"Daley,.Brian.-.Coramonde.2.-.Starfollowers.Of.Coramonde" - читать интересную книгу автора (Daley Brian)

by Brian Daley



PARTI

Protocols of the Sword



Prologue

IN a narrow ring of light in unmeasured darkness stood the
Accused.

His head was bowed, hands clasped together within long
sleevesЧflesh seeking its own contact for reassurance, in vain. An
arraignment in Shardishku-Salamг, these proceedings were
unconcerned with justice. Their function was retribution. The
Accused was aware of punishments available here; that was a form
of punishment.

Yardiff Bey felt nothing change in the enormous Fane of the
Masters. Yet between one moment and the next he knew the
attention of the Five was upon him. No indication escaped to his
face or posture, but in. a shielded cinderbox in his soul, fears blew
brighter.

He damped them down. Was he not first among sorcerers,
subordinate only to the Masters? Brief, awful elation fanned up his
spine at the thought. In flying back to Shardishku-Salama* in his
demon-ship, Cloud Ruler: to plead before the vindictive Lords of
the City, Yardiff Bey had taken his greatest dare. He was hi more
hideous danger than most men could envision in wildest
speculation.

A waitingness hung around him, and cruel, dispassionate curiostity.
He'd always exulted in the cold intellects of the Five, but now it was
their displeasure directed at him. The single beam of light glinted
from the strange ocular that was bound hi place where his left eye
had once been. He sent a stem command through every part of
himself, physical and incorporeal: Be still!

He bowed deeply, unhurriedly. When bis voice came, it was
impeccable in its calm control.

"Masters, your servant has returned. Will he be heard?" He sensed
mirthless amusement. Did They