Chapter 1: Where's Dastan?

Author's note: Hello everyone! :) This is my first fanfic for PoPSOT! I totally loved this movie! Watched it so many times!

Disclaimer: I don't own this movie or any of its characters. Disney does. There, that's done! Now, onto the story... Hope you like it! Please read and review!

When Tamina "borrows" the Astra gemstone from King Sharaman's treasury to aid a trusted friend, Dastan decides to join in the adventure that soon becomes a desperate race to find the Leviathan's secret which might spell destruction of the Persian Empire

PRINCE OF PERSIA: THE LEVIATHAN'S SECRET

Chapter 1: "Where's Dastan?"

By nightfall the Persian army was well and truly settled around the oasis en-route to Persia from their brief sojourn at Alamut. There were bonfires everywhere to warm the frigid night air. The men sat around, relaxing and conversing on their recent triumph at Koshcan and subsequent adventure at Alamut. Now and then, a story or two carried a reference to the Alamutian tents which were pitched on the northern corner of the oasis lake. The men were longing to return back home to Persia and be reunited with their families. Meanwhile at the royal tent,

"Letter from Father", announced Tus, as he strolled into the main tent with the scroll in his hands. He looked up and found both Garsiv and Dastan gazing back at him in keen expectancy.

"It reads-", continued Tus.

"I am grieved to learn of my brother, Nizam's treachery and of his death in the city of Alamut. I had trusted him and had often sought his advice on numerous matters concerning the ruling of the kingdom. That his heart was corrupted with envy and hate, increasing even to the height of coveting the throne is unbearable to dwell upon. I take comfort in knowing that the city of Alamut has been spared from further destruction. I commend Dastan on agreeing to the union between Persia and Alamut in his marriage to the Princess. Show her Highness every courtesy. Let her journey to Persia be pleasant. I long to see my sons once again. I congratulate you on your triumph against Koshcan."

"Father is happy that we have made peace with Alamut." said Tus, smiling faintly to himself. "When we return to Nasaf, I will personally relate Dastan's part in the exposure of our Uncle's duplicity"

Dastan nodded once to acknowledge his brother's words.

"There were traitors amongst our army as well.", said Garsiv, rising from his seat and pacing across the tent. "Perhaps even a few of our ministers might have been tempted to follow Nizam"

"There's no way of determining that. Whatever way Uncle planned to seize the throne, it does not matter. It is now a thing of the past. I agree with our Father by saying that it is too unbearable to dwell upon. Let us think of matters that lie ahead. With Koshcan safely under our feet, we can concentrate on building up relations with the smaller eastern territories. A few of their ambassadors will be visiting us along the week. And what about trade? An entire new fleet of merchant vessels for our bidding!"

Dastan smiled distantly. He crossed his arms and leaned against the tent pole.

"Well,well Dastan, you are staying with us far longer than usual. Either you are too tired to join your merry band of friends and celebrate the success of the journey around the blazing fire-or...", said Tus, returning the scroll to the King's envoy and helping himself to some wine from a casket."...you have something on your mind"

Garsiv quickly interjected, "Dastan hopes to get a few pointers from us on how to woo his Princess.. There, he betrays a smile which means it is exactly as I thought!".

Dastan opened his mouth to say something, thought the better of it and remained silent. He knew he was in for some teasing now and any words from him would only fuel the playful taunts of his brothers. True, Princess Tamina was occupying his thoughts more than ever before. Presenting her to his Father and then getting through a month of traditional preparations leading up to a grand wedding was starting to prey on him as something awkward and tedious. He would be the centre of attraction at long ceremonies, put on airs and manners required of a Prince and converse with many important people he had never seen before and pretend to enjoy it all. Still, if he was to have Tamina, this was the only way.

"Our little brother needs all the help he can get!.", agreed Tus,in serious thought. He laid a hand on Dastan's shoulder and continued, "Trust him to make a romantic proposal. For a gift, he offers the Princess a twisted knife!"

"A dagger", corrected Dastan defensively. "It was a beautiful one and one among Alamut's treasures"

"Nonetheless a dagger. I would have loved to hear the conversation that passed between the Alamutian princess and our brother when they glided into the Palace gardens."

