𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧

٤

☾ F O U R ⭒

The feared one amongst the Northerners walked past his men in the thick jungle. After a long and tiring three weeks, they had finally arrived in the Meskin Empire and despite what they'd heard of its climate, they were surprised to find a blooming jungle.

It was pretty easy for them to do so too, as they killed whichever guards they saw of the King, and rid their bodies in such a vindictive way that not a trace was left of them.

The ruler of them all looked around at his subjects. These people were more than his workers. They were his loyal dogs. As you could tell, the current ruler of the Northerners was a cruel and unforgiving man.

One mistake and you'd find yourself dead no matter how much good you do to him. Just one little mistake and all good rewards were thrown into the fire.

It's because of this attitude that he earned the name Coldheart. To the untrained ears it was two words joined together, but to the trained ears, it was a terrifying name. A name that sent shivers down people's spines in fear. A name that ended happiness in an instant.

" What have you gathered about the land so far Yevgeny" Coldheart demanded in his authoritative voice.

Yevgeny shrunk in fear, his tall height looking shorter with his head bowed down completely. Everyone valued their life around Coldheart.

" I gathered we are three hours away from the city of Meskin. Dima had headed out this morning to see guards upon guards surrounding the land. It was at around seven that the streets were empty of the people. I'm presuming news of us residing here has shook the land as regulations have been put into place" Coldheart didn't nod nor did he show any signs of acknowledgment.

He simply had his back to Yevgeny, his mind running like a gear.

After a lengthy amount of time, he murmured an 'okay', still in deep thought whilst running his hand through his blonde beard. Only then did Yevgeny and anyone else for that matter release their breaths and go back to their work.

Whilst the loyal Northerners were busy in sharpening their knives, loading and reloading their guns, and practicing their combat, Coldheart was occupied forming a plan. If he wanted to take over the Empire, he had to be wise.

His killings wouldn't work here. If there was one thing about the Meskin Empire that he knew, it was that they had the largest number of soldiers. And right now, Coldhearts'' numbered army of men, although strong and vindictive, were in no shape to fight back. They were on foreign land, which otherwise would have been better for them had they known this like the back of their hand.

He would have to make a truce. A truce with his enemies. He thought bitterly whilst a sneer lingered on his features.

It was nearing seven'O'Clock and the people in the busy bazaar were packing up. At first, they were angry, angry that they'd have to stop selling their merchandise before nightfall. But now, after the King had delivered a personal message himself, in this bazaar not too many days ago, they were willing to adjust to this temporary rule.

Cyra tightly held her kids hands whilst maneuvering through the hustle and bustle.

"I'm sorry sister, you'd have to come back tomorrow for that. I'm packing up right now..."

"Watch where your going haiwan" another vendor shouted at the teenagers who were too busy locating their parents to notice they crashed against him. Barakah tightened her hold on her mother's hand.

[Animal]

"We don't have enough time right now, but if you want to buy some quickly, I can offer you seven gold coins for this set..." Barakah also didn't fail to notice the cheeky seller.

Screams and shouts were heard in the bazaar until finally the trio exited the hustle and bustle. Cyra stopped for a few seconds, checking down upon her kids.

They looked very confused by the magnitude of rush building up in the bazaar as their eyes wondered from corner to corner in alarm. It wasn't Jumma'a, so why was it so busy this time around. Both the siblings minds wondered as they walked back home.

[Friday]

Their father met them outside their house as he greeted his kids with a Salaam and kisses. He kissed his beloved on the forehead, before ushering everyone in.

[Peace]

"Do you want chai Cyra?" Mirza called from the kitchen as his wife rested against the plush mattress on the ground.

[Tea]

"Yes please" she countered back, looking over at her kids who were sat down, doing their school work. She smiled, wondering what she'd done years back to deserve such a family.

But her smile was shortlived as the thoughts of the northerners creeped back into her mind. She now seemed distant all of a sudden.

"Here Habibti" Mirza softly stated, holding the cup of tea before Cyra. She broke from her abyss and happily accepted the tea. No matter the weather, hot or cold, chai was their roots. Their life and no weather would stop them from consuming it.

[My love]

"Mmm Mashallah Mirza jaan. You should make tea for me more often" Cyra sighed in content, leaning her head against the wall. Mirza's eyes wrinkled from the sides slightly as he smiled at his adorable wife.

[God has willed it, my life]

"Now that I'm here for a few more days, you shouldn't have to worry about that"

"Alhamdulillah" Cyra thanked god, but the mention of her husband staying with her for just a few more day set her off. Of course he would have to go back to his duties, there was no denying that, but she still hoped it was for a lot longer. That, or time went by slower and more moments with each other were spent.

[All praises to Allah]

She felt alone at home and couldn't breath until she saw her full family together, under one roof.

All of a sudden there was a knock at the door, causing Cyra to spill some hot tea on herself from the abrupt noise.

"Ahh" she exclaimed in a whisper. The kids sat upright and moved towards their mother as their father went towards the door.

"Stay here everyone. I will go see who it is" Mirza commanded as he gazed at his wife one more time worriedly, before walking away. The trio in the other room could hear mumbling and hushed words, but nothing much.

A few seconds later, the door shut and heavy footsteps sounded the quiet house. Cyra stood up in alarm, wondering what could have happened.

"What is it my dear. Who was at the door?"

"It was the kings men. They asked for me at the castle" he stated gloomily. Cyra's heart dropped at the news. Surely the king knew it wasn't safe to be out right now.

"But-" she was cut off by the horses wailing outside. The guards shouted for Mirza to hurry up as the animals were at unease. Mirza kissed his wife upon the forehead following along to the kids.

"Khuda hafiz baba" both the siblings spoke in worry, as they saw their father hurry around the house, looking for his scripture.

[May god protect you]

Soon he was out the door, and left his children and wife at the door step. What he didn't realise though was that he took Cyra's heart along with him. She released a prayer into the air, hoping her husband returned back to her. All if God willed.

♡

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PRONUNCIATIONS;
Yevgeny: Yiv-ginnie  NOT ❌ Yiv-jinnie

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