An Arabian Tale (Reserved for Xuna)

The war between the two great cities of Arnan and Alibinali had gone on for years. The two sultans had always been rivals since childhood when the two cities had been at peace. What sparked the war the people never really knew. First it was raids into each other territories. Caravans being attacked and trade goods stolen. It finally escalated into all out war that neither side could win. Both sides suffered loses and the people suffered greatly also because of the war. It was finally decided that the war would end and peace would be made between the two cities. To do this the two sultans agreed to marry their only children off to each other so that a lasting bond and peace between the two cities could be made.

Assan was furious that he had to marry some one he had no idea about. Did not know how she looked, what was she like, and most of all he wanted to marry some one he loved. He had his thoughts on the woman he desired to marry. Most of the court's daughters were silly, empty headed women that would faint or run screaming at the mere sight of blood. Assan was a warrior, trained by the best in the kingdom that would one day rule Arnan and he wanted a woman that was strong, level headed, intelligent, and that would stand beside him proudly in peace or in war.

"But father, I know nothing of her, you know nothing of her. She could be a fat cow that would make my life unbearable."

"It has been agreed upon Assan. The war must stop or the people will suffer more. It is the only way my son, I am sorry."

All Assan could do was bow to his father's wishes. He was his father and the sultan. He loved his father greatly, and only wished to please him. So he would have to marry the daughter of the sultan of Alibinali. Arrangements for his travel to Alibinali had been made. His royal caravan would leave in a week so that he could meet his future wife. But Assan was not going to wait a week. He picked two good men of his personal guard to accompany him. He would go to Alibinali, not as a prince but as a wandering warrior looking for employment. He would find a way to see what the princess looked like and what she was like. He made an excuse that he was going hunting until the time of his supposed departure. But instead of hunting wild game he was going to hunt for information. Three days travel would see him at Alibinali. To cover for him, he had another of his personal guard made ready to take his place in the caravan. He was the same size and build as Assan and at a distance would be taken for him.

The three days to Alibinali was uneventful. He had his men set up their small camp outside the city walls, along with many others that were awaiting caravans to various destinations. He made his way into the city, riding his horse to see any information he could about the princess. Like most princesses he knew that she would be kept from the public view, behind the palace walls. Probably pampered and spoiled. But at times there were those from the palace the could be found and for a price made to tell what they knew. So he dismounted and with his horse in tow behind him began his search.

A’isha was fuming. Her father the sultan had just told her that she would be forced to marry in less then a week’s time to the son of the enemy. Well that’s how it felt to her there had been a war between them for as long as she could remember seemed like all of her life. The war had taken her brother he had died fighting against them and now she was accepted to marry into that people? A’isha Clenched her hands at her side she could feel her anger boiling over.

She stared at her father, forgetting her place as she normally did and she spoke out of turn. “Father how can I marry someone I have never met? How can you be sure that he will provide for me, that he will keep his wedding vows? What if he is a hideous looking and the type of prince that doesn’t care about the trials of his people?” She was pacing and snorting, a bad habit she did when she was very angry.

Her father smiled warmly on her she had always had a temper and always spoke her mind. “My daughter I can ensure you that he will not mistreat you Tis a part of the peace treaty deal.” A’isha turned and looked at her father. “I will make sure he will treat me proper, I warn you now father I will not be a silent wife I will speak my mind I hope he knows what he is getting into” Her mother tried to silence her daughter she was treading closely to the edge but her father just chuckled as A’isha bowed and turned on her heals and walked away swiftly her mother turned to her husband and smiled “She gets that from you. You know” Her husband shook her head. I pity the man that gets our fireball.

