Lion's Bride (24 page)

“Truth, at last.”

“I won’t stay here,” Selene said fiercely.

“You have no choice. Ware has chosen this fortress well. Kemal may not look like a soldier, but he’s a very able leader. Even if you got over the walls, his men would catch you before you found your way out of the hills.” Kadar added with a coaxing smile, “Why not look upon this as a brief interruption? Stay here, do your embroideries, and be safe.”

The eunuch threw open the door and led them into a long gleaming foyer. He said over his shoulder, “You are very favored. My master says you are to have quarters of your own instead of living with the rest of the harem.” He opened a fretted door and stepped aside. “Enter.”

Thea was assaulted by the spicy scent of incense as she crossed the threshold. Her gaze raked the mosaic-tiled floor, silken couches, arched windows blocked by fretted shutters, tasseled and brocade-draped beds.

“This wing has many beautiful rooms.” The eunuch nodded toward a door across the room. “Is it not splendid?”

Thea moved slowly across the floor toward the two windows. She could see blue sky through the beautiful fretting, but when she reached the shutters, she saw they were as sturdy and confining as metal bars. “No prison is splendid.”

“Any woman in the harem would be grateful for such fine chambers,” Domo chided.

Thea fixed him with an icy stare. “I am
not
grateful.”

Kadar stepped between them. “He is not to blame.”

“I know who is to blame.” Thea turned her back on him and gazed blindly out the window. “Get out. I don’t want to look at you anymore. I don’t want to see your face or hear your voice.”

“Thea…” He stopped and said, “I’m still your friend.”

“You are not our friend,” Selene said. “A friend would not betray us.”

“It was not—” Kadar gave up the battle. “Believe me, I’m still your friend. Someday you will see it.” He turned to the eunuch. “Come, Domo, it’s best we leave them alone. Ware will be here shortly, Thea.”

“Why? To make sure I can’t escape this prison?”

Kadar sighed. “He knows you can’t escape. A warrior always knows how to secure prisoners. He wishes to reassure you.”

Thea heard the door shut behind him. No key turned in the lock. They must feel very secure, Thea thought bitterly.

“What are we to do, Thea?” Selene asked.

Uncharacteristic uncertainty trembled in Selene’s tone. Thea must put aside her own frustration and despair and give strength to her. She turned away from the window. “First, we’ll make sure Kadar told the truth about the fortifications. Then we’ll make our plans.” She forced a smile. “There will be some way out. This is a delay, not an end.”

Selene looked past Thea to the fretted windows. “This is not fair. We were free….”

“We’ll be free again. It may take a long time, but we will never be slaves again.”

“Goddammit, I told you that you weren’t slaves.” Ware stood in the doorway. “Why the devil won’t you believe me?”

Thea stiffened as she turned to face him. “Because you lie. Look around you. Do free women live behind bars?”

“If their husbands so decree.” He held up his hand to stop the barrage of words he knew would come. “I told you once that no woman is really free. I can’t give you freedom, but you’ll have every comfort here.”

“You didn’t give me freedom, I took it. Now you’re trying to take it away.” She said between gritted teeth, “I won’t
have
it.”

“Yes, you will. I’ve made certain—” He broke off and said to someone over his shoulder, “Yes, bring them in.” He stepped aside to allow four soldiers to enter carrying the bolts of silk. “Where do you want these? Here?”

Selene jumped to her feet. “No, I’ll find a place.” She moved toward the door Domo had indicated as leading to other chambers. “Come with me.”

Selene’s moment of uncertainty was clearly over, Thea thought. She watched her sister lead the soldiers into the adjoining room before she turned back to Ware. “She’s only a child. She doesn’t understand this. Find her a place in Damascus and set her free.”

He shook his head. “It’s not safe. Why do you think I had her brought from Constantinople?”

“To make my prison more bearable.” It was all clear now. Why hadn’t she seen it sooner? “You intended to keep me at Dundragon, didn’t you?”

“Yes, until Vaden gave me warning. Then I realized I’d have to find somewhere else to secrete you.”

“For how long?”

“Until it’s safe.”

Rage surged through her in a dizzying tide. “I won’t let you do this. I’ll make my own decisions and protect myself. You have no right.”

“I take the right.”

“I’ll never forgive you for this. I’ll curse you every day of my life.”

