Hmm, I can feel this isn't going to be my best chapter. I think my next will be better though, I've always loved the escape in the movie. Anyway, hope you like this one.
Dastan walked out of the palace, and immediately the air was pierced with cries. Persian troops were scattered around the court, cheering at him, and he distinctively heard one shout, "All hail the Lion of Persia!"
He could not help but grin, and waved, taking an exaggerated bow, evoking another roar of laughter from his troops.
So when he walked into the royal tents, it was with a cheerful demeanour, only a little part of his mind feeling sill unsure about their abrupt siege. His uncle Nizam was already there, sorting through some parchment.
"Ahh Dastan," he smiled fondly, "brave as you always are my boy. They're calling you the Lion of Persia."
Dastan grinned, laying his weapons down. "Yes, I've heard."
He would not deny it felt good, his first true conquest as a warrior. He stretched his hand, examining his wounds, when his brother walked in. "Tus!"
"Dastan," Tus replied. He had a slight smile on his face, but his expression was inscrutable. Dastan wondered if he ought to brace himself for a long admonishment. Was Tus cross with his defiance?
"They're calling you the Lion of Persia" he commented, stopping his tracks. Dastan wondered if this would now permanently be the way he would be greeted. He shrugged, still unsure of his brother's feelings, when Tus grinned.
"You've never excelled at following orders, Dastan" Tus said, shaking his head.
He let out a sigh of relief. No reproach then. "I know I have some explaining to do, Tus-"
"No" Tus interrupted, "No"
Dastan stopped, and Tus put his arm over his shoulder. "No, Dastan. We've got some celebrating to do! Honour to the empire." he grinned, but his voice trailed off suddenly.
Dastan looked down at what his brother was staring at. The dagger, tucked at his belt. Tus reached out for it, inspecting it.
"What a beautiful dagger," his voice was clearly admiring. Dastan saw that his brother quite distracted, as he examined it. So the dagger seemed to appear. ..unique, and not just to him.
Tus broke out of his momentary daze, and pressed the dagger back into his hand, continued as before, "There is however tradition, since you took the honour of first assault, you owe me a gift, homage-"
Nizam, having observed the entire exchange silently, now stepped forward, and addressed Tus. "He delivered you this city and its princess, I think that is homage enough."
"I suppose it is" Dastan shot a plea look at his brother. He certainly did not desire scouting about for suitable gift, right after battle too. Damn traditions.
"and I agree," Tus continued, unexpectedly," but you still need something to honour our father with".
"Sire!" the voice of a guard came out, shouting. They all turned, as the messenger bowed low, "First despatch has just arrived, my prince" he said, handing Tus a parchment.
Nizam looked over, reading it out loud. "Wonderful news, Tus, your father has interrupted his prayers at the Eastern Palace to join us."
The atmosphere seemed to fall, and even the desert air seemed cold. The two brother s glanced at each other, unnerved. King Sharaman never stopped his evening prayers, unless during attacks and wars. He really must be furious. Dastan looked down, a little ashamed. Perhaps, perhaps he ought to have waited, consulted with the King before planning his attacks .
Tus coughed, forcing a smile. "You'd better go then little brother. Nothing extravagant for Father. He wishes,"he pursed his lip, "a private conversation."
Dastan nodded, and waving to his uncle, walked off. He hoped his father wouldn't be too hard on Tus.
"Dastan!" a familiar voice called, and he smiled slightly. Finally. It was Bis, who came running into view. Quickly, he seized him and pulled him to the crowds.
"Whoa, slow down Bis. What are you doing?"
"Getting the lion of Persia of course." He grinned, "You didn't get us killed."
"Certainly thanks to your faith in me," he smirked.
Dastan then explained that he needed a gift of homage, to his father, and of Tus' situation. Bis was sympathetic, but optimistic, as his usual self.
