The Lion's Heart: Part 5

[ravenya03]

In which the outlaws split up in order to further their goals: Allan and Luke stay in the hospital with Carter, and Will and Djaq press on to Jerusalem...


Back to Part 4

Scene: Desert

The sun is setting over the desert, but two figures on horseback ride over the dunes, silhouetted by the brilliant red and orange sky. Their faces are covered to protect them from the sand, but as they reach the end of the desert sands and bring their horses to a halt at the edge of a cliff, the two of them pull down their protective gear in order to see the city below them, bathed in the light of the setting sun. It glints on the towers and minarets below them, and both Will and Djaq look reverential as they look over Jerusalem.

Djaq: The naval of the world.

Will’s eyes flit to her.

Djaq: I feel that I should say something…

Will: Profound?

She gives a little smile.

Djaq: Yes.

Will: Sometimes silence is enough.

She nods, and the two of them stare out over the city, though soon enough Will’s eyes shift back to Djaq herself, as though weighing her beauty up against that of Jerusalem.

Djaq: (quietly, almost to herself) The last of my family is down there.

She clears her throat and looks at Will.

Djaq: First we should try and find Prince Malik. He can provide us with guides, provisions, bodyguards…

Will: No. We should see your family first.

Djaq: I’ve waited three years. I can wait a few more days.

Will: But can they?

Djaq: They think I’m dead.

Will: Then they should be told the truth.

Djaq is wide open to persuasion on this particular point and gives Will a grateful look.

Djaq: Very well.

She kicks her heels into her horse’s flanks and the two of them gallop down toward the city gates.

Scene: Jerusalem Streets

Will and Djaq walks through the bustling streets of the Holy City, their horses led by the reins, staring around in awe.

Djaq: I came here once when I was a child. See over there?

She points to a water fountain in the middle of the square where some children play. The two wander over and let their horses drink.

Djaq: Djaq once pushed me into this. My father was furious.

Will looks mildly confused, and then realizes that she’s referring to her brother. He gives Djaq a thoughtful look as she stares at the fountain in disbelief and fascination; as though she’s looking at an artefact from another world. The camera POV changes to reveal that a shadowy figure is watching them from the upper floor of a nearby building. Below, Will and Djaq are obliviously tending to their horses.

Scene: Bassam’s House

Will and Djaq stand before the gate of a beautiful house behind a tall stucco wall. Trees poke over the top of the wall and from somewhere inside is the sound of running water. Djaq is staring at it, breathing heavily. Will waits patiently, and then finally touches her shoulder.

Will: Ready?

Djaq shakes herself and straightens her shoulders.

Djaq: I…yes.

She doesn’t move.

Will: What is it?

Djaq: What if something is wrong? What if I have come all this way and they are not there?

Will is silent, letting her vocalise her fears.

Djaq: The house…it may be a trap. Somehow an Englishman came into possession of Lar’d-nar, and he got it from this house.

Will: (muttering) McClellan. Do you think Lardner ever reached the King?

Djaq: I do not know. The whole time we were in Sherwood, chasing after the pigeon, all I felt was that something was very wrong. The messenger pigeons of the Sultan are more precious than gold and jewels. They carry life and death in their tiny claws. My uncle would not give one up to an Englishman; he would not carelessly lose one either. He loves them as he does his only son and they are kept under close guard.

Will: But it doesn’t look like this place has been taken over by Crusaders. No guards, no soldiers.

Djaq: So how did a Saracen pigeon end up in the hands of an English soldier? And what of Lar’d-nar’s mate?

Will: How do you mean?

Djaq: Pigeons always come in pairs, remember? Lar’d-nar would fly to Latifah over miles and miles of terrain, no matter where she was. So the question is: where is Latifah? Where did Lar’d-nar’s message end up?

Will: Well, with King Richard, surely. That’s what McClellan said, right?

Djaq: (doubtfully) That’s what he said.

Will: Perhaps your uncle gave Lardner to McClellan…

Djaq (sharply) Why would he do that?

Will: Perhaps he thought he’d use it to bring the King home.

Djaq: McClellan’s message demanded more English reinforcements. My uncle would not be so stupid to trust an Englishman, nor betray his own people.

