AN:

In this chapter I've used the current currency of Israel, as I have no clue what currency was used there in 12th century. Also I have no idea about the exchange rate of this currency, so...just throwing in some numbers I found suitable.

Phrases written in bold; Arabic

Phrases written in italics; thoughts, memories, quotes

For about a week they traveled on the road toward Messina, stopping each night for Sofia and hospitaler to take care of Godfrey's injury. But during days they were always on the move, and luckily for them did not come across almost anyone on their path. This fact relieved the men very much, as even they hadn't quite gotten accustomed to take it normal for a Saracen to travel with them, woman more less.

Of course they did not despise Sofia and had learnt to know her as a good companion. And a kind one for that matter. One day they had passed a poor family walking by the road and without much of a thought Sofia had removed all her jewerly, handing them to the family saying she had no need for them anymore. It was of course true, but the act itself was that made the men admire her nature, though said nothing of it out loud. But still Sofia did not part from her mother's cross, which still hung around her neck under the tunic.

Anyhow the more closer they came to Messina, the more worried the men's mind grew. There was no way to hide Sofia from the eyes of the crusaders they would meet at their destination. Sofia stood out from the more ragged travelers in her bright royal robes, riding as majestic horse, even if she would have given up her jewerly. And she would have to stay that way, because the road they had taken didn't have any towns for her to have new clothes.

About two days before the city of Messina, they reached the Pilgrim camp which all of the crusaders used as a place for rest before the final part of the journey. It was early morning and the coldness of the winter left behind still tingled in the travelers limbs as they rode forward, seeing the countless figures with their supplies at the start of the camp.

Sofia had veiled herself again, partly because of a custom, but the men had thought it to be the best to hide her appearance. And they had thought that maybe if the men in the camp saw a woman dressed into expensive clothes and who covered her face, they would take her as someone important and leave her alone without approaching her. But still the group would not leave Sofia alone. This could be dangerous, not only to her but to them as well if any of these men realized she was a Saracen, which though was highly possible. Then if that happened, the men didn't know would they be able to protect her from possible fanatics amongst these hundreds of crusaders.

"You'll be safe. Just make sure some of us is with you at all times. And do not remove your veil or speak, even if necessary", Godfrey said to Sofia, leaning a bit toward her even his companions had noticed it to have become harder for him to ride. Sofia nodded, looking around.

"And do not treat me as better than you while we are here. It would be odd for a noblewoman like you to act humbly against a mere man as myself", Godfrey then still warned. Sofia nodded once more.

"I understand", she said quietly, then glancing around a bit again. But then a man's voice reached into their ears.

"To kill an infidel is not murder, the Pope has said. It is the path to heaven", it said with broken English, the group now seeing a priest on a rock which stood beside the path they would soon ride past. He gazed at the people walking by him, until then turned his gaze toward the approaching men. He smiled brightly.

"To kill an infidel is not murder, the Pope has said. It is the path to heaven", he repeated, following the passing group with his eyes who looked rather irritated, not showing any clear agreeance on their faces except for Balian who only glared at the priest as passed him.

But then the priest's eyes hit on Sofia's veiled form on the white mare and his smile vanished. Sofia stopped beside him, staring at him under her veil with those all telling eyes, clear shade of contempt in them. They stared at each other for a brief moment, the priest forming conclusions in his head and was about to talk, when a hand took a hold of Sa'ida's reins and Balian pulled Sofia's horse forward to follow the others.

"You weren't supposed to be alone", Balian whispered, looking forward seriously. Sofia then made slight amused smile and glanced at him.

"You heard him. You could earn a straight way to heaven by just killing a heretic. By killing me you could get to your God when you die. Does it not lure you, my lord? Such opportunity for you, who seek salvation from Holy Land…?" Sofia questioned. Balian tensed, looking down momentarily.

"I have sinned enough", he answered, then lifting his eyes. "Killing you would not save me. But condemn me into irreversible damnation, which none of my tries to erase my sins would spear me. Then not even God could save me."

Sofia thought a moment as examined this younger man than the others in this group she had traveled with for a couple of weeks now. She then smiled behind the veil.

"You have a good heart, my lord", she stated. "Your God will see it and take it under consideration when deciding your place after death. So do not fear for your sins. You will be offered a chance to redeem your offenses. Either by God or someone else."

Sofia then encouraged her horse forward, but Balian directed a surprised look after her. Sofia had turned out to be very quiet character during this time they had traveled, quite like Balian considered himself to be. But when she spoke she spoke the truth. And sense. But even he realized the reasoning in her words, still he couldn't get rid of the quilt still gnawing at his heart. He had done wrong. He had done sin. And he was responsible of his wife's sins as well…

"Killing an infidel is not murder, the Pope has said. It is the path to heaven!" Balian heard the priest shout out one more time, him looking after the travelers who had ridden a bit farther away from him. Balian turned his head back irritated, but continued riding forward now himself.

They rode along the path leading through the wide area, which was full of tents and other resting places for hundreds of pilgrims and crusaders. Balian jumped down from his horse along the sergeant and hospitaler, but Godfrey and Sofia stayed on the saddle as the older crusader was injured and Sofia had to keep up the impression of a honored noble.

