The Treasure (11 page)

“It could not be. It has to be a troubadour’s tale, as you say.”

“Well, we cannot wake Tarik and ask him. He made it clear we’ll have to wait until morning.” He rose to his feet. “Go to sleep.”

Go to sleep when her mind was filled with coffers of gold and magical grails? “Will you?”

“Perhaps.” He leaned down, brushed a kiss on her forehead, and whispered, “I know a remedy that would make us both sleep deeply.”

She did not answer.

“No?” He sighed and then moved toward the door. “Then I fear our minds will get no more rest than our bodies this night.”

______

She was coming toward him, moving gracefully, rhythmically, her bare feet seeming to scarcely skim the stone floor.

Tarik waited.

She was almost there.

His heart was beating hard, he was sweating with anticipation.

She stopped before him. He could see the shimmering beauty of her dark eyes illuminating the impassive jackal face.

He took an eager step forward, reaching out to her.

She shook her head.

Agony shot through him. He could feel the pain twisting, tearing.

Why?

He could not see her mouth move but knew the word it formed.

Fool.

She was walking forward, past him.

No!

He had to follow her.

He couldn’t move. He was chained.

He watched, helpless, as she disappeared over the horizon.

Emptiness. Loneliness.

Come back.

But she would never come back.

Tears were running down Tarik’s cheeks when he opened his eyes.

He hadn’t had the dream in a long time, but he had known it would return. It always came back when his soul was in conflict. At other times he could block it, but not when the longing for freedom became this overpowering.

And was that longing so terrible? He had made his decision. Why was he hesitating when he had worked and planned for so long? Did he not deserve to be set free?

She would say he did.

She had called him a fool.

He turned over on his side and looked up at the tapestry Rosa had made for him.

Rosa had never called him a fool. Rosa had been kind and gentle and without a thorn. She had wanted only what was best for him. There had been neither torment nor crisis of conscience when she was by his side. He should be dreaming of Rosa.

But he never dreamed of Rosa.

When he dreamed, it was always of his love, his passion, his nemesis. The woman who moved with the exquisite grace of a dancer and who stared at him with scorn from that jackal’s face.

Selene and Kadar were sitting, waiting, when Tarik strode into the great hall the next morning.

“It’s almost noon,” Kadar said.

Tarik raised his brows. “Is this a sin? Selene made much of the fact of my advancing years. I decided a crippled old man needed his rest.”

“Or perhaps decided to torment us for pushing you to show us the manuscript,” Selene suggested.

“Were you in torment?” He smiled slyly as he dropped down in a chair and stretched out his legs before him. “What a pity.”

“Why does Nasim think you have the grail?” Kadar asked.

“Questions before I’ve even broken my fast?”

“Why?” Kadar repeated.

“There have been rumors about my pretty golden box for some time. You’re aware that Nasim knows everything that goes on in all of Christendom. When we met many years ago, he was curious about the treasure. Later, when he obtained a copy of
Le Conte du Graal
, he became convinced my golden coffer contained the grail.”

“Why?”

Tarik shrugged. “Perhaps because he wants it so desperately. He’s studied the ways of power all his life and thought this was a true path.”

“God would not give that monster power,” Selene said flatly.

“If the grail is of God’s making.”

“What do you mean?”

“You read de Troyes’s claim that he took the tale from another document? The ancient Celts have many legends concerning the grail. There is always a king who guards the treasure, there is always a wandering knight, but the rest of the stories differ. Some of them say the treasure is not a vessel at all but a precious stone loosed from the crown of Lucifer during his struggle with God. Don’t you think that tale would appeal to Nasim?”

“Yes.” Kadar stared directly into Tarik’s eyes. “Is it a grail in your box?”

Tarik smiled. “What do you think?”

“You’re not going to tell us,” Selene said in frustration. “Why show us the manuscript, then?”

“I promised I’d show you what persuaded Nasim to involve you in his machinations. I promised nothing else. Wouldn’t I be a fool to give you a description of the treasure Kadar intends to steal? Perhaps it would make him even more eager to take it from me.”

“Nonsense. He doesn’t want it for himself. He promised Nasim, and he regards any promise as sacred.”

