Light of Heaven

 “Why are you hassling me?” Nicholas asked of the bald solider in front of him.

“Just wanting to see a fighting spirit.” The man replied.

“I have one, and when I have a reason to show it, I do. But you should be grateful I have governed it.” Nicholas turned away, to examine a stall selling cooking powders. Apparently he considered the entire conversation quite over with.

“Hey scoundrel!” The man called out. A few heads turned briefly.

“Were you addressing me sir?” a Muslim said mildly.

“What are you doing here all alone?”

“I am not alone I am with my...It would make no difference; you seek a fight.”

“Quite perceptive. And I sense, you are something other than a coward.”

“I should be angry with you if time were convenient.” The man replied with a hint of warning in his voice.

“If time were convenient? How is it not convenient?” A small crowd of on-lookers gathered as the Frenchman shoved the Saracen several times. Until...

“LEAVE. HIM. ALONE!”

Nicholas was glaring at the solider, his wide eyes suddenly over-bright. “You couldn't get satisfaction from me, so you turn around and hassle whoever happens to be nearby? Someone you fine it easier to provoke into fighting? I don't know if that is cowardice or idiocy. Either way your issue is with me so leave him out of it.”

“So you are capable of fighting? More, you are willing to. It is, surprising. Who is he to you that you stand up for him when you would not even stand up for yourself?”

“I kept my temper in check to avoid lowering myself to your level. Nothing to prove. Not to one who indiscriminately fights for the sake of itself. Then you turn and hassle a friend of mine for no other reason than your belief that he would be an easier target. That is quite different. That I will fight you for. And you will regret it.”

A few onlookers gave nods of approval at Nicholas subtly calling his opponent an impulsive idiot. Nasir himself was thunderstruck. The Saracen was not alone, he was with his master, Nicholas. For many weeks he had served under this strange Christian lord. A man who refused to keep a slave and wanted nothing more than to be left alone. In the weeks he'd spent at the man's side, Nicholas had never treated him with anything other than respect and consideration. To here his master, a man to whom he had freely offered his allegiance declare him his friend was unanticipated. Until this moment it had been nothing but an understanding between them. The instant it was known that he was the man's servant Nicholas would have been vindicated. After all, Nicholas was responsible for his care and protection as well as his conduct. Yet Nicholas had risen to defend him declaring him his friend, not his servant at all. Nasir did his best to keep a passive face and an even tone as he addressed the stranger.

“You are so eager to fight, you do not consider your enemy nor the field. If there is only one thing I have learned about Nicholas, it is how difficult it is to provoke him. And how quickly you regret it when you do.”

Nasir Please.” Nicholas snapped in Arabic.

“Well, it seems this game has gone on long enough, wouldn't you agree?” A man named Balian asked, stepping between them.

Nicholas, who had placed his hand on his sword, immediately dropped his hand. And dropped his head just as quickly. “I am sorry Milord. I did not realize...”

“I was talking to Almaric.” Balian said, astounded. “You did nothing wrong.”

“Neither did he. Except be a little to eager to fight. My friend and I should be on our way, please.” At this point Almaric could not keep the look of shock from his face. Then again, neither could anyone else who was paying attention.

“Are you sincerely asking for my permission to withdraw?” Balian inquired.

“No Milord. I am suggesting that you do not ask Nasir or I any further questions and do not follow after us seeking explanations. Nasir was suggesting that you should judge whether or not you can win a fight before trying to start one. I am merely agreeing with his very sound advice.” Almaric started to apologize, Nicholas held up his hand. “When I came to the Holy Land, I wanted nothing but to be left alone and at peace. With the exception of Nasir's company, I hold to that.” He smiled faintly, as if there was a story behind his words.

“As you please.” Balian replied with admiration in his voice.

“Milord, forgive me I do not ask your name. I hope to see you again, at a better time.”

“As do I Monsieur... Milord.”

Nicholas and Nasir bowed deeply to the two men and walked away without a word.

Later that evening Naser walked, confused and uncertain into Nicholas private room.

“I take it you have something to ask me?” The man said, staring out into nothing.

For the first time in Nicholas memory, Naser refrained from dropping his head.

“Why would you do that?”

“I'm used to people judging me. I've learned to choose my battles.”

“So I have come to realize. That is not what I'm asking. Why would you call me your friend?”

“Be-cause I consider you my friend. Why does that need explaining? Naser, two truths are possible. You're my servant. That is, true and it is so. But I count you my friend and I was speaking my own truth. You may hide your own worth, I refuse to.”

“You, are a remarkable individual.”

“Nasir, believe me I fully understand why everyone thought I was somehow brave for what I said. I don't count myself brave for what I said, simply honest. Do you understand me?”

“I think I am finally beginning to.” Nasir admitted. “May I ask a personal question?”

“Nasir, we ARE alone here.”

“That Christian lord, I've never seen you look down to someone like that before. It was as if -you couldn't have been afraid of him- it was like you didn't want to offend him.”

“He is different. Like you or I he is... he is worth it. I don't know how else to say that.”