They reached the end of the small hill they had arrived to. And as Sofia let her eyes wander, she now saw a man, a crusader notice their group with his own gaze from distance away. Sofia examined the man in turn and realized him to be someone of importance concluding by his cloak, which had a fur trimming, and the number of men surrounding him.

The man stood, gazing at the approaching group a thoughtful look on his face as they passed him as well, the man's eyes following that one unfamiliar man at the head of the group. He did not know this man and it made him suspicious. But then his eyes then found Sofia and there was even greater surprise displayed on his face. He was surprised to see a woman, of high status by the looks of it, travel with a group of mere crusaders which were none of any remarkable importance. But the woman did not even glance at him as passed him, following the men.

Godfrey's group found themselves a spot to arrange a camp. And after their small tents had been put up, hospitaler opened the bandage Sofia had changed for Godfrey last evening. His face turned a bit worried by the look of the ulcer, but said nothing as then put some water in thto bowl and started to once again clean the wound.

Sofia had seated beside them, following hospitaler's actions as Balian had knelt beside the fireplace to prepare a sleeping berth for himself. But as Godfrey's eyes then flickered up from his side, Sofia also turned her eyes and saw that same man, the crusader who had followed their arrival, walk toward the tent rather derisive look on his face.

The hospitaler also looked behind him and frowned slightly due to the sight of the man he obviously recognized, Balian standing up as he stopped right in front of the tent. The man then thought a moment until turned, directing as well scornful look at Balian while pointed at him.

"Who is this?" he asked, examining Balian from head to toe like he was a worthless dog from the streets.

"My son", Godfrey stated simply. Sofia saw that the man was surprised as returned Balian's serious stare. But as the man then turned to look at Godfrey he smiled amused.

"Would I had fought you when you were still capable of making bastards", he said, laughing a little as eyed at Godfrey still nothing but in a degrading manner.

Sofia lifted her jaw as stared at this arrogant man quite sharply, even her eyes appeared calm. Balian looked at the man his gaze full of suppressed irritation which he didn't even try to conceal, but Godfrey only answered to the man's jeer with a bored look.

"I knew your mother when she was making hers", he retorted, Sofia's eyes glancing at him as Godfrey then sent a remarkable look to the man. "Fortunately, you're too old to be mine."

The man was still smiling, but Sofia could detect annoyance in his being, though he hid it behind another chuckle. He was nodding.

"All will be settled", he stated. But then feeling Sofia's gaze on him he turned his eyes to the veiled woman he had noticed earlier, seeing her to be now sitting next to Godfrey. The man looked again thoughtful until dared to step inside the tent, a hint of smile now playing on his lips.

"And who is this?" he inquired, his tone now completely changed, colored by clear attraction. He gazed at Sofia, who only answered his stare calmly, not showing anything in her eyes. The man smiled, offering his hand to take hers.

"I am Guy de Lusignan", he declared to Sofia, saying it with such a smug voice that it made Balian wrinkle his forehead for greater irritation.

No one noticed it, but Sofia now actually jolted due to the mention of this man's name she had never met either, her feeling experiencing a sudden shock as Guy then leant lower, closer to her face, still smiling.

"Would I be obliged to know your name, my lady?" he asked, clearly trying to charm Sofia by his evident status radiating from him. "And perhaps see what is hidden under this veil in addition to these eyes?"

Guy stared at this what appeared to be a beautiful young woman by those strong captivating eyes showing behind the veil. But she did not answer, just stared back at him looking as proud as a noblewoman would and lifted her hand. But instead of removing the veil and showing him her most probably as beautiful face, and then land it on his palm for him to give it a kiss, she put on her hood and dropped her gaze, starting to stare forward and ignoring him without a response. Guy couldn't believe it and it was true that he was shocked by this woman's reaction.

"She is too important to let you see her face", Godfrey then cut in, Guy turning around to look at him slight bewilderment on his face. Godfrey was smiling slightly. "You are not worthy to address her as she has let you understand. Now, if you please would leave us. We have a long journey ahead and wish to rest."

Sofia detected anger in Guy's eyes. But he then straightened, saying nothing in response. And nodding to her he then left, his men following him. Balian turned to send irritated look after him, but then returned his eyes back to Sofia briefly. He saw her eyes wander around a bit, nervously and she sighed, making Balian frown. Why had she gasped after hearing that man's name?

Sofia stared down, fallen into her thoughts. It couldn't be. It just couldn't be that of all men, she had to meet with that one! She couldn't believe it, and wished she never had to remove her veil in front of him. She sighed again quietly, thinking that no one noticed.

"Are you alright Sofia?" Godfrey's voice then asked and she gasped again as his hand landed on hers. She only smiled.

"Yes. I am alright. Thank you, my lord", she answered.

"What did we agree? You are so important person here that even Guy de Lusignan cannot address you! So I am not your lord here", Godfrey corrected, turning mischievous. "But you handled that quite well. I am sure he hasn't gotten used to be turned down by women after hearing his name. In such a silent manner even."

The men laughed a bit, Sofia smiling. She shook her head.

