Kabul - Acceptance: Sequel to 'Yasak - Forbidden' (A Goktug Alp Love Story)

CHAPTER 23

It was no surprise that Flatyos and his men had chosen Sogut as a target for revenge for the stab Nikola had received from Osman; Sogut truly was the Kayis' precious and treasured jewel, a center of trade and lifestyle for miles and miles around. It had been but a small village when Ertugrul Bey had captured it and took over, but under the Kayis' rule it expanded into a full city with thousands of inhabitants. If Flatyos succeeds with his mission to lay waste to the city, countless lives would be lost and the Kayis would lose their reputation for good.

Melike had a clenching feeling in her stomach at the thought of all those who lived in Sogut losing their lives because Nikola was salty from a mere wound.

She had been sent into the heart of Sogut with Bamsi Bey, Ayaz Alp and Dumrul Alp to examine the area whilst Osman Bey, Goktug Alp and Boran Alp awaited their news. She made sure to stay discreet, hiding herself in a hood and cloak, and it was not long before she saw that Flatyos had brought Cerkutay along with him- just as she had found out what they were planning to do to the city and its people. Upon that discovery, she hurried over to where Bamsi Bey was waiting for her, behind a vegetable shop belonging to a trusted vendor who kept them away from prying eyes.

"Bamsi Bey, Flatyos has brought Cerkutay," she said. "They are working together on this, I am sure." Bamsi Bey's crinkled green eyes narrowed. "They must be," he murmured, stroking his long white beard. "They must be working together." Melike bit her lip. "It was not long ago that Cerkutay was taken away from Boran Agabey and Goktug after they had captured him from Geyhatu's soldiers," she mentioned. "They were sent to take him but had no luck in doing so because Flatyos showed up with his men and took Cerkutay away from them." "That must be it then, kizim," said Bamsi Bey. "Cerkutay is taking refuge with Flatyos and that bastard Tekfur." A sly grin crawled up Bamsi's lips, so wide that Melike could see it through the fluff that was his beard and mustache.

"I will find Cerkutay," he said. "I will deal with him." Melike, Ayaz and Dumrul pressed their palms to their chests; "Eyvallah, Bey." Bamsi looked at Melike. "What else did you find, kizim?" he asked. "What are they going to do to hurt us here in Sogut? What does that Aslan Avcisi, as he calls himself, have for us in store?" Melike sniffed. "They are going to use gunpowder and flying flame, Bamsi Bey," she revealed. "Like the first time- but they brought almost thirty barrels this time." "Allahim!" gasped Dumrul. "They want to annihilate the whole city!" "All for a dagger wound?" growled Ayaz, and Melike shook her head at him. "I bet they just wanted an excuse to," she said forlornly. Bamsi had gone back to stroking his beard.

"Go to Osman Bey, Melike," he said. "And meet Ayaz and Dumrul back here with Goktug Alp and Boran Alp." His previously sly smile had gotten even more sly and mischievous. He had a plan. "Flatyos will need fire to cause an explosion," he said. "I know where they will look. Osman'im and I will deal with him and Cerkutay personally." He placed a hand on Melike's shoulder.

"And as for the five of you, my brave daughter and my brave sons, you will slaughter the rest," he said, smiling widely as he looked around at Melike, Dumrul and Ayaz. "Retrieve as much of the gunpowder and explosives as you can from them. We may need it later on. And as for Flatyos's men, you may dispose of them." He leaned in closer to Melike. "The bloodier it is, the better," he sniggered, and Melike grinned enthusiastically. "Eyvallah, Bamsi Bey," she said, placing her palm on her chest. "But may I ask- where are you going to find Cerkutay?" Bamsi leaned in and whispered a few words so only she could hear, and Melike gave a nod of understanding. "Eyvallah," she said, before making her way to the outer and more remote village areas of Sogut.

It was not long before she came across Osman, Goktug and Boran at the place they were hiding- one of the empty shophouses. They had placed a barrel with one of Boran's arrowheads on it in front of the door so Melike knew which door to open. When she knocked at the door, she heard the sounds of swords unsheathing and hastily whispered, "It is I." "Melike," Osman grabbed her by the arm and pulled her in hurriedly. She felt rather flushed as his, Goktug's and Boran's eyes fixated on her heatedly, expecting her to speak. "Well?" demanded Boran. "What do you know?"