Contents
Chapter 32: Nahri
Overview
Nahri reels from Nisreen’s death as Subha forces her to rest. Jamshid’s burns vanish and he inexplicably mimics an ancient dialect, alarming him. Kaveh lies to extract Nahri and Jamshid from the hospital, but Qaid Wajed intercepts them amid unsettling Geziriyya calls. Wajed executes a dissenting archer, binds Nahri with iron, separates Jamshid, and orders both taken under the king’s command, deepening the city’s crisis and isolating Nahri.
Summary
Nahri, shaken by Nisreen’s death, attempts to work until Subha intervenes, insisting she rest for patients’ sake. Nahri admits her grief and guilt, then is approached by Jamshid, who reports eighty-six dead and only three attackers found. He is inexplicably uninjured despite Rumi burns.
In private, Jamshid anxiously questions whether the fire contained something else, citing his sudden recovery. When Razu interrupts, Jamshid accidentally speaks perfect, ancient Tukharistani, startling them both. Before they can discuss it, Kaveh arrives, claiming Muntadhir has collapsed at the Grand Temple.
Nahri, Jamshid, and Kaveh ride through an eerily empty midan as unfamiliar Geziriyya calls echo. The Royal Guard led by Qaid Wajed intercepts them. Wajed reveals Muntadhir is at the palace, exposing Kaveh’s lie meant to draw Nahri and Jamshid away from the hospital.
Tension spikes as a Geziri archer challenges Wajed and the orders he cites; Wajed has the man shot for treason, unnerving the Geziri soldiers. Wajed announces the king’s commands: Nahri and Kaveh to the palace, Jamshid to him separately. He threatens lethal force if they resist, starting with Nahri.
To protect Jamshid and Kaveh, Nahri submits to iron-laced cuffs that deaden her magic. Guards strike Kaveh down and seize Jamshid. Nahri vows to kill the king if Jamshid is harmed and promises to seek Muntadhir’s help, but Wajed proceeds, separating Jamshid and marching them under royal orders as the ominous calls continue.
Who Appears
- NahriGrieves Nisreen, steadies herself to lead; submits to iron cuffs to protect others; vows retribution and plans to alert Muntadhir.
- JamshidMiraculously healed from Rumi burns; mimics ancient Tukharistani; surrenders to protect Nahri and Kaveh; forcibly separated by Wajed.
- WajedQaid of the Royal Guard; intercepts them, executes a dissenting archer, binds Nahri, and seizes Jamshid under the king’s orders.
- KavehLies about Muntadhir collapsing to extract Nahri and Jamshid; struck down while pleading for his son.
- Subha (Doctor Sen)Counsels Nahri to rest and refocus after Nisreen’s death; offers support and pragmatism.
- RazuCalls Nahri during the crisis; her dialect is perfectly mimicked by Jamshid, alarming everyone.