Page 53 of A Thousand Nights Before Dawn
Omar’s face filled with confusion, though his hand that held Zahra’s hand trembled. “I will be attending the festivities with the rest of the priests.”
“We both know that is not true.” Namir’s voice quieted, but the strength of it remained. “You will commit a crime tonight.”
Omar opened his mouth, fear in his eyes, but Zahra placed a hand on his shoulder. “Patér, let us sit, and I will explain.”
Omar glanced between them before agreeing to Zahra’s request with a nod.
Zahra seated him on the couch, holding his hand in hers. “Patér, I need you to listen to me. Whatever I ask of you, youmusttell me the truth.”
His features sagged with worry. “I have done nothing wrong.”
“I know,” she said, “but you will. Please, Patér. What are your plans, and why have you made them? Why did you send me that letter this morning?”
Omar shook his head. “I don’t know what you mean. I wished you happiness in your celebrations. That’s all.”
Zahra tightened her grip on his hand. “Patér, please. The King promises to listen to us, but you must tell me the truth.”
“I am telling the truth.” He turned to the King. “I swear it. I have no reason to commit a crime.”
Namir cast a skeptical glance at Zahra.
She swallowed, turning to her father. “Patér, I know you will steal something tonight because I have seen you do it.”
Namir shot Zahra a warning glance. “You promised.”
“He forgets,” she stated, turning to Namir. “He always forgets. Please, my King.”
Namir studied her face. Then he leaned back, gesturing for her to continue.
Zahra nodded in thanks before turning to her father. “I have lived this day many times. The King and I both have, but only we remember. Each day, you steal a sandglass that shakes the earth with the might of thunder.” Namir’s eyes narrowed as Zahra continued. “You leave your post early at the hour of Re, and you arrive at the stable house, where you steal a horse and take the sandglass somewhere I don’t know.”
Omar stared at her with wide eyes. “I… I don’t know?—”
“You do,” Zahra insisted. Tears pricked her eyes. “You know what I speak of. I have asked you,beggedyou, to tell me the truth about your motivations, but each time you refuse. I will not stand it anymore, Patér. Tell me the truth!”
Omar stared at her. His gaze softened, and he lifted his worn hands to her face and cupped her cheeks. She smiled, and the corners of his mouth raised. “You have grown so much since I last saw you.”
Zahra fought a frown. Shehadchanged, though she had changed more in the last few days than she had since she had started ignoring his letters.
Omar sighed and dropped his hand, turning to the King. “I do plan to steal it, but, please, hear what I say before you condemn me.”
Namir studied Omar’s face. His gaze shifted to Zahra for a moment, then he inclined his head toward Omar. “Speak.”
“My daughter is not involved in any of this,” Omar began. “She knew nothing more than that I warned her to leave Aur.” His voice caught in his throat, and he glanced at Zahra. “I received a letter early this morning. I don’t know who the messenger or the sender was, for I found it on my doorstep, and it was not signed.” He sucked in a shaky breath. “They threatened my daughter’s life.”
He squeezed Zahra’s hand, though he did not meet her gaze. “If I did not do as they said, they would kill her. In the letter, an object was described that I had to steal. They told me it would be hidden at the temple, but they said nothing else besides that I must take it before the Feast begins.” Omar met Namir’s gaze. “My King, I don’t want to steal it. I have been Re’s servant for ten years, taking care of his sacred temple. I wouldn’t betray the Pharaoh, theHem-netjer,or you unless my daughter’s life was at stake.”
Namir leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. He sat his chin on his clasped hands, deep in thought. After several moments, he lifted his head. “Do you admit to planning to steal a sacred item from the Pharaoh Queen?”
Omar nodded, his shoulders heavy. “Yes, my King.”
Namir sat up, resting his hands on his thighs. “Did you receive any additional papyri with the letter?”
Omar shook his head. “I only received the letter. I would show it to you, but I was instructed to burn it.”
Zahra put her hand on her father’s back. “Oh, Patér.”
Namir eyed Zahra before he continued. “The object you would steal was not seen again last night. Where were you ordered to take it?”
