"06 - Wings of Omen (a)" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

you been absent from our presence. What matter have you brought before us
today?"

The smallest, and perhaps the youngest, of the Beysib stepped nervously forward.
"Greetings, 0 Empress. We... we have come before you this auspicious day to seek
your favor and blessing on a project."

The Beysa nodded thoughtfully, though Hakiem glimpsed puzzlement in her manner.
It was clear enough to him: requests for money sounded the same in any dialect.
"Tell us more, Clanchief," she requested.

"It is well known that the arrival of our fleet has caused havoc among the local
food sellers," the youth said carefully; he had plainly memorized his speech.
"As the nearby farmlands were already overworked, it has fallen to the fishing
boats to provide enough food to feed not only us, but the townspeople as
well...."

"Yes, yes," Shupansea interrupted. "But what of your project?"

Monkel glanced at his colleagues for support, then straightened his shoulders.
"We-that is, clan Setmur and the Sanctuary fishermen-wish permission, and
financial assistance, for building a boat."

"A boat?" The Beysa swiveled into a sitting position. "We have fifty-odd boats
rotting at anchor in the harbor. Use one of them if you need another boat."

The Clanchief nodded; he had expected this response. "0 Beysa, our boats were
built for long sea voyages and the safe transport of passengers and cargo. They
are ill-suited for chasing schools of fish. For months now we have put to sea in
our scout-craft beside these native fishermen and learned much of the waters
here. Our friends here, with their keelless boats, cannot chase the fish to deep
water where they feed in greater numbers; our scout-craft reach the deep water,
but have no holds for the fish. We will make a new type of boat-as big inside as
a Sanctuary boat and as seaworthy as our scouts. We ask your permission to lay
the keel... and, er, for your support."

"But why can't the big boats...?"

Hakiem cleared his throat noisily. Shupansea paused and waited for her adviser
to speak. "The Beysa will require time to consider your proposal and will
consult with Prince Kadakithis before making a decision. Return tomorrow for
your answer."

Monkel looked at his Beysa with glazed eyes-totally shocked by the impropriety
of a commoner speaking for the Avatar of Mother Bey-but she simply nodded and
waved her hand in dismissal. "Thank you, 0 Empress," he stammered while bowing
and backing away from her. The others of his party duplicated his actions.

A short time later, after dismissing all the other courtiers, Shupansea patted
the comer of her divan and called Hakiem to join her. "Tell us. Wise One," she