Alamut, the Assassins' Nest

By M. Shokouhi N.

The book is a novel, love story of ages. It is inter-mixed with politics of cultists-terrorists and history, of the 11th century, during Seljuk dynasty of the Persian Empire.
The fire of love between the hero (Alidoost) and the heroine (Golnar) of our story, flaming. However, due to a death in the bridegrooms family, postpones the traditional deflowering wedding nights ritual.
Moreover, during a tumultuous political conspiracy, innocently, our hero accused of murdering his own childhood and beloved friend. Alidoost is imprisoned, and waiting to be head, or put him away for the rest of his life time.
Families devastated, and fall apart. There are dangerous and high ranking nemesis to be revenged, find his lost love Golnar, and revive the rest of his family, if he freed . . . . .

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493190119

Book preview

16946.png

Copyright © 2014 by M. Shokouhi N.

Library of Congress Control Number:      2014905738

ISBN:      Hardcover   978-1-4931-9012-6

                Softcover      978-1-4931-9013-3

                eBook           978-1-4931-9011-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 04/10/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

552546

Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1: Alidoost

Chapter 2: Golnar

Chapter 3: Savior

Chapter 4: Gharoon

Chapter 5: Gharoon’s Treasure

Chapter 6: Nightfall At Khajeh Mansur’s House

Chapter 7: Miracle

Chapter 8: Sinners Of Dome Street

Chapter 9: 2 Contenders

Chapter 10: Alidoost’s Luck

Chapter 11: Fate Again

Chapter 12: A Night Of Horror

Chapter 13: The Match Maker

Chapter 14: Hope

Chapter 15: Conspiracy Or Pious Jihad

Chapter 16: Lovers

Chapter 17: The River Whirlpool

Chapter 18: Success Or Failure

Chapter 19: In The Dark Of The Night

Chapter 20: In A Whirlpool Of Accusations

Chapter 21: Kasim, The Prison Guard

Chapter 22: Guilty Of Innocence

Chapter 23: The Executioner Is Waiting For You

Chapter 24: Golshan Baaji

Chapter 25: Firouz And Golchehreh

Chapter 26: The Final Verdict

Chapter 27: Forgotten

Chapter 28: One Stone And Two Birds

Chapter 29: Ahmad Siaah’s Gardens

Chapter 30: The Alamut Fortress

Chapter 31: The Ascent

Chapter 32: The Descent

Chapter 33: Return To Isfahan

Chapter 34: The King’S Audience

Chapter 35: Hope Replaces Despair

Chapter 36: The King’s War Of Terror

Chapter 37: Alidoost’s Family

Epilogue

For my Grand Children,

Gieta

Lily

Yasha

Nika, Nila

Ava

Donya

MY HIGH GRATITUDE

T O DEAR FRIEND, of over 50 years, Professor Richard T. Jackson, of the Emory university , who encouraged and led me through to finish this book, for a duration of 8 years, which it took.

And to My beloved daughter Aria, without her help in linguistic knowledge, It would not have been possible to finish this book.

And to my dearly loved wife , for 58 years has encouraged me in every task.

PROLOGUE

T HE BOOK IS a novel, a love story of ages. It is intermixed with politics of cultists-terrorists and history of the eleven century during Seljuk dynasty of the Persian Empire.

The fire of love between the hero (Alidoost) and the heroine (Golnar) of our story burns. However, due to a death in the bridegroom’s family, the traditional deflowering wedding night ritual is postponed.

Moreover, during a tumultuous political conspiracy innocently, our hero is accused of murdering his own childhood and beloved friend. Alidoost is imprisoned and waiting to be beheaded or put away for the rest of his lifetime.

Families are devastated and fall apart. Alidoost wants to Take revenge on dangerous and high-ranking nemesis, find his lost love, Golnar, and revive the rest of his family, if he is freed . . . .

CHAPTER 1

Alidoost

T HIS IS A love story intermixed with politics of history.

Our story begins on a Friday morning in the spring of 1078 at Khajeh Mansur’s house, who was a well-known merchant in Isfahan, the capital city of Persia.

Khajeh was sitting in his guest chamber and talking with a person who had the appearance of being one of a high-ranking class in society, called Sabbah.