"I do not even know him", she said, directing a sharp look toward the said man's camp. "Besides he disgusts me. I can see that there's nothing good in his heart, if he even has one. So I know he wouldn't be capable of loving me or any other woman for that matter."

Balian felt suspicious. Sofia did not know that man? But then why did she seem to despise him so much? He could see there was something in her eyes which told of something deeper than dislike.

Sofia then stood up and walked out of the tent, stopping a couple of steps away from Balian to just examine their surroundings. Balian directed a look toward her though, then stepping next to her.

"My father told me your story", he started. He couldn't see Sofia's lips curve up into a smile of course, but could detect it through her eyes. She was amused.

"I wonder what kind of story he told you, my lord, as only I am capable of knowing what has happened to me", she answered.

"He told me the same everyone else have learnt", Balian stated simply. Sofia looked at him.

"And you wish to know more?"

Balian didn't answer at first. But after thinking a moment he looked at Sofia. "My father told me you are the youngest of five daughters and three sons", Balian started. "And that crusaders were accused of your kidnapping, almost inflicting a war ten years ago", he continued. "The peace with Saladin has always been unstable and your kidnapping and supposed murder was probably meant to start a war, make the possibility of peace impossible to ever achieve."

Sofia was silent for a brief moment. She saw flashes of distant memories, herself standing at the courtyard of her father's palace when a hand was pressed on her mouth. The ball she was throwing to the family dog dropped and her older sister Nura (light) started to scream, taking a hold of her but was shoved away, one of the kidnappers slashing at her with a blade. Sofia saw her sister's blood on the ground as the hand holding the weapon grabbed her and lifted her up, Sofia hearing herself scream for help as the men took her, her dog barking, the men running toward the entrance they had sneaked in from…

"The men who kidnapped me weren't crusaders", she revealed, blinking out of her remembrance. "They were only disguised men traders, who wanted to raise the beliefs of the peace being compromised by unsatisfied Templars, who broke into the palace of the king Saladin, and after wounding her other daughter and killing countless guards escaped the youngest daughter with them. The war would've been started and the said act of war would've caused such commotion that my kidnapping would not have been considered as any different. That was what those men wanted. But thank Allah that it never happened. The true war…If you can say that as the battles are endless in Jerusalem."

Balian looked at Sofia and saw her gaze up to the cloudy sky. Her eyes were thoughtful, but somehow sad at the same time. Longing maybe? No wonder. She was taken away from her family and home when she was only a child and forced to live such horrible life to survive…

The atmosphere was cut by Godfrey's loud moan of pain. Both Balian and Sofia turned around as hospitaler then waved at the young woman.

"Come Sofia, I am in need of your assistance", he said and Sofia nodded, gathering her robes and hurried over to the older crusader.

"Can you do something about this?" hospitaler asked, glancing from Sofia at the wound. Sofia examined it seriously, eventually frowning.

"I have one way. But it won't necessarily bring any results. It works only in very rare occasions and has healed a man only two times as far as I know", she answered, about to stand up to retrieve her pouch as so many times before, but was surprised by seeing it then stick out next to her shoulder. Sofia looked up to see Balian.

"Here", he said. Sofia pulled her veil down and nodded smiling, taking the pouch.

"Thank you my lord."

Balian returned to his place beside the fire, again he and sergeant watching as hospitaler and Sofia treated Godfrey. Once again Sofia was doing something the men had never seen, but they had learnt to trust her that much to know she would do everything to help the man who had taken her under his protection.

Balian looked into the fireplace. He felt worry grow every day within him due to his father's state. At first it had looked like Sofia's extraordinary treatment would've healed him very well, but recently Godfrey had started to show signs of weakening. And not only Balian noticed this and worried.

As said two days later the group arrived to Messina, Italy, where they would then sail to Jerusalem when the time would come. The city was as well full of priests of different religions, preaching either against the bloodshed done at Holy Land as an offense against God, or speaking in the same manner as the priest at the Pilgrim camp. As a way to reach heaven's gates. And like the camp, as well the city of Messina was swarming with soldiers, all either on their way to Holy Land or on their way back from there.

Sofia rode in middle of the men, them keeping even better eye on her now when they had entered the city's gates. Here if anywhere it would be dangerous for anyone to realize she was a Saracen. There were of course other Muslims living in this city, but she would be in a immediate danger of dying if any crusader here saw her face while she was alone.

Godfrey had turned worse during the last day, even though both Sofia and hospitaler had done their best to treat him. And now he was laying on a wagon, unable to ride on his own as so weak he was. Balian was riding behind him, from time to time eyeing at his father warily. But then all of a sudden Sofia stopped her horse and leapt down, handing the reins to Balian and climbed onto the wagon as well, sitting next to Godfrey who had started to look even more feverish. Questionable Balian followed as she opened the bandage once more, frowning slightly.

"We must get him somewhere to rest. His wound cannot take any more travel either on horseback or wagon", Sofia said, looking up to hospitaler until turned her attention back to the man's side, touching it lightly. Godfrey twitched, letting out a moan.

"There is a house used for healing nearby", hospitaler answered. "We are on our way there."

