Sophia told the cardinal and Daoud how she and Tilia had gone to Tilia's house, and of the death and destruction they had found there. It hurt her to see the anguish in their eyes. Especially Daoud's. He _must_ feel a terrible guilt about having sent Rachel there in the first place. Now he had to suffer that, along with pain d'Ucello had inflicted on him. "The Tartars and de Verceuil!" Ugolini shouted, shaking clenched fists. "May God send a flood to drown them on the road to Orvieto! May all the devils in hell roast them!" He paced the floor furiously, his red robes rustling. "I must go to Tilia at once," he cried. "No," said Daoud. "Too many people would see you." "But she has no one to protect her." "She has hired guards," said Sophia. "And those who ruined her house are gone." Daoud's head fell back against the pillow, and his eyelids closed. His face looked masklike to Sophia, almost as if he were dead. She realized, with sudden anxiety, that he might be suffering terribly, without complaint. That would be like him. And she and Ugolini stood here talking. She must see to Daoud's hurts at once. He might have injuries within, injuries from which he could not recover. "Send some of your trusted men-at-arms to protect Tilia," said Daoud without opening his eyes, his voice faint. "Riccardo and some others. Do not go yourself." "Of course," said Ugolini, looking abashed. "Even though you have been tortured, your head is sounder than mine. But, you understand, _I_ am tortured by the thought of what has happened to Tilia." "I, too," said Daoud. "And to her people. And to Rachel." "Tomorrow you can tell me what happened to you," said Ugolini at the door. "I will let you rest now." He drew a breath, hesitated, bit his lip. Sophia wished he would go. Daoud raised his head and opened his eyes. "You want to ask something. What is it?" "Did you--did d'Ucello--learn anything?" "God willed that he learn nothing from me," said Daoud, sinking back again. "_Your_ will had something to do with that," said Sophia. _He held out against them. What a magnificent man._ But what price had he paid for his strength? "God's will is my will," Daoud whispered. "God be with you, then," said Ugolini, and left, pulling the door shut behind him. Daoud's eyes opened. The sight of his eyes woke a warmth in her breast as if a small sun had risen inside her. "Do you want to sleep?" she asked him. "Yes, with you beside me." Joy blazed up inside her at those words. She had been so afraid that torture would somehow destroy his caring for her. "Oh, yes," she said. "Nothing would make me happier." "But first I need you to wash and dress my wounds." Daoud gritted his teeth and winced as first she lifted off the purple cloak that covered him, then inch by inch drew the yellow tunic up from his body and over his head. He groaned aloud when, with her propping up his heavy body, he raised his arms.