Chapter 10: Change at Wadi Halaf

It’s very late by the time I’ve finished my work. I continue to sleep in the harem each night, even though there are guest rooms available for my use now that some of the caravans have departed. My father’s own room needs a thorough clean before I could contemplate occupying it. Besides, sleeping the the harem enables me to hear gossip about the mood and activities of most of those here. So far the death of my father hasn’t caused any serious disruption to the running of the caravanserai, although two of my father’s concubines were expecting to be set free upon his death. Unfortunately the terms of my appointment as mistress of Wadi Halaf means that freedom isn’t something I can grant them. But knowing of their expectations at least means I can deal with the situation before it festers into something worse.

A week later, I have made considerable progress in reorganising things to fit my plan for both Wadi Halaf and the Halls of Valhalla. Gülnihal and her two maids departed Wadi Halaf yesterday, which considerably improved the mood among the slave women. Her departure solved the immediate problem with the two former concubines wanting their freedom. Apparently Gülnihal had been making their life hell, and that was the reason they wanted their freedom. Now she has gone, they are content to remain here as slaves. Without family to care for them, remaining as slaves at Wadi Halaf ensures they have a roof over their heads and food in their bellies.

Zoe has accepted an arranged marriage to one of the young men her father had short-listed. She will return to her father’s house when the Halls of Valhalla ceases operations at the end of next week. All but three of the Halls’ slaves will have completed their training by then and be ready for sale. It isn’t worth keeping the Halls running for another two weeks for the sake of the remaining three slaves. Amina has said that she’ll give the three women extra training in the interim. I agreed to defer a decision on whether to sell the three slaves straight away, or to bring them to Wadi Halaf and complete their training here.

Amina, Farai, Hanna, Sharina and Zahra will be moving to Wadi Halaf once the Halls of Valhalla closes. Sharina and Zahra will be supplementing Dania and Phoebe in providing visitors with entertainment and sex. Although Hanna wasn’t included in my original plan, I’m transferring her to Wadi Halaf to take charge of the kitchen. My mother and the other three former concubines of my father have struggled to keep on top of the almost constant demand for meals. The arrival and departure of trading caravans is still affected by the broken bridge on the east road. For a large caravan, crossing the river by the temporary ferry takes the best part of a day. That creates congestion and means more caravans are wanting accommodation at Wadi Halaf while they wait for their turn to cross the river.

As for Farai, I will assign her to be Aren’s understudy. Although she is still only seventeen, she has shown an aptitude for administration that makes her ideal as an eventual replacement for Aren. I have recorded Amina in Wadi Halaf’s records as my personal maid, although I envisage her duties will go far beyond that. I haven’t given up on the idea of engaging in a similar line of work to the Halls of Valhalla, for which Amina will be a key component.

Just as I think I’m on top of all the changes that my father’s death has wrought, I receive a deputation from the city aldermen that creates an unexpected twist to the tale. Fortunately Samvel isn’t among the group as I doubt either of us could be civil to the other.