Behind a small side door to the chamber, a black young man with a sinewy body and sharp ears was leaning against the door, eavesdropping. From time to time, he would smile with an almost satanic-like amusement.

This person was Khajeh Mansur’s personal servant, who was about twenty-four years old and was called Firouz.

At the same time, two other people were conversing while walking in the tree-lined expansive courtyard. One of these was a tall, strong young man with a radiant and anxious face. The other one was a black person also tall, with a strong and powerful body, called Chehreh.

Chehreh was speaking warmly to his friend Alidoost.

I wish you would understand both your own position and my master’s as well. And I hope you would have the necessary patience to undertake the burden and pain of this matter in a manner of a strong-willed man, as you are.

The young man, whose face showed signs of anxiety and sadness, sighed in response to Chehreh and said. My dear friend, it is my belief that your master’s decision to ask for Khajeh Mansur’s daughter’s hand is tantamount to ending my life. How could I be impartial in such a grave personal affair?

Chehreh in the same friendly tone advised, Alidoost, my friend, you should take my words as a token of our long years of deep friendship. The consequence of any hostility toward my master is unimaginable. I tell you, he is a bad man. You do not know him and I know him well. Moments ago, I told you, patience, my friend, patience. If you stand in his way, you will be defeated and terminated.

Chehreh then changed his tone of voice and moved his head close to Alidoost’s, and he softly said, You do not know what kind of blazing beast he is!

Alidoost said, I am completely familiar with his psyche, his personality, and his power. I look at him differently, however.

Alidoost hesitated for a moment, then in a firm tone decided to continue and said, I am not afraid of his power and his connections in high society. No matter what, I am going to stop him from following up on his decision.

Once again, Chehreh started to advise his friend and said, The reason that I am telling you not to cross his path is not that I wish his success and your defeat and failure. It is because of my deep friendship with you I cannot bear to see you get harmed even in the slightest. Alidoost, in spite of your bravery, your swordsmanship, and your noble family background, you must remember that you are against him. Possibly, what can you do? He is someone who even antagonizes the Grand Vizier, the Prime Pinister! As you know, the Grand Vizier is favored by the Sultan and has high esteemed power in the royal court. He is extremely popular and respected universally throughout the Persian Empire. Alidoost, one should be wise and one should not pursue the impossible.

Alidoost was about to respond when the front gate to the courtyard opened and an ugly-looking man appeared through the vestibule. As he was coming down the stairs, the man addressed Alidoost, My hometown friend has arrived.

The man did not even wait for Alidoost to respond. Then he called for his friend, Come in, friend, this household is a shelter for travelers and the homeless. Nobody is more hospitable than Khajeh Mansur. Instantly, another even more terrible-looking man than the first one appeared from the vestibule. The second person followed the first one, then both of them disappeared behind the trees and into the servants’ quarter.

Chehreh looked at the couple and asked, Who are these people?

He is the new servant ‘Valee’, and the other one is his visiting hometown friend, Alidoost answered. It seemed that Alidoost had a bad feeling about him and his visiting friend. As they disappeared from sight, Alidoost told Chehreh, I don’t trust them.

Chehreh nodded his head in agreement. Alidoost continued and said, Shall we pass on? However, I am going to keep an eye on them.

Chehreh changed the subject and said, The meeting between my master Sabbah and Khajeh Mansur is taking longer than I expected. Apparently, they have not reached any agreement.

I hope there would not be any sort of contract between these two people, Alidoost added. However, right at that moment the voices of two people were heard.

Chehreh said, They are coming. Firouz is behind them! And as Chehreh was stepping away from Alidoost, he softly murmured, Please, I beg of you, Alidoost, do not jeopardize your life. I hope this is the last time I am telling you.

Chehreh stood on the side of the path, waiting for his master.

Alidoost did not hear him. He was concentrating on the conversation between Khajeh and his guest, Sabbah.

Khajeh Mansur with veneration walked his guest close to the vestibule, where Alidoost and Chehreh were standing. They hesitated for moment, and then Khajeh with a smiling face said, I hope in ten days all affairs will be settled so I can report the results to my family.

His guest said, Very well then, our return meeting will be in ten days.

Khajeh out of curiosity asked his guest Sabbah, What is this matter of tax and bookkeeping that everybody in town is talking about?

