You are free from all suspicion. We count on you, as the highest authority, to bring Yusuf to justice and apply the corresponding punishment.

Kamar had presented himself unexpectedly in Jorge's bedroom. He had called at the door to give him the opportunity to get ready if he wished, but Jorge, who expected little less than the visit of an executioner, was already prepared. He had put on the most luxurious ceremonial tunic he owned; his four slaves had helped him bathe, comb his hair, perfume himself, and dress. The seal of the estate shone in his hand, and his semicircular, white, and gold-embroidered cap gave him a regal bearing. "If I am to die, let it be with dignity and elegance," he had thought. Everything was a bit melodramatic, but on that occasion, the moment justified it.

"What do you say, Kamar?" Jorge asked, astonished, his voice loaded with incredulity.

"I apologize for the infamous treatment you may have received," Kamar continued with a solemnity unusual for him. "From this moment on, you regain total freedom of action and movement. And personally, I will be very grateful if you collaborate with our efforts to restore order and justice in the country. Everything we may have suspected of you was totally unfounded. The culprit is Yusuf, and I am aware that I was the one who practically imposed him on you as a trusted employee. For that, I offer my sincerest apologies."

A dense, almost absolute silence ensued. Jorge remained still, his thoughts trapped in a whirlwind of confusion. He had gone from imminent condemnation to unexpected absolution. Only the soft whisper of Álex broke the stillness, translating the conversation to the other three slaves. They could barely contain their joy, but they remained in their place, aware that the moment required prudence. Still, in their eyes shone the certainty that their destiny, like that of their master, had just changed forever.

"I understand that I'm speaking against my own interests, but sincerely, I don't think Yusuf is a traitor. And you're forgetting that he was the one who captured the leader of the invading command."

Kamar sighed, almost with indulgence.

"Your words honor you, Jorge," he admitted. "But Yusuf didn't capture the lieutenant; he killed him, which is not the same."

"More in his favor, isn't it?"

"It's not that simple. We don't have all the answers, but we do have the absolute conviction of his guilt."

At that moment, a soldier approached Kamar with hurried steps and handed him a small note. Kamar read it in silence, and when he raised his gaze, a shadow of certainty hardened his expression.

"Do you see, Jorge? Yusuf has escaped; he's no longer here. Without a doubt, he did it as soon as he knew you had been exonerated of all guilt. But we'll catch him; he has no escape possible. Do I have your permission to pursue him and capture him?"

Jorge raised both eyebrows, stil...