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

Chapter 12

"Boran, you cannot actually be leaving?!?" exclaimed Melike.

Boran sighed, running a hand through his hair, his belongings scattered around him as he hastily chose from them to bring along; he did not answer his sister. "Did Bamsi Bey and Abdurrahman Gazi not protest your banishment at the meeting?" Melike continued, distressed. "They wanted us to leave, bacim," said Konur sorrowfully. He had come to Boran and Melike's tent before dawn, after he was done gathering his things, prepared and ready to leave. "But why? For the peace of the tribe? Exiling you and Osman Bey leaves the tribe with no protection!" hissed Melike, getting up from her seat forcefully and pacing back and forth in the tent.

"What are we to do, Melike? Dundar Bey and all the other Beys want us to leave, including Bamsi Bey and Abdurrahman Gazi, we have nothing to do but leave!" sighed Boran sadly, slumping down onto his bed. "I wish it were otherwise too, but this must be done. Even Osman Bey cannot do anything to prevent this." Melike sat down on her bed, and pressed her fingers to her forehead in distress. "You know, I almost lost you both," she said softly. "As much as I want us all to end up with the death of the martyrs, I don't want to risk losing you again. I do not want to be alone." Boran and Konur looked at each other, before Boran walked over to his little sister and sat down beside her.

"Melike. My beautiful, witty, outstandingly brave sister," he said softly, carefully placing his arm around her shoulders. "You are courageous, determined, and strong. I know this is hard, and you are afraid-" "Of course I am afraid, Boran!" cried Melike, exasperated, frustrated and upset. "The Mongols are out there, just waiting for an opportunity to destroy our tribe and murder our people- Osman Bey and his allies and Alps especially, you and I and Konur included! And with Samsa Bey out of the mission, what are we going to do?" Boran winced at her tone, and exhaled heavily as he thought about what she said. Samsa Bey had had an argument with Osman the previous day after they were released, as Osman refused to tell anyone why and how he retrieved Genghis Khan's Laws. Even Bala Hatun was upset with him for this reason, though she tried to hide it from Melike and Gonca- nevertheless, both girls could tell she was not happy with Osman's decision to keep it a secret, especially from her.

"We are going to stay in Samsa Bey's tribe, Melike, we'll be alright there. Samsa is good enough to let us stay, InshaAllah. And do you not think we can protect ourselves?" asked Boran, smiling sadly. "Of course I believe and know that you can...but Boran, we need you," said Melike. "I need you, both you and Konur here with me. Who knows what will happen if you aren't here, and our tribe will be put to even more shame!" exclaimed Melike, exasperated. "Do you really think Dundar Bey will go a single day without embarrassing us, judging by how he treated Osman Bey after single-handedly saving the tribe from Balgay?" "I know Dundar Bey's rule is questionable, but don't worry- we will be back before you know it. You can come see us any time too, and besides...the tribe needs you here, and so do we," said Boran. "Besides...Selcan Hatun, Gonca Hatun and Bala Hatun will need you by their side."

"Boran's right. You are our eyes and ears in the tribe whilst we are away, and you'll both be with us for some of our missions anyway," said Konur with a grin. "Really?" asked Melike, perking up instantly, her eyes brightening. Boran smiled at her; "Of course!" he said, nudging her playfully. "Besides- we could use your healing skills. Do not let Artuk Bey's apprenticeship go to waste." Melike gave Boran a small smile; in her younger age, when there was not anyone available to train her, Melike would often spend time helping out Artuk Bey, the tribe's former healer and doctor- and a close family friend and advisor of Ertugrul Gazi. He taught her how to heal and make different medicines for when dealing with wounds from battle, and eventually she became very skilled in healing. In the early days of Osman, Boran and Konur's Alp-Training, Melike would often help out with the minor injuries they would obtain, and in return they would teach her whatever they learnt. As time went on and Melike joined them on missions outside of the tribe, Osman Bey often assigned her as a healer to take along with them, as well as an Alp.