Salam guys, hope you all are well and happy. Enjoy this chapter and check out the pic on the side and NO he is NOT Faris.

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~If you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights. But if you run with dogs, you will learn how to bark~

Just as Sheikh Mubarak's shadow dissolved a moment later Badr called for their attention and knocked on the front door. Jazee leaped to her feet and scurried to open the door for the knight. The women around Raghad departed to provide them privacy. Few seconds later her beloved brother trod in unruffled and glorious followed by a beaming Jazee. When his eyes met Raghad's she took note of the dark shadows the coated around his eyes. Her brows knit in distress when Badr squatted right before her.

"As salamu alikum." he greeted in a serene voice. The brother then took her cold and trembling hands in his large warm ones.

"Wa'alikum as salaam," Raghad responded timidly.

"Did you rest well?" Badr interrogated immensely agitated. Raghad knew the meaning behind his words, he wanted to make certain if that brute did injustice to her.

"Yes brother I did sleep very well." she answered with a weary smile. Raghad saw the look of relief that cascaded over his eyes. Her words appraised him that Faris did not do injustice to her.

"I am certain that you have the knowledge of father's visit." Badr spoke to her but his eyes studied the house, the mud shelves and the silver trays decorated on them.

"Yes, I was informed." she gave a nod and trailed his eyes then scowled and looked down.

"Did you break your fast?" his eyes met hers and he knew she did not.

"I do not want to eat." she dismissed and Badr sighed.

The siblings chatted for a long while, then Badr's presence was requested when Sheikh Faisal reached the tribe accompanied by his sons, Khalid and Salem. Just as promised after Dhuhr prayer and feast her family came to seek Raghad. At the sight of her father, tears trickled down those doe-like eyes. The bride was grateful that the monster had not escorted her family for she did not desire to display her tears to that man whatsoever.

Sheikh Faisal buried his pride and sat there with his daughter for a while. Oh, how it kindled his heart to sit in the house of the man who demolished not only his daughter's life but his family as well. His dearest Raghad was captive in this house, by Allah being in this tribe, his dignity splintered. Few tormenting moments later Faisal decided to depart for the tent, he could not endure it any longer. Although his face remained impassive, his insides twisted as if daggers were rammed straight through his chest.

The day sailed over desert with utter anguish and herculean effort for both Rashideens and Borkans. No one was glad by the presence of the other. At last, when dusk approached Sheikh Faisal commanded his tribesmen to mount their horses and travel back. His farewell to Sheikh Mubarak was cold, so bitter that it could slice a block of ice. The men who stood nearby felt their words cut down courage.

Badr as expected, denied his father's orders and chose to remain with his sister. They_the Borkans_had settled a tent for him near Sheikh Mubarak's house. As a Bedu he cherished tents, the free feel of it did not fluster him. There was another ground as to why he demanded for a tent instead of a mud room. Borkans were not to be trusted, they can assassinate him any minute, regardless of his sister living in the tribe. In his Khaima(tent) he could detect any peril that lurked outside and slaughter whoever wished to welcome their merciless end.

Faris did not wish to return to his chamber when night spread it's ink over the sky. The imprudent girl crossed the boundaries. However, it was late, the day had ended after unwanted events and to evoke his chagrin further, Badr had rebuffed to join them all day. He stayed with his sister, Raghad. Faris caressed his fingers on the head of the falcon that sat on his forearm, his white falcon stared at him, contented. Nasser informed him that the brother had taken his leave, the knight handed his falcon, Shalan, to Nasser and reluctantly trod towards the house.

The crisp winter wind clawed at his skin. Faris grimaced and tossed the side of his safra (headdress) and encased it around his face so that only his dark eyes were unveiled. He observed as a shepherd gave his herd a last look, the cattle created a ruckus at the man's sight. However, relaxed when the shepherd searched around to make certain his herd was well protected in the fence.

His eyes then landed on a group of children, they played in a puddle created by the rain. Faris smiled and by Allah it was a true smile, a smile not many had seen, a smile if tribesmen witnessed will most certainly declare him the most serene and benevolent man. The smile women in his tribe lived and secretly prayed to see. Children were a blessing to not just his tribe but the house the were born in. Unexpectedly, big doe-like eyes flashed in his brain, that woman was now meant to bare his children. The thought welcomed a deep scowl on his handsome face. He could not stand to be in her company, the repulsive, ill mannered woman urged him to argue and deliver demonic glimpse of his foul temperament.

