The Treasure by Iris Johansen

rope,” Kadar said without looking at her. “Our captain wishes to club him and throw him back.”
    “No!”
    “That’s what I said.”
    “When a rat climbs on to a ship, you kill it before it can devour your rations,” Balkir said. “He disobeyed you. He was supposed to deliver the note.”
    “I gave it to Robert to take,” Haroun said. “I had to come. Lady Thea would have wanted me to take care of Lady Selene.”
    And he had come even though he was clearly terrified, Selene thought. He looked thoroughly miserable, not capable of caring for himself much less anyone else.
    Balkir was struggling to release himself from Kadar’s grasp. “Let me go.”
    “When you promise to let the boy live,” Kadar said. “He may look like a rat, but I’m quite fond of him. See how lucky you are. Another hostage for Sinan.”
    “I don’t need another—” He broke off as he met Kadar’s stare. He moistened his lips. “Perhaps another hostage would do no harm.”
    Kadar released his arm and stood back. “I knew you’d be reasonable.” He bent down and helped Haroun to his feet. “Go with the lady Selene. I’m sure she can find you something to use to dry off.” He shook his head. “You really are a great bother, Haroun.“
    “I’m sorry, Lord Kadar,” he whispered.
    “So am I. I wished you’d be less noble and more wise.” He turned to Balkir. “I want to see your charts. I know these waters better than you do, and I intend to make sure Maysef, not the bottom of the sea, is my final destination.”
    “I’ve made the journey twice. I won’t have you interfering in my—”
    “It will do you no harm to show me the charts. Sinan ordered you to bring me to him. What if the ship sinks?” He nudged Balkir forward. “He’s been said to be able to curse even the dead. Do you want him angry with you in the hereafter?”
    Balkir frowned and then turned on his heel. “Follow me.”
    Kadar winked at Selene over his shoulder before sauntering after him.
    Impudent rogue. She started to smile and then caught herself. So easy to fall back into the habit of years. “Come with me, Haroun.” She led him down the deck toward her cabin.
    “I’m sorry, Lady Selene.” Haroun’s sandals squished as he hurried after her. “I had to come.”
    “I know.” She opened the door and ushered him into the cabin. She grabbed a toweling cloth on the washstand and handed it to him. “Dry your hair.”
    He began to rub his head. “The captain is a bad man. You should have waited and talked to Lord Ware.”
    “And you should have done as you were told.” She grabbed the cover from the bunk. “Take off your clothes and wrap yourself in this.”
    He turned bright scarlet. “I cannot. It would not be fitting for a man to undress in your presence.”
    “It would not be fitting for me to have to tend you if you became ill from your foolishness. For heaven’s sake, I’ve seen naked men before. Besides, you’re scarce more than a boy.”
    “I’m older than you,” he said indignantly.
    Why, he must be, she realized in surprise. She always thought of Haroun as the boy she had first met those many years ago, before they had come to Scotland. He had been the survivor of a massacre by the Knights Templar, and Ware and Thea had taken him into their entourage. How eager and young he had seemed then. But young boys grew up, and she had hurt his pride. Thea would know what to say to ease that sting. Thea always knew what to say. Well, Thea wasn’t here, and Selene must do her best in her own way. “You’re right, it’s not fitting, but this is an emergency. I’ll turn my back.” She faced the door. “But be quick. I wish to sit down. I’m not feeling well.”
    She heard the rustle of clothing behind her.
    “You can turn around now.”
    Haroun was wrapped from ears to toes in the gray blanket.
    “Sit down.” She gathered his wet garments from the floor and spread them on the chair.
    “You should not be waiting on