Ahlam (Dreams)

4 - Arrival

Him

The sun beat down on the bustling bazaar, its rays reflecting off the polished metal of swords, shields, and many other items. We moved along many people, some merchants calling people to their goods, some people trying to bargain prices and some, wandering looking for something to buy. We made their way through the people until Abbas finally turned to a man for direction

 "Salam, do you know where we could find a bow shop?"

"Ahh you are lucky, the best bowyer is just around the corner, there" The man pointed to a stall

"Shukran Jazeeran" Abbas tipped his head in gratitude.

As we stood in the stall, we met a grizzled old man with a long, flowing beard. The man displayed a variety of bows, each with its own unique characteristics. I picked up one, its handle smooth and its string taut. I drew it back, feeling the tension in my arm.

"It feels good," I said to Abbas, and he nodded.

" But let's try another," Abbas suggested.

We continued to examine the bows, testing their weight, balance, and draw length. Finally, I found one that felt just right. It was a longbow made of yew wood, with intricate carvings on the handle.

"This is the one," I declared with a wide smile.

The old merchant smiled. "A fine choice, young man. It is a well-crafted bow, made for a skilled archer."

Abbas paid for the bow, while I bought some arrows. As we left the stall, I couldn't contain my excitement. "I can't wait to practice with this new weapon."

As they walked through the bazaar, we gave the man who gave us directions a tip for his help. "I couldn't have done it without you," Abbas said.

The man smiled. "It's my pleasure, brother. I hope you enjoy your new bow. May Allah bless you"

I turned to Abbas "I think we should head to their home now, they will be expecting us"

"I was just about to say the same time"

 The two of us got on our horses and went to their home. Upon arrival, there were drums and Sayidi Qais was standing at the door. I got off my horse first, and he welcomed me with a warm embrace.

 "Ibni (son) we have been waiting for you" He was smiling and his gap teeth were very evident

"We had to stop at the bazaar first, this is my elder brother, Abbas"

Abbas came forward and they embraced "Salam, my brother talks about your hospitality a lot. I look forward to receiving it" Abbas said with a nice smile.

"You shall receive it in full then"

 I was smiling as Abbas and Sayidi Qais were talking when my eyes darted to a young man standing by the gate, leaning on the wall. It was Yazid, he had grown so much. I went over to go and meet him

"Yazid right?" 

"Yes, and you must be... Umm, I forgot your name. You know it's been a long time like 7 years, and I'm not good with names"

"It's Niyyas" 

"Niyyas, I'll try to remember. Now if you would excuse me, I need to tell the rest that the guests are here?"

I smiled "What about Tariq?"

"He's fine, he'll come. He probably remembers you"

 I looked back to see Abbas and Syidi Qais heading inside while the servants helped with our luggage.

 We sat on luxurious cushions, surrounded by their family. Sayidi Qais's wife, a woman with piercing blue eyes, beamed with joy as she looked at us.

"It's so wonderful to have you both here," she turned to Abbas. "Dear we have never had you at our house, what is your name?"

Abbas adjusted his weight "My name is Abbas"

"That's such a nice name Ibni"

"Jazakillahu khayran"

   As we talked, a servant entered the room with a tray of olives, grapes, dates, and many more. We both tipped our heads as we took our preferences. As I was eating while filling Sayidi Qais in on information from Granada, I heard a voice from the top of the stairs. It was Tariq and I jumped up from the cushion and opened my hands while he ran for an embrace.

"Ahh Tariq, you were the one I asked for when I got here, Yazid told me you were going to come, but you kept me waiting," I noticed water dripping from his hair

"Yes, I just finished taking a bath" 

 I smiled and brought out a sword "Do you still like swords?:"

He grinned and took the sword "That didn't change" 

 "Yes, but you sure look different" Tariq had short black hair, a very bright smile, and light brown eyes. He was still as vibrant as before, and he already started having beards.

That's when Tariq noticed Abbas, he raised an eyebrow "Who is this?"

"This is my elder brother, Abbas, he is.." I didn't complete my sentence when he went over to Abbas "You have a scar on your neck"

Abbas touched his neck and then smiled "Yh, I do"

Tariq's face grew even wider "I also have a scar" He pulled his clothing a bit, revealing a scar on his neck"

Abbas chuckled "I got mine from a dagger, it wasn't too serious. You?"

"I craved a stick to the point the tip was very sharp. I gave it to Sundus to hold, and she poked my neck with it"

Abbas grinned "Not bad, maybe you'll carve something for me some time"

Tariq looked around "Have you seen Hani?"

 I raised an eyebrow and I saw Sayyida Alba stiffen, while Sundus adjusted her weight and focused on her snacks. Sayidi Qais paused and then shouted "Yazid!!"

Yazid came from one of the courtyards "Yes, Ammi"

"Where is your Ukhtiy, she should be here"

"I knocked on her door three times and she didn't answer so I left. She should be in the garden or maybe the library"

 As the servants searched for her. I noticed Sayyida Alba's anxiousness and Sundus kept fidgeting with her hands. I looked over to Abbas and it was obvious we were both thinking the same thing.

  Just then, we saw an injured young woman stagger into the home, with a red stains all over several parts of her white clothes, Is that blood?