Chapter 25
The Arrival of Noor
The nobles fidgeted uneasily on the steps of the castle. The square had been cleared and peasants stood near the walls in anticipation of what could come next. There were no gallows, so surely the Sheriff couldn't be hanging anyone.
Before long the caravan came into sight on the castle bridge being led by two of the guardsmen on camel back. As the four lead wagons entered through the city gates the caravan stopped and the camels of both guardsmen kneeled low in front of the Sheriff. The Sheriff stepped forward and a guardsman bowed into a deep salaam in front of him. "May I present Prince Tariq Musahfalef, blessed by Allah as the Hashemite prince and defender of Salahadin's southern cities?" The guardsman then opened the door and out stepped the Prince, regally attired in silk robes of a deep Tyrean purple.
The doors of the other carriages opened and numerous clerks, scribes and other royal attendants exited their carriages. The prince bowed low to the Sheriff. "My lord we are honored to be amongst your people as our kings' work for peace. To show Salahadin's good will he has shown you a great honor." With these words he beckoned toward the gates and Noor's litter entered the courtyard. "My lord he sends you the company and friendship of his favorite concubine while peace is being resolved. May I present to you, Princess Noor al Salahadin, light of Salahadin and beloved of Allah."
With these words the curtains of Noor's litter opened and she stepped lightly to the ground. Adjusting her chador and niqab so that only her left eye was uncovered, Noor bowed low in front of the Sheriff.
"Well she appears to be quite entertaining but I can't say I'm fond of the headwear. If you'll be so kind as to take it off – I never trust someone when I can't see their face." The Sheriff said abruptly.
The servants of the Saracens gasped. Noor had never removed her head coverings outside the harem before. It would be unthinkable to ask of her! As the prince made a move to protest, Noor raised her hand at him. From his hiding spot beneath the bridge Robin smiled. Noor the diplomat was now in play and the Sheriff had no idea what he was in for.
"Prince Tariq we are guests in the home of the Sheriff. Our lord Salahadin has asked that we honor him and we shall. If the Sheriff does not want us covered, your wives and I shall go uncovered. This is the custom in England and we will obey it." The soft lilting voice of Noor said beneath her wrappings. With that Noor released the niqab from around her face and slipped the chador from her head; leaving her in nothing but her silk traveling dress.
The crowd, noble and common alike, gasped. They remained awe struck as the other harem girls exited their palanquins uncovered. Never had the English seen women such as these. Slender as reeds, each woman had a pure waterfall of blue black hair falling just past her knees which shone in the sunlight. Their bronze oval faces each held large liquid soft eyes that resembled those of the forest deer; except for the eyes of Noor, which were deep emerald green. As the women moved toward the castle they resembled nothing more than cats slinking through the courtyard in a large, exotic pack.
From the steps Marion could see Robin watching from the side of the bridge. At first she was warmed at the thought that he had been concerned for her. Then as the women moved, Marion realized that Robin wasn't watching her but the harem girls. Guy was watching them as well and Marion wondered exactly why she was needed here.
Especially if they were going to both stand there and stare at those women!
The Sheriff led the Prince and his attendants inside. The harem girls followed in a silent graceful pack. Prince Tariq turned to Noor. "Princess Noor, I will have the guards bring your 'pets' into the harem as soon as you are settled."
The Sheriff smiled cruelly at both of them. "Of course, let's get the women settled first before we begin to get acquainted. Princess Noor, is it? Well I would very much like to meet with you later, in whatever way is appropriate for your culture, of course." The Sheriff's words were dripping with sarcasm.
"I think that it would be appropriate to have the ladies settled first Sheriff. If your guards can show the ladies and their guards to where they will be located I would appreciate it. After she has rested, Princess Noor could join us and provide some entertainment. She is a gifted storyteller and magician, those are only a few of the reasons our lord Salahadin sent her along." Prince Tariq replied tersely.
Marion stepped forward. "Perhaps it would be better if I showed the ladies where to go Sheriff. They would not feel their modesty imposed on by being surrounded by men and it would give them the opportunity to meet an Englishwoman. Then the men could begin getting acquainted without worrying over the ladies."
"Fine, fine, Marion they are to be housed in the west tower apartments. The enclosed garden between the tower and the main enclosure is for their enjoyment. Go do whatever it is you women do." The Sheriff waved at Marion in ill hidden dismissal and contempt.
"Sir Guy, perhaps later you will be kind enough to accompany me home?"
"Of course, Marion, I would be delighted." Guy stammered dumbstruck. Marion amongst harem girls, and then she wanted to spend the time directly after that with him. Perhaps she was warming to becoming his wife still? Guy rapidly pushed the thought from his head. Like most things in life, he expected that his fantasy was no where near what would actually happen.
Marion nodded politely and gave a small curtsey. She then turned to the harem girls and with a polite smile said "if you'll follow me this way, ladies." Turning, she then led the ladies down the hallway, past an unusually high number of attentive guards, and toward the west tower.
