The Golden Barbarian

by Iris Johansen

  Tamar gazed at him, a multitude of emotions flicking across his face. “Are you challenging me, my friend?”

  “I’m warning you, Tamar.”

  Tamar’s glance went to his dagger lying on the carpet.

  The muscles of Galen’s thigh pressed against hers and now Tess felt them tense, as if preparing to spring.

  Then Tamar’s teeth bared in a grin. “Not tonight, Galen. I have a raid planned against the El Kabbar in two days’ time.” He bowed mockingly. “So keep your woman. I’ll find plenty to amuse me in the El Kabbar camp.” He glanced around the tent. “Now, give me a goblet of wine, and I’ll leave you.”

  Galen looked pointedly at the cut on Tess’s throat, and his lips tightened. “No wine under my roof, Tamar.”

  Tamar frowned, then shrugged. “Oh, very well. Then just give me my dagger.”

  “You’ll find it sticking in the big palm by the pool after we leave tomorrow. I’ll not risk you slitting one of my sentry’s throats simply to ease your frustrations.”

  “How well you know me.” Tamar chuckled. Then his smile faded. “But you don’t know yourself, my old friend. Come back to my encampment with me, and I promise you will learn.”

  “Good-bye, Tamar.”

  “Until next time.” Tamar tilted his head at Tess. “She is too skinny, but I like them small. It makes a man feel powerful as a bull to gore the little ones.” He bowed to her. “At our next meeting I’ll be delighted to teach your lady to have a more docile tongue.” He strode out of the tent.

  Tess let out the breath she didn’t know she had been holding. “That was … interesting.”

  “Interesting? I’ve noticed you have a passionate fondness for that word.” The surprise in Galen’s expression was wiped away by respect. “But yes, you might call Tamar interesting.”

  “What else would you call him?”

  “Murderer, rapist, bandit. There’s no more vicious sheikh in Sedikhan than Tamar.”

  “He spoke as if he knew you well.”

  “We grew up together in Zalandan. For a time his father’s tribe and the El Zalan were joined by a treaty. When Tamar came to power, the treaty was broken, and he returned to the north.” He stood up, walked over to the tent pole and blew out the lantern. “You can go back to sleep now. He won’t return.”

  “Why did he come? I could make no sense of him.”

  Galen shrugged out of his robe and moved back toward the divan. “Who knows why Tamar does anything? Whim directs him.” He lay down on the cushions and stretched out his big limbs. “He’s a lawless brigand, a total savage.”

  “But you were once friends.”

  “Once.”

  He fell silent, but Tess could still feel the tension emanating from him.

  “Why did you lie to him about me?”

  “It was best. Tamar has no desire for Sedikhan to be united. He enjoys his life exactly the way it is. He might have been much more determined to have you if he’d known you were part of my plan.”

  She suddenly remembered the word Tamar had used in referring to her. “What is a kadine?”

  “A woman of pleasure.”

  “Couldn’t you have named me your wife and still kept my identity a secret?”

  “Perhaps, but he would have been suspicious. Tamar knows I have no desire to wed.”

  A strange pain rippled through her at his words. She swallowed. “Of course, I understand.” She lay still, pondering the extraordinary events of the last quarter hour. After a time she spoke again. “You say no one knows why Tamar does anything, but I think you do.”

  “Yes, I’ve always been able to gauge what Tamar was going to do next.”

  “How?”

  He was silent so long she thought he wasn’t going to answer. “Because he’s my mirror.”

  “What?”

  “He’s what I was. He’s what I could become again.”

  Startled, she blurted, “But you said he was a vicious bandit.”

  “Yes.”

  “A brigand and a rapist.”

  “Yes.”

  She became conscious of the waves of emotion radiating from his rigid body. She could sense violence, controlled with difficulty, within, but no trace of the malice that Tamar had exuded. “You’re wrong. You could never be like him.”

  “I’m not wrong,” he murmured almost inaudibly. “But it won’t happen. Not if I’m strong. Not if I fight it. Not if I’m vigilant …”

  Chapter 4

  “Galen tells me you had a visitor last night,” Sacha said as he lifted Tess into her sidesaddle at dawn the next morning. “You needn’t worry that it will happen again. Kalim was mortified that Tamar had managed to slip by his sentries.”

