Chapter L
It took us nearly two weeks to escort the baggage back to Jerusalem and it was wonderful to take our horses to a proper stable and then visit the hammam and relax in the hot water before sitting down to a delicious meal in the dining room. As the meal ended Fatima slipped into the room and touched my arm.
"Sitt Trudy wishes to see you," she whispered in my ear.
Fortunately I had finished eating, so I rose at once and followed her up to Sid Guy's appartment. Trudy was sitting in the window seat, her embroidery nearby and she smiled at me as I approached.
"Come, sit," she ordered, patting the cushion beside her.
I hesitated, for Sid Guy was not there and I feared lest he return and find me so close to his daughter, but Fatima pushed me from behind and I went and sat beside Sitt Trudy.
"Are you well?" she asked.
"Al-hamdu-lillah," I replied. "Are you well?"
"Of course I'm well," she snapped. "We've been worried sick over you all up there. What happened? Tell me all about it."
"Has your father told you nothing?" I asked in surprise.
"Whether he has or not," Trudy answered tartly, "I want to hear your story."
Hesitatingly I told of all that I had done and she listened intently, asking questions now and again if something was not clear. When I had finished she nodded.
"Well, you have had a hard time of it, but we have had our excitements here. Guy de Lusignan has foresworn his alleigance to the king."
"What?" I exclaimed. "But he is the shield of the kingdom! His wisdom kept us secure and brought us safely back."
"Nevertheless," Trudy said, "it is as I have said. As soon as he returned the king, claiming that the sea air of Tyre was better for his health, asked Guy to give him Tyre and accept Jerusalem in exchange. Guy refused and when the king persisted he insulted the king, claiming that the king only wanted Tyre so that he could more easily escape if Saladin attacked again."
"It does seem strange," I spoke doubtfully. "After all, it is only a short while ago that the king insisted on keeping Jerusalem for himself."
Trudy shrugged. "Who can tell what is in the mind of men? Anyway, after their quarrel Guy left for Ascalon and sent a messenger back to say that he no longer recognised the king as his overlord."
"Wallah!" I exclaimed. "So he is a rebel?"
"Perhaps," Trudy said. "I doubt it will come to open war, but what we will do if Saladin attacks again I don't know."
We were still talking when footsteps sounded on the stairs and a moment later es-Sid came into the room. By then I was standing on the other side of the table, despite Trudy's attempts to detain me. Guy looked from Trudy to me and back again but he said nothing, only smiled.
"Are you well, Fuad?" he asked.
"Al-hamdu-lillah," I replied, bowing.
"Fetch me some wine, Trudy," he said and sat down at the table.
Trudy hastened to fetch a goblet and pour her father some wine. When she put it in his hand he immediately drank half the cup and then wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
"I've just been with the king," he said.
"How is he?" Trudy asked.
"Still angry," Guy took another sip from the glass. "He is talking of making his nephew, Sibylla's son, his successor."
"Baldwin?" Trudy exclaimed. "But he's only a child. What is he? Five? Six?"
"Six, I think," Guy said. "Still, as the king doesn't have any children of his own nor any brothers, it makes sense. Baldwin is his closest male relative."
"What about Joscelin?" Trudy asked.
"De Courtenay?" Guy raised his eyebrows. "Well, he isn't as close a relative so that puts him out of the reckoning as successor, but my guess is that he'll be appointed regent or guardian or something."
There was silence in the room for a moment while we all thought of what the future might hold and then Trudy spoke.
"Father, I called Fuad up here because I wanted to ask him about going to visit his family."
Guy raised his eyebrows but said nothing.
"You will let me go, won't you?" She crossed the room and put her arms around her father's neck. "Please say you will."
"But my dear!" Guy protested. "Why do you want to go and visit Fuad's family? You won't find any of the comforts you like in their tents, I can tell you."
"I want to see how they live," Trudy said, straightening up. "You keep telling me about all your travels in the desert; well, I want to get out into the desert too."
There was much more talk but finally Guy shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I suppose you can go - but we still haven't asked Fuad. What if he doesn't want to take you or his family don't want to receive you?"
Trudy shrugged and turned to me. "What do you say, Fuad? Will you take me to visit your family?"
"Sitt," I said, bowing respectfully, "the tents of my family are open to you."
"Don't you need to speak to your family?" she asked.
I jerked my chin upwards. "Among the beduin if you are the guest of one you are the guest of the whole tribe."
"So when can we go?" she demanded.
"When you like, Sitt - and when your father permits," I added, glancing nervously at Guy. To my relief he laughed.
"Well, my dear, if you are determined to make yourself suffer, you can go next time Fuad takes a group of pilgrims to Jericho."
