Read Online Amongst Silk and Spice by Camille Oster - Free Book Online

with foreign invaders for so long. We've already been driven out by the Saracens. We have nowhere to go. Can't go east or west, might have to consider north or south."
    Eloise recognized the dilemma for the man. There were no Christian lands out here and they were always at the mercy of the tolerance of other peoples, and tolerance was in ever-shorter supply these days. But it wasn't only the Christians who had to worry, all others who lived here by the tolerance of the Mongols were equally at risk if the Mongols fell.
    Eloise smiled at the man, having nothing else to advise him, but wishing him well. They would pay the church in the morning for its generosity in letting them stay, not that it would do anything to solve the likely turbulent future the supporters of this church would face.

Chapter 10:
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    They didn't speak the next morning. Hugo packed provisions onto the camels, while Eloise stood by nervously. Crossing the desert was dangerous, not something done on a whim. But there was apparently a convoy of Mohammedeans leaving that day, so they were going to link onto the back, which pleased Eloise, because they were apparently experienced traders.
    Hugo ignored her, focusing on the task of getting them ready. "If you're going to send a message to your lover, this is your last chance," he said without looking at her.
    Eloise felt elation soar as Malik's worry was something that weighed on her, needing an opportunity to say good bye to a man who had meant a great deal to her. Saying that, when this was all over, she wasn't sure she would return after gaining her freedom again, because they couldn't very well keep her prisoner. A dread settled in her belly as she didn't know what her father was capable of. She knew what happened to her mother, so he was capable of quite a bit. Whatever was to come, and however she managed to gain her freedom again, because she would, she couldn't quite see herself heading back to Cathay. She might not have chosen to leave, but perhaps it was time to move on—something she'd been putting off because she'd been comfortable and happy with Malik, even knowing there was no future there.
    Taking the paper currency from Hugo, she nodded, feeling slightly bashful taking the money from him, but she had none of her own. She wanted to say that she would pay him back, but he was the cause of this, so why should she feel uncomfortable about a service that wouldn't be necessary but for his actions.
    She walked over to the administrator's office and managed to convey that she needed to send a letter to Cambeluc. The Mongolians ran a message service through the empire, which was incredibly useful—something they should consider in Europe.
    Finding a seat, she stared at the paper, not knowing what to write, how to say good-bye to the man who had been such an important part of her life. She wasn't certain she could have brought herself to do this if it wasn't pushed on her.
    Dear Malik,
    I love you. My father insists on seeing me. I am fine, about to cross the desert.
    She stared at it for a long time, but the words just didn't flow. What was there to say?
    I wish you every happiness. We may not meet again. Thank you for everything.
    Your Deepest Friend,
    Eloise
    It wasn't even close to what she felt, but she needed to send something. Most of all, she didn't want him worrying or fretting about her. She was going to be fine, after sorting out this set back. Sitting back, Eloise rested the stylus in her hand, looking out the window, having no idea what the future held for her. There had been a part of her that had wanted Malik to be her home for now and forever, but it just wasn't going to be. She knew that, but it still hurt.
    Sighing, Eloise cleared those heavy thoughts away, folded the note and wrote Malik's name and office on the back, handing it to the administrative clerk and paying for the service.
    Hugo was waiting outside, holding the reins of the two camels. "Ready?"
    "No," she said, knowing