Malik did not make much noise. He already had information about the routine in the Library. He had a strategy in mind and was accompanied by three members of the police force who went to Amal's room with him.

Amal and Nasr, as they always did, were in their daily morning meeting and of course, knew the objectives of that little escort. Amal greeted Malik formally and waited for his manifestation.

— We are here on a mission that is not grateful to me, but that is part of my duty. As we all know we had two days ago in Al-Zahara a tragic event. The investigations have brought to light some facts that require your interrogation. We are not currently accusing either of you of any crime, but please accompany us. We need some clarification that came to light during the first investigations on the case and to exempt you from any involvement we need to ask some questions.

Malik's words brought different feelings to the two friends. Amal was surprised by the type of treatment and the presence of Malik to fulfill this mission. The kindness and presence of the Mayor himself showed caution. He did not know if this was good or bad. He immediately thought about the case's links to the ongoing conspiracy and this showed him that the scene could not translate into something good for him. Nasr was surprised, although he had already thought of the possibility, of being also taken for inquiries, there was no doubt that this was not a referral to interrogation: They were being detained, although in a very subtle way, it was even abnormal.

They walked down the corridors of Al-Zahara to the ground floor of the compound and at the door of the Medina awaited a caravan of three more policemen with two reserve horses destined for them. They were to go to Al-Zahira, they were being sent to the governmental complex of Almanzor. Amal was startled. Their suspicions were confirmed, they were certainly not ordinary prisoners and they were being detained by the state.

The ten kilometers separating the two residences were completed in about an hour of a slow-jogging ride. Amal on entering the Al-Zahira complex was impressed by the grandeur of the place, the beauty of the access roads, its gardens and grandiose fountains, though it seemed that little could enjoy that luxury when he reached his destination designated.

They walked along the front of what he assumed to be the main façade of the compound and followed for a few minutes in a northeasterly going to the vast grounds, moving away from what he considered to be the main outbuildings of the court. They finally came to a building distinct from what they had seen in the entrance, not missing many sentries around the whole building, whose terrain was walled with watchtowers in each of the four corners plus two at the main entrance that was protected by robust gates.

Amal and Nasr came side by side and exchanged no words during the whole journey. The horses stopped in front of what appeared to be a passing archway leading to an atrium from which corridors could be seen on all four sides and from which he could see other corridors leading to inside the building.

Malik got off the horse and asked Amal and Nasr to accompany them. They entered through the access arch. Amal noted with apprehension that the corridors were lined with heavy iron doors. Malik led them into the first corridor that left the left wing leading them to a room halfway to the entrance.

The environment did not look like a cell, but it had all the appearance of being one. The access was through one of those sturdy doors, the area was of about nine square meters, equipped with two beds made of stones, without trim, one on each wall, other than that, strangely there was a small table in the center where they could see four chairs. There was a reserved compartment in the right corner, with the privacy protected that was certainly a latrine. There were no windows, but there was a skylight with iron bars, trimmed by a swinging window from which, currents of maneuver hung from the wall. Amal was convinced: it was a cell.

Malik asked them to wait because soon he would come to talk with them and they should take their time to rest from the journey, and then he went away, closing the cell door, leaving Amal and Nasr looking at each other without understanding what was happening. There was no expected violence, but that did not smell good.

Al-Malik left the prisoners and went to the offices of his father which was expecting him.

— I did as we combine, without violence, I think they are astonished.

Great, if they are involved in a conspiracy the way you bend them is with cunning. Violence has its space, but this is not the occasion. We need to know what they know, and the torture may even reveal something to us, but my experience dictates that not always all the necessary details. In this case, we need to know everything. Remember, I'm not worried about this Manuscript or the alleged conspiracy to access the Palace. I think I've made that quite clear. I want to know what's going on today. If they know anything, who is involved. I cannot, and it would not be, intelligent to intervene in this kind of organization of literary competition with my eyes blind.

— You can leave it to me, I understood. I'll start questioning them, but first I'll leave them thinking about the situation for a few hours.

Subh had just received at the antechamber of his private chamber an envoy from his contacts in Al-Zahira which informed her that the person who could execute the plan against Bahija, the sick brother of Almanzor, had already been chosen. The report while showing that the plans were in progress contained new information.

Bahija was not in good health and Subh's informants felt that it was not even necessary to risk a plan to eliminate him; He would not last long, he had serious cardiac complications.

The Sultana did not consider it prudent to wait longer for a natural death that could take months or even years. Who could know? General Ziri was keeping troops in the strait and would not wait indefinitely. No, the plan had to go on. He instructed his contact to combine the operational details and collect the necessary material and poison with Farouk. She should be constantly informed of the progress.

