“This explains a lot.” Balian mused. It was not meant as a joke, though Nassir smiled brightly.
Almaric, Balian's lefftenant, walked up to the pair. “What happens now?” He asked plainly.
Balian gave Nassir an appealing look. “It is beyond our control what happens between our peoples. We must wait and see. For our own parts...I think everything is at peace and pure.”
“Of that there can be no contest.” Balian replied with a broad grin. “And look, our kings have met in the middle while we have been talking. Perhaps we do not have long to wait.”
When King Baldwin rode away from the parley and back toward Kerak, Saladin rode his horse to meet with Nassir. The young man made a bow before the sultan, with one hand over his chest. Saladin dismounted and walked up to his officer, who seemed almost intimidated, as if he might be in trouble for something.
“One would expect greater losses from a battle such as this.” The sultan stated in Arabic. “I do not question the wisdom or the prudence of such a decision. I would be foolish to wish for bloodshed. Even so, I would know what stayed either of your swords?”
“Milord, I owe my freedom if not my life to this man. I have for some time. Once I realized the man I was fighting here was...” He paused his words and raised his left hand in front of his face. He twisted his wrist in a particular fashion and pointed to the cut on his cheek he had just received. “He was a stranger here. He is the lord of Ibelin and the son of Godfrey. I believe I was meant to meet him again. I am not sure he sees it, but I think he is truly his fathers son.” Nassir paused to take a breath and look at the faces around him. In a moment he spoke again. “Whether I owe him anything or not. I do not think I should leave him alone. If he'll have me, I would stay with him. Sire, milord the basic truth of the matter is that unless you forbid it, I would not leave his side.”
Almaric gasped. Balian, who did not understand Arabic did not understand why. Nassir turned to Balian and explained. “I offered a truce because I owed you my liberty. The peace today was brokered and maintained with so little cost of life because of your valor and virtue. Your sense of both mercy and justice shines brightly. I meant what I said. If my sultan permits it, and if you will have me, I will NOT leave your side.” He turned to face Saladin., and once more spoke in Arabic.“MiLord, do I have your permission to...follow where I feel I am led to go? I do not fully understand where I am being led, but my feet are set upon a path that I must follow.”
“You hardly need MY permission to do so. If he agrees, then Allah be with you both in this life you each have chosen.”
Balian looked both pleased and confused as Nassir turned to him and formally asked permission to 'not leave you side'. “I can honestly say, nothing would make me happier than to have a friend like you at my side Nassir. But...what does your name mean?”
“Appropriately enough it means 'champion' or 'supporter'. And I am honored to live up to it.”
“You are not a servant, but a friend....You know that right?”
“What is the matter?” Balian asked in a quiet voice.
“Almaric asked me how much I gave up to be here. He wanted to know what my life had been like among my people, as if what I lost was the measure of what I had gained. I don't see it as losing anything.
My life here with you has been sweeter and more...has been and is worth more to me than anything I gave up when I followed you here. God himself must have more of a reason to bring us together. I should not speak for God. I honestly didn't mean to. There is more we can do here together for our peoples and the peace Baldwin has maintained these past six years than we ever could have without each-other. But that is not the only reason, is it? If everything we think is about to happen actually does come to pass...I hope that will not be the final...I hope we may stay together even after this scene in the play of this world comes to a close. My life was richer just for knowing you better. I hope you feel the same way.”
“The friendship we have runs deeper than words or thoughts could express? I do. God might have put us together for some great good. I'm just glad I was able to know someone like you.”
“It is indeed a mysterious move of God that I...” Balian started to glare at me. “WE found someone so much like ourselves on the opposite sides of whatever line our peoples draw to divide ourselves. Which I suppose is part of the reason I feel so certain of this, and so hopeful.”
“Remind me to ask you what the story of your life has been like!” Balian exuded. I was surprised and for once I did not bother hiding it. “I knew you were an officer in the army, our equal of a knight. But I didn't know you were also this educated and gentle.”
“Sajiq, I consider the question asked. If you had to find out the truth when we spoke with Saladin, that would be a shame and an embarrassment I could not live with. I would be devastated if for one second you thought I was a liar. Saladin would be disappointed in me if I'd hid such a thing.”
“You said something like that before. I take it there was more to your statement than I knew?”
“Even knowing Guy's temperament and the inexperience of the king, my lord Saladin would need assurance that Guy was not sanctioned when he leads the charge against my people. That is where my testimony becomes both needful and perfectly sincere. Aside from the fact that such a moment is not fit for a revelation, you deserve to know this instant why it would make a difference.”
“I...I do not understand.”
I had known this moment was coming. I was certain he would accept me for what I was. I hoped he would forgive my concealing myself this far.. I was beginning to suspect Balian would understand and see my heart better than most, and would know where to look, what was important. I clasped his hands in mine and bowed my head over them. “I have not lied to you. I am called Nassir. It does mean champion or supporter. But it is a description, not my given name. Among my own people, without a disguise, I am Imad Al Din.”
