“No! It’s forbidden for the women of the household to go beyond the gates.”
“Galen often took me for rides outside the city.”
Viane frowned. “You know he wouldn’t permit you to go without him, even accompanied by a groom. We must be satisfied with Yusef’s house until Galen returns. Then perhaps we can persuade him—”
“Persuade?” Tess made a face. “It’s another word for plead, and leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.”
“Galen has been very lenient with you. No other woman is permitted such freedom,” Viane said soberly. “You must understand it’s not usual for women to ride abroad with their men, much less alone. I’m sure Galen has been criticized for indulging you so.”
“He doesn’t appear to mind.”
“He’s accustomed to fighting battles,” Viane said. “Since my father died, he has tried to bring to Zalandan all that is good of the West. Many do not like to be driven from the old ways.”
“Like Kalim.”
“And me.”
“You?”
Viane nodded. “In that way Kalim and I are alike. I find the old ways have grace and reason.”
“It’s reasonable to be imprisoned in this chamber as you’ve penned in your birds?”
“Their pen is beautiful, and they will never know hunger.”
“Or freedom.”
Viane’s eyes were suddenly twinkling. “Alexander knows freedom whenever you loose him on the wind.”
“But even then we tie him to us with bribes of food so that he’ll return to his cage.” Tess shook her head. “If he wasn’t so stupid, he’d fly free and fend for himself.”
“But then you would have no messenger bird.”
“True.” Tess suddenly scowled as she remembered her last meeting with Kalim. “You’re not at all like Kalim. He’s an uncivilized beast.”
Viane arched a delicate brow. “You seem upset with him. Has he done something to disturb you?”
Tess didn’t dare tell about her confrontation with Kalim. “I just don’t like him,” she said weakly.
“He appears surly at times, but he has his reasons. He grew up in one of the wild border tribes, and has known nothing all his life but warfare and bloodshed.… He can be very kind when he wishes.”
“But not the least amusing. He’s all frowns and boring lectures and duty.” Tess gave her a sidelong glance. “Sacha would not bore you.”
Viane flushed and glanced away. “No, I doubt if he would bore anyone.”
“And he can be kind.” Tess added in all fairness, “When it occurs to him.”
“You know him better than I.”
“And he’s handsome. All the ladies think Sacha is wondrously handsome.”
“Very handsome.” Viane moved across the terrace to the balustrade and looked out over the city to the hills beyond. “Why are we speaking of Sacha, Tess?”
“Because he is fond of you.”
“I know.”
“And you are fond of him.”
“He stirs me.” Viane’s hands tightened on the stone balustrade. “It is most unsettling.”
“You would be so much happier with Sacha than Kalim. He would give you freedom.”
“I have told you that freedom has little value for me.”
“But it should,” Tess said earnestly. “If you knew how wonderful it is to be—”
“I don’t wish to speak of this any longer. It disturbs me.”
Tess was sure she had made progress and was tempted to continue, but decided she had pushed enough for the time being. “Oh, very well. I only wish the best for you.”
Viane’s huge eyes glistened like polished onyx as she turned to look at Tess. “And I hope I have not hurt you by avoiding the conversation. I have come to care very much for you.”
“You have?” Tess asked, surprised. “I thought I might be too abrasive for you. I know I sometimes nudge you.”
“Nudge?” Viane chuckled as she shook her head. “Your ‘nudges’ resemble being pulled behind Selik at a full gallop.” She added quickly, “But I don’t mind. I’ve found life much more exciting since you’ve come to Zalandan.”
Tess couldn’t resist the opportunity to insinuate just one more idea. “Sacha is much more exciting than I’ve ever managed to be. Let me tell you—” She broke off and smiled sheepishly as she met Viane’s reproving stare. “Well, it’s true. I haven’t lived long enough to compete with Sacha, yet I do look forward to overtaking him shortly.” Her smile faded as she continued haltingly, “I haven’t had a woman for a friend before, but I consider you my—” She stopped and then went on with a rush. “That is … if you would like … if you wouldn’t mind being—”
“But of course we’re friends.” Viane smiled radiantly. “Friends and sisters. I knew as soon as I met you that it would be so.”