Will is a bit taken aback as the implications of this statement settle in the air. Djaq glances at him guiltily.

Djaq: That is…I am sorry. But whoever was behind Lar’d-nar’s disappearance is not trying to end this war.

Will: Well, only one way to find out.

Djaq: Yes…yes. Do you remember your role?

Will: I am your servant. I’m to keep my mouth shut and my eyes down.

He gives her a sardonic look, but she’s gnawing on her lip, too distracted to notice. Will reaches out and squeezes her hand.

Djaq: I am about to come back from the dead.

She pulls her veil over her head and braces herself. With her horse’s bridle in hand, she heads toward the gate. It opens at her touch, and she and Will step into a lovely garden filled with a gushing fountain, shady trees, and desert blooms. Their horses are tied off at a nearby post available specifically for that purpose, and Djaq heads for the front door, Will a step behind.

She touches the door, running her fingertips over it before steeling herself one last time and knocking firmly. There is silence for a while, time enough for Will and Djaq to exchange glances. The door opens a crack, and a pair of black eyes in an old wrinkled face looks out, muttering something in Arabic.

Djaq answers, and lowers a corner of her veil to reveal her face. Suddenly a great scream goes up, and the figure behind the door bolts further into the house, still shrieking. The door swings open.

Djaq blinks, catches the door and steps forward into the cool gloom of the household, looking around in wonder.

Djaq: It is as beautiful as I remember it…

They are standing in an entrance hall, with beautiful patterning across the walls and tiles upon the floor. There is another tinkling fountain in the middle of the room. Apart from the faint cries of the servant woman rushing deeper into the house, everything is peaceful and still, broken only by the sounds of plashing water. Djaq looks around in wonderment - as does Will, his eyes widening at the amount of opulence that is on display. Everywhere he looks seems to be made of glass and gold and other materials that glint in the dim light.

There are footsteps on a nearby stairwell, and the two of them swirl around. A man stands on the first step, staring at Djaq in disbelief. He is just past middle-age, with greying hair, small dark eyes, and a paunch. He wears a striped robe that looks luxurious but also rather worn. Djaq gives a little strangled cry at the sight of him.

Djaq: Ammo Bassam?

Bassam: Safiyah?

With a cry, the man hurries down the stairs and across the floor to embrace Djaq. She grips him tightly in return, tears forming in her eyes.

Bassam (in subtitled Arabic) You’re alive! How can this be?

Djaq: I’ve been gone so far…so far away…

Bassam: I thought old Naheeda had finally gone mad. Screaming that a ghost was at the door…

Djaq: I feel like a ghost…

Bassam makes soothing noises as Djaq struggles to compose herself. Will watches in wonder as the two embrace once more, then straightens as he realizes that they are not alone. From every door and stairwell that leads into the entrance hall, a host of people have come to witness Djaq’s return. Most of them are servants, silent and serious, but there are also a few well-dressed Saracens, many of whom are looking at Will with profound interest. Will fidgets under the gaze of so many dark eyes, all as unnerving as Djaq’s, but without any of her warmth.

Bassam is cupping Djaq’s face in his hands and weeping openly. The two are simply staring at each other, without speaking, when Djaq finally takes his hands and pulls away, looking around at those who have joined them.

Djaq: Salak?

A young man standing in the doorway strides forward and embraces Djaq. He is young and quite handsome, with hawk-like eyes and a strong jaw. She looks a little flustered, and then turns to Will, beckoning him forward.

Djaq: Ammo Bassam, weld l'am Salak; this is my servant Will Scarlett. He protected me on my journey back here. I owe him my life, several times over. Will Scarlett, this is my uncle and my cousin.

Bassam nods graciously, but Salak is not nearly so welcoming. He stares openly at Will, and you get the feeling that if he were not so astonished, he would be antagonistic. Will bows respectfully and repeats the Arabic greeting that Djaq has coached him in. Bassam looks pleased, but soon turns back to Djaq. Salak continues to stare at Will.

Bassam: (still in subtitled Arabic) How did you get here? Where have you been these past few years?

Djaq: In England.

Bassam: England?! My dear Safiyah…

Djaq: It is such a long story. (She gives a little gasp and sob). When Djaq died, I left to fight against MelekRic in his place. My garrison was ambushed by the Bedouin and they sold me to Frankish slave-traders who took me to England. I have been fighting my way back here ever since.

