Ch.2
Daughter of Salah ad-Din
The day was hot and peaceful. The call to all faithful Muslims echoed in the walls of the palace. The sun shined with its burning rays. As the prayer was done, everyone resumed with their busy days. Dressed with a yellow gown your hair fell loose on your back. You sat in the dinning room with you four smallest bothers. Mas'ud who is 16 years of age, Yaq'ud is 15, Da'ud is 13, and the smallest Ishaq who was 9. You all laughed as the servants places the food on the table. It has been a month since you haven't seen your father.
"My children!" That voice! It can only belong to one man. Your father! He was home. The four young prince's ran to embrace their father with a loving welcoming hug. "Baba!" Father, they all called. As he kissed them one by one on the check you walked toward him. Every night you prayed Allah for his well being. To shield him with his hand, to aid him if he gets ill, and to guide him to victory against the crusaders. As you reached to were they stood, your path was free to hug him. And you did. Not wanting to let go, you hug him with all your strength. And he returned the love.
"Azeneth. My dear daughter." Your father said as you pulled back, with a small thankful tear sliding down your check. He cleaned it with his thumb, and his smile was as warm just as when he used to tuck you to bed.
The five of you eat breakfast and your father spoke of his adventures in the war. Arsuf was where he fought. Of course he exaggerated some battles just to keep your brothers in suspense. You got to admit, they did sound like pretty good battles. You laughed and gasped as he when on with his stories. He mimicked the moves with his sword, and at the end he declared his victory. You and your brothers cheered out loud. Even some guards and servants cheered.
"You will finish with those ungrateful Christians father. I know it. Those violent, son of whore-"
"Mas'ud!" Your father interrupted your brother. "No matter how violent they are. How distrustful they may be, we must remember that they are fighting for the same God, as we are. Sadly their actions do not seem as if they were fighting for the holy land, but greed. Pure possessive greed. They kill over a land they believe they have the right to obtain. I pray for Allah to give me strength and to show these Christians the way of peace."
"Father you shouldn't give peace when they response to you with violence!" Yak'ub said with a slight tone of anger.
"That is why we must pray my son. Only Allah knows what will happen, but we have to fight for the freedom of our people, and our land. The Crusader King and I will come to an agreement soon. May Allah give me strength to not kill this man, for the many innocent lives he killed." He heavily sight, as if trying to release the weight of worries on his shoulders.
"Allah will help you father." You said as you placed your hand on his. "I know that just like he has heard your cries, he has heard the cries of our people."
"That's what I fear the most Azeneth. This war has been for so long, that the faith of our people is being tested, and the week question Allah." For a long minute, there was no response. Your father was right, the people have being loosing faith, but you wont let Jerusalem's strongest warrior weekend with disappointment.
Just as you were about to do stand up, your small brother, Ishaq, stood and walked to your father. "I still pray father. Don't give up." He hugged your father as if wanting to give him strength. A tear escaped your father's eye and slid down his check. He is hurt, and broken. You signaled your brothers to stand and console your father. Deep down, covered with courage and determination, he was scared. Scared that he will loose this war and all of Jerusalem will fall, afraid to think what will happen to the people.
"You, my children, are the only thing that keeps me strong to end this cold war."
"I know you will father." Said Da'ud.
After another long minute, your father said, "Yallah." Small chuckle. "Go. Get ready and show me how your training is coming along. Yallah." Your father said as he wiped his tears away. As you and your brothers were on your way to change to your training clothes, you father told you to stay.
He commanded for every one to leave except for Tarik, your body guard. "Azeneth," he began. "You know I wont be alive for much longer an-."
"Baba, if you're going to bring the marriage topic, you know my answer. I'm not going to accept any men that you believe will be a good husband for me. I've been rejected the past four times, for acting more of a man than a woman. If I want to get married, I want the man to accept me the way I am, not because of my title. I want love Baba, real love." You said with disappointment, because deep down you knew no man will ever love, or like a woman whose knowledge and independence was higher than normal. Men have fallen on their knees with your beauty and title, but once they got to know the real you, they ran off. Because you refuse to fake the person you are just so you could find a husband. Never will you do dat.