A’isha’s personal servants came running to walk beside her. “Princess what says the Sultan” A’isha shook her head “I am to be wed in a weeks time” The servants gasped “Someone came for your hand mistress?” A’isha shook her head “No I will be wedded to the enemy so peace can be declared” A’isha did not cry though she was too angry and confused. How could she be forced to marry someone she had never met. She walked swiftly to her room and pulled out a hooded cloack. Her servants rushed forward. “Mistress please think about this” A’isha smiled “Don’t worry I have, I am sending you two off to find me some fabric for some more skirts so you two will not be knowing of what I am doing. I will return I just need to get with my people right now”

A’isha sent them off and slipped on the cloak removing her crown and then opened her door looked around and quietly snuck down the hallway and down the stairs. Eventually after a lot of darting she made it outside. She looked around and dove for her secret hole in the hedge and smiled as she had made it outside of her palace walls.

A’isah immediately looked around and smiled she was among her people were she belonged just because she was princess should mean she would be exempt from seeing her people. She walked around for a bit enjoying the sights, smells and sounds of her people. But then she saw something she didn’t like. A little girl probably about 4 years old eyeing the fruit on a stand she knelt down to her and asked the little girl her name. “Street rat” she replied. A’isha shook her head. “No sweetie that is just a name that they call you” She paused. And stood and without really thinking she took an apple off the trolley and handed it to the little girl. She smiled big and took a big bite.

Then there were screaming of “thief” suddenly someone grabbed the little girls arm A’isha gasped, it was one of a guard from the palace a real brutal man uncaring and unforgiving. He was screaming at the little girl he grabbed the little girls arm with one hand and reached for his sword with the other. A’isha knew what was coming she screamed no and reached out for the girl the punishment for stealing was losing a hand a bit extreme the people needed to eat but her pleas had fallen on deaf ears, the people selling the food needed to eat too she had been told.

She reached again for the little girl and was suddenly she was pushed to the ground with such force that A’isha was winded. Nonetheless she stood again but again was pushed down this time with so much force her head hit a rock and was cut open she tried to blink away the pain. How could she save the little girl who was trying to twist away from the guard but she was no match for the big strong soldier. A’isha through her pain managed to squeak out “It was I. I stole the apple” The guard turned to her. “Then it will be you that lose a hand today” He reached for her.

Assan was having no luck in his search. The people of the city had no idea of what the princess looked like or what she was like at all. All it seemed they knew was that the Sultan and his wife indeed had a daughter and it had been announced that she was to be wed to the Prince of Arnan. As he mingled with the people of the city that had been his enemy, he found them to be much like the people of his own beloved city. Though it seemed that there were more poor people. He listened to his people and brought their concerns to his father. If there was an injustice being peratrated by some official it was delt with immediately.

As he wandered the streets he came to the bazzar and looked at the various shops and vendors. The smell of food, bread, and spices filled the air. It was there he saw a young woman in a hooded cloak take an apple and give it to a little girl that looked hungry. The cry of thief went up from the vendor and what looked to be a guard. He grabed the little girl and drew his sword to cut her hand off. The other woman tried to stop him but was thrown to the ground.

He moved forward quickly and as the guard brought his sword down, Assan caught the mans wrist with his hand, gripping it tightly. "There is no need for that." he said coldly. With his other hand he drew forth a gold coin and tossed it to the vendor. "The fruit has been paid for and more. " he said "Give the little girl what she wants." he called over his shoulder to the vendor and gave the guard a look that made him flinch. The guard snarled and let go of the little girl. "I am sure that it was just a mistake and it would have been paid for before they left." he told the guard.

The guard grunted and walked away. Assan helped the young woman up from the ground. "Are you alright?" he asked her.

The little girl who had been terrified a moment earlier came up smiling and took his hand. "Thank you sir."

Assan squated down and smiled at the little girl. "You take the bundle of fruit and....." he produced another coin and gave it to the girl. "And buy some other things your family needs." The little girl's eyes lit up and went wide. "Thank you kind sir!" She took the coin and the vendor handed her a bundle of fruit and then she dashed off into the crowd. When he stood up he looked at the young woman.

A’isha couldn’t belive what she had gotten herself in to, there would be no way that she would be able to hide this. She knew it would ripple down, her gaurds would feel guilty for missing another one of her escapes. She had gotten away with it before, sneaking back in and just pretending she had been deep in the garden the whole time. Other times it had worked but the other times she hadnt had a gash in her head and blood over her cloak.

