Original Journey of Heaven

Balian found his father's people. The talk at the well was between Imad and a newly arrived knight from Lyon. Imad introduces himself as 'Nasir'. He volunteers and asks Nicholas permission to follow him as a servant.

One day, Nicholas is getting hassled by a solider in the street who is basically just trying to give the guy a hard time and trying to provoke him into fighting. Nicholas would not rise to the occasion. The man gives up but quickly begins hassling another stranger, a Saracen who is dressed well but simply, perceiving no connection between the two men. At which point Nicholas turns on him and yells in the sharp sort of voice which people hardly ever disobey and no-one ever fails to notice: LEAVE HIM ALONE.

Heads slowly turned toward Nicholas, who seemed extremely intent on the man's lack of manners. “You tried to get a rise out of me and were disappointed when I didn't join the game. So you just start hassling a complete stranger for no apparent reason except you think he will be more easily goaded into fighting. I'm not sure whether that's more cowardice or idiocy. But your issue is now entirely with me. So leave him out of it.”

It cannot be questioned he spoke strangely, but his meaning could not have been more clear. Nor could this solider question the sincerity of them. “So you are capable of fighting after all?” More than that, you are willing to. It is, a little surprising if I am to be honest. After all, what is he to you that you stand up for him when you would not even stand up for himself?”

“That's what I was doing Bresslin. I stood my own ground and refused to let myself be provoked into fighting for no good reason. Do not misunderstand me I can fight and I am a decent fighter when it comes to it. I just need a good enough reason to do so. And you did not give me that when you challenged me. I kept my temper and held my tongue to avoid lowering myself to your level...in more ways than one I believe. Then you start hassling a friend of mine for no other reason than you thought he would be an easier target. THAT is a different story, and something I will fight you on. I warn you now I am fairly certain you will regret it quickly.”
A few on-lookers gave nods of approval at Nicholas reasoned argument, smiling quietly at the man's restraint in very subtly calling his antagonist an impulsive idiot. There was a man named Balian standing nearby, watching the encounter with clear interest. He wore the same uniform and Sigel as the bald man who seemed so eager to fight. But no one intervened.
Nasir himself looked at Nicholas with awe and pride. And no small amount of surprise. He was Nicholas servant. Nicholas was responsible for him, both for his actions and keeping him safe and free from harm. Which would have been more than enough to justify his reaction. But when he'd risen to the challenge, Nicholas had declared him his friend, not his servant at all.
Nicholas had already earned his appreciation and admiration, simply for being who he was and treating him for respect and consideration in private. He was quite sure he had not met a more compassionate and discerning man in his whole life. With the natural exception of Saladin (Sala-hodeen) himself. A man who judged people for who they were, not title, position, kingdom or religion. A Christian lord who saw a Muslim commoner and treated him as an equal was amazing, and more than enough to endear him to the man. But all of that had been a truth between the two of them. As far as the rest of the world was concerned, Nasir was his servant who also happened to be his friend and they didn't need to know anything else. Or so Nasir had assumed until this moment. And now Nasir looked on his master – whether a servant or a slave Nicholas was his master – with undisguised astonishment and honor.
Even so, Nasir kept an even voice. “You are so eager to fight you do not measure your enemy nor the field. If there is one thing I have learned about Nicholas it is how difficult it is to provoke him. And what it means when you do.”
“Nasir Please!” Nicolas snapped in Arabic.
“This has gone far enough.” Balian said, stepping between them.

Nicholas, who had been reaching for his blade immediately dropped his hand and his head. “I am sorry MiLord, I did not realize...”
“I was talking to Almaric.” Balian replied astounded. “Believe me you have done nothing wrong.”
“Nor did he. I...I honestly think it would be best if Nasir and I were on our way and leave the rest of this in the dust. Please.”
At this point Almaric and Nasir could not keep their looks of stupefied shock from their faces. Then again, neither could anyone else who was paying attention.
“Are you earnestly asking for permission to withdraw?” Balian inquired.
“No Milord. I am suggesting that Nasir and I be the first ones to leave this situation for lack of another word and everyone goes back to minding their own business. Which would have been a good approach in the first place I don't mind saying.”
“Almaric started to apologize, Nicholas held up his hand. “My friend was trying to suggest that you should judge whether you can win a fight before trying to start one. I am merely agreeing with him that this is very sound advice. When I first arrived here I wanted nothing except to be left alone and at peace. With the exception of Nasir's company, I hold to that.”

“As you please.” Balian said with admiration in his eyes. Mixed with a little bit of envy.

“As for you Milord, forgive me that I do not ask your name. But I hope I might see you again and learn it...on more equal footing at a more appropriate time.”

“As do I monsieur. What did he call you, Nicholas?”

The man bowed deeply and with a nod to his friend that indicated 'follow' walked away.

He taught himself how to speak French.” Almaric said in a low voice.

“I'm sorry, what?” Balian replied.

“That's why Nicholas sounds like that, so precise and yet almost archaic. He taught himself how to speak French.

“So likely, he grew up alone. That is why he prefers being left alone. What do you think of our friend?” Almaric looked at him, surprised. “Nicholas I mean. What do you think of him and his Saracen companion?”

“If any man save you was going to put me in my place, I am glad it was someone like him.”

A cry from the distance startled Nicholas. He saw two men riding toward him. The younger rode a little closer to him and addressed him directly. “He says that is his horse.”

