[Broken Crescent] Omani-Son of the Desert-Chapter 16

[Marvzilla]

Sorry all for this long delay.School can be demanding and other things had to come first too.

good job

Thank you.

Read through it all just now and it's good, certainly interesting and love the interplay between the characters keep it up! Also, love BC so always good to see an AAR- giving me pangs to play it!

Yeah give it a chance.Besides Stainless Steel and the LoTR Mod Broken Crescent is one of the most popular mods out there.

Now I finally caught up! First of all, I'm glad that you could get back after the break.
You have quite a few interesting characters, and I am looking forward to reading where you will take the plot. BC stories are always fascinating.

Yeah,since I am not able to take any battle pictures or to even play the game ( I am still not able to do so) the focus has to be on characters more than ever.

Thanks all for the kind comments and I will get to next chapters soon.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 10:On hot Soles



Maliks and Salims situation couldn´t be worse:

Trapped in a village massacred by Seljuk forces,no Camels,
and the next two horses were protected by a Guardsman.

Malik crouched slowly towards the heavily armoured Turkman,
trying to make as little noise as possible.The Turkman had
his back turned towards Malik,the perfect opportunity.

Malik stood up just right behind the Guard and strangled him.
His arm under the Guards chin,he put as much
pressure as possible on the Turkmans neck.Slowly the Guard
succumbed to the hold.Saliva drooled from his mouth he was
flailing and tried to get a grip of the Bedouin.With a last twitch
the life left the Turkmans body.

When Malik was sure that the Guard wouldn´t awake anymore
he released his hold.He let the Turkman fell flat on his face and Malik
whispered towards Salim to come over to the stable.

Salim came,crouching,looking left and right.This situation made
him paranoid.Fighting and blood aren´t the concern of a Merchant.

"Saddle your horse Salim,I will hide this Turkman.Be fast or we both
are dead."

"Yes yes." Salim was fast.He wanted no part of an fighting force like
the Saljuks.

Meanwhile,Malik was pulling the dead Saljuk towards an stack of hay
trying to hide his corpse.The Turkman was heavy,clad in Lamellar Armor
his body was not stiffed yet.

"This will do it." Malik has put the Guard into the stack of hay,covering his
lifeless body as much as possible.

"Malik,Malik ! "

"What ? " Malik turned to see another fully armed Guardsman walking towards
the stable.

"Quick mount your horse ! "

Malik rushed to his horse,swinging himself on it.But it was to late.With a look of
shock and anger the Saljuk discovered Malik and Salim,whom rushed away.

As they left the pillaged village southwards,the yells of Saljuks and trampling
horses were to hear.Soon,the Saljuks were in pursue of the both Arabs.

In full gallop Malik turned his horse away from the dirt road,heading towards an
row of Palms.Salim was looking after him,bewildered by the thought of Malik
leaving him.

The Saljuks,split up in two groups,one chasing after Salim who rushed over the
near bridge.The other group followed Malik towards the Palms.

"He is hiding behind the trees.Find him,then kill him.Bring me his head ! "
The Saljuks were roaring.In front of the Palms they had to stop and
dismount,the brush was to thick and unpassable.

Malik could identify the Captain quick.His sword ready in his hand,he hid
between the leafs of the Palm he just climbed.Under him the Saljuks were
searching for him.Malik counted four heavily armored and dangerous soldiers.

He took one of the arrows he grabbed from the Saljuk in the stable.
He aimed and let the arrow fly loose.With a crushing noice the missile
found its target,the last man of the enemys unit.He crumbled down
to the ground,blood spilled out of his mouth.

Another Saljuk who was near saw his brother dying.Just as Malik reached
the ground,the Turkman came to his brothers aid.His shield in front,he
rushed towards Malik.Malik kicked at the enemys knee,who stumbled
down to the ground.Then Malik thrusted into the Saljuks side.He heard
ribs crushing,and blood spilled out of the Turkmans cloth.

Malik hid again,awaiting another enemy.He turned and slit his enemys arm.
The Saljuk raised his shield,pushing Malik with it.Malik turned once again,
to the other side and grabbed his enemys shield.Now he stood behind the
Turkman and slashed onto his shoulder.Blood sprayed,bones were crunching.

