Chapter 25 Ammad-1
25 AMMAD Jakira’s allies were willing and ready. Whaled’s men were in place. Ammad’s hump tickled with the promise of power. Our Ruler Mastiq, pathetically devoted to religion, had called a grand ceremony in the Holy Square. High Priest Zeead, Jakira’s puppet, had ordered a cleansing of the Drome Ruler. Jakira and her two sons had not been invited. But here they were, hidden towards the back of the noble families. The Tamadeens milled in front of the stage, surrounded by their slave-guards to keep the poorer Parchaders firmly away. A dank odour emanated from the crowd. It was scorch season, and the relentless sun hammered down on their heads. All sweated and the dense humidity stifled breathing. Slaves fanned the women, and the men dabbed at their foreheads with cloths in their fa
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