Sabbah proudly stated, For some years the provincial taxation and bookkeeping on incomes and expenses have been disarray. His Majesty, the King, is giving an audience for consultations. I have been ordered to participate as consultant, the same as the Grand Vizier.

Khajeh asked, When this audience is going to take place?

His guest curtly answered, Tomorrow morning. Then he noticed Chehreh and signaled to him to leave. Chehreh said good-bye to his friend Alidoost and followed his master out of the courtyard. Khajeh Mansur accompanied his honored guest to the front gate. When he returned, he said to Alidoost, Didn’t you recognize my guest?

Alidoost answered, Yes, I have known Chehreh, his slave, for many years. I am familiar with Sabbah as well.

Khajeh Mansur expressed, Of course. You know that he has high position in His Majesty’s court.

Alidoost reluctantly answered, Yes, Sabbah as it is said has high place in the royal court. And then as if he was talking to himself, he murmured, Apparently, I am not going to succeed in what I had hoped for. In ten days, everything will be changed. That is what my heart is telling me.

Khajeh Mansur happily hurried back to the women’s quarter with the news.

Alidoost, after his short talk with Chehreh, felt lonesome and sad. He sat on the steps leading to his own chamber. He was deep in thoughts. God, what will happen if that man attains the object of his desire? He repeated that sentence several times, while speaking to himself. Suffice to imagine that she will have a bitter and unwholesome life. Sabbah’s desire is no more than an evil passion for this unsuspecting young girl.

He pounded his forehead with his fist. I am furious. He protested, Khajeh too has agreed to this terrible affair! Sabbah’s influence and his apparent wealth have clearly deceived Khajeh. He has been blinded with all the illusionary dignity and glory. O, my Lord, she will be miserable.

Uttering these last words, Alidoost showed his visible and deep heavenly love for Khajeh’s daughter, Golnar, to such an extent that he did not even dare to articulate her name.

Suddenly there was a flicker of light in his eyes. No, I will not let her be miserable. I will strive with all my might to ensure her happiness.

It had happened six months ago; unaware, he had fallen deeply in love with Khajeh Mansur’s daughter, Golnar. In fact, he did not know exactly when he had fallen in love with her; rather, it felt it was all his life.

However, he avidly remembered one evening after leaving a friend’s house when he found himself with such an overpowering emotion walking in a dark alley that he became completely unaware of his surroundings. He was totally consumed by his flaming love for Khajeh’s daughter. After walking aimlessly through several alleys and many hours later, he found himself approaching a house. He heard an old woman calling his name.

Alidoost, is that you?

He was depressed and exhausted, and his body was covered with cold sweat. It seemed that his mother’s voice woke him up from a terrible dream. He became aware that he was at home and his mother was calling him in a loving voice.

Is that you, Alidoost? his mother said. Oh, my son, you are late again tonight!

Dear mother, but I was at a friend’s house.

That answer did not convince her, so she continued, You tell me the same thing every night! You don’t even know the password for the night. Night watchmen may catch you and lock you up all night.

Nana. This was what he called his mother. Don’t forget I am twenty-two years old. I can take care of myself. In addition, all night watchmen know me. And all of them in our neighborhood respect me, because of you and my father’s legacy, God bless his soul. Please, Nana, don’t worry so much. However, Nana, you are right. One never knows. From now on, I will come home before dusk.

It has been nearly a month that Alidoost had lost his cheerful demeanor. He had become a very sad and withdrawn person. The young man’s bright and happy face, who never lost his smile, languished and he was melancholic. Only a capable physician could likely diagnose that his ailment was not physical, but mental. Some kind of inner pain had taken over him to make him so miserable. Yes, indeed his malady was lovesickness.

Alas, he was in love with a girl, but he thought he would never succeed to attain his burning desire. Nevertheless, in some place in a far corner of his heart there was an obscure ray of hope. And this dimly burning beacon was his only source of encouragement. A miracle might save him.

Generally, Alidoost was a healthy young man, and his hard work provided a good living for his mother and himself. Fifteen years ago when he was seven, he had lost his father.

