Pledge Of Allegiance

Safah

The North

Saba

Lady Safah, seething with anger over how the Nizar had treated her, stormed into her chamber and impulsively hurled a chair across the room. Her fury stemmed from the perceived disrespect she had endured. A private meeting when the fate of her entire clan hung in the balance under Lord Azar's potential threat. The only thing currently holding the volatile lord back from attacking her people was the fact that she held his son captive. Safah intended to leverage this advantage for as long as possible.

Xara's warnings echoed in her mind - the Ashraf were not to be trusted. Safah felt the sting of betrayal, questioning why she wasn't summoned for a formal meeting with the entire Northern Council to discuss matters. The Ashraf had downplayed her significance to the core. What did the Nizar think? Was Safah seen as naïve or foolish? She contemplated her next moves, determined not to let the North underestimate the last of the Baldar.

"I won't let her play games with me. I'm not a pawn to be moved at her whim," Safah declared, her eyes burning with rage.

Jasma, ever perceptive, spoke up, "What's your plan, my lady?"

A sly smile crossed Safah's face as she outlined her strategy, "Tonight's ball will be our stage. We'll expose the Ashraf's deceit in front of all the dignitaries. Let the realm see the true face of the Nizar."

Her ladies exchanged glances, some uncertain, but there was a shared resolve among them. Captain Rais, loyal as ever, nodded in agreement.

"We'll make sure the spark you ignite won't be easily snuffed out," Jasma affirmed.

As they prepared for the ball, the air in Safah's chamber crackled with anticipation, a sense that they were about to shift the balance of power in the Ashraf court.

The ballroom was a spectacle of grandeur, filled with elegantly dressed nobles, shimmering gowns, and the soft cadence of music. Safah, adorned in a resplendent white and gold gown, stood at the center of attention. Her ladies, equally captivating in their Ta'isha attire, flanked her, radiating an air of confidence.

As the night progressed, Safah strategically engaged in conversations with various dignitaries, subtly planting seeds of doubt about the Ashraf's intentions. Jasma and the others adeptly mingled, reinforcing the narrative Safah aimed to convey.

"Lord and Lady Hara, it is a pleasure to meet you once again," she gracefully acknowledged the approach of the elderly couple. The duo reciprocated with a display of utmost respect.

"Allow me to introduce my fiancé, Lord Ashraf," she continued, gesturing towards Zain, who stood beside her. The elderly man extended a firm handshake to Zain, while the lady executed a respectful curtsy.

"Zain, You must express your gratitude to Lord and Lady Hara. Their hospitality was exceptional; they not only took care of me but also extended their kindness to half of my companions during our journey here," she praised the couple, acknowledging their generous and welcoming nature.

The elderly couple exchanged warm glances, appreciating the words of gratitude. "It warms our hearts to hear such kind words. Your companions were delightful company, and it was our pleasure to extend hospitality to all," Lady Hara responded with a gentle smile.

Lord Hara, a distinguished figure with silver hair, nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it is always a joy to welcome guests, especially those with such fine character. We are honored to have you my lady."

Zain, maintaining a respectful demeanor, expressed his appreciation. "I am grateful for your generosity and warm welcome toward Lady Safah. It speaks volumes about the esteemed reputation of Hara house."

Eventually, Lady Nima approached, a composed smile on her face. "Lady Safah, you look exquisite tonight. I trust you're enjoying the festivities."

"Thank you, Lady Nima. Indeed, the ball is quite splendid," Safah replied, her tone betraying no hint of the storm brewing beneath the surface.

Lady Nima, unaware of the impending revelation, continued, "I hope your stay in the North has been comfortable."

Safah seized the opportunity, her voice carrying across the ballroom, "Comfortable, yes, but I wonder, Lady Nima, how comfortable my people will be under the Ashraf's protection."

A hush fell over the gathering as all eyes turned towards Safah. The atmosphere crackled with tension, and the Ashraf court now stood on the precipice of a revelation that could reshape alliances and challenge the established order.

Safah's words lingered in the air, a charged silence gripping the room. Before Lady Nima could respond, Captain Rais swiftly moved to Safah's side, a stern expression on his face.

"Lady Safah, may I have a word with you?" he interjected, his voice a low, urgent whisper.

Confused but sensing the gravity of the situation, Safah nodded, allowing herself to be led away from the crowd. The whispers and curious gazes followed them as they retreated to a more secluded corner of the grand hall.

"What are you doing, Captain?" Safah demanded, her frustration evident.

"Accept my apology, my lady, but it's important," Captain Rais said with a respectful bow. "The Sheikha sent a letter addressed to you, and it's urgent." He produced a sealed letter, its significance apparent in the urgency of his demeanor.

"This letter was dispatched two days after we left Zoa," Captain Rais explained, observing her as she broke the seal and sifted through its contents. After a moment, Safah began reading it aloud.

