CHAPTER FIVE
Fadila and Sharif led us into their abode, and I was struck by the contrast between one palace and another. Ramaal’s ostentatious wealth was less elegant than the unadorned stone walls through which we now traveled. A few tapestries hung on the walls, but they were small and showed simple scenes of forest groves and oases. There were no busts or portraits, and no carpeted floors save when we entered the rooms.
The sitting room turned out to be a square space just off the courtyard and granted a good view of the green garden. Cushioned mats and pillows were placed in a circle around a low table. A long table was set against a far wall and a few platters of snacks and a serving tray of drink were placed there. I couldn’t help but notice that there was a hint of dust on t
