The Daevabad Trilogy, #1
The City of Brass
by S. A. Chakraborty
Contents
Chapter 10: Ali
Overview
As acting Qaid, Ali investigates Daeva market fraud and responds to a violent attack on a Daeva merchant’s shop, pledging aid despite political friction with Kaveh. Later, at Khanzada’s salon, Ali publicly clashes over shafit exploitation and is insulted; Muntadhir defends him but privately chastises him. Jamshid offers unexpected goodwill, and Ali learns Rashid awaits him, hinting at looming business.
Summary
Ali, serving as acting Qaid, conducts a surprise inspection in the Daeva Quarter, checking the muhtasib Soroush’s scales while Rashid suggests possible hexing. Kaveh interrupts with Mir e-Parvez, a Daeva merchant whose liquor shop was attacked by djinn zealots, his son injured. Despite strained resources and sectarian tension, Ali promises to improve security and cover damages, even from his own funds if needed.
As Ali departs, a Daeva boy shoots a toy arrow that nicks his ear, provoking public amusement and Abu Nuwas’s anger. When Rashid proposes seizing the child for Citadel rearing, Ali refuses, recognizing the injustice and the roots of Kaveh’s hostility. Rumors of strange Nahid-linked phenomena linger in Ali’s mind, including a Nahid mural he had destroyed despite Muntadhir’s objections.
That night, at Khanzada’s salon celebrating his promotion, Ali is uneasy amid revelry he associates with corruption and shafit exploitation. He challenges Khanzada over a shafit dancer, Rupa, prompting Khanzada to snap “half-tribe brat.” Muntadhir instantly forces a public apology from Khanzada, then privately warns Ali not to undercut him before nobles. Ali leaves, remorseful yet resolved.
Outside, Jamshid e-Pramukh greets Ali, notes Rashid is waiting in the midan, and apologizes for the Daeva Quarter incident, advising Ali not to let Kaveh provoke him. The exchange reveals unexpected rapport across factional lines as Ali heads to meet Rashid, foreshadowing further duties.
Who Appears
- Alizayd (Ali) al QahtaniActing Qaid; investigates Daeva market issues, aids an assaulted merchant, rejects harsh measures, clashes at Khanzada’s salon, and is defended then rebuked by Muntadhir.
- Kaveh e-PramukhGrand Wazir; confrontational in the Daeva Quarter, highlights security bias, and needles Ali politically.
- Muntadhir al QahtaniCrown prince; hosts salon for Ali, defends him after an insult, then privately reprimands him for public dissent.
- RashidAli’s military secretary; suggests seizing the boy for Citadel rearing; later waits to meet Ali in the midan.
- KhanzadaCelebrated courtesan; spars with Ali over shafit exploitation, insults him, and is forced to apologize by Muntadhir.
- Jamshid e-PramukhDaeva captain and Muntadhir’s bodyguard; cordial to Ali, conveys Rashid’s message, and apologizes for his quarter’s hostility.
- Mir e-ParvezDaeva merchant; reports violent attack on his liquor shop and injured son; receives Ali’s promise of aid.
- SoroushDaeva Quarter muhtasib; nervous during Ali’s surprise inspection of currency scales.
- Abu NuwasAli’s imposing personal guard; protective during inspections and after the child’s arrow incident.
- RupaShafit dancer at Khanzada’s salon; focal point of Ali’s objection to exploitation; receives Ali’s apology and gift.