Husayn wanted the Portuguese prisoners as proof of victory, while Ayaz kept them fed, clothed, and out of his reach. The Mamluk commander also had to pawn or otherwise transfer his guns to Ayaz because he lacked money for crews and repairs. Returning to Egypt after a costly, inadequate victory might bring punishment from the sultan. Ayaz risked his city by helping Husayn but could not openly turn on an ally backed by his own sovereign, leaving neither commander a safe course as Almeida approached.
Notable Point · 1:50:54-1:56:22
Husayn and Ayaz had no safe political exit
Money, prisoners, and obligations to different rulers trapped the coalition commanders together despite their mistrust.