A Mercy

Chapter 9 picks up with Florens, who has found the Blacksmith. The Blacksmith has to ride alone to the Vaarks farm because it will be quicker, and because he needs someone to care for a little boy named Malaik. Malaik is a “foundling,” orphaned by both his father and his mother (135). Malaik is staying with the Blacksmith until the magistrate can find a proper place for him—if he ever does. Florens immediately connects the care the Blacksmith has for Malaik to her mother choosing her little brother over her. Florens worries, thinking, “I worry as the boy steps closer to you. How you offer and he owns your forefinger. As if he is your future. Not me” (136). Florens wants to stay with the Blacksmith forever, and she thinks about how this will be the place where none of the bad things that have happened to her can happen again. The Blacksmith does not kiss her though, and Florens notices this.

Florens also notices that Malaik does not like her and wants her to leave. Florens dreams of minha mãe holding Malaik’s hand instead of her little brother.