  “Galen reprimanded him?”

  “Galen seldom reprimands. He simply told Kalim he was disappointed in him.”

  “That seems a strange way to handle the matter.”

  “It’s Galen’s way, and it’s always proved effective. The majiron’s ‘disappointment’ has more sting than a tongue-lashing from another leader.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Kalim probably wishes that savage Tamar had cut my throat. It’s obvious Kalim has no liking for me.”

  Sacha glanced away from her. “That’s only your imagination. How could he dislike you when he doesn’t know you?”

  Tess recalled the brief look of resentment on Kalim’s face when Galen had introduced her and shook her head. “It’s not my imagination.” She caught sight of Galen. He was riding out of camp at Kalim’s side. “What do you know of this Tamar?”

  “Not much. There have been a few skirmishes between his tribe and the El Zalan in the past few years, but Galen usually tries to avoid him.”

  “Why?”

  Sacha shrugged. “I have no idea. Galen doesn’t talk about him.”

  “They were children together. Perhaps he still has a lingering fondness for him.”

  Sacha shook his head. “Galen wouldn’t let friendship interfere with the good of the El Zalan. It’s probably that the tribes are so widely separated they don’t get in each other’s way.”

  And cows could fly. “Yes, that must be it.” She gathered the reins. “Let’s go. Galen has left the oasis.”

  “There’s no hurry.” Sacha swung up into the saddle. “You’re to ride in the rear with me until we reach Zalandan.”

  “I can keep up,” she said, hurt. “I ride better than you.”

  “That’s not the point. Galen has to ride up ahead with Kalim and lead the escort, but he wants to keep you away from the main party.”

  “Mother of God.” Her hands clenched on the reins. “First, I’m penned up in that tent, and now I’m forced to eat the dust. I’m getting very tired of being placed in—”

  “I’m hurt,” Sacha interrupted, pulling a face. “You’ve not seen me for years and yet you are already weary of my company.”

  “You know that’s not what—”

  “Five more days,” he coaxed. “Things will be different in Zalandan.”

  She scowled. “Freedom?”

  “To some extent.”

  She kicked her horse into a trot. “To a great extent,” she said through clenched teeth. “I have no liking for all this smothering. When we get to Zalandan, I will no longer tolerate it.”

  “Majira, wait!”

  They both turned to see a young man galloping toward them. As he reined in, he flashed a broad grin and inclined his head in a polite bow. “Greetings, Majira. Since you’re not to be with the main party, Kalim has sent me to protect and serve you on the journey. My name is Yusef Benardon.”

  “I believe I can assure my cousin any protection she requires, Yusef,” Sacha said dryly.

  Yusef stared at him guilelessly, his black eyes like sparkling buttons in his round face. “Very well, then I will protect you, Sacha. It makes no difference to me.”

  “Protect me?” Sacha said blankly.

  Yusef lowered his lids to half mask the mischief glittering in his eyes. �
�You think the honor bestowed on you is too great? I admit having the greatest warrior in Sedikhan put at your disposal is enough to dazzle and humble most men.”

  Sacha closed his eyes. “I believe I’m beginning to feel ill.”

  Yusef waved his hand airily. “You see? The majira does have need of me, since you’re clearly of a delicate nature.”

  Tess smothered a smile as she saw Sacha’s eyes flick open in outrage. It was all very well for her cousin to joke about his delicate sensibilities, but he couldn’t tolerate others doing so.

  Yusef had caught her glimmer of a smile from the corner of his eye and immediately turned to her with a coaxing grin. “You must not send me back to Kalim. It’s very boring and lonely up there for me, as all the other men are jealous of my prowess. We shall get along much better back here together.”

  “Indeed?”

  He smiled solemnly. “I shall immerse myself in the radiant delight of your company, and in return I will tell you many stories that will inform and amuse you. I promise I’ll make the hours of the journey fly by.”

  “A result much to be desired,” Tess said.

