Tarik still had no right. Kadar would not let--
He was letting anger shatter his control and keep him from thinking. That was dangerous. If he had learned nothing over the years, it was that only the stupid allowed rage to control their emotions.
Selene was out there and he was helpless to protect her.
He drew a deep breath. Tarik had urged him to think. He would think.
But he doubted if Tarik would care for the results of his pondering.
It was almost midnight when Kadar strode into Tarik's chamber.
Tarik was sitting quietly in a chair by the fire, reminding Kadar of the first night he had come to the castle.
"Ah, I presume this means you are to go with me?" Tarik asked.
"Perhaps. When I have answers." He moved toward the carved chest across the room. "I'm weary of your secrets. Unlock the chest. I want to see the grail."
Tarik shook his head.
Kadar turned and stared into his eyes. "I'm not asking you. Unlock the chest or I'll smash it open."
Tarik shook his head again. "You're not one who smashes. That would lack both subtlety and finesse."
"I don't feel in the least subtle." He paused. "And I would take great pleasure in smashing either you or your chest at the moment. Take your choice."
"I don't like either one. Suppose I choose to argue instead," Tarik said. "I believe you need an incentive. Naturally I'm taking the chest with me. Suppose I agree to open it when we reach Rome?"
"Now."
He studied him. "I suspected that you'd be angry but not that you'd lack reason. It convinces me that I was right in sending Selene away. She's truly your Achilles' heel."
"Unlock the chest."
"You're not ready."
"Unlock it."
"In Rome." He hurriedly held up a hand as Kadar took another step toward the chest. "Wait."
Kadar stopped. "I want answers. Give me answers and I'll wait until we reach Rome to see the grail."
Tarik sighed. "Very well. Ask your questions."
"Is it truly the grail in the box?"
"In a manner of speaking."
"I'm tired of your forked tongue. Answer me."
"I did." Tarik met his gaze. "I think you've already reached some conclusions of your own and merely want me to confirm them. Isn't that true?"
"Perhaps."
Tarik chuckled. "It is true. Was it the manuscript?"
Kadar was silent.
"Tell me. What secrets did I reveal by showing you my wonderful book?" He leaned forward. "Am I the magician Nasim believes me to be?"