Just as he tried to regain his composture,Malik was attacked by the fourth Saljuk,
the Captain.He swung at Malik with his mace,who ducked under the
attack.He turned his elbow upwards and hit the Saljuk under the chin.Staggered
by this counter,the Turkman took two steps back and was attacked once again,
hiding behind his shield.Then Malik jumped against the Saljuks shield with his left
knee and took his balance.Stumbling,bloodied and disheartened by his skilled
enemy,the Saljuk attacked Malik in a desperate manner.Malik blocked the first
blow comfortable but got hit by the Shield hard in the stomache.Aching pain
sucked the wind out of Malik,who just had to block another blow by the Saljuks
mace.The Saljuk forced Malik against a palm with his shield and tripped him
with his left foot.Malik crushed to the ground and kicked against his enemys
shin to no effect.Again he had to block multiple blows from the Saljuk.
He kicked his enemy into his ribs,gaining some space between the two.
Quickly he stood up and pierced the Saljuks right thigh.With a scream filled
of pain the Saljuk got on his knees and Malik kicked his mace out of his hand.
Then he took his shield and dealt the deadly blow with it.

Exhausted and battered Malik had to regain his posture.Salim was still getting chased
by the other group of Saljuks.He needed help.He took his sword,grabbed some
arrows and mounted his horse.

Salim was in dire need of help.There was little time left.

[Marvzilla]

Update Post

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I will make this kind of post every ten chapters or so,to keep you guys informed
about characters and places.

Characters:

Wallid ibn-Amar:

Father of Malik and experienced Bedouin leader.Plays the Mentor role in Maliks life.
Originated from the deserts of Oman,Wallid hadn´t spent his whole life
as a Bedouin.When he was a young man,he offered his service to the Fatimid
Caliphate,enlisting in their army as mercenary.There he learned to wrestle
and taught his son afterwards.

Derya Sualin:

Mother of Malik.She died when she gave birth to her son.Originated from
Egypt,Wallid brought her with him after his service at the Fatimid court
came to an abrupt end.She was his love interest and cause of much trouble.

Malik ibn-Amar:

Son of Wallid and Derya.Young brave man with a beloved horse*,Malik is eager
to discover and experience the world.He is trained in Wrestling and Swordfight.
A naturally skilled warrior,Malik overcomes danger with an kind of brutality not
many endured.

Rashid ibn-Amar:

Elder Brother of Wallid and Uncle of Malik.Passed away.
Great Warrior with honor and pride of his homelands.Died when he
resisted Fatimid orders.

Salim Naideen:

Merchant from Beirut.Endured the death of his father and was a captative
of Saljuk Soldiers.Loud mouth who can´t stop speaking.Friend to Malik,
loyal and friendly.

*Zad el-Raheeb has been left at his fathers side in Baghdad.

Situation:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Since I am not able to play I have to bring the story
forward on my own.Here is the summary of events.

The Banu Omani:

The Banu Omani was brought to life by great Imam Mershad.
Target was Mesopetamia and it´s rich and fertile lands.

The Banu took a serious blow at the siege of Wasit and wasn´t able
to reach Baghdad.After the capture of Wasit the Banu Omani forces
were crushed by an Abbasid Army,forcing them to flee in all directions.

The last remnants of the Banu Omani now have forged an Alliance with the
Saljuks of the Caspian Sea and are raiding and pillaging in Mesopetamia.

Saljuk Forces:

Since the Turkmen of the north have got a scent of Abbasid weakness,they
are all over Mesopetamia.Heavy and light riders pillaging trough little villages,
avoiding the bigger Cities and Forts.There are rumours of Saljuks and Omanis
who have pledged an Alliance,splitting the loot between them.

Current Location:

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 11:Friendship



"How could he do this.Betraying me after all the help ! No,no,Malik wouldn´t
do this.He is not of that kind ! "

Salims thoughts were interupted by the sizzling sounds of arrows.With the
Saljuks at his heels,his chances were slim.

Four enraged,heavily armed and mounted soldiers pursued him.Salim did his best
to stir his horse,kicking it,shouting and cursing.It didn´t help.Soon he
could hear the battlecrys of the Saljuks,bringing back memories of days which
were long past.

"No.I won´t end like my father ! My head belongs to me !"

With that thought he turned his horse.The fastest Saljuk crashed
with his horse into Salims horses flanks,both animals falling.

Gruesome sounds came from the wounded animals and Salim had problems
getting up to his feet.He got thrown out of his saddle,laying in the dry sand.

It was windy,and small sandcornes sprinkled against his face.He could taste
blood in his mouth.He was wounded !

Suddenly the Saljuk who fell off his force rushed onto the grounded Salim.

"Stop ! I give you money,wealth ! Let me live ! "

Salim struggled to keep the Turkman at bay.He sat on the Merchant and
had drawn his dagger.With fast moves he tried to stab him.

"You dirty Saljuk bastard ! "

With that he smashed his opponents helmet with a sharp stone.The Saljuk fell over,
face first to the ground.Salim kicked him in the ribs and made sure that this
Turkman wouldn´t stand up.

