The Treasure

by Iris Johansen

  “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.”

  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 sca
ttered 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.”

  “We have no liking for filth either.” Kadar paused. “Where did you spend your youth?”

  Tarik didn’t answer. “I’ll send a servant to bring you food to break your fast. But I hope you’ll see fit to join me later for a more substantial meal.” He quickly ushered Kadar from the room.

  Selene slowly unfastened her cloak and dropped it on the stool by the window. It was true she had not slept well last night, but she doubted if she would be able to nap now. Her mind was too full of questions. She could see why Kadar had been intrigued with the puzzle Tarik presented.

  A very unusual man.

  “YOU DID NOT EAT WELL,” Tarik said disapprovingly. “You don’t like my food?”

  “I’m not hungry,” Selene said.

  “I could send for something else.”

  “The food is excellent. I’ve just had little appetite of late.”

  “It’s good to eat heartily at midday. It gives you strength to—”

  Kadar interrupted, “If she doesn’t wish to eat, don’t urge her.”

  “Ah, you’re quick to jump to her defense even in this small thing.” Tarik smiled. “I meant no harm. I’ve no intention of forcing food upon the lady. I merely wish you both to enjoy it here.”

  “We’re not here to enjoy ourselves. You promised to show me the box.”

  “And so I shall.” He rose to his feet. “This very minute. Come with me to my chamber.” He turned to Selene. “Would you also like to see it? It’s an object of great beauty, and you must be curious.”

  “I’m seldom curious.” She avoided Kadar’s amused glance as she stood up. “But I have nothing better to do.”

  Tarik’s chamber was as stark and simple as the room he had given her was soft and textured. A gauze-draped pallet instead of a bed. No tapestry to keep out the night chill. A table and two unadorned wooden chairs. The only ornate object in the room was the chest set against the wall. It appeared very old but lovingly cared for. The intricately carved scene on the dark-teak lid was a small boat drifting down a river past three long-legged birds wading among graceful cattails.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?” Tarik lifted the lid. “It was carved by a young slave of the court.”

  Kadar pounced. “What court?”

  Tarik only smiled. “But this wooden chest is far less impressive than the object it shelters. I’m sure you’ll agree.”

  Kadar’s eyes widened in surprise, as he only saw a small wooden statue resting on a bed of purple silk. “I’m afraid I don’t agree.”

  Neither did Selene. She had been expecting splendor, and the nine-inch wooden statue had nothing splendid about it. The crudely carved figure was that of a robed woman but with the head of a jackal. She said, “Your statue is interesting but no treasure beyond price.”

  “It is to me.” Tarik lovingly stroked the statue. “Tell me, Kadar, do you see no beauty in it either?” When Kadar didn’t answer, he glanced at him. “What is it?”

  Kadar was staring at the statue with narrowed eyes. “Nothing. It just looks . . . familiar.”

  “You’ve seen something like it before?”

  “No, I don’t—” He shrugged. “Perhaps, but I can’t recall where.” His gaze shifted to Tarik’s face. “Is this a ploy to deceive us? I didn’t come here for a statue. Where is the box?”

  “You hurt me.” Tarik sighed. “Oh, well, perhaps you’ll prefer this.” With a flourish, he removed the purple silk on which the statue had rested.

  Selene inhaled sharply.

  “My God,” Kadar whispered.

  The shimmering gold box was perhaps two feet by one foot and it, too, was intricately carved. Not with a gentle country scene, as the chest was, but with odd, sharp symbols. Lapis lazuli stones formed a scrolled needlelike cross that covered the entire length of the box.

  Selene reached out and gently touched the cross. “It’s truly wonderful . . .”

  “Yes.”

  “No wonder Nasim wants it,” Kadar said.

  Tarik shrugged. “He’d crush the coffer beneath his horses’ hooves if it meant he could have what’s inside.”

  Selene shook her head. “I can’t believe that. Even if he cares nothing for beauty, it must have great value.”

  “He’d destroy it.” Tarik carefully draped the silk back over the box, placed the statue on top of it, and closed the chest. “Without a second thought.”

  “The cross must have some meaning,” Kadar probed. “Though Nasim assured me the content was not a religious relic and I’d have no trouble with the Knights Templar.”

