There Are Rivers in the Sky

Arthur begins to get invited to numerous talks and social events following his appearance at the Society of Biblical Archaeology. On one such evening, he meets Mabel, who expresses romantic interest in him. Arthur, however, remains focused on the missing lines of the Flood Tablet and is thrilled when the Daily Telegraph newspaper sponsors him for an archaeological excavation in Nineveh. Before he leaves, Mabel’s father pressures Arthur into proposing to Mabel. Arthur also visits his mother, who has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Arthur’s previous attempts to see her have been in vain, but he is granted admittance now that he is famous. Arabella has been diagnosed with “melancholy,” and she appears sedated and listless. Arthur leaves behind a lamassu that he has whittled himself for her.

Narin and Besma prepare to travel to Iraq. The night before they are to leave, Narin asks why Leila moved from Nineveh to Hasankeyf. Besma states that Leila had no choice but to migrate. She also reveals that the “gift” runs through the maternal line descended from Leila, meaning that Narin, too, possesses it. When Narin questions what Leila saw that stopped her divining, Besma explains that it was a firman, a “permission for massacre” (259).