Horrified by his own deed,Salim stumbled to his horse.It was agonizing in pain,it´s
leg clearly broken.The poor animal was lying on it´s side,breathing slowly.
As soon as he reached his mount,arrows were flying past him once again.
The other Saljuk Soldiers have catched up to him.

"Allah have mercy. "

Salim hid behind his horse,just when a Saljuk thrusted at him with his spear.
He stood up and shouted at the Warrior.

"Dumb dog.Go love some goat. "

Salim was laughing.As he turned,a mace hit him at the shoulder.Salim fell to the
ground,holding his arm.He was in a world of pain.

"You take his head.Examine him,he has goods with him.Dirty bastard. "

The Saljuks got off their horses,walking towards the injured Salim.

"You will get nothing ! "

Salim threw a rock at the nearest Saljuk.The Saljuk blocked the stone with his
arms,laughing.He kicked Salim against the shoulder producing a scream filled
with pain.

Malik stirred his horse like he never did before.Screaming and hitting he was driving
the horse to it´s limits.Sand clashed in his face heavy wind surrounded him.
He left Salim.Now he had to aid his friend,for all he did for him and his father.

"Take his head.Then his goods. "

"Wait,we could cut off some of his fingers,or his nose.I heard certain people in Damascus
pay well for this goods."

"Then do so."

The Saljuk held Salims hair,raising his head.In the other hand he held an
elegant looking sabre,ready to strike the fatal blow.

He striked out,and just when he was ready to cut Salims head off,an arrow hit him
in the chest.

Gurgling at his own blood the Saljuk fell down.The other two drew their maces and
got ready to defend themselves.But there was no one to see.The wind has become
stronger and the sand took everyones sight.But not Maliks.

The second arrow found it´s target,hitting one of the Saljuks in his calf.
The remaining Saljuk got nervous,not accustomed to an invisible enemy.

Salim wasn´t able to make out what was happening,but he was certain a Saljuk
Warrior was in front of him.He stood up,took a rock and striked the enemy over
the head.But he didn´t went down.So Salim smashed him again and again.
He wanted to strike once again,but then he noticed that the enemy was pierced
by Malik,who stood in front of the Saljuk.

"You are a fierce warrior,merchant ! "

"Ah.Thats natural.I have four brothers ! "

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 12:Damascus



Damascus.Madīnat al-Yāsmīn.One of the most important cities of the
Ayyubid Sultanate.A magnificient place for merchants and travelers.

Two Months have passed since the incident at Dayz az Zawr.Maliks
thoughts were by his father,whom he missed and worried for.

The Abbasid Caliphate was in deep trouble,Saljuk forces were roaming
free through Mesopetamia.

Salim has brought Malik to a friend of his,where he found shelter and
was cared for.He showed Malik the various parts of the city,
showed him the Mosques,the grave of great Nur ad-Din,the different
shisha bars and marketplaces.

Salim had to do his daily work,where Malik helped him with the carriages.
Malik hadn´t any purpose in the city,and it was hard for him to acclimate.

Malik was taught the use of the old Roman streets,especially the via Recta,
this days used by the merchants to praise their goods.Malik was curious
about this Romans,as he has never heard about them before.Salim told
him that they were a mighty nation and the predecessors of the Byzantines
of the north.They conquered all of the Mediterrean,as Salim called it,which
they called Mare Nostrum.A giantic world for Malik,who just grasped to
learn that the world is bigger than just Arabia.

Malik changed his attire for Damascus.His typical Bedouin cloth wasn´t
fitting for the advanced and cultural Damascus.His new host,Heshim,
borrowed him some clothing.Malik was once again struck by the wonders
of a completly new world.

"Get up Malik.Some boxes are waiting to get carried. "

"Salim,why don´t you buy an donkey or something ? "

"I have one already. "

Salim left with laughter.Malik arouse slowly sliping in his new shoes.
He washed his face and grabbed a crump of bread while he got outside.

"There,take the big one.I take this right here." Salim pointed on a staple
of cloth.

"Ugh,what´s in these boxes. "

Dates my friend.Hundreds of Dates.

Malik carried the boxes,a task which proved to be cumbersome.
He strolled past the corner to the market as he does everyday,
with a singing Salim in front,like he does everyday.

He unloaded the boxes at Salims stand,where Salim was already
doing his work,annoying passerbys and overcoming the noise
of the market with his yelling.

"Noble friend,why don´t you taste the best dates and the most
elegant cloth of Damascus.Brought in from.."

