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!
My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of the London terrorist attacks. I hope that those responsible will be caught and will receive their due punishment.
A/N: Just to clarify, in the movie the man escorted Balian to Jerusalem, his name is Nasir. Remember, Balian killed his servant because he wanted Balian's horse, and Balian had a chance to kill Nasir but he let him live instead? For those of you who haven't seen KoH, all you need to know is that Balian and Nasir have met before and are what I call friendly aquaintences. And so what if in the movie they didn't exchange names? In my fic they did. So there. :D
Nevasaiel: Yeah, I'm glad you liked the rescue scenario…because realistically, they couldn't have made it out on their own. And I'm glad that I wrote what you thought Tiberias would do.
Smithy: I'm going as fast as I can:D But for some reason, this chapter seemed to flow out of me, and was easier to write than most.
Lady Excalibur: 'Hate Guy, love Balian' this is becoming a trend, lol.
Morier Blackleaf: Yay, you read it! I'm glad you found it interesting, even if it is het, haha! Since this is the only KoH fic you've read, saying mine is the best is like saying 'You're my favorite niece when you only have one niece.' Still, I'll take what ever compliments I can get!
Ch. 14: Negotiations
(Balian PoV)
The massive Muslim army settled on our land was an ominous sight indeed. Countless tents littered the desert, blocking our path into the city. The Saracens seemed to be gearing up for battle by polishing their gleaming swords, putting on their protective armor, and readying the catapults and siege towers. Even from our distance we could feel the tension, the fevered excitement in the air as the soldiers praised Allah, hoping He would guide them to victory.
"Balian, what are we going to do!" my wife asked. "There is no way we can sneak past them, someone would spot us easily."
"No, we can't sneak past them," I agreed. "I believe that our best chance of survival is if we show ourselves, and ask to be taken to Saladin himself." Michael stared at me as if I'd just converted to Islam.
"What are you insane? Turn ourselves in to the enemy?"
"Don't worry, Michael," Tiberias spoke up quickly. "I think I know what he has in mind. Do you wish to bargain with Saladin, in order to give us safe passage into Jerusalem?"
"Yes, something along those line." But what do we have to bargain with? I don't have control over the kingdom anymore. "At least that should buy us some time." Sibylla spoke up.
"We have no other choice. I can assure you that once Saladin recognizes me, we shall not be harmed. He has long respected my brother, and besides, we were not the ones that initiated the attack." She looked at Michael pointedly, hoping he would see the logic in our plan. He threw up his hands in defense.
"Alright, this is our best option – let's give it a try," he acquiesced. "I can see the main tent over to the left there, let's move towards it and try to get as close as we can." We nodded and spurred our horses into action, riding towards the Muslim leaders' tent.
"Halt! Who are you!" A Muslim guard spoke with a heavy accent as he pointed his sword at us warily. His eyes narrowed and brow furrowed, he called for others to help him deal with us. Hell, I'd be confused too if I saw four of the enemy ride carelessly into my camp. "What are you doing in the middle of our camp? You cannot think that the four of you can fight our entire army." The guard and his companions chortled at our presence. Sibylla was not amused.
"I am the Queen of Jerusalem, and I request an immediate audience with your leader, Saladin. Will you take us too him?" This only made them guffaw harder.
"You expect us to believe that the Queen would go parading around in that?" The guard pointed at her dirty tattered dress, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. Sibylla looked back us; the desperation was evident in her emerald eyes.
"What is all this about?" Another Muslim came on the scene, only he sported an elaborate, fresh set of armor. He must hold a high ranking in the army. The guard gestured towards Sibylla.
"She claims to be the Queen of Jerusalem, my lord." The man's face was void of expression as he looked my wife over. Then he glanced at Tiberias, Michael, and then his gaze fell on me. His eyes widened in shock as he did a double take.
"Balian? Is that you?" I recognized the man just as he said my name.
"Nasir! It is good to see you," I answered. "You couldn't have come at a better time. This is my lovely wife Sibylla, my advisor Tiberias, and my friend Michael." The Muslim greeted them warmly as they exchanged pleasantries. But then he turned back to me and frowned slightly.
