Disclaimer: I don't own anything KoH related; movie rights belong to 20th Century Fox and the great Sir Ridley Scott. Although I wish I owned Balian!
Ch. 5: We the People
(Sibylla Pov)
A while later, that same morning, Sibylla awoke in her bed with Balian standing over her. Her wound had healed quite a bit overnight. The church bells tolled midday as she yawned and opened her eyes.
"Balian, what are you doing standing over me?" He smiled and reverently touched my face, his fingers lightly brushing over my bandage.
"I was up a long time ago; I didn't want to disturb you. You look so peaceful when you sleep, like an angel." Smiling, I slowly sat up and hugged him. "How do you feel?" he concernedly asked.
"I feel much better, actually. The throbbing in my head is gone; my wrists are fine as long as no one touches the bruises. I'm ready to leave my bed now."
"Alright, but let me help you at first." He held out his hand, and grasping it, I stepped out of bed with grace. Letting go, I walked around my room with no problems. "I guess the healer was right; you only needed a good night's sleep to recover." He smiled faintly. "I'm so glad that Guy didn't cause any lasting damage." Wanting to change the subject, I asked him what he did the day before when I was sleeping. He told me about his meeting with my brother, Tiberias, and the hospitaler.
"…So today, I'm going out into the city incognito to mingle with the people. I want to get a feel for what life is life for the ordinary citizen – being informed about this will help me to make the right decisions when I'm king," he finished.
"Ooh, can I go with you?" He frowned at me. "You'd better not, you're still recovering. I wouldn't want something else to happen to you."
"I understand," I told him. "But you must promise to tell me what all transpired when you return.
"Of course, my love." We kissed passionately, and he departed, wearing a tattered brown cloak over a pair of tan breeches and a comfortable white shirt. As soon as he left, I darted over to my closet and pulled out a plain, old black dress. If Balian thinks that I'm going to be left behind, then he doesn't know me that well yet, I thought with amusement as I yanked the dress over my head. Pulling on simple shoes and a cloak, I raced down the marble staircases, through the foyer, and out the doors. Luckily, Balian hadn't gone too far; I could pick out his form not to far ahead in the dusty street.
In all of my years, I'd never been allowed to roam the streets without an escort so I reveled in the absolute freedom. Keeping up with Balian, I soon came upon the marketplace. So many different tongues spoke here. The air lingered with mixed scents of incense, seafood, and camel dung. Shoppers heckled with the merchants, trying to reduce the price of what ever goods they wished to buy. Endless stalls lined the streets. The list of goods ranged from fresh fruit to brightly colored cloth to gold jewelry. I couldn't help noticing two homely templars arguing over whether or not to buy some beets. One of them grabbed a plum from their sack and stuffed it in the other's mouth, effectively silencing him. I had to stifle a laugh – I didn't want to draw attention to myself.
Jostling my way through the crowd, I glimpsed Balian enter a side street. Curious, I followed him, but at a distance. I saw what had captured his attention. A young girl was being violated by two young knights – one was kissing her on the lips and the other was fondling her chest. She was struggling to get free but to no avail. I hid behind some crates and watched with anticipation.
Balian grabbed one and sent him flying. The other knight released the girl and unsheathed his sword.
"I must ask you to leave her alone, or you'll have to fight me," Balian threatened.
"This peasant thinks he can beat the both of us!" one knight crowed to the other.
Balian warned them again. "If you go now, I shall allow you to leave unscathed." The knights laughed and prepared to fight. I inwardly smiled – if only they knew who they were dealing with! The fight was over in no time. I could tell that my love had barely broken a sweat. One knight was rolling in the dust clutching his twisted ankle. The other was nursing a small arm wound; it was deep enough to leave a scar, but not deep enough that he'd be in mortal danger.
"You should be ashamed of your actions today," Balian told them. "Your oath says to protect the helpless, and you did the opposite. This behavior disgusts me."
