9
Chapter Three: Faith of a Father
Dastan awoke to the sun creeping up the palace walls instantly bringing warmth to the air. The young prince smiled at the morning and for a moment, was seeing the world without the Sands of Time getting into his eyes. The sweet silence of the waking morning sang in his ears. He drank it in, savoring the peace. However, all too soon, the peace left him as his mind was filled of all the Alamut soldiers that were slaughtered and the families now without husbands, fathers and sons. The warmth of the sun seeped through his tanned skin, but it still was not enough to melt away the chill of his dream that slowly over took his conscience mind. Somehow, he needed to undo his uncle's actions that were unable to be erased.
"Do you know what I was told the moment I stepped out of my chambers?" a sudden voice drifted up.
Dastan looked down to find where this distraction came from and saw his best friend sticking his curly black haired head out of the window below. "And what was that, Bis?" he shouted down with a smirk. He knew that he had a witty remark saved for questions such as this, but his mind was unable to find it fast enough.
"'Prince Dastan is on the roof again. Get him down'!"
Dastan laughed. He couldn't help it. The statement took the edge off the chill. "Fifteen years and they're still not used to this!" he gestured to the rooftop around him.
Bis smirked. "Well, I'm pretty sure that you are the first royal family member to climb all over the palace in the history of the Persian Empire. Now get down before you break your neck and I lose mine!"
In a quick and seamless motion, Dastan jumped off the ledge, grabbed onto a decorative trim molding as he fell, and used gravity's momentum to swing himself through the window, landing safely on his feet with ease. He glanced back up at the window realizing he had left the pitcher of wine on the ledge.
"King Sharaman wants you and your brothers to meet him in the throne room before morning meal," Bis informed Dastan making him forget about the beverage.
Dastan shrugged off his rob, tossed it to his friend. "My father; did he inform you as to why?" He moved deeper into his chambers to get appropriately dressed for the day.
"No my Lord," Bis said playing his role of servant, but quickly dropped the formality since it was just the two of them. "But would it make any difference?" He placed the robe neatly folded on the bed and noticed the Prince's duel scimitars on the floor. He bent over and picked them up with curiosity to the odd placement.
"Very much so," Dastan emerged from behind his changing divider acting serious. However his blue eyes betrayed him as they were full of mischief. "How would I know what color tunic I should wear?"
Bis just scoffed as he set the weapons on the table, "Oh, yes Sire, such a hard decision you have. Your white shirt with sand and dust stains on them or the one with wine stains. Let us not forget your sash with blood stains or the one with wine and food stains."
"See, that is two different outfits that I must choose from," Dastan pointed out as the two friends left the room.
"And how does you knowing why the King called for your audience, help you make that decision?" Bis asked in all mock seriousness.
"If it is the King that is calling for me, then the dust shirt and blood sash will be more suited, for most likely we will be sent off to battle. But if it is my father calling, then it will be a more joyful event-"
"So, the wine stains are more suited."
"See Bis, you're getting the idea." The young prince gave the man a slap on the back. "However, if you were so inclined to do a better job of making sure my garments were properly cleaned, I would not be faced with such a complicated matter."
"There is not enough water in the Empire to get your clothes cleaner than they are."
"Then get me some new ones."
Bis let out a laugh of disbelief at his statement. "You have a dozen pristine garments that you have never worn!"
"And your point being?" Dastan asked with a smirk.
"That I should switch jobs with Roham."
The laugher of longtime friends echoed down the halls of the Persian Palace. And the banter from brothers bounced off the columns of the vast room that led to the King's throne. However, as they came out of the forest of 100 columns, the two men instantly sobered up. Seated on his mighty throne was King Sharaman with only his two birth sons standing in his presence. Well, Tus stood still, Garsiv on the other hand paced impatiently. No one else was in the room, not even the King's personal guards, which was a rare thing especially after the treason.
"I'll see you later," Bis quietly whispered before leaving the royal family.
The freedom he had felt a moment before, dissolved as he crossed the room. "Good morning, Father." Dastan bowed slightly, showing his respects.
"Did you get enough sleep, my Son?" he asked.
Dastan hid his surprise as his eyes darted over to his two older brothers. However, Sharaman noticed the reaction. "Is it that strange for a father to ask his son such a simple question?"
"No, Father, it's just-"
"Your brothers did not say anything." The King clarified. "When half of the palace is woken up by screams from a prince's chambers, word quickly spreads."