Bassam looks horrified, and glances around at the servants, who are hanging on every word. Will is frowning, listening intently as he tries to keep up with what Djaq has been saying.

Bassam: Now I sense is not the time for such things. You need a warm bath; fresh clothes - a meal!

Djaq swiftly translates this to Will, who perks up.

Bassam: Come now - I shall see that your friend is safe. You are home now Safiyah.

He barks out an order to the servants. Some scurry off, others step forward. The old lady who answered the door creeps forward and stares at Djaq doubtfully, perhaps not entirely reassured that she’s not a ghost.

Djaq (to Will): Go with Bassam. He will see that you are tended to.

Will: But where are you going? We should stay together.

Djaq: (smiling) You will not be permitted to enter the women’s baths.

Will flushes, but Djaq reaches out to touch his hand - a gesture that does not go unnoticed by either Bassam or Salak.

Djaq: He will make sure you are safe. I promise.

Scene: Hospital

Allan is sitting at a low table with a pack of cards and a dice in a cup. He’s laid some sort of game out on the table top, and seated around him are several injured crusaders with a variety of broken limbs and head wounds.

Allan: Alright lads, place your bets.

Several of the soldiers throw coins down onto the table and Allan begins to vigorously shake the cup with the dice inside before rolling it out onto the table. It comes up six and Allan cries out in delight before beginning to collect the money.

Allan: Thank you gents, better luck next time, eh?

With a few angry mutters, all disperse except for one, impatiently tapping his foot on the ground.

Luke: Should you really be doing this?

Allan doesn’t look up at him.

Allan: We ain’t goin’ anywhere till Carter’s back on ‘is feet. Why not try ‘n make some money while we’re waitin’?

Luke: Sure, but I don’t think we should be making people angry, especially not armed soldiers. How much money did you take from those men?

Allan: Enough. And I didn’t take it, I won it.

He looks up at Luke’s worried face for the first time and softens.

Allan: All right. No more then.

Luke still looks agitated, and Allan stands up to clap him on the shoulder.

Allan: I know it’s hard, but trust me - those two know ‘ow to take care of themselves. Trust me, nothin’s gonna happen to your brother if Djaq’s around.

Luke: I just want to be with them, that’s all. How much longer do you think it’ll take Carter to recover?

Allan: (a little exasperated) Why don’t you go and ask him?

Luke sighs and walks away as Allan gathers up the cards on the table.

Sir Liam: Ah, the curse of youth.

Allan jumps a little at the sight of Sir Liam watching him from a doorway.

Allan: Oh…hey. Didn’t see ya there. What did ya say?

Liam: The curse of youth.

Allan still looks befuddled.

Liam: Impatience.

Allan: Oh, right. Yeah well, there’s nothin’ ‘e can do about it.

Liam: Not until your friend is better.

Allan (suspiciously) Right…

Liam: Forgive me. It’s just been a long time since I’ve spoken to anyone who has so recently been in England. What part are you from?

Allan: Rochdale.

Liam: You’re long way from home. Why did you leave for the Holy Land?

Allan: Sightseeing.

Liam: Indeed. Do you have a woman waiting for you at home?

Allan: Nope.

Liam: Ah. So you followed one here.

Allan: Look mate, I know you’re just tryin’ ta make conversation, but the truth is, I’m really not in the mood to share my life story.

Liam puts up his hands in surrender.

Liam: Forgive me. I didn’t mean to pry. Hospitals are frustrating places. People are forever in transit here - they come to live or to die. There is no real life here, only waiting. I’ll almost be glad to get back to the fighting.

Allan eyes Liam’s wounded arm with curiosity.

Allan: How’d that happen?

Liam looks at it ruefully.

Liam: A funny story. I broke it saving the life of a dear friend: my horse.

Allan: Where’d it happen?

Liam: The siege of Acre.

He gives a shiver.

Liam: That was a terrible time. When I am well, I shall go to Jerusalem to pray for forgiveness.

Allan shrugs, a little baffled by this type of piety.

Liam: Perhaps I might join you and your friends.

Allan: Say again?