"You are my daughter, stubborn to prove yourself to others. But you should consider thinking about it. Any way I wasn't going to talk about that. Azeneth I want to tell you something. Something I should have told you years ago. I-"
"Sorry for the interruption my king but the twins Fatima and Latifa are here as well as a man wants to see you. He is waiting in front of the gate." The male servant said.
"Thank you Kalim. Tell the man I will be there shortly." As the servant bowed and left, you though as to whom is the man in front of the gate? "Good your cousins are here. You should talk to them; learn the ways of a proper gentle Muslim woman. I know I know." He said raising the palm of his hands to his sides. "That's not who you really are, but it wouldn't hurt to know a couple of things." With one kiss on your fore head he left.
Deep down you wish you can find real love, but might as well be alone, than with bad company.
"Azeneth! Sweetie!" You heard your cousins call from behind you. Although you love training and spending time with your brothers, you do miss a little female friendly gossip.
The three of you walked up the stairs to chat at you favorite place. The inside balcony had a great view of the beautiful garden that was right below. There were cushions on the floor and a table in the middle. The three of you sat as the chatting began. Of course Latifa began to brag about her husband to be, cute, rich and strong. Also Fatima bragged about her husband to be, two years older than her, rich and handsome.
"So, has Sidi Salah ad-Din, chosen a husband for you?" Sidi means Uncle. Fatima asked as she popped a date in her mouth.
"Please Fatima. You know Azeneth won't have a husband. She will have a wife!" They laughed out loud. Those last words dint get you mad, they play a lot and your use to them making fun of you. "Azeneth will impress a girl with her man like horse riding." Latifa continued.
"At least I know how to ride a horse. Your husband to be won't even get near one. He is scared of them as a female is scared of a desert cobra." You said with a smirk. Tarik smiled.
Fatima laughed as Latifa's face grew angry and looked away. "Hey who is that? Allah." Latifa asked. You leaned at the edge of the balcony and saw your father walking with two men fallowing him. One man had a long black robe as the other a white robe, with a red cloth tied around its waist, and a sword. Gasp. It can't be! The Assassin! No calm down, that can't be him. There is no way they know who you are so there is no need to panic. But why is father with them? With one look at Tarik you asked him if he knew anything. He answered with a lost look and a shrug.
"Who can they be?" Fatima asked.
"I don't know, but the one in white has a strong graceful walk. I want to know the man underneath that robe." Of course your whore of a cousin had to say that. You may not be lady like, but you rather be close to be like a man than a lady like whore.
"I bet you do" you said trying to get you head off the fact that there are Assassins in your home.
"At least I know how it feels to be a woman. As for you I wouldn't be surprised if you had an extra sword in between your legs." She said with a daring grin.
"At least I will be a virgin when my husband takes me to bed." You said.
"That's IF you get a husband. As for me, I already have one secured, and I will fake my virginity. I can simply cut myself." She answered with a big grin.
You rolled your eyes with her last words. Of course she had everything planed. As the servants brought in more dates, tea and almond cookies, the conversation went on with new clothes and gold their husbands to be bought them. Fatima's gold charms shimmered as she twisted her arm. You have been kissed by a guy, but no more than a mere pop kiss. Of course that was almost 10 years ago. You wish to be held by a man. Like last night, when the Assassin held you. His strong arm held you against his firm body. The faint smell of sandalwood, and that scared lip. You wondered how it would feel to taste those lips. To feel the soft yet rough tissue against yours. To trace the scar along with the shape of his lips and explore further down.
"Azeneth. Hey Azeneth!" You were so lost in your thoughts that maybe twenty more minutes had gone buy. "Azeneth are you ok?"
"Oh, huh? What was that?" You asked trying to catch up with the conversation.
"We were talking about our plans for the perfect wedding. What would your perfect wedding be like?" and just as you were about to answer to Fatima, Latifa interrupted.
"Please. Why are you asking this manfor his perfect wedding plans? For as much as me know he (you) is not going get married. Ever." That was the last straw. You had enough of Latifa making fun of you. You are a woman. You may not get married, but you are determined to find out how it feel to become a woman in a men's arms. Soon you hoped, soon. Not only to shut your cousin up, but to prove yourself that you are a woman.
As you stood up, you looked down at her with anger and pain in your face.