'Dear Safah, by the time you receive this letter, you must already be at the Ashraf palace. I received a delegation from the Rezaygat clan. They are willing to compromise-an alliance, a proposal which you had previously rejected..But most importantly, your brother Sagir survived the massacre. Our scouts found him in one of the villages. He's badly injured. The moment he recuperates, I will send him to you. Zoa isn't a safe place right now.'

Safah felt her legs weaken, and she nearly hit the ground. Her guard quickly reached out to support her, his strength steadying her trembling form. Warm tears streamed down her cheeks. This was the second time she had cried since the massacre that claimed her family. Yet, she can't shake the fact that, there was a grave for Sagir-she had seen it. Someone pointed at it and called his name. Then she realized that the man who showed her the graves might have been lying or mistaken. Who else in her family might still be alive? She contemplated the possibility. Could her mother have survived Overwhelmed by conflicting emotions, Safah struggled to comprehend the unexpected news about Sagir's survival. The weight of grief and uncertainty that had settled upon her shoulders seemed to momentarily lift.

"Are you certain about this, Captain?" she questioned, her voice tinged with a mix of hope and disbelief.

"I've seen the reports, my lady. The scouts are reliable, and they confirmed Sagir's presence. We'll make arrangements to bring him to you once he's well enough to travel," Captain Rais assured her, producing another paper.

Safah, still processing the revelation, wiped away her tears. A glimmer of hope flickered in her eyes. "My brother... alive. This changes everything."

Sagir was not just one of her stepbrothers, born from a different mother. His own mother had passed away during childbirth, and it was Safah's mother who had lovingly raised him as her own. Despite not sharing the same biological parent, Safah and Sagir had formed a deep bond, nurtured by the care of the same woman who had become both their mother figures. This shared upbringing had created an unbreakable connection between them.

Safah's mood underwent a drastic shift, and the desire to revel in the ball or expose the Ashraf's failure to honor their oath of protection dampened her spirits. Tear-streaked and with a heart heavy with news from home, she abruptly stormed out of the hall, shocking everyone present. The ball had just commenced, specifically in her honor, making her sudden departure even more unexpected.

Captain Rais, sensing the need to manage the situation, reached out to Jasma. He requested her to convey to the attendees that Lady Safah's abrupt exit was due to distressing news from her homeland. This unexpected turn of events was precisely what Safah hoped would kindle the spark of scrutiny she intended to ignite.

"Are you okay?" Bitti entered the chamber, finding Safah seated on a swing sofa. Gripping the railing tightly, fat tears streamed down from her eyes.

Safah lifted her gaze, her eyes revealing a deep pain and hysterical frustration. "I just received news from home. Sagir survived the massacre. He's alive, but badly injured. Our people are in turmoil, and I'm stuck here, unable to do anything."

Bitti placed a comforting hand on Safah's shoulder. "You are doing everything my. You are still fighting for us, for your people!"

Safah sighed, wiping away her tears. "I need to find a way to get back to Zoa. The Ashraf haven't honored their oath, and my people are suffering. I can't stay here and play their political games while my clan faces danger."

"This is grief, my lady, and you have been grieving for a while now," Rais walked into the chamber, drawing everyone's attention. "Your grief is talking, it's blinding you completely. Yes, you lost your father, but you didn't shed tears. You lost your mother, your sisters, your whole family, and you only shed tears when you found out the sheikha survived. Now, with Sagir, your grief is tied to the concept that no one survived. But now you weigh the possibility that some survived, and it's breaking you down, my lady."

A solemn silence enveloped the chamber. Somehow, Safah knew that he was right. She had been pondering since she found out the sheikha survived, questioning if someone else had also survived. Now, with Sagir alive, she wondered who else might have made it.

Captain Rais continued, "Lady Safah, your grief is understandable, and the weight of loss can be overwhelming. But you need clarity in your decisions. I suggest you take some time to process this news, and then we can discuss the best course of action"

Safah nodded, appreciating the captain's wisdom. She needed time to absorb the shock and gather her thoughts.

"Bitti, can you stay with me for a while? Jasma, make sure the whole court knows I'm grieving. It will add to the spark I started at the ball. Janna, don't let anyone outside the Wing enter, not even the Nizar and her brother. Let them know that I'm devastated. The rest of you are dismissed for now," Safah commanded. All the ladies hurried away, leaving just Bitti and the captain.

"What now?" Safah asked.

"You stay put in here, and I will help Jasma out there. I'm doing my best in planting my spies all over the palace. It's spy-proof, so it's hard to get through, but don't worry too much."

In her chamber, Safah found herself caught in the tumult of conflicting emotions. Rais's words lingered, urging her to see beyond the immediate rage and grief. Blinded by vengeance, she had almost jeopardized the potential support the Ashraf could offer. The North might have faltered in their oath, but there was a strategic advantage in maintaining the appearance of an alliance.

