"No need. When the guard regained his senses, he saw Balkir's encampment astir. The captain must have intercepted her as she was trying to escape."
"She wasn't trying to escape."
"What?"
"If she had been trying to escape, she would have taken Haroun. She feels responsible for him."
"Then why did she crawl down that wall?"
"I wouldn't go with her. She knew I'd follow if she placed herself in Balkir's hands."
Tarik pursed his lips in a soundless whistle. "Clever."
"I want to strangle her. By God, I'd wager she marched into Balkir's camp and woke them up so that they'd take her prisoner."
"That picture doesn't lack a certain humor."
"To me it does." Kadar headed for the door. "I'm the one who has to get her back."
"Wait."
Kadar gave him a cold glance over his shoulder. "I won't let her stay in Balkir's hands, Tarik."
"I didn't think you would. I merely wondered if you wanted me to send an escort with you."
"If Balkir thought there was any chance he'd lose her, he'd cut her throat. I'll go alone."
"He'll kill her? Did she realize the danger?"
"She knew it. This was no wild impulse. She knew exactly what she was doing."
"Then she'll try to keep you from coming back," he said softly.
"I'm going, Tarik. Don't try to stop me."
"It would not be to my advantage for you to go now."
Kadar stiffened at the silken threat in the other man's tone. He gazed directly into his eyes. "I won't leave her there. You'll have to kill me to keep me from going."
"No, I wouldn't. There are many ways to--" Tarik stopped and the menace left his expression. He said wearily, "But it appears I lack the will to use them." He waved his hand. "Go on. Bring her back. We'll let fortune decide. Maybe I'll be lucky. God knows, fate owes me a good turn."
"I thought you'd come." Balkir smiled smugly at Kadar. "Though I have no idea why you'd be so foolish. After all, she's only a woman."
"And a troublesome one at that," Kadar agreed. "I don't know why I'm bothering to retrieve her. We had a small disagreement and she decided to punish me by fleeing."
"Then you won't mind my holding her?"
"I wouldn't mind, but Tarik wishes her back. Where is she?"
"In her tent." He paused before he added, "Where she will stay until you return with the treasure."
"I told you that you must be patient until--"
"I'm done with patience. Bring me the treasure or I'll kill the woman."
"Nasim would not approve of such impetuous behavior. He would punish you for--"
"On the contrary, I do approve."
