Iris Johansen - The Treasure

She shook her head.

Kadar’s smile widened. “I didn’t think so. You also have a strong streak of curiosity.”

“Nonsense.”

“No, you only try to smother it because curiosity can lead you down dangerous paths and away from safe havens.”

Her gaze went to the castle. “Like the one leading you there.”

“Perhaps.”

“Then don’t go.”

“But there’s a puzzle to be solved and a challenge to be met,” he said lightly.

“And a fool to be slaughtered. Don’t take the chance.”

His smile faded. “When I was a boy, I used to cling to safety as you do. Then I learned that death and poverty still seek you out, whether you’re hiding behind strong walls or sleeping in the middle of a battleground. You might as well live life to the fullest every minute of the day.”

“I’m hardly hiding behind strong walls,” she said dryly.

“No, but only because you were forced outside. You wouldn’t have taken the step on your own. Those years at Montdhu have made you cautious about leaving safety behind.” His lips tightened. “And who could blame you once you found a secure niche? Nicholas made sure your childhood was hell on earth.”

Was it true? Selene wondered with sudden uncertainty. Had her years at the House of Nicholas made her afraid to risk any disruption of peace? Well, it didn’t matter if it was true or not. She had been happy at Montdhu, and it was only sensible to cling to what made you happy. “No one but a madman like you would want to sleep in the middle of a battleground. I’ve no desire to do anything but go back to Montdhu, where I belong.” She looked away from him. “But Tarik’s words about separating us from Balkir have substance. It may be easier to escape once we’re within the castle.”

“Unless Tarik becomes the threat instead of Balkir.”

“But you don’t believe Tarik is a threat.” She added sarcastically, “He’s only a puzzle.”

“He may be a threat once the puzzle is solved. I want you to think about this and-”

“We’re going.” She stared at him in exasperation. “First you tell me there’s no safety in the world, and then you mouth warnings and argue with me.”

He shrugged. “I never said I was reasonable.”

“Then why should I pay any attention to you?” She turned away. “I’ll go tell Haroun.”

At dawn Balkir rode with them to the castle gates.

He turned to Kadar as the gates slowly swung open. “I will be here waiting.” His tone was savage. “If you don’t come out with Nasim’s treasure within a week, I’ll launch an attack. Don’t think you’ll be able to fool me.”

“Never,” Kadar said. “But you might consider that it may be more than a week, and Nasim would not be pleased if you rush in and spoil my chances.”

Balkir’s baleful glance shifted to Selene. “She should stay here with me. I have my orders.”

“I told you, Tarik wants her to accompany me. What do you fear? As you said, it’s a small, puny castle, unworthy of our efforts. You’ll be camped right outside the gates. You can take it at will.” He kicked his horse into a trot. “Good day, Balkir.”

Selene heard the captain mutter a curse as she followed Kadar through the gates.

Haroun edged his horse closer to her as he saw the guards standing on the battlements. “Is this wise?”

“I think so. We’ll have to see.”

“Welcome, Lady Selene.” A tall man was walking-no, limping-toward her. Kadar had not mentioned Tarik was crippled. “I’m delighted you saw fit to join us. I am Tarik.”

She nodded warily. “Lord Tarik.”

“Only Tarik.” He smiled. “It’s true I am lord of this castle, but I’ve never been able to accustom myself to being addressed so. I grew up as scum of the streets, and one never forgets.”

A little of her wariness eased at his frankness. “You grew up in Tuscany?”

“No, much farther east.” He turned to Haroun. “I hear you’re a brave man and an excellent swimmer. I have use for such a soldier. Perhaps I can persuade you to join my guard?”

Haroun shook his head. “I must stay with the lady Selene.”

“Lady Selene could not be safer.” Tarik gestured and a soldier ran forward. “This is Adolfo. Suppose you go and let him show you how well my men are treated.”

Haroun hesitated. “I cannot.”

“Loyalty. That’s good.” Tarik smiled. “But haven’t you missed the life you lived at Montdhu, a soldier among soldiers?”

Haroun frowned uncertainly. “Yes.”

“Go on,” Kadar said. “I’ll summon you if there’s any question of her needing you.”

“Lady Selene?”

She saw eagerness as well as excitement in Haroun’s expression. The boy wanted to go. He had been miserably unhappy dancing attendance on her for the last weeks. She nodded. “I’ll call on you if there’s need.”

He smiled with relief and quickly followed Adolfo across the courtyard.

“He’ll be content now,” Tarik said.

She turned to see Tarik’s gaze on her face. “A soldier is always a soldier. He’s been ill at ease in the role you gave him.”

And she was ill at ease that he seemed to know so much about all of them. “Your spy in Nasim’s fortress told you that?”

“No, I have eyes to see.”

Those eyes saw too much, she thought as she gazed at him. One glance and he’d been able to say the exact words to rob her of antagonism; another look and he’d identified Haroun’s problem and set about solving it.

“Now, just what are you thinking?” Tarik asked softly.

“I’m thinking you’re a very clever man.” She paused before adding deliberately, “And that we’d better examine every word you speak carefully.”

Kadar smothered a laugh.

Tarik blinked with surprise before recovering immediately. “Oh, yes, I’m a devious man.” He stepped forward and helped her from her horse. “But I only lie when necessary. It’s not necessary now. At present I’m no threat to your friend Haroun or to Kadar. My earnest hope is that we will all enjoy an interesting and rewarding visit.”

Kadar dismounted. “Balkir will prove troublesome if the visit lasts more than a week.”

“We’ll deal with Balkir when it becomes necessary,” Tarik said. “Come. You must rest. I will show you to your chambers. I’m sure you did not have a peaceful night.” He moved across the courtyard. “But now that you’re reassured of my excellent intentions…”

The chamber Selene was given was as comfortable as the one she occupied at Montdhu. Cream-colored silks draped the bed, and tapestry cushions and wall hangings were scattered about the room. The sunlight streaming through the narrow window burnished a brass pitcher studded with lapis lazuli on the washstand.

“You are pleased?” Tarik asked.

She nodded. “It’s lovely. That’s a fine tapestry.”

“Yes.” He gazed up at the tapestry. “My wife brought it to me as part of her dowry.”

“Your wife?”

“My second wife, Rosa. She’s dead now.” He turned abruptly away. “Come, Kadar. Your chamber is just next door. I understand you and Lady Selene no longer occupy the same bed. Pity.”

He seemed to know everything about them. But Selene’s annoyance was tempered with sympathy at the pain she had glimpsed in his face when he spoke of his wife. He might be clever and more perceptive than she liked, but he was also human.

“I’ll send servants with hot water and a tub for bathing in a few hours. Everyone in my household bathes every day here.” He grimaced. “I’ve never become accustomed to this foul custom of leaving one’s body uncleansed for days on end. Where I spent my youth, water was looked upon as a blessing, not a curse. I cannot abide filth. I can accept almost everything else, but such sacrifices are too much to bear.”