"But Sophia takes a great risk meeting with him," said Ugolini. "What if de Gobignon attempts to force the truth out of her?"
The thought of de Gobignon laying violent hands on Sophia angered Daoud, and he spoke impulsively.
"Then I will kill him."
"God help us!" Ugolini went back to his work table and sat down behind it, his hands over his face.
At once Daoud regretted what he had said. But was there no way to instill courage into this man?
"There is much work for you to do, Cardinal," he said. "You must not falter now."
"Then let there be no more talk of killing," said Ugolini fiercely, taking his hands from his face.
Daoud poured himself another cup of kaviyeh and stood looking down at Ugolini.
"With so much at stake, surely you know I would not do anything rash."
"You need not think of doing anything," Ugolini said, a plea in his eyes. "As long as the pope delays his decision about the Tartars, your people are safe."