“I know you will.” His face was a shade paler as he smiled mirthlessly. “But perhaps this action will assure that your death will be a long time from now.” He turned way. “I’ll send Kadar here from time to time to make sure all goes well with you.”

“I don’t want him here.”

“He’ll still come. After all, I have to make sure Kemal is keeping to his side of the bargain. My services as a war lord are very valuable.” He suddenly turned around and looked at her, searching for words. He finally said hoarsely, “I could do nothing else. I couldn’t let you die. I couldn’t bear it if—” He broke off and made a helpless gesture with his hand. “I could do nothing else.” He whirled and strode out of the room.

He was gone and she was a prisoner. She wanted to run after him and rave at him, tell him that he could not do this to them.

But he could—he had already done it.

“Now, begone.” Selene was ushering the soldiers from the anteroom. “We want nothing more to do with you.”

The soldiers fled the chamber as if pursued. Selene must have given them a tongue-lashing. Thea would have smiled at such stalwarts being intimidated by one small girl if she had not been so enraged. “The silk is unharmed?”

Selene nodded. “Should I unpack our boxes?”

It would be good for Selene to be busy. “Yes.” Thea moved back to the window. Ware had mounted his horse and was looking down at Kemal. They were speaking, probably discussing her and Selene’s imprisonment, Thea thought bitterly. Then Kemal stepped back and Ware lifted his hand and moved toward the open gates.

Thea’s fingers gripped the keyhole openings in the fretting. He was leaving. He was riding through the gates.

A wave of despair and desolation rocked her. She knew now she had not believed it would happen, that he would really desert them in this alien place.

“Thea?” Selene was standing beside her. “Don’t worry. I was frightened at first, but we’re together and that makes it better. Everything will be all right.”

She should be the one comforting Selene, she realized dimly. She took her sister in her arms. “We’ll see that it is.”

After a moment Selene stepped back and disengaged herself. “I’ve put our clothing in the chest across the room.” She nodded at the bundle of folded silk on the table by the door. “I found the banner in your box. What shall I do with it?”

The banner. Ware’s banner. “Burn it.”

Selene gazed at her in astonishment. “I will not. I can see why you wouldn’t give it to him, but you labored too long and hard to create it. I’ll not see your work wasted.”

“Then do with it what you will. I never want to see it again.” She turned back to the window. The gates were closing. They were alone. “But I’d rather you burn—”

“I bid you welcome to my home.” The door had been thrown open, and Kemal ben Jakara stood beaming at them. He swept into the room and closed the door behind him. “I have thought about it, and I believe your boldness was caused by your surprise at my friend Ware’s decision to leave you in my care.” He added magnanimously, “I forgive you.”

“Oh, do you?” Thea asked softly. She wanted to slap his plump, dimpled cheeks.

“But you must realize that I will not tolerate such rebellion in my household. Lord Ware has won certain privileges for you already, but I’m a peaceful man and I will have peace. You will be allowed the freedom of the women’s quarters and the garden as long as you cause me no disturbance.” He frowned “Though this business of hundreds of worms crawling about doesn’t please me. I may seek to renegotiate that portion of my bargain with Lord Ware.” His face cleared. “But I’ve no complaint about your sewing. Such tasks are proper women’s work. Now, have I not been generous?”

She wondered what he would do if she pulled his be-jeweled silk turban down over his eyes and kicked him in the stomach. She opened her lips to speak, then thought better of the scathing words she had been about to utter. It would do no good to antagonize their jailer. If she was to escape from this place, the little freedom he was offering might be of advantage.

Kemal’s smile widened. “I can see you’re speechless at my kindness. Now, that is how a proper slave should behave.” He started to turn away. “It is good we’ve come to an understanding. Lord Ware will be—What is this?” His gaze had fallen on the gleaming silk bundle on the table.

He reached out and shook out the cloth. “A banner? Let me see if your work has val—” He broke off, his eyes widening as he stared at the red-and-gold design. “By Allah’s sword,” he murmured. One plump finger reached out and reverently traced the design. “Magnificent. You did this for your master?”

Master. She felt another surge of rage. “Yes.”

“Perhaps I will permit you to do one for me. In truth, I have never seen such a fine banner.”

“Then take it.” She felt Selene’s startled gaze on her face. “Lord Ware doesn’t want it.”

“Any warrior would want such a banner.”