A’isha saw the man coming and had to blink the pain was making it hard for her to say awake but she knew that after a head hit she had to stay away people had died for sleeping after a blow to the head. She watched as he rescued the litle girl and give her more then he asked for. She had time smile dispite the pain. She watched the little girl run off and knew that the family would be eating well for a long while. With the extra money they could buy a chicken and have fresh eggs. Yes that was one family that would make it.

As he knelt down to her and helped her stand she tucked the cloak around her face even more. He couldn’t see her face ,if it was known that the pricess was out of the temple there would be trouble. She brought a hand to her back of the head thecloak was tornand it was bleeding. “You saved the little girl, and her family, I thank you” Her voice was soft and sweet.

Her face although slightly burised from the hit to the ground was otherwise flawless. Whisps of her black hair could be seen around her face. She looked up at him though and her haunting blue green eyes looked into his own. “So are you from around here?” She smiled softly. She did not recognize his clothing type, she may not get out of the temple much but she did look out her windows and watched the people often enough.

Assan smiled as the woman thanked him for saving the little girl. "Tis nothing. I do not like seeing people go hungry." He saw the blood on the hood and gently took her by the arm and took her out of the busy bazzar to the entrance of one of the buildings. A small bench sat there and he sat her down on it. He frowned and looked back at the distant form of the guard. Back home he had his father change the law. Each case would be heard and a determination made. This way Assan found out what his people needed and who was suffering because of the war. Many of those caught stealing were made to repay the debt by working it off. Cleaning the streets, or working for the vendor for a day or two depending on what was stolen. Usually the thief found work that way to keep their family in food and shelter.

"You are bleeding." He pushed the hood of her cloak from her head to take a look, and was stunned by the beauty of the woman. He smiled, as he drank in her beauty and then moved her head to take a look at the wound. It was not a deep one, but any cut to the scalp bleed a lot. A woman near by saw the blood and brought a bowl of water and a cloth. "Poor thing." She looked at A'isha then left.

Assan took the cloth and dipped it into the water and began dabbing it on the cut to clan the blood from it and try to stop it from bleeding. As he worked he answered her question. "No I am not from here. I, along with a couple companions, travel seeking work as caravan guards or such." It was a plausable story. Once he had the blood stopped he lifted her head by her chin. "There you should be alright now." How beautiful she was. His heart seemed to flutter as he looked upon her again.

She nodded when he spoke although the nodded brought up her nausea feeling again. “I do not like to see m…the people starving either” She nearly let it slip on who she was. She couldn’t let anyone know that the princess was out and she had nearly blown it. As he lead her away she continued “I belive that someone who is starving should be fed, those that have no clothes should be clothed, but I guess I be the only one that thinks like that” She looked at him her face still mostly hidden. “Well I guess I am not really the only one since you think that too it seems”

Before she could react he had noticed her bleeding and pushed back her hodded clock she sucked her breath would he recognize her? She breathed when it seemed that he had not. But something in his looks made him wonder. He was very handsome himself, but she was pledged to someone else that thought came flooding back to her, no matter what she wanted.

When the woman came racing over A’isha felt even worse, her own people did not even reongize her. She winced slighly as the stranger cleaned the blood from her, being touched by another man this close to her wedding date was unheard of but she was injured and too far from her temple. As he spoke she nodded “Oh so your not from around here” As he lifted her chin she smiled and her smile lite up her whole face as he cheeks turned a shade of red. “I thank you kind sir” How could I ever repay you, I just don’t have money with me right now but anything you ask and I shall find away to give it to you”

Assan saw her blush and smiled. When she asked how she could repay him he shook his head. "There is no need for that. I am glad that I was able to help." He wondered who this beautiful woman was. She was beautiful, had courage, for she stood up to a guard. She cared for the people and tried to help. He could only hope that his wife to be was like her. "My name is........" he could not tell her his real name. Surely it would be recgonized. "Hasan." it was a variation of his name.