Sofia nodded, then looking at Balian, extending her hand. "My lord, would you hand me my bag?" she questioned, Balian stretching backwards to grab the same pouch from Sa'ida's saddle. After receiving it Sofia took out yet another herb, then lifting the older man's head.

"Eat this, my lord. It will make you feel easier", she said gently, placing the small leaf of dried plant over Godfrey's lips and he let her place it in his mouth. He ate it, and after swallowing he soon truly started to feel better. His mind was clearer from the fever.

"Thank you my child", he said. Sofia smiled behind the veil. "Maybe these smelling herbs of yours aren't that bad after all. Except for the smell, which could make anyone die."

Balian made half a smile as glanced at his father. Sofia placed her hand on Godfrey's.

"You've been good to me and I wish you will heal soon", she said sincerely, but looked then amused. "But if you are able to make jokes like this, my lord, I can suspect you to be perfectly fine in no time."

Godfrey let out a weak laugh, looking up. "I hope so my Sofia. I hope so…"

They continued for a bit longer until the wagon stopped at the end of the road they had been following for a quite while, reaching the house which was mostly used to heal the soldiers returned from Holy Land or other infected with diseases. It was very large as to be able to take in many people at the same time.

Godfrey was quickly lifted on a palanquin and carried through the corridors to a free bed to be treated. The house had a open ceiling at the middle, leaving the small yard under the sky as the corridor rounded it in a shape of a square, entrances into different rooms puncturing the stone walls from time to time, stairs leading down to the yard and lower stories at some places.

Godfrey's company were given a room each, where they left their belongings. And after refreshed by washing the dirt of many days off themselves, they met each other at the yard about an hour later.

"My lord, would you accompany me?" Sofia asked and bowed slightly to the sergeant, who looked at her suddenly confused.

"What do you mean Sofia? Accompany you where?" he inquired , glancing at the others who were as clueless, until realization were seen on their faces when Sofia explained the nature of her request.

"I am sorry to bother you my lord, but you said I was not to leave on the streets on my own", Sofia said. "And now has come the time for me to try to seek new clothes to myself. I cannot move outside in these ones anymore, as it was seen two days ago that I attract too much attention to myself. More than I should."

The three men saw Sofia lift her robe made from that orange silk and they nodded in concur. Sergeant smiled and nodded the second time.

"Of course I will come with you. Worry not", he agreed and Sofia smiled thankfully, now putting on the veil once more. "But where do you intend get the money from?" "Her horse", hospitaler stated. "She said she was to sell her."

"She is a rare breed and from a good bloodline", Sofia said. "She'll give me enough money to buy new clothing and maybe even pay a little to you for you kindness. After all if it hadn't been for you I'd still be traveling as a prisoner."

"No no my dear girl, you need not to pay us for anything!" hospitaler declined for all of them, smiling, patting Sofia's shoulder a little. "You have paid enough by taking such good care of our lord."

Sofia was surprised but she then smiled with her eyes. Balian looked down momentarily as he agreed. It might've simply been Sofia's skills that had kept his father so strong this long.

"My lord Balian, your father is ready to receive you", suddenly a man spoke up from the stairs, waking his and the others' attention.

"Has he asked for me?" Balian questioned, the man servant nodding. Sergeant then cleared his throat.

"Shall we then, my lady?" the Englishman asked and started to walk toward the exit after giving hospitaler a remarkable look. Sofia bowed to Balian and hospitaler slightly, then following the sergeant as Balian went up the stairs. On his way to the room his father had been placed to rest.

"You cannot be serious", sergeant stated incredulous from the horse merchant, staring at the man his eyebrows drawn into a deep frown. He couldn't believe what the man had just said.

He and Sofia had managed to find his shop not far away from the healing house, but the owner had turned out to be a complete crook of a man. Sofia eyed at the merchant behind her veil measuring, as well realizing what kind of a weasel he was, as sergeant stared at the man serious. His eyes poignant. He pointed at Sofia's horse.

"This horse is Arabic and select breed! It is worth at least 1000 shekels more than what you are offering!" sergeant exclaimed.

"I am sorry sir, but a fine horse such as this won't be sold", the merchant answered indifferently, eyeing at Sofia with as great indifference. "This horse has been born to carry noblemen, but all such fine men buy their horses from elsewhere. So as an act of a friend I can buy this horse from you, but will not give any more than offered as it won't bring me anything but trouble after."

"Listen", sergeant said, taking a step forward. "This horse is not one of these mix-blooded hacks you seem to have here to trouble you! Lady Sofia's horse is many times better than any of these so called…"

"Done", Sofia hurried to say and gave the man a remarkable look as stepped forth. "I am ready to settle for 400 shekels."

"Sofia, this horse is over three times that worth…" sergeant tried, but Sofia lifted her hand for him to be quiet and handed the reins to the merchant.

"Good", the man huffed, starting to count the money, sergeant shaking his head by Sofia's side.

The merchant dropped the coins to Sofia's palm, but clearly was reluctant to pay even that amount to a woman, as usually it was men who did business with him. But sergeant observed with his hard stare that the man did not cheat in counting, as well as Sofia's careful gaze followed each coin as they fell into her hand, until the said sum had been paid.

