Free Desert Song (DeWinter's Song 3) by Constance O'Banyon

satisfaction.
    "It was a clean wound and should heal nicely, Lord Michael."
    Michael took a good look at the man. His white robe was disheveled and soiled from his encounter with the assassins. He'd lost his burnoose in the struggle. His complexion was swarthy, but he had finely chiseled features.
    "You have the advantage over me. You know me, but I don't know your name."
    The Egyptian bowed, touching his forehead and mouth, his dark eyes suddenly cautious. "My name is Khaldun Shemsa, and I owe you my life. The knife that you took was meant for me. I will always be indebted to you, Lord Michael, and I shall never forget your bravery."
    "You have determined enemies, Khaldun Shemsa. Are you certain you don't want to report this to Captain Barim? He will soon begin to question the men's absence, and I'm sure he'll come to you, since they are obviously from your country."
    "Obvious to the English, perhaps, but the men who attacked me were Turks, not Egyptians. I beg you to say nothing of the incident. It is imperative that I reach my home with all possible haste, and if this matter is brought to the attention of the authorities, I will be detained for an indefinite time." He looked into Michael's eyes. "There is much turmoil in my tribe. Even now, I am uncertain whether our enemies have taken control and slain our leader. Otherwise, why would the assassins so boldly attack me on an English ship? I fear those I love may be in great danger."
    Michael somehow believed the Egyptian. "I understand your concerns better than you think."
    "Then you will say nothing?"
    "I will say nothing," Michael agreed, "because I, too, have no wish to be detained by questions."
    Relief plainly showed on the Egyptian's face. "You are most unusual for an Englishman. I never expected one of your race to put his life in danger for me."
    Michael smiled faintly. He couldn't help but like the man. "You are most unusual for an Egyptian, Khaldun Shemsa. Where did you learn to speak English so well?" Michael asked, eyeing the man speculatively.
    "I attended your Oxford University for two years and am on my way home. My two escorts were found dead before I left London. I knew then that someone was stalking me, but I could prove nothing. Your captain would send me back to England if he knew about the murders of my servants. I tell you this because I trust you, Lord Michael, even though I cannot say why."
    Michael flexed his sore arm and winced in pain. "I will keep your secret, and share mine with you, because I feel I can also trust you. My father went to Egypt at the request of your viceroy. He is missing, and we don't know if he's alive. If there is any advice you can give me that might help me locate my father, I would be most grateful."
    Khaldun was silent for a moment as he considered Lord Michael's words. "I will do all I can to help you find your father. Until I contact you, perhaps it would be best if we pretended we didn't know one another. I would not like my enemies to become yours. There could be other Turks hiding on this ship, posing as members of the crew."
    Michael flinched when the Egyptian propped his wounded arm on a pillow. "I know little of your country and would welcome anything you can tell me."
    "I will do what I can, for we are as brothers since your blood was spilled in place of mine."
    "You will excuse me if I rest now. I find I'm very fatigued."
    "Tomorrow you should re-dress the wound. I shall leave the herbs and bandages with you. I will not come to you again, lest I put you in danger." Khaldun handed Michael a bottle of green liquid. "If it pains you during the night, take some of this."
    Michael could only nod. "I would advise you to look to your own health, Khaldun. As you said, there may be others on board who wish you dead. It would be wise for you to sleep lightly."
    "I will be more careful." Khaldun lowered his eyes. "I cannot say why anyone would want to harm me since I am only the son of a humble tailor."
    Michael stared at