"Anthony, Piers - Xanth 04 - Centaur Aisle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthony Piers)

surrounded by hostile A's, B's, and IVs. Normal trade has been largely
cut off; they can't get out-or so my scout informs me. They have sent a
message of welcome for our offer of trade.. But the details remain
obscure; I will have to work them out personally. I am the only one in
authority here who has had sufficient experience in Mundania to cope. It
is a small beginning, a cautious one-but if we establish a liraited,
viable, continuing trade with a section of Mundania, it will prove well
worthwhile, if only for the experience. So we're investing this time
now, while there is no crisis in Xanth. You will have to be King in
that period of my absence, and rain-ah, reign over Xanth."

This caught Dor completely by surprise. "Me? King?"

"Commencing one week from today. I thought it best to give you
warning."

"But I can't be King! I don't know anything about-2'

"I would say this is an excellent time to learn, Dor. The Kingdom is at
peace, and you are well regarded, and there are two other Magicians
available to advise you." He winked solemnly. "The Queen offered to
remain here to advise you, but I insisted I wanted the pleasure of her
companionship myself. It is essential that you be prepared, in case the
duty should come on you suddenly."

Despite his shock at this abmpt onset of responsibility, Dor appredated
the logic. If the Queen remained in Xanth, she would run the whole show
and Dor would get no experience. The two remaining Magicians, Humfrey
and the Zombie Master, would not interfere at all; neither participated
voluntarily in the routine matters of Xanth.

So Dor would have a free hand-which was exactly what King Trent wanted.

But the other reference-the duty coming on him suddenly? Was this a
suggestion that something was amiss with King Trent? Dor was appalled
at the thought. "But it'll be a long time before-I mean-"

"Do not be unduly concerned," King Trent said, comprehending Doj?s
poorly expressed notion, as he always did. "I wn not yet sixty; I
daresay you will be thirty before the onus falls on you. I remain in

good health. But we must always be ready for the unexpected. Now

is there anything you will need to prepare yourself?"

"Uh-" Dor remained numbed. "Can it be secret?"

"Kingship is hardly secret, Dor."

"I mean-does everyone have to know you're gone? From Xanth,