  Tarik raised his brows. “And you believed him?”

  “Not entirely. Is it a holy relic?”

  “Some might consider it so.”

  “And you keep it here in your chamber, unguarded?”

  “My men are loyal. It would be no easy task to wrest it from me.” He shrugged. “And perhaps, in my heart, I wish it to be stolen away from me. Sometimes the burden becomes too great.”

  Kadar smiled. “Then let me oblige you.”

  “Maybe I will.” He turned toward the door. “We shall see. Would you like to inspect my guardroom and see how well I’ve quartered your friend Haroun?”

  “Why not?”

  Tarik glanced at Selene. “I’d ask you to accompany us, but my soldiers are rough and not accustomed to ladies.”

  “I’ve no desire to go with you.” Selene moved toward the door. “I’ll return to my chamber.”

  “And be bored.” Kadar shuddered. “For which we will pay dearly later, Tarik.”

  Tarik chuckled. “Will it help if I send her fine silks to embroider?”

  “Maybe.”

  “I understand she plays a fine game of chess. Perhaps I could have the honor of a game after we sup tonight.”

  “Not if you continue to speak as if I’m not in the room,” Selene said bluntly.

  Tarik chuckled and bowed deeply. “My apologies, sweet lady. Will you do me the courtesy of forgiving this lowly serf and amusing me this evening?”

  “I don’t play for amusement. I play to win.”

  “Fair warning.” His smile faded and he suddenly looked very weary. “I haven’t hungered for victory for a long, long time. It must be pleasant to care that much for small things.”

  “Women are only permitted pleasure in small things.”

  “Most women. But what you’re not permitted, you take. Is that not true?”

  “Yes.” Kadar grinned. “You read her well, Tarik.”

  “She’s a good deal like my wife.”

  “Rosa?” Selene asked, remembering that moment in her chamber.

  “No, my first wife, Layla. Rosa was a gentle soul and took only what she was given.”

  “A pleasant change?” Selene asked.

  “Not necessarily. I loved them both
very much.”

  Again Selene was aware of a great sadness in him. She impulsively reached out and touched his arm in comfort. “I’m sorry for your loss. I know how you must feel.”

  “You have a good heart.” His gaze searched her face. “But you cannot know. You’ve not known great loss yourself. That is to come.”

  “I have had a loss. My mother died when I was a child.”

  He shook his head and gently removed her hand from his arm. “It is to come.”

  A multitude of emotions surged through Selene as she watched them walk away. She liked him. She had not expected this response to such a complex man. Tarik could be humorous one moment, gentle and wise the next, but he was also an enigma. It was dangerous to be drawn to him.

  “Checkmate.” Selene looked up from the board in triumph. “That last move was not at all clever, Tarik.”

  Tarik groaned and leaned back in his chair. “Not only a thrashing but verbal abuse.” He glanced at Kadar, who was seated on the hearth a few yards away. “Save me, Kadar.”

  “You say that every time, but still you play her.” Kadar smiled and his gaze shifted back to the fire. “She’s right, the last move was stupid.”

  “I was distracted,” Tarik defended. “After all, I’m a man of many concerns.”

  Selene made a derogatory noise.

  “That sounded suspiciously like a snort.” Tarik frowned. “And not at all respectful of a man of my years.”

  “Excuses. How old are you? Forty?”

  He flinched. “Do I look forty?”

  She relented. “Well, perhaps a little less than forty.”

  “You’re too kind,” he said ironically. “I’m a man in my full prime. It’s dealing with young rascals like you and Kadar that has aged me.”

  “Another game?”

  “Not now.” He stood up and limped toward the table across the room. “I need a goblet of wine.”

  Selene grinned. “Coward.”

  “Abuse again . . .” he murmured.

  “It’s a constant threat with Selene,” Kadar said.

  There was no threat in this chamber tonight, Selene thought lazily. There was only peace and laughter and ease. It was strange how comfortable they had become in Tarik’s presence during the past eight days. Even at Montdhu she had never felt more content, and she could see Kadar felt the same way. He spent most of his days with Tarik, and in the evening it had become the custom for them all to gather in the hall for chess.