The Tiger Prince

by Iris Johansen

  His fingers were not as practiced as Li Sung’s, and it took him a long time to complete the thick braid. She didn’t care, she thought dreamily. She felt cosseted and infinitely treasured.

  “There. It’s done.” He stood up and pulled her to her feet. “And now I have to get you back to camp before you take a chill.”

  He lifted her onto Bedelia, but his hand closed over hers as she reached for the reins.

  His voice was suddenly harsh with feeling as he blurted out, “When will you realize I’m not going to ever cause you pain again? When the hell are you going to believe me?”

  She wanted to believe him, to take the chance. The temptation was so strong, it was nearly irresistible, but she was afraid. She looked at him helplessly. “I can’t. I told you, there’s too much—” Her voice was uneven as she struggled with tears. “I can’t!”

  The next moment she was galloping wildly through the jungle back to the encampment.

  here’s something you have to see,” Kartauk said. He grabbed Margaret’s wrist and pulled her down the hall toward the front entrance.

  “Let me go.” She struggled to release herself. “I have to get back to Ian. It’s almost time for his lunch.”

  “He’s going to miss it.”

  “Why should he have to—” She fell silent as she saw the frightening grimness of Kartauk’s expression.

  He pulled her out on the front veranda and pointed down the hill toward the seaport. “Look.”

  Fire.

  The dock and warehouses bordering the sea below blazed in an inferno of destruction, sending black curls of smoke to darken the heavens.

  “What is it?” Margaret whispered.

  “I have an idea, but I’ve sent Tamar to find out for sure.” Kartauk strode quickly back to the door. “You go to the servants’ quarters and fetch the bearers and Ian’s chair. I’ll get Ian ready to travel.”

  “What’s happening?” Margaret followed him. “You know how hard it is for Ian to travel.”

  “It will be harder on him to stay,” Kartauk said. “If it’s Abdar knocking at the gate.”

  “Abdar! But Ruel said we should have another two months.”

  “It seems Abdar has decided not to honor tradition.” He moved down the hall. “I’ve told Jock to saddle your horse and bring it around for you. Be sure to tell the bearers to put extra cushions on Ian’s chair. It’s going to be a rough journey for him down that incline to the canyon.”

  “Terrible. Couldn’t we hide somewhere in the rain forest near the palace?”

  Kartauk shook his head. “They’d find us. We have to get to Ruel.”

  “But will the bearers be quick enough?”

  “We have no choice. We can’t get a coach down that narrow canyon trail. It’s barely wide enough for the tracks that Medford laid.” He snapped over his shoulder. “Move!”

  She nodded and flew down the corridor toward the servants’ quarters.

  Kartauk threw open the door to Ian’s chamber and found him in his chair by the window, staring down at black smoke rising from the seaport.

  “We’re leaving,” he said curtly.

  Ian shifted his gaze from the fire to Kartauk’s face. “Abdar?”

  Kartauk nodded. “More than likely. I sent Tamar to determine how much time we have.” He went to the armoire and pulled out Ian’s cloak. “You may need this.” As he withdrew a large carpet bag he glanced at the collection of medicine vials on the table beside Ian’s chair. “We’ll need a valise to put those in.”

  “There’s a small leather box in the bottom of the armoire that Margaret packed them in when we came from Glenclaren.” He sat up straighter in the chair. “Bring it here. I’ll pack them while you pack Margaret’s things. Where is she?”

  “Fetching your bearers.”

  “Ah yes, even in the direst emergency I must travel in suitable pomp and glory.” He took the leather valise Kartauk handed him and began to place the vials carefully in the case. “Be sure to pack Margaret’s blue shawl. It’s warm and she looks so lovely in it.”

  Kartauk grabbed the shawl and tossed it in the carpet bag. “You’re being very calm.”

  “Why not? When I have you and Margaret to care for my well-being.” Ian smiled. “What is scum like Abdar when one is surrounded by one’s friends?”

  “A threat.”

  Tamar burst through the door, his usual calm demeanor vanished. “Abdar! We must depart!”

