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white and the holy water of a deep blue sea reveal the things you cannot see.’”
    She straightened. “It was from the first part of the seeress’s words that I determined you were headed for the Holy Land.” She paused and searched his face. “Are you traveling there?”
    “Jerusalem,” he admitted.
    She nodded. “The prophecy continues, ‘Only without sight will you know what is real and bring to the world the hidden seal. Day into night and night into day, a whisper of I Am That I Am will pave the way.’”
    The intensity vibrating in Jessamine’s voice was reflected in her luminous expression. Alan gazed at her, transfixed. She’d come alive when speaking about the prophecy. She was either very passionate about this prophecy, or delusional. “What is it you hope to accomplish by coming with me?” he asked cautiously.
    Her brow rose ever so slightly. “It was my efforts that got us on this boat. Perhaps it is you who are coming with me?”
    He frowned. “It’s too dangerous.”
    “Can you speak any other language but English?” she asked.
    “Gaelic,” he said pensively, not liking where this conversation was leading.
    “I can speak English, Castilian, Arabic, and Hebrew. Such skill might be useful in a country filled with Jews, Muslims, and Christians. Don’t you agree, Sir Alan Cathcart?”
    He frowned. “I can’t allow it.”
    “I have no intention of going home, or giving up.” She straightened her shoulders and would have appeared almost regal if it weren’t for her bloodstained and tattered clothes. “You’re going to have to be sensible at some point. I can wait. We have a journey of several days ahead of us.”
    Alan found himself watching her with something close to fascination. High color rose in her cheeks. And he could just make out the rapid throb of her pulse in her delicate temple. He felt a sudden urge to reach out and touch that pulse, to trace his fingers over the silky smoothness that would be her skin.
    He glanced away a heartbeat later. What was wrong with him? For a fraction of an instant he had actually felt a thickening in his groin. He, who had never strayed in thought or deed since taking his vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty to the Templar order.
    At his silence she added, “I can’t be dissuaded.”
    Lord, the lass was stubborn, Alan thought, trying to smother a spark of admiration. He steeled himself. Giving in to her would do no good. “Where I’m going is no place for a woman, especially an unchaperoned one.It would be best to put an end to this journey before my quest becomes too dangerous. Your reputation has already suffered by being here with me in this boat.”
    She offered him a slight smile. “Not as badly as you think.”
    He frowned. “What does that mean?”
    “I told everyone we were married.”
    “You what?”
    She continued as though he hadn’t spoken. “My reputation is safe as long as we remain together. Fulfilling the prophecy is my life’s purpose. Perhaps you feel the same about your quest? They are actually the same purpose.” She paused and a momentary doubt flickered in her eyes. “What are we questing for? Why did the prophecy not include such an important detail?”
    A jab of exasperation shot through Alan as well as another emotion he refused to examine too closely. “I don’t care what kind of tales you’ve concocted. My answer is still no, for your safety, my sanity, and a million other reasons. No.” He pushed away from the railing and returned to his pallet, feeling suddenly exhausted and weak.
    As he went he saw the color ebb from her skin, and her solemn eyes widened. He braced himself against a rush of sympathy. This was for the best. Besides, there was no softness left in him. The kind of life he’d led had allowed him to exercise little compassion, only duty.
    As he sat he heard her voice carry on the breeze. “I’ll change your mind.” The words came softly but with a note of confidence. “I’ll find