Page 3 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Zahra suppressed a laugh as she stepped inside. “Fukayna may think differently of you bowing to another servant.”
Faisal stood proudly. “My mistress is kind.”
Zahra knew it was true. Though she served a different master, Zahra had done small jobs for Fukayna for a season. Fukayna heard of Zahra’s abilities through Faisal’s sister, who had asked Zahra to mend her work clothes. Zahra had spent many nights mending tears and hemming clothing for Fukayna, until she was asked to construct something magnificent: a gown for her daughter Eshe, who would be attending the Feast that evening.
Faisal guided Zahra into the vestibule, which featured a colorful arch with beautiful carvings of the black land of Aur and the red land of Deshret, the desert. He gestured for her to wait by a window. “I will fetch my mistress.”
Zahra bowed her head. “Thank you, Faisal.”
He smiled and turned to walk away. Though there was a small hole in his ear, he did not wear an earring like Zahra’s. Faisal paid off his debt a year ago and chose to continue working under Fukayna and her husband.
A sharp chirp made her jump. A mighty eagle with tawny feathers stood in the window. Zahra froze, stunned by the bird’s presence. She had seen eagles up in the sky or on the arms ofmedjay—Auran police—but never perched in a small window. To see one up close was a blessing.
“Hello.” Zahra’s hand lingered on her necklace, which held a bronze coin with the image of a soaring eagle.
Zahra’s mother had always said that eagles were the eyes and ears of Selene—her people’s name for the moon goddess. As Zahra gazed into the eagle’s eyes, she knew that was true. The eagle stared right through her, unafraid of her presence, nor making any threatening motions. Its eyes, rich and deep like the Sea, reminded her of her childhood home in Ionia. It was as if the eagle knew her, and she knew it.
“No, Mwt.” The voice startled the eagle from its trance, and it lifted its wings.
Zahra stepped away from the window as the bird took to the sky.
Eshe stormed through the hallway beyond the vestibule. “I will not try on the dress. I am not going to the Feast!”
Fukayna followed close behind her. “You must! Can you not see, child? Your reasoning will be your undoing!”
“I am not going!”
The argument continued out of sight, and Eshe’s shouts soon turned into loud sobs. After several minutes, Fukayna returned, tucking a loose curl behind her ear and smiling broadly at Zahra. “Thank you for waiting, Zahra. Is that the dress?”
“It is, Mistress.” Zahra handed the gown to Fukayna. She prayed under her breath that she had not missed anything. “I made it to the young lady’s measurements. As soon as she tries it on, I can make the final adjustments.”
Fukayna examined the fabric and stitching, holding the dress up to see the product in full. She folded it and sighed. “That won’t be necessary.”
Zahra’s heart dropped to her stomach. “Are you not pleased with it, Mistress?”
“I am very pleased,” Fukayna clarified. She turned to Faisal, who stood nearby. “Fetch her payment, please.”
Zahra stuttered a response. “The agreement was that I was only to be paid once the young lady was happy with the fitting.”
“I am sure it will fit fine,” Fukayna said, “but she will not try it on. I trust your abilities, and I do not wish to waste your time. You shall receive your payment in full. If I need alterations, I shall call upon you.”
Faisal returned with a small pouch ofdeben. He handed it to Zahra before returning to Fukayna’s side.
Zahra weighed the pouch in her hands. “I am afraid I will be occupied helping my master’s daughters all night. I can’t come if you call.”
Fukayna nodded in understanding. “We shall manage by ourselves, then.”
Zahra bowed. “Thank you, Mistress.”
Fukayna responded with a small nod before returning to the main part of the house. Faisal accompanied Zahra to the door. “The young lady appreciates your efforts, Zahra, though she does not show it.”
Zahra leaned back on her foot as she considered the young girl. “I only hope the gown meets her expectations.”
Faisal nodded. “I am sure it will, even if the circumstances do not.”
Zahra waved goodbye before Faisal shut the door. She walked away from the estate, pausing near a small grove of palm trees to check how much she had been paid. She was surprised at the amount ofdeben. Joy bubbled in her chest, and Zahra skipped a little as she walked home. Never before had she made so muchdebenat once. She was eager to count it and add it to her savings.
Zahra only remembered the lostdebenand fruit when her master’s estate came into view. She ducked behind a tree and headed downhill toward the servants’ entrance.