He helped her back up smiling. "If you like I will escort you back to your home." His quest for finding out more about his wife to be was now far from his mind as he could not tear his eyes from this womans face.

Just then one could hear the beating of drums and the sound of trumpets. Assan looked up to see coming through the bazzar a procession. Ahead was guards pushing people out of the way, then came the drummers and trumpeters and then a carriage carried by a number of slaves front and back. Inside carriage was a man dressed in rich robes. Though Assan had never seen the man, the discription of him let him know that it was Abdul the Vizer of Alibianli, the chief advisor to the sultan. Just looking at the man, Assan took and instant dislike to the man. His lips were thin and cruel looking and the way he looked at the people it seemed as if they were nothing but dirt. Behind came more soldiers. The people he noticed looked upon the man with fear in their eyes.

A’isha smiled again as he spoke there was something about him that she admired, he cared about the people as she did even though they were not his people, he had a gentle way about him and the way he cared for people such as her head injury. And he was good looking to boot. Would her husband be anything like this man? Her mind drifted back to that her impending marriage. She would soon be wed to the enemy her blood began to boil again and she clenched her fits and her jaw ached from being clenched so hard.

She released her jaw when he said her name. “Nice to met you Hasan” She was grateful when he didn’t ask for her name, even if she didn’t recognize her the name would surely raise suspicions to whom she was, every one did know her name and her cover would be blown and he would then know that she was a princess and not a commoner like he was.

She froze, as he stated that he wanted to walk her home. Her mind whirled how would she be able to get out of it? She was about to make up some lame excuse when she heard the music, she quickly stood and hide her face again. She could not be seen out and the chief advisor had it out for her, her being a princess she had gotten away with a lot, helped people that shouldn’t have been helped (in his mind at least) she had called him out on ill deeds before. So he was looking for any reason to bust A’isha and being out of the temple gates would definenetly be a good catch.

She gently pulled on Assan’s selves “Please I need to get out now, the chief advisor is looking for any reason to put me in jail please lets go” Her voice was shaking and her face was full of fear, her face had lost all colour she lifted up her gown and started to run a voice of “Stop her” Could be heard but A’isha was a master of running away and quickly slipped out of sight behind a abandoned building. She bent down her hands on her knees she was panting.

Assan felt the tugg on his sleeve, and could hear the fear in her voice. The Vizer it seemed was a man that did not look out for the welfare of the people. It also seemed that the woman had in the past run afoul of the man. She was beautiful and he could see possibly what the Vizer wanted of her. She got up and ran for it before he could stop her. He heard some one yell out, "Stop Her." Who it was he did not know. But he would not let any one get to her.

She had run down an ally and he brought his horse to block it, to try and give her time to get away and find a place to hide. As soldiers came up he whisled and his horse rose up on its hind legs and flailed with his front hooves. He acted as if he was trying to calm the horse and bring it under control, but all the while blocking the ally. Buy the time the soldiers made it past him, he hoped she had found a safe place to hide.

He himself moved off into the crowd with his horse. He wondered who the woman was. He didn't think he would ever see her again.

"Sire, it was her I am sure." one of his soldiers said.

"Find her you fool or you will find yourself in my prison!" the Vizer told him. He wanted her for himself, he wanted her so that he could get rid of her father and take over the throne. He didn't know of the proposed marriage deal. Not yet anyways.

A’isha caught a glimpse of “Hason” blocking the path for her as she finally found a good enough hiding spot. She figured “Handsome” would have been a better name for himShe held her breath as the Soldiers ran past her. She made herself fold in even more so she was completely hidden she was getting her dress dirty thought but right now that didn’t matter all that mattered is that she stay hidden and safe.

