Lion’s Bride

Chapter Twelve

EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER JUNE 10, 1191 EL SUNAN

KADAR GAZED UP at the branches of the mulberry trees with a sigh. “It seems a pity to have such pretty trees beset by pests. I’ve no admiration for your worms, Thea.”

“They aren’t pests. Everything feeds on something else. You don’t scorn the fine silk tunic I gave you.” She grimaced. “As I remember, you nagged at me unceasingly until I gave you what you wanted.”

“It was for our mutual good. I like fine garments.”

“And why is that good for me?”

“You could see me in them. I’m sure not one man in a thousand could show your work to such advantage.” He paused. “Except Ware. He’d look quite splendid in one of your tunics.”

It was a blatant lie, Thea thought. Kadar knew as well as she did that one never noticed what Ware wore; only the man himself. And it was the third time since he had arrived last night that he had mentioned Ware. It was clear he was leading up to something, but she had no intention of helping him. He knew she would not speak of Ware. She changed the subject. “It will be time to gather the cocoons soon.”

“I’m grateful the trees at Dundragon aren’t being put to such use. They flowered quite prettily this year. Of course, Ware has little opportunity to appreciate their beauty. He hasn’t returned to Dundragon for over a month. The border has exploded at rumors that King Richard will be arriving shortly to help Philip of France in this new siege of Acre. The rival sheikhs are edging closer because they know there’s a possibility Saladin may summon Kemal to help defend Acre.” Kadar smiled. “A man unbeatable in battle could be a boon to a city in such dire straits. Kemal’s fame as a warrior has spread even to Jerusalem.”

“Indeed?”

“You know it has. I’d wager you’re aware of every message that goes between Kemal and Saladin.”

She gazed at him innocently. “But how could that be? I’m only a humble slave here.”

“A most peculiar slave. Kemal permits you the freedom of the entire fortress. He’s even given you and Selene fine horses to ride when he believes women should never leave the harem.”

“We must have exercise if we’re to keep in good health. How can sick women perform their work?”

“And horses afford a much better chance at escape.”

“Kemal doesn’t worry about my escaping. He thinks me content.”

“Then he’s more fool than I believed. Oh, well, I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at that indulgence when he gives you everything else you wish.”

Except one thing. Kemal had proved very stubborn, but if the situation at Acre was as desperate as she had heard, she might be close to gaining that prize. “Wasn’t giving me what I wish part of the agreement Ware made with Kemal?”

“Not to this extent.” He paused. “You play a dangerous game when you let him think the banner is responsible for his success. It’s incredible that his luck has held this long. One defeat and Kemal will turn against you. They burn witches, you know.”

“I’ll face that threat when I must.” She turned to face him. “It’s none of your concern, Kadar.”

“Unfortunately, it is my concern. I helped to bring you here.” He shook his head. “You’ve been very clever. I’ve watched with great admiration as you manipulated Kemal to this point. Kemal has grown colder and more distant toward Ware with each passing month. Tell me, do you intend to ask Kemal for his head?”

“No.”

“My head?”

“Don’t be foolish.”

“I take that as no. What a relief.”

“I wish no blood shed. You know my purpose. I’ve made no effort to hide it.”

He nodded. “And I’ve told Ware. He believes Kemal will remain true to his word.”

“Then you have nothing to worry about.”

“But he’s not been back to El Sunan and seen you with our friend the sheikh. You play on Kemal as you would the strings of a lyre. It’s an astonishing sight.”

“Did Ware truly think I’d sit and meekly embroider and wait for him to release me?”

“No, he probably didn’t think at all. He just wanted to see you safe. That’s why he brought you here to—”

“Remain a prisoner for two long years,” she finished. “I don’t wish to speak of him.”

“You’re a hard woman. You’ve forgiven me. Why not him?”

Because she had let Ware come too close, she had permitted herself to trust him, and he had betrayed her.

“He wears himself to a mere shell fighting in your service.” His voice turned coaxing. “There’s no woman in Islam or Christendom who has a knight so devoted to her well-being.”