"I may not have a fiancé, and maybe I may never have one, but I know I have something much greater than that. Dignity. Something you are far off from obtaining. That is something you will never have." Not wanting to hear or even see her face you walked off. But her expression was priceless.
You tried to hold the tears that were forming inside you. How dare she. You walked pass three servants almost knocking them down. How could your cousin go so low. What a show off. Ever since she got engaged, she has been such a stuck up. Maybe because, this was the only thing she has gotten without you being the first one. Usually you would get all the fancy fashion, jewelry, and first kiss before her. You didn't even knew wear you were going. You just turned around corners to find a lonely spot to cry your pain out. But you knew it would be hard because Tarik's footsteps echoed behind you. He called on your name, but you didn't want to speak with no one. Instead you picked your passé and powered walked around a corner when OOf! You hit something really hard, but in an instant your wrists were held tight! You looked up to see the man that held you. White robes, familiar sandalwood smell. You looked up, the scared lip. NO! It can't be, the Assassin. The one of last night! It can be! Ok don't freak out. Stay calm. Maybe if you pull back he will let you go. He didn't, instead he held you tighter. A bit tighter than before. You let out a small hiss of pain. You're the princess remember, your word is worth more than his. "Let go." You commanded. He didn't. Why won't he let go? "I said to let go!" Again failed. You couldn't clearly see his eyes; they were hidden in the shadows of his hood. But his mouth had a clear smirk. Oh Allah. What to do? Scream "Assassin" again?
"She said to let go!" Tarik pulled you off from him. Thank Allah. Rubbing your wrists you looked up at him with anger. Tarik was at your side ready to strike at the Assassin at any time. The Assassin just stood there. As if confident that he will win against Tarik. And you had to admit, when you and Tarik would train, it was easy to tackle him. That or he just liked you on top of him.
"What's going on here?" Your fathers commanding voice caught you off guard.
Him and the man with the black robe walked in to your direction. With an easy and fast answer, you responded, "nothing father. I just bumped on this man. I was on my way to the garden." Just as you passed by the Assassin, your father asked, "Did you apologize?" Why should you? Fine, it was partly your fault at first. With a small sigh, you said, "I'm sorry." And you walked off. Not caring if he responded. Just wanting to get way from the Assassin. Away from your cousin.
Just as you stepped in the large garden, you were pulled back by Tarik. "Azeneth!" He turned you around to face him. "Azeneth!" You expected to have had tears running down, but maybe because of the encounter with that Assassin, it cleared your head and heart from the pain you felt two minutes ago. "Azeneth! Whats wrong?"
What was wrong? Confused you looked around. Trying to capture yourself. What's wrong? The Assassin! That's what's wrong! Why is he here? Did he recognize you? Did he? He couldn't have, your face was covered with a veil. He cant possibly suspect that you were the killer of last night. If some were in his mined he is, would he kill you? Tonight? Tomorrow? Can't risk it! You will have to tell your team that there will be no more killing till it is safe. You can't risk getting caught. Only Allah knows what your father will do if he ever found out that his only daughter is a killer. So is he. Your both freedom fighters, but he wont see it that way. If he ever found out about that, he will force you to marry some guy so you will occupy yourself with mother duties. No. Not going to happen.
"Azeneth!" Tarik snapped you to reality. "Tell me. Why did you run off like that? If it was because of what Latifa said, you know it's not true!" Oh that. That's right, you were so worried about the Assassin that you completely forgot about Latifas comments. "Azeneth, you are an amazing woman, and any guy will be lucky to have you." You looked up at Tariks face as he held you by your shoulders. "I know I would. And I also know that soon, very soon there will be a man on his knees. He will ask you to be his bride and he will accept you for who you are." Tarik. His eyes said so much but you couldn't read any of it. At least you didn't want to. You didn't want to think or have false hopes. Pushing everything behind your head you smiled to him.
"I'm ok Tarik. Latifas comments are like the wind to me. They will always be around, but no matter how hard it blows, it will never knock me down." With a last reassuring smile you gently pulled back. Tarik looked at you not convinced, but he smiled. "I just needed fresh air, but umm. . . You really don't know who those men are?"
"The once who came to see your father?" you nodded. "I don't. But I can find out." Oh and he was good at that. With a bigger smile you answered him.