“Why does he make that claim?”

“Because it is on his land.”

“I brought this horse with me from France.”

“He claims the horse as his own.” He translated for his master, who replied in Arabic.

“He says you are a 'great liar' and he will fight you not for the horse, but because you are a liar. More than that, he will fight you simply because that is that he does. He says you must learn how things are here and he is eager to teach you.” The servant continued, his face impassive, his voice calm.

“To the death?” Nicholas asked.

“Death is always a possibility, but no.”

“This is senseless.” Nicholas replied, although half to himself.

“CAN you not fight?” The young man asked in surprise.

“No, I can, and I think I'm good at it. But I don't rush into a battle for no reason.”

“'iinah yahtaj 'iilaa aldaafie liltasaruf.”

“He says if you do not give him the horse he will take it, and you will become his slave. And 'is that reason enough'.”

“Then have him come down and fight me like men of rank should.”

“You are a knight?” The young man asked.

“As of three weeks ago I am a baron in Lyon and Acre.”

This was quickly translated and the knight quickly dismounted.

Nicholas raised his sword above his head and the fight began. It did not last long and when it was over the knight lay dead in the sand. The other man's horse tossed its rider, flinging him to the ground. Nicholas approached him his sword drawn and raised. The man rose to his knees. “I make no trouble.” He promised, holding his arms out in a gesture of surrender. Nicholas lowered his sword. “What was his name?”

“His name was Mummad Al Fais.”

Nicholas crouched over the body. “May you find peace in Heaven. May God bring you into his sweet embrace in paradise. Rest well and forever-friend I never knew.” He turned to to look at his companion, who was whispering his own prayer. When he was done, the man looked up to him, a question in his eyes.

“What happens now? Nicholas asked.

“That is up to you.” The man replied, his voice even and patient.

Nicholas eyes widened in realization. “Get up. Please, you must not kneel to me.”

'You do not wish it?' His eyes asked.

“I do not... Just, take me to Jerusalem.”

When they were almost to the walls of the city Nicholas made sure to pull his horse just barely in front of the other. The man nodded and slowed his horse down, keeping his place. They rode into the city, stopping at one of the first water troughs they saw.

Nicholas was pleased to note the man had respect for horses, as he slowly stroked the steed's neck. “You know something of horses?” Nicholas asked him gently.

“They are the noblest of animals. No other creature has descended so unscathed from the first innocent falling of the world. And he IS a very good horse.”

“Yes he is. And he seems to like you. Take him and go.”

“This is your prize of battle. I'm your prisoner, your slave, should you wish it.

“I will never keep a slave nor suffer any to be kept if I can change it. I took my oath on THAT long ago. I will not make you pay for your masters poor choices. I don't have anyone left in the world now. If you do, then go, and be with them.

The man stared, bewildered. “Are you...insisting that I leave you alone?”

Nicholas smiled faintly. “No Sajen. I am saying that I cannot ask anyone to follow after me in the life I haven't even chosen for myself. Until three weeks ago I was...hardly expected to inherit my father's rank and title. And to be direct, I would have preferred it that way. I have done nothing to deserve your help, nor the...admiration I see in your eyes right now.

“Forgive me but there you are wrong. You have done more than you know, you are better than you believe. Let me follow you as a servant. Since you refuse to keep a slave.

“So be it. My name is Nicholas, call me that or Monsieur. NOT 'Milord. I insist on this.”
“If you insist on it Monsieur. My name is Naser.”

After two weeks of their new lives, Nicholas enters the rooms allotted to Naser. A soft, but serious look on his face. “Mummad Al Fais.” He began slowly. “When he was trying to goad me into fighting, he said that if I did not give him my horse he would simply take her. Was that true?”

“Yes, that is true.” Naser replied calmly. A strange look crossed his face. “Is that why you agreed to fight him? Not because he threatened to make you his slave, but because he would have taken your horse from you?”

“Leave off those last two words and yes.” Nicholas replied with an awkward grin. “I could not imagine he would have cared for a horse, treated Astra with any care. Not if the way he was playing with me was ANY indication. And I at least am another human being. I know, most people wouldn't talk or think like this. The benefit of being raised almost completely alone. I came up with my own view of people and the world. I won't give Aster up to anyone!” His fierceness subsided as quickly at his had come on. “Actually that's not true. I would have given her to you.”

“It makes me sad to hear this.” Naser said, with a strange look in his eyes.

“Naser, I understand if your unaccustomed to receiving compliments. Or if custom and manners does not let you readily accept them. But you are a remarkable individual. And if you honestly cannot see that..” **

“Please, stop Monsieur.” Naser interrupted. Nicholas closed his mouth in surprise. “We should not be so familiar with each-other. I promise I will not interrupt you like that again.”

“Naser, that's fine when we're around people. But if I'm the only one who can hear you, you have my permission to interrupt me any time I'm making you uncomfortable. Same goes for being around other people in this house.”

“You overwhelm me Monsieur. I...I do not understand you.”

“No one ever did. But I'm pretty good at understanding other people. And as I've been trying to tell you...” His words faded. He closed his eyes a moment. When he opened them he was staring brightly at Naser. “I've never known anyone like you before. You treat me like any other. I am trying to do the same for you. Do you understand?”

"I...I am beginning to."

** Misunderstanding the reason for his hesitation, Nicholas tried to assure Naser.