“Then let him find another woman to imprison.”

“Admit it. He had good reason.”

“I do not admit it. No reason is good enough. I don’t care if Vaden or the Grand Master de Ridfort were knocking on the front gates, he had no right.”

“Well, de Ridfort won’t be knocking on any gates but those barring him from heaven. He was killed at the first siege of Acre two years ago.”

She stopped and turned to stare at him in astonishment. “Why did you not tell me?”

“Because Ware says it makes little difference. The Grand Master de Ridfort was mad, and his death may prevent another incident like Jedha, but it doesn’t lessen the danger to Ware…or to you. The death decree would have been passed on to the next Grand Master. Ware said it will go on forever.”

Forever. Ware was condemned forever to—Why had her first thought been of Ware when she had banished him from her concern? She must think only of her own problems. “Ware may do as he wishes, but I will not stay here forever.”

“If Ware can find a way, he will—”

“ I will find a way.” She drew a shaking breath and tried to temper her voice. “I’ve told you, I won’t speak of Ware. If you continue to insist, you’ll have to go away.”

He sighed. “Very well, tell me more about these wriggling monstrosities on the trees. How long before your silk is ready to be harvested?”

“Not long. A week or two after the cocoon is formed we’ll be ready to reel the silk.” Her serene smile held a hint of challenge as she strolled down the path. “Providing we’re still here.”

Kadar rode direct from El Sunan to Ware’s encampment in the hills above the southern border.

“You look as worn as ancient leather,” Kadar said as he dismounted and handed his reins to Haroun. “When did you sleep last?”

“I don’t know. Two nights perhaps.” Ware led the way toward his tent. “Have you eaten?”

Kadar nodded. “Before I left El Sunan.” He sat down on the heap of blankets inside the door of the tent. “And when did you last eat? You’re thinner.”

“I eat.” He sat down and handed the water skin to Kadar. “How is Thea?”

“She glows, her eyes are bright, there’s a flush on her cheeks. Purpose makes her thrive.” He drank deep before leaning back on one arm. “And I come back to you and see you dwindling away to a mere shadow.”

“I’m not a shadow. I’ve lost a few pounds because there’s been no time to stop to eat. We’ve been hit hard this week.”

“Kemal is eagerly awaiting an invitation to join the fray at Acre. He’s brimming with pride.” Kadar paused. “And Thea is brimming with plots. She’s taken advantage of every win Kemal has made.”

“So you’ve told me.”

“But I detected a certain excitement in her this time. I believe she may be closing in for the kill.”

“And what do you wish me to do about it?”

“Whatever you have to do. She won’t believe her situation grows in danger.” He paused. “You could go to El Sunan yourself.”

“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. He said sarcastically, “I’ll try not to upset her.”

“You’ll not upset me.” Thea was walking toward him.

At Thea’s voice Ware stopped walking and watched as she approached him. She was garbed in an exquisitely embroidered silk gown the color of the twilight sky. She did not look older, only bolder, more confident. And beautiful—my God, how beautiful.

She glows , Kadar had said.

She did glow, but not with a soft sheen. She reminded him of a sword heated white-hot over a campfire. Her gaze meeting his was just as sharp and full of challenge as the last time they had met. What else could he expect?

“You don’t upset me. I would not permit it.” She stopped directly before him. “But I don’t want you here.”

Christ, he wished he hadn’t been forced to come here. “I’ll leave soon.”

“I want you to go now.”

She was not as composed as she had first appeared. He could see the pulse pounding rapidly in her throat. He had touched that hollow with his lips, felt the life pounding through her.

She tore her gaze away from his face and looked at Kemal. “It would please me to have him leave.”

Kemal frowned uneasily. “I cannot—He is your master. Perhaps you could go to your quarters so that you don’t have to see him. He will leave in the morning.”

“See that he does.” She whirled on her heel and walked away from them.

