Chapter 5

Amina and Dalila enter Aden overland to avoid strict harbor searches and any traps possibly set by Sayyida Salima or local authorities. Planning to meet Tinbu and quietly gauge the city, they head to the beach, where Amina spots the Marawati—heavily altered to appear as a fishing boat—being searched and pinned by two newly arrived Adeni war galleys.

Soldiers uncover iron ingots aboard and haul Tinbu before officials; when Tinbu pleads and tries to bargain, he is struck down and the crew is arrested. Amina and Dalila follow the prisoners to the city prison and gather rumors: a pilgrim ship, allegedly smuggling iron, went missing and bodies with slit throats washed ashore. The ambitious muhtasib seeks pirates to blame.

Outside the prison, Amina observes harsh security and, angered by a nearby slave sale, reins herself in to focus on Tinbu. When Yusuf—the earnest merchant who defended Tinbu on the quay—is rebuffed by officials, Amina corners him. Yusuf reveals Tinbu is accused of murder and brigandry, facing swift interrogation and execution, and that Aden’s new galleys are manned by foreign Mamluks.

Amina confirms the Marawati was in for repairs but trusts Tinbu’s seamanship. Determined not to abandon him or the ship, she commits to a breakout despite Dalila’s warnings that it will ruin discretion and anger Salima. Yusuf, emotionally tied to Tinbu, agrees to help anonymously.

Short on time, Amina pushes Dalila to procure volatile materials for a Kilwa-inspired plan, accepting reduced preparation. They agree to create a substitute distraction—no elephant required—and Amina tests Yusuf’s willingness to act, setting the stage for a dangerous rescue and the retaking of the Marawati.