"How long ago?"
"This is the second dawn." She shuddered. "It was a terrible wound. Everyone thought you'd die, but Tarik saved you."
"How?"
"He had a medicinal potion that cured you."
"And how did I come to be back here?"
"Nasim sent us back. He said he knew Tarik could save you."
"Interesting. What else did--"
"Be silent. You must save your strength."
"I don't feel weak. I'm growing stronger every minute."
"Oh, no, you're not at all weak. That's why you've slept like the dead for all this time."
"If I'm ill, you should have the mercy to refrain from stinging me with your serpent's tongue. It might send me into a decline."
Did he speak truth? Dear God in heaven, she had not meant to--
"Don't look like that. I was jesting."
"A poor jest," she said unsteadily.
He reached out and gently touched the delicate skin beneath her eye. "Shadows. You're wizened and gaunt as an old woman. It would make anyone sick to gaze at that face."
"Ungrateful oaf."
"Go away and rest. I need someone both more pleasant to behold and more appreciative of my humor to tend me."
She rose to her feet. "Then I'll no longer waste my time on you. I'll send Haroun to care for your needs."
"For the next day and night. After that you may be recovered enough that I can tolerate you."
"And am I to tolerate your abuse? You're a foolish man, and I should never have suffered and labored to keep your carcass alive. I didn't ask you to step in front of Balkir's sword."
"I could do nothing else." His eyes closed. "But at the moment I'm feeling a few twinges of regret. This hole in my chest must be as big as a turret."
She instantly frowned in concern. "Are you in pain?"
"Perhaps." He opened one eye and smiled slyly. "Or perhaps I see no other way to hold my own with you. You cannot attack a man in such woeful straits."
"I could." She moved toward the door. "And I will, if you don't behave yourself."
"I'll try."
His voice was a mere wisp, and she glanced back at him with renewed panic. He looked so pale and weak. He had come so close to death, and that specter might still be hovering. "Balkir almost killed you. We were both wrong about him."
"I knew he could be dangerous if backed into a corner."
"And yet you wanted him to come with us. You said you would have asked for him."
"I wanted him close."
"Why?"