"They were only dreams, Father," Dastan said quickly hoping that the matter be dropped and the real reason for this family meeting to be addressed. 'Please let it not be...
"Your brothers tell me, that in those dreams, we all were killed." The king gestured to himself and his two offspring.
Dastan swore inward, shooting a look of annoyance at his brothers. "It was nothing more than the aftermath of Nizam's betrayed that caused it," Dastan explained with a hint of desperation hidden within him. He just couldn't tell them the truth and really wished that they would all leave it alone.
"My brother's actions will always haunt me for the rest of my days," his father agreed. "I pray that the bond between the three of you stays strong, for that is the sword that defends this Empire."
Dastan briefly looked away from his father, hearing words that was once said in the other timeline was unsettling.
"You do not need to fear this Father," Tus assured, "if anything, this grave mistake has brought the three of us closer."
"However," Garsiv spoke up. "There is the issue of how Dastan came to the knowledge of Uncle's betrayal that needs to be answered." He said with his usual fire as he turned to face Dastan and spoke directly at him. "A secret like that should not be kept from family. And I've waited long enough."
Blue eyes darted back and forth between the members of his adoptive family, panic slowly taking over any sense of reasoning. His mind was going into overdrive with different scenarios. If he did not tell his family what really happened, would they think that he should not be trusted? That maybe he was somehow behind it all? How would he convince them otherwise? He remembered all too clearly, on how quickly Garsiv accused him of killing their father.
Dastan's gaze rested on Garsiv, instead of seeing a face that held determination, he saw the blind furry and an axe with hatred behind each swing. "Then god will pardon you, after your head rolls."
"Leave me alone with your brother," the King said to Tus and Garsiv upon seeing his youngest eyes widen with worry. The Crown Prince obeyed without question, while Garsiv hesitated briefly before he stalked out. They both had really wanted to hear the answer.
"Sit, and tell me what happened," Sharaman motioned to the pillows surrounding the throne, his voice soft.
Dastan slightly obeyed, not meeting his father's gaze afraid to see eyes filled with betrayal. "Why?" his father's dying breath echoed in his mind.
"Well now, will you tell me what happened at Alamut?"
"I do not want to lie to you Father, but I cannot tell you the truth." Dastan said outright still not looking up.
A sigh filled the chamber. "Dastan that is not an answer that will satisfy the Council or your brothers. Why do you feel that you cannot explain how you found out Nizam's true intent?" Sharaman spoke softly, trying to gently ease Dastan to open up.
"Because it is not my right to tell," Dastan nearly mumbled.
That was a strange answer. "Whose right is it then?"
"Alamut's High Priestess," Dastan's numbed voice answered.
"Princess Tamina?" The King couldn't hide the surprised. From Tus' report, the only time the young Prince met the Princess was after the confrontation. Dastan nodded his head slightly.
The two men sat there for a moment. For Sharaman, this wasn't where he thought this conversation would lead him, but for Dastan, he just hoped he was doing the right thing. Dastan finally looked up and locked eyes with his father and only saw compassion.
"You must believe me Father, when I say that, there are things in this world that cannot be understood, and should not be known to men. I knew in my heart that we should have never attacked Alamut. Yet, I consented and chose to lead a sneak attack to try to reduce losses on both sides. I know the battle was quick and there was no way for me to come upon the information in that short of time, but I did, and I knew it was true with every fiber in my being. I had to stop what I knew to be wrong, no matter who was ordering it. And I was afraid of what might happen if I did not act upon my feelings."
King Sharaman reached down and cupped his hands on either side of his son's face. "A great man would have acted as you did. I saw that greatness in the market place fifteen years ago, and I am proud at the man you have become. There is no doubt that the gods have given you wisdom, and must have had a hand in unveiling Nizam's plans to you. And if the spy is never to be found, Nizam's attack on you would have been enough proof of your claims towards him."
Sharaman let go of Dastan's face and smiled softly at his youngest son. "You do not need to worry about your brothers. I will speak to them about this, so you would not feel pressured with Garsiv's need for detailed answers."
Dastan let out a small laugh. Sharaman knew his son's all too well, "Thank you Father, for your unceasing understanding."
"I told your brother Tus, that a true king considers the advice of counsel, but always listens to his own heart. That holds true to both you and Garsiv as well."
