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

said with a smile,"what do you see in this determination of the Setmur to build
another boat that we do not see?"

The storyteller sank heavily onto the cushions; formality disappeared, as it
usually did when they were alone. "When one reaches my age one learns to
appreciate the value of time. One of the few advantages of being an empress, or
even a prince, is that you rarely have to make a decision in a hurry. In short,
I was afraid that in your haste to determine if the boat were truly needed for
fishing you might overlook the greater problems involved here."

"You're speaking in riddles," the Beysa scolded. "We have always been frank with
each other. Is this new boat necessary?"

"I haven't any idea, though I suppose I'd trust the opinion of those who make
their living catching fish. My point is that, needed or not, the boat should be
built if you are to begin solving your greater problems."

"That is twice you have mentioned these greater problems. Speak plainly, Wise
One; after a day with our courtiers and subjects we have no patience for
riddles."

Hakiem rose and began pacing. "The greatest problem is the friction between our
peoples. There is far too much killing and hating going on; every day it gets a
little worse, not better. If we are going to live together in Sanctuary without
destroying the town and ourselves, there must be peace, and peace must begin
somewhere."

Shupansea leaned back, regarding him with hard, staring eyes that were old
beyond their years. For a moment she was the Beysa again, the Avatar of the
goddess Bey, and not a young woman. "We did not expect garlands and parades when
we came here," she explained flatly. "The Set-mur have a saying: 'New fish are
bought with blood.' We knew there would be hardship, maybe death, wherever we
went; Beysib themselves are slow to change and slower to accept change they do
not want. That is why we have restrained our retribution when our people have
been slaughtered. We had hoped gold would be enough; but if it must be our
blood, then it will be-and theirs as well."

Hakiem hawked and spat on the polished floor. The Beysa did not threaten often,
nor well. "We have a saying too," he retaliated. "'Never pay the asking price
-even if you can afford it.' Don't be blind to the first positive sign I've seen
wander through this room. Didn't you look at that delegation? Beysib and Ilsig
and Rankan, together, proposing a joint action other than slitting each others'
throats! Who cares if the boat is necessary-just let them build it!"

The shapely breasts rose and fell in a great sigh. "Ah... we see your point.
Yes, the boat shall be built regardless of the cost or need."

"Nonsense," Hakiem said with a grin, "never pay the asking price. Make them
submit an accounting; question every board and nail on it. They'll cheat you
anyway, but there's no sense in letting them think you don't care about money;