Page 52 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Namir listened intently as she explained all that she had discovered—that Omar had stolen the Thoth, the papyri in his room, and the hint that he was being forced to do something he did not want to do.
“He refuses to tell me the truth, and every time I am close to getting answers, we are interrupted.” Zahra clenched her dress as she continued in a frustrated tone. “He is not a bad man. He has served Re in his temple for many years, and he was a physician in Ionia. He seems to think the Thoth carries a dark magic, and he fears for my safety. I think someone is forcing him to do this, but I have no proof except for his words that the papyri were not his.”
Namir mulled over her words. “Why did you not tell me this before?”
“I thought you wouldn’t believe me and you would execute us without a trial.” She paused. “Was I wrong?”
Namir was quiet. “No.” He placed the mangled papyrus on the desk. “What is your plan?”
Zahra’s brow wrinkled. “What do you mean?”
“You swear your father is not responsible for his crime.” His eyebrows raised. “What do you plan to do about it?”
Zahra knotted her hands together as thoughts flew through her mind. “I must speak with him. If I could have more time with him, I know I could get him to tell me the truth.”
“Then that is what we shall do.” Namir stood from his chair. “We shall speak to him and find the truth.”
“What of the assassins?” Zahra asked. “My father leaves his post before the hour of Re, and I don’t know where he will be until late into the night. It will be dangerous.”
“I have no intention of waiting until nightfall to speak with him. I will summon him here,and we will speak with him.” Namir turned to her. “As for the assassins, mymedjaywill find them—with your help, I hope.”
Zahra took a deep breath and stood. “They’re hiding in one of my people’s villages.”
“Excellent. I shall send the summons to your father, and you will tell me of what you know about the assassins. You said that the letter your father sends is already on its way?”
Zahra nodded. “The messenger should be arriving at my mistress’s estate soon.”
“Then I shall send amedjayto intercept it.” Namir left the room for a few moments, instructing Ramses and the othermedjayoutside. When he returned, he was carrying a large map. He laid it out on the table, gesturing for her to join him. “Now, tell me what you remember.”
Zahra sat alone in a room filled with cushions, couches, a table, and chairs. The space was lit by oil lamps and a window on the far wall.
Zahra looked down at her hands, sucking in a big breath. Namir had left some time ago, but before he had left, he had handed off the map and information to his uncle. Her fingers knotted together as the fate of the people in the Ionian village near there plagued her thoughts. The entire village could be punished if the Great Overseer wished it, and it would be her fault. Zahra mouthed a prayer, asking for forgiveness from Selene and that the Great Overseer would arrest only those involved in the assassination. The rest of the people, she pleaded, would experience the least amount of panic and discomfort as could be helped.
The door creaked as it opened, and Namir walked in. He was now wearing royal garbs and a jeweled necklace. His gaze was trained on the hallway. After a moment, he turned to her. “Your father is coming up the stairs.”
The tightness settled in Zahra’s chest. She took a deep breath. “Thank you for agreeing to listen to us.”
Namir nodded. He settled in a chair opposite Zahra and waited.
Twomedjayentered the room moments later, Omar between them. His fear-filled gaze went to her. “Poulaki mou.”
“Patér.”Themedjayput their hands up when Zahra tried to stand.
“You may leave him here and wait outside,” Namir ordered.
They let go of Omar’s arms and closed the door behind them.
Omar and Zahra embraced.
“Why are you here?” Omar whispered. “Did you receive my letter?”
Zahra nodded. “I did, but?—”
Namir cleared his throat, and Zahra pulled away from her father. “Let us not waste time.”
Omar stepped in front of Zahra, bowing deeply with his hand on his chest. “My King, it’s a pleasure to be in your presence. I was summoned, but I don’t know why, nor do I know why my daughter is here.”
Namir folded his arms, settling his gaze on Omar. “We are here because of what you will do tonight.”
