are up to.I have no doubt,that next year,in the spring some Ottoman commander will march the janissaries towards Tbilisi.We have to be vigilant.Pack food and get on your horses as soon as possible.
-As you command us,your majesty!
The spies went to the tent were all the provisions were kept.They packed apples,pears and 50 Churchkhekas.Then,got on their horses.Simon was watching them untill they disappeared.