Page 150 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
The servants cheered and surrounded Darius, asking questions as Bahiti was hauled away. He excused himself for a moment and walked to Zahra. “I apologize for my wife’s behavior. It shall not happen again. I am glad I caught you this morning on the road so we could get your debt taken care of.”
Zahra nodded. “I am glad as well. Thank you, Master Darius.”
“It is only Darius now, remember?” He smiled. “Would I be right to think you will not be able to help my daughters prepare for the Feast?”
“I would normally love to, but I plan on attending the Feast myself and visiting my father, who lives in the area.”
Darius nodded. “Oh, yes, Omar! I have not seen him in some time. I hope he is doing well. I will be sure to investigate your father’s debt first thing in the morning. I hope you enjoy the Feast.”
Zahra smiled. “Thank you. I think I will.” She retrieved her invitation to the Feast from Jala, then she placed herdebenfrom Fukayna in her chest, grabbed her prayer beads and fabric and stuffed them into her bag.
Ahmose waited in a cart outside the estate. He smiled upon seeing Zahra. “I saw Bahiti leave on horseback, so I assume everything went well.”
Zahra grinned. “I am finally free of her.”
Ahmose took her bag and helped her into the cart beside him. “Finally? I offered to help you long ago.”
“I know, but I had to come to my senses.”
Ahmose elbowed her and laughed. “Yes, you did. Now, did you say something about going to the Feast?”
The people of Heba’s village were talking loudly to each other as Zahra and Ahmose approached. There were severalmedjaystanding around the village and talking happily with the people.
Zahra grinned at Ahmose, waving toward the serving line. “Heba!”
Heba looked up from her task, her eyes crinkling upon seeing Zahra. “Ochara, you made it!”
Zahra hopped off the cart and hugged Heba.
Heba whispered in her ear, “I thought you would be at thepr-aa.”
“I will be,” Zahra said, “but I have nothing to wear.”
Heba winked. “We can fix that for you.” She placed her hand on Zahra’s back and pushed her toward the houses. “Everyone, Zahra is here!”
Friends and family greeted Zahra. She picked up Eboni and talked excitedly with them all. Heba’s smile faded as her gaze drifted to Zahra’s arms and legs.
Worry bit at Zahra, but she still smiled at everyone.
Heba’s smile returned, and she put her hand on Zahra’s back. “Meet us at my house in a short while. I wish to speak to Zahra before she gets ready for the Feast.”
Zahra followed Heba to her house. “What did you want to speak about, Heba?”
Heba guided Zahra to a chair. “Wait here.”
Zahra swallowed. “Heba?—”
Heba left the room before Zahra could finish.
Zahra sighed, but leaned back in the chair. When Heba returned, she once again had her crystals. Zahra obeyed Heba, letting her put the crystals on her arms. After a few moments, her skin lit up, showing that the cracks were almost to her elbow.
“How has this happened?” Heba’s eyes narrowed on Zahra’s chest. “What is that?”
Zahra looked down. Through the fabric of her shawl glowed the Thoth’s mark.
“What have you been seeing in your dreams?” Heba asked.
Zahra pulled her hands away from Heba, letting the crystals fall onto the table. “There’s no need to worry, Heba. The cracks will fade after today, I promise.”