"Thank you", Sofia said and dropped the money into a pouch. She then smiled to her horse and patted her, her letting out a sad neigh. "Now, where we could find a shop to buy clothes?"

"Walk to the end of this road", the merchant answered dryly, absentminded and turned his back to Sofia, who wasn't affected by his rudeness as it was usual, just starting to walk to the instructed direction. Sergeant sighed as was by her side with a couple of strides.

"Sofia, you do realize you just lost a small fortune? That man bought your horse with a price way under her worth", he said. But Sofia only shook her head.

"I am only pleased to have some money of my own. I don't care how much. Just enough that I can buy new clothes to journey to Jerusalem", she replied. Sergeant sighed again but smiled then.

"Very well then, it is your money. You do what you want with it."

They found the clothing shop very soon and entered, this time sergeant doing the shopping. He chose a set of men's clothing, a long tunic and pants under it with a robe to cover her feminine frame, and one simple and easy dress for Sofia to wear before their final journey to Holy Land. Sergeant also bought a set of daggers for Sofia to attach on her waist to increase the illusion of her as a man. Women did not carry weapons.

The merchant of the second shop was kind enough to let Sofia change at the backroom. And after she was finished they returned the same route, eventually finding their way to the harbor. It was full of people and there were ships at the horizon from many European countries, coming or going to Holy Land. And there they saw also Balian, standing in middle of the people and his own sightseeing, until he noticed the arrived sergeant.

Sergeant and Sofia walked toward him through the crowd, the men nodding to each other. But Sofia's attention was then caught by the prayers of her people filling in the air, coming from the shore.

"Where's Sofia?" Balian asked, glancing around in search of her, even she stood just in his sight.

Sergeant smirked. Nodding toward the hooded figure next to Balian who then turned his eyes, gasping as saw indeed a man standing there, but whose face was covered by black scarf, only his eyes visible for Balian to see. But it was the eyes which told him who this man actually was, him recognizing that same wise and lively gaze staring back at him. Balian examined her in awe.

"Sofia?" he asked in doubt, Sofia smiling behind the scarf. But Balian saw the smile in her eyes as always. Sergeant nodded toward her for the second time, folding his arms.

"She looks like a real man, don't you think? It would fool me as long as she doesn't talk", he stated now smiling again, wider due his younger companion's expression.

Balian blinked and directed another examining look at Sofia, now noting the daggers in her belt. Yes… She looked like a man, though now he did recognize the eyes looking around between the crack of the the black fabric.

"You're right", Balian then stated, turning Sofia amused as well by the look on his face.

"This wouldn't be the first time I've had to personate as a man", Sofia revealed, now walking through them toward the ledge where opened a view to the sea. Balian and sergeant followed, stopping next to her on the ledge after walking past countless soldiers leaning against it on the street. And there Sofia indeed saw her people, praying for Allah as shouted their prayers to the air, bowing toward Mecca.

"Who are those men?" Balian asked as eyed at them curiously, squinting his eyes due to the bright sunlight.

"Muslims", sergeant answered nodding, until froze for a moment, glancing at Sofia a bit warily. "Saracens", he added. Balian looked thoughtful.

"And they're allowed their prayers?" he questioned in disbelief. Sergeant looked at him.

"If they pay the tax.".

"Subhena Rabi Alladin", Sofia interjected, the men looking at her until sergeant smiled, turning to Balian.

"Praise be to God. It is proper to praise him", he translated Sofia's words. Balian had a realization.

"Sounds like our prayers", he noted, agreeable expression visible on sergeant's face.

"*We believe in God and in that which has been revealed to us, and in that which was given to the prophets from their Lord. We do not make any distinction between any of them, and to him do we submit", Sofia said then suddenly, surprising the men again. But in her eyes were not smile, but she had turned now rather blue.

"That is said about Christianity and Islam in Koran", Sofia continued now looking down. "10 years ago this was a free land to pray for the desire of a heart, and men weren't taxed for their desire to talk with God…"

The men gave her a slight apologetic look. They understood her point but said nothing, just stared forward. Until then Sofia turned around, walking past the men.

"Where are you going?" Balian asked, but Sofia only gave him a serious look back, lifting the pouch containing the remains of her money.

"To pay my tax", she answered curtly, then vanishing into the commotion of the docks. And soon Balian and sergeant saw her figure appear on the rocks below, them seeing her also kneel and start to pray like she did twice a day.

"Will she be alright by herself?" Balian wondered, glancing at the sergeant who only nodded.

"She looks like a man so she should be alright. Besides she seems kind of dangerous with those daggers. I doubt anyone will want to attack her…"

Sergeant made amused smirk and Balian looked amused himself, glancing down at Sofia. But then sergeant patted his shoulder.

"Come, we must eat!" he urged, then also walking away and leading Balian to some distance away from the harbor, to a place they could sit down to have some decent food.

Balian was sitting at their table waiting, when sergeant then soon came back, dropping three plates before him and gave him amused look after seeing the younger man's reaction. Balian was eyeing at the big crab in front of him suspiciously, never to have seen such strange food before.

"It's good!" sergeant reassured with a knowing expression, and lifting his eyebrow a little Balian said nothing and took the crab. Following' the sergeant's example to crack the crustacean's shell, who unlike Balian seemed to be very accustomed to this kind of sustenance.

