Contents
Chapter 29: Ali
Overview
At the arena, Ghassan reveals a potential political marriage for Zaynab, and Muntadhir humiliates Ali in a public archery duel. The brothers’ fight spills into a private brawl, after which Ali, Zaynab, and Muntadhir debate deposing Ghassan.
Muntadhir divulges that Suleiman’s seal is in Ghassan’s heart, raising the stakes. News then arrives: the Daeva procession has been attacked.
Summary
Ali skips the Navasatem party and arrives at the arena uneasy, still reeling from his exchange with Nahri. On the royal platform, Ghassan casually praises the hospital but then reveals a marriage offer for Zaynab from Nasir Ishak of Malacca, alarming Ali and unsettling Muntadhir.
Provoked by Ali calling him a coward, Muntadhir publicly challenges Ali to an archery contest. Using a replica of the Afshin’s bow and clear training, Muntadhir humiliates Ali, whose loosened saddle sends him crashing before a jeering crowd. Stung by taunts about Nahri, Ali drags Muntadhir into a weapons closet, and the brothers brawl until Zaynab intervenes.
In private, the siblings confront hard truths. Ali urges replacing Ghassan, citing abuses and festering instability; Zaynab wavers but listens, while Muntadhir warns that Suleiman’s seal is embedded in Ghassan’s heart—removal would require killing their father. They tentatively discuss a broader governing council and the risks of ceding power.
The argument stalls amid fear and divided loyalties. Before they can decide a course, Lubayd bursts in with urgent news: the Daeva procession has been attacked.
Who Appears
- Alizayd al Qahtani (Ali)Haunted prince; provoked into a public archery duel, humiliated, then brawls with Muntadhir; urges deposing Ghassan and proposes broader governance.
- Muntadhir al QahtaniCrown prince; challenges and embarrasses Ali with archery; fights him; resists a coup and reveals Suleiman’s seal is in Ghassan’s heart.
- Zaynab al QahtaniSister; potential match to Nasir Ishak spurs conflict; breaks up the fight; weighs Ali’s call to replace Ghassan with wary pragmatism.
- Ghassan al QahtaniKing; praises the hospital, considers marrying Zaynab to Nasir Ishak for alliances; his authority and the seal become central stakes.
- LubaydAli’s friend; offers caution, witnesses tensions, later bursts in with news of an attack on the Daeva procession.
- JamshidDaeva noble; seen with Muntadhir; his skills suggest how Muntadhir learned archery; rides in the procession.