“Would he have left it with me if he’d wanted it?”

Kemal doubtfully shook his head. “You’re sure he would not mind?”

“He told me before we left Dundragon that he wished I hadn’t made it. Leave it with me and I’ll finish hemming it.”

“Today? I’ll want it tomorrow.” He looked eagerly at the design. “It will bring me great good fortune. I can feel it.”

“You’ll have the banner tomorrow morning.”

He gave her a brilliant toothy smile as he handed her the banner. “I can see now why Lord Ware bargained to keep you safe. Such willingness and skill are rare qualities in a woman. You can be taught the rest.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll send a servant to get the banner tomorrow.”

“Pompous rooster,” Selene muttered as the door closed behind him.

Thea nodded. “But the rooster rules this fortress. It will do no harm for him to think us less than we are until we’re ready to escape from this place.” She sat down on the cushions. “Bring me thread and needle, Selene. I wish this banner out of my sight.”

“I BELIEVE YOU’VE MADE a more bitter enemy than the Grand Master this day,” Kadar said as he glanced over his shoulder at the gates of El Sunan. “You won’t change your mind?”

“I cannot change my mind.” Ware’s tone was fierce with leashed frustration. “How many times must I tell you? You wouldn’t have helped me if you hadn’t realized there was no other way out.” He kept his gaze straight ahead. No use looking back. Don’t think about her face when she realized she had been betrayed. It was done. “Unless you can offer a solution, be silent.”

“I’ve been thinking about that. You could take her far away from this land.”

“I’ll not leave here.”

“Don’t you think it’s time to forget pride and remember good sense?”

“Pride?” He gave him a weary glance. “My God, do you still think I’d care if anyone thought they’d chased me away?”

Kadar studied him and then slowly shook his head. “No, I do believe you may have changed. I wonder why?”

“Jedha. Isn’t that enough?”

Kadar seemed about to argue but held his peace. “So why not leave the Holy Land?”

“It would do no good. The Templars are everywhere.”

“But not in such numbers. The world is wide. You might be able to find a pocket of land where you’d be safe.”

“And would Thea be content to hide herself away? You know she would not. She has a dream. She’d fly away to the nearest city to set up her silk house. Sooner or later Vaden would find her.”

Kadar gave a low whistle. “Then it’s Thea who keeps you here.”

“It’s my fault she’s in danger. She’s my responsibility.”

“A responsibility that may cause you to be slaughtered like those poor souls at Jedha. Protecting Kemal’s borders isn’t going to be an easy task.” Kadar again glanced over his shoulder at the gates. “One wonders which one of you is the real prisoner.”

“Ask Thea. She has no doubt.”

“I fear her judgment is clouded at the moment.”

Clouded by anger and bitterness and hatred, Ware thought. She had looked at him with the same horror and distrust as the night he had found her in the desert. No, it was not the same; it was far worse. “Then you’ll have to make your own decisions. She’s not likely to change her mind.” Christ, he had to get away from Kadar. He would keep talking, and each word was like a blow from a mailed fist. He spurred ahead and left Kadar and El Sunan far behind.

Ware kept a brutal pace for the rest of the journey, and Dundragon came into view near dawn of the next day.

Ware reined in his horse and called over his shoulder, “Kadar.”

Kadar rode forward. “You’ve decided I’m worthy of conversation? You’ve been very rude, you know. I should ignore you completely and—”

“If I don’t return in three days’ time, tell everyone to leave Dundragon and scatter to the four winds. Then go to El Sunan and take Thea and Selene away.”

“Return? Where are you going?”

Ware’s gaze lifted to the third mountain.

Kadar instantly shook his head. “From what you’ve told me, it will do no good to offer yourself as sacrifice.”

“I’m no martyr. I’ve no intention of letting Vaden kill me. I only need to talk to him.”

“Because he’ll know you took Thea to El Sunan? You don’t think Kemal could protect her?”

“Not if Vaden decides he wants her dead. Kemal could keep her safe from everyone else, but not from Vaden.” He turned his horse. “Protect my people at Dundragon.”

“And who will protect you?” Kadar called after him. “He’s been stalking you for years, and now you wish to skewer yourself on a spit for the serving.”

Ware didn’t answer.

“You need me. I won’t have you killing yourself when your life is mine.”

“The best way to make sure he slays me is if I don’t go to him alone,” Ware said. “Three days.”

