Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [127]
Then he closed all thought of Selene from his awareness with the discipline and focus he had been taught. She was right, he was excited. At these times excitement always made his blood pump through his veins with exhilarating speed. He allowed himself that excitement because it made his mind sharp and his responses swift. But no other emotion must be present; he must wrap himself in the concentration of the act to come.
Nothing must intrude as he walked the dark path.
Footsteps echoed on the stone outside the door.
Instantly awake, Thea lifted her head from the pillow.
The footsteps passed and faded in the distance.
“It was probably only a guard.” Ware turned away from the window, a dark silhouette framed by the moonlight.
She sat up in bed. “Kadar said we wouldn’t be guarded.”
“That doesn’t mean Sinan doesn’t have other treasures he wishes to keep safe. The Old Man is paid very well for his services.”
She didn’t wish to dwell on those deadly services. She glanced at the window; the sliver of moon was now high in the sky. “You let me sleep. Why didn’t you wake me?”
“I wasn’t tired. I had to think.” He lit the candle on the table. “We have to decide what we’re to do after we leave here.”
“Dear God, we haven’t even escaped from Kemal yet.”
“We have to have a plan. After Kemal there will be the Knights Templar. We cannot run forever.”
“So you must rob yourself of sleep now.”
“We must come to an agreement.” He paused, as if bracing himself. “You must leave this land. I’m going to tell Kadar he’s to take you and Selene to a safe port and take passage.”
“To where?”
He scowled. “You won’t like it.”
“Where?”
“Scotland.”
She stared at him in amazement. “That barbarian land?”
“It’s safer than anywhere else. The highlands are wild and barren, and the Knights Templar hold no power there.”
“And what would I do in this barren place?”
“Live,” he said fiercely.
“And who would buy my silks?”
“I don’t care.” He frowned. “Well, I do care, but I’d rather see you alive than prosper in your trade.”
“Why that chill Scotland? Why not send me to the wilds of China? At least it’s civilized, and that’s where the silk trade began.”
“I have no familiarity with that place.”
“What difference does that make?”
He didn’t answer at once. He finally said jerkily, “When I think of you, I’d like to imagine you in the land of my birth. It would be…pleasant.”
She felt a melting deep inside. She forced herself to say brusquely, “That is very selfish of you.”
“I know.” His gaze shifted to the flame of the candle. “But if you go to Scotland, I can tell Kadar where it’s safe and where there is danger. I’d like you to buy my father’s lands, but that might be too dangerous. You must have no connection with me.”
“Then you don’t intend to go with us?” she asked, though she knew the answer.
He shook his head. “Perhaps I’ll go to Rome. Vaden lived there for a time, and he told me it’s a vast city. A man could lose himself in such a place.” His lips curled. “And the Templars would not expect to have me crouch on the Pope’s doorstep.”
“And you’ll live in civilized comfort while we shiver in your highlands.” She shook her head. “I think not.”
“You will go.” His gaze flew to her face. “For God’s sake, can’t you see? What does it take to make you accept that the danger is real?”
“I know the danger. I just don’t agree with your plan.”
“You can’t go to Damascus.”
“Nor to Rome?”
“No.”
“Because it’s too dangerous?”
He didn’t answer.
“Dangerous for me but not for you? You see, it’s a faulty plan.”
“It’s not a faulty plan, and you’ll go to Scotland if I have to stuff you in a trunk and send you there in the cargo hold.”
“Oh, I have every intention of going to your Scotland.” She paused deliberately. “As long as you go with me.”
He went still. “You know I cannot go.”
“I know I won’t go without you. Make a choice.”
“They’ll never stop searching for me. I can’t stay with you.”
“Because you fear they’ll scoop me