His father was a brave Persian cavalier who lost his life in a battle against foreign invaders years ago; Alidoost was then seven years old. Since then, in remembrance of his father’s bravery, the family received war reparation from the King’s treasury.

Their household was full of love, which was beyond comprehension of their neighbors and relatives. In particular, Alidoost was very empathetic and benevolent toward his neighbors; all around, there were mutual love and admiration.

That night during supper, Alidoost showed a lack of appetite.

Dear Nana, it seems that I am not hungry tonight, and if you don’t mind, I am going to take rest. That remark increased Nana’s anxiety and enthusiasm by several folds.

She suddenly started to cry. Dear son, at least be kind to your old mother. I feel that there are afflictions in your heart, and you are hiding them from me. Aren’t I your only mother? Aren’t I the only person who worries about you day and night? Why don’t you tell me the truth? Let God be my witness if you continue to conceal and sequester your troubles from me I will lose the only life that I have for you.

Alidoost felt a great sadness after seeing his mother crying like that. He did not wish his mother to be in the same pain as himself. After a moment of vacillation, he finally said, My dear Nana, my hands are tied and my tongue is locked. What can I tell you? Alidoost was embarrassed to mention his love for Khajeh Mansur’s daughter. He blushed and almost covered his face to hide it from his mother. He wanted to utter something, but neither would his lips move and nor would a sound emanate from his mouth. At that moment, his behavior was like a fifteen-year-old boy who had done something wrong and was trying to hide it from his mother.

Again, there was an interlude of silence, which was broken by the wise and old Nana’s soft lamenting, but giving a half smile, she said, Then you must have fallen in love, my son! Nana happily continued, Now tell me who is the lucky girl. Tell me, tell your mother, and tomorrow early in the morning I will go for matchmaking and ask for her hands. But why are you hiding it from me? You have to be unwearied. Everything is going to be according to your heart’s desires.

Dear Nana, you don’t understand, he said sadly. If I had worldly possessions and vast resources, everything would have been splendid. As it is, only a miracle will answer my calamity.

Now she was able to comprehend her son’s dilemma.

Is she from high class family?

Yes, Alidoost said with a deep sigh. You know them very well. In addition, you have met them, and you have been in their house on many occasions. Indeed, we have known them since my childhood. Nana, it is Khajeh Mansur’s family that I am referring.

Upon hearing that, she leaped to her feet and in a trembling voice exclaimed, What? . . . You… Khajeh Mansur? Is that what you said? Did you really mention Khajeh Mansur’s family?

Alidoost sighed deeply and shook his head out of despair.

My child, you are right to be so unhappy and downhearted, Nana said.

So you see why I didn’t want to have you worried about my predicament. I think if I could work for Khajeh Mansur, I would have the opportunity to show him my talent and my reliability, he continued, as if he was talking to himself.

Nana, what do you think? I have an excellent background and a very good education. I bet he would benefit from my services. Slowly, I will attain to be a reliable member of his establishment. You know, these big merchants, they always take someone under their wings. And…

It seemed that the old woman wasn’t paying attention to her son’s last words. It appeared that slowly some kind of a plan was developing in her mind. Her deep sad look was gradually turning into a mild smile. She said, finally, So you want to make progress in Khajeh Mansur’s establishment?

Why, yes. Nana, don’t you think it is rather a good idea?

Yes, I think there is a window of hope for you. Let me talk with Gohar Khatoon, Khajeh’s wife, tomorrow. She is in good terms with me. Besides, I am due to visit her for Norouz, the New Year felicitations.

Next morning, when Nana entered Khajeh Mansur’s house, one of the servants with a happy face called out, Nana is here.

Hearing the servant’s voice, a woman of forty-five years age appeared at the threshold of her chamber. With a welcoming look on her face, she said, Salaam, dear Nana.

That woman was Gohar Khatoon, Khajeh’s spouse. She was an amiable woman and benevolent to her subjects. Her servants found her extremely compassionate and loved her very much. Everybody knew about her generosity toward unprivileged people throughout the city.

Gohar Khatoon especially loved Nana, and she enjoyed Nana’s companionship. That was why when Nana came over to visit her, she received her warmly and invited Nana to her own quarter.

Moments later, the khatoon’s personal servant, an extremely attractive black girl named Golchehreh, brought and served tea, a platter of fruits, rice cookies, and baklava. She then left the reception chamber.

