Yasak - Forbidden (A Goktug Alp/Kongar Love Story)

Chapter 7

Osman arrived at the cave, devastated. He felt terrible for leaving his Alps behind, even though he knew he was forced to. He almost didn't want to enter the cave, ashamed of even looking into Sheikh Edebali's eyes. He skulked in, looking paler than a skeleton, to see Gonca Hatun discussing something with Edebali, looking distressed. They stood up immediately at Osman's entrance; "Osman'im!" exclaimed Sheikh Edebali. "Gonca Hatun...what's happening?" asked Osman. "What is the status of the tribe?" Gonca was in tears as she said, "It's bad, Osman Bey. It is terrible, in fact. The Mongols want you, and Dundar surrendered to them. If you do not come in- in three days...." she couldn't bring herself to speak anymore, but Osman already knew the answer. The youngest son of Ertugrul Gazi fell to his knees, forcefully blinking back tears. "We lost everything, Sheikh...the Beys are either being held captive or are killed," said Osman hoarsely. "They have got my Alps, they-"

"Osman. Stand," interrupted Edebali in a firm voice. Osman looked at him. "Stand, Osman." Osman heeded the Sheikh's words and slowly stood up. "Let me remind you of the Prophet S.A.W's burdens at Uhud. Do you think that day was easy, when the non-muslims and the muslims fought each other, and the Muslims lost? 300 of Rasulullah S.A.W's men left him, he was gravely injured, he lost his friends and his uncle, Hamza R.A. But even then, he said, 'Oh Allah, show mercy....for they do not know the truth'," narrated Edebali. Osman nodded slowly, his eyes widening with interest. "Do you know why this happened, Son? They disobeyed the Prophet S.A.W's orders, and went for the booty instead of doing what they were told. It just goes to show, the day Muslims part ways and separate, the infidels would rise. Now, pull yourself together and prevent yourself from splitting with other muslims. The Kayi Tribe is the Mount of Archers on this border, Son. If they leave, the muslims will suffer more. Now, go and protect your tribe and continue your da'wah. Protect them from the wrath of the infidels, so the muslims will rise," he finished.

Osman nodded his head. "I was upset, Sheikh, excuse me. But now I know what I must do," he said and turned around to leave the cave, but was immediately stopped when Zulfiqar ran in. "Osman Bey!" he exclaimed, gasping slightly. "Zulfiqar? What happened?" asked Sheikh Edebali. "The Mongols caught not only the Alps, but Batur Bey and Melike Hatun as well," explained Zulfiqar, a grimace on his face. Osman's stomach lurched; he couldn't bear to think that Melike and Batur were in captivity as well as the Alps and Sumeyye. "How so, Zulfiqar?" he asked. "Batur apparently went to face Balgay, recklessly and got himself caught. As for Melike, she was safe until Bamsi Bey had sent her earlier to warn you and the Alps, Osman Bey. I think she got there a little too late and tried to save the Alps but got caught," said Zulfiqar. Osman grimaced, but inhaled deeply. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, before perking up with an idea. He turned to Gonca and said, "Gonca Hatun, listen to me carefully..."

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Melike's eyes fluttered open, and she was immediately blinded by the light of the sun shining through the windows of the room she was in. Where am I, she wondered, before her vision cleared and the room properly came into view. She looked around and found herself to be alone, and let out a sigh of relief before shutting her eyes again.

"Oh thank goodness you're awake," cried the midwife, making Melike jump. "Oh dear- sorry for startling you." "Karaca Hatun?" Melike asked, recognizing the midwife. "What...what are you doing here?" She looked around again, before she sat up, with slight difficulty, and leant against the wall before continuing to speak; "What happened to me?"

"Kongar. You got injured, and he brought you here," Karaca replied. Melike's large brown eyes widened as she froze, and she immediately remembered that the last thing she knew before feeling an immensely sharp pain and losing her consciousness, was that she was staring right into Kongar's icy blue eyes right after stabbing him.