"But if she really is Queen Sibylla, that would make you…" he trailed off, gaping at me.
"…The king," I finished. "Yes, it's true."
"I had heard the queen had remarried, but I didn't know that her husband was you! Well, my friend, congratulations!" I put my arm around Sibylla and we exchanged a quick look of mutual affection.
"Thank you, I am lucky to have her." Nasir was looking at me strangely.
"But if you are the king, then what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside the walls, defending your city?" I sighed, running my fingers threw my unkempt hair.
"It's a long story, and it involves Sibylla's traitorous ex-husband. I was lured out of the city, and those heathen templars took charge. Believe me, I didn't send those men to kill your people and Saladin's sister. I don't want a war!" Nasir's expression became grim.
"Well, I know that. But, nonetheless, we have a full scale war on our hands. If you had arrived yesterday, perhaps we could've stopped it before it began. Sibylla gasped,
"You mean there's already been fighting?" Nasir nodded gloomily.
"I'm afraid so. Yesterday we had a brief skirmish – in all actuality it was closer to a massacre. Your knights were almost completely wiped out. The retreat sounded long after the situation was hopeless; whoever is leading them has terrible knowledge of war tactics. Instead of defending the city from behind its sturdy walls, your leader ordered a battalion of fifty thousand men to go outside and fight against our army of hundred thousands."
"Damn that Guy de Lusignan!" Tiberias swore. "All he cares about is finding glory for himself. He isn't concerned about how many soldiers perish, just as long as he looks good. I can just see him, rambling on about how God wills it for the Christians to go to war, and the men going along with him because they don't know any better."
"So you see why it is imperative that we speak with Saladin before anymore blood is shed?" I asked him in earnest.
"Absolutely. I shall speak with him right now." We followed him, escorted by guards of course, to the edge of Saladin's tent, where we were instructed to wait until further notice. Nasir gave me an encouraging look before he disappeared behind the tent's flaps. Soon he emerged, and gestured towards the tent.
"Saladin will see you now." I turned to my wife, who returned my soft gaze of unspoken fear and love. We both knew that this was our only chance to save Jerusalem, and our unborn child. I had no time to be nervous. Although I'd never had any diplomatic training, I was determined to find a solution that would suit our needs as well as Saladin's. Our negotiations could not fail; our lives depended on them. I know I can do this, I must. Without a word, we entered the tent.
A tall, imposing man stood before us, his arms folded across his chest. He proudly wore ornate golden chain mail, looking every inch a leader. As he appraised us, I studied his face. Dark crow's feet led to cold brown eyes of a man who has seen too many battles, bore too many responsibilities. So this was the legendary Saladin. I could see why the Muslims regarded him with respect, and even feared him at times. He gestured for us to sit down, and we did so gratefully. I sensed his curiosity and a hint of impatience as we had apparently interrupted a last minute pre-battle conference, by the looks of other high ranking officials standing off to one side.
"Queen Sibylla, I had not the opportunity to offer my condolences as to the death of your brother," the Muslim leader spoke easily. "King Baldwin shall be remembered in high esteem for his just and peaceful rule."
"Thank you," my wife answered quietly. She's been through so much in such a short time: her brother's sudden death, being kidnapped during my coronation by the man that she feared most, learning of her pregnancy and dealing with its side effects. Yet she is still as strong as ever.
"Now then, tell me how you all came to be in this position; Nasir has told me it has to do with Guy de Lusignan?" I explained how Guy and Reynald had lured me into their trap using Sibylla as bait, and how we'd been rescued with the aid of Tiberias and Michael.
"…So you see, I had nothing to do with your sister's death, nor the killings of your people. Guy and Reynald have gained control of the city – they've convinced the Christian fanatics that warring against you is the will of God." Stroking his beard, Saladin contemplated my words and nodded intently.
"I believe you, King Balian, I really do. But my orders are to retake Jerusalem – I cannot call off the battle now. There could be nothing worse for the Muslim population of Jerusalem than to allow Guy and Reynald rule unchecked. As their protector, I cannot allow my people to be mistreated or killed any longer by those Christian fanatics." The great leader locked eyes with my own. "Can you understand my position?"
