Kadar whirled to face the tent entrance.
Nasim moved forward. "Hello, Kadar. I, too, am done with patience."
"I didn't realize you were here."
"I arrived only an hour ago. Just before dawn. I didn't like the message that I received from Balkir. It stank of treason."
"I told you I'd bring you the box. I will do so."
"If Tarik doesn't tempt you away from me. You've found him very persuasive, haven't you?"
"I'll bring you the box."
He shook his head. "I no longer trust you."
"You never did. You trust no one."
"Certainly no one tainted by that devil Tarik." He smiled. "So we will keep the woman until you bring the box. I will give you until dawn tomorrow. By the way, is she with child?"
"No."
"Pity. I'll have to remedy that when I take her back to Maysef."
Don't show the rage. Control. "Tarik wants her to return to the castle. It will be easier for me to steal the box if we keep him content."
"Content? Is he coupling with her too?"
"No, but while she's at the castle he feels he has a hold on me."
"He does," Nasim said. "So she will stay here."
He would not be swayed, Kadar realized with frustration. He'd had a small chance to persuade Balkir to release Selene, but never Nasim. "May I see her?"
"Of course. You may even couple with her." Nasim smiled. "As a gesture of good faith. I wish to keep you content as well."
Kadar turned to leave.
"Has Tarik told you what's in the box?" Nasim asked.
He glanced at him over his shoulder. "No."
"Not even a hint?"
It would be unwise to lie. Nasim might have a man in Tarik's castle. "He showed me the manuscript by de Troyes."
"Ah, and what did you make of it?"
"A foolish troubadour's fable. Surely you cannot believe it."
"There's some truth in most fables." His gaze bored into Kadar's. "And you're too clever not to sift through the chaff to the gold beneath."
"You do believe it."
"Enough to risk a great deal to get it. After I have it, I'll put it to the test and know soon enough."
"Put it to the test?"
Nasim waved his hand. "Go to the woman. I want you back with Tarik by nightfall and the treasure in my hands by tomorrow morning. Being this close is making me eager to have an end to this."