“How … clever of you.” Tess turned and stared out at the sun going down beyond the hills. Her throat ached, and she knew her voice sounded gruff. “I’m never certain about anyone or anything. I only hope.…” She cleared her throat and said briskly, “Now, about Alexander’s next journey.”
Viane frowned. “I thought we’d agreed it would be from Yusef’s house.”
“No, I believe we’ve imposed enough on Yusef.” She carefully avoided Viane’s gaze. “I’ve decided it might become awkward for him if we continue to use his house.”
“Awkward?”
Tess had a sudden gory vision of Yusef’s head in a wicker basket. “Extremely awkward … perhaps. I’ll send him a message tomorrow that we won’t be using his roof again.” She would also include a postscript that it might be wise for him to leave Zalandan until Galen returned. She glanced at Alexander on his perch in the aviary. “We’ll let him rest for a few days and then set him a harder task.”
“What task?” Viane asked warily. “And what place will we use if not Yusef’s house?”
“I’ll have to think about it,” Tess hedged. She had no intention of divulging her new plan at the moment. Viane could be very obstinate when her sense of propriety was offended. Tess intended to use the next two days to drop hints and information and bring Viane around. She looked to the horizon. From this distance she could not see the watchtower, but she had no need to see it. She could visualize it standing tall, strong, mysterious, beckoning to her as it had the first time she had seen it. “I’m sure something interesting will occur to me.”
Kalim met Galen just after he’d galloped through the city gates. “You made good time, Majiron.”
“Good enough.” Galen looked at the palace and felt a predictable quickening in his loins, quickly accompanied by a bewildering flicker of joy. Not yet. Control. Soon. “We rode hard. Is all well?”
Kalim didn’t answer as he nudged his horse into a walk beside Selik.
Galen stiffened and shot him a keen glance. “I take it all is not well?”
Kalim didn’t look at him. “Nothing of importance has occurred to the El Zalan.”
Galen’s gaze flew to the palace.
“Viane is also well.” Kalim added haltingly, “It is the majira.”
Galen’s heart lurched, and he muttered a curse. “Damn you. I told you to care for her. Is she ill?”
“Her health is excellent.” Kalim’s cheeks flushed as he gazed uneasily at the men surrounding them. “This is not the place.”
Galen kicked Selik into a trot that sent them ahead of the escort. He didn’t stop until he reached the courtyard of the palace. He reined in before the steps, slid from the saddle, and whirled to face Kalim. “Why must you have privacy for what you have to tell me?”
Kalim swallowed and said hoarsely, “I would not have you dishonored before them.”
Galen went still. “Dishonored?”
“The majira visited the house of Yusef Benardon three times this week and stayed a number of hours.” Kalim paused. “Alone.”
Galen felt as if he had been kicked in the stomach. “You’re certain?”
Kalim
nodded. “She went on foot and took no groom. I spoke to Yusef’s neighbors, and they say he sent his servants away while she spent the afternoons with him.” Kalim continued quickly, “They will not gossip. I told them I would put anyone to the sword who spoke of this shame.”
Shame. Galen felt a burst of primitive rage. Tess in Yusef’s bed, writhing on the cushions, Yusef above her.… The blood pounded in his veins. A red haze formed before his eyes. He valiantly tried to think clearly. “Sometimes things are not as they seem.”
“I confronted her, and she did not deny it. She was … bold.”
Yes, Tess would be bold. He could almost see her standing before Kalim, eyes flashing. “You confronted her?”
“I told her if she continued, her lover would have no head,” Kalim said fiercely. “It would have given me great pleasure to have destroyed him for you, Majiron.”
Galen carefully kept his voice level. “And did she continue to see him?”
