Aylin Hatun

Chapter 8

Turgut

We arrived at the place where we battled with the Mongols. The area was silent. This could be a trap. I hope Ertugrul Bey knows what he is doing. We dismounted our horses and entered the woods. I kept my axe in my hand, not letting my guard down. Inshallah Shaykh was right about this stranger because he is the only reason Ertugrul came here besides his own curiosity. As we continued to look around for a sign that someone is here, we heard a twig snap. Me and Ertugrul Bey both spun around out weapons ready, only to find  a deer. Then there was a rustle of leaves from behind us and a Mongol jumped out of a tree. I raised my axe ready to fight but they held up a hand to ask us to stop.

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The Mongol lifted their mask and both men's eyes widened as they saw it was a woman. Turgut was astounded by her beauty but eventually lowered his gaze as he remembered she was a Mongol. "What are you doing here, woman?" Ertugrul asked her. "I am the one you're looking for. I am not really a Mongol this is just a disguise I am using as a spy. " Aylin replied. Ertugrul looked skeptical but lowered his sword a bit. Please sit and I'll tell you what I know is on your mind.

Aylin Hatun

"My name is Aylin. My mother doesn't remember me at all and my father passed away two years ago. Everyone in my tribe thought I was dead or had joined the Mongols and become a traitor but that isn't true. I am a spy working for sultan Aladdin that's why I helped you and your tribe. If you don't believe me ask that pretty girl from your tribe that saw my face. Tell her to describe it to you and you will find out that it was me." I said once they had taken a seat, I don't know if I should reveal I'm his sister. Maybe it is a good idea.

"Im sorry for your loss Hatun. But which tribe do you belong to?" Ertugrul asked. "The Kayi tribe..." I said hesitantly. Both the men's eyes widen. "You might have worked it out by now Ertugrul  but I'll confirm it for you. My father who passed away two years ago was Suleyman Shah, Bey of the Kayi tribe. I am your sister. Your older sister" I slowly told him. By now his mouth was fully agape and he was at a loss for words. The attractive and strong man sat next to him was shocked too and a small grown was on his face. I turned my gaze away from him and looked at my younger brother again.

"That doesn't make any sense. Hayme Ana remembers all her children  why would she forget you?" His alp chimed in. "Because she isn't my birth mother. I, like Gundogdu was born from Suleyman Shah's first wife. She passed shortly after giving birth to Gundogdu. The gap between me and Gundogdu is 7 years and I had left by the time Hayme Ana came along and married Suleyman Shah. I was determined to become a brave woman and to train like an alp and so I was taken to learn how to train by Deli Demir" I answered.

"I have been a spy for a decade now and have learned to forget my family and my pain. I met Shaykh Ibn Al Arabi a few months ago. He was getting attacked by some idiot heathen. I beheaded the fool before showing my face and telling him who I was. Then he mentioned a brave Bey that I remind him of, Ertugrul. That is when I remembered my family and that I should always look out for them" I finished. Ertugrul smiled as I said the last bit. "I met our Shaykh by saving him too. A Templar was trying to kill him and then later he converted to Islam" he recounted with a smile on his face.

I smiled back. "He trusts you, so I do too, sister" Ertugrul said. "Who is this brave next to you? I never got his name. I might need it if you are busy and have to send you a message" I asked Ertugrul. "My name is Turgut" the handsome man answered. "Very well. I will send messages to you if Ertugrul is busy. I'm sure you're very trustworthy or he wouldn't have brought you" I told him. He nodded. "So little brother, how are things back at the tribe?" I questioned Ertugrul.