  “Then we’re agreed.” Yusef gave her another dazzling smile. “I’ll go ahead and make sure the road has been made safe for you, but do not fear. I’ll not let you linger without me in this abysmal boredom a moment longer than necessary.” Yusef galloped out of the oasis after the column of men.

  Tess laughed helplessly as she heard Sacha’s muttered oath.

  “I don’t find anything amusing in—” Sacha broke off and smiled reluctantly. “It’s no wonder Kalim sent him back here out of harm’s way. The scalawag has unerring aim. By the end of five days he probably would have managed to antagonize every one of Galen’s men and completely disrupted the escort.”

  “He’s not a great warrior?”

  “I didn’t say that. He’s one of the best fighters Galen has. Unfortunately, he also has a highly developed talent for mischief.”

  “I think I like him.”

  “I’m not surprised. Most women have a weakness for Yusef. Which is another reason he’s not overpopular with the men.”

  “He’s a womanizer?” The idea surprised her, for Yusef had no claim to the wonderful good looks of Kalim or Sacha, much less the magnetism of Galen. He was only a little above middle height, and appeared wiry and agile rather than powerful. In fact, he reminded her of a rather endearing monkey with his sparkling eyes and round, merry face.

  “Let’s say he has a weakness where all ladies are concerned. They smile at him, and he forgets trifling realities such as husbands and fathers.” He shrugged. “But don’t worry—he may be rash, but he’s not mad. He won’t insult the majira, and he may even amuse you.” He scowled. “Not that we need the rascal.”

  Tess’s lips twitched. “No, of course not.” But she was already feeling her spirits rise as she nudged her mare into a trot. She was sure it had not been Kalim’s intention to see to her entertainment when he had sent Yusef to be her escort, But Yusef’s mischievous presence just might make the journey bearable.

  “There it is!” Yusef gestured jubilantly. “Zalandan.” He started at a gallop after the column a quarter of a mile ahead.

  “I didn’t expect this.” Tess paused on the hill beside Sacha and gazed at the great walled city in the valley below. With a gold-dipped brush the late afternoon sunlight gilded the turquoise minarets and the white stone of the houses of Zalandan. The beauty of the city touched her heart and soul. “It’s very impressive. Almost as large as Belajo.”

  “That’s where the similarity ends,” Sacha said dryly. “Belajo leans toward the West. Zalandan is definitely of the East.”

  “Yet you preferred to spend the last six years here.”

  “Because it called to me.”

  “Called to you?” she asked, puzzled.

  “You’ll see.”

  They wound their way down the hill to the city.

  “Zalandan has its own allure,” Sacha said as they passed through the city gates.

  She saw what he meant as they traveled through the crowded streets of Zalandan. Amid the spice shops and silk stalls, vendors carrying huge cages filled with doves and white cockatoos stopped their haggling to watch the troop ride across the huge marketplace.

  Yusef rode back to join Tess and Sacha as they reached the market. “Ah, it’s good to be home,” he said, and sighed contentedly. He added quickly, “Not that I didn’t enjoy every moment of your company, Majira. The past days will live in my memory through an eternity of—”

  “Enough, Yusef.” Her tone was abstracted as she eagerly gazed at the shops and stalls on either side of her. She suddenly pointed to a shop where a variety of brilliant-hued pottery containers with strange long handles were displayed. “What kind of place is that? I’ve never seen vases shaped like those, and they’re all exactly the same size.”

  Yusef glanced casually at the shop she had indicated. “Those aren’t vases, they’re carobels. Camar has the finest carobel shop in all of Zalandan.” He grinned. “And one of the most beautiful daughters.” He glanced wistfully back at the shop. “With a heart as generous as her face is fair. I don’t suppose now that you’re safely in Zalandan, you would permit—”

  Tess shook her head resignedly. She had an idea she would live no longer in Yusef’s memory than the moment he saw the shopkeeper’s generous and comely daughter, but she would miss the scamp. Thank the saints she’d had Sacha and Yusef’s company on the journey, for she had certainly seen little enough of Galen since that first night. Not that it mattered to her, she assured herself quickly. “Go to your shopkeeper’s daughter, Yusef.”