Kalim shook his head. “His servant said Yusef received a message the next day and left the city immediately.”
“Bound for where?”
“To visit one of the hill tribes.” Kalim took a deep breath. “I thought it was over.”
Galen turned his face so that Kalim would not see his expression. “And it’s not?”
Kalim miserably shook his head. “The majira left the city shortly after noon today. I felt it was my duty to follow her.” He paused. “She went to the tower.”
Galen whirled to face him. “The tower?”
“I don’t think she could have known that a tryst there would add to your shame,” Kalim whispered. “She might not have been told.”
“If she didn’t know, Yusef certainly did.” Galen’s lips twisted. “Just as he knew how convenient the tower would be to reach from the hill encampment.”
Kalim’s eyes were bright with moisture. “Believe me, I did not want to tell you. I wanted to take care of it myself before you returned.”
“I know, Kalim.” On one level Galen was aware of how upset Kalim was, but he could not extend comfort now. His entire being was consumed with the effort to subdue the untamed anger writhing through him. He must think, reason, he couldn’t let himself uncage the wildness.
“What shall I do? Shall I go and bring her back?”
“No.” He turned and mounted Selik. “It’s no longer your concern, Kalim.”
“Let me go with you. Suppose Yusef is—”
“I hope he is.” Galen smiled chillingly. “Then I won’t have to seek him out.”
Kalim’s hands clenched into fists. “I knew the Western woman would bring trouble down on you.”
“I brought it on myself. I know how bored women can get. They must be kept under control.” Dear God, he sounded like his father. Well, why not? He felt like his father. Betrayed, angry, the blood lust rising within him. “I should have taken her with me.” He turned his horse. “Tell Viane I won’t return tonight.”
He galloped out of the courtyard and through the town toward the city gates.
He was not his father.
Yet the blood was there, the savagery was there.
Tess was not without honor.
She had found Yusef comely. She had laughed and joked with him.
She was still a child in many ways.
Yet in those days before he left, he had purposely teased her, primed her to take him into her bed. In the courtyard that last day she had challenged him. She had been ready for a man.
Any man?
Galen found his teeth clenching, his hands tightening on the reins.
He must maintain his composure. He would be calm and reasonable. He would give her the opportunity to explain.
Mother of God, he hoped he could keep himself from hurting her.
He rode through the gates and turned Selik toward the hills.
Tess lifted Alexander carefully from his cage. “All right, lad, we’ve done this before. Just set your mind to it.” She straightened, leaned far out the window, and tossed the pigeon into the air.
Alexander’s gray wings flapped wildly, the tiny bells affixed to his leg jingling merrily as he rose into the sky, wheeled gracefully in a circle … and headed west.
“Not that direction, you idiot,” Tess grumbled as she watched the bird fly away from the tower. “You’re flying toward Said Ababa. Who’ll feed you grain there?”
The pigeon soared blissfully away from both the tower … and Zalandan.
Tess leaned her elbow on the windowsill, chin in hand, and made a face at the swiftly retreating bird, quite definitely headed toward the border. “Very well, you’ll find out.” But Sweet Mary, there was no telling how long it would take the stupid bird to discover his error. In the meantime she’d have to stay at the tower in case he returned instead of winging his way home. Who could know? The dratted bird might become addled and never make it back to the palace.
She cast a speculative eye at the sunlight filtering into the room. She judged it would be at least another two hours before the sun set and Viane started to worry.
She would give the pesky bird until sundown to return. If he didn’t, she would set out then for the palace to see if he had come to his addled senses and flown back like a proper homing pigeon.
