LONG LOST (A Sungurtekin Bey Fanfiction)

24.

The questioning was held in the Dodurgas marquee later that day. Hayme and Gumustekin were the ones to held it. The three brothers and Tugtekin sat there silently. Ertugrul and Sungurtekin had not talked after their meeting with Banu Cicek yet they both knew that there must be some plan in the other's mind. So they sat there with ease. Banu Cicek was sitting infront of them with her hands tied in front of her. Bogac, Samsa and Kaya alp stood behind her.

"We would like to solve this matter before the trial. Your crime seems obvious. Confess and save us all from the trouble!" Gumustekin started.

"I am innocent!" Banu Cicek stated. "I will tell everything at the court."

"What are you going to tell?" Tugtekin asked. His expression grave as if he will rip her out right there.

"Will you tell how did you poison them?" He leaned froward to reach her. Gundogdu who was sitting beside him immediately placed his hand on his chest to stop him.

"Tugtekin bey!" He said softly. But Tugtekin did not stop.

"Or how you attempted on their lives? WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO TELL?!" He shouted. Gundogdu had to move from his place this time. He pulled him back with force.

"Tugtekin bey!" Gumustekin said in an affirming tone. "We are all devastated! But we are here to solve this case."

There was a silence that followed. Hayme broke it.

"Why are you waiting for the court? Tell us now." She asked. Banu Cicek looked at Sungurtekin and Ertugrul. They both nodded slightly. So she started.

"That night after I gave wedlock Sherbet to Korkut bey and Aytolun hatun, I left the tent! After sometime, Aytolun hatun cried for me!" Everyone was listening intently, including Ertugrul and Sungurtekin, because they had not heard this before either.

"I went in and saw that Korkut bey was on the floor." Banu Cicek continued. "He was in the throes of death! Aytolun hatun attacked me with her dagger saying that I poisoned them. So, I fought back in self defence. Guardian alps came in. They hit my head and I was fainted. When I opened my eyes, they were taking me to the caged tent. That is all I have to say. I have committed no sins! I am innocent."

"Gundogdu bey," Gumustekin turned to Gundogdu. "As the head of the alps, who carries out this inquiry, do you have anything to say to this woman?"

"About the poison vial I found out in your tent, Artuk bey says that was used." Gundogdu said. "Tell us, why was that vial in your tent?"

"Whoever did this, placed the vial there as well!" Banu Cicek gritted. There was no answer for this in anybody's mind. They all remained silent. Ertugrul looked at Sungurtekin then turned to Banu Cicek.

"After putting the poison in the Wedlock Sherbet, why did you feel the need to take the vial into your tent?" He said in a very serious tone. Banu Cicek smiled at the corner of her mouth. While Sungurtekin took a deep breath.

A nice one!

"What is your problem, Ertugrul?" Tugtekin shouted. "Is it your job to protect the women who attempted on my father?"

Sungurtekin stared at him for a moment and waited for Ertugrul to say something but when he remained silent, he spoke himself.

"Also..." he stopped and watched everyone's expressions. They all were waiting for him to speak. A glint of mischief appeared in his eyes. "...while serving bey and hanim in the marquee, when did you had the chance to go and hide the vial in your tent?" He asked. It was hard for Banu Cicek to suppress her smile this time so she bowed her head down. She was grateful for the brothers who were trying their best to sow the seeds of suspicion in everyone's head.