"Let me be,Merchant. "

But Salim didn´t give up.He was a stubborn man.
Malik watched Salim doing his work,amused by
the Merchants attempts to cater to his customers.

"Achy,this work is demanding,you can´t imagine. " Salim wiped the sweat
of his forehead.

"Unthankful sheeps.I am standing in the glaring sun,praising my goods and
what they do ? They ignore me. "

Malik chuckled.Salim was clearly half serious,he was born for this kind of
work.No one was louder,no one was more intimitate than him.

"Please,can you fill up our bottles,I feel like the sun is frying me."

He handed him two pouches made of some animals skin.They were
brindled in brown and orange.Malik made his way to the next well,
located in a quiet corner.Palms were growing next to it,and the temperatures
there were more mild.

He filled the two pouches with the cold water,drinking some sips of his
own pouch immediatley.Then he poured some over his face.The fresh
water gave him chills,renewing his energy.

"Here Salim. " He gave the other pouch to Salim,who was waiting eargerly
on it.

"Ah,Sadiq,this is like floating gold. " Salim poured the water all over him.

The day went on,Salim doing his work and Malik making the most out of it.
As the sun set down,both got ready to departure.They brought back the
goods not sold,and headed to Heshims house,who was a Merchant just like
Salim.Their fathers were close,otherwise both would have been in direct competition.

"Assalum Alaikum dear friend. "

"It´s good to see you.How were the dealings."

"Cumbersome."

Malik listened to the merchants,all of them sitting on their cushion,eating
their Kibbeh.

"Malik,why do you visit this wonderful town ? "

"Salim told me of this wonderful city,where you live like a king even as
a beggar."

"Hm,sadly the situation isn´t that wonderful.Ah,Sadiq.The times are hard.
The Ayyubids are sucking the life out of this city,financing their wars.
We thought it was over after the fall of the great Nur ad-Din,but the suffering continues.
I have problems selling my goods,when the people can´t even afford their food ! "

"I hear you brother." Salim nodded in agreement.

"You can hear their manoveurs daily.They are training,getting ready for something.
I have friends in the city guard,tomorrow I will meet some of them.The shishabar
has loosened up every tongue so far. "

Salim laughed,patting his friend on the shoulder.

Malik thought about his weaponry.He hid it in a bundle of hay he brought along,
hoping the guards wouldn´t search him.He got lucky.

"This are dangerous times Heshim.You can call yourself lucky living in
Damascus."

"Yes,yes.I don´t want to live in Baghdad right now.Ha !"

Malik sunk into thought´s once again.He hadn´t received any message from
his father since his hurried departure out of Baghdad.

He worried for him.How was his state ? If he died while Malik was absent,
that would be horrible.

The evening lingered along,and soon Malik fund himself in his chamber.
He endured daily grind here in Damascus,and he didn´t like it.

He had to venture off,see something else.He had this itchy feeling.
Something tried to draw him to new shores.He kept thinking about this
place.This place his father told him about.

Egypt.

[Schrödinger]

Malik is a one for nearly dying! Some good updates and you have a decent narrative style, I look forward to more. The best thing for me is the atmosphere you produce, you can almost smell the camel. Keep these coming

[Marvzilla]

Malik is a one for nearly dying! Some good updates and you have a decent narrative style, I look forward to more. The best thing for me is the atmosphere you produce, you can almost smell the camel. Keep these coming

Thanks for your kind comment.Haha,yeah,Malik gets into some dangerous situations.You have to
imagine him as a young man with raw talent in fighting,but he has to be defined.

I am not quite happy with my writing at this point,because my english leaves me when I have
to write something on the forums.I will try to improve this part of my AAR.

[Marvzilla]

Ahh,this AAR won´t come on a roll.I will update this weekend,but my Laptop crapped out and I have
to see where I go from here.

But you guys can be stoked for some new adventures,and maybe even some romances.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 13:A´lia





“Oh look at this “ Salim took one of his Dates.He bit down on it,chewing
and putting a smile on his face.

“The best Dates of Damascus ! “ he yelled while holding his arms high.

“Could you be any more dramatic ? “ Malik shook his head.He would be
embarassed acting like this.

“Shh.If the good people of Damascus want a show,I will give it to them.
I entertain them,praising my goods.They give me money,we live well.
The last part should be most important to you Sadiq.”

“Yes,yes.” Malik waved Salim off.

“Now get up and get us something to drink you lazy ibn kalb*.”

Malik got of the sack of cloth he just layed on and tingled down
the same narrow streets he walked along since he accompanied
Salim in Damascus.Over him the buildings tried to reach the sky,and
the women of Damascus hung up their cloth on long lines,hanging from
house to house.

