Daughter of Nomads Read Free Page A

yes, but there was something more in her eyes – she looked stricken as she glanced up and saw Jahani standing there.
    As she stared into her mother’s face, Jahani’s eyes opened wider. Her mother was afraid.
    That evening, Jahani couldn’t concentrate on her sewing. For moons she had been sewing Sameela’s wedding quilt. Now it lay incomplete on her bed without Sameela’s name, and that’s where it would stay; to give the quilt to Sameela’s family now would only cause more sorrow.
    She glanced up as Hafeezah dropped a pebble into the basket to show the beginning of a new day. In the most northern kingdom where Hafeezah had come from, days began at sunset and ended the following evening. There were the same number of pebbles in both baskets now: they were halfway through the lunar year.
    Jahani stood up to make thyme tea and brought a cup to Hafeezah. It was Hafeezah’s cure-all for everything, but neither of them touched it as they sat quietly on their embroidered cushions. Hafeezah seemed far away, tapping her hand against her thigh.
    â€˜Ammi, what else is worrying you?’ Jahani paused, but Hafeezah didn’t answer. ‘It’s not just about Sami, is it?’
    Hafeezah gently took Jahani’s hands in her own. ‘These hands were meant to have henna on them soon.’ She sighed. ‘There is something I must tell you.’ She looked up at Jahani. ‘You are old enough now and I think I can trust you to keep a secret.’
    Jahani tilted her head. ‘Certainly, Ammi.’ She thought about how she’d kept Hafeezah’s language a secret all her life. She hadn’t even told Sameela.
    Still Hafeezah waited, staring into Jahani’s eyes. Jahani breathed deeply, wondering what it could be to trouble her mother so.
    Finally Hafeezah said, ‘I do not think that dagger was meant for Sameela. Nor was it an accident.’
    Jahani gasped. ‘What do you mean?’
    â€˜Summers ago when you were small you were in danger—’
    â€˜Me? Why?’
    â€˜I do not know.’ Hafeezah winced, choking back tears.
    â€˜Ammi, what is it?’
    â€˜I have tried to keep you safe all this time …’
    Jahani thought of her mother’s obsessive concern for her safety and how it made her appear crazed. ‘But, Ammi, you have looked after me well.’
    â€˜Nine summers ago we came. Nine wonderful summers …’ Hafeezah’s voice trailed to a whisper.
    Jahani frowned. But hadn’t she been born here? Nine summers ago she was five. She opened her mouth to ask when Hafeezah said, ‘Today, I almost failed.’
    Jahani stared at her. ‘Ammi, you’re not making any sense.’
    Hafeezah inclined her head. ‘I think that dagger was meant for you.’
    â€˜But why? What are you saying?’
    â€˜I’m not sure—’
    â€˜But, I haven’t hurt anyone. I have nothing anyone could want.’
    Tears welled in Hafeezah’s eyes again.
    â€˜Isn’t that right, Ammi?’
    Hafeezah didn’t answer Jahani’s question. Instead she said, ‘I have more to tell you and I’m afraid it will hurt your heart.’
    Jahani stared at her mother, a sick feeling rising in her chest.
    Hafeezah kissed Jahani’s hand and pressed it against her cheek. ‘Jahani, you are the daughter of my heart, you always will be. But sadly, I am not your birth mother.’ Tears spilled over Hafeezah’s cheeks.
    Jahani snatched back her hand. ‘You’re lying! It’s just the shock of Sami dying.’ Her breath snagged in her throat. ‘Why are you saying this? Ammi, it has always been you and me.’ Her words choked into a sob.
    Hafeezah reached for Jahani to draw her into her arms, but Jahani pulled away. She was so confused, but perhaps this explained why she often felt restless and different. Her red hair wasn’t the only thing that stood out in the