"Tus will be fine Dastan, " he assured, "As for your gifts, Alamut has is treasure trove. We'll find something just fine, Dastan. Let's celebrate first!" Bis clapped him hard.
Concentrate Dastan, he told himself,. The troops cheered, and he shook himself. Alright then, one, two-
THUD! He fell back to the ground. "Aurgh!" Dastan grunted, his tipsy head pulling him down. Why was it so hard to walk walls when you were drunk?
"The third step is the hardest" he groaned. His troops laughed, and helped him to his feet once more. Shaking his head, he tried to clear his thoughts before attempting again, when he spotted Tus walking towards him.
"Brother!" Dastan exclaimed, wondering why he was here at this hour.
"Dastan," he smiled, "I knew I'd find you here." His brother explained,"We uncovered signs of tunnels on the Eastern edge of the city." Dastan nodded as his brother continued to explain.
"We're on our way there now" Tus continued, "It is no doubt that is where Alamut's treachery lies."
Dastan nodded again, feeling that was the best he could. But if Tus was busy, who'd greet their father. He spoke up,"But you'll miss the banquet, Tus." At least his brain was not fully dead from the mead.
"You and Garsiv can handle father in my absence," Tus replied, confience in his voice. "We need to go there."
Then he smiled, looking at Dastan with a peculiar smile. Dastan was befuddled, and sent his brother a questioning look.
"So you do have a gift to honour him with?"Tus smirked.
"Of course," Dastan said, a little too fast. He called out to Bis, vaguely remembering a particularly fine set of weaponry they sorted out from the Alamutian weapons. Bis looked at him, his face confused, and shrugged, dousing himself with more wine.
"It's been momentarily misplaced" he said, feeling a little ashamed and annoyed, reminding him never to entrust his friend with fine objects.
"I knew you'd forget" Tus said, chuckling slightly, and he held up a piece of fine cloth. "This is the prayer robe of Alamut's regent, the holiest of the Eastern land. Father shall certainly," he tilted his head slightly, "appreciate this."
"Thanks, brother, you've saved me."
"You fought like a champion for me Dastan, glad to return the favour" Tus said, and Dastan grinned. His brother was staring up, into the palace.
Dastan followed his gaze, still a bit dazed from drink. Princess Tamina was being escorted to the room, probably to prepare for the ceremonies. He looked at Tus, who seemed quite distracted by her.
"A rare jewel, "Tus spoke admiringly, and Dastan saw the lust in his eyes. He was surprised, for Tus didn't have a great fondness for women in general. His previous marriages had been solely political arrangement. Garsiv however, was another story, once he overcame his temper.
Tus resumed speaking. "Present her to the King for me this evening Dastan,"
"Sure you need another wife brother?" Dastan asked. He suddenly felt a little sorry for the princess. After all, his brother had a quite a harem full of women, to secure their political ties with other prominent kingdoms and keep the Persian empire strong. Though, he never did have such a beautiful fiancé though, certainly never particularly desired any of them.
"Listen to me, "Tus growled, and he was taken aback at the sudden fierceness in his brother's voice, "a marriage to the princess assures me the loyalty of her people. Unbound to us she is a dangerous liability. I want you to promise me brother, " he paused, and Dastan nodded, knowing he'd do anything, " promise me you'll kill her with your own hands if father doesn't approve of our alliance."
Dastan couldn't help but flinch a little. He was used to the bloodshed and killing in war, it was thrilling. But his brother had never tasked him with such a cold-hearted murder.
Tus slapped him hard on the back, and smiled. I knew you'd make me proud, little brother." And he walked to his horse, commanding the troops off.
Dastan felt his spirits lift, and couldn't help smile at this praise. He looked at the balcony again, and caught the princess walking in the balcony once more. She was scrutinising him, again. The princess caught his eyes. She gave him a unfathomable look and turned back.
Not too good, I know. I haven't got a beta, so there may be quite of few things to nitpick. Still, review please? -puppy eyes-