“Does that mean...I cannot...” The shock on Balian's face was heartbreaking, but somehow seemed misplaced. “Does that mean Saladin is your father?”
“That name is a gift and a title. It means 'the righteousness of the faith'. Mine says I am as close to a true image of faith that can be found. As though if true faith could be seen through a looking glass, I am a close resemblance. And I am close to my lord Saladin, I suppose you might say close as family. But no, we are not related by blood.”
“Which is why he would trust you so. Now I'm a little muddled. Why did he let you go?”
“No, I'M a little muddled...why would he not?”
“It's not seen as abandoning your people, joining with us...with me?”
“Balian!” I told him, I couldn't help laughing. “As long as my duty to you does not break my oath of loyalty to my people, there is no conflict of interest. It does not by the way. Our kingdoms are at peace and the three of us want it to stay that way. Following where I believe I am led to go is not something my lord Saladin would ever dissuade me from. He knows you valor and honor for himself. It is in reflection of Godfrey's own persistence and character. Your father was a great man...”
“You knew him...?”
“Not well. But he was one of the few officers in the army of Jerusalem we could respect for more than just his skill with a weapon, or strategy. He held on to his own convictions and the ideals of peace without wavering. I could not know for sure when we came to Jerusalem, now that I have seen and experienced for myself your compassion and understanding, the very likeness of Godfrey of Ibelin I can say it: You are your father's son.”
“You lived here before?” Balian asked me bluntly. “You just admitted you were even a greater nobleman among your people than I thought of you.” He continued softly. “You must have met Baldwin himself earlier in your life. At least, that would explain your desire to stay out of everyone's way...And why you did not seem out of place earlier, but were not at all comfortable either.”
“I...I did not wish to be...declared I guess is the word. Apparently he remembered that of me.”
“Why are you here?” I asked the man as courteously as I could.
“How do you mean?” He responded with what might have been concern.
“I am certain you don't mean any harm. But I cannot stop thinking you are...something or someone else, than what you pretend to be.”
“You know I am a nobleman among my own people, and I am following where I feel I am being led to go. What else matters? I mean, why do I need to have any other purpose here?”
“Alright, let me be direct. Can I count on you to stand with us when the time comes, not just for Balian but for the sake of peace?”
“You may rest assured sir, most of my people want nothing but peace. From what I can see, the same can be said of yours. I always knew Guy DeLusigian would try to make war on my people. He wants to meet in battle who he sees as the enemies of God, eager for his own glory therein. I will do what I can to make sure that WAR as we know it does not come from this hostility and reckless hate.”
“I am sorry I ever doubted your intentions.”
“I hid who I really was.” He answered simply. “You needed to be sure I wasn't hiding anything else. Trust me, I understand. The only thing is...I need to be there...when MiLord Saladin (Sala-ho-deen) responds to this...to the aggression Guy has offered. That is why I stayed here after Kerak. I am...an in person witness to what I already believed. With such a witness and testimony, even the Mullah will be forced to accept that I speak the truth I've seen, not just my own belief .”
“Then we better get going. He approaches even now.” I told him with a faint smile.
Saladin stood in front of the young king of Jerusalem, his closest advisor just behind him. Sybilla, the queen mother of Jerusalem stood just behind her son. There were very few others in the great hall, just Balian of Ibelin, the Marshall Tiberias and 3 courtiers, to stand as witness for whatever might happen. A side door to the great hall opened and Imad walked in. He walked to stand aside from the others, as a mediator...then reconsidered and stood beside his friend.
“Salaam Ali-kum.” Baldwin the 5th stated formally.
“Alai-i-kum Salaam.” Saladin replied. “I have come to address the actions of Guy DeLusigian, the captain of the armies of Jerusalem, to learn if he truly speaks for his people and to bring peace, if not justice between our peoples.” The sultan stated, as though to the entire room. He turned to face Imad directly. “Will you speak for them? Have you the authority?”
“I have the experience to know what they would say, and have seen the truth of it with my own eyes. I have their trust and faith on such things. However, I do not believe I should speak as their representative. You must hear their words from their lips, or it will mean nothing.”
“Very well.” he turned to address the court again. “I have no intention of returning Guy to you. I only wish to know if his actions were sanctioned, or was he truly a renegade. I only need to hear it from Tiberias or the king himself, I will not doubt their words.”
“Guy used his authority to make war on the Muslims.” Tiberias stated in his gravelly, coarse voice. His intentions were his own. We will do what we must to ensure his actions die with him. We will make no attempt to rescue him from the consequences of his actions.”
Saladin looked up with surprise and a knowing smile. “He is a convenient answer then?” Tiberias looked confused. “You are willing to give him up for the sake of peace?”
“MiLord, if you did return him to us, we would execute him as a war criminal. While I am sure there are many in this kingdom who would agree with his ideals, no one in this court wants open war.”
“Can you confirm that?” Saladin asked of Imad, in Arabic. Who looked sideways to Balian, as if to ask permission to answer without reserve, in his native tongue. A request which was granted with a slight nod of his head and a look of pride.
