Contents
Chapter 33: Ali
Overview
Ali consolidates control of the Citadel and shafit district after publicly exposing Ghassan’s planned purge, rallying Geziri support. As Ali seeks Muntadhir and Zaynab’s backing, a supernatural force awakens: conjured sand flies herald marid power, the Gozan rises as a colossal serpent, and it smashes the Citadel, engulfing Ali.
Summary
From the Citadel tower, Ali confirms the shafit district and Grand Bazaar gates are sealed and under his control, bolstered by a public recitation of his speech exposing Ghassan’s plan to purge shafit. Geziri clerics and civilians rally, and Ali orders strict protection for Daevas in the hospital.
Ali attempts to widen support by sending Aqisa to deliver a letter to Princess Zaynab, hoping to sway Muntadhir. He insists he seeks not the throne but his siblings’ aid, anticipating Ghassan has contingencies specifically against Ali yet might hesitate against Muntadhir and Zaynab.
Ali questions the bound Abu Nuwas, who condemns Ali’s public accusation as dishonorable and points out Ali’s incentives to the Guard. Restless, Ali waits for the palace’s response as night deepens.
A sudden swarm of conjured sand flies rises from the lake. A crushing mental warning slams into Ali’s mind, then vanishes as the flies fall to ash. The lake itself stirs: water heaves upward, forming a mountainous serpent of the Gozan, confirming tales of marid power tied to Manizheh’s faction.
The water-beast roars and then turns toward the Citadel. The tower rips apart; Ali is hurled across the room as black water surges. The serpent strikes, the Citadel shatters, and Ali falls into darkness.
Who Appears
- Alizayd al Qahtani (Ali)Leads a Geziri-backed revolt, secures Citadel and shafit quarter, seeks sibling support, faces marid attack and is engulfed when the Gozan rises.
- LubaydAli’s ally; reports on security, identifies conjured sand flies, urges Ali to flee as the water-serpent attacks.
- DaoudReports the gates are sealed and the shafit district is secured under Ali’s orders.
- Abu NuwasCaptured courtier; criticizes Ali’s public accusations and questions his methods and motives.
- RazuFreed slave guarding the hospital entrance; deters intrusion per Ali’s orders.