Contents
Chapter 35: Nahri
Overview
Nahri saves Muntadhir from Kaveh’s lethal copper vapor and the pair realize it targets Geziri relics, threatening the palace and quarter. With Zaynab and Aqisa, they plan a split response: Zaynab and Aqisa warn the Geziris and fetch Ali, while Nahri and Muntadhir arm themselves to reclaim Suleiman’s seal from Ghassan’s body as fiery winged attackers strike the palace.
Summary
Nahri and Muntadhir tumble down a staircase as Kaveh’s copper vapor surges through the palace. Nahri forces Muntadhir to discard his Geziri relic, and the mist rushes past, confirming it targets relic-wearers. Reeling from Ghassan’s death and furious at Kaveh, Muntadhir frees Nahri from iron cuffs so she can heal.
Kaveh calls for Nahri, driving them into hiding and then toward Zaynab’s apartments to warn others. En route, Muntadhir reveals Jamshid was seized by Wajed and taken from the city, and that Ali has seized the Citadel. They find Zaynab with Aqisa, who bears Ali’s message urging removal of Ghassan—news overtaken as Muntadhir confirms their father is already dead and the mist kills relic-wearers.
They discard Zaynab’s relic as the palace shakes. Fiery, winged, horse-like attackers descend, prompting the four to barricade inside. Fearing the mist will sweep the Geziri Quarter, they agree on urgent action. Zaynab insists she and Aqisa will warn the Geziris and reach Ali to bring back the Royal Guard, while Nahri and Muntadhir must retrieve Suleiman’s seal from Ghassan’s remains before Kaveh claims it.
Zaynab opens a hidden weapons chest stocked under Aqisa’s tutelage. They arm up: Aqisa equips Zaynab with sword and crossbow, while Nahri selects daggers and Muntadhir straps on a sword. Parting with brief farewells, Zaynab and Aqisa depart through a side passage as Nahri and Muntadhir steel themselves to rally palace Geziris and recover the seal amid the ongoing attack.
Who Appears
- NahriHealed after iron cuffs removed; saves Muntadhir from copper vapor; plans to retrieve Suleiman’s seal; arms herself and takes charge.
- MuntadhirGrieving son; discards relic to survive mist; confirms Ghassan’s death; coordinates with siblings; prepares to recover the royal seal.
- ZaynabLearns of Ghassan’s death; discards relic; proposes plan; reveals hidden weapons chest; sets out with Aqisa to warn Geziris and reach Ali.
- AqisaAli’s agent; brings his message; confirms Zaynab’s weapons training; accompanies Zaynab to warn the quarter and summon the Guard.
- KavehOffscreen antagonist; calls for Nahri; unleashed copper mist that kills relic-wearers and likely coordinates the palace assault.
- King GhassanRecently killed by Kaveh’s magic; his death triggers succession scramble for Suleiman’s seal.