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The Subterfuge
- Syracuse University Press
- Chapter
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The Subterfuge sallafa paced the room, frowning deeply as though pondering a momentous problem. “Listen closely,” she suddenly said. “If you insist on returning to Egypt, then we must not waste a single moment. Once the Commander of the Faithful has heard you sing it will be exceedingly difficult to remove you from Baghdad.” Shwaykar was now more than ever convinced of Sallafa’s solicitude and the sincerity of her offers of assistance. “And what course of action does my Lady advise? I am the hostage of her will, and shall do anything to which she commands me.” “We must commence this very instant. You shall complain of a headache and a sore throat. I will inform the Qahramana that you are severely indisposed. Then I shall contrive to have you removed to a nearby palace that the Commander of the Faithful has placed at my disposal. Once you are safely there it will be much easier to smuggle you out of the city.” Shwaykar was unable to prevent herself from falling at Sallafa’s feet to kiss them. “Thank you, my Lady, thank you! I am sure I already feel the onset of a terrible headache!” Sallafa produced a scarf that she proceeded to wrap tightly around the girl’s head. That very instant, the slave Aqhwana entered the apartment . “The Qahramana has sent me to inform my Lady that she grows impatient for Shwaykar. She would have her returned at once, for the Commander of the Faithful is expected shortly.” “Look at the poor child,” Sallafa said, pointing at the prostrate Shwaykar. “She has taken gravely ill of a sudden. Look how she shakes and shivers. I have given her a physic but it has had no effect. The Qahramana shall be obliged to make her excuses to the Commander of the Faithful until the girl recovers.” Aqhwana left to take the dire news to the Qahramana, who promptly came in person to see the stricken Shwaykar. “How can this be?” she demanded of the maid in a the subterfuge | loud, rasping voice as she waddled heavily into the room. “His Highness is due to arrive at any moment. He has long awaited the arrival of this particular singinggirl . How can she take ill, now that she has finally been delivered to us?” Her restless eyes fell upon Shwaykar lying prone on a couch. Sallafa hovered anxiously over her. Her color had changed dramatically and she moaned softly from time to time while Sallafa bestowed tender caresses on her shivering body. The Qahramana took note of all this and felt pity for the girl. “Very well then,” she sighed. “The child shall be moved to the infirmary and placed under the care of our chief physician.” “Do not trouble yourself, my friend,” Sallafa quickly replied. “Let me take care of my wretched countrywoman,” she said as she gently covered Shwaykar with a blanket and felt her cheek and forehead. “I shall nurse her back to health in my own palace, and with more solicitude and affection than any physician can show her.” The Qahramana sighed again in resignation. “Do as you see fit, Sallafa. Only be quick about it. His Highness is likely at the end of his patience.” As she took her leave, she mentally prepared her excuses to the Caliph, who had no doubt promised himself an exceptional evening of entertainment after having so long waited to come into the possession of his prize. As fate would have it, the Caliph’s own page accosted her as she made her way back to her apartments to inform her that his Highness wished to see her immediately. She hurriedly turned her steps to the Imperial Wardrobe and found the Commander of the Faithful dressing in preparation for his evening of revelry on the Terrace. “Where is the new singinggirl ?” he demanded abruptly as soon as his eyes fell upon the Qahramana. “We have finally taken possession of her after long delay, thank God. Have you put her voice to the test? Have you heard it? They say that it is the most exquisite and artful of female voices in the Empire. It is high time that I take some rest from the tiresome business of governing. May God forgive that rascal Abu Bakr, for he is the sole source of my many cares.” Al-Musta‘sim chattered on in this manner while his attendant dressed him in a fine, diaphanous gown and...