As the guards regrouped and she heard what the Visor said and brought a hand to her mouth. She would have to leave, there was no way about it if only she had a way to get a message to her father to let him know that she was okay and that there was no need to punish her guards. But something was up The Visor couldn’t have had time to make it to the temple, he wanted her for another reason. He had been trying to get her for a while now, to get her out of the way so her father would have to cast down his crown. But maybe that would happen now.

She felt like crying she knew that her father would think that she ran away because of the forced marriage but that wasn’t it at all, she had just wanted to escape for a little bit and be normal. To be with her people but now like normal she screwed things up. She felt a single tear run down her check but she remained silent. Her mind was set she would remain here until nightfall then sneak back into the temple and just explain that she got lost in her maze and that the Visor had scared her into hiding. Her father knew that she was terrified her. Yes that would work. She nodded to herself and sat down in her hidden spot it was cramped and she was in immense pain but she had to remain there and remain hidden until it was safe. She only hopped that she wouldn’t be found.

He mind drifted slightly to the stranger and that sent her mind to think about the impending marriage which reminded her that without her all war would break out again the only chance of peace for her people and she screwed it up. Surely there had to be some way to fix it. But for now she had to stay hidden. She would find someway to give a message to her father.

Surely by now they had noticed that she was missing, wonder why there weren’t guards surrounding the city looking for her? Surely there should be perhaps the Visor had something to do with it. Still she remained in her hiding spot and just waited.

Assan was still wanting to get any information he could on his wife to be. But it seemed hopeless. Here they kept her sequestered in the Palace or the Temple until she married. Those of the temple he knew would not give out any information and the only one's in the place that would see her was her servents, and her father. The Guards she had might see her but they under penalty of death would not devulge any information either.

In the Ally, the little girl that A'siha had helped peeked around a corner and seeing the guards busy down the way, hurried across to where she was hiding. "Come with me quickly. I know where you can hide." the little girl took A'siha's hand and tugged on it till she got up and followed. The little girl took her through a door that had been locked and then locked as they entered the building. Then down a flight of stairs to a cellar. The little girl then moved what looked to be a heavy table out of the way, but one could see when moved it was on a piviot and easily could be moved. Once out of the way the little girl pressed a section of the wall and it opened.

Beyond the secret door was a large room that had a couple oil lamps, cousions and a thin rug. "My father takes my mother and me here when the tax collectors come. They do not have the money to pay the taxes the Viser imposes. We hide here so we will not be sold into slavery. You will be safe here."

She handed A'isha an apple, one that she had been given by the merchant. "I heard the Vizer. He is a very bad man I think. Father says he is. He has soldiers looking everywhere for you. You need to get out of the city. Perhaps that nice man will help you like he helped me and my family. I will go find him." she then hurried out and A'isha could hear the door and table being put back in place.

The little girl was a true street rat. She knew every shortcut, every street and before long found Assan. He felt a tugging on his clothes and turned to see the bright smile of the little girl. He stooped down and smiled. "Come. The pretty lady needs your help." she took Assan's hand and began pulling him. Assan followed, his horse in tow.

A’isha was a bit wary of leaving her hidding spot of getting the little girl and her family into trouble but she had no other choice. She squeezed out of her hidding spot and went with the little girl. She kept her head down and hidden from view, she knew everyone would be looking for her now and those few that knew what she looked like would be on the hunt for her and who knows that they would do if they found her. A’isha followed the liitle girl unsure of where she was going but certain that wherever she was being led was going to be better then the Viser right now.

Once in the hidding spot she looked around and her heart broke again. How her people could live like this right under her nose and her not know about it was unexusable she hated the fact that she was hidden away. Protection the viser called it. But it seemed to her that the viser was protecting himself and not the other way around.

As she handed her the apple she took it slowly she was trembling slightly but knew that she had to keep up her strength or she would surely faint then without a doubt she would have been found she so she smiled to the sweet angel and thanked her. She wanted to stop her from getting the man, she had already risked his life by talking to him while being pledged to another but she was gone too qickly.

Instead A’isha simpley paced in the room and awaited her return She was worried some how she had to get a message to her father that she was okay. That the Vizar was up to no good again but she could do nothing here but wait and that was killing her.