The rest of the day passed by. Your cousins left, but not until Latifa apologized to you. Forced by Fatima. As you walked to your chamber, your shoulders felt heavy. The Assassin! How ca he take over your thoughts, your worries and curiosity?
Tonight you will go to Jerusalem and tell your friends there will be no more killing till it is save to do so. So far, Tarik hasn't told you of any other man that needs to die. You looked out at your window, it's around 6. In 4 more hours you will let you group know of your plans.
In Jerusalem, the city was quiet, aside from a couple of distant sounds. Music, crickets, and the snores of Malik in the other room. Altair stared at the stars through the opened wooden sealing. The water in the fountain had a very unique caressing sound. He lay on the floor surrounded by fine pillows. Underneath him was a large praying carpet. He rested his head under both hands observing the fine black sky.
Today he went to Al Mualim, early in the morning and told him about the little surprise he had last night. His little killer. He told him that as he was about to eliminate his target, a female dancer whose identity he wished he knew, had killed Raqueem. Not him. Al Mualim was confused at first, but he accepted the news. "Altair, come, you will come with me to Salah ad-Din's palace." "Why?" Altair asked. "He was that one who asked me to eliminate that man. As the friend that I am, I added him to your list, because I knew that you would kill him. But I would have never imagined someone else wanted him dead."
At Salah ad-Din's palace, it was an honor to be in front of the man who is fighting all his might to save the people. Altair told everything that happened to Salah ad-Din, him too seemed surprised but was relieved that Raqueem was dead. As for his little killer, Al Mualim dint want her dead. He alarmed all Assassins to bring in any suspect they might think its the killer. But Altair was determined to find his little killer himself. She took his target, now it was time for revenge.
Altair was asked to step out of the room for a moment while Salah ad-Din and Al Mualim spoke in private. But that did not prevent Altair from over hearing. While he was eavesdropping, that was when things began to get interesting. A beautiful dove bumped on him. For couple of seconds she looked as if she was about to cry, but then as if she felt her life threatened by him her color went from beautiful creamy tan color to pale white. Her heart shaped lips were the color of strawberry, and he wondered if they tasted like strawberry too. Her hands were soft against his rough grip, but he didn't want to let go. When the sweet scent of Jazmine caressed his nose he wanted to breathe in everything. He opened his eyes when the familiar faint scent of Vanilla enterer his nostrils. The same smell his little killer had. At first he ignored his suspicion, for she is Salah ad-Dins daughter. He was sure she had other things that keep her occupied. Things like picking jewelry, learning how to be a good daughter and bride, and other things that princess do. Until, she spoke. "Let go." Her commanding voice, the same sensual voice as his little killer. Again she spoke. Clearly that same tone of voice as his little killer. A clear smirk aroused from his mouth as he remembered she tried to pull back. Although he didn't have hard evidence to prove she was his little killer, his gut said otherwise. And it has never failed.
But how will he prove or see for himself she is or might be his little killer. Only time will tell. For now he will have his ears open for any whisper of a female dancer that kills. May he cross path with his little killer. Oh he wishes it he does. So he could hold her one more time. Smell that divine jasmine or vanilla scent, and to see those perfect strawberry heart shaped lips.
Altair took one deep breath, wishing he could once more take in the sweet smell of Vanilla. He took out the violet piece of cloth that belonged to his little killer. Lifting up above his face, again the two coins shimmered and shinned by the glow of the moon. The twinkle sound the two coins made when they touched with each other made him wonder how they would sound when they joined with the rest around his little killers' waist. Her smooth fine abdomen, softer than silk and sweeter than sugar. Would she let him touch her? If she did, he would explore every heavenly inch of her body. He would make her beg for more. And he will deliver it only until she answered his questions. Oh he was a master of torture, and he will make her pay for killing his target.
He stood not being able to sleep. He needed to walk this out. As he walked at an edge of a house he spots a person walking on the ground below him. The person seemed lost. But instead he continued to walk. Altair did the same. Fallowing the man from above. Then he saw the man stop at a near door and knocked. The door opened to reveal another man. He recognized him. He looked like a drummer from Raqueem's party. Quiet young, maybe early twenties. Could he be part of his little killer's team? Now he will know. The man made a gesture that was meant for the other man to enter the house but the other refused. He can't hear anything from up hear, he had to get close. Altair did what he does best. He crawled down and found a good hidden spot to eavesdrop.