"Perhaps they were discussing war tactics", shot Garsiv with a smirk.

"Such as converting Nasaf into a fortified city!", said Dastan, before he could stop himself. Garsiv's face instantly clouded with anger.

"There is no need for fortification when the King's cavalry is the best in the world!" retorted Garsiv, in spirited aggression. Dastan wisely remained silent.

Tus easily ignored his brothers.

"But the Princess will be different from the other women.", he continued. "She is already a ruler - a high priestess, who is used to giving out orders, presiding over financial matters and managing the entire city. She won't be shy or coy around men. "

"Our father will grow fond of Princess Tamina.", quipped Garsiv." It won't be long before they are discussing prayers and worship songs"

"Garsiv waxes eloquent on selected topics -", sighed Dastan. "Father's piety being one of his favorites-"

"After you are married, be sure to take her on a tour of the Palace gardens, galleries, music halls, if you know where they are."
Dastan looked up with a wondering frown when suddenly they heard loud shouts from outside.

For a moment, amongst all the wild commotion, it seemed to Dastan as if the Hassansins had somehow learnt of the time reversal and now sought to take revenge upon the entire Persian camp!. Snatching a sword in his hand, he tore after Garsiv who was already outside and demanding what was going on. Soldiers were running everywhere with bows, arrows, ropes; the glimmering bonfires throwing up fantastic shadows – but there was a distinct sense of excitement and not fear amongst the men. When inhuman howls rent the air, Dastan's fears subsided with the realization that the invaders of the Persian camp were only a large herd of jackals scavenging for food! He was about to reenter the tent when a pack of animals, ducking and leaping to avoid the arrows and knives of their attackers raced by in headlong flight. Two of the jackals fell victim to the archers and the last one, changing his mind, pulled back and turned in confusion towards the nearby tents. An arrow pierced its leg and with a loud howl, it dashed past Garsiv and Dastan into the tent. Finding Tus in its path, the hunted beast pounced on him in terror and began to tear away at his shoulder and arm. Tus flew back with a cry and threw off the jackal that howled aloud and huddled under a table in the far corner of the large tent.

"Wretched beast!", screamed Tus, clutching his burning shoulder. "Kill it. What are you waiting for?"

The archer took his aim, when the jackal gave a heart-rending whimper.

"Wait, Stop!",said both Dastan and Garsiv in unison. "Don't kill it!", said Garsiv with unfamiliar gentleness in his tone.

"It isn't a jackal", said Dastan, venturing closer to the wounded animal. "-Is it?"

"Looks more like a wolf. But the color of its coat – pure gold, thick and unspoilt. Must be new"

Dastan reached out a hand and the jackal sniffed it lightly. He yelped once or twice and tried to stand up. Its hind legs gave way and it fell back down with a howl. "I could swear that it's tame"

"It is tame.", agreed Garsiv."A wild jackal would never be so bold. Even now it would scratch and claw for its life. This animal is more like a dog."

"There. There…Tarak. Calm down",whispered Dastan, crouching closer to the jackal and with one quick jerk, he pulled out the arrow head and threw it away.

"Tarak?",echoed Garsiv with a questioning look.

"Survivor",replied Dastan. "This one is tame and different from his herd. And yet he has managed to survive. Tarak should be his name"

With immeasurable joy, the soldiers prepared to make their triumphal entry into the Royal City of Nasaf. Some preparations were taking place in the Alamutian camp as well. Princess Tamina gave a few orders regarding the tributes to be presented to King Sharaman and sat back in her ornamental palanquin. A new life awaited her in Persia. New duties to perform, new relationships to keep and probably new rules to adhere to! Many thoughts ran through Tamina's mind during the few idle moments she had before they resumed their last leg of the desert trail. She couldn't help recalling the time she spent with Prince Dastan. It was strange how all feelings of unease seemed to slip away whenever she thought of the Prince. The confident manner in which he extended his hand, the affection in his eyes which seemed to promise her then and there that she would be well taken care of–

"It is as if he is already in love with me", echoed Tamina, with a puzzled smile. Then she blushed lightly, wondering at her own ridiculous imagination."Nobody can fall in love so easily. It's impossible!"

