Disclaimer: I don't own anything KoH related; movie rights belong to 20th Century Fox and the great Sir Ridley Scott. Balian, believe it or not, is still not mine. But I won't give up trying!
Nevasaiel: Yes, isn't Balian the sweetest when he's worried about her! He's got a 'saving-people' thing, and it could prove to be disastrous… Thanks for reviewing so many times, I really enjoy reading your feedback. Good job, you got the Star Wars reference! Bonus points for you
RedCloudPhoenix: Only for you would I AIM the entire chapter in little bits and pieces. ;)
ImmortalWizardPirateElfFan: Yeah he should've been more suspicious, but he thought they were banished awhile ago. I'm glad you liked it!
Jellemegg: Sibylla is certainly not a damsel in distress. Sure she has her emotional moments, but don't we all? Your verdict on Saladin should be revealed soon!
Ch. 11: The Choice
(Balian PoV)
The templars and I made good time crossing the desert so I could meet Saladin at sunset. The dark, misshapen figure of Kerak Castle loomed in the distance as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Two figures rode towards us and I ordered the templars to flank me while I met them. Approaching the men on horseback, I wondered why I felt uneasy. All I have to do is make them release Sibylla under terms that shall profit them. Like that's going to be easy. I wondered what caused them to commit this unforgivable act in the first place.
"No," I whispered, as I recognized the men before me. "It's not possible." Guy de Lusignan and his partner in crime Reynald snickered.
"But here we stand." Guy looked very pleased with himself, like someone who has been keeping a secret for a long time, and finally able to share it.
"You were banished by the king; how did you escape!" I thundered. Reynald waved off-handedly, and Guy spoke rather maliciously,
"That does not concern you. Now come along to the castle like a good boy, and we can discuss how you shall surrender Jerusalem to my rule."
"I will never surrender the city to you! Guards, seize them!" I cried.
"Oh poor, trustworthy Balian," Reynald mocked. "You have no idea, do you?" Far from following my orders, the templars detained me instead.
"What are you doing!" I yelled, struggling against the ropes that bound my hands. "Untie me at once!"
"You see, Balian, these fine men are to be given land and titles once I am king. The least they could do was help eradicate a menace like you," said Guy pointedly. "Now, come quietly and I shall let you visit your wife. To be honest, she hasn't been feeling too well today."
"Sibylla! What have you done with her?" I yelled, my clenched fists shaking. "If someone has harmed her, I swear that they shall die a slow and painful death." Guy and Reynald yawned, apparently unfazed by my threat.
"We haven't done a thing; in fact I believe her condition is your doing." The two nobles glanced at each other and sniggered.
"What do you mean? Explain yourselves!" But my questions went unheeded. Worried about Sibylla, I acquiesced to their demands and rode into Kerak. Never again will I ride a horse with my hands tied. They led me into a spacious room and offered me a chair. I was told that Sibylla would enter any moment.
(Sibylla PoV)
Earlier that morning…
Jolted out of sleep by sharp abdominal pains, I paused to allow my eyes to adjust to the dark. Oh no, I can't be getting sick! Not here! During my short stay, I'd been treated extremely well for a prisoner. I'd been given enough food and drink so I did not become malnourished. Last night I'd eaten bread, cheese, some goat meat as well as some fruit. I presumed Guy was trying to woo me back into his bed with the gesture I felt full after the meal, but I didn't think that I had ingested too much.
Suddenly I had the urge to vomit. Grabbing the chamber pot, I threw up the contents of last night's dinner. Wiping my mouth on my sleeve, I sank back into my bed of straw. My legs were shaking and I began to shiver uncontrollably. What is wrong with me? Somebody, anybody please come down and check on me.
After awhile, my stomach began to ache again. When I went to throw up again, I had nothing to show for it except dry heaves. These came in waves, my innards could not seem to settle down. Please God, make it stop! It seemed like eternity before one of Guy's lackeys came with my breakfast.
"On your feet, woman! My master wishes your presence upstairs." I tried to stand, but in my weakened condition, I failed miserably, sitting back down.
"Sir, I am ill. Please, could you ask Lord de Lusignan to call a physician for me?" His face hardened, and he opened the cell door and stepped inside.
"Insolent bitch!" The force of his stinging slap sent me back into my makeshift bed. Curling up into a ball, I instinctively braced myself for the next hit. But it never came.
"Christ," he swore. "It smells like hell!" He noticed the chamber pot, and quickly exited the cell. "I'll find you a physician, but only because my lord would have my hide if you died on me." My body relaxed in relief as he left. Surprisingly, it didn't take too long for the doctor to arrive.
The kindly old man gave me a drink to soothe my stomach so I'd stop heaving. He was now trying to decide why I'd gotten sick.
"Now you don't think your food was poisoned?" I shook my head.
"They would have no reason to poison me, they need me alive." The doctor thought for a moment and sighed.
"Miss, I hate to ask you such a personal question, but how long has it been since your last monthly bleeding?" I thought for a moment.
