‘I couldn’t stop myself. While I was coming home, a woman
called out for help. A soldier was going to kill her. I didn’t want
to hurt him. It was an accident. But now Governor Zengi says
that all our family must leave at once or we’ll be in danger.’
‘Oh, Shirkuh! You’re a fighter. You’re stronger than most men.
But when you’re angry, you stop thinking. It’s always been this
way, but I can’t leave until the child arrives.’