Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [100]
“She wouldn’t see me.”
“But Kemal would. You could reinforce your position with him.”
“Good God, I’ve fought myself to exhaustion keeping his border safe,” he said harshly. “What else does he want from me?”
“Absence is your enemy and Thea’s friend. It’s easier to betray a man if the memory of his face has blurred.”
Ware was silent.
“Go to El Sunan before it’s too late. There’s some mischief in the air between Kemal and Thea. I think she’s promised him something.”
Ware’s head lifted swiftly. “What?”
Kadar shrugged. “I’m not sure.” Then he shook his head as he saw Ware’s expression. “Not to bed him. With a harem of thirty-two wives such a promise would not bring much excitement.” He added, “Except to you. I’m glad to see something can bestir you.”
“What else could she give him? He already has the banner. My banner, dammit.”
“I’ve told you all I know. I’m no seer. Go find out for yourself.”
“I’m needed here. I can’t chase after every phantom you think—”
“My lord, a messenger from Dundragon.” Haroun stood in the doorway of the tent, his eyes glittering with excitement. “He’s ridden hard. Shall I bring him to you?”
Ware got to his feet. “No, I’ll come.” He left the tent.
Kadar took another drink of water. It was difficult convincing a man of something he didn’t want to know. It was clear Ware would rather face swords and battleaxes than confront Thea again. He could not blame him. Thea’s tongue could be sharper than a scythe, and Ware was vulnerable to—
Ware rushed back inside his tent. Donning his armor, he spoke to Kadar. “I’ve told Haroun to saddle my horse and a fresh one for you. I’ll leave Abdul in charge here. We go to El Sunan.”
Kadar didn’t move. “I said you should go. I’ve ridden enough for one day.”
“I may need you.”
“Then wait until tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait.” He put on his helmet. “I’ve just had word from Acre. King Richard has landed and joined the siege. Acre will probably fall.”
“And Saladin may call on Kemal and his other sheikhs for support,” Kadar murmured as he rose to his feet.
“Exactly.”
There were no signs of military activity when Ware and Kadar rode through the gates of El Sunan, but Kemal’s greeting was distinctly cool.
“Why are you here? Why are you not protecting me from those traitorous interlopers?” he demanded as he strode toward them. “Must I do everything myself?” Kemal had always been pompous, but it appeared his arrogance had grown to the outer bounds of tolerance.
“I don’t think you’ve had anything to complain about in the service I’ve given you.” Ware met his gaze with an icy stare. “Or am I wrong?”
Kemal’s glance sidled away. “No, you’ve done everything you’ve promised. It’s just—” He broke off as a thought occurred to him. “You haven’t come to take her away?”
“It crossed my mind. Kadar says Thea’s not behaving as a proper slave should. I would not have her become a bother to you.”
“She is no bother.” Kemal defiantly stuck out his chin. “You cannot take her. We struck a bargain.”
“I’ve had word that Saladin may be summoning you to Acre. Who will protect my property?”
“Falsehoods. Saladin knows Acre has no chance of withstanding Richard this time. He would not waste me on such a task.” He smiled with satisfaction. “Tomorrow I ride out to meet with him and discuss the defense of Jerusalem.”
“And I still have no protection for my property.”
“I’ll be back within a fortnight. Your property is safe. Kadar must have told you what care I’ve taken with the woman.”
“He has told me. Now I’ll see for myself.” He dismounted and started toward the women’s quarters. “I’ll join you shortly. I trust you’ll offer me food under your roof?”
“‘Of course, you are not my enemy. But why must you see her? I don’t wish her to become disturbed. She becomes easily upset.”
“Disturbed?” Ware glanced at him over his shoulder in astonishment. Kemal’s expression was uneasy, almost fearful.
“I told you,” Kadar murmured.
Good God, Thea must have truly cast a spell over the sheikh to have him quake at the mere possibility of disturbing her.