A Vow and a Mute’s Tale (The Count of Monte Cristo, Chapter 31 – Part 19)

Sinbad recounts Ali’s history with unsettling calm: once condemned by the Bey of Tunis to lose his tongue, then his hand, and finally his head for approaching the harem, he was saved when Sinbad bartered a coveted gun and an English cutlass in exchange for the man’s remaining limbs. Allowed to keep his life—but exiled forever from Africa—Ali now serves with unwavering devotion, though terror drives him below deck at the slightest sight of his former homeland. Franz listens, unsure what to make of a rescue that feels equal parts mercy and manipulation. When he shifts the topic, Sinbad reveals he lives as a wanderer by vow—one made long ago, accompanied by others he intends to fulfill in time.   New to the journey? Start from the beginning at: http://countdownofmontecristo.com   Want to talk theories, themes, or betrayals? Join the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/Sg2prdm   Support the project on Patreon and receive full-length, story-only audio after each chapter: https://patreon.com/gruntworkpod   Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or follow along on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf3vyewhvQugX5M3oREl57A   The Countdown of Monte Cristo is a daily podcast reading one page at a time from Alexandre Dumas’ classic novel — every day, for four years. Whether you’re starting from the beginning or joining mid-journey, each episode brings you deeper into the story of The Count of Monte Cristo.   If you enjoy this show, be sure to check out Odyssey: A Daily Odyssey through Homer's The Odyssey — wherever you listen to podcasts!