Sultan Murad's bodyguard immediately took the letter and got on his horse.He was riding as fast as possible.Meanwhile,Simon,Giorgi and 5000 soldiers(During the battle against the Ottomans Simon lost 600 soldiers:50 Georgians and 550 Persians) were around the Tbilisi fortress.Simon came out from his tent.He was observing the fortress in front of him.He saw 2 janissaries standing side by side at the window.They were eating braised chicken.When Simon was looking at them,Giorgi came out from his tent and went to his father.
-What are you looking at,father?
-At the janissaries,son.Look at them,they are eating chicken!It seems,that Hasan pasha brought provisions to them.They are obviously up to something vicious.My intuition warns me that Ottomans will invade our territory in a few weeks.They are so arrogant,that they won't leave us alone untill they conquer all Georgian kingdoms and principalities.Our duty is not to let these sly invaders have peace.Giorgi,I have to go to Ksani fortress for a few days.Your mother and younger brothers are there.You know,that I haven't seen them for 8 years due to my captivity in the Safavid empire.I miss them terribly.So,my 4 bodyguards will accompany me towards that stronghold.I command you to stay here and be vigilant at every moment!Observe well this fortress and keep an eye on our enemies.Don't let the military order break within our army!
-Yes,father!I will obey your command.
Simon went to his guards that were protecting the tent and ordered them to accompany him.The king and his 4 bodyguards got on their horses and headed towards the Ksani stronghold.It was late night when Simon arrived at his destination.He commanded his bodyguards to surround the fortress.Simon went up using staircase and he saw the stunning woman with light brown hair and gray eyes.This was his wife-Nestan Darejan.Simon approached her and exclaimed:
-It's me,Simon,my darling!
The woman observed him from head to toe,then teared up and hugged him.The king snuggled her tightly.He was caressing Nestan Darejan's hair.
-Oh,how I missed you,Simon!It has been 8 years!
-Me too,dear,I had been thinking of you and my children during my whole captivity!