📌 Previously in Chapter 33:
In Salim's garden, Zayd and Layla shared a quiet, poetic moment. But the peace was broken by Fahad ibn Qays, an arrogant admirer of Layla, who challenged Zayd to a public poetry competition. Zayd accepted, determined to stand his ground not just as a businessman, but as a man of words — drawing inspiration from the poets of his former life.
📍 Scene: Garden Gate Plaza — Morning of the Duel
The Garden Gate Plaza had transformed into a grand stage for poetic war. Richly dressed nobles and commoners alike gathered, their eyes fixed on a raised platform with silk banners fluttering in the breeze.
At its center stood three judges:
Imam Al-Mutawakil, the elder scholar of the Great Mosque.
Lady Umm Diwan, the veiled poetess of Basra.
Qadi Jamal, a serious man with eyes that saw through pretenders.
Each round had a theme. Each contestant would recite one verse. Four rounds. One winner.
Fahad ibn Qays, dressed in emerald and gold, stood confidently by the steps. He glanced around, smirking.
Then came Zayd ibn Suleiman.
Clad in a simple black cloak, a leather sash, and Nimr the eagle perched silently on his shoulder — he looked like a storm ready to sing.
📍 Round One – Theme: Love and Longing
Poets stepped forward with verses of roses, eyes, and unspoken glances.
Then Zayd stepped up, calm and clear.
ZAYD:
"I loved her not for smile or grace,
Nor painted cheeks or silken lace,
But for the way she dared to burn,
And still returned to walk her place."
A quiet murmur rippled through the crowd. One judge nodded in approval.
📍 Round Two – Theme: War and Fire
Now the plaza tensed.
Fahad stepped forward confidently.
FAHAD:
"I rode with swords and golden pride,
My name rang out on every side,
But glory dies when peace is born,
So I forge my fame through blood and scorn."
Scattered applause.
Then Zayd walked forward.
He closed his eyes — remembering the fury of injustice, of empires, of betrayal. Then, channeling the spirit of Kazi Nazrul Islam, he spoke:
ZAYD (voice rising like thunder):
"I am the rebel flame, the burning cry,
The clenched fist raised against the sky,
I am the roar of chained men's dream,
The forge, the fire, the breaking seam!
I do not bow to crown or creed,
I march with those who dare to bleed!"
A beat of silence. Then the plaza erupted.
Cheers rang from every corner. The judges exchanged glances — unanimous. Zayd advanced.
📍 Round Three – Theme: Silence and Loss
Now, two men remained: Zayd and Fahad.
Fahad delivered a well-rehearsed verse on heartbreak. The crowd responded politely.
Zayd stepped forward slowly. His voice was soft this time.
ZAYD:
"They buried him in cloth, not gold,
No title left, no story told,
But silence knows what men forget—
A heart can rise through ash and debt."
Even the imam sighed softly.
📍 Final Round – Theme: Truth of the Heart
This was the end. All eyes now watched the final two.
Fahad, annoyed by Zayd's success, began with venom masked as beauty.
FAHAD:
"She is a jewel, a prize to claim,
A legacy, a whispered name,
Let weak men fall for hearts and fate—
I rule, I take, I dominate."
The crowd shifted uncomfortably.
Then came Zayd.
He didn't look at Fahad. He looked at the garden — where Layla might be listening. His voice was warm. Certain.
ZAYD:
"She is no prize, no gilded frame,
She is the sea, the wind, the flame,
And if I love, I stand beside,
Not above — with heart, not pride.
Love, if true, needs not to win,
But to be worthy to begin."
A pause.
Then the crowd rose to their feet.
Lady Umm Diwan (standing):
"The winner of the Duel of Verses — Zayd ibn Suleiman!"
📍 Scene: Edge of the Plaza – Sunset
Zayd left the stage quietly as strangers patted his back and called his name. Nimr spread his wings briefly, catching the light.
Zayd smiled to himself.
ZAYD (whispering):
"I didn't fight with swords today… but it still felt like a victory."
End of Chapter 34