Arthur finds himself in Constantinople at the British Embassy, located in the prestigious Pera district. The grandeur of the building, which resembles the elegance of Buckingham Palace, provides him with a certain sense of awe, though his excitement is tempered by the exhausting journey he has just completed. After arriving and settling into his temporary quarters, he enjoys a simple meal of rabbit stew, the comforting warmth of the food contrasting with the bustling city sounds drifting in from outside. In the morning, Arthur is summoned to meet the ambassador, who is a man of high social standing and intellectual refinement, located in a room lavishly decorated with a variety of artwork. The encounter, however, proves to be more strained than Arthur had anticipated, as his eagerness to begin his excavation work in Nineveh is met with the disheartening news that he must wait for the firman, a permit from the sultan, before proceeding. This bureaucratic delay, filled with endless waiting, dampens his spirit and leaves him in an increasingly restless state.

As the days drag on without any updates or news of the firman, Arthur finds himself grappling with the weight of his situation. He grows frustrated and impatient, constantly battling the limitations imposed by language barriers and the complex cultural differences that separate him from the people around him. The embassy’s atmosphere, with its exclusive and aristocratic environment, makes Arthur feel like an outsider, even as he tries to navigate the elite circles and mingle with people of high society. This feeling of isolation becomes more pronounced as he compares the differences between his own customs and the social norms of Constantinople. His longing to begin his work in Nineveh intensifies as each day passes, but he remains stuck, unable to escape the bureaucracy and red tape that are seemingly holding him back. His mind often drifts back to his archaeological pursuits, though he knows he is far from achieving his goals in such a restrictive environment.

In an attempt to distract himself from the growing tension, Arthur turns to the local cuisine and culture, sampling a range of dishes that sometimes leave him with an upset stomach, yet occasionally provide moments of satisfaction. He is especially taken by the sweet desserts and the inviting coffee-house atmospheres that are so prominent in Constantinople. The streets, lined with the energy of multicultural crowds, provide a sense of vibrancy, but Arthur cannot help but feel the absence of women in these public spaces. His observations of women confined to the harem only deepen his curiosity about their lives, and he begins to reflect on the disparities between their hidden lives and his own public existence. These thoughts spark a desire to learn more about the city’s hidden social structures, especially the role women play in this society. Despite these cultural differences, Arthur continues to find solace in the everyday scenes that offer a small glimpse into the life of the city.

Arthur’s wanderings take him to the Grand Bazaar, a maze of bustling stalls and vibrant vendors, where he is guided by a dragoman eager to show him the ins and outs of the marketplace. The market is divided into specialized sections, each catering to a different trade, from spices to textiles, offering Arthur a rich cultural experience. During his visit, a commotion catches his attention when a Yazidi man is accused of devil-worship, sparking a moment of tension and fear in the crowded space. Arthur, moved by compassion and a sense of justice, steps in and erases the chalk circle that had been drawn around the man. The old man, in turn, thanks him, and his words resonate deeply with Arthur, touching a chord within him. The cryptic message the man delivers about a river flowing through him stirs something in Arthur, reminding him of the deeper, often restless currents that exist in his own life. Leaving the bazaar with a small piece of lapis lazuli, Arthur is left reflecting on the encounter, his thoughts turned toward the metaphor of the river and its connection to both the man’s life and his own quest. The moment becomes a powerful catalyst, sparking an introspection that he cannot easily shake off, leaving him with a new sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the world around him.