10The north border, Syria
The answer to Al Siyad’s question had been instant. It was the answer any mother confronted with Sarah’s predicament would have issued. She had answered it, condemning herself to eternal damnation about the selfishness of her words. Aslan and my father will understand , she tried to console herself. They would agree that Aftab came first. The child did not deserve punishment for the acts of his parents and grandfather. If he could have a chance at a life beyond the horror of Syria, then he must have it.
Tell me, Al Siyad had threatened, where they are, and I will see you and Aftab and Rima across the border.
There was a soft knock on the door and Sarah backed into a corner. Al Siyad was framed in the portal. He entered almost reverently and observed, “Aftab is