Subh had dismissed her contact and was thinking about the information received and her decision when Jalila requested permission to enter the rooms.

She was radiant and with a countenance that indicated nothing about being involved in a dangerous conspiracy of power. Subh cannot help commenting.

Since your last meeting with Hamid, you have not been so happy. Was I right or not in favor of this reconciliation? We can see again the glow in these blue eyes.

We're going slowly, do not get too excited, but until now you've played a good cupid role.

Yeah, I know, but do not you think they're going too slow?" He prefers a walk on the riverbank than having you? Did he, among so many muscular, dark men in North Africa, change his preferences? She teased as she let out a long laugh.

— My God Subh? I'm not recognizing your romanticism.

— I'm kidding, honey! I talked to Hamid many times without his knowledge, which was not easy, with you always by my side. In this way, I was able to ascertain, in addition to the fact that he would be the ideal coordinator for my plans that he sincerely repented of past attitudes toward you.

I'm beginning to believe that, but as I said, let's go slowly and I'll tell you, I really liked it when he opted for the ride." He wants a fresh start and he's gaining me over with it.

At that moment a knock on the door interrupted the conversation between the two women and Jalila made ready to check who was beating.

It was Rashid, he apologized for the audacity, but Al-Hamid was looking for the Sultana claiming to be very important otherwise he would not come without scheduling. After being informed by Rashid that he could enter, Hamid appeared with a non-reassuring expression.

It seems we have a problem; Amal and Nasr were taken to Al-Zahira, certainly in custody. We have not heard from them since this morning, that is, almost ten o'clock. I have informants in the police sector, and the information I got with difficulty shows that they are not interested in the famous story of Bahadur. It was not easy to get this information, I came into risk in the search for it, but everything indicates that the interrogation is more focused on the possibility of possible current conspiracies. I think they want to make a connection between the history of Bahadur and our competition organizing group.

— How is this possible, Hamid," exclaimed Subh. Besides, Amal and Nasr do not know the details and they left our group before our last decisions.

— But that matters little Subh, they know our goals.

At that moment Jalila already nervous interrupted:

— I do not think there's any danger, my cousin would never speak against me and Subh.

— Your cousin Jalila, what do you mean?

— No, it's just that ... Amal and I are distant cousins. We did not know each other very well, but we discovered we were distant relatives, said awkwardly and surprised by her lapse and then added: — Hamid, can we talk about this later?

— Okay, but regardless, I do not suppose Nasr is your relative, is he? So the situation persists! I do not trust him that much. He is a eunuch.

— Let's stay calm," Subh interjected. They cannot accuse us without accusing themselves either. We can do absolutely nothing and any attempt at interference would seem suspicious. Let's wait for the events, and you Hamid, keep monitoring the source that has in the City. I have decided today and now I consider it was right, accelerate our plans and I have already increased the frequency of my conversations with Hisham. We do not need many more days to implement all the actions. The small contingent of eunuchs who are faithful to me is ready to make the transport as soon as I have the gold. The abbot has already told me that he has everything prepared.

— What would become of us without your tranquility and firmness in your decisions? commented Hamid. I think I'm calmer. This news took some of the axes away from me even though I confess that I was expecting something like that, but the fact that Almanzor was not connecting to the intrinsic facts surprised me.

Saying this, Hamid apologized, because he had an appointment. He had left his office only because of the urgency of the information. He took leave of Subh and Jalila and left.

Jalila lamented that Hamid had learned that way from her relationship with Amal. She wanted to tell him, but she had not had the chance yet. Subh comforted her.

— It was not a big deal. Later you may clarify, and everything will be fine.

— I hope so, said a concerned Jalila.

Amal and Nasr were left alone, and only then since they had been arrested, did they begin a conversation.

— I'm finding it all very strange, Nasr. They're very kind while letting us know we're stuck.

— Actually, this is a strategy I do not know. I've seen something like that and I think we're in the prelude to a game to play against each other. The worst is this waiting without anything happening. I'm sure that's part of the game.

— It does not make sense, why do not they question us soon?

— Because I do not think it has anything to do with the murders. I begin to consider that we are baits. Do you not think it strange that the man chosen by Bahadur to conduct the audit, at the behest of Almanzor, is Hamid? He never mentioned it, but it was Bahadur who put him there. Why this? Because he watched us and knew about Hamid's participation in the first meeting. What is the experience of any of the Subh Group participants, except herself and Jalila, in Arabic literature? I answer; none. This did not go unnoticed by Bahadur. I'd wager if I had, my balls that he'd put a bigger sauce on this whole thing for Hajib: the conspiracy against his government.