"Ya Allah." the knight mumbled his voice muffled against his headdress. He stared at his right hand lifted to knock at the wooden door of his house.

Umm Faris opened the door even before he could knock and a merry smile lit her face when she took in his appearance. "O Faris, where have you been my son?" she stepped aside to allow him amble in the house.

Faris bent a little then walked inside. "I apologies mother. I was among my companions." he unveiled his face.

Umm Faris regarded him curiously, under her all knowing gaze Faris felt a little uncomfortable. "Very well, you must go and sleep." with that she sauntered away from him.

Faris restrained himself from the growl the threatened to escape his lips. How on earth was he to grant what his mother wished from him! He strode to his chamber, a savage frown on his face and lips sealed in a thin line. He shoved the door open, stepped in did not even glance at the women who sat on the mattress. His rage clogged at his throat, Faris halted by his cot, grabbed his safra and flung it on the cot.

Then he spun around and permitted his captivating gaze to land on her. Faris saw her flinch and that inflamed his wrath further. "Go fetch me water, I am parched." he snarled.

The knight surveyed as Raghad looked up, the teary eyes blinked twice and he felt something inside, something tranquil yet dangerous. Slowly, the bride stood up, her quivering form right before his eyes. Few moments passed in which Raghad dipped a mud cup in the mud pot filled with water placed on the window sill. She then walked to stand a feet from him eyes downcast. Faris took the cup, his long, cold fingers brushed over hers.

Faris al Fursan smirked when she gasped at the touch and retreated her hand at once. "I do not eat, bint ash Sheikh." his voice mocked, with a shake of his head he took a large gulp. Faris stared at her from over the rim of the mud cup. The encounter they had before their marriage did not provide him enough opportunity to appreciate her beauty. Undoubtedly, Allah had created her exceptionally, eyes that stole the light and absorbed them in her large ones. The thin small nose resembled that imbecilic knight, Badr and her soft skin the glowed in the light of the lantern, his fingers etched to reach out and touch her.

Suddenly, he yearned to see her hair, the strand of which he had seen twice now. "Here, have this." he spat irked at his train of thoughts.

This time their fingers did not touch and he knew the girl took her cautions. Faris travelled his eyes to where she rested. The brainless girl did not discern that the chilly winter had turned into a deadly one. Sleeping without a quilt would raise matters for him.

A growl sounded from his throat, like a bolt his long, lean fingers enveloped around her delicate, exceedingly soft wrist. He grimaced when the woman shrieked, face pallid and eyes wide. He did not pay heed to the cool water that poured on both of them. "Let go of me, you monster!" Raghad hissed but he could detect terror in her voice.

"Monster?" Faris chuckled with a raise of his brow.

"That is what you are." she struggled against his grip.

"Now is that a way to converse with your spouse, Sheikha?"

"You are nothing to me." Raghad leaned away from him.

"Very well, shall I show you who I am?" he mocked with a wicked gleam in his dark eyes.

"Let go of me," Raghad swallowed. "I beg of you." she pleaded when he did not act.

His face was hard as a stone, no feelings what so ever displayed on his face. Faris glared down at Raghad. He wanted to smile when she endeavoured to glare back at him with hatred. "You must take a quilt from under the cot. Your death will only generate unfavourable complications for me, Sheikha." with those words he let go of her wrist rather harshly.

Raghad brought her hand to her bosom, tears clouded her eyes but she denied to blink. Her heart trashed against her rib cage when those cold and rough hands took hold of her wrist. Where was her knight, her brother when she needed him? This barbarian did not care, her skin burned and tingled with both horror and a feeling she could not comprehend.

An unanticipated sob left her lips making the beast snicker and step back, away from her. Raghad watched with clouded eyes as the man bend down, pulled out a quilt and hurled it at her. Another sob followed when the heavy quilt fell on her head, instantaneously she folded the quilt and marched to the mattress.

Without a word her spouse blew out the lantern and rested on his cot. She on the other hand, sat in quietude, petrified to death. Rest did not unbolt it's door for her, the fear that he might commit that act again twirled her nerves like a tempest. When tears dried on her cheeks, sleep took over her form at last.

*

*

"Salam alikum, ya Faris." Adel accompanied by his sibling Nasser and cousin Hamdan ambled up to where he trained with his sword next to the palm farm.

"Wa alikum as salam wa rahma. I wonder why the pack of wolves has gathered?" he hoisted a brow at them and sheathed his sword.

"We pondered to invite you." Hamdan spoke and leaned against a nearby palm tree.