  “You’re sure it’s Abdar?” Kartauk asked.

  Tamar nodded. “His soldiers wear blue and white livery as you told me.”

  Kartauk swore. “How many?”

  “Perhaps two hundred. But they carry English rifles.”

  Kartauk frowned. “Two hundred. Why not more?”

  “It seems quite enough to me,” Ian said mildly.

  Kartauk nodded and turned back to Tamar. “How much time do we have?”

  “Not long. The soldiers fired the docks as they set out for the palace. I ran into Abdar’s forces outside of town and turned around and came back.”

  “Then he’s right behind you,” Ian said. “And we have no time for my foolish bearers.” He met Kartauk’s gaze. “Margaret.”

  Ian was right. It would take a miracle for the bearers to avoid Abdar’s pursuit down that canyon trail, and if Margaret accompanied them she would not desert Ian even if it meant being captured herself. He nodded. “I’ll see to it. Finish his packing and get him into his chair, Tamar. He’s leaving immediately.”

  He had to step around the four Cinnidan bearers as they entered Ian’s chamber. He grasped Margaret’s arm as she would have followed them. “No.” He half pulled, half pushed her down the corridor. “I’ll tend to him. You go on ahead.”

  “Are you mad? I won’t leave without Ian.”

  “Someone has to warn Medford and Ruel to be ready for Abdar. Medford’s camp is directly at the bottom of the canyon wall. Give him the warning and then ride on to Ruel’s camp. The last time I heard from him he was located about fifteen miles from Medford. Tell him Abdar has a force of only two hundred and that, though they’re well armed, I don’t think he will have any reinforcements to draw on. There’s a good chance he’s overstepped his power with this move.”

  “You go warn Ruel. My place is with Ian.”

  It was what he expected of her, strong as gold and brave as a lion. “Are you strong enough to protect him in battle?” He pushed her down the veranda steps toward Jock, who was holding her horse. “You have a great heart, but I am mighty as Goliath.”

  “Whom David defeated without batting an eyelash.”

  “He struck a lucky blow.” Kartauk grinned. “Goliath should have won.” He said to Jock. “Don’t let her stop until she reaches Ruel.”

  Jock nodded. “Aye.”

  “I’m not going until—”

  “Do you trust me?” Kartauk asked. “Do you truly trust me, Margaret?” “Aye, but I still—”

  “This is the right thing to do for all of us. It may be the only way to save the day. I promise Ian will be right behind you.” He smiled and suddenly his face was illuminated with love. “Go, Margaret, trust me.”

  He lifted her to the saddle and swatted the horse’s rear, sending it into a gallop toward the canyon.

  He turned immediately and climbed the veranda steps. He wished he could have watched her leave, to see the slender straightness of her back, the way she held her head in that proud manner he loved so well. It did not seem much for a man to ask.

  But there was no time.

  Margaret and Jock were almost halfway down the canyon trail before she had time to realize the exact portent of Kartauk’s words.

  “My God,” she murmured as panic swept through her.

  He had promised Ian would be on her heels.

  He had said nothing about himself.

  Ian was still sitting in the chair by the window when Kartauk entered his chamber. He turned to Tamar, who stood against the far wall beside the Cinnidan
bearers. “Why isn’t he in his traveling chair? I told you to get him ready.”

  Tamar shook his head. “And he told me not to move him. It is he I must obey.” “She’s gone?” Ian asked.

  Kartauk nodded. “Not without protest. We have to send you on your way to be sure she doesn’t turn back. I promised you’d be right behind her.” He crossed to Ian’s chair. “Brace yourself. I’m going to lift you.”

  “Not yet.” Ian grimaced as he nodded at the glass of wine on the table beside him. “After I finish the wine. I’ve just taken my laudanum and I must wait until it takes effect. The trip down that canyon will prove excruciating. I’ll only be a moment.”

  “We don’t have many moments.”

  Ian picked up his wineglass. “You don’t intend to go with me, do you?”

  Kartauk went still. “Why do you say that?”

  “You said send, not bring, and such an action would be reasonable considering your character.”

