Chapter 5
They took us to The Citadel shortly after Papa disappeared. The rooms were newer then, freshly painted, not stained with blood. They made us wait three days. And then Mama came back and said Papa was a martyr.
I stare at my prayer beads, still wrapped around my wrist. Clumps of greyish-pink peek out of the tiny holes which lace the tektite beads. Lionel Everhart's brains. I am covered with them.
I begin to weep. Why does Allah hate me?
I touch the remnants of the man who once led the rebellion. I've heard rumors about him. Whispers. That someday Lionel and the rebels would set us free. Mama warned us not to make any sedition talk. The person whispering rebellion is usually an agent from The Citadel, trying to rout out rebel sympathizers. Even to think of it merits beheading.
