"I will make sure I donot lead him to Kartauk."
"That's not the question.It's not safe for you to—"
"It is not yourconcern."
She could feel him closingagainst her, drawing back into himself, and felt a surge of helplessness andfrustration. Sometimes Li Sung appeared as old as Buddha and at other times hewas only a sensitive, prickly, proud young man. She could not tell him it wasvery much her concern and that what had started as an act of compassion mightnow be a magnet drawing him into a net. "Will you at least promise to becareful?"
He smiled. "Always."
It was the only concession shewas going to be able to wrest from him, but if the danger continued, she knewshe would have to do something about Zabrie. "See that you are." Shedidn't wait for an answer as she glided from behind the stall, lookingcautiously both ways before beginning to make her way swiftly through thebazaar.
Chapter2
Savitsar Palace
Kasanpore, India
May 30, 1876
I’ve never seen anything likeit." Ian stared in revulsion at the four-foot statue on the carvedteakwood table. "What the hell is it?"
"A superb work ofart." Ruel reverently touched the golden drops of blood dripping from thedagger brandished by the sari-clad woman who was the central figure before hecircled the table to view the statue from every angle. "By God, look ather expression. I wonder how he caught the malevolence… "
"I have no desire to lookany longer at that heathen idol. This Prince Abdar must be a very peculiar manto have such an object in his reception room, and I cannot see how you can callit—" Ian broke off and grimaced ruefully. "Yes, I do. Gold. You wouldthink Satan himself beautiful if he wore a cloak of gold."
Ruel grinned over his shoulderat him. "Not just a cloak, but perhaps if he were fashioned as splendidlyas this fascinating lady." His gaze returned to the statue. "I wonderwho the artist was."
"Probably some twistedsoul dead these many centuries." Ian suddenly frowned. "And you'renot to ask Prince Abdar about this atrocity. I've heard these heathens are abit sensitive about their gods and goddesses, and I have no desire to be thrownto the crocodiles."
"You'd have nothing toworry about. They'd choke on you," Ruel murmured. "That stiffbackbone and rigid moral fiber would strangle them." He squatted to get abetter view of the statue. "Now, me they'd gulp down with no trouble. Sinis always more appetizing than virtue."
"Stop mouthingnonsense," Ian said gruffly. "You're not as wicked as you—"
"Oh, but I am." Ruelsmiled mockingly. "As you should know, considering that hellhole you dugme out of a few months ago. I have no more moral fiber than a tomcat and nodesire to develop it. You'd best leave me and go back to Maggie and bonnieScotland."
"Margaret." Ian'scorrection was automatic. "You know she hates to be called Maggie."
"Margaret," Ruelsubstituted solemnly. "You really should go back to Margaret, cool mistyhills, and sanity. You don't belong here, Ian."
"Neither do you."Ian paused. "This heathen country isn't a decent place for any civilizedman to live."
"It's more civilized thanmost of the places I've lived for the past twelve years. You should have beenat the gold camp at Zwanigar." He shook his head. "On second thought,you probably shouldn't. The crocodiles there were human, and you're much toohonorable to have survived it."
"You survived it."
"Only because I becameking of the crocodiles." His smile gleamed white. "And learned how touse my teeth."
"All the more reason foryou to come home. This damnable Eastern savagery isn't good for you."
"It's only a place likeany other." Ruel's smile faded as he saw Ian's unhappy expression. He knewIan hated being away from Glenclaren, but his brother had been surprisinglypatient and helpful since they had arrived in Kasanpore. He said quietly,"But I promise I won't offend his royal highness with flippant remarks afterall your trouble to obtain this audience for me."
"I have no faith you willget what you wish from this prince, but I knew you wouldn't give up without atleast an interview."
"You're right, Iwouldn't."
"Besides, my efforts willprobably be of no help," Ian said. "The colonel said Prince Abdar hasno fondness and little to do with his father, the maharajah."
The last trace of mockeryfaded from Ruel's expression. "You still have my gratitude for making theattempt. I know you think this venture is foolishness."