"To what may I ask?" Faris inquired and sat on a palm leaf mat near the tree Hamdan leaned on.

"Hunting, your falcon against ours." Nasser mirrored his brother's move and crossed his feet.

"No wonder you had your gaze fixed on my Saqr (Falcon) yesterday," Faris chuckled. "Very well, where do you wish to hunt?"

"There is plain land nearby I am certain you are aware of it. Gazelle, fox and other animal room there, we shall free our falcons and see who's saqr catches a prey first." Adel placed his hand on the hilt of his sword that hung from his waist.

"There should be a punishment for the one who's saqr fails to capture a prey." Faris simpered and ran a hand over his short beard.

Nasser laughed. "I was waiting for you to pronounce those words, brother. What do you have in mind?"

"Duel with every single accomplished knight in the tribe." Faris leaned back on his hands and stared at Adel.

The friend shook his head. "Now that sounds rather riveting."

"It sure does." Hamdan snickered.

"Invite my cousins as well, ya Hamdan." Faris ordered him, the man gave a nod.

After about an hour or so the pack of wolves stood on a plain desert and each wolf prepared his falcon for the hunt. There were seven of them and each desired to win. Faris ran his hand over his falcon, the white fur soft against his palm. He was contented, he needed to depart from the tribe, to keep distance from the brother and his sister and this was precisely what he needed.

"You appear rather assured." Adel halted in front of Faris with a brown falcon on his forearm.

"You doubt Shalan's abilities?" Faris chortled.

Adel pursed his lips. "I have trained Darshan over three months now, my friend. I believe Darshan will be victorious." he boasted eyes on Darshan, his falcon.

"Time will uncurtain the real champion." Faris walked a little further from Adel, he looked at the sky, there were clouds that teased the sun. The knight then looked ahead at the plain land, his gaze fell upon a deer far away and Faris knew it was their chance.

"Ya Adel," he called, his friend and companions faced him. "See that deer," Faris pointed at the deer far away. "That shall be our target. Let us commence." he commanded and with a nod of his head he jerked his hand and Shalan took it's flight, knowing what it had to do. The falcon soared in the sky, it's sharp eyes at the deer that darted away from the falcon.

Faris observed as the other falcons followed his pet, the one detested by many in his tribe for having keen eyes and fast speed. A satisfied smirk appeared on his lips when Shalan soared higher in the sky, then did a spectacular dive like a thunderbolt straight towards the deer. Faris watched as Shalan tailed the deer only to exhaust it.

"Masha'Allah, Shalan never ceases to amaze us." Hamdan praised.

"Yalla ya jama'ah, mount and prepare to ride as soon as one of our falcons ambushes the deer." Nasser ordered.

Faris stood where he was, hand placed on Tufan, his horse's neck and eyes on his falcon. His companions mounted meanwhile he stared, engrossed as Shalan clawed it's razor-sharp talons in the deer's thigh and brought it down the first time. His fist clenched in exhilaration, when Shalan repeated the act once again brutally. In a flash, Faris mounted Tufan and urged the beast to gallop towards Shalan who dig it's beak in the deer to bring it down entirely.

Once near other falcons attempted to gather on the deer, Faris leaped from Tufan and dashed towards the deer. His men called the names of their falcons so that the birds would return back to their forearms. Faris and Adel squatted next to the deer, who stared at them with wide eyes. Naturally, Shalan took flight, Faris pulled out his dagger, recited verses then gently cut the deer's throat to make it halal for them to feast on it. He smiled when his loyal falcon sat on his left shoulder, as if proud of it's actions.

"Last nisr that reached the deer?" Faris rose to his feet and faced his companions.

"It was mine, ya Faris." Sultan his cousin sighed and Faris shook his head in amusement. However, he was glad to see Sultan it was the first time he had accompanied them after Sheikh Faisal's son annihilated his brother over a palm tree.

"Well then ya Sultan you do not have any other option but to be present tomorrow, day after that and day after to duel with every accomplished knight in my tribe." Faris made his way to his cousin and placed his hand on Sultan's shoulder.

Sultan looked at the falcon on Faris's shoulder, smiled and gave a nod. "As you wish, ya Akhi."

"We shall return back to the tribe for a feast awaits us." Nasser announced.

"Nay, we must not. Camp here, we shall savour our feast here." Faris declared in a calm voice.

The men laughed and nodded in agreement for they all needed a time like this with their Sheikh. Two of his men bend down to seize the deer's legs that's when thundering hoofs approached them. Faris stood next to Adel and frowned at the horsemen that halted a few feet away from them.

