The Singer
Ourfa, Summer 1900
Khatoun
Early morning. The heat is quietly seeping into the dusty streets that wind through the Armenian Quarter as Khatoun and Ferida quickstep towards Digin Aghavni’s house. They’re late for their lesson – something the pinch-faced Aghavni has already warned she will not tolerate! It’s not their fault – they were already at the door ready to leave when Grundug had turned up, limping and bloody-pawed. A quick examination had revealed a long sliver of metal embedded in the soft pad of his forepaw.
“Stupid animal!” Ferida had screeched, dragging the slipper off her foot. “He’s been at the silversmith’s again!” At the sight of worn leather Grundug had set off around the house, bloodying nearly all of the rugs before Khatoun had been able to catch him and rem
