"Anthony, Piers - Adept - 06 - Unicorn Point" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthony Piers)

10 I Piers Anthony

"Flach is a fine lad," Stile said. "A joy to Neysa as much
as to me, despite our foolishness in opposing his generation.
He thrives as both man and unicorn, and we always look

forward to his presence."

"But we expect more of him," Mach said. "By this time
he should be developing his third form, and perhaps progress-
ing to others, as well as learning magic. But he shows no
sign of this, and has become increasingly withdrawn. Fleta

fears he is retarded."

Neysa made a musical snort of. negation. "He is not re-
tarded," Stile said.

"But four-year-old unicom colts generally have mastered
their third forms," Mach said. "And they are open, expres-
sive, inquiring. Flach is not. We fear that something is both-
ering him, or that he is coming to recognize his inadequacy
compared to the unicorns, so is withdrawing. Will you ex-
plore this?"

"I hardly need to," Stile said. "I know the lad is advanced
rather than retarded, and is developing powers we hardly an-
ticipate. Your concern is groundless."

Mach shook his head grimly, not wanting to contradict his
elder, but certain he knew better. "Fleta and I know you will
do what you can for him," he said.

"Always," Stile agreed gruffly. "I assure you that your

son will surprise you."
"I hope so," Mach said. He glanced at Neysa. "Fleta asks

your forgiveness."

Neysa faced away. This had become almost routine: Fleta
had alienated her dam by marrying Mach and joining the
cause of the Adverse Adepts, and that remained unforgiven.
Neysa well understood and respected Fleta's reason, but felt
she should not have surrendered principle for love. Neysa
herself had not. Thus Neysa did not associate with Fleta any
more than the barest minimum necessary to fetch Flach and
return him. Fleta longed for a change, but it never came.
Unicorns of the old school were unyielding.