Khaled · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Khaled by F. Marion Crawford.
Chapter 1
I
Khaled, a genie converted to Islam, stands before Asrael, the angel of death, in the third heaven. After a long wait, Asrael writes his name in the book of the living, making him a mortal man. Khaled recounts his history: he killed an unbelieving Indian prince who sought to marry Zehowah, the Sultan of Nejed's daughter, and was granted a conditional mortal life. If Zehowah ever says 'Khaled, I love thee,' he will receive an immortal soul; otherwise, he will perish. Asrael grants him a term of years, and Khaled is given a sword, a mare, and clothing by an angel before being left alone in the Red Desert to journey to Riad.
Chapter 2
Chapter II
Khaled boldly asks the Sultan for Zehowah's hand in marriage, claiming he has no family or possessions. The Sultan is astonished but impressed by Khaled's wit and sincerity. Zehowah, observing from a lattice, argues that marrying Khaled is wise for political reasons, and the Sultan reluctantly agrees. Preparations for the wedding feast begin, causing chaos in the kitchen.
Chapter 3
III
Khaled and Zehowah are alone for the first time after their wedding. Khaled is struck by Zehowah's beauty and asks for her love, but she responds with formal obedience rather than affection. During the night, the city of Riad is attacked by the Shammar tribe. Khaled rides out alone to fight the enemy, rallying the guards and driving back the attackers. After the battle, he returns to Zehowah, who tends his wounds but still shows no love, leaving Khaled disappointed.
Chapter 4
IV
Khaled, frustrated by Zehowah's inability to love him, prepares to lead a campaign against the Shammars despite his wounds and her pleas to stay. Zehowah tries to dissuade him with practical concerns, but Khaled insists on action, believing victory will win her love. Their conversation reveals a deep philosophical divide: Zehowah sees love as a thought, while Khaled demands it as a tangible reality. Ultimately, Khaled leaves for battle, and Zehowah reflects on his unyielding will.
Chapter 5
V
Khaled learns of the Sultan's sudden death, returns to Riad, and is proclaimed king. He confronts Zehowah about her lack of love, while Almasta gains the Sultan's favor by demanding the head of the Sultan of Shammar.
Chapter 6
Chapter VI
Khaled questions Almasta about Abdul Kerim's death but gets no clear answer. Zehowah tries to coax a confession from Almasta, who feigns grief and ignorance. Khaled, overhearing their conversation, is pleased by Zehowah's anger at Almasta's suggestion that Zehowah does not love him. He devises a plan to make Zehowah jealous by pretending to take delight in Almasta's company and beauty.
Chapter 7
VII
Khaled and Zehowah discuss the possibility of Khaled marrying Almasta. Zehowah urges him to take her as a second wife, but Khaled refuses, partly due to his oath and partly because he hopes to provoke Zehowah's jealousy. Zehowah remains calm and logical, questioning his motives. Khaled eventually stops paying attention to Almasta, who becomes jealous and sullen. She later pleads with Khaled to let her stay, but he arranges her marriage to Abdullah ibn Mohammed el Herir, a Bedouin cousin of Abdul Kerim. Almasta reluctantly agrees after Khaled threatens her with death if harm comes to her new husband.
Chapter 8
VIII
Almasta tells Abdullah a fabricated story about Khaled being a Persian robber and a Shiyah who plots to deliver Nejed to the Persians. She also recounts a tale of a Tartar robber named Ismaïl who married a king's daughter and poisoned him, which Abdullah recognizes as a parallel to Khaled's story. Meanwhile, rumors about Khaled spread among the Bedouin tribes and in Riad, though the beggars support him due to his generosity. The chapter ends with the approach of the Haj season and Abdullah's preoccupation.
Chapter 9
IX
Khaled reveals his supernatural origin to Zehowah, but she does not believe him. Rumors spread through Riad that Khaled is a Persian and a robber. Zehowah warns him, but Khaled refuses to bribe the people. He confronts the chiefs, declaring he will fight alone if attacked.
Chapter 10
The Bedouin's Plot
A Bedouin visits the Sheikh of the Beggars and proposes a plan to capture Abdullah ibn Mohammed el Herir to save Khaled from destruction. The Sheikh agrees and organizes his beggars to watch for Abdullah, who soon arrives in Riad with Almasta. They prepare to ambush him in a narrow street.
Chapter 11
The Beggars' Revenge
Abdullah prepares to overthrow Khaled with the support of Bedouin tribes and townspeople, but his plan is overheard by a beggar. The beggars, led by their sheikh, capture Abdullah and his wife Almasta as they attempt to enter the palace in disguise. They shave Abdullah's beard and eyebrows, humiliating him, while Almasta is spared. Meanwhile, Abdullah's followers gather outside the palace, waiting for a signal that never comes.
Chapter 12
XII
Khaled, despondent and expecting an attack, sits in the harem with Zehowah. She sings to him, but he is gloomy, believing she does not love him. As the mob besieges the palace, Zehowah confesses her love, and the Angel Asrael appears, granting Khaled a soul as a reward. Empowered, Khaled prepares to face the attackers, and Zehowah resolves to stand with him. He opens the gate, revealing himself to the crowd, who acclaim him as their leader while Abdullah's men flee.
