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aithneYesterday and today, I wrote about 4400 words, and lo, another chapter is slain. One more chapter and an epilogue left!
Accomplished: setup for climactic battle! A stern talking-to from a fedayeen! The Bechdel test finally (sort of) passed!
Excerpt:
Isra’s mouth curved. “It’s pleasant, to have a choice rather than follow the path that was laid out for me when I was young. Perhaps my heart has some life left in it yet.”
Hassan had to hide his wince. Choice. At least I can give it to others, even if I have little myself. “My gift to you for your service,” he said. “And to Adel as well.”
“I thank you, and we will continue to serve as we can. I hope that your life becomes one that you choose, and that is not laid out before you.”
“Allah himself has determined the course of my life.” Allah, and the Taker of Souls. “I had once hoped differently, but it was mere human vanity. A weakness, in a servant of the Lord. My punishment has been to lose all that I loved except my calling, and Alamut. And if the next few days go badly, I may lose even those.” He shook his head. “I should not burden you with my problems.”
Isra regarded him with a quiet gaze. “Much of my work is to listen. I am very good at it. Speaking about your pain can help to lift it, at least for a time. You have lost much since the moon was last full. Your sons, Sayyid, that young blade…Majid, yes?”
Hassan could not help tensing when she spoke Majid’s name. “I have. This life and this path have always been difficult. I know I was chosen for this, but it is a solitary calling. To be alone…” He trailed off. I had true companionship for years, and only recently came to appreciate it.
Now, it was gone.
Accomplished: setup for climactic battle! A stern talking-to from a fedayeen! The Bechdel test finally (sort of) passed!
Excerpt:
Isra’s mouth curved. “It’s pleasant, to have a choice rather than follow the path that was laid out for me when I was young. Perhaps my heart has some life left in it yet.”
Hassan had to hide his wince. Choice. At least I can give it to others, even if I have little myself. “My gift to you for your service,” he said. “And to Adel as well.”
“I thank you, and we will continue to serve as we can. I hope that your life becomes one that you choose, and that is not laid out before you.”
“Allah himself has determined the course of my life.” Allah, and the Taker of Souls. “I had once hoped differently, but it was mere human vanity. A weakness, in a servant of the Lord. My punishment has been to lose all that I loved except my calling, and Alamut. And if the next few days go badly, I may lose even those.” He shook his head. “I should not burden you with my problems.”
Isra regarded him with a quiet gaze. “Much of my work is to listen. I am very good at it. Speaking about your pain can help to lift it, at least for a time. You have lost much since the moon was last full. Your sons, Sayyid, that young blade…Majid, yes?”
Hassan could not help tensing when she spoke Majid’s name. “I have. This life and this path have always been difficult. I know I was chosen for this, but it is a solitary calling. To be alone…” He trailed off. I had true companionship for years, and only recently came to appreciate it.
Now, it was gone.