"Yes," I exhaled slowly. "I only wish a less violent solution was possible." Saladin gave me a regretful but firm look.
"I will grant you, your wife, and your two men safe passage from the city. You have my word; you shall not be harmed by my soldiers. I am truly sorry. Now, if you will excuse me…" He turned back to his war officials. Sibylla refused to give up so quickly.
"Saladin!" she cried. "I won't give you my brother's kingdom…" Tiberias cut her off.
"Sibylla, we have no choice. Now, be reasonable and let's go before he changes his mind." My wife ignored his words of caution and ploughed on.
"I realize you want to protect your people, but once you have power over the city, the Christians will be mistreated by your military, regardless of your orders for peace. This destructive cycle of revenge will continue between our two religions for centuries unless a permanent solution is found." Saladin's face hardened and he gave her a patronizing look.
"Then what do you suggest?" She glanced at me and quietly murmured, "Ibelin…Balian, do you think it is possible the city could be run in the same fashion as Ibelin?" My wife is brilliant…if only I can convince Saladin to go for this. I grinned at her in awe.
"That would be the ideal solution." Then I raised my voice so that all in the tent could hear. "There has never been complete peace in Jerusalem in all of its history under Christian or Muslim rule. But we have the opportunity to change all that. I am willing to give half of the city to the Muslims if they agree not to fight our army. Let's say, I shall give the West side to Saladin, and I shall govern the East side, with all the holy places carefully guarded in the middle. With two rulers, we should be able to keep the fanatics on both sides in check, thus keeping the hostility between each religion to a minimum. What say you?" I held my breath in anticipation as Saladin conferred with Nasir and the other men. When they were finished speaking, a small smile crept onto Saladin's otherwise weary face.
"You know, young Balian, you are wise. Your vision for a new, peaceful Jerusalem is one I believe we can achieve in due time. However there is one flaw in this plan - you no longer command the Christian army. If you can prove to me that you have their loyalty, then you shall have my consent."
"Good." I slowly exhaled in relief. "We must send word immediately to Guy that I'm waiting for him right outside the gates. Tell him that I demand that he returns the kingship to me."
"But he will just ignore the request," Nasir interjected. "From what I hear of this man, he doesn't seem to be the type who will surrender his kingdom just because its rightful ruler has returned. What can we say that shall convince him want to come and meet you?" I knew there was only one thing that would ever compel Guy de Lusignan to leave the safety behind the gates once he knew that I was within his grasp. And Sibylla would never allow me to go through with it…but it was our only hope.
"Michael, would please escort my wife outside the tent for a moment? I have some serious matters to discuss with our newfound allies." Sibylla first gaped at me in shock which then turned to fury. She marched right in front of me, putting her hands on her hips.
"Why I can't stay to find out how you are going to lure Guy from behind his walls? Am I too delicate to hear just what your plans are, or are you afraid I will disapprove of them?" Why is she being so difficult?
"Sibylla," I said through clenched teeth, "I do not need your approval for what I am about to do, nor do I need to hear your concerns on a matter such as this. You will leave us." She stared at me for an instant, clearly hurt by what I'd said, and then looked away. Michael offered his arm to her, and she took it, walking out of the tent without a backwards glance.
"Women," said Nasir, giving me a sympathetic pat on the shoulder. "They think they know everything. Even a Queen should know her place when her husband issues a command." I didn't say anything in response. Tiberias cleared his throat again.
"Well, I know what will make Guy come out," I told Saladin and his men. "Send word to him that I will fight him for the right of the kingship. After his terrible loss in battle yesterday, he will want to somehow redeem himself in the eyes of the people and the templars. Beating me in combat would show his audience that he is indeed a formidable fighter and their trust in him will be restored. Not to mention, he has personal motives he has to kill me; that I can assure you." After they pressed me for details, I told them how in Guy's eyes that I'd stolen his wife.