  “Considering my character, you should expect me to do just the opposite. No one has more self-concern than me.”

  “Not where Margaret is involved.” He sipped his wine. “I take it you think it’s necessary to stay and delay Abdar from following us.”

  Kartauk nodded. “Abdar would enjoy having Ruel’s brother to toy with.”

  “But not you?”

  He shrugged. “I’ve dealt with Abdar for years. I know him.”

  “But there is still danger for you.”

  “Finish your wine. You have to leave.”

  Ian nodded and obediently swallowed the rest of the wine. “I know I mustn’t keep you, but since I’ve been sitting here I’ve suddenly realized something. Something that’s been troubling me since that night at Lanpur Gorge.”

  “We haven’t time for this.” Kartauk took an impatient step forward.

  “God always has a purpose, but I couldn’t see His hand in saving me that night. It’s all coming clearer now.”

  “I’m going to lift you.” Kartauk bent to gather him into his arms.

  “I really wouldn’t do that,” Ian murmured as he nodded at Tamar over Kartauk’s shoulder. “You appear so concerned about me, and if I fell it would cause me great pain.”

  “I won’t drop you.”

  “I’m afraid you would have no choice.”

  “Nonsense, I’m strong as an—”

  He broke off as the vase Tamar wielded shattered on his head. He grunted, his eyes glazing over. He slumped to the floor.

  “You see?” Ian asked as he gazed down at Kartauk. “I really could not allow you to cheat me, my friend.” He lifted his gaze to Tamar. “Very good. Get him on a horse. Quickly.”

  Tamar hesitated. “I do not think—”

  “You said you would always obey my every command.” He smiled gently. “Don’t worry, this is a good thing I’ve done, Tamar.”

  “No.” Tamar met his gaze with understanding. “It is a great thing.” He nodded to one of the bearers, who helped him lift Kartauk’s massive bulk.

  “Wait!” Ian said. “Tell the bearers to take the chair down the mountain. Tie Kartauk’s horse’s reins to the back of the chair and let them lead him down.”

  Tamar frowned, puzzled. “Take the chair without you?”

  “Margaret will be on the lookout for the chair. If she doesn’t see it, she’ll return instead of going on to Ruel.”

  Tamar nodded and issued quick orders to the bearers. “I will be back as soon as I get them under way.”

  “No, I want you to hide on the grounds. When the soldiers find you, don’t fight them. Ruel may need a man here at the palace.”

  “I would rather come back here.”

  Ian shook his head.

  Tamar hesitated and then said softly, “It will be as you wish.”

  In moments Ian was left alone in the chamber. Contentment flowed over him. It was done. Well, not entirely done, but soon it would be over. He should have had more faith. He should have known that God would have more compassion than to let him suffer with no reason. He had been given a role of splendor and heroism to play out the end of his humdrum life.

  He settled back in his chair to wait for Abdar.

  “There.” Jock pointed up the trail. “I see them!”

  Them? Hope leapt in Margaret as she shaded her eyes against the sun. From this distance she could barely make out the chair about a quarter of the way down the trail, but wasn’t there also a horseman just behind the chair’s ornate fringed awning?

  “Come,” Jock urged. “Medford’s camp is right ahead.”

  “Aye.” Margaret spurred ahead. It could be both of them. Kartauk could have come with Ian. Let it be both of them, she prayed. Be merciful and let them both be saved.

  He was afraid, Ian realized. He hadn’t expected fear, and yet here it was, ugly and twisted and dark. He mustn’t think of darkness. He must think only of the light.

  They were coming.

  He heard shouts from outside the palace and then the sounds of boots on the fine wood floors and doors being thrown open up and down the long corridor.

  They were closer, right outside his own closed door.

  He tensed as the door was thrown open and Abdar stamped into the chamber.

  “Ah, at last! I feared there was no one here.” Abdar came toward him, his usually blank face twisted with annoyance. “I know you. You are the brother, the crippled one.”

  Ian inclined his head. “I recall our first meeting in great detail, Your Highness.” “Where are the others?”

  “Others?”

  “Where is Kartauk?”

