I approached Malaiki, took her hand, and squeezed it, wincing because of my wounded hand, which I’d momentarily forgotten. The cut was bandaged, but it had become infected.

“You’ve been quiet today,” I said.

“I’m praying for Salama … and David.”

“David? The man’s a mess. I can’t understand why he couldn’t see what’s so obvious,” I said.

“It’s not always that obvious to me,” Malaiki said. “I’m afraid any of us is capable of letting the King down.”

“Well, I’m not perfect. But with what I’ve seen, I’m certainly not going to walk away from him. And neither are you. You’re a wonderful young woman, Malaiki.”

I squeezed her hand again. She smiled.

In the middle of the night I was restless and hungry. I kept thinking about lasagna and French bread and Bartholomew’s dining room, hot baths and horses and the position David had offered me. Suddenly I heard someone outside. I saw a shadow cast on the tent by the moonlight. I groped in the dark for my knife and crawled cautiously to the entrance. It was a very large shadow. I squeezed the knife.

“Who is it?”

“My name is Gabriel. Marcus sent me. I’m his comrade.”

I walked out cautiously, pointing the knife. In the starlight the tall, broad-chested warrior looked a lot like Marcus, strong and noble. I lowered the knife—if he meant me harm, I was a goner anyway.

“You show great promise, traveler,” Gabriel said. “I am sent only to those important to the King. Come, warm yourself by the fire. I don’t need it, but you do.”

I stirred up the coals and put on a few branches that flared up.

“Nick,” Gabriel said, “we have decided it is time for you to be the permanent leader. The group needs your direction.”

“I’m not sure if Shad’s ready for that.”

“The others are. And he will come around in time.”

“I think he’s jealous that the others followed me.”

“He is used to commanding their respect. But Shad is old and stubborn. You have learned much from Marcus, and the King has given you great wisdom.”

Gabriel’s words warmed me as much as the fire.

“Gordy and the women seem to really respect me. They’ve said they’re grateful for my leadership.”

“With good reason,” Gabriel said. “I have seen your heart. So has Marcus. So has the King. You deserve to be rewarded. He who crossed the abyss for you would not deny you small pleasures—especially not when you have served him faithfully. He has chosen you above the others.”

“I’ve been wondering about that.”

“Remember, the King came to free you from guilt, not saddle you with it. The TravelGuide says he offers his children pleasures beyond their dreams.”