Part 18 (1/2)

Abruptly the seated man raised his head, his expression that of one to who ot silently to his feet and tip-toed to the door, let hi heat, started briskly toward the palace

The four guards stationed at the entrance stiffened to attention as he approached Tamar halted a few yards away and beckoned to one of thehtily

”Of course!” replied the young warrior humbly ”There is none in all Sephar who does not know Tamar of Ammad”

”Good Take me at once to the quarters of the fe man's face was replaced by doubt

”I aan hesitantly

Taesture ”Do as I say,” he snapped ”The responsibility will be mine”

The warrior bowed ”Follow reat hall and ascended to the third floor Outside the twin doors leading to the slave quarters they were stopped by two guards on duty there

Tauide addressed one of them ”Rokor,” he said, ”this is the noble Taht him here”

Rokor bowed deeply ”It is an honor toirl, Dylara”

So akin to a leer crept into Rokor's expression ”Oh, yes; I know the one you mean If you will couard and followed Rokor through the twin doors and down the corridor Halting before one of the numerous doors, Rokor unbarred and opened it, then stepped aside that Tae rose from a bed in one corner

But for her tunic of a slave, the visitor would have taken her for the mate of soer expectant air she had at first assu doubt

Tamar turned to Rokor ”She is not the one,” he said testily ”This is not Dylara”

The guard scratched his head, baffled ”She should be here This is her room Urim told Nada, here, to teach her our customs”

Nada came forward and placed a hand on Tamar's arm

”Do you seek Dylara?” she asked tensely

Tamar nodded ”Do you knohere she is?”

The wouard ”If I may speak with you alone”

Tamar sent the man out, and closed the door

”Well ” he proly Since Dylara had been taken froirl's safety had steadily grown She was convinced Urim had not sent for Dylara, but realized she was powerless to act in her aid