  Ian vaguely looked around the chamber. “He was here a moment ago.” He leaned back in his chair. “You must forgive me, Your Highness. I’ve just taken my laudanum and I cannot think clearly. I think he is in his furnace room … across the veranda. Or perhaps the summerhouse. He was quite disturbed you were coming.”

  “He had a right to be disturbed.” Abdar turned to a handsome young man behind him. “Go search for him, Pachtal. Bring him here.”

  Pachtal quickly left the room.

  Abdar turned back to Ian. “I had word that your wife had accompanied you to Cinnidar. Where is she?”

  “She became frightened and fled. I believe she’s hiding somewhere on the grounds.”

  “Leaving you alone?”

  “She had no choice. Was she to give up her life to save that of a helpless cripple?”

  Ian could see he had struck a note of reason in Abdar with that answer. Abdar slowly nodded and turned to an officer. “Search also for the woman.”

  After the officer had left, Abdar moved across the room toward Ian. “You should not have come back. Your brother has offended Kali by attempting to steal her treasure.”

  “Her treasure or your treasure?” Ian asked.

  “It is all the same.”

  “Is it?” Ian closed his eyes. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I cannot fight the laudanum any longer.”

  Moments passed, and he could hear Abdar restlessly prowling back and forth about the chamber. Finally Abdar exploded. “I do not think you drugged. You seek to ignore me.”

  “The laudanum …”

  “I will triumph, you know.”

  “Will you?”

  “He has no army, no arms. I have fine rifles furnished from the armory of your Colonel Pickering.” “How pleasant for you.” “You do not believe me?”

  “I believe you think you will triumph.” He smiled faintly. “However, as my Margaret was wont to say, Ruel was never one to be accommodating.”

  “He will have no—”

  “Kartauk is not here.” Pachtal hurried back into the chamber. “We have searched the palace and the grounds. We found only one Cinnidan servant. The rest have fled.”

  Abdar swore as he whirled back to Ian. “Where is he?”

  Ian’s lids lifted. “May I suggest you ask Kali?”

  “You defy me?” Patches of color flared in Abdar’s cheeks. “You miserable cripple. You have
the temerity to express contempt for me?”

  “I do appear to have that temerity. I’m a bit surprised myself. For a while I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to do this well. Ruel is much better at this sort of thing than I am.” He met Abdar’s gaze. “Yes, I do have contempt for you, Abdar. Both for you and your heathen goddess of destruction.”

  “Kali will show you her power. She will strike down all who—”

  “Kali does not exist,” Ian interrupted softly. “There is no real destruction. What is destroyed merely becomes something else.”

  “You lie.” Abdar’s eyes blazed at him. “She does exist. I will show you, she exists.” He turned to Pachtal. “Where is Benares?”

  “Still at the ship.”

  “What is he doing there?” Abdar screamed shrilly. “Send for him. What good is he, if he is not where I want him?”

  “You said you might not need him,” Pachtal said soothingly. “You thought if Kartauk was here, he might be persuaded to—”

  “But Kartauk is not here. He ran away to the protection of that Scottish dog. I must make do with Benares. Tell him to come and bring the masks.”

  “All of them?”

  “Of course, all of them. I must meditate and surround myself with power before I launch my attack on the Scot.”

  “Would it not be better to go now and surprise him?”

  “We have no surprise now that Kartauk has carried word to him of our arrival. I will crush him at my leisure.” His plump, childlike face lit with a smile as he stared at Ian. “You are too weak and drug-ridden to be worthy of a place in my collection, but I believe I can use you to strike fear into your brother’s heart.” He turned to Pachtal. “Do it. We will use that Cinnidan servant to take the mask to the Scot. It must be done well, you understand. Very well.”

  “I have never failed you in this, have I?” Pachtal asked.

  “No, and you must not fail me now.” Abdar left the room.

  Pachtal smiled at Ian. “You have displeased His Highness. I fear you will suffer for it.” He came toward him. “But first we’ll wait a few hours for Benares to arrive and the laudanum wears off. I must strive to get the appropriate response.”