Assan looked down at the little girl. He knew who she was talking about. He smiled down at her and nodded. He followed the little girl through the city to the building where A'isha was hiding. He looked around and tied his horse to a metal ring that was embedded in the wall. Giving the animal a friendly pat he followed the girl inside. When she opened the secret door he looked in and saw the woman pacing.

"Ahhh there you are? I see that you escaped the guards." He grinned.

"You help pretty lady? Visir bad man. If he looking for her, she in danger. You take her with you, out of city?" the little girl asked.

Now that was interesting to hear from one that was young and still inocent. He knew the visir's type. He was corrupt and desired power. Making people suffer was nothing to him. He looked over at A'isha. "What is your desire?" he asked her. After all it was her life that was in danger and her decision on what she wanted to do.

A'isha had nearly worn a path into the floor pacing back and forth as she waited for the persious girl to return she doubted that the man would follow her not but right now it was her only hope there was no way that she could get back in the castle without being caught so for now she would have to leave the city walls then come back when things had calmed down and explain why she had been gone she only hoped that her future husband family would not make her people pay.

Just as she was about to work herself into a frenzy they returned she was pleasntly surprised when she had seen that she had really brought back the man that had already saved her once. She nodded "Aye I esaped thanks to you" She smiled. "Thank you"

As the little girl rambled on A'isha bit her lower lip, she hated to leave her family with no word of where she went but she knew that she had to leave. So she simply nodded. "I dont think I have a chance I need to get out of here until it is safe" She paused "If only..." she then shook her head she couldnt finish that statment with out revling who she was. Instead she leaned down and hugged the little girl, "You are my savior and when I can come back I will have a surprise for you" She grinned and then stood. "I guess I am ready" She blinked away the tears and nodded.

Assan nodded and helped her to the door. The little girl was so sweet, he hoped that nothing happened to her or her family. That was one thing he was going to check on when he had to marry the princess. He would ensure that her and her famaily would never have to worry again. As the little girl lead them out she looked around to ensure that there was no one around before motioning them that it was clear.

Assan mounted up on his horse and helped A'isha up before him. It would be better to have both of them together. They would be looking her her and her alone, not a man and a woman together. He nuged his horse and it began to move through the streets towards the gate. He put an arm about her waist to hold her steady in the saddle. She felt warm against him and his hand. "You had best keep your face covered. I think I know what to tell the guards at the gate should they stop us." he grinned.

A'isha was chewing the inside of her cheek she held her head high just like she has holding the tears back. She would not let this man see her crying nor the little girl her tears would surely upset the sweet angel. As the all clear was given she walked with slow steady steps she was trying to hold it all in. She nodded once more to the little girl and winked reminding her of the promise and then blow a kiss to her.

As she was helped on the mount she whispered a "Thank you" As he put his arm around her waist she tensed slightly but then relased no one knew that she was the princess therefor it didnt really matter that she was being held by another man, she would just explain it to her father, her husband and her husbands family if he didnt want her after it would be his lost. She nodded as he recommended that she cover her face in a purple peice of cloth and leaned against him as if she was asleep. If they were stopped it would like his wife had fallen asleep from the long journey. It felt strange leaning in the arms of stanger but she nedded to get out of the town.

The streets were fairly crowded and the soldiers were looking everywhere. These were the soldiers of the viser and not of the Sultan. He could tell by their uniforms. Something else that Assan did not like. Soldiers belonged to the sultan, not the viser. As he neared the gate the viser's soldiers were less and less. They were concentrating their efforts more in the city then around the outer fringe by the walls.

As he approached the gate the guards stopped him. "An escaped slave of the Viser is being sought. Who is this with you?"

Assan grinned. "Ahhhhh a newly aquired slave girl. Just bought at the slave market but an hour ago. She will make the long nights a bit more comfortable in my journey." he told them. They laughed and grinned broadly. They let him pass through the gate and once out side he nudged his horse to a faster pace to his small camp and two loyal men.

