Amina al-Sirafi, #1
The Adventures of Amina al-Sirafi
by Shannon Chakraborty
Contents
Chapter 6
Overview
Amina, Dalila, and Yusuf stage a street con that leads to the police station, where Dalila’s potent drug incapacitates the officers. They knock out the remaining guard, free Tinbu and the Marawati’s crew, and reassert Amina’s command. Short on water and facing warships, they plan a stealthy oared escape, as Tinbu reveals a hidden salvage that may aid them.
Summary
On Aden’s promenade, Amina runs a shell game, fleecing youths while trying to lift Yusuf’s gold cuff. Yusuf plays along, but Dalila arrives in finery with two policemen, accusing Amina of theft per their plan. The officers drag them to the station, where a foul-smelling saddlebag draws attention.
Inside, a weary officer orders Amina searched, revealing many pilfered trinkets. When the bag is opened, two dark resin bricks are discovered. Prodded by Amina’s insults, two young officers taste the substance and collapse. Amina then ambushes the door guard with a baton, knocking him out as Dalila secures the office.
Amina sends Yusuf to free Tinbu with the keys and arms herself. They find the crew crammed into cells and Tinbu flogged and shackled at the corridor’s end. Yusuf unlocks Tinbu’s restraints; Amina cuts his bonds. Tension flares when Yusuf realizes Amina is the infamous nakhudha, but Amina refocuses them on escape and the ship’s condition.
Facing thirsty, nervous sailors, Amina asserts command, silencing a lecher with a brutal warning and offering riches from a coming job if they follow her. The crew quickly chooses freedom over likely execution, and they are released. Dalila has stripped the office and guards of valuables and gear, but there is only one waterskin and few weapons.
They plan to free the Marawati’s concealed oars for a silent departure, as setting sail would be slower and the harbor’s warships remain. Tinbu reports the ship seaworthy but under-provisioned and reveals he hid something salvaged from the iron wreck that the authorities missed—an asset he believes could help them escape—prompting Amina’s wary agreement to hear his idea.
Who Appears
- Amina al-SirafiMastermind of the con; orchestrates the station takeover, frees Tinbu and crew, reasserts command, and plans a risky oared escape.
- DalilaAccomplice posing as aggrieved noble; uses her perfected knockout drug, strips the office, and secures supplies.
- YusufTinbu’s anxious ally; plays the mark, aids the jailbreak, and confronts Tinbu’s ties to Amina.
- TinbuFlogged and shackled quartermaster; freed by Yusuf and Amina, reports ship status, and hints at hidden salvage to aid escape.
- Aden policemenYoung officers at the station; two ingest the drug and collapse, a third is knocked out at the door.
- Marawati crewOvercrowded in cells; accept Amina’s authority and freedom-for-gold offer, preparing to help row the escape.
- Lecherous cookCrewman who harasses Amina; punished and used as an example to enforce discipline.
- Skinny youthCrewman who doubts Amina’s identity but quickly volunteers to learn rowing and serve.