"Shouldn't we have taken Sofia with us?" he then asked after a moment. Sergeant shook his head.

"It is time of Ramadan for Muslims", he explained. "She wouldn't eat with us as it is daytime. She is allowed to eat only between sundown and sunrise as long as Ramadan lasts."

Balian looked thoughtful. "How long is that?"

"30 days."

Balian then said nothing more and just continued eating in silence. Until then suddenly someone tapped the table impatiently on Balian's left, demanding his attention with a showy walking stick.

He gave the stick next to his plate a questionable look, until lifted his gaze to see Guy de Lusignan he'd met a couple of days ago. Appeared out of nowhere, staring at him as arrogantly as ever, which caused Balian to simply turn his head away, ignoring the man.

"When the king is dead, Jerusalem will be no place for friends of Muslims, or traitors to Christendom… like your father", Guy said, placing his walking stick now on Balian's chest who still ignored him, taking a sip from his cup. Sergeant looked at Balian but either he didn't react.

"I am Guy de Lusignan. Remember that name", Guy continued, as smugly as was apparently typical for him, then tapping his stick to Balian's jaw as he did nothing to prove to be listening. "And me."

Not much fazed by his blusterous words Balian now grabbed the stick, yanking it from Guy's grip and placed it on the table, continuing his meal. And as expected there was suppressed rage visible at Guy's being, but he still only looked down at Balian indifferently as sergeant instead directed a careful look at him.

"Keep it", Guy stated turning away, starting to walk. But Balian's voice then called out to him just as Sofia walked through the people, freezing momentarily as saw Guy.

"My lord!" Balian's slightly mocking voice exclaimed as he lifted the stick, gazing at it now notably irritated. "How will you ride if you have no stick to beat the horse?"

Balian now finally turned to look at Guy as threw the stick back to him, frowning as well in distaste equaling to Guy's. But then he noticed Sofia's figure standing a bit farther away from Guy, eyeing at the said man somewhat tensely.

Guy said nothing in response as caught the stick. But as he was about to turn away and Balian returned to his food, Sofia stepped out of the wey to give Guy enough space to pass her. Her intention was to walk past him herself unnoticed, but at the same moment someone pushed her accidentally against Guy, him staggering a couple of steps backwards due to the impact.

Sofia tensed and quickly she straightened, giving the man as well a taut look as met Guy's gaze, Balian and sergeant now turning to see them after hearing the voices of surprised people, startled by the occurence. Sofia took a wary step backwards as saw that furious look on Guy's face when he examined her for a brief moment, releasing one angry breath, and before Sofia could dodge he slashed the stick at her face. Causing her to fall on the ground, her companions standing up for fright as Guy only gave her a poisonous look, pointing the stick toward her.

"You thank you heathen God I didn't bring my sword. Because then you would be dead, Saracen, as this is not the Holy Kingdom where our laws protect you and your kin", he spat, then turning, walking away.

Sofia sent a contemptuous look after him until sighed, standing up and placed a hand on her brow. It bled. She sighed again as walked to the table where the men were waiting, following her with their eyes as she then sat next to Balian. He turned toward her.

"Are you alright?" he asked, examining the part of Sofia's visible face, but saw her only close her eyes, them then telling everything she felt at the moment when she opened them again.

"Yes. It isn't my first time to be hit", she said, now digging a piece of saved silk cloth from the pouch and pressed it on the bleeding bruise. "That wasn't the hardest hit I've felt either."

The men exchanged a look, though said nothing. But then sergeant directed a glance toward the place Guy had vanished and looked at Balian seriously, pointing after the man.

"He will be king in Jerusalem one day", he stated. But Balian only looked at him indifferent, continuing to eat.

"If that day comes all my people will die", Sofia said quietly, plain anger on her face. Hate, which was rare to find from her. "I knew it. Ever since I first looked into that man's eyes I knew his soul is as black as hell. And that is where he is going after death."

"Thank the Lord he did not have his sword on him", sergeant breathed, looking at her now. "Then you would've really lost your life."

Balian glanced at Sofia who nodded.

"I know. That man does not hesitate to kill, were it his own brother or a mere woman", she claimed confidently, contempt appearing also into her gentle voice.

"That might be true as well."

The men started to eat again. But then sergeant glanced at Sofia.

"You lost all your money already?" he asked after the short silence, slightly amused again. Sofia gave him one of those all telling looks.

"No. As it seems for my joy that the tax for praying is not very high, though still I do not accept God's mercy to be limited by certain amount of coins."

"So you sold the horse?" Balian questioned. Sergeant lifted his brows.

"We did. But the merchant was a thug for a businessman. He robbed Sofia of over half the price of the horse's true worth."

"How much?" Balian asked.

"400 hundred shekels."

Now also Balian turned to give Sofia astonished look after wrinkling his brows slightly. Sofia sighed, looking at the cloth she was pressing on her brow.

"That'll do just fine. Besides because of my position I should not even be allowed to have much of my own fortune", Sofia answered, giving the men a look until sank into her thoughts, the men seeing her stare to the wide sea.