As he approached the camp the two men came forth to greet him. He held up a hand out of A'isha's veiw to warn them not to address him as a prince. They came up to the horse and smiled. "What have you here?" one asked as he took the reigns of the horse from Assan. The other had a puzzeled look on his face. He knew that his prince was to be wed shortly. Why bring a woman from the city, a slave girl probably at that.

"She is to be treated with respect you to scoundrles." he told them. "The Vizer is looking for her. I think she is a runaway slave and probably one that he values much." He dismounted and helped her down from the saddle.

A'isha remained still against his chest. She was barely breathing if she was caught she could be put to death for being in the arms of another man and so could the man that was saving her. She had to make sure that not only her face but her right wrist was covered as well there was a small birthmark on her right wrist, that only her family, the gaurds and of course the vizor knew about it but other then that no one knew but it was the gaurds seacher for her.

As she heard all the sounds she contiuned to hold her breath trying to be as still asstill as she could against him. When she heard the story that the Visar was giving she grew angry how dare the Visor say that. Now if she was caught she could be whipped even before a trial was given. She was fuming but refused to let it show until they were safe. When they came upon the gate A'isha lowered her head more he lied to the gates gaurd then finally when they were free she sighed softly.

Finally she raised her head to see the approching men. She stiffened up was he about to feed her to these wolves? But when he gave his orders she relaxed. So he was a good man, and if he wasnt she would be about to defend herself against them easily. As he helped her down and spoke she decided to go along with it. "I am newly aquried the visor is a bit angry that he didnt even get to bed me before I esaped" She boasted.

Assan took her by the arm and lead her to his tent. "You may have my tent. My friends will not bother you." he smiled and opened the tent flap for her. He was not one that had never slept on the ground before. His time with the soldiers had showed him how to live like one. He reached in and grabbed a couple blankets. "Soon we will prepare the evening meal. I will bring you some."

He then went back to his men and made sure they were out of hearing range. "I am a mercenary and you are also." he told them. "You must not make any mention or indication that I am a prince."


One of the men asked. "Why did you bring her here?"

"She was being hunted by the Viser." he held up a hand, "Yes I know she is his slave and he had every right to bring her back. But I do not like the man. I can tell by just looking at him he is a vile one. He also has his own soldiers. What does that tell you?"

Both men nodded. They knew their prince was a man that had a way of telling what a man was like. Women, now that was totally impossible for him or any man to tell. "I still have not found out anything about my bride to be. It seems like she has been hidden from everyone her entire life. Probably a pampered brat that will make my life misserable." he shook his head.

A'isha was about to deny the tent but if she was to be belived to be a slave she would have to be submissive she turned her head to him. "I thank you for everything kind stanger" She removed her top coat but kept her long gown stll on. Her hood had been on the first layer so her long golden hair now framed her face. She lookedaround the tent bite her lip hard to stop the tears from esaping through her eyes.

She then laid down on the blankets her mind was whirling would she ever see her family again? What lies were the visor saying about her? Surely her dissaperance had been noted by now, would her father send her men to find her now? And who was this man that risked everything to safe her? And what would her feture husband say?

She sighed knowing for now there was nothing that she could do. So she sighed and closed her eyes giving in to her pure exhaustion and within minutes was fast asleep simple tears feel from her eyes now, the princess was crying in her sleep.

Assan attended to his horse as his two men cooked the evening meal. As he groomed it he looked back towards the city. He did not like the Visir. He gave Assan a bad taste in his mouth. The people feared him and his soldiers. That was one thing that he would put an end to. Yes his city and this one had been at war. But now, a peace was being made and he would take care of the vizer, his soldiers, and help the people.

He then looked back at his tent where A'isha was. She was beautiful, inteligent and brave. If only his wife to be would be like her.