"How do you know of the knights' oath?" one moaned.
"My father was a knight. And believe me, he was ten times the man that you are." Balian turned to the girl who could be no older than sixteen. "Are you alright miss?"
"Yes, thank you, I…" she paused, truly seeing her rescuer for the first time. Her eyes widened as she looked up at Balian. I knew that look; I wore it too the first time I met him. Smiling weakly, she became lost in his beautiful dark eyes. "I am most…most grateful," she stammered. "Not many would risk their lives for a girl." Balian looked shocked.
"But isn't that one of the knights' duties?" She laughed bitterly. "Maybe in principle. But women screaming for help are usually ignored. Muslim women have it even worse." Balian's face hardened.
"That should change. No one should suffer needlessly." The girl stared dreamily up at Balian.
"Are you married?" I knew now was the time to show myself.
"Yes he is; I'm his wife Sarah." I sauntered over to the two, and grinned mischievously at Balian, who barely concealed his shock at seeing me. "I'm so glad that my Bartholomew saved you from those horrible men. What is your name, dear?" Balian glared at me over the girl's head. Apparently he didn't think that was a tolerable choice of names.
"I'm Catherine," she told us, shyly.
"Please let us walk you home," I insisted.
"If you do, you must stay for lunch. Please?" she begged.
"We'd love to," agreed Balian, smiling at the girl. When she blushed, I elbowed Balian in the ribs.
"Stop flirting with her, she's enamored with you enough." He held up his hands in protest.
"I was just being friendly." I shook my head, smiling as Catherine led the way to her home. Balian had slipped his arm around my waist and therefore it was a pleasant trip.
Catherine's mother served some hot soup with bread in their quaint little home. Her father, brother, and their Muslim neighbors also shared the meal. The conversation went from our occupations (I said that I was a servant of the princess and that he was a stable hand) to the shaky peace. Then, the father told the group about the latest castle gossip.
"I heard today that Guy, the princess' husband has been banished, which means he will never inherit the crown."
"That's wonderful!" exclaimed the mother. "He is a power-hungry man; our city might've fallen under his rule. But now that he's gone, who's in line for the crown?"
"The Baron of Ibelin, I believe." The Muslim man continued, "He is the princess' lover and the one that she'll most likely name king." He took a swig of water and added, "He would make a good one, the tenants on his land enjoy working under him. In fact, some have said that he sometimes works the land with them!"
"Yes but a man like that would have no experience with politics. Are you sure he'd make a wise king?" Balian asked, nervously.
"Of course, that is exactly what this city needs – someone who is not concerned with politics, but has the best interests of the people at heart," said the father. Everyone nodded their agreement. Balian looked a tiny bit happier. As soon as we finished eating, I stood up and announced, "That was a wonderful meal, but I'm afraid my husband and I need to be returning to the palace."
"Yes, thank you for your excellent food and hospitality," Balian echoed. He gave Catherine a hug and she positively beamed at him. As soon as we'd walked far enough to be out of ear shot, Balian exploded, "Bartholomew the stable hand!" I doubled over from laughing so hard.
"We couldn't tell them who we were so I made up our identities," I told him, still chuckling. Your name just happened to be one of the funniest ones." Balian groaned in mock-hurt.
"And what are you even doing out here? What happened to Catherine could've happened to you! What if I hadn't been there to protect you?"
"Don't worry Balian, I always had you in my sights," I assured him. "I'm just not one to sit back while others get to have all the fun. If you'd just let me come with you in the first place…"
"You're right. Next time I will take you with me, since you will follow regardless," he finished.
"Exactly." With that put behind us, we strolled around the city hand in hand, just enjoying being together.
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The templar James stealthily made his way into the palace to complete his mission. I must succeed, he thought, for facing the wrath of Guy and Reynald would be a fate almost worse than death. Clutching a small piece of paper and a bag, he made his way into Sibylla's room. After making sure the princess wasn't present, he grabbed a bunch of pillows and arranged them under the bed covers. Then, he spilled the contents of the bag under the covers also and laid the paper upon the pillow. Now all I can do, he reassured himself, is wait.
