5 Murder in Cyprus

Chapter 5 Murder in Cyprus Othello strode into the fort to find his officers and Desdemona gathered around a messenger from Venice named Lodovico. "Greetings," said Lodovico. "The duke has sent me to bring Othello home. Cassio can take care of the fort. How is he?" Othello shrugged.

"My lord and Cassio have fallen out," explained Desdemona sadly. As she spoke Cassio's name, something in Othello snapped. "Out of my sight!" he snarled, striking her. Desdemona clutched her stinging cheek and left, her eyes brimming. "So Cassio has my place," snorted Othello. He strode away, muttering oddly. "Has he lost his mind?" exclaimed Lodovico, staring after him.

Othello had gone to question the servant, Emilia, about Desdemona's meetings with Cassio. "You never saw anything suspicious?" Emilia shook her head. "No, nor heard nor suspected anything," she insisted. "Desdemona is a faithful wife." But her words fell on deaf ears. "Bring her here," Othello ordered.

"You called for me, my lord?" said Desdemona softly, coming in. Othello stared into her clear blue eyes. "What are you?" She gazed back at him. "Your true and loyal wife, heaven knows." "Heaven knows you are false!" "How?" she begged. "What is my sin?" "Aren't you a harlot?" "No!" cried Desdemona, shocked. For a moment, Othello almost believed her. Then he remembered lago's sneers and Cassio's laughter. "I'm sorry," he spat, his words dripping sarcasm. "I thought you were that harlot who married Othello!" And he stormed out. Desdemona wept.

"What's all this?" said Iago, looking in. "My lord called her a harlot!" exclaimed Emilia. "Did she give up her family, friends and country, to be called such names?" Iago did his best to look surprised. "Why?" he asked. Desdemona shook her head. "Heaven knows," she sniffed.

"I bet my life some knave has been telling lies," put in Emilia. "May he be hanged for it!" "Quiet, fool," snarled Iago. He turned to Desdemona. "I expect something else has upset him and he's taking it out on you. Don't cry. All will be well."