"Yes, Father," Dastan nodded his head in agreement as if he had never heard those words before.
"Do you know why I brought you into my family?"
Dastan shook his head side to side smirking back a smile, even though he heard many different reasons why, Dastan would be lying if he said that he grown tired of hearing the answer. And after the days he had, the Young Prince wanted to hear the words once again.
"I saw a heart that was open and acted on it. A boy that helped others without thought of his own self. Tus and Garsiv needed that in their lives. With your unselfish love, it brought the three of you closer. A king cannot stand by himself alone, he will be quickly overpowered. A king with one brother, they can defend against their enemies. But as you saw with Nizam, the bond was not as strong as I thought. But three, three that stand together will be nearly impossible to break. The way you and your brothers hold each other up, I can see that when Tus wears the crown, this Empire will have their greatest rein ever."
"Let's hope that Tus does not get the crown for many years." Dastan prayed.
King Sharaman smiled at his son, and his heart was filled with pride and love for the young man. "Well now, let's say we join your brothers for the morning meal," he said as he stood up.
Dastan followed suit, but as he looked at his father, he could not stop himself from wrapping his arms around the King. "I love you, Father," Dastan whispered softly.
Sharaman was slightly stunned at the sudden embrace, but quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around his son. "I love you too, Dastan."
"Father," Dastan spoke when they released their embrace, "before we go, there is something that I need to ask from you."
Immediately following the morning meal, Dastan headed down to the royal stables. Rather than having the servants ready his horse, Dastan sent one of the men up to his room to gather a few items while he went to get his steed, Naseen. Not nearly as famous as Garsiv's horse Aksh, Naseen was Dastan's favorite stallion and no one dared to ride him but the young prince. And one of the things that the prince had learned from Garsiv was the joy of getting a horse ready for a journey.
"Where are you planning on going?" a voice spoke up.
Dastan looked up from fastening the saddle to see his older brother staring down at him. "I am heading to Alamut," Dastan replied as he continued getting his horse ready.
"I hope you are not planning on going alone." When Tus got no response, the Crown Prince let out a sigh. "I know you forget that you are a prince sometimes, but now more than ever you should not travel alone. Take your small company along with you."
"If you are worried about the Hassansins…"
"No, I am more worried about Kosh. He might see Nizam's betrayal as a sign of weakness and attack."
"I won't take the main roads then, I'll just cut through the Valley of the Slaves," Dastan said with a smirk. But Tus did not find that amusing.
A servant interrupted the two brothers as he handed Dastan his duel swords and pack that Tus could only guess held some clothes. "Please, for once, follow this order, Brother."
Dastan let out a sigh, "very well."
"If I find out that you left alone, you will leave me no choice but to tell Garsiv that you left on one of his prize horses and let him chase you down. Am I clear?"
Dastan felt slight panic wash over him at Tus' threat. He knew all too well the feeling of Garsiv hunting him down without second thought of killing him. "I will take Bis and Roham with me," Dastan bargained, never again would he want to be chased by Garsiv.
"I said, your whole company, Dastan," Tus spoke without any intent of giving in.
But Dastan was determined that bringing along his company of thirty-five men was overkill. "You said no such thing, just not to travel alone. Bis and Roham is enough."
"Fifteen."
"Five," Dastan held his ground. "I take five men, or I'll tell Malakeh about that time you and her sister, Delkash-"
"Alright, you win." Tus raised his hands to stop Dastan from speaking any further. "Take your five men and leave."
Tus left Dastan, who had a grin of victory on his face, wondering why his younger brother couldn't just do as he was told which would make the Crown Prince's life a lot easier. However, it did seem that the Princess of Alamut was a handful in of herself, and maybe once married, Dastan would understand how his older brothers felt about his own independence. That thought alone put a smirk on the Tus' face.
It was much later than Dastan wanted, but finally he rode out of Nasaf with five of his trusted men. Bis and Roham road on either side of their Prince, with Habib, Rashid, and Karim right behind. They had about a seven day ride to Alamut, but with only five men all on horses, and without the whole Persian army behind them, they could make it in less time. When dusk came, they stopped to eat and let their horses rest. However, the moon was big, bright and they had plenty of energy still in them, so they continued on through the night, cutting another day out from their travel. Fewer nights was something Dastan wanted nothing more, for it gave him less chances of falling victim to his nightmares and showing weakness to his men, even though they were his closest friends.