Choosing Your Friends

 A Heavenly Journeys story that lives up to its name in ways others do not.

As he looked toward the incoming army, Balian felt his heart rise. Two men rode by his side, both of whom he trusted implicitly. Almaric, his father's best man stood stalwartly, unflinching on his left. Nassir his servant and a Saracen on his right. Together the three of them would lead the fight against what seemed to be an overwhelming army, Nassir's own countrymen. As they got into position for the charge, Balian was sure that each man would truly do his best, but it still seemed a hopeless cause.

“Why do you ride with us?” Almaric asked of Nassir.

“Do you doubt me?” Nassir asked blandly. “Do you doubt my commitment?” He clarified.

“Loyalty to me is one thing Nassir.” Balian answered his friend. “This is treason is it not?”

“We don't have many leaders who claim to speak for God. And we serve GOD no matter what, before all other considerations. I don't want innocents to die and you have set out to defend them. I won't live knowing I let something like THIS happen unchallenged. Also I promised to follow you Balian, no matter what. Forgive me but fighting for what's right seems to be something of a...thoughtless decision.”

“A forgone conclusion.” Balian corrected. That Nassir's French finally failed him did not register in his mind. As they charged the incoming Saracen army defeat, or at least surrender seemed the only possible outcome...until one Calvary officer in the army of Sala-hodeen cried out:

“Stop, stop everyone!”

Balian stared in amazement as the entire opposing army slowed their steeds and lowered their weapons. One archer even bowed his head to the trio. “Crish-ar-neth.” He said solemnly.

Only then did Balian see the reality of the situation. They were saluting Nassir. Clearly this man was not the simple, goodhearted servant he'd assumed him to be; he was a lord among his people.

“I should have known.” Balian said in a whisper.

“You are not to blame for trusting me. Trust me now that I did not mean to hurt you. I...I cannot see for certain what is coming. My lord Sala-hodeen is coming even now. As apparently is Baldwin of Jerusalem, rides to meet him.” He gestured to the middle distance. I promise no harm will come to either of you if I have anything to say about it.”

Balian looked thoroughly confused. “If there is a battle today, he is still required to fight for his lord king. It is, more than I would have expected that he guarantees your...our safety even so.”

“Let us hope it will not come to that.” Balian said with a nod and a quiet smile.

When Saladin turned back from his meeting with the King of Jerusalem he rode his steed directly up to Nassir and began talking with him in rapid Arabic. A conversation ending with the phrase taeal , lays ladayk sabab lilbaqa' huna baed alan , taeal 'iilaa almanzil, Which translates as 'Come, you have no reason to stay here anymore, come home'.

Nassir looked troubled and uncertain as he replied. “Milord Saladin, please forgive me but I do not WANT to leave. I gave Balian my word that if he would have me I would not leave his side. Moreover that I would do any thing to help him, a freely given choice that I have no reason to fall back from. I truly believe Allah brought *me to *him. Please do not take me home yet.”

“You choose to be a servant?” Saladin inquired, clearly taken aback.

“I do not believe he would have me walk behind him anymore, now that he knows I am a man of rank...When I met him I was cloaked as Mummad-al-Fais servant; I never corrected that perception. Balian was dres-was not clearly a lord in his own right when I challenged him to a fight that ended with my servant dead and my life in Balian's  hands.”

“Start again. And slow down.” Saladin said firmly.”

“When I first laid eyes on him I was dressed as a servant and Mummad-al-Fais as a lord. Taking each-other's cloaks was...liberating for both of us. I had him challenge Balian for possession of a horse he must have rescued from the water. Balian was not known, had not declared who he truly is - the lord of Ibelin and the son of Godfrey. When he revealed himself, the fight became even. In the end Balian was victorious, Mummad-al-Fais had been killed in the skirmish. At that moment my future was, for all I could see, firmly for Balian to decide. He had me guide him to Jerusalem. When we got within the walls of the holy city I chose not to reveal my rank, asked to follow him as a servant, a life truly worth leading and a freely given choice. He accepted and I have stood at his side ever since. In the weeks I have spent with him he has never failed to treat me with dignity, respect and consideration, far more as  his  friend than his servant. I must confess and I freely declare that I do not WANT to leave his side. Please do not take him from...from my life.”

“I...cannot tear apart what God has ordained. By no means would I tear you from a friend Imad. Does he know what his choices mean for us? Does he know what YOUR choice means?”

“He will before long, I promise you. But for now, I think just talking to Nassir knowing that's not his name will be a difficult adjustment.”

Saladin actually smiled broadly. “I am certain it will. Especially when you explain the joke.”