“I told you that you would upset her.” Kemal stared at him reproachfully. “She has no liking for you.”

“Since when have you cared if a slave liked or disliked you?”

“You must know she is different. One must treat her with consideration.” He smiled slyly. “It didn’t take me long to see why you wanted to make sure this treasure was not stolen from you. You were wise to come to me.”

“Yes, I had to be sure the man who held her was honorable.” He paused before deliberately adding, “Did I choose well, Kemal?”

Kemal flushed. “Do you doubt my honor? I’ve kept faith even though I found I had no need of you. I could have banished my enemies myself.”

“You needed me. I’ve heard you’ve had great success, but even Saladin cannot triumph without help. Why else would he call on you?”

Kemal’s irritation disappeared. “Yes, he does need me. Only I can bring him victory during this dark time.” He turned on his heel. “I have no time for you. I must prepare for my journey.”

Ware watched him cross the courtyard. Merciful God, the pompous cock actually believed his own words, and Ware hadn’t a doubt Thea had been the one to reinforce that belief. A surge of rage and frustration tore through him.

“I’d say Kemal’s loyalty is beginning to waver,” Kadar said. “What are you going to do?”

“Wait. Watch. What would you have me do?” He started across the courtyard toward the women’s quarters. “I have no safe place to take her.”

“You’re going to give her warning?”

“I may strangle her.”

“Oh, you mustn’t do that.” Kadar’s mocking words followed him. “It might ‘upset’ the gentle damsel.”

Thea’s fingers clenched the window fretting as she watched Ware cross the courtyard. He would be here soon, in this room with her. She had known he would pay no attention to her rejection. He always did what he wanted to do.

He looked the same and yet different. He cast the same long shadow on the stones, but there appeared to be less bulk. He was leaner and harder than she had ever seen him, his cheeks hollowed, the bones higher, sharper. But his mouth was the same, with that full, sensuous underlip, and his eyes were the icy blue she remembered glittering beneath straight black brows.

Dear God, she was staring at him with a kind of hunger, she realized with shock. Not desire, but a deep need, as if she were starved for the sight of him. It made no sense when she only wanted him gone.

“You’re shaking,” Selene said from behind her. “Are you afraid of him?”

“No, of course not.” She tore her gaze away. “We’re safe here. Kemal won’t let him harm us.” She forced a smile. “But he’ll probably be unpleasant. Why don’t you go to the garden? I’ll call you when he’s gone.”

“I’ll stay if you like.”

She shook her head. Ware would only send Selene away, and she could not bear any added conflict. “Go on. I can deal with him.”

“If you can stop shaking,” Selene said dryly. “No man would ever make me fear him enough to tremble at his coming.”

She wished it was fear. She hadn’t expected her body to respond in this mindless fashion. Bitterness should have prevented such a betrayal. “I’m only surprised. I’ll be fine.”

Selene gave her a doubtful glance before slowly leaving the room.

She took a deep breath, and then another. She could hear Ware’s quick, heavy steps in the hall. She must not let him see that she was not in control.

“What madness have you been about?” Ware said roughly from behind her.

She turned away from the window to face him. He looked as out of place as a huge, ravenous wolf in this gleaming chamber. He slammed the door and came toward her. “Kemal is preening like a peacock. He thinks he can move the world.”

She was grateful for the harshness of the attack. It banished that insidious weakness as nothing else would have done. “Why blame me?”

“You know why. He thinks that blasted banner has magical powers.”

“And what if he does? He came to that belief himself.”

“And you never fostered it.”

“Should I have turned my back and walked away when opportunity came knocking?”

“You’re damn right you should have.” He reached out and grasped her shoulders. “If he believes you bring good fortune, he’ll also blame you when his luck turns. Don’t you know that?”

“Let me go.”

“Listen to me. Tell him any magic the banner might bring is gone.”

She gazed at him defiantly.

“He worships Saladin. If he humiliates himself before his master, he’ll come back and cut your throat.”

“He won’t humiliate himself. There will be no battle. He goes only to meet with Saladin on this journey.”

