Chapters 25-27 Summary

Ali marks a map with flags to picture what the newspapers report. Feth Ali Khan proclaims a Free Republic of Azerbaijan and with Enver Bey and other pashas is encircling Russian-occupied Baku. Jahja reports on Nino's latest antics, which have caused him to lose face and he wants to call in an exorcist. Ali pays no attention, knowing that Nino is doing it for sport. Firing Jahja would do no good, for his replacement could be worse. Looking at the flags, Jahja suggests simply moving them to victory and says praying during Moharram could provide such strength. Nino's parents are visiting Teheran and she spends much time with them.

Ali sends for Seyd Mustafa. Ali longs to be with Iljas Beg is on the battlefield, but Russian and English troops guard all roads to the front. Persia is retreating like a...