Nicholas and Naser EPIC

A cry from the distance startled Nicholas out of his thoughts. He saw two men riding toward him. The younger rode ahead, a little closer to him and addressed him directly. 

 “He says that is his horse.”

“Why does he make that claim?”

“Because it is on his land.”

“I brought this horse with me from France.”

“He claims the horse as his own.” He translated for his master, who replied in Arabic.

“He says you are a 'great liar' and he will fight you not for the horse, but because you are a liar. More than that, he will fight you simply because that is that he does. He says you must learn how things are here and he is eager to teach you.” Added the young man whose expression did not change. The servant continued, his face impassive, his voice calm.

“To the death?” Nicholas asked.

“Death is always a possibility, but no.”

“This is senseless.” Nicholas replied, although half to himself.

'CAN you not fight?” The young man asked in surprise.

“No, I can, and I think I'm good at it. But I don't rush into a battle for no reason.”

“'iinah yahtaj 'iilaa aldaafie liltasaruf.”

“He says if you do not give him the horse he will take it, and you will become his slave. And 'is that reason enough'.”

“Then have him come down and fight me like men of rank should.”

“You are a knight?” The young man asked.

“As of three weeks ago I am a baron in Lyon and Acre.”

This was quickly translated and the knight quickly dismounted.

Nicholas raised his sword above his head and the fight began. It did not last long and when it was over the knight lay dead in the sand. The other man's horse tossed its rider, flinging him to the ground. Nicholas approached him his sword drawn and raised. The man rose to his knees. “I make no trouble.” He promised, holding his arms out in a gesture of surrender. Nicholas lowered his sword.

“What was his name?”

“His name was Mummad Al Fais.”

Nicholas crouched over the body. “May you find peace in Heaven. May God bring you into his sweet embrace in paradise. Rest well and forever-friend I never knew.” He turned to to look at his companion, who was whispering his own prayer. When he was done, the man looked up to him, a question in his eyes.

“What happens now? Nicholas asked.

“That is up to you.”

Nicholas eyes widened in realization. “Get up. Please, you must not kneel to me.”

'You do not wish it?' His eyes asked.

“Just...take me to Jerusalem.”

The stranger led Nicholas directly to the holy city. When they were almost to the walls of Jerusalem, Nicholas pulled his horse to be just barely ahead of his companions. The man nodded and slowed his horse down, keeping his place. They rode into the city, stopping at one of the first water troughs they saw. Nicholas was pleased to note the man had respect for horses, as he slowly stroked the steed's neck.

Sarcean: A very good horse.

Nicholas: Yes he is. And he seems to like you. Take him and go.

Stranger: This is your prize of battle. I'm your prisoner, your slave, should you wish it.

Nicholas: I will never keep a slave nor suffer any to be kept if I can change it. I took my oath on THAT long ago. I will not make you pay for your masters poor choices. I don't have anyone left in the world now. If you do, then go, and be with them.

Stranger: (clearly trying to understand) Are you...insisting that I leave you alone?”

Nicholas: No Sajen. I am saying that I cannot ask anyone to follow after me in the life I haven't even chosen for myself. Until three weeks ago I was...hardly expected to inherit my father's rank and title. And to be direct, I would have preferred it that way. I have done nothing to deserve your help, nor the...admiration I see in your eyes right now.

Naser: Forgive me but there you are wrong. You have done more than you know, you are better than you believe. Let me follow you as a servant. Since you refuse to keep a slave.

Nicholas: So be it. I insist on one thing. My name is Nicholas. Call me by my name or 'monsieur'. None of that 'Milord' business.
Naser: If you insist on it Monsieur. My name is Naser.

After two days and two nights of their new lives, Nicholas enters the rooms allotted to Naser. A soft, but serious look on his face. “Was it true? That if I did not give him my horse or fight for her, he would simply take her, did he mean that?”

“Yes, that is true.” Naser replied calmly. A strange look crossed his face. “Is that why you agreed to fight him, because he would have taken your horse?”

“I didn't believe a man who would treat his fellow men that way would treat a horse with any care or gentleness. I won't give Aster up to anyone!” His fierceness subsided as quickly at his had come on. “Actually that's not true. I would have given her to you.”