“And what if Saladin changes his mind and takes him to Acre?”

“I’ll face that possibility when it occurs.”

“You will not . As soon as I find a place, you’ll leave El Sunan.”

“And have you take me to still another prison?” Her eyes blazed up at him. “I’ll not leave here until I go as a free woman. You have no power here. Kemal won’t let you take me away.”

“Do you want to die?” He shook her. “Do you want Selene to die?”

“I only want you to leave us alone. I’ll take care of Selene.” She jerked away from him and defiantly lifted her chin. “Go on. Tell Kemal that you’re going to take me away. It may be the prod that will bring me what I want.”

She thought for an instant that he would reach out for her again, but he turned away with a muttered curse and strode toward the door. He was leaving.

Her relief was short-lived. At the door he whirled to face her. “Kadar said he thinks you’re dangling some prize before Kemal. What the hell did you promise him?”

She could refuse to tell him. But why should she waste the effort? she thought impatiently. She wanted him gone from here and he could do nothing to stop her. She smiled at him. “A banner for Saladin. But only on my terms.”

He stared at her in disbelief. “Christ.”

The next moment he had slammed the door behind him.

The anger was draining out of her, and she felt as bruised as if she had fallen down a mountain. She would not permit him to do this to her. She had spent the last two years blocking him from her thoughts and memory, and the first time she saw him again, it was as if he had never left.

“Is he gone?” Selene came into the room. “He didn’t hurt you?”

“No, but he was angry. He may try to take us from El Sunan.”

“What are we going to do?”

“I’ll talk to Kemal when he returns from the journey. He should be puffed up by Saladin’s praise and ready to be plucked.” She frowned. “And it would do no harm to make a few preparations. Tomorrow we’ll start packing our embroideries, and next week I’ll send Jasmine and Tasza back to Dundragon.”

“They won’t go.”

“They have to go. It wouldn’t be fair to drag them with us when we’re not certain what we’ll face. We’ll have to convince them that we intend to send for them as soon as we’re settled.” Though heaven knows when that would be, she thought wearily. Another beginning. Sweet Mary, beginnings were hard.

She turned back to the window. Neither Ware nor Kadar were in sight. They had probably gone to sup with Kemal. Tomorrow they would leave El Sunan.

And she must be gone before Ware returned again.

Ware and Kadar rode out of the gates at dawn the next morning.

“You’re very grim,” Kadar said as they rode up the hill. “You’ve spoken scarcely a word since you visited our lovely Thea last night.”

“There wasn’t anything to say.”

“And Kemal was most distant also. I felt my glowing presence wasted on the two of you.”

Ware glanced back at the fortress. The courtyard had been filled with Kemal’s soldiers when they had left, and the gates were still closed. “He’s full of dreams of glory. Thea has promised him a banner for Saladin.”

“My God.”

“My response precisely.”

“Is it not enough she plays her game with Kemal?”

“Evidently not.”

Kadar started to laugh. “What a clever puss.”

“A puss who may be skinned by Kemal at any time. We have to find another place for her.”

“It will be difficult. With Richard on the attack, I doubt if you can find another Saracen who would take in a Christian woman. They’re far more likely to offer her head to Saladin on a silver tray. And you’ve already decided she cannot go to the Franks. What is left?”

“God knows.” His frustration was building more by the moment. “Why does she have to be so stubborn? Doesn’t she know she’s better off where she is?”

“She does not like prisons.” Kadar glanced at him. “You would do the same.”

“I’m a man.”

“She would not regard that as a valid argument.”

“Because she’s a willful, obstinate woman who was put on this earth to plague—”

Drums.

He glanced over his shoulder to see two columns of six soldiers marching through the gates, pounding rhythmically on huge conical-shaped drums. Kemal was clearly exiting his fortress with all pomp.

Ware reined in as he reached the crest of the hill. “I’m surprised Kemal doesn’t have fan bearers waving palm leaves before—Jesus!”