He got to the same well he visited everyday,and he filled the same two pouches
with water,like he did everyday.The great city of Damascus wasn´t as great
ws it was boring.This place wasn´t suited for Malik.The open desert called him,
the Adventure,the many experiences the life had to offer.But he couldn´t
answer this call.

Malik turned to the narrow street,awaiting Salims call already.Out of nowhere
a young woman bumped into him.The boxes she carried fell to the ground,cracking
open.

“Excuse me.” The young woman looked on the ground,kneeling to gather the boxes again.

“There is no need for excuse.” Malik bend over,laying his pouches to the ground
and lifting the boxes.

The young woman,who was disguised by a head rag,stood up as well,and both their
Gazes crossed.

These eyes....Malik has never seen a thing like this before.Her eyes were of blue colour,
almost green.They reached right through his eyes into his heart.

Malik was suddenly breathing heavy.A feeling he never had before flowed through his
very veins.Adrenaline was flowing,and his heart was pumping at a high rate.

“Is everything alright my dear Cheb*.”

Malik was suprised by this open response.Never had a women sparked a conversation with
him,and he felt awkward and stressed.

“Are you alright ? “ The young woman had a curious look in her eyes.

“Yes.Sorry.I am just.... “

“Confused ? “

“No,no.You bumping into me was just so suprising and..”

“I am sorry again.I just wanted to bring these boxes to my father at the market,
and now I damaged his goods.He will never forgive me that.”

“What is in these boxes ?”

“Bottles full of water.Water made with Lotus.A very appealing odor.”

Even though she was in disguise Malik could see that she was smiling.Suddenly
he had to smile too.He gave her the small boxes he lifted,which she took on her
arms.

“My name is A´lia.My father is one of the merchants on the market.Hopefuly this
answers your question.”

“Which question.” Malik was through and through confused.

“The question you never asked.”

Malik could hear a small chuckle from her.This girl was very cheeky.

“And what is your name ? “

”Malik.Malik.” Malik had a very hasty voice.

“Malik Malik.Interesting name.” She chuckled again.

“And what are doing here in Damascus ? “

“Oh,I came with a merchant.Salim,you may know him.”

“Salim ? Everybody knows him.He is so loud and annoying,
even the Amir of Damascus knows him.”

“Ah,than you know him well. “

Now both chuckled.This girl sparked something in Malik,but he couldn´t point out
what it was.

“Oh,my father ! He is going to kill me. “

A´lia rushed forward,running past Malik.

“A pleasure to meet you,Cheb !” She screamed while running towards the market.

And with that,she was gone.

To the late hours Malik was thinking about this magnetizing woman.He had fallen to her
beauty,which he could see,even in disguise.

Suddenly,Damascus became very interesting.

*1:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Son of a Dog.The meaning is not that bad,even Parents call their Children sometimes this.

*2:

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Young man.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 14:Troubling News





Wallid ibn Amar sat on his cushion,writting a letter.He learned writing
as a Soldier,because it was important to send informations to his
commander,every man of his unit was taught how to write.

This letter.It took him time to write it,a long time.Every word had to be
chosen wisely,every formulation had to be fitting.It should show love,express
emotions,spark hope.But how ? It was a piece of paper with words on it.But Wallid
was certain that he could fulfill his task.Not only to write loving words
to his son,but also to inform him.Inform him about the things which
happened,and inform him about things to come.

He sat on his cushion,writing.He feared the sight which would graze him
if he looked up.

Baghdad was in flames.



Salim was in a great hurry.He run like a mad man,stumbling over caters and other
rubble.In his right he hold a letter,the cause of his excitement.

As soon as he reached the door of his friend Heshim.

He yelled Maliks name,running straight towards his room.

“Malik,Malik.Here you are ! “ Salims excitement was hearable.

“Why are you so delighted Sadiq ? “

“A letter ! A letter Malik ! “

“From my Father ?! “ Malik sprung to his feet.

“I don´t know.I haven´t opened it.Here.” Even Salim was anxitious
hearing the content.

“Uhm,Salim.Who is Ibn Ali Suwah ? “

“Ibn Ali Suwah ?! Are you kidding me ? “

Salim pulled the letter out of Maliks hand,reading over it in a hasty way.
Suddenly,his face formed a big smile.

“Sadiq,do you know what this means ? “

“No ? “ Malik was curious.What could made Salim so happy ?

