Malik nodded, but his gaze traveled to Safiya. Despite the armor she wore, she still appeared to be beautiful, and he hated how he couldn't stop looking at her.
"I hope my sister is in safe hands, because if anything happens to her, I will cut someone's head off," Safiya said firmly.
"How fierce," Malik replied, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "She's safe."
Safiya tilted her head, a hint of skepticism in her voice. "I don't trust her suitor, and neither do I trust you."
Malik nodded, but his gaze remained fixed on her, and silence fell between them. They stood there in the moonlit night, staring at each other as if time had stood still. But suddenly, someone's voice broke through, bringing them back to reality.
"Malik," Nia called out, rushing towards the scene. "Where have you been? I've been looking for you." Her eyes darted to Safiya, and her tone turned accusatory. "Why are you here with her?"
Safiya frowned, displeased with Nia's assumptions. What did she think of her? A husband snatcher?
"What...what are you wearing?" Nia gasped, her eyes scanning Safiya in horror.
Safiya decided it was best to leave, ignoring Nia's presence and focusing on Malik. "I should go," she said, her gaze fixed on him.
"There is no such thing as a man's role, remember that." With those words, she turned and left, aware of Malik's intense gaze following her.
Meanwhile, Nia continued questioning Malik about why he was with Safiya.
Safiya let out a sigh, her heart racing frantically. She had never felt this way before, torn between the desire to return and continue their conversation, but she forced herself to shake off the distraction. She had important things to attend to, and getting involved with Malik would only sidetrack her.
She reached the quarters and walked through the dimly lit corridors. The only source of light came from a single lamp, casting long shadows along the walls.
Finally, she arrived at a door and knocked, hoping that Dede would finally provide her with some answers.
"Who is it?" his deep voice boomed from the other side.
"Safiya," she replied firmly. She had faced his attempts to intimidate her with his imposing figure before, but Safiya refused to let fear consume her.
The door swung open slightly, revealing Dede standing there with his arms crossed and a glare on his face.
His head was adorned with tiny dreadlocks that reached down to his shoulders, adding to his imposing presence. His eyes held a menacing look, capable of striking fear into the heart of any ordinary person.
He was one of her papa's youngest warriors, a veteran of war who had been just fifteen when he went on that war. "What do you want, Safiya?" he asked, his voice filled with a mix of curiosity and annoyance.
"Answers," Safiya replied firmly, her determination shining through. She was ready to confront whatever truth lay behind the closed doors of secrecy.
There was a brief silence before Dede spoke, his tone filled with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I've already told you exactly what happened that day," he said.
Safiya tilted her head, her eyes filled with determination. "And I've already told you that I don't believe it," she replied firmly.
Dede's patience seemed to waver as he reached for the door, ready to dismiss her. But Safiya held her ground, stopping him in his tracks. "Don't you want justice for him?" she pleaded.
"Why are you behaving like this? You were there when it happened, so I don't understand why you refuse to tell me the truth. You say I'm grieving, but at least I'm not alone. I can see it in you, Dede. You barely go out, and you've even stopped going to war. You're the one who hasn't moved on, so I wonder why you keep hiding it when it's slowly killing you."
Dede let out a heavy sigh, his eyes reflecting a mixture of intensity and vulnerability. "Go back inside, Safiya," he said, his voice softened. "Now is not the right time to talk. I don't have any answers."
Safiya suddenly tossed him a sword she had picked up on her way there, taking it from one of the guards stationed at the entrance. Her eyes flashed with determination as she challenged him, "How about we try it another way?"
Dede's eyes widened as he caught the sword, his grip tightening around its hilt. "Not now, Safiya," he pleaded, his voice filled with concern.
But she interrupted him, her voice strong and resolute. "If you are a true warrior of my father, you will meet me at the field," she declared, already walking away. "I won't be waiting for long, so hurry."
Dede watched as she disappeared from sight, torn between conflicting emotions. He knew that Safiya's grief fueled her need for answers and justice. Yet, he also understood the danger that lay ahead, both for himself and for her.
Safiya waited patiently in the field, surrounded by the serene sounds of the wind rustling through the trees and the gentle swaying of the grass beneath her feet.
This was the very place where Dede had trained her over the years, and it was open enough for a fight to take place. The silence was almost deafening, broken only by nature's peaceful orchestra.
Safiya's gaze lifted, fixating on the moon hanging in the sky above. Silently, she offered up a prayer, seeking guidance and support from above.
She knew that she needed Dede to stand by her side - someone who could join her in the daunting task of finding the killer. The weight of this mission felt heavy, and she longed for someone to share it with.
He appeared, having changed into his warrior's leather pants, with a leather covering his chest. He held the sword in one hand and said, "I knew it was a mistake training you."
Safiya smiled, glad that he had at least shown up.
"So you want to fight your teacher because of answers?" Dede asked.
"I've tried pleading with you over the years, but it never worked out. Maybe this will be the only way," Safiya said.
"What if you don't win?" he asked.
"Then you won't tell me. But if I win, you will have to tell me everything that happened on that day," Safiya explained.
Dede nodded and replied, "Okay, let's try that."
They both unsheathed their swords, the screech sound vibrating through the air. Safiya was the first to attack, her sword flying through the air as she moved forward with incredible speed.
Upon reaching him, she raised her sword high, ready to strike. However, their swords clashed, creating a thunderous sound that echoed in the field.
He pushed her back, using his sword with great force. Dede raised his sword high, joining the fierce battle as it intensified. Their sweat glistened under the moonlight, their breaths catching but their determination unwavering.
The clash of their weapons echoed through the air as they continued their relentless fight. Safiya could still feel the strength emanating from Dede, but she refused to give up. With each passing moment, the intensity grew, fueling their determination.
Suddenly, a swift movement from Safiya's side caused her sword to slash across Dede's hand, causing blood to seep from the wound.
Safiya abruptly halted, her eyes widening in shock. "I'm sorry," she whispered, her voice filled with remorse. Before she could approach Dede, he swiftly raised his sword and slashed at her wrist, causing her to wince in pain.
"When it comes to fighting battles, never let your emotions cloud your judgment," Dede stated calmly, a small smile curling on his lips. He lifted his sword one final time, bringing it down with such force that it overpowered Safiya's defense. She stumbled backward and fell to the ground, her strength failing her.
As Dede's sword drew perilously close to her throat, a gentle breeze rustled through the air, carrying his words to her ears, "Know when to surrender, Safiya."
"If you have a hidden agenda, please stop now. Your father was killed when he went to save the land. Accepting this is what's best for you," he said, shielding his sword and beginning to walk away but her next words stopped him.
Safiya stood, gasping for breath, frustration evident in her voice. "I refuse to accept that, and I will not give up until you tell me the truth. I will come back to fight with you, Dede, and this time, I must emerge victorious." With determination, she turned and walked away from him.
A few meters away, near a mango tree, stood Malik, who had been observing the altercation. His brow furrowed in concern as he watched Safiya walk away.