"I don't think that will be a problem. I haven't seen her today."
Then she must have stayed in bed as he'd told her, Kadar thought with sudden anxiety. She must be even more weary than he thought. After Nasim had gone, he would stop by her chamber to see if--
"Well, are you coming?"
"Yes." He threw the cover aside and sat up. "Go greet him. I'll be down shortly."
Nasim and Tarik were just coming through the front door when Kadar reached the bottom of the stairs.
Nasim's disgusted gaze raked Kadar's face. "You look weak as a puling babe."
"And a good day to you, Nasim," Kadar said.
"I thought you said he was doing well, Tarik."
"As well as anyone could expect considering his wound," Tarik said. "Contrary to your belief, I cannot perform miracles."
"Can't you?" Nasim's gaze narrowed on Tarik's face. "I've never seen a man survive a wound that severe. That was a miracle."
"Kadar is very strong."
"No man is that strong. It was sorcery. It was the grail that gave you the power."
Tarik gazed at him guilelessly. "What grail?"
Nasim turned to Kadar. "Since you're well, you'll do as I ordered."
Kadar raised his brows. "You don't believe the sword Balkir thrust into me ended my obligation?"
"That was not by my will." He gestured toward Tarik. "You will fight his magic and return to me."
"He is no sorcerer."
"No?" Nasim smiled grimly. "Ask him the circumstances of our first meeting."
"As I remember, it was not an unusual encounter." Tarik pretended to think. "Did I pull lightning from the sky?"
"By Allah, you will not laugh at me." Nasim glared at him. "I will have your magic, Tarik. And then I will have your head."
"Indeed?"
Nasim whirled on his heel. "I've seen what I came to see. You will do my bidding, Kadar, or you will suffer for--" He stopped suddenly as he reached the door. "Where is the woman?"
Kadar stiffened.
Nasim turned back to face him. "Where is she?"
"Why do you ask? You believe a woman has no place in the affairs of men."
"But she is a very interfering woman and you permit it. I find it strange that she's not here."
Tarik said quickly, "She was weary from nursing Kadar, and we didn't tell her of your arrival."
Nasim studied him for a moment in silence. "I still find it strange."
Tarik gazed after him with a frown as he left the hall. "Unfortunate. I hoped he wouldn't notice her absence."
"Why?"
