Page 106 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Namir grinned and hugged her. “Hello, Lina.”
Lina turned to Zahra with a smile, speaking, “And who is this?”
Zahra inclined her head to Lina and signed, “My name is Zahra.”
She will be joining us tonight,” Namir signed.
Lina grinned at Zahra, signing once more. “We are glad to have you, Zahra. I’m Ramses’s mother, Lina. Please, come and eat if you are hungry. There’s much to do and celebrate.”
Zahra smiled. “Thank you, Lina.”
Namir took her hand and led her toward the celebrations. Ramses lingered behind, visiting with his friends and family. Wood carvings and signs similar to the ones for sale in Illahun were on display around them, but these ones were different shapes, sizes, and unique colors. Young children were playing games of hounds and jackals, and adults were playingseneton blankets nearby.
Zahra’s mouth watered as she looked at the array of fish, breads, meats, and vegetables. She grabbed a small loaf of bread and some sweet vegetables, satisfied with the meager amounts on her plate. Her eyes lingered on a piece of steak, its scent calling to her.
Namir tossed a piece of meat on her plate, nearly tipping it off balance. “Indulge yourself a little.”
Zahra smiled and followed Namir away from the table. People waved to Namir as they saw him, greeting him and Zahra.
Namir led Zahra to a place to sit, and they watched the celebrations.
“They called you ‘Namir’,” Zahra observed.
Namir nodded. “These people are like family to me. I have spent a lot of time here.”
Zahra studied him as she ate her food. Despite knowing that Ramses was Namir’s closest friend, she did not know much else about their friendship. “How did you and Ramses meet?”
Namir smiled at her in surprise. He laughed, looking down at his bread. “It was a long time ago.”
“I wish to know.” She scooted closer. “I feel I know nothing of your childhood.”
Namir hesitated.
Worry filled Zahra’s heart. “Unless you don’t wish to share, which is?—”
“No, it’s just…I tend not to talk about it.” He turned to her. “But I would like to tell you.”
Zahra smiled softly.
Namir turned to his food, poking at it as he spoke. “When I was young, I was not well. I was in bed most days, and my parents did not think I would survive into adulthood.”
Zahra set her plate aside, hugging her knees as she listened.
“Ramses’s father worked as my personal guard and caretaker for some time. One day, he brought Ramses with him. We did not always understand each other at first, but in time, we grew to be friends. When I finally had the strength to move, he and my cousin taught me to wield a sword and ride a horse.”
Zahra’s eyebrows raised. She had never heard Namir mention his cousin before. “Your cousin?”
“Waaiz’s son. His name was Namir.” He tore his bread loaf into pieces, but he did not eat any of it. “He died in the Battle of Henen-nesut when I was eleven.”
Zahra’s heart ached. “I am sorry.” She hesitated. “Is… Is that why you…?”
Namir nodded. “It is why the people here call me Namir. I took on his name when he died, to remember him.”
Zahra smiled softly. “He must have had a great influence on you.”
“He did.” Namir sighed and looked out at the celebrations, his gaze resting on Ramses. “They both have. I would not be the man I am today without them.”
Zahra studied him. When they met, she wouldn’t have thought that he had been through so much. She finished her thought aloud. “It is admirable.”