“I can affirm that this warmonger we speak of was very nearly removed from office before Baldwin the Fifth even came to the throne. Balian of Ibelin was to be chosen for this role.” He passed his hand to indicate the man of whom he spoke. “And Balian is a man of justice and honor as well as courage and honesty. He would speak for all of them if he could. And if my life these last months has taught em anything, it is that we want nothing but understanding and communication between our peoples.” He blushed at his choice of words. “Balian and I, as well as the Marshall and the king of Jerusalem.”
The man made a few statements in Arabic. The words spread wildly throughout his army. Balian reckoned the instructions had been similar to the 'cease fire' order he had given his own troops. When both armies were still, Balian turned to face the other. “Which side has even won this day?”
The Saracen commander smiled, albeit faintly. “This day is not over. Milord Saladin (Sala-hodeen) is coming, as Baldwin approaches. Even so, as it is in my power or understanding, this field is yours. I have no resistance about that.”
“I honestly don't...” Balian began. His words died in his throat when the man put his arms straight out in front of him, palms facing upward. Recognition and near-joy washed over Balian's heart. He knew this man. Why he had failed to see it before didn't seem to matter, compared to meeting him again.
Almost as soon as he'd arrived in the desert, he'd been 'greeted' by a Saracen lord and his attendant. The lord had challenged him for possession of the horse he'd rescued from his shipwreck. Initially the man had charged Balian while remaining on his horse. On foot he'd barely stood a chance. It wasn't long into the 'skirmish' Balian declared himself the Baron of Ibelin and demanded a fair fight. After the claim was translated by his attendant, the lord obliged. A fair fight was not only deserved, it was expected. Balian won the skirmish easily. The blood from the final wound had gotten all over the servant's horse. An instant later the man was flat on his back in the sand. Walking up to him, Balian noticed he had a young, handsome face, and strangely showed no sign of distress, he only put his hands in front of himself, palms up.
“I understand.” Balian responded. “It's not needful, but I understand. Get up.” The stranger did.
It was only after he found a pack of dates and seeds, shoving several handfuls into his mouth, that Balian spoke again. “You have taken it very well I have killed your master.” The man didn't respond, only gave him a thoroughly perplexed look. “Why are you not upset?” Balian clarified.
“We are taught nothing happens to those who believe unless Allah has made it so. I have no reason to regret my master is now in paradise. Although I could wish he had not left so suddenly.”
“I believe I understand. We can't stay out here. Take me to Jerusalem? I don't know the way.”
“I will bring you.” The man said, easily.
“How long though? I mean the journey, how far are we away from Jerusalem?”
“We should be there by nightfall.” Came the instant, soft reply.
The assertion was perfect. It was almost dusk when they trotted their horses close to the walls of the Holy City. Balian had kept side by side with his companion riding this far, but pulled himself just barely ahead of the stranger as they drew close. It was a gesture the man apparently understood as he slowed his steed and lowered his head slightly. A palm tree stood not far from the David Gate. It was a good place to rest. Balian drank a gulp of water and offered it to the stranger; an offer the man politely declined. Balian had remounted his horse at trotted several paces to the gate before he realized he was traveling alone.
“What is the matter?” Balian asked, looking back with a concerned expression.
“If it's all-right, I'll put a cloak around my face.” Came the cryptic reply.
“That's fine. But that's not what I mean.” Balian said shortly.
“Please, let it wait until we are safe, and a good way inside.”
“...All-right.”
The city of children and soldiers that was Jerusalem sprawled out before them. After passing some pottery stalls and more than a few fruit and herb sellers, Balian stopped in front of a water trough. The stranger dismount and patted the neck of the steed he'd been riding. After rummaging around in his sack he found a carrot stub to offer the beast.
“...Either you hide your feelings masterfully or your people are not as passionate as we tend to believe.” Balian said. The stranger looked ready to smile. “I meant that to explain my last question. True I don't know much about life here but it IS strange to me...I don't even know your name?”
“I am called 'Nassir'.” the man answered simply. “What happens to me now?”
“I can't ask you to follow me. I am the baron of Ibelin. I'm also a stranger here. I don't know what following me would mean for you, at any rate I will not ask it of you. Will you be all-right on your own?”
The shock on Nassir's face was considerable. “I...yes. Your style makes sense now. Your fighting style I mean. It was unlike anything taught here. That last move in particular. I admit, I do not understand why...” His words failed him completely.
“Why I refuse to take you with me against your will as a slave, a prisoner or some such mess? In the village I'm from...I was not a slave but I had no other status. I will not use a title I'm not sure I earned to make anyone feel inferior. Go in peace...What was the name of the man I killed?”
“His name was Mummad-al-Fais.” Nassir answered easily, mounting his own horse, and smiling.
“Please believe me...I hope he is in paradise now.” Balian offered simply.
“Thank you for your kindness.” The man answered. He raised his hand, palm up, and rode off.
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