Back in the city the Vizer made it to the palace and found out that the Sultan had made peace with Arnan and was going to marry his daughter to the prince of Arnan. He was not to happy. He had done all he could to parciptate the continued hostilities between the two cities. All the while making a small fortune on the war and consolidating his power. He could not let the peace agreement be fullfilled, and especially the marriage.

He had to do something and something came to mind. He would make it look like the princess was kidnapped by those from Arnan to disrupted the peace agreement, to make it look as if the sultan was trying to go back on the agreement. If he found the princess he would hold her a prisoner and then make it look as if he rescued her at great peril to himself and have the sultan marry her to him. He sent men to make it look like a kidnapping had been done.

A’isha tosed and turned. She was having a nightmare that she could not wake herself from. Locked in her dream A’isha was running, she could hear the exucation drums, someone was going to be beheaded and somehow A’isha knew it was going to be her father. She made it to the court just as the sword swpt through her dear fathers’ neck she let out a silent scream. The Viser came up to her and grabbed her roughly. “Your father has been put to death, you shamed your family you have caused great shame to your family and you are to be put to death” A’isha was bound and chained then suddenly he stopped and the Vizar turned to her. “No better yet I think I will take you to my bed you are to be my slave now”

Aisha woke up with a start she was sweating and breathing hard. She crawled to the enterance of the tent and watched the stanger. She wondered about her husbnd would he be like him? Or would he be abusive, beating her and eventually killing her? She sighed and brought he knees to her chin and closed her eyes lost in thought unaware of the tears falling from her face.

Meanwhile A’isha’s servents had made it back to her chambes but she was not in there so they went looking they wouldn’t have to find her before the Viser found outthey had heard about arrive and were terrified for their princess. They had a feeling that he had evil plans for their dear princess. But A’isha could also look after herself. But the king would be heart broken if he had thought that his daughter had run away. She hadnt, how could they tell him that?

The Vizer sent his men to do his bidding. They planted evidence that would make it look as if the princesse had been kidnapped by Arnan. Then he had them report it to the Sultan. The Sultan was livid. "Turn out the army, I want every inch of the city searched and every caravan and camp searched.

Assan noticed the tent flap open and the woman peer out. He smiled. He liked her. She was something he had not found yet. And here she was a slave. His men finished their cooking and Assan filled a plate full and took it to A'isha. "I hope you like it. They are not the best cooks around, but......" he smiled as he handed it to her. He had not been able to get any information about his wife to be and he had a feeling he would not. "When we are finished eating we will be leaving. I think you should come with me and my men. There is a caravan that we need to meet up with."

It would be his caravan, the one bringing the fake prince. He would then take his place and continue the journey to meet his wife to be.

A'isha heard the man approching and brought her head up whipping the tears from her face and smiling up at him. She had seen some of the Viser slaves before and assumed that if her facade was going to work she would have to act the part. "I thank you sire" She bowed having to keep her smile to herself. The princess was calling someone Sire. It was laughable but for now it would have to work. She spoke again her voice soft but strong. "I am sure the food is more then acceptable." She took the food and ate it then turned to him. "If I may inquire where is your caravan heading?"

At the Castle A'isha servants were all very worried, the castle was in a uproar, news that the princess had been kidnapped was released but that wasnt the truth. They were certain the Vizor had something to do with it.

With in the city the entire military force of within the city was sent out into the city. Every house was searched, nothing was left untouched. But there was no sign of the Princess. Every stranger, that was not of the city was questioned, but none seemed to know anything. By the time the soldiers made it to the gates where Assan and A'isha had gone through a couple hours had elapsed.

Assan smiled when she asked what caravan. "There is a caravan a few days back that we have contracted to guard. It will come here and I imagine go on later. Perhaps by the time we return the Viser will have given up on you." he then turned to his men. A bit later he and his men had eaten and had begun breaking down the camp and packing it up.

Again Assan mounted up and pulled A'isha up before him. He had enjoyed holding her when he had taken her out of the city and now he would enjoy it for a longer time. By the time the soldiers learned about the man and woman that had rode out, they were well on their way, the city far behind them.