Liam: You are going to Jerusalem, aren’t you?

Allan: How’d you know that?

Liam: I’m sorry, I just assumed. You’re clearly not a soldier. I assumed you must be pilgrims.

His eyes flutter over the cards in Allan’s hand - hardly a devout past time.

Allan: I don’t think so. Nothin’ personal, but we’re tryin’ ta keep our ‘eads down. Not attract too much attention, see?

Liam: I understand. I’ll let you get back to your work.

He smiles and gives a polite little bow, leaving Allan to stare after him, eyes narrowed.

Scene: Bassam’s House

Will is wandering through the elegant rooms, his eyes widening at the riches on display. He’s clean and wearing clothes that are Eastern in style, but his fresh linen shirt is so simple that it could just as easily pass for his own. He stops at the end of a corridor, hearing the muffled sound of an argument.

Down the far end of the hall two shadowy figures move about in a small study, silhouetted by the sun. The voices of Bassam and Salak echo softly down toward Will; though he cannot understand their language, the name “Safiyah” pops up often. Frowning, Will continues on.

Scene: Bassam’s House; Aviary

Will ducks under a low archway and is still for a moment, watching from the shadows. Djaq is looking over the pigeons nesting in their cages set into the wall. She looks clean and well-groomed, wearing the garb of her people: a long filmy dress for the first time. Will just wants to look at her for a while, and she continues in her task of feeding the pigeons for several minutes before she notices his presence. She gives a little jump.

Djaq: You startled me.

Will: Sorry, I just…you look…different.

Djaq: So do you.

A little bashful, they draw close to each other. Will closes his eyes as she approaches, inhaling her scent.

Djaq: I spent many hours here as a child, helping with the pigeons. They are so very precious to the Sultan; to our people.

Will: It must have been an honour.

Djaq: I hated it. I’ve never liked pigeons - they have such beady little eyes and make such silly cooing noises. I would have much rather been working in the surgery with my father. But the physician’s rooms were not considered appropriate for a young girl. I made up for that in later years. Uncle Bassam would pretend not to notice when I escaped.

She gives him a smile, but Will looks thoughtful.

Will: When you call him your uncle…he’s not really your uncle though, is he.

Djaq: No. He was Sirat’s brother, but then Sirat was my father in all ways but one. He loved me, he raised me, he taught me everything I know that’s worth knowing…he even delivered me from my mother’s womb. But he was not my father. I never knew my real father.

She frowns. Will continues to stare at her thoughtfully, but his mind is not running in the same direction as hers is.

Will: So…Salak is not your cousin.

Djaq: He is not.

Her eyes drift away from Will and rest on one of the cages. She starts.

Djaq: Look here. Two cages; both empty. That is unusual. One pigeon always stays behind.

Will: Do you think that this was where Lardner was kept?

Djaq: It is possible. I will ask Bassam over dinner. Are you looking forward to your first Eastern meal?

Will: (bravely) Of course!

Scene: Bassam’s House: Dining Room

Bassam, Salak, Djaq and Will sit on cushions around a low table; Will eying the food laid out before him apprehensively. Djaq is trying to hide a smile as he makes a chivalrous bite of some strange exotic food he’s never seen before (it’s rice). Salak watches him chew and then looks away in distaste. A servant girl adds another plate of food to the table and then hurriedly departs.

Bassam: Thank you Konnie.

Salak: (in Arabic) Remind me why there’s a Frank sitting at our table.

Djaq: (still in Arabic) He is my trusted servant, and he’s the only reason I made it back home safely.

Salak: Yet you tell us that he wants to save his King. If Melek Ric’s life is in danger, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t let it stay that way. Shall we save him so that he can continue waging war against our people?

Djaq: No. I want to take him home so he can save his own people from some very unpleasant men. The man that I have served for the past two years is a man of peace.

Salak: Well this one is making the servants nervous.

Djaq: (smoothly) Which is why he’s here with us, and not in the servant’s quarters. Please excuse me cousin, but I would like to speak with uncle and I need Will to understand what I’m saying.

She turns to Bassam and begins to speak in English.

Djaq: Uncle, do you know where the Sultan is?

