The house was filled with the sounds of maids making preparations. I wonder why this guest is so important to my uncle.
I decided to just sit down and write a poem when a maid came to my door.
"Sayyida, a letter came for you."
I paused. Who would send me a letter? I collected it and opened the scroll, reading it silently.
Cyra, I know you must be wondering who is writing to you. I'm Asim, the boy who was your best friend when you lived in Baghdad before you moved to Al-Andalus.
Remember that we had lost your father's favourite ring when playing one day. I found it months after you left. Now that I have the opportunity to give it back to you. I request you meet me at the bazaar, at the swing with many plants.
Asim.
I paused after reading the letter, I re-read it before finally putting my head on the table.
"Ya Khaliq" I sighed. I knew I had to meet Asim today, but this was the day that an 'Important' guest was coming.
I decided to go to Asim since it concerned my father. I changed my clothes and fastened my belt, placing my dagger by my waistband.
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I was sneaking through the hallways, trying to dodge everyone when I suddenly bumped into Aunt Alba.
"Ah Hani, why are you..." she paused looking at me up to down with a raised eyebrow, "Where are you going?"
"I...I'm going for archery practice."
"Not today, you know we are expecting someone."
"Ammati, please let me go. I'll be back before the guest comes."
She thought for a moment before saying, "Fine, but you must come back soon."
"Shukrun Ammati," I kissed her cheek and continued walking.
I was in the garden, sneaking to the stables when someone tapped me.
"Why are you hiding," It was Sundus.
"Come here," I pulled her to me.
"Where are you going Ukhtiy?"
"I'm going to go and see someone, and you can't tell anyone. I'm trusting you."
She looked at me, "Ok I won't, but who are you going to meet?"
"Well, I have a friend I haven't seen in like 8 years. You wouldn't want me not to meet the person right?" I held her hands.
"8 years!! Hani you should go. I'm sure your friend misses you."
I patted her head and kissed her cheek, "Now don't tell anyone you saw me."
From there I didn't bump into anyone and I got to the stables.
I immediately picked Qamar and rode him away. I left with the objective that before anyone would notice I wasn't around, I would be back.
I got to the bazaar and fastened my horse Qamar.
I knew the swing with many plants, and I had told Asim about this particular bazaar in a letter when my parents were still alive.
I got to the swing and I met a young man, wearing a grey Jubah, a grey serwal along with a turban.
"Salam, are you Asim?"
He looked at me first, then his face brightened when he heard the name "Yes, please tell me you're Cyra, my friend."
"No, I'm just a maid who was sent to collect the ring."
His smile faded, and was replaced with a sad face "Oh, ok, here it is."
He brought out a Black jewelry box and handed it to me.
"Shukran, Sayyida sends her greetings. She said she would like you to come sometime."
"Did she say that?" His smile was back, even wider.
"Yes, and she said soon, that she would be expecting you."
"Tell her I'll come by, maybe this week Inshallah."
"I'll deliver your message, Sayyid."
I watched Asim walk away until he was out of sight.
I breathed a sigh of relief and opened the box and truly, my father's ring was there, sitting in the middle of the small pillow.
I was making my way to my horse when a I heard a scream, with the sound of swords followed by more screams.
I turned around and from the far end of the bazaar, I saw marauders attacking.
I was standing there with wide eyes, recalling what killed my parents.
Some men rushed in to fight the marauders and I snapped out of my frozen state.
I reached for my bow and arrow behind me only to realize I didn't take it when leaving that day.
I had only my two daggers which I quickly unsheathed and went into battle.
I was fighting them and killing them one by one when my eyes darted to a man shielding his wife and son.
He had a bleeding arm and yet was still fighting fiercely but his opponent was slowly gaining the upper hand.
I rushed to him to help him and I just hit on my shoulder, but I didn't care. Soldiers arrived and the marauders scattered and fled.
The man and his wife thanked me and I just smiled at them.
They offered to treat my bleeding shoulder and head at least, but I just smiled and told them
"My parents died in this same bazaar, the same way. My father was shielding my mother, and they both died, to save me. I couldn't let it repeat, so that's why I helped, so there is nothing you need to thank me for."
Both their faces held a look of shock with a mix of sadness in them.
The woman took my hand and said "I'm sorry to hear that, I'm sure your parents would be proud of you, you're earning them a reward even after their death."
I chuckled, "Shukran, that helped cheer me up, I have to go now Sayyida, my uncle will be wondering where I went."
"May Allah be with you Bint, take care and nurse your injuries."
I smiled and when I got to my horse, I stroked his mane. "O Qamar, I am the sun and you are the moon. We work together, if I faint before I reach home, don't stop riding but take me home."
I then got on it and rode home while my injuries stung me terribly. I felt like I was going to faint anytime soon, but I hoped to reach home first.
