"She stays. You're too eager to have her go," Nasim said flatly. "The treasure is being held at the castle of Sienbara in Tuscany."
"Italy."
"Yes, not a far journey." He added maliciously, "But you will find it interesting."
"How well guarded is the castle?"
"Guarded well against an army, but a man like you can go where armies cannot. You will slip in like a ghost and pluck my treasure from Tarik."
"If he doesn't make me a true ghost before I do it. Where is this treasure kept?"
"It's hidden in Tarik's chamber. It's contained in a large gold box with a bejeweled cross on the lid. You'll recognize it at once."
"A cross? Is this a holy relic?"
"What do you care?"
"I care if this Tarik will be able to call on the Church to protect the treasure."
"He won't call on the Church. He stands alone."
"Except for an army guarding his fortress. How do I get there?"
"Ali Balkir will take you on the Dark Star. He'll stay with you and bring you back when you have the treasure."
"And to assure that I will return."
Nasim nodded. "Though I have little need of such assurance while I keep the woman and the boy as hostages."
"No."
Nasim stiffened, his eyes narrowing. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying that the boy and the woman go with me."
"And I'm saying they stay."
"Then you'll wait a long time for your treasure."
"You'd break your word?"
"You know me better than that. But I may take another twelve years to finish your task, and you appear very impatient."
Nasim muttered a curse. "You cannot have your way in this."
"Why not? You're sending Balkir with me. Tell him to kill the woman and the boy if I try to cheat you."
Nasim glanced at Selene. "What if she's with child? I want that child."
"Which do you want more? The treasure or a child who may or may not be a reality?"
"Both."
"You can't have both. Choose." He stared directly into Nasim's eyes. "Or I swear you will wait a long, long time for any treasure I bring you."
"I could settle the argument by throwing them both off the battlements now."
"And rob yourself of hostages? Besides, that would anger me. You've never seen me angry, Nasim. You don't know which way it would make me jump."