"Who would have thought we would cross paths with you, Rashideen." Nasser mocked when he saw the leader of the horsemen.

"I always heard that the Borkans looted what belonged to others. However, I never believed in it but what you have committed now surely indicates that the rumors were not mere rumors but reality." Khalid hissed, eyes on Nasser who stood two feet ahead of Faris.

"What do you mean?" Adel inquired.

"The deer you hunted belonged to the Rashideen's. We brought it here to train our falcons." Jabir the man Faris had seen at the wedding responded in a poised manner.

"If what you say ya Khalid is true then," Faris took a few steps ahead and stopped alongside Nasser who glared at Khalid. "Then we are at fault here. You must bear in mind if you call the Borkans muggers I will, by Allah slit your throat in a blink." he vocalized the words as if he sat in a celebration, contented and composed. That moment Khalid's eyes reminded him of the woman he left behind and he clenched his jaw.

Khalid's frown deepened and Faris knew he had enraged the knight before Khalid could utter a few words, Jabir spoke up. "You have acceded that it was your wrong doing, Borkan. What is the solution for this?"

"We can cut your head and all will be forgotten." Nasser chuckled.

"Try if you may, Borkan." Khalid growled.

Faris however stared at Jabir, the man who always stood beside Badr at the wedding. The man who shadowed Badr. "Even though I despise the Rashideens we have done wrong. They shall share the feast with us tonight." he orated aware how his men sighed and Rashideeds growled in vexation.

Minutes turned into hours and hours transformed the day into night. The weather was extremely cold but the knights from both tribes did not pay heed to it. They sat on plain gravel surrounded by the open sky and desert. The knights lit up a huge fire and assembled around it, Borkans on a side and Rashideen on the other. Hamdan, Khalid and Nasser made certain the deer was cleansed and grilled in a perfect way for the repast.

Faris grabbed his sword and placed it next to him. It was dark, his enemy was near and he would be a halfwit to keep his sword away. Sultan was the only one who sat by him, the man did not desire to be near those who slaughtered his brother. Faris knew if it were not for him, Sultan would have butchered Khalid and his men by now. He exhaled at his own actions, he could have permitted the Rashideens take the deer and leave, then again he knew his men would have questioned him.

He hearkened to the crackle of the flames and the whoosh of the wind. The fire provided him warmth against the cold the bit at his skin. Faris could not wait for the day to terminate, he desired to leave, but knew if he departed mayhem will occur among the tribes. He was the only reason men from both tribe held back, they feared him and he knew it.

"Now what ya Faris? Do not tell me that you wish we share the sufra as well?" Adel walked up to him and descended on the spot beside Faris.

"If you wish to do that, cousin, notify me I shall ride back to the tribe." Sultan hissed revolted.

Faris remained hushed, Adel on the other hand lay on his back and gazed at the incalculable stars. "No ya Sultan. You will stay here confront your enemy, stare them in the eye. Do not provide them the satisfaction that their presence effects you. You are a sheikh and a sheikh never leaves." Faris murmured the words, eyes on Khalid and Nasser who glared at each other and he knew the men were in another dispute.

"As you wish." Sultan sighed after a moment of thought.

Thankfully, the night voyaged over the desert peacefully. No man raised his sword to drive it through the other's chest nor did a duel rise. The wind that awaited for a war exhaled in merriment when the night ended. The crickets that remained hushed in the night began to chirp once the environment among the tribes eased. Both tribes kept their distance and proceeded for their lands when done with the feast.

Faris on the other hand, did not ride back to the tribe, he stayed a mile or so away from his land. The knight halted by a sand-dune, dismounted Tufan and lay there under the open sky that stared at him in wonderment. He did not wish to see his bride, he was well aware that he would commit an act he will regret. Faris al Fursan remained there, on his back on the sand-dune under the protection of his Lord with his sword as his companion.

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I hope you guys could imagine how the hunting went. Falconry is cherished in UAE, it's a tradition we adore. Now its a sports but before people used to train their falcons so that the birds would hunt. I seriouly love falcons their fur is so soft and when you allow them to sit on your arm, man it feels awesome.

Your fav part of the chapter is? Don't forget to VOTE and COMMENT. Check the pic on the side>>.

PS: I am insanely excited for the next chapter one of my fav scene is gonna come in the next chapter. It's gonna be dope.

Yalla ya jamah= Come on every one.

Akhi= brother