“Ibn Ali Suwah is the head of Damascus Merchant Guild.If the Amir of Damascus
wants something,he orders it by the Head of the Merchant Guild.The Amir of Damascus
wants Dates.Many Dates.He will hold a festival,for some important visitors or something.
The important part is,my dearest friend,that I was selected to deliver the Dates !
We will be rich ! “


Malik was confused.Salim had some boxes of dates,but how could he supply a big number
for a festival.Salim saw the confusion of his friend.

“What is your concern Malik ? “

”How are you going to get all the dates nescessary for this ? “

“Well,for this part,we will need to travel. “

“To which destination ? “ Malik was worried.He was in trouble since he traveled
with Salim.

“Egypt my friend ! Ha ! You will see Cairo,the heart of the Ayyubid Empire !
You will love it. “

Malik was suprised,but this news made him happy.Egypt.The place his father became
the man he was today.A destination he always admired.

“I have some friends down there,we will trade,I get the dates,we travel back and
the Amir will be pleased.Then he covers me in riches and I get my house
and my Harem.Haha ! “ Salim kissed Malik on his cheek.

Egypt.Malik still was in trance.He couldn´t believe it.But many unbelievable things
have happened since he became part of the Banu Omani.He was anticipating it,
no daily grind anymore.Adventure called him,and he answered.



The next morning,Malik and Salim carried their goods on Heshims Ship,a small ship,
it just had enough place for a crew of a dozen men.The ship was stationed at a small village
at the syrian coast,some miles away from Damascus.

The harbour was another new thing for Malik.He never was at the sea,and her raw beauty
catched all his attention.The captain of the little ship called her an unforving mother.
Just like the desert,Malik thought.

“Are you ready for this Malik ? “

”Yes.I look forward to it.This is something entirely new,something I need. “

”You are one crazy man Sadiq. “ Salim laughed and walked towards the ship,were
the crew was setting sails.

Suddenly a voice struck Malik from behind.

“Cheb,are you going to leave me ? “

Her voice.It was as smooth as a layer of silk,covering his ears.
He turned around to see A´lia,with a head rag as usual.

“Dissapointed ? “ Malik grinned.He enjoyed their little battles,the banter of
words they had.He has seen her often over the last weeks,her eyes and cheeky
behaviour claiming his attention and emotions.

“No.Suprised,if anything.What is your destination,Sailor ? Constantinople,
Crete ? “

”Alexandria.From there on Cairo. “ He took some steps towards A´lia.

“How long will you be gone with your little,” she took a look over his
shoulder,inspecting the poor thing that Salim called ship “swimming board ? “
She smiled him in his face,he could see it through her cloth.

“Some weeks.But I will come back with loads of Dates ! “

“Oh,Dates.Nothing is better to impress a woman. “

“A´lia,I know we spent some time with each other,and I would like to.. “
She put her indexfinger on his lips,silencing any words that tried to escape his mouth.

“Say it to me when you come back on a throne of Dates.” With that she
pulled of the mouth part of her head rag and kissed him on his cheek.

She smiled and turned without a word and was nowhere to be seen after
she slipped between the busy people of the harbour.

“Two kisses at one day,not bad. “ Malik chuckled.

[Boustrophedon]

Beautiful picture of the girl with headscarf and I love the tradition you've established of pictures in the beginning of a chapter!

I've subscribed to this AAR and I'll be on the look-out for more updates +rep

[Marvzilla]

Beautiful picture of the girl with headscarf and I love the tradition you've established of pictures in the beginning of a chapter!

I've subscribed to this AAR and I'll be on the look-out for more updates +rep

Thanks.

Yes,I think its pretty important to draw some attention with pictures too,so it gives the reader something
inspirational when he/she is reading.

Good to have one more reader,it´s always nice to see someone appreciating ones work and efforts.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 15:The steady Coast





Like a camel the Ship was swaying,making Malik feeling sick.
He was accustomed to the swaying of a Camel,but ships were
different.The sea smelled like salt,and it was cold and windy.

Malik couldn´t stand the sea.

They were out on this monstrum for 14 Days now,every minute
despised by the Bedouin and his friend.

“Salim,I thought you are often on ships ? “

“Yes,but that doesn´t mean I like them.” Salims face was
white as a crayon.

Again a big wave hit the boat,sending water over the rail and
on the sailors.These hard men were used to the sea,doing
their jobs as they were told.

Malik had a lot of time to think since he was on this ship.
He thought about his father,and why he still hasn´t received
any news from him.He thought about the sweet A´lia,who´s
odor made him dizzy even when he dreamed about it.

“Salim,do you know anything about this girl ? “

”The girl you like ? No.They are not from Damascus,that´s
sure.”

“How do you know that ?”

“They are not like the rest of the townsfolk,they are more like
us.Experienced.Stubborn.”

“Hm.Why are you sayin them ?”

