The Treasure_ A Novel - Iris Johansen [63]
“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?”
“No.” He paused. “You’re no magician.”
“Oh, dear, don’t tell Nasim. He would be very disappointed.”
“I wouldn’t think of telling him. Not after you’ve gone to all the trouble of trying to fool him.”
“Have I done that? In what manner?”
“I believe you wrote the manuscript yourself.”
Tarik’s smile faded. “Interesting. And what led you to such a belief?”
“In every Celtic legend mentioned in the manuscript, there is a fisher king who is custodian of the grail. He’s always crippled. The coincidence is too blatant. You wrote the manuscript yourself.”
“Why would I do that?”
“How do I know? Maybe to lead Nasim to believe that the custodian must be crippled and so make you the obvious choice. Perhaps it’s part of the games you and Nasim play. Perhaps surrounding yourself with mystic powers is your way of protecting your treasure.”
“Wouldn’t it be more logical to assume Nasim is right about my powers? Or don’t you believe in magic?”
“In my life I’ve seen many things I cannot explain, but this I know. You’re not a magician, Tarik. Though you may be clever enough to fool Nasim into believing you are.”
“I’d have to wish to fool him very much indeed to spend years creating that weighty manuscript. You think me that patient?”
Kadar slowly nodded. “I think you can be anything that you wish to be.”
“I wish that were true.” Tarik sighed wistfully. “Life would be so much easier.”
“Did you write the manuscript?”
“I did not.”
“Did you have it written?”
Tarik smiled. “It could be that I had a little to do with its creation. I’ve told you how I worship books.”
Kadar pounced. “Then you admit it?”
“My only admission is that you’re entirely correct in assuming that I’m no magician.” He stood up and limped toward the door. “Now pick up the chest and follow me. It’s time we left.”
“I didn’t say I’d go with you.”
“Of course you’ll go with me. There was never any question of that. The only way you’ll know Selene is safe is to accompany me to Rome to receive the message from Antonio. Besides, you wouldn’t want to stay here. You’ll be lonely. I’ve given orders that within four days Sienbara is to be abandoned. My men will use the tunnel and fade into the countryside. I’ll leave no sacrifices for Nasim to vent his anger upon.” He turned at the door. “Wait here. I have to go down and fetch the manuscript. It’s only a matter of time until Nasim discovers that we’re gone. I can’t chance him going into a fury and destroying it.”
“You act as if the manuscript is more important than the chest.”
“You find that unusual?”
“Not if there’s no de Troyes and you created the manuscript.”
Tarik smiled. “That would be a singularly good reason. But another would be that, to me, the written word is more priceless than any treasure. You can try to decide which is the most likely on our way to Rome.”
“I’ll not promise to stay with you in Rome. When Antonio comes with the message, I’ll have a few words with him.” He paused. “And if I find you’ve lied to me about putting her on a ship to Scotland, you won’t live another day.”
“I haven’t lied. I made all the arrangements.” He shrugged. “But men’s arrangements