Chapter 3
Later that same night the city grows quiet. The shops are closed and those few visiting the taverns and cafes seem as subdued as the evening wind. Bis is sitting alone at an outdoor table at one of the city's taverns. He's had several tumblers of wine and plans on having several more. Suddenly, Dastan appears at his table.
"Bis, where have you been?" Dastan asks.
"I was at the banquet and I was at that table over there," Bis says as he points to another table. "And up there," he says as he points to the sky. "And outside the palace … and all over," he offers in a drunken slur. Dastan is impatient with his friend.
"I need you, Bis, and not full of wine," Dastan says as he grabs Bis from his table and drags him down the street toward a trough of water. Bis gives no resistance. Dastan grabs Bis' collar and pushes his head in and out of the cold water.
Bis' protests break the silence of the otherwise quiet night. "What is it, Dastan?" Bis asks. "Can't I have one night of mindless irresponsibility?"
Dastan lets out a laugh at Bis' simple and honest request. "Yes, of course," Dastan says. "And one day you will. But today, I need your help."
Watching the two men from inside the tavern is a garrison of Alamutian guards sitting quietly in the shadows. They realize the two men are Persian. They don't like Persian soldiers and they opt for sharing their dislike with these two. Fazem, the ranking lieutenant of the garrison, is sitting in the back of the tavern. He also takes an interest in the two men bickering in the street. He stands and quietly moves through the ranks of his men and out the open archways of the tavern.
Tamina is alone in her chamber. Her mood is dark. She'd never admit to Dastan that it breaks her heart to beg out of their proposal. But, unless she can alter her situation, she can't burden him with the responsibility. And now she knows what she has to do. She has to reach out to the Gods. She pulls on the black cloak lying on her bed and walks to the eastern wall of her chamber. On the wall hangs a large tapestry of gold, silver, and blue yarns woven into celestial shapes. Tamina passes behind the great tapestry until she reaches the center of the wall. There, she waves her hand in front of a gold tile embedded in the center of the stone wall. As she does, the wall of stone begins to move and a doorway opens to a set of stairs ascending from the chamber. She quietly moves up the stairs and as she does the door closes behind her.
A soaked Bis and a relatively dry Dastan sit on a bench outside the tavern. Bis rocks back and forth then finally leans his head in his lap.
"My head is pounding with every beat of my heart. I need a drink," he says and he stands to walk back inside the tavern. Dastan grabs him and draws him back to the bench. As he does, he sees Fazem.
"I can't decide if it's bravery or stupidity that allows two Persian soldiers to walk the streets of Alamut alone," Fazem calls out. In the tavern, his men stand and gather just behind him. The Prince bristles once he sees the angry mob.
"Good, Commander. You and your men deserve a peaceful night. My friend and I wish you no harm," Dastan offers to Fazem in an effort to defuse the growing situation.
"Is that fear we hear, Persian?" asks one of Fazem's men. Bis stands and races toward the man.
"Do you know who you're speaking to, Soldier," Bis asks. Dastan wishes he hadn't done that.
"No one, Sir. I'm just a fellow soldier trying to use wine to forget. Let us be off, Bis," Dastan offers. He stands and lets out a long yawn. Dastan grabs Bis' robe and pulls him along. Suddenly, Fazem blocks Dastan's path.
"Could it be we have the pleasure of speaking to one of the Princes?" Fazem asks.
"I'm not going to fight you. I'm not going to shed anymore Alamutian blood," Dastan states.
"You're a man of conviction. Too bad I'm not," says Fazem as he draws his sword and lashes out a Dastan. Dastan quickly responds with sharp reflexes and meets Fazem's sword with his own. Fazem takes another slice at Dastan who again repels his attack. The other men circle around the two warriors as the battle continues. Dastan becomes the aggressor and attacks Fazem with several blows all of which Fazem is able to prevent from striking. Fazem powers off another attack and Dastan falls through the crowd of men and onto one of the tavern's tables. Tumblers and plates crash to the ground as Dastan lands back first on the table dropping his sword. Dastan lunges from the table at Fazem and knocks him to the ground. The two men wrestle in the dirt in heated combat. Suddenly, Dastan kicks Fazem in the chest and gets to his feet.
