Lion's Bride - Iris Johansen [146]
“Next, you’ll claim she’s the part that created heaven and earth,” he said dryly.
“I’ll have to think about that.” Her gaze went back to Kadar on the path ahead. “Does he have the banner, Ware?”
“We may never know. This journey took overlong. If he did take it, he may have tarried to find a courier to send it to the Knights Templar.”
“I hope he did.” A sudden thought occurred to her. “He would not have used the banner to bargain with Sinan?”
He shook his head. “Remember? He cautioned us not to let Sinan know about Kemal’s belief in the banner.”
She didn’t believe he would have gone to the Old Man either, but she was glad to have her intuition reinforced. “He said Sinan knew everything that goes on in this land.”
“Why are you worried?” He glanced away from her. “You said the banner has no power.”
She was making him uneasy for no reason. They must forget about this war-ravaged land and lion thrones and banners that seemed to have a life of their own. “Perhaps he will tell us someday.” She took his arm. “Come, we must see to the safe storing of the embroideries in the hold.”
“And then tell everyone to board the ship.” His pace quickened with eagerness. “We’ll leave on the midnight tide.”
TWO YEARS LATER
SEPTEMBER 7, 1193
MONTDHU, SCOTLAND
SELENE WAS WAITING on the cliff overlooking the harbor.
Kadar had seen her as soon as he had sailed into the harbor, and she had not moved as his ship neared the shore. She stood with hands clenched at her sides, the blustery wind blowing her brown gown against her slim body. She looked as if she were ready to battle the world, Kadar thought. He waved his hand as he moved toward the gangplank.
She didn’t return the salute. She was already running down the cliff path toward the dock.
He met her before she reached the bottom of the path. So full of glorious life and more glorious spirit. He wanted to reach out and touch the shining red hair tumbling about her shoulders. He did not. “You should have worn your cloak.”
“Is that all you have to say to me? You’ve been gone four months.”
He smiled slyly. “Have you been waiting for me on that cliff all this time? I wonder you didn’t turn into a statue.”
“Conceited ox. If I waited for you, it was only to hear what success you’d had with our embroideries.”
“Great success. The merchants of Spain were dazzled by your skill. I came back with a chest full of gold.”
“I think you should take me with you next time.”
“Oh, you do?”
“Yes.” She started up the hill. “Someone besides you should be trained in the trading of our silks. You take too many chances. What if you were killed? Then what would we do?”
“Beat your head on the ground and mourn forever?”
“Don’t joke.” She suddenly whirled on him, her eyes glittering. “Take me with you.”
It had been too long since he had looked into those wonderful eyes. He found the barriers weakening that he always lifted against her. “To protect the trade?”
“Take me with you. You need me.”
“Ah, yes, I do.” He permitted himself to touch her cheek. Exquisite pleasure surged through him in a golden tide. “But not to protect the trade.”
“No,” she whispered.
He had known this would soon come, but he still found he was not prepared for it. “You are too young.”
“I’m ten and five. Many women have wed and borne children before they reach that age.”
“I know.”
“And you wouldn’t have to rut with strangers. I would be willing to—Why are you laughing? I would do it.”
“I don’t doubt you.” He had almost been swayed this time. She was fully mature in so many ways and only had these rare flashes of childhood. “I appreciate the sacrifice.”
“I don’t think it would be sacrifice.” She moistened her lips. “I’ve found that I—do not mind—being touched by you.”
“Because I offer you no threat?”
“No, you do offer me threat,” she whispered. “More than anyone. You make me feel—”
“What?”
She shook her head and then said defiantly, “Why should I tell you? You will only laugh and tell me that I’m too young.”
“There is that possibility.”
“Then I’ll not waste breath on you.” She started up the hill again. “And there