— Speculation Nasr and if it is correct, we just have to stand firm.

— We do not know what weapons will come against us.

— Do you mean torture?

At that moment the door opened and Malik, accompanied by another officer, entered the cell and asked Amal and Nasr to take their accents side by side. The two officers sat on the chairs in front of them and Malik addressed them both:

— Let's start with some simple questions to you, it will not be long since lunch is coming and you must be hungry, after all, we are in the middle of a day that started early. First, I want to make it clear that we are not interested in your past history, "he said, staring into Amal's eyes. Not even what you were doing in the Library or if you did something illegal. According to all the information his work at the head of this patrimony of Cordoba has been praiseworthy. The tips we put together in this puzzle tell us many things that we cannot prove, but they seem logical and are strong indications of condemnation by any of the judges who work in Cordoba. We could then, with relative ease, petition the condemnation of the two for the murder of Bahadur and the ex-priest Stephen. Of course, not as direct executors, you do not even have this profile Amal but as enforcers. We have no witnesses, but only you both and more specifically Amal had an interest in this. Instead, I'm going to ask a different question, in another direction, but which we consider being interconnected and which can help get you out of this mess by an agreement: What was the real purpose of the supposed group of preparation for literary competition? Why were people without any literary skills involved in a literary group?

The two of them, with a look of surprise, had a moment of indecision about who would respond, but Amal took the lead not letting Nasr initiate any response.

— I have no idea why you ask us this kind of question. The group only dealt with the coordination of the competition and I know nothing about the literary experiences of the members of the group. They are all honored participants in the society of Cordoba. I think they were chosen because they worked on other occasions with Subh and I and Nasr only went through, due to the place where we worked which was considered ideal.

— Yes, ideal, for being quite reserved. Why did you and your partner get knocked out of the group? Asked the officer accompanying Malik and who had not yet presented or declined his name.

— Well, Subh did not like it when lies came up over me by Bahadur and brought to her by Hamid, she preferred to keep me out of the group. But you know that.

— Okay, that's it for now. I want you to eat, for lunch will be delivered and soon we will meet again, said Malik, finishing the interrogation, rising from the table and leaving the cell, accompanied by his assistant.

It did not take them a few minutes for servants to come in to bring the prisoners lunch.

Nasr commented with Amal on the correctness of his concerns. They wanted Subh not them.

They yielded to the organic needs and ate the food that was served to them. They both decided to rest as they waited for the facts to unfold.

It was not long before they took a nap when the door opened and Malik made his way to Amal, requesting that he accompany him.

They left the cell and walked down the aisles until they reached a door that Malik indicated that he should enter. It was a smaller room than the cell they were in and had only a small table in the center. Malik pointed one of the chairs at Amal and sat down before him.

— Amal, we have an offer to a way out of this situation. The same kind of talk I'll have here with you is being conducted with Nasr and so after we've finished here, you'll be sent to a different cell separate from your friend so you can think about the proposal and give us an answer about the option That you will choose. You will have from the moment I leave here and direct you to your new waiting cell, a period to think about your decision. As soon as one of you comes to the decision, regardless of the other who is in another separate cell, must call us. We are not setting a deadline, but it will not be unlimited. Someday we'll come and get the answer if she's not taken. At this moment, the lack of decision will not be admitted. We're dealing with government security.

— It sounds like a game, as my friend had predicted.

— Yes, and it was prepared especially for this occasion by a great mathematician from Cordoba, Maslamah al-Majriti. I think you're going to want to play. Pay attention and reflect well on the option of your choice, because each of you does not know about the choices of the other and so should think on your own well-being. So, to begin with, we decided to offer on the charge of the murder of Stephen and Bahadur the fulfillment of a mild sentence of one year in prison, as we have only not conclusive pieces of evidence, but that is only part of the game.

— You mean we're already sentenced to one year in prison?"

— Not exactly. This would be very easy do not you think? Both would be sentenced to one year in prison if the two do not accept the agreement we propose. And what would this agreement be? Very simple: You inform us about the intentions of Subh and its supposed group of coordination of literary competition. That is, to open the plot that Subh plans. If you give us what we want to know and your partner refuses to confess to us the same thing, you get out of here and he's sentenced to death, this works vice versa for him. But it has a trick, in case he also agrees to inform us about the conspiracy, that is, the two accept the agreement no one gets free and both get ten years in prison. Look at this scheme, it's very simple and we can see how each one in this dilemma is penalized by their choices.