This Woven Kingdom, #2
These Infinite Threads
by Tahereh Mafi
Contents
Thirty-One
Overview
Kamran realizes the Diviners confined him to protect and position him to summon Simorgh. Hazan arrives—with Miss Huda, Omid, and Deen—to free him as Zahhak ransacks the palace for Kamran and Zaal’s will. Simorgh and four offspring answer the call, and the group departs by air toward Tulan.
Summary
Kamran waits in the tower, clutching the bloodied feather and reassessing the Diviners’ actions. He realizes they foresaw events and confined him to keep him safe and accessible to Simorgh, whose feather he now holds. He weighs the uncertainty of her arrival against the urgency of his situation.
Footsteps and voices interrupt him as Hazan breaks down the door, accompanied by Miss Huda, Omid, and Deen, guided by Hazan’s firefly. They report Zahhak’s rampage through the palace in search of Kamran and Zaal’s will. Hazan hints at a crucial update—he encountered Kamran’s mother—but urges departure for the docks and a plan at sea.
Before Kamran can explain the feather, Simorgh lands, crushing the roof and revealing her magnificent presence. She acknowledges Kamran and kneels for him to mount. When the others fret about space, Simorgh summons four offspring, each taking a passenger: Miss Huda, Omid, Deen, and Hazan. Kamran warns that anyone who comes does so at their own risk.
Armed by Hazan, Kamran mounts Simorgh. With a radiant cry, Simorgh leads the formation into the night. They leave Setar behind, fleeing Zahhak’s search and setting their course for Tulan, while Kamran contemplates the transformation this flight may impose on his fate.
Who Appears
- KamranImprisoned in a tower; realizes the Diviners protected him; summons and rides Simorgh toward Tulan.
- HazanRescues Kamran with his firefly’s help; arms him; reveals he met Kamran’s mother; joins the flight.
- SimorghLegendary bird who answers the feather’s call; brings four offspring and carries Kamran skyward.
- Miss HudaInsists on aiding the rescue; mounts one of Simorgh’s offspring and departs with the group.
- OmidOverjoyed at Kamran’s rescue; rides a fledgling, eager to join the mission.
- DeenReluctant apothecarist turned awestruck volunteer; takes a seat on a fledgling to depart.
- ZahhakOffstage threat; ransacks the palace seeking Kamran and Zaal’s will, escalating urgency.
- The DivinersTheir foresight positioned Kamran for Simorgh’s arrival, reframing their tower confinement as protection.