"He had to pay for what he did at Montdhu." He didn't open his eyes. "He hurt you. . . ."
Tarik was standing over him when Kadar woke again.
"So you survived," Tarik said. "I wasn't sure you would."
"You appear to be disappointed."
"I'm not disappointed. I just don't like to interfere when death comes calling."
"Then you shouldn't have helped me to live."
Tarik grimaced. "I had no choice. Selene would have cut my throat if I hadn't found a way to keep you alive. She can be very savage."
"And that's the only reason you saved me?"
"Perhaps. Perhaps not. I choose not to examine my motives in the matter. How do you feel?"
"Well enough."
"Pain?"
"Yes. Can you give me a potion to rid me of it?"
"No, you must bear it. I've no potion to prevent the pain of healing. Besides, I've done too much already. Nasim will probably hear that you still live and assume I've delved into sorcerers' tricks to bring that about."
"And have you?"
"You too?" He sighed. "I'm no sorcerer, and we must try to convince Nasim of that truth. Now he'll be more certain than ever that my treasure gives power, and I've no desire to battle him at present."
"He'll go away if you give him the golden box." Kadar paused. "And the grail with it."
Tarik smiled. "But then you'd have no reason to stay, and I'd be desolate if I could no longer have the pleasure of your company. No, I think we must think of another ploy to rid ourselves of Nasim."
"We? I came here on Nasim's mission."
"But don't you think a sword through the chest frees you of any promise to him? That act would sway even someone as stubborn as you." He turned to go. "Think upon it. I'll return tomorrow to check your progress. I think you'll heal quickly, but one never knows with a chest wound."
______
Within a week Kadar was well enough to sit up in bed. Another few days and he was taking a few halting steps around the chamber. By the second week he was prowling like a tiger and proving the impossible.
"Sit down, " Selene said. "I've never seen such a foolish man. What if your wound breaks open?"
"It's healing well. I don't believe there is any danger." He paused and then said tentatively, "I think I'll go down to the courtyard today."
"You most certainly will not." She pushed him down in the chair. "I've not worked to get you well to have you spoil everything by being impatient."
"Is he proving troublesome?" Tarik stood in the doorway. "I suppose I could toss him over the battlements to Nasim."
"Are you sure Nasim is still here?" Kadar asked.
"Oh, yes, I understand he's still waiting like a hungry cobra scenting a saucer of milk." He strolled forward. "I've always feared cobras. When I was a boy, it was not uncommon to wake and see a snake slithering about the floor of the hut where I lived. I learned to leave nothing about to attract them."
"You didn't learn that lesson well."
Tarik chuckled. "You speak of my treasure? One must always weigh threat against value. Someday I may decide that the threat is greater than the prize, but that time is not yet. Besides, the treasure may not be the only saucer of milk Nasim is hungering after. I believe he's curious."
"About why Kadar is still alive?" Selene asked.