“What’s wrong?” Kadar’s gaze followed his to Kemal’s plump, ornately armored figure riding through the gates. “He does look a trifle ridiculous. How do you suppose he manages to wield a sword bearing all that weight?”

“Not Kemal,” Ware whispered. “The banner .”

“That’s right, you haven’t seen it before.” Kadar tilted his head appraisingly as his glance shifted to the flag bearer. “It’s magnificent, isn’t it?”

“No.” It was a nightmare.

“You must not be unfair because you envy Kemal. Thea did fine work. I’ve never seen a more splendid banner.”

Splendid was not the word for it. The scarlet-and-gold pattern came alive as the first strong beam of sunlight struck it. The muscles of Ware’s stomach clenched as he saw those fierce gold eyes.

“The birds in the four corners are phoenixes rising from the flames, the symbol of rebirth,” Kadar explained. “You can’t see it from here, but there are also tiny butterflies hovering over the flames. Thea says butterflies are the symbol of joy.”

“She told you about the banner?” Ware asked hoarsely.

“I asked her about it after I saw Kemal riding out of El Sunan one day.”

“Why didn’t you tell me, dammit?”

“And have you tell me to steal it? I thought it best not to mention it.”

“What—” He swallowed to ease the tightness of his dry throat. “What did she say about the lions?”

“Nothing. She was even very grudging when she told me about the phoenix.” Kadar gazed at the two standing lions facing forward, backs arched, each with a paw extended in the center of the banner. “Their attitude is very royal, isn’t it?”

“Yes.”

“It’s an unusual position. Do you suppose they’re supposed to be marching?”

“No.” The column was closer now, and the throbbing of the beating drums resounded in every vein of Ware’s body. A breath of wind caught the banner, and the lions appeared to move. “They’re sitting.”

“I don’t think—”

“They’re sitting.” He jerked his gaze away. “It’s a throne.” He wanted to rage and howl. He wanted to ride down the hill and grab the banner from the flag bearer. He wanted to flee until he reached the ends of the earth. “It’s a lion throne.”

“I don’t think so. I’ve never seen a throne like—” He broke off as Ware wheeled his horse and put it to a gallop. “Ware!”

The wind struck sharply at Ware’s cheeks as his horse’s stride lengthened to a run.

Escape.

Forbidden.

Don’t look at it.

Thea. My God, Thea.

He didn’t rein in until he reached a brook running through a small grove many miles from El Sunan. He got down from his horse, staggered into the trees, and threw up.

He sank down on the ground and leaned back against the trunk of a tree with eyes closed.

It did no good. He could still see the lions.

“I suppose there’s a reason for this.”

Kadar’s voice.

He opened his eyes to see Kadar sitting on his horse a few yards away.

Ware got up and lurched the few feet to the brook. He rinsed out his mouth before splashing water on his face.

Kadar dismounted. “My dear Ware, if this is envy, you really must get it under control. Such extremes are bad for you.”

Ware ignored the gibe. “We have to get that banner from Kemal.”

“Because you want it yourself?”

“I don’t want it. I’d be happy never to see it again.” He moistened his dry lips, trying to close out those blazing golden eyes, the flowing mane. “But we can’t let Kemal keep it.”

“Why not?”

“It’s not safe. Vaden may see it. It’s a miracle he hasn’t seen it already.”

“On the contrary. Kemal has taken the banner only on little skirmishes within his own province. It would have been pure chance for Vaden to have seen it.”

Kadar was right. He wasn’t thinking clearly. Jesus, he was surprised he could think at all. “He’ll see it if Kemal goes into battle with Saladin. All the Knights Templar will see it.”

“And what difference will that make?”

“It’s the lion throne.” Kadar didn’t understand. Why should he? Ware had made sure he knew nothing about the throne. Even now, when he realized he had to tell him, the words were sticking in his throat. Yet he had to have Kadar’s help to get the banner, and he couldn’t expect him to follow blindly.