"Here," Bis says as he tosses Dastan his sword. Fazem has also regained his stance and attacks Dastan again. Dastan blocks his attack and jumps onto one of the tables and then onto the roof of the tavern. Dastan gains momentum and jumps on top of Fazem avoiding his drawn sword. Dastan disarms Fazem and holds his sword to his neck.
"I told you I would not kill you and I won't," he says. "If you are unable to walk away, we are at an impasse," Dastan says.
"At least I'll die with honor," Fazem states.
"I doubt it is honor that has you fighting at a tavern. I'd say it's more the wine", Dastan offers. "Your Princess has been gracious enough to forgive my sins and those of my men. Can you not offer us the same?" he asks.
The Alamutian men grow silent. Their love and respect for their Princess is great. Fazem stops resisting and Dastan releases his hold on him. Dastan stands and offers his hand to Fazem. Fazem takes it and Dastan helps him to his feet.
"Are you Dastan?" Fazem asks.
"Yes," Dastan answers.
"Is it true you are to marry the Princess?" Fazem questions.
"I am," Dastan answers. Fazem's suspicions turn to respect. He offers his hand in a gesture of camaraderie. Dastan takes his hand and they shake.
"She's turned down many a King and Prince but somehow she's agreed to marry you," Fazem provides. "I believe that says something of our character," he says.
Dastan is surprised the Princess has declined other offers. His heart races at the thought.
"She honors me beyond words," Dastan offers. "What is your name, Commander?"
"Fazem," he shares.
"You have my appreciation, Fazem. It was a fair fight," Dastan says. "My friend and I must now be off."
Fazem and he men return to the tavern.
Dastan turns back to Bis. "By chance has the excitement sobered you up?" he asks. "I need you sharp," Dastan says.
"Why, Dastan? What's going on?" asks Bis.
"Come and see," Dastan whispers as he grabs Bis' arm and pulls him down the dark street.
The sanctuary glows with golden light from the hanging torches and chandeliers. The haze of burning incense hangs in the still air. The room is quiet. Suddenly, the sound of stone moving echoes off the walls. The silhouette of a woman enters through the dark doorway. White silk robes float about the woman's frame as she moves along the wall toward the main alter. The sound of the stone door closing echoes once more. She looks about the room holding tight to the scarf that covers her face. Only her eyes can be seen through the layers of silk. She hurries to the Alter and feels along the sides of the chamber housing the dagger. She presses a red ruby hidden in the carving of the chamber door and the chamber springs open. The dagger shines bright in the glow of the torches. The woman gently removes the dagger and hides it in her silken gown. Just as suddenly as she entered, she quietly slips out the main door and into the hallway. Again, the room is silent and still.
Dastan and Bis softly pass through the streets beneath the Palace. "Why are we here? What are we looking for?" Bis whispers.
Dastan holds his finger up to his mouth. "Shhh," he whispers. "It's here somewhere," he says, using a torch to light his way. Dastan looks about the alleys and doorways until he finds what he's looking for. The entrance Tamina showed him, the one to the hidden chambers and the Sands of Time.
"Where are we going?" Bis protests but follows close behind Dastan. Abruptly, Dastan stops and turns to Bis.
"I need to know you trust me and that I can trust you," he says to Bis, a serious tone in his voice.
"Always," Bis replies.
Dastan continues, "We're about to enter sacred ground. Do you believe in the Gods, Bis?"
Bis looks confused. "I don't know. I think so," he offers.
"Come," Dastan signals and they slip through a doorway and into the catacombs of the city.
For the second time this night the sound of stone is heard moving in the sanctuary. A figure cloaked in black enters the silent room through the same hidden door. It's Tamina. She looks about the room and suddenly stops when she sees the dagger chamber open and the dagger gone. She gasps and runs to the Alter to confirm her fear that the dagger is no where in sight. A panicked look crosses her face.
Dastan feels his way along the wall just as Tamina did. Finally, he finds the stone and presses it to open the chamber. Bis' eyes are wide at the site of the chamber door opening. He's not sure he wants to pass through.
"I'm not sure about this, Dastan," Bis reveals. "Suppose they don't like me," he asks. Dastan smiles at his friend's words.
"Bis. Look at you. What's not to like?" Dastan says. He puts his hands on Bis' shoulders and gives him a firm shake. "You're a good man with nothing to fear," Dastan offers.
Bis is barely convinced but enters the chamber behind Dastan.