Chapter Three
If I notice the Stealer of Spirits glancing down at his watch, annoyed by how long I’ve gone on about the doctor (since he’s only agreed to listen and respond to my questions as long as they’re about Hawiya), I’ll say:
‘I beg your pardon, dear friend, dear Smiter of Souls, for how long-winded I’m being about Ms. Doctor. But it’s only to convince you of how pure my chance relationship with Hawiya was. I know I’ve got sidetracked, and taken up your precious time – more than necessary, I’m sure. I only really intended to tell you about Suslov’s daughter, Hawiya: the abyss! Now, do you mind if I call you “friend”? Because I can only tell my story honestly and fully if I’m speaking to a dear friend.’
My relationship with Hamid deteriorated unexpectedly. He noticed how passionat