“The minute Vaden or any of the high officers of the Temple see the banner, they’ll find out who created it and send someone to kill Thea.”

“For stitching a banner?”

“For knowing what I saw in the caves below the Temple of Solomon.”

Kadar shook his head. “You told her nothing.”

“But she knew,” he whispered. “Christ, she knew . How in heaven or hell did she know about the lion throne?”

“And what is this lion throne?”

“It’s why Jeffrey and I went down into the caves. We’d heard tales of the throne that had been brought from Canaan. We wanted to see it.” He closed his eyes, seeing it again, reliving that moment. “It was in a small hidden room in the depths of the cave. The lion throne.”

“And because you saw this…this throne, the Templars want to kill you. Why?”

He would say no more. He had told Kadar too much already. “Because it was the lion throne.”

“I grow weary of your secrets, Ware.”

“We have to get the banner back.”

“I think you imagine the lions in the banner form a throne. I didn’t see it.”

“Anyone who ever saw the real throne will see it. Vaden knew about the throne. He believed me when I said she knew nothing. He won’t believe me now. He’ll consider her as much a danger as he does me. No—a greater danger, because she put the throne on a banner for all the world to see.” He murmured, “Pray God he doesn’t see it before we can manage to take the banner from Kemal.”

“We? You expect my help?”

Ware met his gaze. “I ask for your help. I have no right to expect it.”

Kadar smiled. “And you tell me no more than bits and pieces about this throne of mystery. I’m tempted to withhold my help until I learn all your secrets.” He sighed. “But then you would be so beset by guilt that you’d become unbearably tedious. I’ll get your banner for you, my friend.”

Relief rushed through Ware. “Not yet. Not until we find a way to get Thea away from El Sunan.”

“Make up your mind. You said it was urgent we get the banner.”

“I’ll stay and set up camp here to stand guard over El Sunan. I want you to go to Saladin’s camp and watch Kemal. If he merely meets with Saladin and then returns home, we may have time to make plans.”

“But if I hear he’s going to do battle against the Franks with banner flying, I’m to come back here to tell you.” Kadar nodded. “I approve. I was afraid you were going to forget reason and be ruled by your emotions.”

He couldn’t afford to give in to the fear tearing at him. He must not make any mistakes. Danger was closing in all around them, and one misjudgment might mean Thea’s death. “Don’t let Kemal know you’re in Saladin’s camp.”

“Am I a fool?” Kadar mounted his horse. “No one sees me if I don’t wish to be seen.” He looked down at Ware. “It’s truly the same lion throne in Thea’s banner?”

Ware nodded. “I swear it. Though God knows how she knew.”

“I have a suggestion.” Kadar’s eyes were twinkling. “Perhaps you talk in your sleep.”

Ware shook his head.

“Or maybe you murmured it with the sweet words you gave to her.”

“I gave her no sweet words.”

“Never? No wonder she finds it hard to forgive your sins.” He turned his horse. “If you won’t admit to a loose tongue, then it must be chance. Fate does not seem to favor you, my friend.” He lifted his hand in farewell. “It’s just as well you have such a stalwart, brilliant comrade to balance the scale.”

“Yes, it is,” Ware said simply.

Kadar glanced over his shoulder, disconcerted. “At last you realize my worth.”

“I’ve always realized it. I could have no truer or more valiant friend on this earth. Go with God, Kadar.”

Kadar, for once, appeared at a loss for words. His pace as he spurred through the grove back toward the road resembled flight. His discomposure didn’t last long. “You forgot about ‘brilliant’,” he called back over his shoulder. “True, stalwart, valiant, and brilliant.”

“Brilliant.” Moisture stung Ware’s eyes as he watched Kadar until he was out of sight. After all these years of striving to distance himself, he had deliberately drawn Kadar down into the quagmire surrounding him. Once the Templars knew about the banner, no one who had made contact with it would be allowed to live.

Scarlet lions with slanted golden eyes.

Power and majesty.

Death and rebirth.

Dear God, how had she known ?