“And you do not?”

“Not if it’s made to a man who would break any promise himself if it suited him.”

“Ah, but women are so much more practical than we men when it comes to honor. We seem to be blinded by our own code.” He looked at Kadar. “But what if it was the grail and it would give Nasim greater power? Would you still give it to him?”

Kadar slowly nodded.

Tarik chuckled. “I thought as much. It’s an obstacle that I must overcome if I’m to win you. I’d far rather set Selene to the task, but, unfortunately, she isn’t ready yet.”

“What is this task?” Kadar asked.

Tarik shook his head. “Not yet. We’re coming closer each day, but I must be sure.”

“And I cannot linger here forever. More than a week has passed. This afternoon I’m going outside the fortress to speak to Balkir before he decides to storm the gates.”

“Very wise. He’s a very impetuous man. By all means, go and reassure him that you’re doing everything you can to wrest my treasure from me.” He paused. “I will, of course, keep Selene and Haroun safe until you return.”

Selene stiffened. “Prisoners?”

“What an ugly word. Guests. Kadar would not wish you with Balkir. I’m the better choice.”

“Yes,” Kadar said. “And who knows, Selene? He may decide you’re more ready than he thinks and give his great task to you instead.”

“I’ve chosen you. She does not have your experience and searching mind. That will come in time, but I’m too weary to wait.”

“And because I’m a woman.”

Tarik shook his head. “I’m not so foolish. I know the worth of women. The cleverest human being I’ve ever encountered was my first wife.”

“And she had this ‘searching mind’?” Selene asked.

“More than I,” he said sadly. “She shone like the sun.”

“Well, I’ve no desire to shine like the sun. I merely wish to be free to go my way and do as I please.”

“So did she. Soon.” Tarik turned away. “I’ll go and tell the guards at the gate that you’re to be permitted to leave, Kadar. Do try to return by dark. I look forward to our evenings together. Selene, will you join me in the courtyard to bid him farewell?”

“Perhaps.”

Tarik smiled over his shoulder at her. “Difficult. But the interesting women always are. I believe you’ll be there.”

“Why?”

“Because life is uncertain and your heart is greater than your stubbornness. You’ll not let Kadar go back to Balkir without a last good-bye.”

She met Tarik’s gaze and then looked away. “You don’t know me as well as you think.”

Tarik smiled as he saw Selene approaching. “You could not resist.”

She didn’t look at him but at Kadar going through the gates. “Only because I had nothing better to do. It’s not as if he goes into danger. Balkir knows better than to harm Kadar. Nasim would kill him.”

“And so would you.” Tarik’s gaze followed hers. “You love him. Why do you fight it so?”

“I
will
not love him. He lied to me. He was going to leave me. He cared nothing for his promise. And you know nothing about me. You cannot know how I feel.”

“I know that sometimes the excuses we seize not to do things are not what really move us.”

“It’s not an excuse.”

“I believe it is. Your instinct is not to run but to fight. So why are you not fighting for Kadar? Fear?”

“Why should I be afraid?”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. You may fear to love him too much. You have an idea what he is and perhaps you sense what he may become. Your instincts are correct. He is in great danger.”

She felt a stirring of panic. “Don’t be foolish. Kadar is too clever. Nasim will not have him.”

“Not Nasim. Me.”

She gazed at him in surprise. “You? You will not hurt him. I’m not blind. You like Kadar.”

“We have a great bond. That will not prevent me from doing him the greatest damage any human can do to another.” His lips twisted. “The temptation is too great.”

“Why are you telling me this?” she whispered.

“Because muddled thinking causes waste and unhappiness. I speak as one who knows. I would not have lost Layla if I’d been able to see truth instead of my own pain. Even now I’m still not sure . . . I like you, Selene. I don’t want you to make the same mistake.”

“What difference does it make what I feel or do if you intend to destroy Kadar anyway?”

“Love always makes a difference. We have to grab it and hold on until the last moment.”

Last moment. A chill iced through her at the words. He was talking about Kadar’s last moment. “I’m going to tell him what you’ve said about hurting him.”

