The Daevabad Trilogy, #1
The City of Brass
by S. A. Chakraborty
Contents
Chapter 13: Nahri
Overview
Nahri and Dara emerge near Daevabad, grieving Khayzur and arguing over ifrit claims about Manizheh. They reach a ferry, conceal Nahri’s identity, and cross a marid-cursed lake. After passing an illusion, Daevabad’s vast brass walls and Nahid statues appear, confirming Nahri’s lineage and setting their destination as the Grand Temple for sanctuary.
Summary
Nahri and Dara arrive from the Gozan onto a misty mountain glen at dawn. Nahri demands they return for Khayzur, but Dara insists only their blood could cross and that the peri’s swift punishments likely killed him. Shaken, Nahri reveals the ifrit claimed to serve Manizheh, her mother; Dara calls it deceit and urges they seek sanctuary at the Grand Temple.
They descend toward a vast lake surrounding Daevabad’s island. At the shore, a Geziri boatman argues with towering Ayaanle salt traders. To avoid suspicion, Dara has Nahri veil her face and hides his markings, warning that a Daeva would not travel with a shafit in his time. They board as the groups settle on a fare.
Dara explains the lake is marid-cursed and safe only from the boat. The captain launches them and sings in Geziriyya, which Nahri cannot understand. As they near the city, an illusion compresses Nahri painfully before releasing her; when an Ayaanle offers aid, Dara snaps at him, further unsettling Nahri.
The final veil lifts to reveal Daevabad: towering brass walls, immense docks, and monuments. Carvings and statues depict Nahid ancestors. Overjoyed, Dara names Nahri “Banu Nahida,” welcoming her to Daevabad as they prepare to seek the Grand Temple’s protection.
Who Appears
- NahriGrieves Khayzur, rattled by claims about her mother; travels incognito to Daevabad, endures the lake’s illusion, and witnesses Nahid statues confirming her lineage.
- Dara (Dara-us-Nawaush)Insists on safety over rescue, denies ifrit claims, manages disguises, explains tribal politics and lake curse, and proudly welcomes Nahri to Daevabad.
- Geziri boatmanWry ferryman who argues over fare, launches the boat, sings in Geziriyya, and deftly navigates the marid-cursed lake.
- Ayaanle tradersTall salt merchants disputing passage; one offers help to Nahri but is rebuffed by Dara.