Page 82 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Katerina leveled her gaze at Zahra. “Yes.”
Zahra’s eyes went wide. She looked down. “What will happen if Namir dies tonight?”
Katerina paused, looking out over the Duat. “Aur and the lands around it will suffer a fate worse than any war, famine, or plague.”
Zahra watched in horror as the golden sand became cracked. Inebu-hedj sat before them in flames. Thepr-aawas destroyed, and creatures much like thekereswalked through the ruined city, preying on any living soul they could find. The people’s screams were haunting.
Zahra’s mouth went dry as the image before them faded. “Why was I called to protect him? Surely there’s another descended from Chreste who can help Namir better than I can.”
“There is only onesibyla generation,” Katerina stated. “Only you can help the King.”
Zahra’s chest tightened. “But I can’t see what is to come. I can’t learn a new language or warn Aur’s people.”
“You can do all of those things,” Katerina said, “and you have. For generations, eachsibylhas taught her successor these things, but you have had to discover them on your own. With some time, you will cultivate your gifts so that you can use them to protect yourself and your King.”
Zahra shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes once more. “What if it’s not enough? So far, I have failed like Chreste did. How am I to prevent this future from happening when I can’t prevent my own death?”
Katerina lifted her wings. “Follow me.”
She took off into the sky, and Zahra ran to keep up, following her to a small oasis nearby.
Katerina landed by the oasis. “Come here.”
Zahra stepped up to the edge of the water. A glowing crescent moon, the mark of thesibyl, was on her forehead.
“There are dark forces working against you. The King may be protected by Re from being cursed as Asenath was, but his life is still at risk. Each day that passes brings more opportunities for danger.” Katerina indicated the water. “But Selene is with you. She will teach you, but you must be willing to learn.”
Zahra traced the mark on her head. When she pulled her hand away, she noticed the faint glowing cracks on her fingertips. “And my curse? Is there a way for me to survive it? Or will I die as Asenath did?”
“Selene is doing all she can to heal the effects of the curse on yourpsyche, but her efforts will only slow down its effects. Theapolloswill consume you if this day does not end, and there are some answers Selene cannot give you, but I will tell you this. You will not succeed in saving the King’s life or surviving this day if you continue to deny who you are. Your heritage is your strength. Use it.”
Zahra took a deep breath, looking up at her. “Thank you, Katerina.”
“Of course.” Katerina lowered her head so she was eye to eye with Zahra. “I will be here for you if you have need of me. All you must do is call.”
Zahra opened her eyes with a soft breath. Katerina was gone from before her, and the trees and stream had returned. She placed her hand on her chest, expecting to feel nauseous, but she did not. The sun had risen further, and a soft breeze blew her curls off her shoulders.
A voice came from behind her. “Did you lose a shoe?”
Zahra’s hands flew to her shoulders, her fingers desperately covering the scars that lay there as she turned toward the voice. Namir stood some distance from her, his hood down and his eyes sparkling. Her sandal hung from his hand, dripping in mud.
“Let me guess.” He grinned, shaking the sandal. “An eagle stole it?”
Zahra managed a smile before the misery from last night returned. Her lip trembled, and she let her curls hide her face. “Why have you come?”
Namir’s grin faded. He stepped closer and held the sandal out for her to take. When she did not take it, he dropped the sandal in front of her and removed his cloak. He draped it over her shoulders and sat on the grass beside her. “I came to see how you were.”
Zahra pulled the cloak over her shoulders. Though Katerina’s words had comforted her, her body was still tense and trembling. She couldn’t stop thinking of those she had lost, andshe couldn’t stop fearing that her efforts to save her family wouldn’t be enough.
Silence filled the space between them. The stream whistled as it passed, and the songs of birds could be heard.
“We escaped with many,” Namir whispered after a few minutes. “I informed mymedjay, and several of those responsible were captured.” He inhaled sharply. “But?—”
There was great loss.Zahra could hear it in his voice. It had been a massacre.
She rubbed the fabric of Namir’s cloak between her fingers. “Did Heba survive?”
“Yes.” His voice was deep and comforting. “She stayed with you until we came.”