“I don’t doubt it, but he won’t be surprised. Kadar and I understand each other.” He paused. “And he also understands that sometimes destiny forces us all to do what we have to do just to survive.” He smiled sadly. “I often see myself in Kadar.”

“He’s
not
like you. He would not kill you for any reason.” She whirled on him. “We will leave here. I won’t let you do it.”

“He won’t go. He may send you, but he won’t go himself. He hears the call.”

Her chill increased as she remembered that night before Kadar had come to the castle. “What call?”

“Curiosity. Fate. Who knows what calls a man? But he hears it.”

“It’s not true.”

“Ah, I believe you know it is.” His gaze went to Kadar, who was now nearing Balkir’s tent. “If you would permit yourself, you would hear it too.”

“I’ll never permit myself to indulge in such foolishness.”

“Never is a long time, Selene.”

“BY GOD, you’ve been there over a week already. How much longer will it take?” Balkir demanded.

“I have no idea,” Kadar said.

“Then I want the woman returned to me.”

“Tarik prefers her to remain at the castle. I doubt if he would release her.”

“Why not?” Balkir’s fists clenched in frustration. “What is this about?”

Kadar smiled. “It’s about getting Nasim’s treasure for him.

Why else are we here?”

“I’m sure Nasim would not like this. I sent a messenger to tell him what you were doing the moment you entered the gates.”

Kadar’s smile vanished. “And has he replied?”

“Not yet. But he will. He’ll tell me to storm this castle and take the treasure as you could not.”

“He’s wiser than that. He’ll tell you to wait and obey my instructions.” Kadar turned to go. “If I don’t return with the treasure in another week’s time, I’ll come out and inform you of my progress.”

“I’ll not wait forever.” Balkir’s voice lowered menacingly. “I won’t face Nasim’s anger because of your dawdling. I think you seek to betray him.”

“Nonsense. I’ll be in touch with you.” Kadar left the tent and strode toward his horse. As he mounted, he saw Balkir standing beneath the awning at the opening of the tent, balefully watching him. Ordinarily, Kadar would not have been overly concerned, but he could sense a change in Balkir’s attitude. He was growing more belligerent, and his fear of Nasim’s wrath was growing.

Frightened men were always dangerous.

“He’s sent a message to Nasim?” Tarik frowned as he moved his pawn. “That’s not good.”

“But to be expected.” Kadar studied the chessboard. “You couldn’t keep us here indefinitely with no action being taken.”

“Am I keeping you here?” Tarik smiled. “I believe you would stay regardless of anything I said or did now.”

He was right, Kadar thought. With each passing day he felt as if he were being drawn deeper into the web Tarik was spinning about them. Strange, he had fought Nasim’s power but he was not battling Tarik. Maybe because he knew he could tear the delicate web aside and break free at any time. His glance went to Selene standing at the windows across the hall. “I noticed a change in Balkir. I want her away from here. Find a way to get her away from the castle without Balkir seeing her and send her back to Montdhu.”

“She wouldn’t go.”

“If you want me to stay, then you have to send her safely from here. You’ll discover a way.”

Tarik leaned back in his chair and gazed at him. “I’m not sure I wish to do that. What if my plans for you come to naught and I must look elsewhere? It would be a great inconvenience to retrieve Selene from Montdhu.”

Kadar’s head lifted with sudden menace. “I’ll not have you using her.”

“How quickly you rise to her defense. It’s truly touching.”

“I’m weary of your games and your sarcasm. Let’s be done with it. Tell me what you would have me do and I will answer yes or no.”

“You grow impatient.”

“And you speak in riddles and secrets. Is it the grail in your coffer?”

“Do you fear God will strike you dead if you steal a holy relic?”

“Answer me.”

Tarik was silent.

“Then tell me how you came to have the box.”

“My, how persistent you are.” He raised his voice. “Selene, come. Kadar has persuaded me to reveal my secrets. I would not leave you out.”

“Don’t involve her any further,” Kadar said in a low voice. “I told you I wanted her away from here.”

Tarik smiled and held out his hand to Selene, who was coming toward them. “Kadar is being unfair. He wishes to exclude you from our discussion.”