Bassam: At Tell Jezer, south of Ramla. There has been talk of evacuating Jerusalem, what with Melek Ric camped so close by.

Djaq: Why does Melek Ric not attack?

Bassam: If the Franks managed to take the city, even despite the Sultan’s forces ready to fall on them from the mountains, they would need to establish a permanent army here. Melek Ric simply does not have the numbers to achieve this.

Djaq: He can take the city, but not hold it.

Bassam: Exactly. So instead he sits in Beit Nuba, waiting.

Djaq: Waiting for what?

Bassam: (with a shrug) For more Franks to swell his army? For a sign from his God? For a summons to return home? Who knows?

Will: All this time…all this suffering…and he even can’t get what he came for.

Bassam looks at him thoughtfully, but Djaq interrupts the moment.

Djaq: Uncle, we need to get to Prince Malik straight away. We have come to Jerusalem because we carry with us the key to peace: something that will force Melek Ric to return home to England immediately.

Bassam starts a little. Djaq nods at Will, and Will places the cylinder on the table top.

Djaq: Inside is a document that proves there is treason afoot in his kingdom. His brother plots to take the throne in his absence. Melek Ric must return to his realm if he wishes to hold it, and we need to secure an audience with him in order to deliver this message.

Bassam: And you think Prince Malik will be able to organise that for you?

Djaq: Will and I cannot simply approach Melek Ric’s encampment on our own. But the rulers of armies may come together for a temporary truce. We need…we need…

Will: We need to look impressive. Official. Not just an English serf and a Saracen woman.

Djaq: Right. And to do that we need Prince Malik’s help. He is committed to peace and may be able to convince his uncle to arrange a meeting with the King.

Bassam: And then?

Djaq: And then, we will tell him that he needs to return to England. And there will be no more fighting.

The words sink into the sudden silence around the dinner table.

Bassam: My dear child…

The sentence dies; Bassam too overcome to go on. Will and Djaq look at each other from across the table and share a tiny little smile. For a while there is quiet, then they turn to eat, and finally Djaq clears her throat again.

Djaq: Will, I must ask Bassam about Lar’d-nar. It will be easier in his own tongue.

Will nods his consent, and she addresses Bassam in Arabic.

Djaq: (in Arabic) Bassam, I was in the aviary earlier, and I noticed that Lar’d-nar and Lafitah had gone.

A shadow falls over Bassam’s face.

Bassam: They were stolen over a year ago.

Djaq straightens in excitement, and repeats this information to Will.

Bassam: I mourned for them, as I would for my own child.

Salak rolls his eyes.

Djaq: Do you know who was responsible?

Bassam: No. They came in the night. No one heard anything. Not even the other pigeons made a sound.

Djaq: I have seen Lar’d-nar. In England.

Bassam: What? In England?!

Salak also sits up with interest, focused on Djaq’s words.

Djaq: Yes. It is a long story. One day in Sherwood Forest my friends and I heard of a one-legged man who was looking for Robin Hood, our leader. The man had a letter from Melek Ric with him, asking for reinforcements. Robin found him as he lay dying and he told us that he had come from the Holy Land with a messenger. A messenger called Lardner. I feared that it meant this place had been overrun by Crusaders.

Bassam looks dumbfounded.

Bassam: Did you find Lar’d-nar?

Djaq: Yes. He was in perfect health. We sent him on his way, with a message to Melek Ric to return home as quickly as possible. Clearly it either did not reach him, or he did not heed us.

Bassam: Lar’d-nar…in the hands of a Frank!

Salak: The infidels were here! Stealing things under our very noses!

Bassam quietens him with a gesture.

Bassam: It’s unbelievable. That Lar’d-nar should end up in England.

Djaq: A more pressing question: where is he and Latifah now?

Bassam: If this man you speak of was working for Melek Ric, then it follows that Latifah is with the Franks.

Djaq bites her lip.

Djaq: Not necessarily. That is what has been bothering me. How would the Franks know about carrier pigeons and what they are capable of? They are our most guarded secret.

Salak: So a traitor told them. There are plenty of traitors in the world who would sell out their own people for money.

He glances sullenly at Will.

Djaq: That is not what I meant.

She screws up her nose and then shakes her head, uncertain what she’s trying to say. Will watches her closely, and the entire assembly stares down at their food, suddenly not hungry.

