Adlin's handkerchief was on top of Arash's bed, Cyrus picked it up furiously. It was Arash's diversion trick so that Cyrus's mind would deviate from the purpose he came for. From the edge of his eyes, he could see how he picked it up furiously and smiled to himself.
Arash! Who owns this handkerchief? Cyrus asked him.
Hey don't touch that! Arash replied and snatched it from his hand. It's mine.
Are you sure?
Of course.
Cyrus sighed in relief, thankful it wasn't that of Adlin. But he was still suspicious.
Hey buddies, have you seen anything suspicious? He asked the searching soldiers.
No! They replied in unison.
Okay. All of you go out.
They all obeyed, leaving the both of them alone.
This is the commander's personal belongings, how did you get it? Cyrus asked.
Staff Cyrus, why do I have it? I think you should know.
Stop saying nonsense. She is noble, how could she be ..... secretly dating you?
He lashed out at first but remembered that the soldiers were awaiting him outside, so he lowered his voice to keep things secret.
Tell me the truth. How did you get it? Did you steal it? Cyrus inquired again.
I know you are loyal to her, Arash replied. But do you think you are out of your depth? Staff Cyrus, it is either you are blind or you were kept in the dark for many things. You know what happened, why do you need my answer? Arash asked as he put his arms around Cyrus's neck and smiled.
Cyrus became increasingly infuriated and pushed his arm away.
This concerns the commander's reputation. Tell me the truth, he said in with a low growl.
I think it's about staff Cyrus's jealousy, Arash replied while looking at him straight in the eyeball. And with arms folded, expecting the worst.
You'd better give me the handkerchief now otherwise I won't go easy on you.
Cyrus tried to control his rising anger but just couldn't. This is something concerning Adlin, the dearest person to him. He would take no shit!
I treat you as a child, so I won't sink to your level. Do you think I'm a pushover? Arash answered with a hint of anger in his tone.
Seeing that he wouldn't give in, he tried to snatch the handkerchief from his hand but Arash withdrew instantly so he failed.
Hey, don't try to mess up, Arash warned.
Will you give it to me or not?
No! Besides the beauty's stuff still has the fragrance, Arash replied as he folded the handkerchief and put it in his pocket.
Cyrus immediately pulled out his sword and attacked him and a fight ensued. When they locked onto each other in a struggle, the door opened and Adlin came walked in with some soldiers.
Arash was the first to see the door open because he was facing it while Cyrus had his back to it. He immediately let go of the struggle and placed his elbow side on the sword way so that Cyrus cut him.
You both stop the nonsense! Adlin commanded. You guys wait for me outside, she said referring to the soldiers. Can someone tell me what the hell is going on here? My father the Marshall was assassinated at the outpost. The assassin escaped, the Pan soldiers are blocking and interrupting the search outside, no news about the assassin but you both are here fighting and hurting each other at this critical moment, she said in one breath. So ridiculous!
She observed them for a while as they kept adamant like dumbstruck fools with Arash holding his bleeding arm.
Who started it?
It was me, Cyrus answered.
Give me a reason.
I have nothing to say, he replied and looked at Arash who returned the look.
Adlin stifled her mouth in annoyance and asked Arash, "you tell me".
Me? How would I know? So weird.
Good! She said, nodding her head and looking at them one by one. She was noticeably angry. Since you don't say anything, we will follow the military rules, she said and walked away.
Cyrus walked back to his tent and sat down. He slammed his fist on his laps with disappointment on his face. He and Arash were grounded for a while to remain in their tents till the commander changes his mind.
What's wrong with me? He thought. She was angry this time and disappointment in me too. But Arash is shameless, how could I let him slander her?
In his tent, Arash chose to go to sleep. His friends burst in to see him and ask questions since he was grounded but not prevented from being visited.
Hey, Arash you could go to sleep huh? Get up quickly! They said and violently shook him so he would wake up.
Oh no! I'm feeling sleepy.
No you have to get up and explain.
Okay, I will.
He stretched for a while and got up with a jolt.
What is it? He asked.
Why did you have a fight with staff Cyrus?
We fought that's just it, he said, refusing to reveal details.
Okay we got it, one of them said. No need to explain.
Why not? The other asked.
What do you know?
I want to know. Why did you fight? Say it!
Okay, we fought. He cut my arm and it bled. I am the assassin, catch me catch me. Go on! Arash joked but it wasn't funny.
One hit his injured arm and he screamed.
Stop joking and be serious.
Okay. Let's get down to business. Have you caught the assassin? Arash asked.
We have checked everybody but nothing was found. We are glad to see you are okay. In my opinion, you better think of a way to calm the commander down. His two most trusted people fought.
It's not my fault, Arash answered. Okay I will think of a way here. You can go on with your work.
Let us continue looking for the assassin. Let us know if you need anything. We will bring you medicine to heal your wounds.
Bring me food, a lot.
Do that yourself, they said and left.
At night time the next day, Adlin wanted to visit Cyrus but stopped and changed her mind when she was already at the door of his tent. She instead chose to visit Arash. Meanwhile Cyrus heard when the guards at the door greeted her, he thought she would come in, so he straightened his composure but was disappointed when she didn't come in. He became sad.