From That Flame: A Novelized Account of the Life, Death, and Legacy of the “Lion of Panjshir,” Ahmed Shah Massoud by MaryAnn T. Beverly

Author:MaryAnn T. Beverly [Beverly, MaryAnn T.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Action & Adventure, Afghanistan, Massoud, Fiction, history, War & Military, War on Terror
ISBN: 9780976111184
Google: 1DkRR4cA6DcC
Publisher: Kallisti Publishing
Published: 2007-11-15T00:34:36.588550+00:00

10. Found

After a lengthy discussion of their options the following morning, they agreed to stay in the cave one more day. If Massoud’s men had not come by the following morning, they would head out.

“Michelle Jaan,” Massoud began to speak, and when she looked at him, Michelle saw a look of concern on his face. He shook his head. “No, never mind.”

“Tell me,” she said, sat opposite him, and looked him in the eyes. “It must be important, or you wouldn’t have started to bring it up.”

Massoud sighed. He had known for three days that this conversation would be necessary, and he dreaded it. He was afraid he would hurt her, and he did not want to do that.

“When we see my men again,” he began slowly, carefully picking his words, “whether it is here, on the road, or at the compound in Khwaja Bahauddin, there are things about which it would be better if my men were unaware.”

“I won’t tell anyone what happened here. If you don’t want them to know about the assassin, I won’t say anything,” Michelle assured him quickly.

“No, that is the one thing they should know,” he said. “You saved my life. They will be grateful.”

“Then what?”

“They should not see the degree to which our friendship has blossomed. They would not understand, I fear.”

“Because I’m an ‘infidel’ in their eyes as well as a woman?”

“Among other things, yes. Not everyone would feel that way, but some would. It would be better if what has transpired between us privately remains between us.”

“But nothing transpired except friendship…” Michelle’s voice trailed off. “There can’t be any sign that we have become overly friendly? Is that it?”

“Yes. I am their military commander, but they look to me for guidance in many areas. I not only lead them in battle, I also lead them in prayer. I must remain what they need me to be: a moral man. Can you understand that?”

“Yes, of course I can. You are a moral man, too important to them and to all of Afghanistan. Your image and your reputation must remain unblemished, especially since nothing untoward happened between us.”

“It’s more than that, Michelle Jaan. They cannot see the man I am when I am with you. That man must be left behind in the cave the moment we leave here.”

“But I like that man. He is brave and strong and good. That’s who you are. Surely they already know that.”

“And he laughs and feels tenderness,” Massoud said. “He sometimes forgets about the war and his responsibilities. He forgets everything except how different and new it is to be with someone who loves life, embraces dreams, and finds hope where no one else could. You are like an intoxicating drug to me, a drug to which I could easily become addicted. I cannot afford that addiction. Please understand and forgive me.”

“There is nothing to forgive. You have been very good to me. You trusted me with your thoughts and feelings. You gifted me with your friendship.

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