Walking next to Noor, Marion looked at her out of the corner of her eye. She isn't really all that pretty, Marion thought. Not like it matters, if big green eyes and a languid smile are what attract you then that's fine. Marion stopped herself. Why was she being so hard on this woman? She had just met her. There was no point in being petty.
"So, Princess Noor, I have heard rumors that you are a gifted storyteller. Perhaps when we've reached your apartments I could beg you to tell me one."
Noor looked at Marion suspiciously. This Englishwoman looked as if she would rather walk across broken glass barefoot than be anywhere near Noor, much less listen to her stories. What was her game? "I have been honored to tell stories to my lord before. He did me the great honor of allowing me to be present to entertain your King Richard. Both men we're overly indulgent of my meager talents, but I would be pleased to tell you any story you wish."
"I have heard once of an epic story from your country; one that is called the 'Parable of the Cruel Sultan'. Do you know of it?"
Noor looked sharply at the young woman known as Marion. What game was she playing, indeed? "Yes, my lady I know of this parable. It is a favorite of my master's; it is a good lesson for all those who would lead others. Once we reach the apartments perhaps I should tell it to you alone. The other ladies will have heard my stories so much that it would bore them."
Marion nodded. With this exchange the ladies and their guards reached the west tower and the apartments to be used by the ladies of the harem. Immediately, Noor and Marion stepped into a private room and looked at each other suspiciously. "You know Robin of Locksley, the great hero of Acre and defender of the King?" Noor demanded of Marion.
"Yes, I know Robin. We were children together. The question is how do you know Robin?" Marion replied with a hint of jealousy.
"That is not important. Please tell Robin where we are located in the castle. Also tell him that Salahadin has sent me as a captive to express his displeasure at me. I am to attempt to engender the idea of a peace here in England while acting as an inviolate hostage. Not even your Sheriff would dare to harm the concubine of Salahadin. Your King Richard has sent his brother warning that if I am harmed they are all to be executed by the Crusader guards that were sent to England with us. Now if you wouldn't mind passing a message to Robin, remind him that those who are born to rule are often cruel and those who were born to be ruled are often wise."
With a curt nod Marion left the harem. She had just enough time to find Robin and show him how to get into the harem and get him out again before Guy would come looking for her. Walking into the courtyard she saw Much hiding in a passageway near one of the market stalls. "So are you going to explain to me exactly how you met a group of harem girls?"
Much looked at Marion startled. "Duh, uh, uh. Well, you see Lady Marion, Master Robin and I often went as the king's guards when he met with Salahadin. Often he would bring ladies from his harem to provide entertainment to King Richard and his guards. Princess Noor is a renowned storyteller and often King Richard would request to hear her stories as entertainment."
Robin appeared silently beside them. Defensively he said, "It doesn't matter how we know her. Just that we do. Can you get us inside Marion?"
"Yes, come on. I was just curious how you met such a unique person as a harem girl. Perhaps one day you can explain to me the difference, Robin, since you're so well acquainted with her." Marion replied with equal bitterness.
"The difference between what?" Robin snapped at her angrily. How dare she insult Noor! She didn't even know her.
"I think you know what Robin. Now please let's just go so we can have this over with." Marion replied peevishly. Why was she behaving like this? She didn't understand what it was about Robin talking with that woman that made her behave like a spoiled child; but she hated the feeling.
Upon reaching the door of the harem chamber, Marion curtsied to the two guardsmen. They opened the door for her and the three of them entered the chamber. Inside the women were reclining on couches and silken mattresses they had brought with them from the holy lands. One of the women played a small guitar and sang softly as the others gossiped and relaxed. Marion noticed that several large cats were lounging quietly in the room's shady corners. She also noticed a dark woman in the corner of the room, holding what appeared to be a much paler toddler.
At the sight of Robin and Much, Noor sprang to her feet. Rushing towards them she exclaimed "Robin, Much! It's so wonderful to see you!" Embracing them both at the same time, she planted a kiss on each of their cheeks.
Both men bowed on one knee and kissed her hands. "Princess Noor it is so good to see you again. You cannot imagine how I've missed your stories." Much stammered up at her. She was such a beautiful woman, he had never been able to keep a straight head around her unless he was listening to her tell stories. Then somehow he had never seen Noor when she spoke. He had always been transported to whatever scene she was describing. Why was it that beautiful women were never to be his?
Robin looked at Noor dumbstruck. "Noor it is so wonderful to see you again."
Noor smiled at both of them. "It's wonderful to see the both of you again as well. Much my stories have missed your audience. Perhaps tonight I could tell you another one? And Robin, I've missed you as well. Why don't we retire to the other room and you can familiarize me with the situation I find myself in? But before that, let me show you my pride and joy."
Turning to the darkly clothed woman in the corner, Noor spoke softly. "Miriam, please bring Abdullah here. Robin, Much I would like you to meet my son." Taking the toddler from its nurse, Noor balanced him on her hip to show the young boy sucking his thumb to Much and Robin. "This is Abdullah el Salahadin. Isn't he a wonder?" Both men shook their heads in agreement and wondered over the small child hiding shyly in his mother's shoulder.