Safah realized the importance of thinking logically, of untangling her emotions from the complex web of politics. Her people in Zoa were vulnerable, and her brother's survival added a new dimension to the situation. Sagir, as the potential future Nizar, held a unique sway over the fate of the Ta'isha clan. If the Ashraf discovered his survival, they would likely prioritize his arrival at their court, recognizing him as the legitimate heir. She needed to shift her strategy, considering the long-term implications and preparing for the challenges ahead. She recognized the urgency of the situation. The Nizar had promised to send a hundred thousand men to defend the Ta'isha clan. If she discovered Sagir's survival, she might delay or halt the deployment. Safah couldn't afford any delays; she needed the troops to depart as soon as possible. Time was of the essence in securing the safety of her people.

Safah swiftly devised a plan. She decided to seek an audience with the Nizar and demand her to expedite the departure of the soldiers. Stressing the urgency by recounting the recent attacks on Zoa by the Rezaygat, Safah aimed to emphasize the critical need for swift action. This way, even if the Nizar learned about Sagir, the troops would already be on their way, ensuring a timely response to protect her clan. The ball stretched late into the night, and Safah refused to return even when Zain himself came requesting her presence.

The following morning, Safah formally requested an audience with Nizar Lady Nima. She entered the Nizar's study for the second time. This time she wasn't accompanied by anyone.

Nizar Lady Nima looked up,"Lady Safah, to what do I owe this private meeting?"

Safah's emotions was now tempered and focused, "Nizar, our previous meeting raised questions. I believe a more open discussion is needed. The Ta'isha clan has pledged allegiance to the north, and the oath you swore entails protecting my people. Recent events require urgent action." She responded.

Nizar Lady Nima maintained her composure but nodded for Safah to continue.

Safah's tone grew assertive. "My people are in immediate danger. The Rezaygat have attacked Zoa once again, and we need the troops promised in the oath to be sent at once."

"Lady Safah, decisions of this magnitude require careful consideration. We need to assess the situation thoroughly before committing our forces. I already told you that I'm sending the Troupes" The Nizar countered.

"Assess the situation? My people are being slaughtered, and you want to assess the situation? You made a promise, and now you hesitate?"

Safah's frustration bubbled to the surface.

A heavy silence settled in the study as Safah met the eyes of Nizar Lady Nima Ashraf, her gaze intense and filled with the weight of grief.

"Nizar Lady Nima Ashraf, I know I haven't been rational since I arrived here. I've witnessed the horrors the Rezaygat unleashed on my home - the bloodshed, the screams, my sisters violated to death. The place where I grew up has been turned into a graveyard of grief, and I stand as the sole survivor of that massacre. I can't bear to see my people go through that again."

Safah's voice wavered as she spoke, the pain and sorrow of her recent losses surfacing in her words. The realization hit her - vengeance had blinded her, and she needed to find a way back to reason. The Nizar remained stoic, observing Safah's emotional outpour. The heavy air between them seemed to echo the weight of the tragedies Safah had endured.

"I can't let another massacre happen to my people," Safah continued, her voice steadier but still carrying the deep pain. "I understand my emotions have clouded my judgment. I need your help - we need your help. Send the troops promised to protect the us. I implore you to expedite their departure. My people are vulnerable, and every moment counts."

The Nizar regarded Safah with a puzzled expression, perhaps contemplating the transformation Safah seemed to undergo. In that moment, Safah, too, questioned the person she had become. The welfare of her people was paramount-her father's legacy, her ancestors' legacy. She had to embody the strength of a Baldar to save them, setting emotions aside for the greater good.

"The men will depart soon, my Lady. You needn't worry anymore. You are safe under my protection, under the protection of the North." Safah harbored doubts about the Nizar's words, but she knew she had to ensure that no one in the palace discovered Sagir's survival.

"More words, more promises, my father died with those words and promises you made to him. Either you send the men, or I leave at sunset. I would rather die fighting than hide here, waiting for you to save my home, Your Grace. No hard feelings." She crossed her legs, her eyes fixed on the Nizar.

"My father was an honorable man who chose his people over his pride. He bent down to you, Lady Nima of the North, and in the end, you... you let him die with his pride trampled under your feet."

Saying these words lifted some of her tension. The Nizar's expression remained stoic, but there was a subtle flicker in her eyes. Safah felt a mixture of anger and satisfaction.

"You said you'd send the troops, but let's be clear-this is not a favor you're doing for me. It's an obligation you owe to my people. You pledged protection, and you will honor it," Safah asserted firmly.

Nima's gaze hardened. "You tread on thin ice, Lady Safah. Remember, you are a guest in my court."

"I am no guest; I am here to secure the safety of my people. If that requires me to tread on thin ice, then so be it," Safah retorted defiantly.

Their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills, the tension in the room palpable. After a moment of intense silence, Nizar Nima finally spoke, her voice measured but with an underlying sternness. "The troops will leave at dawn. Ensure your people are ready to receive them."

Safah nodded, masking her relief. "I appreciate your understanding, Nizar Nima. I hope this is a step toward a stronger friendship between the two of us."

The Nizar's response was a curt nod, signaling the end of their discussion. Safah stood and left the study, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. She had achieved what she came for, yet the strain between them lingered like an unspoken truth.