Iris Johansen - The Treasure

“I thought it was too easy. How did you know I’d choose the south wall?”

“It’s the one I would have chosen.” He smiled. “And you’re a very clever man, Kadar.”

“How do you know my name?” His eyes narrowed as a thought occurred to him. “Nasim?”

“You think Nasim betrayed you?” He shook his head. “I can see your reasoning. Nasim is both treacherous and convoluted, but I assure you he sent me no messages.”

“Then how did you know me and my mission?”

“I have my own people at Maysef.”

Kadar stared at him skeptically.

“Ah, you think because Nasim’s followers are such fanatics that I could not inveigle my people among them. It was difficult but not impossible.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Because Nasim is clever and persistent. I knew he would eventually find someone he considered capable of taking the box from me. He chose well in you. I’ve followed your progress with interest from the time you were a boy. You’re truly unique.”

“You’re too kind,” Kadar said ironically.

“I’m not kind at all-unless moved. And it takes a great deal to move me these days.” Tarik gestured to the chair opposite him. “Well, are you going to put up that dagger and come in and make yourself comfortable?”

“What would you do if I didn’t?”

“I would take it away from you.”

“Indeed?”

“Without harm to you, of course. You’re too valuable to damage. Even Nasim realized that truth.”

“You think you could do it?”

“I didn’t mean to arouse your competitive instincts.” He sighed. “Yes, I could do it. You’re very good, but I’m older and I’ve had more experience.”

“Older is not always better.”

“In this case it is. But I have no intention of humiliating you. Though I believe you’re one of the few men who could accept and learn from it. You always have before.”

He spoke with such absolute certainty that Kadar was intrigued. What the devil. The situation was too interesting not to explore. He thrust his dagger back in its scabbard and kicked the door shut with his foot.

“Good.”

Kadar strode across the room and dropped into the chair Tarik had indicated. “Why didn’t you fortify the south wall?”

“That wouldn’t have been hospitable.”

“Why?” he persisted.

“Because I wanted you here,” Tarik said simply. “I’ve been waiting for a long time for Nasim to lose patience and send you to me.”

“You wanted me to steal your treasure?”

“No.” Tarik smiled. “I wanted to steal you from Nasim.”

Kadar went still. “I’m no slave. Nasim doesn’t own me.”

“He owns a small part of you. You try to shrug off the bondage, but it’s very strong. Why else are you here?”

“You evidently know why I’m here.”

“Ah, yes, my treasure. Did Nasim tell you what it is?”

“A golden box with a cross on it.”

“And in the box?”

Kadar shrugged. “I don’t care.”

“Because you’re not a greedy man. But you’re a curious one. Curiosity guides your life. I think you’d like to know what treasure made Nasim sacrifice all those men.”

“Perhaps.”

“You know you would.” Tarik chuckled. “That’s what I find most appealing about you. Your thirst for knowledge. It’s a good and wondrous gift.”

“Why did you want me here?” Kadar’s lips curled sardonically.

“Do you also have a task for me? A treasure to be stolen? A man killed?”

“Oh, yes, I have a task. A far more difficult and terrible task than the one Nasim set you.”

“So terrible you can’t stop smiling.”

“One must always smile or weep. Smiling is better.”

“What task?”

“I’m not sure yet. I think you’re the one I’ve been seeking, but I must be certain.” He sipped his wine. “So you will stay here with me for a while.”

“You’re taking me prisoner?”

“Not unless it’s necessary. I wish you to come voluntarily.” He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “Consider. You’ll be in a position to win my confidence, lull my suspicions, and then snatch my treasure from beneath my nose.”

“And what if I choose to accomplish the same aim in my own way?”

“I fear it won’t be permitted. I’ve taken precautions.” He stood up. “And now I know you will wish to depart and get back to Lady Selene. She will no doubt be concerned.”

Kadar stiffened. “What do you know of Selene?”

“I know she must be unusual to be of such concern to you. You will, of course, bring her with you. I’ll welcome her to Sienbara. Captain Balkir and his men will stay outside the gates. He acts rashly on occasion, and I wish this period to be serene and without trouble. There are decisions to be made, and battles are so unsettling.”

“I believe that might be described as an understatement,” Kadar said dryly.

“It depends on the battle. Balkir would cause me little trouble. May I expect you back after dawn?”

“Why should I come back at all? Why not go back to Nasim and tell him I failed?”

“Because you didn’t fail. You say I made it easy for you to gain entrance. Didn’t you also make it easy for me? You’re very clever. Why didn’t you concoct a more complicated plan? Why just come over the wall?”

“Sometimes the uncomplicated plans are better.”

“For Balkir, possibly. Not for you.”

“Are you saying I wanted you to capture me?”

“All I’m saying is that we’re all guided in mysterious and wonderful ways.” He grimaced. “And, then again, sometimes not at all wonderful. At times, hideously unpleasant. But we both know you didn’t fail and that there’s no danger of you giving up and telling Nasim that.”

Kadar was silent a moment, remembering his excitement and eagerness as he climbed that wall tonight. That excitement was still present. “I’ll consider returning.”

“Shall I throw in a few small tidbits to sweeten the pot? Consider that it will be much easier for Lady Selene and the boy to escape if you separate them from Balkir. Consider also that I will promise to take the box from hiding and let you view it. Isn’t that tempting?”

It was tempting. “And you’ll also let me view the contents of the box?”

“Ah, you strike a hard bargain. No, I’m afraid I must be more cautious than that.” He thought for a moment. “But I will show you the object that made Nasim redouble his efforts to obtain my treasure. Agreed?”

“As I said, I’ll consider it.”

“Good. I’d have been disappointed if you’d given up so easily. Think upon it. Weigh the threat against the advantages.”

“I shall.” Kadar started for the door.

Tarik called after him, “And go out through the front gate. No one will stop you. I’d hate to have you fall and break your head when everything is proceeding so splendidly.”

“I don’t like it,” Selene said. “How do we know it’s not a trap?”

“He could have had me tonight. He didn’t have to let me go.”

“It’s all most peculiar. What manner of man is this?”

Kadar smiled. “Most peculiar.”

“But not like Nasim?”

“Not at all like Nasim. He’s hard to describe.”

She studied him. “God in heaven, I think you actually like him.”

“It’s too early to make judgments, but I respect him.”

“And he intrigues you,” Selene said shrewdly. “You’ve always liked puzzles. Did it occur to you that he set up this situation to give you something to unravel?”

“It occurred to me.”

“But you still want to return to the castle.”

“The puzzle exists.” He paused. “But you don’t have to go with me. There’s a possibility Tarik might use you as a hostage the way Nasim tried to do. I could ask him to wait a few days and we could try to arrange an escape for you and Haroun.”