”I know her father.Good trader.Nice man.”

“Ah.”

Malik was not too sure what he would do if A´lia wasn´t
Around if he came back to Damascus.He feared that she
might leave the city.Malik had feelings like he never had before
and he liked them.



Later that day,the coast of Egypt was on the horizon.

“Do you see that Sadiq ? That´s Egypt,home of the Ayyubids,
and one of the most fertile lands on the world.You will like it.”
Malik just nodded silently.He was impressed with what he saw,and he
was eager to set foot on this land.

“My lord Salim,there are big rocks out there.You might want to hold on
to something,this might get shacky.” The captain was a experienced man,
and one should follow his advises.

And so did Malik and Salim.The weather was particulary bad on this day,
heavy rain was falling and a strong wind from the east almost blew the ship
on it´s side.

Suddenly Malik had this bad feeling.Something wasn´t right.Something was
about to happen.



Then he woke up.

He tasted salt in his mouth,and his hands reached out and were full with sand.

No Salim.He couldn´t see anything.Rain fell besides him.

It was dark.And cold.What happened ?

The only thing he could do was listen.Listen to the voices of birds.Listen
to the rain falling.Listen to the waves in their steady rythm of the sea.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 16:In Ayyubid Hands



“Stand up.“

Malik could hear a voice.But it was not that of Salim or one of
The Sailor.

“Stand up.”

The sound of the voice was more pushing now.There were serious
Intentions behind it.

Something kicked Malik in the ribs.Hard.He had to spit out,openening
His eyes.

Around him was destruction.The ship was destroyed.It crashed against the
Shore.Dead men laid around,any help to late for them.

“Where are you from ?”

The voice was demanding.

“Da-Damascus.” It was hard for Malik to speak,he just barely survived
a ship crashing.

“And why aren´t you looking like any Ayyubid man I have seen ? “


“I am not from Damascus.I am....”

And with that,he got kicked in the face.Malik was still there,but he had dreams of
A´lia while someone grabbed him and helped him up on his feet.The person
Who did this did it very ungentle,pushing and shoving him.

Malik looked around.He couldn´t see Salim.Where was he ?

“What is your concern ? “

”You don´t ask any questions.Intruders who are not allowed have
no voice.”

The big soldier kicked Malik in his gut,buckling him.Malik had no weapons
And had no intentions attacking this man,as he seemed to be only part of
A whole army which emerged from the dunes of the beach.

He saw many chained people,going one after another,most of them battered
And bloodied.

“Who are these people ?”

“Shh.”


The soldier grabbed Malik by his tunic and threw him to a group of chained people.
Then he chained up Malik too,making his hand stick together.

He had to merge into the stream of prisoners.The guards and soldiers
Were occasional pushing or attacking one of the captatives,terrorising them
And breaking any moral.

Malik was confused.Why did this happen.Why do this men of the Ayyubid Sultanate
Enslave their own folk ?

Many old men,women and children were part of this slave train,too.Most of them crying,
Some fell to the ground,dehydrated and exhausted.This gruesome army had to march
For days.Malik was scared.

The army and the slaves walked on,heading towards a city.Its shiloulette was to see in
The distance.Malik was sure that this city is Alexandria.Maybe Salim escaped before
This brutes could find him.Maybe he can help Malik out of his misery when he gets
To Alexandria.

Malik was exhausted.The prisoners got no water,nothing to eat.They were marching
For hours now and each slave was chained to another.In fron of him,a old man fell to
The ground.He got unchained and the soldiers threw him into the sands of the desert.

The rest of the Army just marched on.Malik saw no chance killing a soldier and freeing himself,the soldiers were very suspicious

Malik got chained up again,now a crying woman was infront of him.She was young,
And the dress she wore was of fine linen and richly decorated.She looked like a noble
Woman,apart from the ripped dress.She looked over her shoulder,inspecting Malik like
A dog who had worms.Malik smiled at her,but she just turned her watered eyes and
Gave him no attention anymore.

Malik could see that she was a very beautiful mistress,and not of Arabic descent.
He couldn´t think of any descent she may be from,as he hadn´t seen much different
People.

Her beauty doesn´t went unnoticed by one of the soldiers.It was the big one from the
Beach who has picked up Malik hours ago.He beshamed her with his eyes,lusting
And undressing her visibly in his mind.



Later on,they were allowed to rest.This rest was more for the soldiers than anything.

Malik sat down like the rest of the Slaveline,sitting next to the woman,who stopped crying
And just seemed sad.

Malik looked at her again.She was indeed beautiful.Her brown hair and light eyes,looking
Like steel,poked the emotions he had for A´lia.He missed her.He decided to stay alive at all
Costs,just to see her again and proving her his love.

