Oh my goodness, apologies for how long it took to write this chapter. There's no excuse really apart from real life getting in the way and lack of inspiration. With that being said my muse is now back and I give you this, I hope you all enjoy it.
*/*/*
Aged Ten
"Now place your hand above the wound and press" Saffiya did as her father instructed and watched as he finished tending to his patient. He smiled across the table at her before saying
"Let go" Saffiya raised her hand and her father smiled warmly at the man.
There, it should heal soon. If not, come and find me" The man bowed and left. Ishak began to place his instruments back into his bag, Saffiya watching silently, waiting for any further instructions. Her father looked up to her and chuckled.
"Calm yourself, you did well, my little bird" Saffiya smiled and bowed her head
"Thank you father" The room was silent before a shout was heard across the house
"Saffiya" Ishak turned to the sound of the voice before looking back at his daughter. He gestured with his head and said quietly
"Go to your mother. Before I'm in trouble for teaching you this" Saffiya adjusted her hijab before walking swiftly out of the room. She met her mother halfway and watched as her mother tutted and readjusted her hijab.
"You need to remember to present yourself properly, Saffiya. Men will not buy your hand if you do not present yourself well" Saffiya bowed her head and kept her eyes on the floor. It was not the first time that she had heard this and wouldn't be the last. Aisha watched her daughter for a second before sighing softly.
"Go and play. Find Djaq and keep him company"
"Yes mother" Saffiya slowly walked past Aisha, she turned a corner and watched as her mother took her fathers' arm and talked quietly with him.
*/*/*
Saffiya turned a corner in the grounds and stopped as she turned the corner and saw her brother, brandishing a sword in his hand.
"That's father's sword. Where did you get it?" Djaq dropped the sword at her voice before scooping it back up and pushing her away slightly.
"Not now Saffiya. Go somewhere else" He turned his back to her before he heard
"I can tell father that you have his sword" He turned back to see her smirking slightly at him, hands on her hips.
"Fine, Stay but be quiet" Saffiya sat down and watched for a while whilst Djaq waved around the sword, attacking a tree repeatedly before she spoke again.
"Why did you take father's sword?" Djaq looked over at Saffiya before replying
"I need to practice"
"But what for?" He sat down next to her, placing the sword in front of them.
"The men at the market say that a war is coming. That a king from a faraway place is coming to take over and kill our king" Saffiya was silent for a second before asking
"Can I join?" Djaq laughed and replied
"No, you have to stay here. Mother told you what you have to do" Saffiya stood up, placing her hands on her hips and said stubbornly
"I don't want to get married and have children. I want to help father fix people and I want to help you fight" Djaq shook his head, stood up and picked up the sword.
"You can't. Come on, I'm hungry. Let's take something from the kitchen" Saffiya smiled back before following her brother.
