"In this case it is. But I have no intention of humiliating you. Though I believe you're one of the few men who could accept and learn from it. You always have before."
He spoke with such absolute certainty that Kadar was intrigued. What the devil. The situation was too interesting not to explore. He thrust his dagger back in its scabbard and kicked the door shut with his foot.
"Good."
Kadar strode across the room and dropped into the chair Tarik had indicated. "Why didn't you fortify the south wall?"
"That wouldn't have been hospitable."
"Why?" he persisted.
"Because I wanted you here," Tarik said simply. "I've been waiting for a long time for Nasim to lose patience and send you to me."
"You wanted me to steal your treasure?"
"No." Tarik smiled. "I wanted to steal you from Nasim."
Kadar went still. "I'm no slave. Nasim doesn't own me."
"He owns a small part of you. You try to shrug off the bondage, but it's very strong. Why else are you here?"
"You evidently know why I'm here."
"Ah, yes, my treasure. Did Nasim tell you what it is?"
"A golden box with a cross on it."
"And in the box?"
Kadar shrugged. "I don't care."
"Because you're not a greedy man. But you're a curious one. Curiosity guides your life. I think you'd like to know what treasure made Nasim sacrifice all those men."
"Perhaps."
"You know you would." Tarik chuckled. "That's what I find most appealing about you. Your thirst for knowledge. It's a good and wondrous gift."
"Why did you want me here?" Kadar's lips curled sardonically.
"Do you also have a task for me? A treasure to be stolen? A man killed?"
"Oh, yes, I have a task. A far more difficult and terrible task than the one Nasim set you."
"So terrible you can't stop smiling."
"One must always smile or weep. Smiling is better."
"What task?"
"I'm not sure yet. I think you're the one I've been seeking, but I must be certain." He sipped his wine. "So you will stay here with me for a while."
"You're taking me prisoner?"
"Not unless it's necessary. I wish you to come voluntarily." He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. "Consider. You'll be in a position to win my confidence, lull my suspicions, and then snatch my treasure from beneath my nose."
"And what if I choose to accomplish the same aim in my own way?"
"I fear it won't be permitted. I've taken precautions." He stood up. "And now I know you will wish to depart and get back to Lady Selene. She will no doubt be concerned."
