Iris Johansen - The Treasure

“You’re sure?” Selene asked.

Layla shook her head. “We don’t know enough for me to be sure. I’ve never given Eshe to anyone carrying a child. I didn’t know you were with child when I gave it to you. But it makes sense a potion that would battle disease and strengthen the mother would also strengthen the child, doesn’t it?”

“Yes,” Selene said dazedly.

“Then I did entirely the right thing.”

“You did not,” Kadar said through his teeth. “Were you going to deceive us indefinitely into believing she had a choice? Good God, you even made me promise not to give her Eshe without discussing it with you.”

“Because I wasn’t sure what effect two doses would have on her. We don’t know enough about-”

“You keep saying that,” Kadar said. “I’d think you’d refrain from reckless acts until you do know.”

“Tell me that when you face a similar choice.” She turned to Tarik. “I believe we’re packed. Are you ready to go?”

He nodded and helped her onto her horse.

“Where are you going?” Selene asked.

“First to the north. Vaden has claimed his price. It seems he wants a piece of property and he has to wed a lady to get it.”

“Wed?”

Tarik nodded. “But there are difficulties. The lady is already married.” He mounted his horse. “And after that we will probably set sail on the Dark Star for Ireland. Neither of us has been there.”

“But don’t worry,” Layla said. “We’ll not lose touch. We’ll be there to help you when you need us.”

“Wonderful,” Kadar said.

“You need only send word.” Layla ignored Kadar’s sarcasm and addressed Selene. “And let me know when the babe is born. After all, I feel a certain responsibility toward it.”

“God forbid,” Kadar murmured.

“Since we have need of the Dark Star for our own purposes, I’ve sent word to Genoa and my captain will put my ship there at your disposal to take you home to Montdhu,” Tarik said as he turned his horse. “I believe that’s all. Farewell.”

“Wait,” Kadar said.

Tarik shook his head. “Now isn’t the time to talk. You’re too upset with Layla, and I’d feel the necessity to defend her. Much better to let everything settle and let you become accustomed to the situation.”

“When? Another hundred years?”

Tarik chuckled. “Much sooner. You’ll be surprised.” He raised his hand and put spurs to his horse.

Layla lingered a moment. “The babe,” she reminded Selene. “Send word.”

Selene nodded, still in a daze.

Layla’s smile lit her face. “I told you Eshe was wonderful.”

The next moment she was riding out of the courtyard after Tarik.

Selene’s knees felt suddenly weak. She abruptly sat down on the steps and watched the wagons roll slowly out of the courtyard.

“Are you well?” Kadar asked quickly.

She nodded. “It’s just that-I never expected-I thought I’d lost-”

“Idiot woman.”

“She’s not an idiot.”

“No, she’s a ruthless, self-absorbed-”

“Hush.” She couldn’t deny the condemnation, but she felt the need to defend Layla. “She was desperate. She loves Tarik.”

“So she gave you no choice. Do you know what a struggle I’ve had to keep myself from giving in to that temptation? And that blasted woman had already given it to you.”

“Why are you so upset? It would have come to the same thing anyway. I’d already told you what my decision would be.”

“That doesn’t matter. What if you’d changed your mind later?”

She shook her head. “I’m relieved. Now I don’t have to put up with your noble restraint for the next five years. I couldn’t bear such-”

“I’ve brought you a present.” Vaden galloped into the courtyard. “Though I doubt if you’ll like it overmuch. I would not.” He got down from his horse and untied the wooden chest. “Tarik said to tell you it was now your responsibility. He was starting anew and there were enough bones of contention to plague him.” He set the chest down on the stones of the courtyard. “So here it is.”

“Take it back to him,” Kadar said.

Vaden shook his head. “I don’t want him distracted. I have use for him. That’s the only reason I agreed to deliver it to you.” He got back on his horse. “Give Ware my greetings.”

Before they could protest, he’d galloped out of the courtyard.

Selene stared at the carved chest.

Kadar muttered a curse. “By God, I won’t be saddled with this against my will. I’m tempted to ride out of here and leave it sitting there.”

“No, you aren’t.”

“What?”

“It isn’t against your will. I think you’d already made up your mind. I think you were looking forward to it.”

“And what of you? Was I going to force it on you as well?”

She shook her head. “But you hoped…” She closed her eyes. She felt in a fog, drunk. “Let me think for a moment. Everything has happened too fast. I never dreamed-”

“There’s nothing to think about. It’s bad enough that you weren’t given a choice about Eshe. You don’t want this.”

“Don’t I?”

“You know you don’t.”

“I didn’t think I did. I only wanted to take the potion because it was the only way we could be together. It seemed there was too much danger of unhappiness…” Her eyes opened and she slowly stood up and moved toward the chest. She put a tentative hand on the carved top. It felt smooth, pleasing beneath her palm. “There’s still that danger.”

He stood watching her.

“But there’s something else too.” Her hand moved in a gentle stroking motion. “I told you I didn’t think Eshe was a miracle, but if it saved my baby, then it can’t be anything else. If it saved my baby, then it’s worth protecting. Maybe it’s as wonderful as Layla thinks it is.”

“May I point out you’re thinking with your heart and not your mind?” Kadar asked gently.

“What’s wrong with that?” Her palm left the wooden chest and rested on her abdomen. No flutter of life, but it would come again. She was filled with wonder at the realization. Life. Eshe. “Feelings are good. Instinct is good. I’ll let you think coolly and calmly. It sounds very boring.” She turned and mounted the steps. “Now bring the chest inside. We have to plan on how we’re to safely transport it to Montdhu. What if the ship sinks? Nothing must happen to it.” She turned as she heard him chuckle. “What’s so amusing?”

“You sound like Layla.” He picked up the chest and caught up with her on the steps. “And I was wondering if Tarik should have left the grail in your care instead of mine.”

“Then you’re very foolish.” She smiled at him. “Together, Kadar. What must I do to convince you that everything we do must be done together?”

MONTDHU

“IT’S NOT AS LARGE as I remembered it.” Selene rested her arms on the ship’s rail, her gaze fixed eagerly on the castle on the hill. “Isn’t that strange? In my thoughts Montdhu loomed gigantic.”

“It’s large enough.” Kadar’s arm slipped around her waist. “Or is it? Do you wish a castle of your own?”

“And leave Ware and Thea? Why would I want to do that? And what of the babe? It will need company. Children should not grow up alone. Thea’s Niall will make a fine companion and kinsman.”

“Heaven help him.” He paused. “I wasn’t suggesting taking you far away. I just thought a little distance might be a wise course.”

“Because of the potion?” A little of her eagerness left her. “You believe it may be dangerous for us to not show signs of age?”