Selene seated herself on a stool by the fire. “It does not surprise me.”

“Where did you get the coffer?” Kadar asked again.

“It was given to me by a young prince. He said it was a gift, but I knew he sought to bribe me to give him the treasure. I took the gift and gave him nothing. I thought it a good lesson for him.” He grimaced. “No, that’s not true. I took it because I was a poor man and the gold and jewels of the box dazzled me.”

“You said you were born of scum of the streets. What did scum have to do with princes?”

“Any man becomes valuable to royalty if he possesses something they want.”

“And what court did this prince grace?”

Tarik shook his head. “You never cease trying to trap me, do you?”

Kadar tried another question. “How did the prince learn of the treasure?”

“Layla told him. She was afraid and wanted to protect us.”

“By giving the treasure away?”

“You don’t understand.”

“How can we understand when you don’t tell us anything of worth?” Selene asked.

“Ah, you wish me to tell you something of importance.” Tarik lazily leaned his head back. “Let me think . . . What does Nasim regard as important?”

“Power,” Kadar said.

“And he believes my treasure will bring it to him.” He paused. “It’s true, it will.”

Kadar went still. “How?”

Tarik ignored the question. “Power is a beacon. It attracts you, doesn’t it, Kadar? What if I told you that you could have enormous power but you would lose everything that meant anything to you? That you would wield it alone?”

“More riddles.” But Kadar was aware that Tarik’s laziness was only a pose; the other man’s gaze was fixed watchfully on his face. “What man would want power that much?”

“Nasim.” Tarik pushed back his chair and stood up. “But apparently not you. I thought not, but there was always hope. It seems I must still make the choice.”

“What choice?” Selene asked.

“Good, evil. I’ve come too close to you. I find myself wavering.” His lips tightened. “But I’m a selfish man. No doubt self-love will triumph in the end.” He turned and walked out of the hall.

Excitement gripped Kadar as his gaze followed him.

“What did he mean?” Selene asked.

“I’m not sure.” But he was beginning to catch a glimmering on the horizon. Impossible. It could not mean . . . No, impossible.

“He frightens me more than Nasim does,” Selene said. “He wants to destroy you.”

Kadar shook his head.

“Don’t be foolish,” Selene said fiercely. “You heard him. We must leave here. And don’t tell me you have to keep your promise to Nasim. I weary of such madness.”

“Then I won’t tell you.” She was frightened, and he wanted to pull her into his arms and comfort her. He knew she would not permit it. Instead, he gently touched her cheek with his forefinger. “I’d hate to risk your displeasure.”

“Don’t jest.” She moved her face to avoid his touch. “Will you come with me?”

“Soon.”

“Why not now, tonight?”

“Why are you so eager to go? There’s no more threat tonight than there was a week ago.”

“Yes, there is. He . . . It’s changing. He was—but now he’s—Something’s going to happen.”

He could feel it too. But to him the realization brought anticipation, not fear. “I’ve discussed with Tarik getting you out of the fortress and back to Montdhu. As soon as it’s safe, I’ll—”

“But you won’t go.” Her hands clenched into fists at her sides. “Thickheaded ox. Idiot. Buffoon. I want to strike you.”

She whirled and ran out of the hall.

He was tempted to follow and comfort her, but if he did, there would be more arguments. He would let her regain her composure and try to talk to her in the morning.

He picked up his pawn from the board and fingered it thoughtfully. Are we just the pieces on a chessboard to you, Tarik?

Maybe in the beginning, but that had changed. Kadar’s instincts told him that Tarik had become more involved than he wanted. Now that Tarik realized that truth, he would take action.

But what action?

Something was going to happen.

He was a fool.

Selene’s fist crashed down on the stone window embrasure. She wished it was Kadar’s stubborn head or his eyes that refused to see.

She leaned her cheek against the wall as she gazed blindly out at the courtyard below.

Why would he not listen to her? He saw the danger of Nasim, but he appeared oblivious to any threat from Tarik. Kadar didn’t seem to be aware of the dark tempest she could sense gathering around him.

They should leave this place. Balkir was no threat at all compared to Tarik.

