The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [40]
“Perhaps.”
“You know you would.” Tarik chuckled. “That’s what I find most appealing about you. Your thirst for knowledge. It’s a good and wondrous gift.”
“Why did you want me here?” Kadar’s lips curled sardonically.
“Do you also have a task for me? A treasure to be stolen? A man killed?”
“Oh, yes, I have a task. A far more difficult and terrible task than the one Nasim set you.”
“So terrible you can’t stop smiling.”
“One must always smile or weep. Smiling is better.”
“What task?”
“I’m not sure yet. I think you’re the one I’ve been seeking, but I must be certain.” He sipped his wine. “So you will stay here with me for a while.”
“You’re taking me prisoner?”
“Not unless it’s necessary. I wish you to come voluntarily.” He leaned forward, his eyes twinkling. “Consider. You’ll be in a position to win my confidence, lull my suspicions, and then snatch my treasure from beneath my nose.”
“And what if I choose to accomplish the same aim in my own way?”
“I fear it won’t be permitted. I’ve taken precautions.” He stood up. “And now I know you will wish to depart and get back to Lady Selene. She will no doubt be concerned.”
Kadar stiffened. “What do you know of Selene?”
“I know she must be unusual to be of such concern to you. You will, of course, bring her with you. I’ll welcome her to Sienbara. Captain Balkir and his men will stay outside the gates. He acts rashly on occasion, and I wish this period to be serene and without trouble. There are decisions to be made, and battles are so unsettling.”
“I believe that might be described as an understatement,” Kadar said dryly.
“It depends on the battle. Balkir would cause me little trouble. May I expect you back after dawn?”
“Why should I come back at all? Why not go back to Nasim and tell him I failed?”
“Because you didn’t fail. You say I made it easy for you to gain entrance. Didn’t you also make it easy for me? You’re very clever. Why didn’t you concoct a more complicated plan? Why just come over the wall?”
“Sometimes the uncomplicated plans are better.”
“For Balkir, possibly. Not for you.”
“Are you saying I wanted you to capture me?”
“All I’m saying is that we’re all guided in mysterious and wonderful ways.” He grimaced. “And, then again, sometimes not at all wonderful. At times, hideously unpleasant. But we both know you didn’t fail and that there’s no danger of you giving up and telling Nasim that.”
Kadar was silent a moment, remembering his excitement and eagerness as he climbed that wall tonight. That excitement was still present. “I’ll consider returning.”
“Shall I throw in a few small tidbits to sweeten the pot? Consider that it will be much easier for Lady Selene and the boy to escape if you separate them from Balkir. Consider also that I will promise to take the box from hiding and let you view it. Isn’t that tempting?”
It was tempting. “And you’ll also let me view the contents of the box?”
“Ah, you strike a hard bargain. No, I’m afraid I must be more cautious than that.” He thought for a moment. “But I will show you the object that made Nasim redouble his efforts to obtain my treasure. Agreed?”
“As I said, I’ll consider it.”
“Good. I’d have been disappointed if you’d given up so easily. Think upon it. Weigh the threat against the advantages.”
“I shall.” Kadar started for the door.
Tarik called after him, “And go out through the front gate. No one will stop you. I’d hate to have you fall and break your head when everything is proceeding so splendidly.”
“I don’t like it,” Selene said. “How do we know it’s not a trap?”
“He could have had me tonight. He didn’t have to let me go.”
“It’s all most peculiar. What manner of man is this?”
Kadar smiled. “Most peculiar.”
“But not like Nasim?”
“Not at all like Nasim. He’s hard to describe.”
She studied him. “God in heaven, I think you actually like him.”
“It’s too early to make judgments, but I respect him.”
“And he intrigues you,” Selene said shrewdly. “You’ve always liked puzzles. Did it occur to you that he set up this