Gohar Khatoon invited Nana for some refreshment while asking about her well-being.

Tell me about yourself and your son, Alidoost.

Nana didn’t know how to start the conversation, and at first, she hesitated to pour her heart out to Gohar Khatoon.

Actually, dear khatoon, I hope you accept my apology for being so late to come and see you for the New Year, the Norouz spring celebrations. Then she continued, In fact, I have not been well. However, I wish you and your family all the best of health and happiness. And many blissful returns.

Oh, Nana, you are so eloquent in these things. Thank you, Nana. I am so delighted that you are here now. I wish to extend my blessings to you and your son as well. After a moment, with empathy she asked, Now tell me, Nana, what is ailing you?

The old woman became overexcited, and tears appeared in her eyes. Trying to hold her tears back, she said, My khatoon, I am excessively concerned about my son’s future. You know, after my husband’s death, he is the only beloved I have in this world. As yet, he doesn’t have a proper career to fit his background, and not to mention his abilities and education.

Nana was encouraged by her hostess’s reaction, who appeared very sympathetic.

You know, Alidoost, lately, has showed despair and depression. I begged him to tell me about his distress. Nevertheless, he was very reluctant, and at first he declined to confide in me. Only when I was close to tears was he willing to share his grievances. It breaks my heart to see my boy like that.

Nana wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, then continued, He finished Madresah with Mirza Jalil Naini. As you know, as they say he is a very good teacher. Alidoost studied reading, writing, penmanship, arithmetic, mathematic, accounting, and whole bunch of other subjects that I am not familiar with. Mirza Jalil recommends him in every respect.

I know Mirza Jalil, Gohar Khatoon said, anticipating Nana’s desperation. Then the khatoon continued, As a matter of fact, my husband has requested Mirza to come to our house and tutor our daughter. I am glad that your son, Alidoost, studied with Mirza Jalil. He must be outstanding. Then she said, I’ll tell you what I am going to do.

Yes, khatoon, I am at your disposal. I will do anything for my son, the worried Nana replied.

For a while, there was an uncomfortable silence. And Nana didn’t know what to say while the khatoon was thinking. Finally, the khatoon broke the silence and in a loving voice said, I think you are right, dear Nana. Your son has great potential. I am sorry to say that it has been our oversight too. My husband can offer your son numerous opportunities which will enable him to demonstrate his abilities and talents. I wish you had mentioned this matter sooner. Even now it isn’t too late. Tell me, how about if Alidoost accepts a managerial position in my husband’s bazaar establishment?

There was a light of happiness in Nana’s eyes.

My son? she said.

Why, yes. As a matter of fact, the man who was in charge of the position has left for his hometown and he isn’t coming back. I understand that the position is still open.

You are extremely benevolent and generous. Do you think it is possible? Nana asked with high expectation.

"Now he can start at this position. Later on, my husband knows many influential people in government, at which time your son can progress to higher levels.

I am going to speak with my husband tonight. And you tell your son, tomorrow early in the morning, before the dawn prayers, go to Khajeh’s Hojreh – the work chamber, in Grand Merchant’s Bazaar. Be ready to work. With a wink, she added, Let us hope for the best.

Dear khatoon, I don’t know how to thank you. The Almighty is with you and your family, Nana uttered. Then she out of respect and tradition kissed the khatoon’s left shoulder.

At home, when Alidoost returned from his work, Nana explained and told him about her visit with Gohar Khatoon. She didn’t even miss a word. Suffice to say, the story had more gist of substance and meaning. As Nana talked, Alidoost only envisioned that he would be seeing Golnar more often.

At dawn, he was at Khajeh’s Hojreh, ready and eager to learn all tricks of the trade. Khajeh spent several weeks teaching him the Hojreh operations, bookkeeping, commodities, buying, selling, suppliers, retailers, wholesalers, etc.

Khajeh was surprised that Alidoost absorbed and picked up everything so quickly and meticulously.

Several months passed. Due to Alidoost’s wit and intelligence, he learned a great deal about his duties. He found himself at ease and confident in his work. His royalty to Khajeh was unsurpassed. Khajeh slowly took him into his confidence. He found Alidoost very trustworthy and dependable.

