Part 1
Springtime. As far as the eye could see, there was only an expanse of green. To the right, stretching to the horizon, were lush farmlands, where the golden heads of wheat swayed gracefully in the breeze. To the left, near the banks of the Euphrates, lay a dense forest covered in climbing vines. Hasan entered this land. The golden hues of twilight peeked through the gaps in the clouds, casting a soft glow. The shadows of the trees stretched rapidly eastward. A flock of birds was returning to its nest. Wisps of smoke curled into the sky from the huts of farmers and shepherds. As soon as Hasan stepped into this land, a flood of memories and emotions washed over him. He had once stood beneath the shade of these very trees, listening to the songs of birds. Back then, instead of despair, his face had been adorned with a pure, unburdened smile of hope and joy. The recollection of those memories suddenly made him solemn.
Hasan walked forward with slow steps. He was in his mid-twenties, clad in old and worn-out garments. Yet, his appearance bore no sign of hardship; rather, his face radiated a calm elegance and gravity that made him stand out even in a crowd of thousands. His well-built physique hinted at a latent power, making it clear that in his hands, even a piece of wood could become more dangerous than a sword. Looking at him, one could have mistaken him for a defeated general of a fallen army, a sailor from a sunken ship, or a shepherd whose flock had been devoured by wolves.
After traveling a long way, crossing fields and orchards, passing through the village, Hasan finally arrived at a fortress-like mansion. The sun was setting. Children were playing in the outer courtyard. Glancing around, he stepped towards the gate. The barking of dogs echoed from within. For a moment, a strange mix of fear, melancholy, and restlessness gripped him. Then, he knocked on the door and called out, "Is anyone there?"
The dogs barked even louder. To his surprise, there was no gatekeeper at the entrance. Just as he was about to step inside, an old servant peeked out from behind the door and asked, "Who are you?"
"I am Hasan. I wish to meet Qobbad."
The old man cast a disdainful glance over him and scoffed, "What did you say? Who do you want to meet?"
"Qobbad. Isn't this his house?"
"This house is visible from miles away, but that does not mean its master stands at the door to embrace every traveler. If he is unavailable, can I not fulfill your need instead?"
Struggling to keep his temper in check, Hasan replied, "Your dogs are enough to keep strangers at bay; there is no need for an old fool like you. Listen, I have traveled a long way. Even today, I have crossed two stages of the journey and still have miles to go. If your master does not wish to meet visitors, then call Miyan Daad."
"Miyan Daad is not home."
"You are wasting my time. Go to your master and tell him I bring an urgent message."
There was something in Hasan's gaze and voice that unsettled the servant. For the first time, he realized he had misjudged this traveler, deceived by his worn-out clothing. He wanted to say something, but Hasan's demeanor made him hesitate. He was pondering what to do when a woman's voice came from inside.
"Kaus, what are you doing there? Why are the dogs barking?"
"A traveler wishes to meet the master."
"You know father does not step out of his chambers in the evening!"
"Yes, I was just explaining to him, but—"
"Then why haven't you shut the door yet?"
The old servant stepped back, but before he could close the door, Hasan quickly entered and turned toward the young woman, saying, "Forgive me, I have no time to waste. If you are Mahbanu, I must see your father at once."
Hearing her name from a stranger's lips, the young woman's face flushed red. Composing herself, she said, "So, you know the names of the people in this house? But just because you know them, why do you assume that grants you any special privilege? Sit down, you will soon be served a meal. Kaus, take him to the guest quarters."
Saying this, she turned and walked towards a grand palace a hundred steps away.
Kaus glared at Hasan in fury. "You may not be mad, but you are certainly a fool. You're lucky there are no other servants here at the moment; otherwise, you would have paid dearly for this audacity."
Hasan did not even glance at him. Striding forward, he called out, "Stop!"
Mahbanu halted. The chained dogs howled even louder. Kaus rushed to restrain Hasan, but with a swift movement, Hasan freed himself from his grip. Mahbanu's anger turned into anxiety. Hasan stepped forward and said, "I have come from afar. I am not a beggar. I promised Jahdad that I would come. But I did not know that in this house, the master and his servants regard everyone as beggars."
Mahbanu's emotions surged into her eyes. For a moment, she thought, if only this man changed his attire, he could be mistaken for a noble rather than a wanderer. In a trembling voice, she asked, "Where is Jahdad? Why has he not come home? Where did you meet him? Why are you silent? I am Mahbanu, his sister. I have been waiting for him every morning and evening. If any servant has wronged you, I apologize."
Her voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes. Hasan, feeling ashamed of his harsh words, replied solemnly, "Jahdad always spoke of his sister's radiant smile. Alas, I have not brought happy news."
Mahbanu stared at him in shock for a long moment.
"Are you here to say that Jahdad will never return?"
Lowering his head, Hasan answered sorrowfully, "If only my efforts could bring him back!"
"If you say he is imprisoned by the Romans, I will greet you with a smile instead of tears."
"Alas! If only I could say that!"
"Are you certain… that he is gone forever?"
"I was with him until his last breath."
Mahbanu turned to Kaus and commanded, "Take him to my father." Then, wiping her tears, she slowly walked inside.
Kaus grasped Hasan's hand and said, "I did not know you brought news of Jahdad. It was never my intention to offend you. Forgive me."
Hasan, moved more by Kaus's tears than his words, replied, "I have no complaint against you."
"Come." Wiping his own tears, Kaus led Hasan toward the grand mansion. It was a splendid estate with a vast courtyard, quarters for guards and servants, and stables that could house fifty horses, though only four stood there now. As they passed through the courtyard and climbed the sturdy stairs, armed guards stood at the entrance. Kaus led Hasan inside a grand chamber. Hasan took a seat on the plush carpet. From a nearby room, the mournful wailing of a woman reached his ears, soothed by the comforting voice of a man.
Standing by an open window, Hasan gazed out at the dense forest. Beyond it, the Euphrates gleamed in the distance. His eyes rested on the ruins of an old mansion, where eleven years ago, he had first met Jahdad…