"It is not impossible", said Dastan, patiently pushing Tarak's nose back into the basket for the twentieth time. Bis shook his head unconvinced. Dastan fitted a few straps on the side of the basket and closed the lid on the whimpering jackal.

"It's a fine specimen of a jackal, I'll give you that much. It really is."

"Why thank you,Bis!"

"Almost like a dog, isn't he? Seems to understand everything you say to him"

"Yeah well, Garsiv's got an eye on him and you know, he's always out for the best!"

"But Sire, how would it look?" asked Bis."You are the King's son about to march into the Royal City , receiving accolades from people far and wide for fighting courageously in the army-"

"-not to mention their many good wishes on the impending marriage-", put in Dastan.

"Exactly! And then this animal, boxed up on your horse starts howling the place down?"

Dastan hauled up the heavy basket and carried it to where the horses were secured.

"What will you do?" demanded Bis." It would ruin the ceremony!"

"Oh, you'll think of something", replied Dastan with a sudden grin.

"Me?"

That was when Bis realized that the basket was going to be fitted on the side of his own horse.

It was a day of great festivity at the Palace of the King. There was such goodwill amongst the guests and dignitaries as never seen before. King Sharaman warmly welcomed the Princess and people of Alamut. Now, seated on her throne, Princess Tamina looked as radiant as the sun. Her gracious smile, her intelligent conversation intermingled with wit invoked sharp admiration amongst the people. Some of them even commented that the Dastan-Tamina alliance was a perfect one indeed.

Naturally the Princess's curiosity got the better of her, so much so that, afterwards, every once in while, she stole a passing glance in Prince Dastan's direction, noting where he was and what he was doing and trying to judge the strength of his character. The Courts were filled with lively music and dance. Trays of exotic food and drink were piled up on silver tables and the people ate and drank to their heart's content.

Tus was pleased to find favor in the sight of his Father. The King praised him many times for using his wisdom in judging the situation in Alamut. Garsiv appeared cheerful, knowing full well that the success of the Persian army against Koshcan was attributed to his own leadership and skill. Dastan, tired of being teased by his friends, made a beeline for the food and helped himself to a generous portion of roasted lamb and wine.

This was how the week of victory celebration began in the city of Persia. The first few days flew by in feasting and merriment. Princess Tamina was given several rooms along the Western Tower that were deemed to have the best view of the City , newly furnished and decorated according to the her specific tastes. Having settled in, the Princess was slowly introduced into various traditional ceremonies that were to take place before the wedding day. Once, a long ceremony with several prayers and blessings took place where Prince Dastan in the presence of his family brought several gifts to Tamina and this was to be a formal announcement that the Prince and Princess were to be married soon. After this, King Sharaman called Tamina into his presence more often, during mealtimes with the Royal family and sometimes even for an impromptu walk around the Palace gardens. The Princess soon learnt the history and culture of the Persian Empire. She learnt the ways of the people, even a little of the language. Lila and Nasreen, Tus's favorite wives helped in this for they both spoke the native language fluently. The Princess's familiarity with the Palace and the Royal family increased day by day.

"Tus?", called Dastan, knocking impatiently on the door of the Prince's suite. "I was just about to go into the City. Can't this wait for a better time?"

"Dastan, come inside!" called Tus from the inside.

"Bis is going to buy land from the generous bag of coins the King gave him. I am entrusted with the responsibility of choosing the best spot. "

"I know... I know, Dastan. I know that you are longing to get back to your activities after these weeks of preparation and ceremony... But this won't take very long."

Dastan strolled inside and found Garsiv on the window seat in a contemplative mood.

"What is it? What's going on?",he demanded.

"Farooq has returned", said Tus, quietly. "After ten years in the wilderness"

Dastan raised his eyebrows and drew back with a silent "Ohh". "This morning?"

"Early this morning.. He went directly to the Palace courts during the time of morning prayers and demanded an audience with the King"

"And?"

"By afternoon, a rumor came to our ears that he was to be the King's new vizier"

Dastan smiled wryly. Tus glanced at Garsiv before continuing,

"I know how much affection and trust Father has on Farooq. He is one of his oldest of friends-"

"-and the finest of the warriors who ever fought in the Persian Army! "Dastan paused. "Perhaps he has changed from his trip…his "journey of enlightenment""

"More of an escape for enlightenment", jeered Garsiv, speaking for the first time.

