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

they care very much about it. But you must discuss the matter with the Prince."

"Why?" She was sincere, and that pained Hakiem even more.

"Wood is scarce in Sanctuary, and the building of a new boat will require the
felling of trees. For generations the Governor has been the protector of our
little forests. If you have truly left Kadakithis as governor, then he must
issue die edict about the trees-or you should not pretend that he is governor of
anything."

The Beysa smiled as she nodded her understanding of the situation, and was about
to say something else when the Prince strode into the room.

"Shupansea, I was wondering if... Oh, hello. Storyteller."

"Your Highness," Hakiem responded, bowing as low for the Prince as he did for
the Beysa.

The Prince and his entourage were currently living in the Summer Palace, a half
-finished rambling structure out beyond Downwind, having surrendered the
Governor's palace to the Beysa two days after the fleet arrived. Hakiem tried to
close his rumor-sensitive ears to the signs of ever-increasing familiarity
between the Prince and the Beysa, but it was almost impossible. The Prince was
never at the Summer Palace and never more than a few moments away from
Shupansea; his courtesans had been spirited back to the capital, and Molin
Torchholder, who should have been above such things, seemed to be encouraging
the entire affair.

"Just one little matter, then we can be alone," Shupansea told Kadakithis with a
radiant smile. "Tell me, you don't care if a few trees are cut down if it will
get the townspeople and my people working together, do you?"

"If trees are what you want, take them all," the Prince said with a casual shrug
of his shoulders and an equally radiant smile.

"I think, then, that I should withdraw now, 0 Empress. The matter seems to be
settled now."

Hakiem paused outside the Presence Chamber, trying to control the irritation
and, yes, the dread that had been generated by the exchange. Was the Prince so
infatuated with Shupansea's overly obvious charms that he had thrown away what
little judgment and free will he possessed? Was Sanctuary a Beysib property now,
completely and without any recourse? The storyteller liked the Beysa and always
advised her honestly, but he was Sanctuary's proudest citizen. It grieved him
beyond speech to see what they were doing to his city.

He was suddenly aware that the room behind him was perfectly quiet now; the
lovers had escaped. His eyebrows went up as his lips tightened. Perhaps the
white bird could mate with the black one. And if they did, what became of all
the other birds who were left?