"I have news from our leader." He spoke. "Here is a letter to you. It will explain everything." He finished.
"Good. Is there something that we should be alarmed of?" The man by the door asked.
"I can't say. I was only instructed to hand you the letter. I must leave. It is getting late." He sounded scared.
"Fine brother. Salam alaikum." He wished him peace for his journey.
"Laila taiba." The other responded with a good night.
As one walked away the other closed his door. Altair had two choices. One, attack the man for answers. Or two, fallow the man and see where he goes. Surely he would go back to his master. And his gut agreed with the second choice. The second one it is!
Altair fallowed the man as near but far as possible so he won't suspect anything. At times the man would turn to see if anyone was fallowing him. Altair fallowed him until the man hit a dead end. Now what? Altair thought maybe he got lost, but he was proved wrong once the man jumped and began to crawl the wall faster than any man in his brotherhood could. Altair fallowed as fast as he could. Just as he got on top of the wall, the other man already landed on the grown and was near his horse. Altair executed the leap of faith and ran to a nearby horse. The man rode to his destination and Altair never lost him. They rode up a mountain. He knows this trail. His gut was right.
There it was. When he reached the tip of the mountain Salah ad-Dins palace came to view. Still wasn't good of enough evidence. Oh but he was near. So near he could almost taste victory. Altair fallowed but tried to stay out of sight from the men that guarded outside the palace. He went around the walls, but was still observing his target. The man went inside. Altair began to crawl the wall and found his target. Hopefully he won't have to kill any men that guard the palace. He didn't want to make the same mistake he did in Solomon's Temple. Plus if by tomorrow someone found a dead body for no reason, Salah ad-Din will not trust the Assassins. Never again.
Altair locked on his target as the man walked inside the palace. Altair didn't had to go inside to know where the man went. Altair walked along the wall as the man made his way to a guard. A couple of seconds later he was guided by a man to what seemed to be a small library. The man awaited by himself, as Altair climbed to an edge of a window. Then, his heart stopped from anticipation and his suspicions were over. The door opened revealing the daughter of Salah ad-Din. Azeneth.
You were called in by Tarik and was told that Asad, your messenger, was waiting for you in the library as you commended. You had to leave your chamber to meet the man. As you entered the library you saw Asad waiting for you in the middle of the room. "My dear Asad. I trust you were able to deliver the letter without any problem?" You asked as you walked to Asad with Tarik fallowing you.
"Yes my lady. I did as you ordered." The man responded.
You smiled. "Good. Here take this." You handed him a bag filled with coins that will sustain him and his family for a year.
"My lady?" He asked with a confused look, because he knows his payment shouldn't come till the end of the month. But in this situation, you won't risk this mans life.
"What is this? You know I can't take it yet."
"This is for all your hard work. Plus I won't need your service for a period of time. I don't know until when, but this should be enough for you, your wife, and child for a good year." You said. "Thank you very much Asad. Go. Be with your wife tonight. Because I will only need you at day, as the servant that my father hired to take care of my horse. Layla."
"Thank you my lady. May Allah bless you with a great husband." He said with a smile.
"May Allah hear your prayer. Laila taiba." You wished him a good night as he bowed and walked away.
"Azeneth. You have yet to tell me why are you dismissing your men at an early break. And I believe your last mission had something to do with it. Did one of Rqueems men see you? Is that why you're sending every man away from you? So you wont risk their lives?" Tarik asked with a low whisper. If only it was easy as one of Raqueems men, but it was an Assassin. Something far more dangerous.
Waving a hand of disgust, you said, "I will tell you tomorrow Tarik." You looked at him with tired eyes. "Right now I just want my bed."
You wanted to walk to your room alone, but you wouldn't win that fight against Tarik. As his step echoed behind you, you took at deep breath. Through the letter you let your team know that there won't be any killing, till you said otherwise. Reaching your door you dismissed Tarik to his rest. You entered your room and leaned on the door after you closed it. Taking a deep breath you looked out at your window. Hopefully that Assassin hasn't suspected of you in any way how. You haven't given him any evidence, but something in your heart said to be alarmed with your surroundings and with him. Just to be guarded. Tomorrow you will tell Tarik everything; he will double up his guarding skills. And so will you. You will train with your brothers more than ever. You are excellent with defending yourself with the sword, but you have to master how to strike with the sword. When it comes with small blades and daggers, you are excellent at it.
