f the pope.
The same reason he relies on his Saracen warriors."

Yes, Daoud thought, having no religion might make Celino a more useful
companion for a mission like this. But how could Daoud trust a man who
had no faith in a higher power?

"But why did you try to fight for that old man? Look what you have done
to us."

Celino sighed and shook his head. "He was so much like my own father. I
could not help myself."

"That is a poor excuse."

Celino looked steadily into Daoud's eyes. "It may seem so to you. It is
said that Mamelukes scarcely remember their mothers and fathers."

Daoud's body stiffened with rage. Celino's words were a blow that tore
open an old wound.

"You know nothing of that, and for your own safety you had best not
speak of it to me," Daoud said in a choked whisper.

Celino inclined his head. "I ask your forgiveness."

"Remember that if we fail in this mission, it will mean great harm to
your King Manfred, who has been so good to you and raised you so high,"
Daoud said.

Celino's head was still lowered in submission. "You are right to remind
me of that. I have been foolish."

Daoud gripped Celino's wrist. The Sicilian raised his head and stared
into Daoud's eyes.

Daoud said, "I must have your oath that this will never happen again.
Should you see a hundred Jews having their throats cut, you will smile
like a good Christian and declare the sight pleasing to God."

"I will do my best, Daoud. That is all I can honestly promise you, but I
think it will be good enough."

_By being honest, as he puts it, he still leaves himself room to defy
me._

"And you will obey my commands from now on, as if they came from your
king?"

"You have my word of honor."

_Whatever the honor of an unbeliever is worth. Manfred, what kind of a
crazed camel have you foisted off on me?_

Here he was, far across the sea from the only home he had ever known, in
the midst of people who would kill him in an instant if they knew who he
was. And now he felt he could not trust one of the few men he must
depend upon. He felt a coldness beginning in his palms and spreading
through his body as he wondered what further calamities like tonight's
might lie before them.

IX

_The city that founded my city_, Sophia thought.

Sophia and David rode along the Tiber as it wound its way through Rome
like a brown serpent. Looking up from the riverbank, Sophia saw the
peaked roofs and domes of churches, and the batt