Prince Ahmad’s fists were shaking with rage. “No,” he said firmly. “I can’t permit it. Oromasd can’t permit it. He’ll intervene and remove the poison, just as he intervened in Pastar.”
“He won’t act to save me alone, or even Leila, lovely and bright as she is. We are not the major part of his plan. I had an argument with Arianos just before he left the ship. He wanted me to come with him, to have the local doctors help me. But I knew I was beyond help, and that would only delay you, for you would not have left without me.”
“But Muhmad’s prophecy—” Jafar began.
“His prophecy was for you and Ahmad,” Umar said gently. “You are necessary. I am not. I invited myself along on this dangerous mission, an old man full of foolish pride. Leila, too, invited herself where she did not belong. We tri