Scene: Hospital

Luke is dozing in a chair beside Carter’s bedside, and so doesn’t notice when Carter shifts in his sleep, raises his head and groans.

Carter: Water…

Luke awakens and looks at the injured man in disbelief.

Carter: Water…

Luke: Yes! Yes, right away.

Luke scurries to the corner where a waist-high flagon of water sits. He fills a ladle and carries it carefully to Carter, drawing it close to his lips. Carter drinks greedily and then collapses back down on the pillows.

Luke: Wait there!

Not realizing the ridiculousness of this statement, Luke runs from the room.

Allan is sitting up against a wall, dozing quietly. He awakens when Luke bends down to shake him, draws a knife from his belt and has it at Luke’s throat before the younger man has a chance to react. Luke gives a little yelp.

Allan: Geez, what are ya doin’ runnin’ around like that; scarin’ me ‘alf to death!

Luke: It’s Carter - he’s awake.

Allan gives him a look, and then struggles to his feet.

Back in the hospital ward, Carter has his eyes open and is staring at the ceiling. Luke approaches eagerly, with Allan a cautious step behind.

Luke: Hello? Can you hear me?

Carter: (in a low, croaky voice) Where am I?

Luke: In a hospital outside Jerusalem. The Hospitaller Knights run it. You’re safe here.

Carter: Who are you?

Luke: I’m Luke Scarlett. This is Allan-a-Dale. Do you want some more water?

Carter nods his assent, and after greedily drinking down another ladle-full, he stares at the two men watching over him.

Carter: Should I know you?

Allan: Nah. But we know you. And we know you know Robin Hood.

Carter stretches out his arm, as though reaching for a sword that isn’t there.

Luke: It’s alright though - we’re friends. We’re here because Robin sent us.

Carter: I don’t understand.

Allan: Look mate, it’s a long story and you’ve just woken up from some pretty bad injuries. I think maybe you should keep on sleeping for a while.

Carter: No. I can’t rest until you tell me who you are. And what have you got to do with Robin?

Allan: So I take it that you remember Robin Hood, otherwise known as Robin of Locksley?

Carter: Of course.

Allan: ‘Ow about Will Scarlett and Djaq?

Carter glances at back and forth between the two of them.

Carter: They’re Robin Hood’s men.

Allan: Right. They were ‘ere. (He frowns) And they told me to tell you… “he ain’t cryin’”.

Carter blinks in astonishment, and then lies back onto his pillow.

Allan: That means summing to you? Cos that’s what Robin told ‘em to tell you. It means you can trust us.

Carter: I remember them. Where are they now?

Luke: They’ve gone ahead to Jerusalem. They have important business there.

Allan: Yeah, and we’re gonna need you.

Carter looks a little dizzy and puts his hand to his head.

Carter: What’s this about?

Allan: I take it you’ve ‘eard of the Pact of Nottingham.

Carter: Yes…the Sheriff ordered me to steal it…

Allan: Well, Robin sent us ‘ere to show it to the King. If that don’t get him home, nothing will.

Carter: Robin asked me to warn the King… but I never reached him. I was ambushed in the desert.

He groans and thrashes about a little on the bed.

Allan: Take it easy. All you gotta do now is rest.

Luke: Then we’re going to Jerusalem!

Carter: What…?

Allan: Shh! Don’t - ah, never mind. We were hopin’ that you’d ‘elp us plead our case with the King. You’re a soldier; you’ve seen what’s goin’ on in England. We need you to back up our story in case this Pact doesn’t wash with ‘is Royal Highness.

Carter blinks heavily, looking exhausted and disorientated.

Carter: Yes…of course…warn the king…

At this point Doctor Farid enters the ward and rushes up to the patient with a soft cry. Allan and Luke stand by nervously as the doctor checks him over and asks him a few questions in Arabic. To their surprise, Carter is able to answer in the doctor’s language, though obviously with some difficulty. Finally he closes his eyes and falls into a deep slumber.

Doctor Farid: He must rest now. But it would seem the worst has passed.

Luke and Allan give each other a satisfied glance, and look down again at the sleeping soldier. For the first time, he seems restful.

Continue to Part 6