They could see it from her. She missed her home, Jerusalem, now imagining the land of her childhood, which was awaiting her behind those wild vast waves.

When they returned, a servant was immediately sent for Sofia to come and help Godfrey, whose condition had apparently worsened, as the person who had treated him before. Balian hadn't witnessed surprise on her face due to the news but in fact she had looked like she would've expected this, only nodding to the servant and then going to her room to change into that dress sergeant had bought for her.

Hours she spent in Godfrey's room, and Balian who had at first impatiently waited behind the closed the door to hear news, then finally went to the small yard and sat by the fire. Starting to pray. And there he still sat when finally Sofia came out of his father's room after nightfall, dressed now into the white dress and having a scarf around her head, kneeling on the ledge and starting to pray again herself. This time holding her cross in her hands. After noticing her and watching her from afar Balian could make out the words of the Lord's Prayer from her lips, as it was what he also had been chanting in his mind for the last hours.

Balian was still sitting beside the fire, staring into the flames as kept on praying. Until then sergeant came out of one of the corridors leading deeper into the house, first exchanging a remarkable look with Sofia who stood instantly, until he searched Balian with his gaze. Walking to the edge of the corridor.

"Balian!" he shouted, Balian waking up from his thoughts and looked up, seeing sergeant wave at him. Balian stood as well, putting his wife's cross back around his neck and went to the stairs, climbing to the upper corridor. He walked to the sergeant, exchanging a quick look with Sofia too who gave him small smile. But it was a sad one.

"You must get changed, Balian", sergeant prompted, then leading him toward the corridor. "There are men waiting for you to help you get ready. You must hurry."

"Get ready for what?" Balian asked quizzically, but didn't get an answer as sergeant now walked past him to Sofia, Balian turning a bit to see them converse awhile. Both looking rather blue, them then glancing back at Balian, as he then released a deep sigh. Maybe being able to guess what was it he had to prepare to and left to his room as instructed, him indeed finding two men waiting there. Templars.

Balian himself was changed into a simple white robe. And as he then was led to a room not far from his own, he met Sofia and sergeant at the door. Sofia's eyes didn't this time reveal anything as she then suddenly bowed to him deep, making Balian a bit confused until she then walked away along the corridor, sergeant guiding Balian inside the room without a word, him following.

Sergeant walked past him with quick steps, his features now quite earnest. Balian saw a couple of more Templars stand behind a curtain which hung in middle of the small path leading to the main room, sergeant now peeking through them and then turning to Balian.

"Hurry", he urged, walking through the curtains, Balian still following and passing the Templars in even greater bafflement, who instead now followed after him with slow steps. Balian wasn't sure what was happening. But he gained his answer soon after then sergeant stopped behind the next curtains, turning to him.

"I can go no further", he informed him as seriously, then opening the curtain for Balian to enter.

Balian gave him a questionable look but walked into the main room, now indeed seeing the answer with his own eyes as they focused on his father, sitting very weary looking on a chair in front of an altar which was filled with candles. Hospitaler standing behind him, one more man sitting on Godfrey's right side, third man behind him and one more Templar stood on hospitaler's left side. Balian had a realization as he now understood the sad look of Sofia's she had given him after spending hours by treating Godfrey, apparently for no avail. His father was dying.

"Get on your knees", hospitaler then encouraged him, breaking the silence, taking a couple of small steps forward and nodded toward the spot in front of Balian's father, looking as serious as sergeant had.

Balian obeyed, kneeling in front of his father, eyeing at him until hospitaler and the man on the left side of Godfrey helped him to stand. Balian noticing how bad his condition had developed as he panted, exerting himself to indeed even stand or sit.

Godfrey managed to stay on his own feet and he stared into Balian's eyes, who answered his gaze serene, though sorrow started to gnaw at his heart like the quilt before, it lurching by the sound of his father's wheezing breaths.

"Be without fear in the face of your enemies", Godfrey started, his speech as well coming out striven. "Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath…"

New realization visited Balian's face as he returned his father's gaze. He knew then what it was he really had had to prepare for. Balian listened silent, though not being able to hide his all the time growing awareness of Godfrey's near passing.

He then dropped his eyes as saw Godfrey remove a ring from his finger with shaking hands, then offering it to Balian, who took it without hesitation. But Balian was then taken aback as his father backhanded him across the face, making his head fly to the right, as hospitaler leant back from Godfrey not to get hit in the process.

"And that's so you remember it", Godfrey breathed, now falling on his knees for exhaustion. Reaching the limit of his leftover strength. Balian touched the slapped cheek, until then straightened to see hospitaler give Godfrey's sword to the said man, who was staring at his son again, then giving the sword into Balian's hands who looked at it this time a bit questionable.

"Arise a knight. And baron of Ibelin", hospitaler then proclaimed while looking down at Balian, who glanced at him until gave his father one more serious gaze, standing up with the sword to take upon the just given task his father had given him.

Balian glanced at the other men in the room until then Godfrey whispered something, finally losing the remains of his strength and was about to fall forward. But Balian caught him in time, lifting him up to meet his eyes, worried look within his as they took in the man's tired features. Where Godfrey stared back at him for a moment until placed his hand on Balian's cheek, now serious himself.

