My love for you is like a rose,
A bloom that in my heart grows;
With petals soft and sweet to touch, a love that means so very much.

My eyes caught Aza's. His eyes were slightly widened after hearing what Usman had said, his fists clenching surprised me.

He was affected by what Usman had just said.

I was even more surprised when he entered the tent, joining my brothers. I could not help but join them as well.

If I did not know well, I would think that Aza harbored some feelings for me or was a close family member or something.

This was the first time I had seen him like this.

"Apologies that I am invading your personal discussion but I could not help but hear what you just said," Aza said to Usman.

Aza's whole demeanor had changed. Just by glancing at his eyes, I could tell that he was somewhat disturbed by this revelation too. I wonder why.

"Can you tell me what you know so far, I might prove to be helpful." My eyes carefully tried to read Aza. In what little time I had spent with this man, I realized that he was a man of many mysteries. He does not seem the type of person who would do anything without a good reason.

Why would he be worried about a random man's sister? Unless . . . He had some sort of relation to her. But I have never talked to this man when I was dressed according to my actual gender.

My brothers seemed to hesitate, probably not wanting to tell a random person the business of their house.

"And maybe Amir Hamza here can pull some strings." At this, Abu Bakr's, Usman's, and Saif's eyes brighten up, and they immediately turn their heads to me.

Aza knew exactly what to say to get the information he needed.

I did not know how exactly I would be pulling strings but I knew for a fact that Aza would be pulling mine and I am not sure if I preferred that.

"A letter from our house arrived this morning, it seems like she has been missing since the day we arrived here. The same night, some thieves also broke into our house, stealing a few valuables and kidnapped our sister. We have to go back but I doubt we will be allowed to." Usman explains and my heart drops.

Thieves!? Ya Allah! How did this happen?

"Don't worry about not being allowed to go back, just pack your things. The Amir and I will have a chat." He sounded serious, his voice laced with . . . Anger? Or perhaps it was tension.

Whatever it was, it pooled a nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Aza gave me a pointed look and walked outside. I had no choice but to follow him out, allowing my brothers to think things over.

Aza guided me towards the tent where the Sahab who was usually with Ahmad was staying. Stopping right outside, Aza looked at me, something in his gaze that I could not quite decipher.

"All you have to do is nod that head of yours." His tone dared me to refuse and I could only nod. "Now come in."

Following Aza once again, we entered the tent together, and there on a seat with a table sat the Sahab, when he took in our sight, his back straightened.

"Is something the matter? Why are you crowding my office?" This man was annoying.

Did he really have to be rude?

Aza grabbed a pen and paper from his desk, quickly scribbling something on it and then pushing it towards the man.

"You have to excuse these warriors to go back home, there is an emergency." From his tone, I could tell that Aza was used to giving orders.

"And why would I do that? They cannot just quit whenever they want! Go and train, I do not have time-"

"Amir will award you with much fortune." This caught the man's attention and he snapped his gaze to me.

Aza cleared his throat and as if a button was pushed in me, I started nodding.

"Then I see no reason to refuse. Tell them they can leave but make sure that you don't fall short on your promise." Rolling my eyes, I nodded again.

For this, I will have to find the real Amir hidden amongst the warriors and have him pay. I will be blaming Aza if I get into trouble.

"Right, you need to write a letter of approval, so it does not become a problem later."

"Smart man." The Sahab muttered and started writing, soon enough he handed us a letter of approval.

::

Chuk

Kuch

Chuk

Kuch

My brothers were long gone, on their way back to home. My heart seems to clench whenever I think back to it. My parents, what were they going through?

I was alone here now, it truly felt lonely now that no brother of mine was with me.

The stars gleamed down at me while my sword continued to slash the tree, striking with different techniques each time.

My palms were starting to form calluses yet I did not stop. It hurt but I did not stop.

I did not stop until bushes rustled behind me and my body immediately went into a cautious state, hands grabbing the dagger attached to my belt and pulling it out.

"Put that weapon down, I am not here to attack you."

Khulaid. It has been a while since I saw him and seeing him now when I am alone, something gripped my heart, and fear coursed through my body.

Taking a better look at him, he looked just as tired as any other man in the camp.

"They are making an announcement." Lowering my weapon, my eyebrows squinched and then it hit me.

A decision has been made!

Grabbing my things, Khulaid and I run towards the campsite.

And exactly as Khulaid said, everyone was gathered while Ahmad and Sahab stood on a higher platform.

Hurrying closer to them, I tried to pace my heart but I was too curious, too . . . Scared? About the decision that was being made.

Something was wrong today. I felt fear, worry, and loneliness. Maybe it was because my brothers were gone and I was the only one here or Maybe it was because of the chances of war starting tomorrow.

"We have a very important announcement to make." Everyone was quiet all of a sudden. It seemed like the clouds and wind had stilled too.

"The three neighboring countries that were committing hostile activities against us, after some exchange of letters, two of the three had backed out but one still stands firm with the aim of destroying our country.

"The last letter exchanged confirms their desire to annihilate us and challenge us to clash at sunrise on the soil of the courtyard of Mirage."

It felt like my heart had stopped yet it continued to hammer in my ribcage. I was numb.

"Fear not for Allah is with us, believe in yourself and the one who created you. We shall march late in the dark and clash at sunrise with the enemies of Islam.

"Prepare yourselves oh warriors of Allah, your time has come to prove yourselves! Allahuakbar!"

"Allahuakbar," no other words except Allahuakbar were chanted in the camp that night.

How can only one day make me harbor so many emotions?

Guess they will be going to war in the next chapter.

Even I don't know what will happen in the next chapter :D

Ehe