He could hear Kadar cursing with frustration as he rode toward the third mountain.

Vaden was watching him.

Ware stared into the flames of the campfire.

He was there in the darkness behind him. Ware had heard nothing, but he could
feel
him.

The white flag he’d speared into the ground glimmered in the darkness to the right of the campfire. The Grand Master would disregard any truce gesture and strike him down. Who knows? Vaden might do the same. He must have grown as tired of this game as Ware. No, no one on earth could be that weary.

“Are you coming or not?” His gaze never left the flames. “I don’t remember you being this timid, Vaden.”

Silence. Then an amused chuckle and the sound of footsteps behind him. “You were never subtle in your challenges, Ware. Did you think a charge of cowardice would bring me running?”

“It did.”

“I was planning on joining you anyway. I was merely waiting to see if you were desperate enough to set a trap for me.”

“Under a flag of truce?”

“Desperation can change a man. I’ve pushed you hard.” Vaden sat down across the fire from him. He took off his helmet and ran his hand through his tawny hair. “And, after Jedha, you’ve reason to wonder if there’s any honor left in the world.”

“You had nothing to do with Jedha.”

“How do you know?” Vaden’s dark eyes narrowed. “How can you be sure? Perhaps I was growing weary of cat and mouse and wished to stir you to action.”

“You wouldn’t do it. You’re not capable of such an act.”

“Ah, but you’re wrong. You’re judging me by your own standards. You could never have committed that depravity, but I’m fully capable of any sin. It’s merely a matter of choice with me.”

“Foolishness. Sin is always a question of choice. You wouldn’t have destroyed Jedha.”

“Have it your own way.” He held out his hands to the fire. “But, then, you always did. You could always see only one path. Right was right. Wrong was wrong. There were no shades in between. At times I envied you that blindness.”

And Ware had envied Vaden’s cleverness, the coolness, the ability to hold himself aloof even in the heat of battle. It was strange that their differences had not prevented them from becoming friends. His own hot-headedness and eagerness had been balanced by Vaden’s control and cynicism. He had never felt he entirely knew Vaden, but he’d sensed that whatever lay beyond that icy, beautiful exterior was no threat to him. Sadness rushed through him as he thought of that time that would never return. “There were no shades of right and wrong about the massacre at Jedha.” He paused. “Or about the killing of Philippe. There might have been some reason to kill Jeffrey. He had trespassed, but not Philippe.”

“The Grand Master said he knew too much.”

“He knew
nothing
. Even if I’d confided in him, he would never have told anyone.”

“They couldn’t be sure. He was a weak man.”

“A poor excuse. I’m not weak, but you’ll kill me for the same reason.” He added with sudden harshness, “For God’s sake, you
know
me. I would keep my vow.”

“Perhaps. But you always had a soft heart. If you were given the choice of another Jedha or telling what you saw in the Temple, which would you choose?”

“That wouldn’t happen.”

“Which would you choose?”

He met Vaden’s eyes across the fire. “Life, goddamn you. I’d choose life.”

“I thought as much.”

“And so would you.”

Vaden shook his head. “A tiny village or the end of our world as we know it? You know what chaos could ensue. I assure you that I wouldn’t choose your Jedha.”

“I don’t care what you say. You couldn’t do it. You’re not like them.”

“No, I’m not like them. I’m worse. They wish to kill you in the name of God. I’ll do the deed to protect myself and my place in life.” His smile faded. “I hope you believe me when I say that it’s not by my will. When I found out it was you who had fled the Temple, I wanted to throttle you. Why in heaven couldn’t you keep your curiosity in check? If I’d been there, I’d have put a sword through you before I’d have let you go down to those caves.”

“You know Jeffrey. He wanted to see what was secreted down there. If I hadn’t gone with him, he would have gone alone.”

“Christ.” Vaden shook his head. “I should have guessed. Will you never learn you can’t protect the entire world? You should have let Jeffrey run his own risks.”

“He was my friend,” Ware said simply. “My brother.”

“And so was I. So much for friendship. In our own way we’ll both be the death of you.”

“I’m not dead yet.” He lowered his gaze to the fire. “I don’t want to talk about the Temple. That’s not why I came here.”

“The woman? Did you really think Kemal could protect her from me?”

