Page 105 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Zahra took Namir’s hand, letting him pull her to her feet. “But he has kept you safe. I don’t want?—”
Namir pulled Zahra closer to him, taking her other hand. “Zahra.”
Zahra looked up at him.
Namir rubbed his thumb against her hand. “We will be protected. We have evaded the assassins so far, and we will return to thepr-aabefore it gets too late.”
Zahra sighed, looking down at their hands. “Very well,o méli.”
Namir smiled at the nickname. “Follow my lead.”
They walked down the stairs. Namir caught Ramses’s eye and signed to him, asking him to prepare three horses outside. Waaiz paced downstairs, and Namir waited until he was out of sight before moving across the first floor. Medjay stood by every entrance and throughout the library, bowing to Namir as he passed.
Nubia saw them walking by, but she did nothing but smile and wink at Namir before returning to her reading.
Namir and Zahra approached a door. Themedjayguarding it bowed to Namir but did not move aside. “I wish to pass,” he said.
Themedjayshook his head. “The Great Overseer told us that he is to accompany you anywhere you go.”
Zahra looked hesitantly at Namir, but he was surprisingly calm.
“I have already told the Great Overseer.”
Doubt filled themedjay’sfeatures. It was clear this was not his first time dealing with Namir’s antics. “He should be here with you.”
“He is already outside,” Zahra chimed in. “Look. Do you see him in here anywhere?”
Themedjaylooked past them. The Great Overseer was nowhere to be found. He stepped to the side. “Of course. I apologize, my King.”
Namir flashed a smile at Zahra as they left the library. “How did you know he would be patrolling in the back at that moment?”
Zahra smirked, skipping ahead with a laugh while still holding his hand.
Ramses smiled and offered the reins for the horses to Namir.
Namir thanked him. “We are going to…”
Zahra’s brow furrowed. She had never encountered that sign before. Before she could ask what it meant, Ramses had nodded and promised to meet them there.
Zahra tied her scarf as Namir took the reins. Namir turned to her and bent his knee, helping her mount the horse.
Once Zahra was on her horse, Namir mounted on Victory. Ramses got on his steed. Six othermedjayprepared to depart as Waaiz came out the door. He waved his arms. “Menes! Get back here!”
Namir took off, and Zahra followed. The land passed by in a blur. Zahra navigated the land expertly, leading the horsethrough the terrain. She caught up to Namir, grinning as she passed him.
A competitive gleam sparkled in his eye, and he encouraged Victory to go faster. Zahra laughed, urging her horse forward.
Namir took the lead, guiding Zahra north of the capital city. Ramses and themedjaywere behind them, scouting for any signs of the assassins. Toward the west edge of the kingdom stood a small village with compact buildings and a small village center. Beautiful decorations hung from every building, and the people within were happily digging into delicious food.
The sun was setting as they approached the edge of the village. Zahra slowed her horse, fear sitting in her chest. She would have to ensure they left before it was too late. Though Ramses and themedjaywere here, there was still a chance that the assassins could locate them.
Zahra turned to Namir. “What is this place?”
Namir came up beside her, signing, “Ramses’s hometown: Zau.”
They tied their horses and joined the celebrations. Ramses stayed with Namir, and the othermedjaytook their stations at various parts of the village center.
An older woman with a smile like Ramses’s came running toward them, wrapping him in a hug. She signed to him. “Finally, you have come home.” She turned to Namir with a smile, signing, “And I have not seenyouin some time.”
