After running for half an hour, which felt like a lifetime, Zeynep's legs failed her. She decided to take a rest . 'Just a little rest', she thought . She laid down on the street and drifted off to sleep. It was the most distressing and uneasy sleep she had ever had.
Zeynep P.O.V
That was the worst sleep I had ever experienced in my short life! I fell into a deep sleep and dreamed about Ana, Baba and my brothers.
Narrator P.O.V
Zeynep woke up from her not - so - good - sleep. Realisation dawned upon her as remembered she had to go in search of her tribe. And then it became apparent. She didn't even know where she was herself let alone her tribe. She thought the best thing to do was ask the people. People had informed her that this place was Konya however nobody knew where the Kayı Tribe was. Hopelessly, she sat down on a log.
At the Kayı Tribe
Hayme Ana and the Hatuns were doing their work at the rug house.
Hayme Ana had already lost her son, Sungurtekin and now she lost her youngest child , Zeynep. She was lost in thought thinking about her daughter. Meanwhile Ertuğrul and Gündoğdu were busy thinking about where they should migrate to. As always, Selcan was looking for some drama. She was still furious for Gökçe for speaking so loud the other day in front of Süleyman Şah's marquee. 'If we get killed by that murderer oldster, it will be all your fault and I will not forgive you, nor will our father, Alptekin. ' these words echoed through Gokce Hatun's head as she remembered what had happened the other day.
"Abla! I miss Zeynep, when will she come back?" Zehra asked her elder sister Aykiz.
"She will come soon, Insha Allah!" Aykiz assured. "Come on go see what Baba is doing. I have some work to do at the rug house."
Zehra nodded and left, still wondering about Zeynep. She looked back at her sister. "Hey! She's not going to the rug house, shes going to where Ertugrul Bey's alps are. She must be going to see Turgut Alp!" Zehra rolled her eyes and laughed.
Narrator's P.O.V (Konya)
A young boy was strolling through the streets of Konya when he caught eye of Zeynep. She looked exhausted and famished. The young boy approached Zeynep and greeted her, " Selamun Aleykum, who are you? I have never seen you around here.Are you ok?"
"Aleykum Selam! My name is Zeynep. I have just came here last night." Zeynep replied
"Why are you here all by yourself on the street? And you look very tired and hungry. If you tell me I may be able to help."
Zeynep told the young boy everything and he listened attentively. He then assured her that he would help her.
" Thank you so much.. err.." Zeynep started.
"My name is Yigit and you dont need to thank me. It is our duty to help the innocent. Come, let me give you some bread and water."
Zeynep followed Yigit to a small house"
A young lady rushed to the door, "Yigit! You came fast! Did you get the bread?" She took a look at Zeynep and carried on "Who is this little girl?"
"Sorry Abla, I forgot about the bread, I will get it soon. I brought Zeynep though. She was on the street, hungry and tired so I thought it would be good if I took her to our house." Yigit replied, staring at Zeynep.
The woman knelt down on to reach Zeynep's hands. She held her hands saying "Masha Allah! Such a nice girl! My name is Halime Sultan. He might've already told you but if he didn't, this is my little brother, Sehzade Yigit."
"You're part of the Seljuk dynasty?" Zeynep exclaimed "Well, I shouldn't be a burden to you then! If you know where the Kayi Tribe is, that is enough for me and I shall not bother you anymore."
"What are you saying! You're not a burden, you're welcome here!" Halime said in a surprised manner. "Unfortunately, we do not know where the Kayi Tribe is."
"But don't you have a map?" Zeynep asked with a glimmer in her eyes
Halime explained to Zeynep how they had been running away and their royalty is nothing but trouble. She said how her uncle was Sultan Aleaddin and her, Yigit and her father had to run away because many people wanted to use them to go against the Seljuk. "We have been running for years. Everyday, we have the fear of being captured." Halime cried.
Zeynep extended her condolences, "I am so sorry..."
Yigit came back from a room. "Zeynep, your room is ready. You can sleep there tonight. But first you should meet my father."
"Thanks a lot Yigit! Ok I will go see him now"
Wondering through their house, Zeynep forgot that she was looking for Yigit and Halime's father until she bumped into him.
"Hello! You must be Zeynep, Yigit told me everything about you. You are most welcome here, daughter! I am Numan."
"Şehzade Numan" Zeynep corrected. Numan chuckled. "Thank you for taking me in your home" she ended.