Iris Johansen - The Treasure

“What’s wrong? You look terrible. Are you ill?” he whispered.

“No, you are.” She tried to subdue the joy soaring through her. He was alive. He was with her again. “Don’t you remember?”

He thought for a moment. “Balkir.”

She nodded.

“How long ago?”

“This is the second dawn.” She shuddered. “It was a terrible wound. Everyone thought you’d die, but Tarik saved you.”

“How?”

“He had a medicinal potion that cured you.”

“And how did I come to be back here?”

“Nasim sent us back. He said he knew Tarik could save you.”

“Interesting. What else did-”

“Be silent. You must save your strength.”

“I don’t feel weak. I’m growing stronger every minute.”

“Oh, no, you’re not at all weak. That’s why you’ve slept like the dead for all this time.”

“If I’m ill, you should have the mercy to refrain from stinging me with your serpent’s tongue. It might send me into a decline.”

Did he speak truth? Dear God in heaven, she had not meant to-

“Don’t look like that. I was jesting.”

“A poor jest,” she said unsteadily.

He reached out and gently touched the delicate skin beneath her eye. “Shadows. You’re wizened and gaunt as an old woman. It would make anyone sick to gaze at that face.”

“Ungrateful oaf.”

“Go away and rest. I need someone both more pleasant to behold and more appreciative of my humor to tend me.”

She rose to her feet. “Then I’ll no longer waste my time on you. I’ll send Haroun to care for your needs.”

“For the next day and night. After that you may be recovered enough that I can tolerate you.”

“And am I to tolerate your abuse? You’re a foolish man, and I should never have suffered and labored to keep your carcass alive. I didn’t ask you to step in front of Balkir’s sword.”

“I could do nothing else.” His eyes closed. “But at the moment I’m feeling a few twinges of regret. This hole in my chest must be as big as a turret.”

She instantly frowned in concern. “Are you in pain?”

“Perhaps.” He opened one eye and smiled slyly. “Or perhaps I see no other way to hold my own with you. You cannot attack a man in such woeful straits.”

“I could.” She moved toward the door. “And I will, if you don’t behave yourself.”

“I’ll try.”

His voice was a mere wisp, and she glanced back at him with renewed panic. He looked so pale and weak. He had come so close to death, and that specter might still be hovering. “Balkir almost killed you. We were both wrong about him.”

“I knew he could be dangerous if backed into a corner.”

“And yet you wanted him to come with us. You said you would have asked for him.”

“I wanted him close.”

“Why?”

“He had to pay for what he did at Montdhu.” He didn’t open his eyes. “He hurt you…”

Tarik was standing over him when Kadar woke again.

“So you survived,” Tarik said. “I wasn’t sure you would.”

“You appear to be disappointed.”

“I’m not disappointed. I just don’t like to interfere when death comes calling.”

“Then you shouldn’t have helped me to live.”

Tarik grimaced. “I had no choice. Selene would have cut my throat if I hadn’t found a way to keep you alive. She can be very savage.”

“And that’s the only reason you saved me?”

“Perhaps. Perhaps not. I choose not to examine my motives in the matter. How do you feel?”

“Well enough.”

“Pain?”

“Yes. Can you give me a potion to rid me of it?”

“No, you must bear it. I’ve no potion to prevent the pain of healing. Besides, I’ve done too much already. Nasim will probably hear that you still live and assume I’ve delved into sorcerers’ tricks to bring that about.”

“And have you?”

“You too?” He sighed. “I’m no sorcerer, and we must try to convince Nasim of that truth. Now he’ll be more certain than ever that my treasure gives power, and I’ve no desire to battle him at present.”

“He’ll go away if you give him the golden box.” Kadar paused. “And the grail with it.”

Tarik smiled. “But then you’d have no reason to stay, and I’d be desolate if I could no longer have the pleasure of your company. No, I think we must think of another ploy to rid ourselves of Nasim.”

“We? I came here on Nasim’s mission.”

“But don’t you think a sword through the chest frees you of any promise to him? That act would sway even someone as stubborn as you.” He turned to go. “Think upon it. I’ll return tomorrow to check your progress. I think you’ll heal quickly, but one never knows with a chest wound.”

Within a week Kadar was well enough to sit up in bed. Another few days and he was taking a few halting steps around the chamber. By the second week he was prowling like a tiger and proving the impossible.

“Sit down, ” Selene said. “I’ve never seen such a foolish man. What if your wound breaks open?”

“It’s healing well. I don’t believe there is any danger.” He paused and then said tentatively, “I think I’ll go down to the courtyard today.”

“You most certainly will not.” She pushed him down in the chair. “I’ve not worked to get you well to have you spoil everything by being impatient.”

“Is he proving troublesome?” Tarik stood in the doorway. “I suppose I could toss him over the battlements to Nasim.”

“Are you sure Nasim is still here?” Kadar asked.

“Oh, yes, I understand he’s still waiting like a hungry cobra scenting a saucer of milk.” He strolled forward. “I’ve always feared cobras. When I was a boy, it was not uncommon to wake and see a snake slithering about the floor of the hut where I lived. I learned to leave nothing about to attract them.”

“You didn’t learn that lesson well.”

Tarik chuckled. “You speak of my treasure? One must always weigh threat against value. Someday I may decide that the threat is greater than the prize, but that time is not yet. Besides, the treasure may not be the only saucer of milk Nasim is hungering after. I believe he’s curious.”

“About why Kadar is still alive?” Selene asked.

“Exactly.” He pushed aside the bandage and looked at the wound. “Not pretty, but I don’t think you need worry about him any longer, Selene. Let him go his own way.”

She felt a sense of loss that she quickly hid. “Good. I’ve no desire to put up with any more of his nonsense. He’s been a great bother to me.”

Kadar smiled knowingly. “Have I?”

She ignored him and addressed Tarik. “Will Nasim attack?”

Tarik shrugged. “Who knows what Nasim will do? He has not attacked yet. Maybe he’s waiting and watching for the right moment.”

“And you’re content to stay here and let him do it?”

“What else do you suggest?”

“I don’t care what you do. Just let us go. Kadar is still weak, and we have nothing to do with what is between you and Nasim. I escaped here once before and I could have avoided Balkir’s men. We can go over the wall again.”

“What an admirable single-mindedness you possess,” Tarik said. “You ignore everything but what you wish to protect. I’m afraid it’s not that simple.” His gaze shifted to Kadar. “Is it?”

Kadar met his gaze. “Her plan is not so bad.”

They were closing her out, Selene realized with helpless frustration. The look they were exchanging was one layered with understanding and some other emotion she couldn’t define.

“Then will you go?” Tarik asked.

“I haven’t finished what I came here for.”

“You almost died. Balkir nearly carved out your heart,” Selene said harshly. “Do you want to stay here and let it happen again?”