In the meantime this chamber in the tower was not a bad place to wait. The guardroom downstairs had been in total chaos, tables and chairs broken and overturned and every nook and cranny wreathed in cobwebs, but here in the tower room there were even touches of luxury. Evidently, the officers who had commanded this outpost liked their comfort. The wide bed across the room was encased in heavy blue velvet curtains to keep out the chill of the desert night; the blue-and-cream patterned carpet stretching over the stone floor was as thick and fine as the one in her chamber in the palace. No matter the luxurious quality of the furnishings, there was no denying the coat of dust and mildew layering everything, and if her judgment of Alexander’s intellect was correct, she might have a long wait. She had no intention of lying on that filthy bed or sitting on the stone floor until he came back.
Tess moved the large thronelike chair before the huge fireplace. She snatched up the mildewed cushions on the dusty chair and threw them carelessly on the hearth before taking off her cloak and draping it on the chair. She settled herself gingerly on the hard seat, leaned back, and sighed.
On the whole the tower had been a disappointment. She had found nothing mysterious or intriguing about the place, and certainly no reason why Galen had forbidden it to her. The only inhabitants were mice and spiders.
She was lying to herself, she realized impatiently. She knew very well why she had wanted to come here. The attraction had been not the tower itself but Galen’s reaction to it. She had hoped she would find some clue to a new aspect of Galen’s character. He was so guarded, he would yield little to her voluntarily. She knew when he returned, their relationship must change, and she had thought she would feel safer if she—
Safer? How odd that word had occurred to her. She had never been afraid of Galen. She had always been aware he could be a danger to those around him, but his control was so absolute, she was sure it could never falter.
Well, she had learned nothing about Galen from this tower. She would have to wait until he returned and probe the man himself. He should be back in Zalandan in two days’ time, three at the most, and the new game would begin. She stifled the tiny flutter of excitement that rippled through her. It was too unsettling to think of coupling with Galen. Instead, she would fasten her thoughts on that idiotic bird winging his way toward Said Ababa.
Dust motes danced on the narrow path of sunlight streaming through the long, narrow window into the chamber. The ride to the tower had been long and hot, but now the heat was abating. In truth, it was quite pleasant in this circular room, the sun bathing her face …
In the distance Galen could see the watchtower silhouetted against the blood-red setting sun. Pavda was tied to the tree that grew beside the brass-bracketed door. r />
One horse. She was alone in the tower.
It could be a mistake. Kalim could be wrong.
But Kalim would not lie to him.
She could have a purpose for being here.
Of course she had a purpose. Her lover had told her to meet him.
Rapunzel, let down your hair …
The narrow tower window was dark. Was she waiting for her lover to arrive before she lit the candle?
He could feel the shadows of the tower reach out with iron claws, dragging him into darkness.
He was a civilized man. He should think, he should try to search out reasons, delve into his soul for understanding.
Yet the closer he came to the tower, the more his thoughts became blurred. Time seemed to shift. The man he had become was lost. The wild, primitive boy he had been when he had last ridden this serpentine road toward the tower was found.
The flamelike rage licked at him, surrounded him, devoured him, became one with him …
Chapter 7
She should be afraid, Tess realized drowsily, as she opened her eyes and first saw the huge dark silhouette framed against the blood-red sky beyond the slit of window. In his billowing cloak he reminded her of a fierce hawk limned in fire. Galen.
She wasn’t afraid. There was something supremely natural in waking and seeing Galen watching her. She was glad the waiting was over. The years had passed so slowly, the loneliness had gone on too long. “Galen …”
“Yes, I regret to disappoint you.” The harshness in his voice jarred her into full wakefulness. “But life is full of disappointments, isn’t it?”
She shook her head to clear it as she struggled upright in the chair. “You’re not supposed to be here. I didn’t expect you for another two days.”
“What bridegroom could resist rushing back to his beloved?” The heavy irony in his voice made her flinch. He moved across the room to the fireplace and knelt on the hearth. “Imagine my disappointment to find you had fled my eager arms.”
“You know I’m not your beloved.” She watched him strike flint to the wood in the grate, wishing desperately the room was not dark so she could see his expression. She was aware of something different in his demeanor, in the inflection of his voice. “You’re angry with me?”