And she was hiding in her chamber bruising her hand against a stone wall when she should be doing something about it.

Think.

What would force Kadar to leave?

It was difficult to reason. She was too frightened by that whirling storm she could sense coming nearer by the minute.

Something was going to happen.

______

Fear was causing her stomach to clench, but she was breathless with excitement.

It was the same feeling she’d experienced when she’d run away from the House of Nicholas those many years ago, Selene thought.

She drew her cloak closer about her. Breathe deep. Don’t show any emotion.

The guard of the south wall was standing at the head of the rope ladder a few feet above her. He was a young man but not obtuse. She could see he was wary of anyone invading his watch in the middle of the night.

She hoped not too wary. She had waved to disarm him before coming up the ladder. She smiled now as she accepted his hand and he pulled her up the last few feet. “I thank you.”

“You should not be here, Lady Selene.”

“I know.” She sighed. “I could not sleep.”

He gazed at her suspiciously.

“Lord Kadar visited Captain Balkir’s camp today. He said the captain threatened to storm the castle.” She shivered. “He frightened me.”

The young soldier’s demeanor softened a trifle. “You shouldn’t worry. His force is not large enough to prevail against us.”

“I’m not sure. Captain Balkir is a fierce, cruel man. I woke up a short time ago from a dream in which he was creeping closer and closer to this wall. I tried to go back to sleep, but I lay there shaking.” She nibbled at her lower lip as she gazed out into the darkness. “I thought if I could see for myself that he was nowhere near, I’d be able to rest. Is that his encampment over there?”

The soldier nodded. “And there’s been no sign of movement all night.”

“Are you sure? What if he’s managed to slip his men out of the encampment? What if he and his men are down at the bottom of the wall right now, just waiting to loose their arrows?”

He smiled indulgently. “There is no one here.”

“What if there is?”

“I will show you.” He took a step closer to the balustrade and leaned over so that he could see the ground directly below. “No sign of anyone. You see? No one at—”

He grunted as Selene struck him with the brass pitcher she had hidden beneath her cloak.

She caught him as he fell so that he wouldn’t tumble to the courtyard below.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. She hoped she had done no more than stun him. He had seemed a pleasant young man.

An instant later he gave a low groan. A mixed blessing. Now she must worry about him regaining his senses before she could get down the wall.

She quickly untied the rope she had wound around her waist and tied it to an abutment.

The guard moaned again.

She slipped over the side and began crawling carefully down the wall.

“There you are.” Tarik threw open the door of the library and limped into the chamber. His dark hair was mussed but he was fully dressed. “I’ve been looking all over the castle for you. What are you doing here in the middle of the night?”

Kadar closed the cover of de Troyes’s manuscript. “I remembered something and I wanted to reread a few passages.”

Tarik’s gaze narrowed. “Why?”

Kadar countered, “Why are you so concerned about my whereabouts that you come looking for me in the dead of night?”

“I thought you might have gone too.”

Kadar stiffened. “Gone?”

“Selene saw fit to knock out the guard on the south wall and leave the fortress.”

“Lord in heaven.” Kadar muttered a curse at his own stupidity. He had known she was upset. He should have followed her. “Haroun?”

Tarik shook his head. “She went alone.”

“And you came looking for me.”

“I didn’t think she’d be able to persuade you to leave, but I thought you might have followed and tried to find her.”

“I will,” he said grimly.

“No need. When the guard regained his senses, he saw Balkir’s encampment astir. The captain must have intercepted her as she was trying to escape.”

“She wasn’t trying to escape.”

“What?”

“If she had been trying to escape, she would have taken Haroun. She feels responsible for him.”

“Then why did she crawl down that wall?”

“I wouldn’t go with her. She knew I’d follow if she placed herself in Balkir’s hands.”

Tarik pursed his lips in a soundless whistle. “Clever.”

“I want to
strangle
her. By God, I’d wager she marched into Balkir’s camp and woke them up so that they’d take her prisoner.”

“That picture doesn’t lack a certain humor.”

“To me it does.” Kadar headed for the door. “I’m the one who has to get her back.”