Nathan the Wise

Recha and Daja discuss the Templar, who they have been told will visit them. Daja discusses the possibility that she or Recha could be led to Europe by the Templar, and that perhaps his God has brought the Templar into their lives for this reason. Recha is skeptical of the idea that God would belong “to just one person” or need “people to fight for him” (70).

The Templar arrives. He is called “savior” immediately upon arriving, and again explains that he does not want to be seen as a hero. He again says helping those in need is simply part of being a Templar. He is smitten with Recha and the two form an immediate bond. The Templar is overwhelmed by what this bond signifies and leaves. Daja and Recha talk about why the Templar left so suddenly. Daja remarks that Recha seems calmer after having met the Templar, while the Templar seems to have become agitated.

Sittah and Saladin discuss the impending arrival of Nathan. Sittah convinces Saladin that he needs to lay a trap to trick Nathan into lending him money. She implies that Saladin should make himself seem pitiful in order to exploit Nathan.