One day, Khajeh Mansur called Alidoost to his business chamber and confidentially told him, "I have to go on an important business trip for a few months. In my absence, you have to take care of the business chamber and in addition be the household guardian.

Why don’t you come to the house tomorrow? I would like you to meet the family closely and formally.

Alidoost felt overwhelmed, yet he happily agreed. All through the day, he was ecstatic and lighthearted. During the night, he could not sleep because of excitement and anticipation. Finally the night was over. After the morning prayer, he dressed. He kissed Nana’s hands and said good morning. He then left the house without breakfast. Behind him, his mother hollered, Where are you going so early and without any breakfast?

She heard no response. He had already left the house. He was so happy and joyful that he wanted to dance in the streets. He reached Khajeh’s house earlier than he had anticipated. He passed the house and continued to walk to the next alley. His heart was pounding fast. He hesitated for a while, then looked at his trembling hands and felt numbness all over his body. Nevertheless, it was a pleasant feeling. Yes… , he said to himself. I am going to my loved one’s house. If I am lucky, I might even see her. Oh my Lord, what a blessing.

After he gathered his composure, he decided to go back to the house gate.

At the gate, he lifted the knocker. With some hesitation, he softly rapped on the huge gate twice. He waited, for what it seemed forever. Yet nobody answered. He said under his breath, Dear God, help me.

He felt a force of strength gathering in him. The second time he forcefully knocked on the gate three times. After a while, he heard somebody unlocking the wooden bolt. A small door within the large gate opened up. It was Firouz, the young black servant. He quietly escorted Alidoost from the outer part of the mansion to the inner private section.

Alidoost… Alidoost, Khajeh called from his chamber.

Yes, Khajeh, I am at your service.

Come in, my son.

Alidoost went up the stairs, took off his shoes, and left them by the entrance door to the chamber. Then he entered the chamber. Salaam, he politely said.

Khajeh pointed to a spot near himself and answered with a smile on his face, Aleik al Salaam, you are welcomed. Be seated, my son.

Alidoost sat down on his knees, feet tucked in. Moments later, he felt dizziness and his heart was pounding again. At that instant, he heard a pleasant voice from the next chamber – a voice that penetrated deep into his heart. Although he could not see whose heavenly voice it was, he knew it could only be hers.

Khajeh broke the silence. After some small talk, he came to the yesterday’s main affair.

He carefully explained about Alidoost’s duties at the Bazaar and the house. At the end of his recommendations, he said, In spite of all the servants, managers, etc. that we have, during my absence I need a capable and wise person – in addition, someone honest and faithful. To tell you the truth, you are the only person that I can trust. You are like a son to me.

Alidoost thanked his benefactor. I hope I will be able to perform my duties satisfactorily. God willing, when you come back from your successful venture, you will find everything to your contentment.

Khajeh turned his head toward the next chamber and said, You can come in and meet Alidoost.

About a minute later, the curtain on the back door of the chamber was lifted and a khatoon with a silk hair bandana on her head entered the chamber.

Alidoost standing up said, Salaam. But he did not lift his head up, as he was not supposed to look at the khatoon’s face.

The khatoon answered him, Salaam, you are welcome. Do sit down.

Khajeh Mansur turned his head to the khatoon and said, I will be leaving in two weeks. During my absence, this young man whom you know well is going to be your guardian. He will also be the trustee and administrator of my affairs in the Bazaar.

Actually, we need a person like him, Golnar Khatoon said. Then she turned her head toward Alidoost and said, I hope you will be appeased and that in every respect you will be comfortable in this house.

Alidoost said, I am sure that I will be fine. My mother has spoken of your graciousness and your benevolence many times. I am more than happy to be of any service to you and the rest of the family. It is my honor.

Although Alidoost was conversing with Khajeh and the khatoon, his mind was somewhere else. Minute by minute, he was getting lost in anxiety. His heart was racing again. He felt he was sweating and he felt overwhelmed with trepidation. He was at the peak of this emotion when he became aware that Khajeh was calling for his daughter, Come and meet Alidoost.

Alidoost noticed there was a slight motion behind the curtain, as if somebody was listening to their conversation. Nobody else had noticed that. She entered the chamber. He