"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."