"Over a month and a half ago. You don't think…" my voice trailed off to a whisper.
"I'm afraid so miss," the physician said. "You're pregnant, and having morning sickness." This isn't happening. Not now, while I'm in Guy's clutches. Not when Balian isn't beside me to here the news.
"Oh my," I gasped in terror. I was thrilled of course, but I was more worried for the baby's safety to enjoy the happy news. "Please, don't tell Guy about this! Please!" I begged him. But already the doctor was shaking his head.
"I have to miss, I'm sorry. He'll ask what was wrong, and if I lie, I shall be put to death once you begin to show." Sobbing, I put my head in my hands. The man patted my head comfortingly and headed up the stairs. Oh Balian, through our love we have created a new human being. Our child. I'm so afraid, my love. What if Guy wants to hurt the baby and I cannot stop him! What if he succeeds in his trap? Exhausted by my thoughts, I fell into a dreamless slumber once more.
(Balian PoV)
It looked like my situation was hopeless. Here I was, held prisoner by the two most ruthless knights of all Christendom. My hands were still bound, and my weapon had been stolen from me. I was completely at their mercy.
Suddenly the door opened and my wife was roughly shoved inside. "Sibylla!" I leapt out of my chair and into her waiting arms. We passionately kissed and I nuzzled her soft cheek. "Are you alright my love?" I asked. "They said you weren't feeling well."
"I'm fine, now that you are here." But she didn't quite meet my eye when she answered. "Oh Balian, you fool, did you just rush out here thinking you could rescue me alone!" she said, half exasperated.
"Well, not exactly; my templars turned against me. You know I couldn't just sit idly by while you were abducted. Who knows what they might have done to you!" She rested her head on my shoulder.
"Balian, my sweet love. Promise that you'll never give him Jerusalem."
"I won't," I told her firmly. We kissed again, until two knights yanked us apart. Although she tried to hide it, I notice the fear in her eyes after we were parted. With new resolve, I commanded,
"Let her go!" Guy smiled at me and spoke.
"Certainly. All you have to do is write a letter to Jerusalem saying that you are unable to serve and that you pass the kingship over to me."
"No. I won't do it. You will abuse your power, and kill the peace that has lasted for over one hundred years!" He shrugged as if to say 'no big deal'.
"I won't deny it. As we speak, Reynald is leading the templars in an attack on an unarmed Muslim caravan. Oh, and get this," he grinned evilly. "It includes Saladin's sister. He'll want his revenge in no time."
"You're despicable!" Sibylla cried. "You'll let thousands of men die, just do you can have your glory?"
"That's part of it," he admitted. "But the real fun begins once I become king. Reynald, the templars, and I will control the city. I'll enjoy collecting high taxes from the common folk, while rewarding the nobles who support me with land. My army shall be invincible, we shall conquer many of the Muslim provinces. And, I shall revel in luxury and wealth for the rest of my days." He looked at me, a triumphant smile on his face.
"You really have no soul; I hope you rot in hell," I snarled. Guy ignored me.
"Oh Balian, there is something you should know about your wife, something she was too afraid to tell you herself." Sibylla looked down at the floor. "She's pregnant. And who knows, maybe it's not even yours," he finished, mocking her.
"Sibylla, is this true?" I asked her, my voice shaking. Our eyes locked and she nodded.
"Balian, I promise you were the only one…"
"I know sweetheart," I reassured her. I'm going to be a father! The woman I love is carrying our child! But this is no ideal place for Sibylla to be during her pregnancy. I must protect them both from Guy… I broke into a smile, putting on a brave front for her sake. "This is wonderful news!" Wanting to comfort her, I struggled valiantly against my captor but to no avail. "Release me! Let me go to her!" Guy looked as if he'd seen enough of this spectacle.
"My patience wears thin, Balian of Ibelin. I will give you once last chance. Either you give me the rights to be king, or she dies."
"Balian, don't give in to him! He cannot be king," my wife said.
"Sibylla, no! I can't let him kill you and our child," I protested.
"You have your duty, and I have mine," she told me, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"I know I promised Baldwin that I'd never surrender the city, but…"
"Choose!" growled Guy. "I haven't got all day." If I let Guy become king, then countless lives will be lost, just in the war alone. Who knows how many shall die under his reign of terror?
"I love you, I'll always love you," I told her, finally breaking down. The logic of the knight's oath prevails; I can't let my people be slaughtered by a tyrant. My shoulders sagged in defeat."I…I won't surrender Jerusalem."
"As you wish," Guy snarled, angered that I hadn't given in. He motioned to a templar who forced Sibylla to her knees. We gazed at each other one last time. She wore a look of acceptance, and love for me. No! She dropped her head and squeezed her eyes shut.The templar stood and brought his sword up, ready to execute my soulmate. Oh God, what have I done!
End. Ch. 11
Sniff sniff! It was so sad writing that last part! wipes tears
Don't forget to review!