"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.