The amir wondered at this, so I explained briefly about the pilgrimage, and how my brother monks had come to grief acting on Nikos's counsel and following his guidance. When I had finished, Sadiq conceded, "This puts the matter in a most revealing light. But please tell me," he continued, "do your brother priests yet live?"
"Three only are left alive," I answered. "They are slaves in the same silver mine to which we were sold."
"That is also highly suggestive," the amir remarked through his interpreter. "I discern the shape of a single hand in this disastrous series of events. And I believe you have correctly identified the owner of that hand." His smile was quick and sly. "We, too, have our spies, my friend," he explained. "And what you have told me confirms much of what I have discovered since learning of the ambush and the eparch's death."
He then stood up and clapped his hands twice, quickly and loud. Instantly, a young man appeared, bowed, and approached. The amir spoke to him very rapidly for a moment, whereupon the young man bowed again and departed, his face impassive. "The amir is sending a messenger to the khalifa," Farouk told me.
Amir Sadiq sat down once more, and took up a brass pitcher which sat on a tripod over a candle flame; he poured three tiny cups of steaming liquid, and passed one each to Farouk and me. Raising his cup, he threw back his head and drank it down in a single swallow. I did likewise, and found it a sweet, yet refreshing brew. He then selected a small seeded bread loaf, which he broke in three parts, giving a portion to each of us. We ate for a time, listening to the play of the water outside. When the amir addressed me once more, Farouk translated his words thus:
"I am mindful that you have suffered much on account of affairs that were not of your making," he said. "Still, peace is every man's concern, just as war is every man's curse. You have acquitted yourself with admirable courage through the ill that has befallen you. For this, I commend you highly.
"When word of the ambush reached me, I began searching for any survivors, hoping to find at least one who could tell me what had taken place. You must forgive me for not finding you sooner; the khalifa's slaves are many, and it was not known to which master the survivors, if any, might have been sold. You can be sure that I was as pitiless in my search as the blazing noonday sun. Not even the shadows remained where I had passed!
"The treachery, about which the governor's letter warned, truly exists I fear. But it is not on the part of the khalifa. This I can demonstrate most convincingly, but for now please accept my assurance that it is so. From what you have told me, added to what I have already learned, it seems likely, if not completely undisputed, that the Komes Nikos is acting in alliance with an Armenian faction within Arab borders. As to the attack, I am persuaded that no Sarazens were involved. Those who attacked you were Armenians."
I suppose my dull-witted incomprehension was obvious; Sadiq, studying my reaction, nodded slowly, and then said something very fast to Farouk, who said, "The amir asks you to accept this supposition-for the present at least."
"As you will, Lord Sadiq," I said, "but why should these Armenians wish to do this? I cannot see the benefit of such betrayal."
"The answer remains unclear," conceded the amir. "Even so, I have no doubt that we shall soon discover their purposes: deeds worked in darkness cannot remain hidden in the light. In the meantime, know that I am taking steps to alert both the khalifa and the emperor to this treachery. It is to be hoped that my warning does not come too late.
"And now, my friend," he concluded amiably, "your estimable physician has cautioned me against overtiring you. We will speak again very soon."
Farouk made to rise, but I remained seated. "If you please, Lord Sadiq," I said firmly, "I was not the only one to survive the ambush. There are others, good friends, still enslaved at the mines."
"Their fate, like the fate of all men, remains in Allah's hands," replied the amir when Farouk had conveyed my concern. "But from what Faysal has told me, I think I can tell you that there will be no more killing or torture at the mine. The overseer was a coward and a fool; no doubt he deserved the fate which befell him. The new overseer will not soon forget the example of his predecessor."
"When can they be released?" I asked, apologizing for the bluntness of my question. Farouk frowned, but passed my question along regardless.
"As to their release," Sadiq said, "I would ask you to appreciate that it is a most complicated matter. It may take some time, but I will see what may be done. Be patient, my friend. All is as Allah wills it to be."
