Aylin Hatun

Chapter 7

Aylin Hatun

I had the day off! I think it's time to meet my little brother Ertugrul face to face. The last time I saw him, he was just a young man. He has never seen me, none of my siblings have. Mother Hayme doesn't remember me, I'm sure. My father Suleyman Shah thought I had  become a traitor and joined the Mongols. He is the only one who remembered me and I didn't even get a chance to tell him the truth because he passed away.

It's about time someone from my living family finds out I exist. I will only meet Ertugrul though because he is intelligent and wise, surprisingly. People always assume the older ones are wiser but Ertugrul is very wise and thinks things through properly. Also I just feel like he will be the least hostile towards me. Time to send him a message and get him to meet me. But first I need to tell Noyan I'm leaving camp for my day off.

*****

"Bayçu Noyan!" I called to him from outside his tent. "Borjigin, Enter" he replied. I entered his tent and he was sat there, a bowl of bloody water in front of him that he was about to drink. I looked to the side and saw Tangut gripping a slit wrist. Looks like his punishment isn't over just yet. "Was there something you needed Borjigin?" He asked. "Yes, I am leaving camp for my day off and will return at nightfall. I just thought you should know" I answered my eyes making contact with his, though he couldn't see through my mask. "Very well. If you see any enemies on the way, especially those shepherd Turks, don't hesitate to decapitate them" he replied. "Of course" I quickly said before leaving his tent.

I went to the stable and pulled out my beautiful black-coated horse. I always kept up her appearance as appearances mean everything to me. As I guided her out, her ink black fur shone in the sunlight. Swiftly, I mounted her before galloping off, away from the Mongol's camp.

*****

I stopped at a caravanseray where I got terrified looks from everyone around. I called over the innkeeper and ordered some food and a drink. He was surprised at first when I told him I don't want wine but shrugged it off quickly worried I would get angry. In the mean time I began writing my message to my little brother.

Ertugrul Bey,

I am the person who gave you information about an oncoming attack and the one who helped your tribe in battle. I know you have been wondering who I am, so I am giving you the chance to meet me. Please do not tell anyone where you are going but by all means bring one trusted alp with you. Meet me in the woods where you fought your enemies and please come quickly, I only have until nightfall.

I left the message unsigned and while I waited for the ink to dry, the innkeeper came with my food and drink. I rolled up the message and attached it to my carrier pigeon before releasing it outside. I then went back to my table to enjoy my meal. I got up after leaving money on the table and then mounted my horse to head to the woods to meet Ertugrul.

 The Kayi Tribe

Ertugrul

We held a meeting to decide whether to join the Dordurgas or not and everyone voted in favour. I was sat in my tent in the marquee thinking over our plans when Abdurrahman asked to come in. I granted him permission and then he spoke. "My Bey, the same pigeon has returned with another message for you" he said handing me a scroll of paper. I took it from him and glanced at it before nodding at him to leave.

Once he was gone, I read the paper properly out loud to myself. So the one who sent the information is the one who helped us in battle aswell. This may be a trap but my shaykh Ibn Al Arabi has said that he trusts this stranger. I will take Turgut and leave immediately since they only have until nightfall to meet. I grabbed my sword and left to get Turgut.

*****

I informed Turgut of where we are going as we walked to the stables. Just as I mounted Aktolgali and Turgut Mounted his horse, Gundogdu spotted us and called out to me. I turned my horse around to face him as he reached us. "Ertugrul, where are you going? We have a migration to prepare and you are leaving so suddenly" he said after catching his breath. "Brother, something very important has come up. I must leave now and I will return by nightfall, inshallah. I will tell you where I've been when I can, now is not the right time. Give me you're blessing brother" I replied to him. " You have it. But I expect to know where you are always secretly galloping off too" he said a small smile creeping onto his face. I nodded to him and then we rode off...