"I've gotten used to mystudio here."
"And have you also gottenused to working only in bronze and wood?"
Kartauk's eyes narrowed onRuel's face. "Are you about to dangle a bribe?"
"An irresistible bribe, agolden bribe. Cash may be a bit slim at present, but there's enough gold tomeet even your needs."
"You'll be mypatron?"
"Doesn't every ruler needan artist to beautify his palace?"
"Gold… "
"And my promise to giveyou my protection from Abdar."
"As long as you're aliveto give it."
Ruel inclined his head."Point taken. But I fully intend to survive Abdar."
Kartauk studied him for amoment. "It's a gamble."
"Yes."
"All the gold Ineed?"
Ruel said warily, "Withinreason. I can afford a golden door, but I might balk if you decide yourartistic soul requires an entire railway car."
"I will bereasonable." Mischief lit Kartauk's face. "Not a passenger car,perhaps only a caboose." He stood up and turned back to the stable."You've wasted enough of my time. I must go back to work."
"You'll come?"
"How can I resist? Fatehas obviously seen fit to tempt me beyond my powers to refuse. Abdar's head anda golden caboose… "
"No, Ruel." Iantried to keep his tone firm. "It's out of the question. I've told you anynumber of times I'll not leave Glenclaren. Why won't you accept it?"
"Because you're beingstupid," Ruel said bluntly. "What difference will six months make? Doyou think I'm going to keep you on Cinnidar forever?" His voice loweredpersuasively. "Listen to me. Give me six months to heal that cough and Ipromise I'll send you back to Glenclaren."
Ian shook his head.
Ruel sat back in his chair."Aren't you being selfish? What about Margaret? Are you going to leave hera widow after all she's done for you?"
Ian's lips twisted. "Attimes I believe it would be the greatest gift I could give her."
"Then you'd be wrong.Margaret has always loved you and she always will. She wants you alive."
Ian sighed. "I know. Poorlass."
"She doesn't feel sorryfor herself."
Ian's tone turned suddenlyfierce. "Well, she should. Married to a crock of a man who will probablynever be able to give her a child."
"Is that what the doctorsaid?"
Ian shrugged. "He saidthere was a possibility of a child. But it's been two years."
"Two years isn't such along time."
"It's a lifetime,"Ian said flatly.
