And so, some of the more rational defenders began to take action, attempting to quell the unrest. They approached the citizens and soldiers shouting "The city has fallen!" and "We've been sold out by traitors!", sternly rebuking them for spreading rumors and ordering them to stop inciting panic.
Mahmud—nephew of the City Lord of Hama, who for three days and three nights had stood fast on the battlements with the common soldiers—now stepped forward. With a resolute expression and a resonant, powerful voice, he walked to the edge of the wall. Facing the panicked soldiers and citizens, he began a passionate, stirring speech:
"Pay no heed to these rumors! Do not listen to these baseless lies! Our city stands unshaken! How could the enemy possibly breach our solid defenses? We have enough Power to hold this wall!
