Farhad becomes a Sheikh, chapter two

Behind the wooden door a large room extends for the visitors eyes. The floor was covered with stony tiles. A wooden desk with a chair, a bookstand for to read in the Quran, a low and roughly carpentered dining table, belted by some bare seat pads are the only furnitures inside. Not even a bookshelf for the parchments of the administration exists. The desk was overflowed by the last Sheikhs parchments and few books. In the secondary room stand a bed, a really bed, as the only luxury thing in this house. Beside it is an empty wardrobe. The last room extends at the other side from the main room and contains a hearth and few pieces of sonority. "Not exactly a palace." one of the two warriors says quietly. Farhad nods but did'nt say something. Aisha looks to the so young Sheikh, coughs slightly and speak to him. "Yes, it is not a palace but good enough for the Sheikh of a small village. I will give order to a half a dozen wifes of peasants, to clean up your house and the smaller one beside it for your personnel. They shall bring it to a good status, immediately. Subject to your approval, of course." Farhad, absorbed in thoughts about his new status and the obligations, agrees.

Accompanied by his warriors, Farhad surveys the village, the farms, the fields and the few herds of sheeps and goats. And at last the fishponds. Three beautiful ponds, belted by reed and some birk and willow trees. But there was not even one fisher around and the small wooden huts around are left. Evening comes when Farhad finishes his walk. Back at home, he stays and astonishes. The stony tiles sparkles, the furnitures are cleaned, the shutters are wide open and the dust was away. The hearth is heating and some flowers has been putted in a yellow and red colored vase. On the dining table are Pans with olives and pistachios, a plate with cheese and a basket with laverbread waiting for Farhad. Beside these dishes stands two pitchers. A large one filled with water and a small one, filled with Nabid, what is a wine made of dates.

Farhad sits down very cheerfully and eat with appetite. After eating the last bit of his meal, he stand up very satisfied, take the Nabid and walk outside to the house of his warriors. Both armed men are sitting down near a fire pit and speaks about the tournament, to be held in some weeks in Emir Medwedews province. They become silent when Farhad enters the room and looks to him. "Good evening. I have Nabid and it is too much for me alone." Farhad speak and sit down beside the warriors. He take a hit of Nabid and give the pitcher to the next one. Both begin to grin when smelling the Nabid's scent and drink thankful. Farhad ask. "What are your names?" "I am Ahmad al Shirazi." The one who answers is a small man, but with a powerful figure, short cutted black hair and a well trimmed beard. He looks more like a Papagallo than a warrior. "And I'm Zand Ibn Firouz!" the second warrior answered. He is taller than his fellow, but not so brawny. He seems to be more agile than strong. His beard grows in all directions. But his smile is true and his eyes looks open. Farhad watched both for a minute and speak again. "I do not have a weapon and I am not trained as a warrior. But as a Sheikh I have to follow my Emir into battle, if necessary. I would be delighted, if you would train me. Would you do this?" Ahmad and Zand reflect about for a little while and Farhad take a hit more of the delicious date-wine. Than Zand answers his Sheikh's question. "Yes, of course, I will train you. Two hours after the morningprayer and two hours after the fourth prayer in late afternoon. We will begin tomorrow."

Back in the house, Farhad go to bed immediately. It was a long, long day. I am a Sheikh now. And I will become a great warrior. A warrior like the Lord of the white border fortress, from whom he had read in the madrassa.

With such illusions Farhad fall asleep.