"Defend the king", Godfrey said with low voice. "If the king is no more, protect the people…"

Balian frowned slightly as stared at Godfrey, him taking a break until then continued, gentleness in his eyes.

"Take care of Sofia", he urged, surprising Balian a bit. "She is the true daughter of Saladin… And she can be our way to reach peace within Jerusalem between Saladin and our King. Take her to her home with you and protect her as well. But even if you would set her free, she would serve you on her own will. Even for a Saracen, she has a good heart to counter it…"

Godfrey then staggered a bit, trying hard to say what was in his mind as Balian frowned even deeper. Godfrey moved his exhausted eyes back to his.

"Had I only been 30 years younger… she would've been the kind of woman I could've loved", he said now smiling a little, half to himself, until turned serious once more. "She now serves you and is your responsibility... Take her home…"

Godfrey's hand then dropped from Balian's cheek and he gazed down, weary, huffing as hospitaler took a hold of his shoulders.

"It is time now, my lord, to confess to holy God, not your son", he urged in turn, meeting Balian's gaze momentarily. Godfrey's eyes full of emotion remained at his son.

"Are you sorry for all your sins?" hospitaler questioned.

"For all but one", Godfrey answered, wheezing, Balian looking back at him until then felt a sting in his chest as the only father he had ever had and who he had known only for weeks died, his eyes closing and head falling against the hospitaler with a long sigh, letting out his last breath.

Hospitaler looked up to the other men and started to chant a prayer, some oil being poured into his hand as he drew a cross on Godfrey's forehead, Balian following this with a severe look, squeezing the sword in his hands. The Templars at the background bowed their heads and sergeant directed a sad look through the curtain at his late lord. But Balian's forehead then smoothed and he looked up at the cross above the altar, just as Sofia finished her last prayer outside at the corridor, looking to the sky.

"…Welcome him into your Presence, so the he may enjoy eternal light and peace and be raised up in glory with all you Saints. Amen."

Balian stopped on his tracks as he heard the end of Sofia's prayer, hearing her now sigh and bow her head in respect. Even though he was filled with grief due to the death of the man who after all had been his father, still he then felt slight joy to see this girl, this Saracen pray for his father in such honorable manner. It made Balian think that maybe his father had been right at his last moments of living. About this girl's good heart of a Saracen..

Balian now stopped behind Sofia and she gasped, turning her head to look at him. She wrinkled her forehead slightly for compassion, until then stood, facing Balian a serious expression on her face. Kneeling in front of him, but in respect she now expressed to Balian, to her new lord.

"My lord", she started, bowing so deep that her forehead touched the stonefloor. "I pledge my servitude to you, new baron of Ibelin, my lord, and shall fulfill my oath made to your father now under your commandment. I am your humble servant", Sofia finished sincerely.

Balian was surprised by this, though this was indeed what his father had said to him just before his death. But still he felt hesitation because of Sofia's such deep devotion to the vow she'd made, as he did not want to make anyone his slave like had made it clear some time ago. But Sofia was doing this on her own free will. Just like Godfrey had said.

"I do not wish to become your captor", Balian answered. "My father, your lord is dead. You are now free."

Sofia smiled. "Not as long as I have a lord to serve", she stated the truth looking up to Balian, now sitting up. "I am simply offering you my servitude as it is. I have no other place to go, than to follow my lord to wherever he goes."

Balian stared at Sofia confused for a moment, until then let out a sigh, looking down to the yard. Until then responded.

"I accept", he gave in, meeting Sofia's eyes. She smiled, bowing again.

"Thank you my lord."

"My father told me to take you with me", Balian then continued, serious, Sofia's now surprised eyes meeting his gaze again. Balian's soon droping to the floor. "Within the last breaths he took he asked me to take you home. That is the only reason I agree to let you serve me. You are not my slave, Sofia."

Sofia was touched as she thought about the older crusader who had shown unseen kindness toward her this past month after rescuing her, even though she was a Saracen, the enemy he and his men fought against at Holy Land. But sweet smile rose on her lips then as she realized how kindhearted Godfrey had been, talking of her during his last moments in this world, worrying over a young woman he hardly knew. And what also made Sofia smile was that she saw Balian, his son, to be deep down just like his father.

"Thank you, my lord", Sofia repeated, now letting her gratitude show.

Balian nodded, not saying anything or even looking at the woman. But was then surprised by her when she extended her hand toward him.

"Let me see your hand my lord", she prompted. And Balian did, Sofia opening the bandage like many times before, examining the wound.

"Thank Allah. The burn has nearly healed so this won't take much energy after hours of treatment I've done today", Sofia remarked delighted, half to herself, sighing in the end. She was tired as well. But not letting it hinder herself started to work.

"Thank you", Balian then suddenly said in turn, Sofia looking up to him questionable.

"What for my lord?" she asked back. Balian kept a break.

"For taking care of him", he answered, his voice more silent. Sad. Sofia looked woeful for a moment herself.

"Only that it wasn't enough to save him, my lord", she noted, then silencing. Either Balian said nothing, but just stared up to the sky, looking at the moon which had risen full that night.

Name translations: Nura (light)

*=shortened quote from Koran