The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna

Author:Namina Forna
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Usborne Publishing

The Kamanda estate is just as imposing inside as it is out – arching ceilings so high, it’s almost dizzying to look up at them; bright stone floors with pretty inlaid patterns. Statues stand along the walls of each room, their faces covered by intricately detailed golden masks the size of serving plates. Just one of them could feed the entirety of Irfut for at least a decade, and that’s not even considering the jewels that stud a few of the more imposing ones. And as if that weren’t enough, a profusion of rare flowers and vines curl around the columns that border the colossal windows, which are open to the warm night air. Outside of Abeya, this is the first time I’ve seen so many plants inside a home. More to the point, this is the first time I’ve been in a family dwelling this massive, not counting the former emperor’s palace. I didn’t even realize such a thing was possible.

Amusement dances in Lord Kamanda’s eyes as he takes in our gaping mouths. “I remember when I first came here,” he says fondly as his chair whirs along. “I spent an entire afternoon lost in the east wing. Maimuna had to send one of the maids to come looking for me.”

Britta frowns at this, surprised. “Wait, so Lady Kamanda is the one who—”

“Owns all this?” The cheerful nobleman gestures around. “Originally, yes. Even the name, Kamanda, came from her family. But as you know, Hemairan women can’t inherit property. It passes to the oldest brother or, if there are no living male heirs, to the husband of a female heir.”

Lady Kamanda nods. “My father was the last of his line, so I chose Sandima as my husband. Every day, I thank the gods I found him.”

Lord Kamanda kisses her hand. “No,” he corrects her. “We found each other.” The two beam fondly, love gleaming in their eyes.

I glance at Karmoko Thandiwe, who’s walking alongside them, the quiet boy, who I’m now certain is her assistant, just behind her. I hope she’s happy, being part of this unusual little family. Lord and Lady Kamanda, for all their massive wealth, seem to be very kind people, and anyone who’s spent as much time in the Warthu Bera as Karmoko Thandiwe has is sorely in need of kindness.

I continue following the trio, who lead us to a large veranda overlooking the lake, a massive table straining under the weight of the food laid out there.

“And here we are,” Lord Kamanda announces with a triumphant flourish. “A dinner fit for the children of gods.” He beams eagerly at us, almost like a child showing off a favoured toy. If I were in any other state of mind, I probably wouldn’t be able to help being amused by it.

“It looks magnificent,” I say finally, causing Lord Kamanda’s grin to spread even further.

Despite my sadness, I truly mean it. The meal spread out in front of me is unlike any other I’ve ever seen. Cheeses

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