As you walked to your dresser you felt a presence. Quickly turning around you cheeked at your window. It was a small bird. It flew to your window. You walked to it. It was a small falcon. Never has a falcon landed on your window before. Maybe it got hurt. It looked perfectly fine. With one finger you scratched its belly. As if it had something urgent to do, it flew away. The candle light at your right burned straight up and it danced as if it felt the same presence you felt. Either someone is here or you are going paranoid over the Assassin.
"You better not scream 'Assassin' again." Said a deep voice from behind.
How could you scream 'Assassin?' You felt the air leave your lungs. Suddenly the night felt colder than ever. You couldn't react. You didn't know what to do. Finally your worst nightmare stood right behind you. Not knowing what to do you just stood there waiting for your death. But how did he know? No he couldn't. Could he be guessing? You had to get away from him as soon as possible. You felt like a sheep cornered by the hungry wolf. No you won't escape. You will confront him, just like every opponent. But can you take handle him? Yes you can, and you will.
Gathering all your courage you slowly turned around to face him. Since he never attacked you, maybe you can talk your way out. Your face has never shown as much confidence and determination as today. Showing no fear at all, you didn't want to give him the upper hand. The beat of your heart increased more and more as you noticed all the weapons that adorned his body. A sword, a dagger, more than twenty knifes and his strength. He was dressed in white with a red sash around his waist. Slowly you looked higher and higher. Your legs weakened when you saw the familiar scared lip. It took every strength of your body to keep yourself balanced. He was about a foot away from you. Still you couldn't see his eyes.
"Who are you? And what do you want?" You asked with a strong tone.
"You know I'm an Assassin, and you are what I want." His response shocked you. Did that meant he wanted to kill you? You tried to read his body language; it didn't read like if he was going to strike.
"What can you possibly want with me?" You demanded.
"Answers. Why did you kill Raqueem?" The secret was out. He knows who you are.
Looking around you tried to find your weapons. Your sword was too far away to reach. You had two choices reach for his sword and fight him or keep playing 'It wasn't me' game. You decided both. "Raqueem is dead?" You faked a surprised.
"You can't lie to me princess. So I would sagest for you to answer me." The assassin said.
You felt trapped. And you were. Your only salvation was in front of you. One of the two knifes strapped on his waist. As fast as a cobra bite you reached for the knife. Victory was sweet when you felt the cold metal, but you were swirled fast around with your hand behind your back and pressed against his body. With his other hand he held you neck. "Wrong choice princess." His husky voice whispered on your ear.
"And yours, for coming in my chamber." You lifted your other hand that held one of his knifes and pressed the tip on his neck. He released a small chuckle and you. "Now answer me. You came to kill me didn't you?" You asked as you prepared yourself if he ever decides to strike.
"I came for answers. And yes maybe to kill you." He said with a clear smirk.
"Not if I kill you first." You charged your whole body knocking him on the floor. As fast as you could, you ran for your sword, but you fell hard on the floor as he held your foot. "Let go!" You kicked his hand off. As you crawled your way to the sword again you were pulled back, but this time weight pinned you on the grown and your jaw was pulled up by his hand. You stopped struggling once you heard a 'shling' sound a sharp sting on you neck.
"I've never killed a woman before, but you will be my first if you don't answer me. Let's try once more. Tell me who sent you or why did you kill Raqueem? And don't think of lying to me. It won't work" This time he sounded serious. The truth in his words made you shiver with fear.
"Fine." You declared giving up. Gasping for air "If I tell you, do you swear to leave and let me live?"
"Tell me." That was all he said.
"No one sent me to kill Raqueem. I decided to do it. He was a Templar; therefore he would have only betrayed my father sooner or later." You said remembering the night you killed Raqueem.
"Is he the first man you've killed?" He asked.
"Inside my fathers court, yes. Outside, I only kill rapists, child molesters and men who beat their women. That is all." You said as you were getting tired of his weight. "Can you get off me? You're not a feather you know?"
