"Now that mark is all I have left of the religion I was born into," Celino said. "What do you mean? Did you convert to Christianity?" "I told you I am not a Christian. I profess no faith." Daoud drew back. A man who had no faith at all was somehow less than human. "You believe in nothing?" "One of Manfred's Saracen scholars gave me a book by your Arab philosopher Averroes. In it he taught that there are no spirits, no gods, no angels, no human souls. All things are matter only. That is what I believe." Daoud made a casting-away motion. "I have been taught that Averroes is a great heretic. Now I see how wise we are not to read him." "It was life that made me a nonbeliever. Averroes only showed me that there are learned men who think likewise." Daoud shook his head. Baibars would never allow such a man near him. "Why does your king permit you to have no religion?" "The truth of it is, he thinks as I do. As his father, Emperor Frederic, did before him. In the kingdom of Sicily under the Hohenstaufens, people may believe as they please, as long as they are discreet about it. Of course, King Manfred must pretend to be a Catholic, or all the hosts of Christendom would fall upon his kingdom and destroy him. As for me, Manfred trusts me because he knows I do not stand in awe of 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."