Sharrim

The word Sharrim occurs 23 times in Magic Binds.  Sharrim means “of the king.” It is spoken by Ghastek, by Roland’s retainers, by sahanu, and even by Nick, who is trying to twist the knife in the wound, because this word is used to remind Kate where she comes from.

The one person who never uses “Sharrim” is Erra.  Erra calls Kate Sharratum.  Queen.  She does so because Erra doesn’t owe her power to anyone.  She doesn’t need her father to legitimize her, and she recognizes Kate in the same way, as family, queen by bloodline and right, powerful independently of Roland.

There is one more person who reminds Kate where her power comes from and who is found of the word disobey.

The gates of Mishmar’s wall flew open. A sphere of fire and light rolled onto the bridge and broke apart, revealing my father. His face was dark. A blood spear formed in his hand.

“YOU DISOBEYED ME AGAIN, MY DAUGHTER.”

I’d never seen him this pissed off. Not even when I fought with him at his castle. I pulled Sarrat out of its sheath.

Behind us, Mishmar trembled and bellowed like a tornado. I turned around. The tower shuddered. The strange birds took to the sky, their guttural cries swallowed by the noise. Car-sized chunks of concrete and stone broke loose and tumbled down.

“SHARRIM!” My father’s voice rippled with magic. If the bridge had been metal, it would’ve melted in fear.

“It’s not my fault!” I yelled back.

“STUBBORN, IGNORANT, IMPERTINENT CHILD! I TOLD YOU NOT TO COME HERE. I WILL KEEP YOU HERE UNTIL YOU LEARN TO OBEY ME!”

Oh crap.

You’ve got to read a little better, darlings.  🙂