…………………………………………………………………………………………...
(Sibylla PoV)
We returned from our day in the city and the first thing I wanted to do was shower. Balian and I had agreed to meet downstairs for dinner and I wanted to look at least somewhat presentable. I headed back towards my chambers, but a templar stopped me before I was halfway there.
"It's your brother; he's taken a turn for the worse!" He panted, pointing towards the corridor that I'd just walked through. "He's in his room!"
"Thank you!" I yelled over my shoulder. My stomach plummeted as I sprinted to his bedroom. This can't be happening, not so soon, I rationalized. I just saw him yesterday; we were talking with Balian and he was fine! Bursting through the door, I was greeted with the sight of Tiberias and the hospitaler playing chess while my brother watched.
"Hello, sister! What brings you here?" Baldwin greeted me.
"You…you're not ill?" I whispered, hardly daring to believe it. He chuckled.
"I'm no worse than I was yesterday. Why?"
"A templar told me to check on you, he said you'd taken a turn for the worse!"
"But why would he lie?" Baldwin asked, with confusion in his voice.
"Perhaps he wanted to keep you away from something…or someone," the hospitaler guessed. "Where were you headed before he stopped you?"
"I was going to my room to change for dinner," I replied. Tiberias inquired,
"With whom did you spend the day?"
"I went out exploring the city with Balian and we…" My voice trailed off. "You don't think that he's in danger?" I didn't wait for an answer, but just took off down the hall towards my chambers. A ways back, the three men followed after me. Before I turned the last corner, I heard the cacophony of clashing swords. I then saw my Balian fighting bravely against the templar who'd lied to me earlier. When Balian's right leg gave out, I gasped as he hit the floor. The templar grinned in triumph, but as he brought his sword down for the final blow, I shrieked, "Noooooooooooo!" But even when he was down, Balian was too quick for the other man. He rolled to the side to miss the swing, and then slashed his opponent's leg. The knight fell with an agonizing scream, and I rushed to Balian while Tiberias detained the traitor.
"Who do you work for?" Tiberias angrily questioned him.
The knight snarled, "I will never tell." After refusing to cooperate, the knight was escorted to the dungeons for a good, long stay.
"Balian! Are you hurt?" I asked, dreading the answer. "What happened?" I knew there was something horribly wrong; if he was feeling normally, Balian could've easily beaten that knight.
"I was…bitten. On my leg by a snake." He showed me the two puncture wounds and I desperately called for a healer. The hospitaler rushed over.
"I know how to suck out the poison. Let me try." I nodded.
"Balian, how did this happen?"
"Oh Sibylla, I'm so sorry," he cried, handing me a note. It read, 'My dearest Balian, please come to my chambers before dinner. I have a wonderful surprise for you! All my love, Sibylla.'
"I didn't write this!" I adamantly told him.
"I know that now. But I thought you did; I found it lying on my pillow. I went to your room and saw what I thought was you under the covers. I pulled up the blankets and…," he paused for breath, "five snakes sprang at me. I was able to kill them all, but one managed to bite me before it was all over. And then when I left my room I was attacked by that knight. The poison must've begun to take affect since fight properly." I gathered him in my arms and whispered, "You're going to be fine. We'll be married soon," I sniffed, "and then you will be king and we'll raise a large family." I kissed his forehead and held his hand, willing him to live. He seemed to be battling to stay conscious.
"Sibylla I…" his voice faltered, "…love you." His eyes closed and I wept openly.
"Balian, no…" I whispered. "You must wake up, I cannot live without you." The hospitaler patted my arm gently.
"I've helped him as much as I could. He is only unconscious; there is a chance that he may pull though. All we can do is pray."
That night I cried myself to sleep, for Balian's absence in my bed was unbearable.
End Ch. 5