"Ah, then you are correct, he will want to settle his vengeance with you, especially since you've escaped his clutches," Nasir agreed. "I would be angry if Sibylla had been my wife and you had 'stolen' her from me. She is a very beautiful woman, although spirited at times. It seems she is difficult for you to control, no?" I did not know how to reply to that, but Tiberias thankfully saved me the trouble from doing so.
"I think it is best for me to accompany the messenger to the gates, as I feel any more Muslim deaths would inhibit our plans. Is that alright with you, Balian?"
"Of course…they wouldn't dare fire upon you. Bring back Guy's answer as soon as you can." My military advisor assured me he would be return before the evening meal. I watched Tiberias and the messenger left the tent, mounted their rides, and headed for the city.
"Nasir, show Balian where he and his wife shall be spending the night."
"Yes, my lord," he answered, bowing to Saladin. Nasir walked me to the edge of camp, where a fresh tent had been erected for our purposes. Before he left I told him how grateful I was to him for his influence on Saladin's decision. He shook his head.
"It was not just my words that convinced him that your plan was worthy…it was your character. Saladin would not share a kingdom with just any ruler, my friend." I entered the tent to find a steaming Sibylla.
"Don't think you can talk to me that way, Balian!" she yelled shrilly. "You had no right to send me away like that…I have just as much say in our plans as anyone. You reduced me to nothing, in front of all those men. I've never been so embarrassed in my life!"
"You were embarrassed? What about me!" I said, exasperated. "I was almost the laughingstock of those Muslims…they are accustomed to their wives being obedient! You almost lost me all of the small respect that I had in that room."
"So that's it? Now you think you are better than me…that you are more intelligent than me?"
"No…" I muttered.
"Then why did you send me away, if not to exert your power over me?"
"Because I knew you wouldn't approve of my plan…" I mumbled.
"You don't know that, I'm a very open minded person Balian," she reminded me.
"D'you want to know what I'm doing to lure Guy outside the walls? Fine, I'll tell you. I've challenged him to a swordfight for the rule of the city. There, I've said it." I waited for the protests to begin.
"What!" she shrieked. "Balian! No, you can't – I won't let you! Your wounds are halfway healed yet. It's too dangerous; I can't believe that you thought that…"
"See?" I interrupted. "I knew you'd disapprove, which is why I sent you outside. This was the only way, Sibylla, whether you like it or not."
"No…" she said slowly. "We should've discussed this before you pledged yourself to fighting Guy. You could die out there, Balian!"
"I am willing to take that risk," I told her firmly.
"Do not fight," she pleaded with me. "You are still hurt from the torture, which will slow you down. Don't be so overconfident in your abilities."
"I am not overconfident!" I defended myself, indignantly. "Look, I'm not fighting him to prove that I'm better skilled, I'm fighting to save a kingdom. To save Jerusalem's people, your brother's people. I promised Baldwin that on his deathbed, and by God, that's what I'm going to do."
"And what's going to happen to me and our child if you die out there? Did you think of that possibility?" I didn't answer her. "You hurt me very deeply today, Balian." She looked at me with a pained expression. "I never knew you could treat me with such disrespect; that I am worth so little in your eyes."
"Sibylla, I didn't mean…" I protested, moving towards her.
"Get out; just leave me alone!" She cried as she turned her glistening eyes away from me. Taking her advice, I stormed out of the tent. A few moments later, I heard her sobbing inside. What had I done wrong? I try to save our kingdom and I end up in my first fight with my wife. Good job, Balian. I felt terrible – I suppose that I shouldn't have been so harsh with her, but I thought that she'd understand that I was only doing it for show in front of the Muslims. Apparently that wasn't the case.
I sat a little ways away from our tent with my head in my hands, awaiting Tiberias' return. He came riding up the path at dusk. In low tones, he told me that Guy had accepted my challenge and that he would gladly fight me tomorrow morning. I thanked him for his time, and ordered him to find something to eat and drink. Standing and stretching, I found myself faced with the task to telling Sibylla of Guy's reply. Bravely, I stepped into our tent, praying that she would forgive me this time.
End Ch: 14