“No, that’s why I’m here.” He said haltingly, “I want to ask you to let her live. She’s not a threat. She knows nothing.”

Vaden was silent.

Ware’s voice was suddenly hoarse with intensity. “As Christ is my witness, I didn’t tell her. Let her live.”

“You care about her.”

Vaden could read him too well for Ware to make a total denial. “A woman should not die because a man has a…fondness for her. It’s not right.”

“But you might care enough about her to lie. Would you lie for her, Ware?”

“No.” It was the answer he should make, but he suddenly knew it was the wrong one. “Yes, I would lie. What are a few lies when it means she would live?” He raised his gaze to Vaden’s face. “But I’m not lying. You always said I had no guile, that you could read me without effort. Am I lying to you now?”

Vaden studied him before slowly shaking his head. “Not unless you’ve changed more than I thought possible.” He shrugged. “Grand Master de Ridfort would say the risk is too great.”

Ware tensed. “You told him about her?”

Vaden shook his head. The relief that poured through Ware didn’t last long.

“Not yet,” Vaden said. “It wasn’t necessary. Why should I trouble them when they’re occupied with trying to recapture Acre?” He shrugged. “Not that it will do any good. De Ridfort is a fool to think we can triumph over Saladin’s vast army.”

Ware didn’t give a damn about Acre. “It’s still not necessary to tell him. She’s not involved in this.”

“She’s involved with you, and that guarantees she’s as immersed as the rest of us. You should have been more careful.”

Vaden’s tone was genuinely regretful, Ware realized with a leap of hope. “Then the guilt is mine. Leave her alone.”

Vaden shook his head. “You know that’s not possible.”

“I
don’t
know it.” Ware tried to temper the anger in his voice. “Very well, then, at least promise me you’ll do nothing right away. Think about it. There’s no risk while she’s imprisoned at El Sunan.”

“True.” Vaden was silent, thinking. “If she remains at EI Sunan.”

“She’ll remain there. Kemal will make sure of that. I struck a bargain to guard his southern border.”

Vaden lifted a mocking brow. “A bargain with the heathen infidel?”

“If it brings me what I need. It shouldn’t surprise you. Am I not regarded as a heathen myself?”

“It doesn’t surprise me. It was bound to happen. As I said, desperation changes a man. We left you few doors to open.” He paused. “But I find it interesting you didn’t open this one until the woman came.”

“You place undue importance on her. She’s only another responsibility.” He could see he was not convincing him. He went back to firmer ground. “She’ll stay at El Sunan. You can keep watch on her.”

Vaden didn’t answer.

“You need do nothing now.”

Vaden’s expression was unreadable. What the devil was he thinking?

Ware tried again. “I told her nothing. You said you believed me.”

Finally Vaden nodded. “I do believe you. Very well, I’ll hold my hand as long as I believe she’s no danger.” He grimaced. “God knows, I’ve no desire to kill a woman.”

Ware felt nearly light-headed with relief. Thea was safe.

Vaden’s eyes were narrowed on Ware’s face. “She means too much to you. You shouldn’t let me see your weakness. I might be tempted to use your temptress as bait.”

“Not you. You wouldn’t have the stomach for it.” He grinned. “In spite of what you say, you’re an honorable man.”

“What is honor? We both know it’s defined by most men to suit their own needs.” His flippant smile faded. “Except by you. When I first met you, I thought you were no different from the rest. Only a rough, bawdy soldier out to win riches for himself. I almost wish you were that man. It would be easier for me.”

“I
was
a rough, bawdy soldier. The rules of the Order were never easy for me.”

“Yet you would never have broken your vows. You were like an eager child reaching out and clasping all of us to your bosom. We were all your brothers.” He smiled sardonically. “I found it most disconcerting to be included in that affection. I kept pushing you away, but you kept coming back. I finally decided it was easier to become your friend than to go on with the battle.”

Ware suddenly smiled slyly. “Do you know what I thought of you when we first met? I thought you were the lover of some powerful monk or priest, perhaps even a cardinal.”

Vaden’s eyes widened. “You thought me a sodomite?”

“It was possible. I could think of no other reason for the Templars to break their rules to allow you entrance. It would have been a safe place for a jealous lover to send you, because everyone knows the Templars aren’t corrupted in that way.” He tilted his head in appraisal. “And you were certainly comely enough to attract anyone’s attention.”