Several days later, Sabit stood on the eastern wall of Bahteel. The morning sun bathed the fields of ripening grain in a crimson light. The packed earth line of the great eastern road cut through the blood-red fields like an open wound. Where the dark brown expanse of road met the wall—gleaming a white-gold light … Read more
“You heard Sabit, little man,” Kehnan’s voice thundered over the rising hubbub of the bazaar. “Leave her alone.” The big man laid a hand on Allamu’s shoulder—Kehnan’s scarred knuckles contrasted the crisp crimson and white lines of Allamu’s tunic. The man from Urom lowered his voice, “Do not touch me. Do not touch her.” The … Read more
Sabit felt Allamu’s warm hand on her face. The scar at her wrist felt so cold, it burned. Bright sunshine glowed red through her eyelids. The babble of the bazaar seemed far away. Forcing her eyes open, Sabit saw Allamu kneeling over her, a look of concern on his noble features. She smiled to see … Read more
Sabit walked the lands of the dead. * Alone. Sabit at a great height. An unsteady road beneath her feet. Not mud. Not sand. Not stones. Bones. A mountain of all slain by Sabit—every single man and woman. And child. Ishum, the dead prince of Ghabar, at Sabit’s side.* Ishum, barely the years to be … Read more
Before Kehnan could react, Sabit was climbing into the cart to better study the strange device and the bracelet perched atop of it. Several people had already crawled aboard the huckster’s cart, proffering coins in outstretched hands. The huckster gathered the money and handed out the tiny porcelain cups. A beefy woman with a desperate … Read more
Sabit seized the hand on her shoulder and yanked. Bracing her hip, she pulled the bigger man forward, tipping him off-balance. Controlling his fall by twisting the arm she held, Sabit put the man on his back in the dust of the bazaar. Putting her knee on his chest, Sabit looked down at Kehnan. “Don’t … Read more
In the open air, the searing pain of Sabit’s scar faded quickly. Allowing her feet to take her where they would, Sabit tried to quiet the turmoil in her mind and heart. Her memories of last night were still like a gaping hole—a wound in her psyche, leaking blood that stained the impressions of all … Read more
“You gave Allamu your vow that you would return him home to Urom,” Qaansoole said, rising from her seat to confront Sabit’s casual announcement that she would not go to that far-off city. “I also vowed to protect the prince of Ghabar.* And to serve the god Batuul beneath the Wicked Rocks.* And to protect … Read more
“Allamu has secured a place in a large, well-guarded caravan headed for Urom,” Qaansoole said as Sabit savored a bowl of fragrant broth. “We have at least five days before they leave, so there is plenty of time to arrange provisions. One night’s reunion with an acquaintance of old will hardly delay our journey.” The … Read more
“What happened to you?” Allamu asked, rising from the dusty ground at the foot of the city wall. “We were to meet here at sunset. Are you hurt?” Sabit opened her parched mouth to speak. What had happened to her? She had been in the bazaar. She had looked for provisions. She had met Kehnan. … Read more