Page 44 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Namir’s voice faded as Zahra sank deep into her thoughts. “Who… Who took it?”
Namir paused. She had not realized he was still talking. He looked at her incredulously. “As I said, I do not know. I received word of his capture before the day ended, but he did not have the Thoth with him.”
What?He had it with him when they parted last night. Where did he go? Where did he take it?
“I will investigate more once I return to Inebu-hedj, but I do not think I will be able to learn much until nightfall.”
Zahra swallowed hard. “You should move it. If the thief can’t find it…”
She and her father would be safe. Namir would never know.
“I already have.” Namir stood. “I hope that will be enough to deter the thief.” He sighed, looking at Fukayna’s house. He turned to Zahra and placed his hand on her shoulder. She flinched, surprised by his touch. An apologetic look crossed his face as his arm fell by his side. “Thank you for your help.”
Zahra nodded numbly. “Of course, my King.”
“You may return to your master’s residence.” He stepped back. “I will have no need for you for the remainder of the day. I shall see you tomorrow.”
Zahra swallowed. “What if you have need of me? What if… Are you ending it tonight?”
“With the Thoth potentially missing? Of course not.” He looked down. “And, I promised I would ensure your survival tonight.”
Zahra’s face warmed. “Thank you.”
Namir nodded and turned from her. “Stay out of trouble tonight.”
Zahra watched as Namir walked away. His words from before struck her chest, swirling in her head and consuming her thoughts.You don’t know me.
He was right. She did not know him. But she couldn’t stay away from the danger in Inebu-hedj. She had to speak with her father. If he couldn’t find the Thoth, perhaps he would give up. At last, he might tell her the truth.
A hand clapped over Zahra’s mouth. She screamed, dropping the basket and clawing at the arms that held her. Another pair of hands went around her, forcing her to the ground. Two cloaked figures stood over her, their hoods hiding their faces. A cloth emitting a strong, sweet smell was shoved over her nose.
Zahra held her breath, but the hand over her mouth made it impossible for her to take in any air. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she breathed in the sweet smell. She stopped her struggle, falling into a deep sleep.
The sweet smell of barley wafted into Zahra’s nostrils. She scrunched her eyelids, which were heavy and refused to open. Her head rolled, the hammock behind her head hard and unpleasant.
Zahra forced open her eyes, and her surroundings slowly came into focus. She was in a small room with walls made of mud brick. The building was distinctly Ionian, with a thick cloth nailed across a nearby window. Several thin mats, randomly placed piles of clothing, and long pieces of leather were scattered around the room.
Her hands were tied above her head on a wooden rod that was shoved deep into the dried mud. A thick piece of fabric sat in the back of her mouth, and it was tied so tightly that she could barely breathe or move her tongue.
Panic rose in her chest, and she started pulling at her bonds. Where was she? How had she gotten here?
Zahra coughed, trying to push the fabric loose from her mouth. Instead, it moved back into her throat, and she started to gag. Images of drowning flooded her mind, and her breaths became short and raspy, darkness flooding her vision.
The form of a person came into view. Zahra wheezed as the person walked closer. She leaned away, pulling on her bounds. The person slipped two fingers in Zahra’s mouth and pulled the fabric out.
Zahra gasped, falling forward as far as the ropes around her wrists would let her as she coughed. She looked up in terror. An Ionian woman knelt before her, her light brown eyes studying Zahra with volatile interest. Her clothes were brown andcompletely covered her arms and legs. A small scar sat under her right eye, and freckles dotted her skin.
Zahra’s throat twitched, causing her to whimper. The woman’s hand shot up, and Zahra breathed in fast as an iron blade appeared inches from her throat.
“Try it,” the woman warned in Auran.
Zahra shut her mouth, and the woman lowered the blade. The woman stood and pulled a wooden stool toward her. She sat in front of Zahra, twirling the blade in her hand.
Zahra swallowed, watching the knife. Her eyes flitted to the woman’s face. “Selene will hold you accountable for your actions.”
A thin smile crossed the woman’s lips. “She will, but if what I suspect about you is true, she will favor me.”
Zahra’s brow knitted. What was this woman talking about? Zahra thought of what her father had said last night, and the answer came to her mind. “Are you in league with Omar?”