"Does it taste good?" Much asked the small boy in Arabic. When the boy smiled widely at him, Much stared in amazement. "My mother always used to say mine must have tasted of strawberries because it was in my mouth so much." Much said with a laugh.
The little boy offered his thumb to Much and Robin. "Chocolate" he said in thickly accented Arabic. Both men were dumbfounded by the child's precocity.
Meanwhile, another member of Prince Tariq's harem had taken Marion to sit on one of the silken mattresses and had begun to rhythmically brush her hair. Surprisingly she found it quite relaxing and was soon chatting quietly with the young harem girls, who all surprisingly spoke English well. Perhaps these women were not what she had first thought, rather they were women stuck in a situation created by men. She didn't even notice as Much moved to stand guard near a window while Robin and Noor entered a separate room alone. Closing the door Noor looked at Robin
"What are you doing here? Does Salahadin have any idea what he sent you into?" Robin demanded of Noor. With that he reached out and grabbed her close to him. "By the way it's amazing to see you Noor."
With a soft laugh, Noor hugged Robin back. "Salahadin sent me here Robin. Didn't that servant girl tell you the message I sent with her?"
"No, Marion isn't a servant, and she's not very good at relaying messages." Robin replied tersely. Why did Marion have to be so obstinate?
"Oh, well, in that case I guess I will just mindlessly repeat myself. Salahadin has sent me here as a hostage and peace negotiator because he is displeased with me. We are relatively safe because your King Richard has sent a Crusader guard to protect us. He has sent a message to his brother Prince John, if I am harmed the Crusaders will slaughter everyone who was involved, all the way up to and including Prince John."
"Crusader guard? Who did King Richard send to protect you?"
"His second best warrior and your old tent mate. James told me to relay to you that if you had the chance – he and his men are hiding in the woods around Nottingham. He would like to know the situation here."
"Oh, Noor, you're joking right? James is hiding in Sherwood Forest? Really?" Robin laughed in delight. When God decided to smile on him, God definitely smiled.
"No, Robin I am not joking. James is in the woods. Why?"
"Well it's a long story Noor but maybe I will get the chance to tell you tonight. You want to get out of the castle and away from protocol for a while?" Noor's smile was all Robin needed. He knew how much Noor hated protocol. "I'll come with some men for you and your ladies tonight after dark. Send a message to James and have him meet us outside the main gate where you entered. Dress warmly, its cold where we're going and bring the rest of the harem with you, including Miriam and Abdullah. The lads will get a delight out of women and stories and out of Abdullah; it will seem like home again."
"Ok. Sure Robin." Noor looked at Robin with a slight smile. "Now you and Much should get out of here. Apparently you've gotten into trouble somehow and you don't need to get caught in with the harem girls. I don't know what your punishment would be here, but Prince Tariq would push to allow his men to punish you in our style."
Robin's faced paled slightly. Then with a mischievous smile he winked at Noor and headed out into the main room. "Come on Much, the ladies will be joining us for festivities tonight and we'll need to prepare."
Much smiled in a dazzling array of teeth at Robin and then Noor. "Really? Princess Noor will you tell us stories tonight?"
"Of course, Much, how could I refuse a request from you? Now you should go before you're caught here. I'll see you tonight." Noor smiled. She had always been fond of Much, he reminded her so much of her brother who had been lost at Samira. If nothing else they should create peace for the men like Much and her brother.
In an instant Much and Robin were gone. After getting safely out of the castle's range the men slowed to a walk, heading into Sherwood Forest. "You're really bringing Noor out to the forest, Master?"
"I have to Much. They have a Crusader guard, oh you are not going to believe this Much;" Robin began to laugh hysterically, "they have a Crusader guard, led by James of Essex, hiding in Sherwood Forest." With that Robin began to laugh in a dry wheeze.
"Master, you're joking right? Hiding in Sherwood Forest, really? Well I can see why you want Noor to bring them to you. But Master do you really think it's safe?"
"Why wouldn't it be Much? Between us and the men and James and his men; I can't imagine that we'll encounter too many problems. Personally I would love to see Guy of Gisbourne try to take on James of Essex. It would be short but would do my heart good."
"Because Master I don't know if it's such a good idea for you to get caught up with Noor again." Much couldn't believe how awkward this situation was and Robin was simply oblivious to it. "Master did you look at Abdullah?"
"Yeah, Much, he's a cute boy. I can't believe that Salahadin would let her take his son into danger. It's strange isn't it?"
"Well, Master, that's what you obviously didn't notice. What color are Noor's eyes?"
"Green."
"Salahadin's eyes are what color?"
"Black, what's your point Much?"
"Master, did you notice what color Abdullah's eyes are?"
"No, Much, what color are Abdullah's eyes?"
Much sighed deeply. Why was it that he was the one who always had to point the obvious out to his Master? For such a smart man he could be incredibly stupid. "They're blue, Master. Prince Abdullah el Salahadin's eyes are a beautiful, clear blue. Almost the same color as King Richard's and James of Essex's. They are also remarkably the same blue as your own."