On the other hand, Ravan was a city that had stood for many centuries. It had suffered through the reigns of bad monarchs before and survived them well enough. Umar had little reason to doubt its eventual return to Oromasd’s grace. Prince Ahmad was another matter. He was a young man destined for greatness, of that Umar had no doubt at all—but still young and untried. Umar felt he must accompany the prince to ensure he received proper advice and guidance, and to guard him from subtle hidden dangers. Umar’s choice was clear—but its clarity made it no less painful.
Umar and bin Nard walked to the hammam speaking casually of mundane matters and the routine administration of the Temple of the Faith that would have to be carried out during Umar’s absence. As they entered the door of the hammam