"How do you mean?", asked Tus at once.

"I know why he really left Persia". Garsiv waited for a moment, as if choosing the right words to say.

"Stop being so mysterious", chided Dastan.

"Allright.", said Garsiv." Know that I wouldn't say anything willfully wrong concerning Farooq just to defame his character, but- I think, towards the end, he loved what he did- his strange addiction. It nearly drove him out of his mind"

"I suspected as much", agreed Tus."I heard things about his activities- his lust for blood and unnatural weapons training. I never believed in them because we all knew Farooq. He was our best teacher during all those days of training and exercise. That scar you got on your arm, Dastan? You remember how you got that, don't you?"

"Then I saw it with my own eyes.", said Garsiv. "I didn't speak of it because I heard he was going away on his trip. I didn't think he would return"

"What did you see?", pressed Dastan, curiously.

"Farooq cutting his own flesh, drawing blood just for the pleasure of it. His shirt was soaked and he never flinched. "

Dastan shivered lightly. "Perhaps he has changed"

"Does a leopard change its spots?"

"Well, there's nothing I can do about it. I'm sure Tus will have some ideas as how to tackle this problem with Father- Me, I'm leaving for the City. It's already late and we've narrowed down the choices to two very beautiful strips of land, one alongside the orchards and the other near the mines.

Dastan turned round to march off when he heard Garsiv say to Tus, "I told you he wouldn't care"

Dastan turned back, annoyed."All right, what do you want me to do?"

"Father is going to announce your wedding date tomorrow at the Courts. Princess Tamina will be there along with her ministers and so will you"

"Not tomorrow!"

"Why not?"

"After we buy the land, we planned a celebration", said Dastan with a hopeful grin. "Our celebration was to go on for three days-"

"No..no..no..no. You have to be there, little brother. Your absence will be far too noticeable"

Dastan smirked but nevertheless gave ear to his brother's words.

"Now, what we want you to do is this. Between the time of the declaration of the date and the announcement of the new vizier, Garsiv will approach the King and hint of knowing some unfavorable details regarding Farooq. While he is speaking, you will come up pretending to be completely ignorant of the ongoing conversation and on mere chance, you will converse about Farooq as well. While Garsiv only hints at Farooq's questionable activities, you will confirm his words with stronger sentiment-"

"Ah! Two witnesses are better than one"

"Exactly"

"And this will convince Father?"

"It will give him something to dwell upon. You are the Prince about to be married. Father will give thoughts to your words!"

"Ah"

"This is important, Dastan. I hope you realize it as much." said Garsiv. "We won't have a better opportunity than this"

"So you say", said Dastan sauntering out the door. "You can depend on me, brother. I will be there"

"The wedding date is set on the seventh day of the month of Anamaka", announced the King, smiling to Princess Tamina who nodded her head in acknowledgement. The people cheered loudly whilst the King searched vaguely for the face of his youngest son. Tamina looked around as well. But Dastan was not amongst his family or the crowd. "Where's Dastan?", fumed Garsiv, before angrily stomping away. Tus quickly came forward and whispered something in his Father's ear. From the look of displeasure that crossed the King's face, Tamina knew that Dastan would not be coming that evening. She felt annoyed as well. Where was Dastan and why was he avoiding an occasion as important as this?"

Chapter Summary: "Where's Dastan?"
The Persian army triumphantly returns to the City of Nasaf. Princess Tamina is invited by the King of Persia to the Royal Palace. While the preparations for the wedding take place, Farooq, former mentor of the three Princes, Tus, Garsiv and Dastan returns after his self-imposed exile of ten years in the desert wilderness. The Princes hold a private meeting for they suspect that Farooq,might get elected as the new Vizier now that their Uncle Nizam is dead. Farooq, although a famous warrior and excellent teacher, possessed a secret addiction that nearly drove him to madness. Garsiv does not want Farooq as the Vizier. The task falls on Dastan to convince the King. But Dastan promptly forgets this duty. Instead of attending the banquet of the King's announcement of the wedding date, Dastan is out in the city celebrating with his friends.