A Heavenly Paradigm

 Nasir's Chosen Life – written to be read to an audience

“You asked its permission.” Balian said suddenly. Nassir looked up startled and, if possible, intrigued. “The only way we could make this journey is if your master's steed accepted you and you asked its...approval I guess, without trying to buy his acceptance.”

“Yes. I must admit you surprise me.”

“I am the baron of Ibelin. But before my father came to France looking for me, I was a blacksmith. I know the behavior of horses. And I recognize the care you take with him.”

“I, should give them a little something.” Nassir prompted, though he intended it as a question. With Balian's nodded approval the stranger took a couple of broken carrot pieces from his satchel and handed one to each horse. Looking at the horse his master had ridden, he patted the steeds neck, thoughtfully. “Forgive the intrusion but are you...like Godfrey?”

“I'm not sure. Truly, I knew him a short time before he passed. Why do you ask?”

“Godfrey was one of the few Christian lords we respected for his conscience and principles, as much as for his skills as a warrior or the honor due his rank. Sala-hodeen himself would respect him as..” He looked almost frightened and stopped himself. “I am sorry. I know you must feel overawed as it is.”

“It's quite alright Nasir. I'm going to miss you.”

The shock on the other man's face was considerable. “Where am I going?”

“Nasir, I...just please, take the horse and be about your business.”

“Forgive me but are you jesting with me?”

“No why would I...Why would anyone say that in a jest?”

“Why would you let me go?” Nassir responded instantly. And then slowly as if he were trying to work out in his own head what was going on. “Sir, this is your prize of battle. I was the servant of the man you killed in fair combat. I am your prisoner...your slave should you wish it.”

“Nassir, I understand the custom of position. At least I think I do. And I will have no part of it. Especially not if it's simply because of my rank. Which is why I ask, is it because I won, or simply because of a title I inherited from my father?

“Sir, by our very understanding of fate and destiny it is for you to say what happens now. We are taught that ALL is as God wills it and I truly believe that. My master challenged you, more for sport than on principle mis-prizing what he saw. If you take me with you, if you claim me, I will see it as God's justice. That being said I must ask: What do you intend to do with me?”

“I will ne-ver own another human being. And I refuse to make you pay the price for your master's choices. I was little better than a slave myself before Godfrey...before my father found me my life changed very much overnight. We left for the Holy Land together but he did not survive the journey that brought me here. Regardless of how this came to be, I will not have you following after me because of who my father happened to be. This new life was thrust on me; I've done nothing to earn or prove my rank as a knight. I have done nothing to deserve the admiration I see in your eyes right now. Except be a quick learner when Godfrey gave me a brief fighting lesson. I will find my fathers people and live my life. But I cannot and will not ask you to be a part of that. Go in peace.”

“I cannot Milord.” Nassir said slowly but firmly. “All is as God wills it. I truly believe that. And if I didn't before I would now. I cannot see how the two of us could have even crossed paths as we did so soon after you arrived unless Allah brought us together. At any rate, I am not permitted to leave your side. To leave a stranger to Jerusalem alone and friendless, lost in a sea of faces is something I refuse to allow. ” He smiled softly and continued. “Call me a servant or protector if you want, and if that helps you accept my decision. It would not be far from the truth. I promise you, my life is bound to yours, and chose to bind it. Inshallah.”

“ 'God wills it' ?” Balian guessed.

“More like 'God wills it, so it is'.” Nasir said, smiling slightly.

“I am obviously not going to dissuade you from this...So be it. I will insist on one thing. Do not call me 'Milord'. Call me sir on monsieur. And my name is Balian.”

“Very well...Balian.” Nassir stated firmly. “Where are we heading?”

“I was looking for the hill where Christ died. I do not think they would welcome you.”

“I can sit by the wall, outside the mound itself, wrapping the reins around my wrists so they don't scatter. We are heading that way.” Nasir said, point a little to the west of where they stood, and a short distance outside the walls of the city.