The woman looked at him again,her glance telling him more than words could tell.She was
In need of help,desperate.And sad.She was sad like death hung about her.
Her upper lips made a small oval curve,forming a very attractive mouth.
She had no freckles,and even though she was dirty like every other slave
He could see her grace.

They stared at each other for a long time,it seemed like hours.

This moment was interrupted by the big soldier.He came over and unchained her,
Grabbing her very ungentle at her wrists.He pulled her closer to him,staring into
Her eyes.

Then he ripped of a part of her long dress.Her dress.It seemed so foreign.

She had a desperate look in her eyes,turning to Malik in search of help.
Malik was angered,angered and desperate himself.There wasn´t anything
He could do.

The soldier threw her to ground,right besides Malik and laid on her.His tongue
Licked the woman over her cheek and her face told how disgusting this man was.

Malik had enough.He turned while he was sitting and kicked the man in his face.
The soldier fell to the side and the women ran off.

Just as the soldier tried to pursue her,Malik got a hold of his ankle and brought him
To the ground again.Malik got kicked in his face and let the soldier go.

The woman was brought down by other soldiers,who carried her back to her original
Place and tied her up again.She was crying and someone had strangled her,marks were on
Her throat.

Malik got kicked again by the soldier who vent off his aggression at the Bedouin.Malik in return awaited the right moment and kicked against the soldiers unprotected shin breaking it.

With a gruesome howl the men fell to the ground.Malik got strangled by another Soldier.
When Malik got calmer,the Soldier let go.The other Soldier got carried away.
Malik laid on his back,pain agonizing him.

He looked to his side.The woman was laying too and stared at him with her steel grey eyes.
Her mouth tried to form a word.

“Thank you.”



The rest of the journey to Alexandria was uneventful.But this stranger,this beautiful woman
Looked at Malik the whole time.She tried to communicate with him,but she didn´t spoke
Arabic.So they communicated with their eyes.She was thankful,and Malik was glad to have
Someone in this barren country.

When the army and the slaves reached Alexandria,everyone was in awe.Alexandria was
A beauty of a city,and not many have seen it.

But Maliks concern were others.He was not certain what would happen now.What he
Would do.Everything seemed strange to him.

The slaves got pushed trough the streets,the curious looks of the citiziens on them.

Finally,they were brought to a big building.It was just the front of a whole complex,
And the owner had to be a important and rich man.

The slaves were lined up infront of the building on a big place.It was dry and dusty.
The sun who was covered by clouds just hours ago now shined mercyless on
Everyone.
Malik had no idea what would happen.

Suddenly,a man in a heavy tunic,richly decorated in golden ornaments came out of
The building.He was companied by two heavily armed soldiers,both ready to defend
Their master at any cost.

“Do you know who I am ? “

The man asked with a hard and penetrating voice.He looked through the ranks of
Slaves.

“I am your world now.The men,my soldiers.The women,my servants.This is my
house.This is my place.You stand on it.In my city.Alexandria,is mine.You are
scum.Traitors,foreigners,and worse.But more important is now you are mine.
Any protest.You will get beheaded.A false look you will get beheaded.
Be a good servant,my honest grace and benelovence will await you.It is
Up to you.Only you.”

Then,the man turned and gave orders to some of his men.The slaves got split up into
Two groups,men and women.It was not important how old one was,the slaves were just
Divided by gender.

The foreign beauty looked once again at Malik before the groups were led to different places.
The whole situation was frightening.

And Maliks heart was confused.

[Boustrophedon]

Her upper lips made a small oval curve,forming a very attractive mouth.
She had no freckles,and even though she was dirty like every other slave
He could see her grace.

Great description of the female beauty she had!

Keep it up man, I really like this AAR.

[Marvzilla]

So after weeks of non-writing,I am back.

Expect an update the next few days.Sorry for the delay,but some parts
of life became complicated and to be taken care of.

[The Norseman]

More! +rep for your latest story!

[Dr. Jones]

Just saw this now, great story. I like the writing style

I hope for a new version coming out soon, to start up on my own AAR.

[Marvzilla]

Just saw this now, great story. I like the writing style

I hope for a new version coming out soon, to start up on my own AAR.

Looks like I will unfortunately not continue this story.But thanks for the kind comment.

Yeah,the new version has me pretty excited.Especially with all those new factions.

I may be doing a new AAR.I will see if MTW 2 works on my new PC and then I will look into it.

If I do so,I will give an Update here on when I start.

[Theotian]

NNOOOOOOOOOOOOO