As if he though about it twice, he said, "I will. But you will have to promise you will not attempt anything once I let you go."
"I won't. . . I won't." He got off you. Relieved you felt air enter your lungs. You slowly stood up. "You got what you wanted. Now leave." You hissed.
"I'm not done. I want you to stop killing." Who was he to give you orders?
"You're no one to give me orders. I can and will do what is right to save my people." You said.
"You will stop or I will tell your father." He threatened.
"You have no prove." You challenged.
Oh but he did. Your eyes went wide once you saw the piece of material on his hands. The piece that was cut off from your belly dance outfit. Your breathing was deep with anger, you wanted to strike again and take the evidence away. But that would be a foolish mistake.
"Your father wants you dead, and I will have to kill you if you won't stop killing." He spoke truth. "I'm sure you wouldn't want for your father to loose his only daughter." He teased. Anger boiled your blood. For as much as you wanted to defend your people from wicked men, you didn't want your father to find about your extra hobby. You wouldn't be able to bear with his disappointment, far worst than his anger. And if he ever found out, Allah forbid, he will engage you by force, immediately.
"What do you want me to do?" You asked pushing your pride aside.
"I respect your father, and I don't want him to loose his only daughter. So I want you to stop killing." He said as he played with the piece of cloth in his hand. "And don't think you will be able to escape at nights. Because I'll have my eye on you." He said with a smirk.
"You will keep watch of me every night?" You asked surprised and angry.
"Correct." He smiled
"Fine. I guess I can deal with that." You rolled your eyes. Wishing you could make this Assassin disappear. "You got what you wanted. Now leave."
"Who said I was done?" The Assassin said as he leaned against the wall.
"That's enough. You're already blackmailing me, what more do you want? Money?" You asked annoyed.
"I want to do the killing for you." Is he out of his mined? Why would he want to do the killing for you?
"Why? You have no business against them." You regret the words that came out of your mouth. You should have just accepted his offer.
"This way you will have your targets killed, and I won't have to kill you. It's a win win offer." It was and you can let something like this slip away. With a nod you agreed. Satisfied with your response he began to walk to your window.
"Wait! You got answers from me. I believe I deserve some too." You said reaching for him and pulling him back.
"Fair enough." He said and got close to you. "Go ahead, ask what you want." His husky tone caressed your face.
"Last night. You were sent to kill Raqueem right?" He nodded. "Then why did you come today early to visit my father?" Before he answered, he gave away a deep sigh.
"Your father wanted Raqueem dead. You weren't the only one that noticed this traitor. My master told me to come with him to tell your father what happened last night. That someone else got to my target before me." His last words tasted almost sour to him. A prideful smile was shown on your face. "It's that all?" He asked clearly not happy.
"I guess. . . Oh wait! Since this won't be the only time will see each other, you know my name. Can I at least know yours?" You asked getting closer so you won't miss his name. Again you were able to smell the familiar spice of sandalwood. So masculine, so sweet and so dangerous. This time you were able to get a better look at his features. His beard was very light against his skin. He shaved this morning. He had tan skin, and his scared lips. Dear Allah, his lips was the most sensual thing you've ever seen. Different from the rest. And you love different. His nose was perfect. His eyes, they held pride, guilt and something else. They were the color of sweet chocolate, and they reflected the fire that burned from the candle at your right. Or was that his own fire? "Tell me" you whispered.
For a long moment his eyes explored your face then he said, "Altair." Oh the sound of his voice. So deep and husky.
"Altair" You repeated back with the same sensual tone as his. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, as if by repeating his name it had some sort of affect in him. He opened his eyes and they looked darker than before. Something burned in there that made your heart beat faster. Something that you couldn't handle and you had to look away. Taking a step back you said, "Leave."
"I will return tomorrow night." Without another word he left.
Maktub. There was nothing you could have done to prevent this encounter with the Assassin. It was written, and only Allah knew why. The only thing you were happy from this was that your death wasn't written for tonight. Can things get any worst? You hoped not.
Maktub... (It is written/ foretold)
Kulli shey maktub, maktub...(Everything is written, written...)
Maktub... ya nas (It is written, oh mankind)
It is all written. No fear has been grater than of what you felt right now.
"Oh Allah", you sigh.