  He smiled. “I look forward to basking in your presence again, Majira.” He wheeled his horse and rode swiftly back toward the shop.

  “At least he made it through the gates before he yielded to temptation,” Sacha said. “He’s not usually so celibate. I thought perhaps he’d make a side excursion on our journey and visit one of the women of the hill tribes.”

  Once they left the bazaar, Tess expected to see signs of the poverty she had encountered in Belajo and Paris, but though the houses were small, they seemed spotlessly clean, and the people well-fed and cheerful. Galen’s appearance was met by smiles and cheers, but they all drew respectfully aside as the column approached.

  “The palace is just ahead,” Sacha said as he nodded to the huge courtyard at the end of the street.

  She could hardly have missed it, Tess thought dazedly. The palace was only two stories high, but it was a dreamlike turreted structure with arched windows and delicately fretted balconies. It was built of a creamy beige stone that caught the sunlight and glittered like a massive jewel in the center of the courtyard.

  “It’s … bewitching.”

  Sacha noted her entranced expression and nod-led knowingly. “I told you. It calls to you.…”

  “Welcome to Zalandan.” Galen had dismounted and was striding toward them.

  She stiffened, jarred out of her bemusement.

  He raised his brows as he saw the wariness in her expression. “I hope my home pleases you?”

  “Of course it pleases me. Why should it not? It’s very beautiful.”

  “And a surprise.” He smiled faintly as he lifted her down from her mare onto the mosaic tiles of the courtyard. “I told you we savages can lay claim to certain comforts. Gold buys nearly anything in this world.” Her gaze flew to his face, and he shook his head. “No, I know it didn’t buy you. Your price was higher. But gold can make your stay here pleasant.” He turned to Said. “Take her to her quarters and be sure Viane makes her comfortable.”

  “I’ll take her,” Sacha said quickly. “I have nothing better to do.”

  Galen turned back to look at him, and for an instant Tess thought she saw a flicker of concern on his face before he shrugged. “As you like.” He turned to Tess. “Tell Viane I’ll come to your chamber to sup with you at dusk.”

  “If you’re not too busy?”r />
  His brows lifted at the caustic note in her voice. “I won’t be too busy.” He went toward the stable where Kalim waited.

  Excitement mixed generously with resentment rippled through her as she watched Galen join Kalim and enter the stable. He had not supped with her since the night of their wedding. In truth, she had scarcely seen him on the journey to Zalandan. He had stayed at the campfire with the men, coming to their tent only after she had gone to sleep.

  “Tess?”

  She turned to see Sacha gazing at her With an amused smile.

  He gestured with a mocking flourish for her to precede him into the palace.

  She quickly climbed the steps, and the doors were immediately thrown open by the two robed guards standing at attention. “Who is Viane?”

  “Galen’s half-sister.”

  “I didn’t know he had a sister.” She shouldn’t have been surprised at her ignorance. She was finding she knew very little about her husband.

  “Galen’s mother died when he was twelve, and soon after his father married again. Viane was the only child of the union.” He led her swiftly down the gleaming corridor, his steps springing with a curious eagerness. “You’ll grow fond of Viane.”

  Tess made a face. “I don’t seem to make friends with women easily. They find me too bold.”

  “I can see why.” Sacha grinned. “Not many ladies prefer stables to ballrooms, but you’ll have no conflict with Viane.”

  “She likes to ride?”

  “No, she’s rather timid around horses, but that won’t matter.”

  She looked at him skeptically. She could not magine a feeling of closeness toward anyone who ad no fondness for animals.

  He chuckled as he saw her expression. “Truly.”

  He stopped before a carved teak wood door, threw it open, and then stepped aside for her to precede him into the chamber.

  A slight dark-haired woman gowned in flowing light blue draperies came toward them. A deep rose flush colored her olive cheeks as she inclined her head politely to Sacha. “Welcome back, my lord.” She turned to Tess and smiled gently. “I have been looking forward to this moment since Galen sent word you were coming. Welcome, Majira.”