"Cecilia Dart-Thornton - The Bitterbynde 02 - The Lady of the Sorrows" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dart-Thornton Cecilia)

"Vast quantities, sir."
"Did you bring any with you?" This might be a trick question.
"Knowing that all newly discovered sildron is the property of the King-Emperor, I did not take any
from this troveтАФnor did my companion. But those who discover such wealth are entitled to a share of it
in reward, or so I am told. We took jewels and coin, to help us, should we find our way out of the
wilderness and regain the lands of men, for we were destitute, as I have recounted."
"May I see these valuables?"
"All is spent." She added hastily, "We took so very littleтАФwe could not carry much."
"Spent? Where?"
"In Gilvaris Tarv, when we reached it. Of course, my first thought was to send a message by
Stormriders to the King-Emperor, to inform him of this find. However, I held back at the last moment. I
was reluctant to let such precious knowledge pass out of my handsтАФnot that I do not trust our most
worthy Stormriders, but accidents may happen. I decided, then, to journey to Caermelor, in person, with
the news. As I was preparing for the journey, disaster struck. My unwonted spending, and that of the
aeronaut who had helped me survive in the forests, had not gone unnoticed. He was abducted, with a
number of his friends, by a gang of perfidious knaves. They forced him to lead them to the trove, and
there he was betrayed, slaughtered before the very doors of the vault. One of his companions escaped to
tell the tale, but later perished. I barely escaped with my own life. Through adventure and misadventure I
made my way across Eldaraigne until I came here, to Court. Even as we speak, those black-hearted
murderers, Scalzo's men, may be raiding the King-Emperor's treasure at WaterstairтАФnot for the first
timeтАФwhile the bones of brave fellows lie rotting in the grass."
"The name of this aeronaut?"
"OhтАФthe Bear, he was called," she stammered, fearing she might somehow betray Sianadh by
revealing his true name.
"The Bear, indeed?"
"Yes."
"And the haunts of these brigands?"
"Gilvaris Tarv, near the river. On the east side. I know no more." The Dainnan Chieftain called for
more wine. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"But if all is as you say, my lady, then this is a very serious matter. We are talking of treason." She
made no reply.
"Treason, perpetrated by those who have concealed and appropriated the property of the Crown.
The punishment for that is severe."
"As I imagined."
"You will understand, my lady, that you must remain, as it were, under royal protection until your
story can be verified. This is for your own safety as well as for reasons of security."
"Of course."
This had been half-expected. Besides, where else would she go? It had been in her mind to ask her
coachmanтАФby now no doubt comfortably ensconced in some downstairs pantry with a tankard in his
hand, waiting for herтАФto take her to the nearest reputable inn for the night. Beyond that, she had formed
no plan.
"You must bide here, at the palace, until transportation to the Lofties can be arranged. Since you
know the way, you must lead us there. Your reward shall be substantialтАФmore than a few jewels and
coins easily spent."
Untruthfully, she said, "Sir, knowing that I serve my sovereign is reward enough. Nevertheless I
accept your offer with gratitude. I hope for every success in tracking down the treasoners."
He laughed humorlessly. "So, 'tis retribution you are after!"
Truthfully, she said, "Yes, but that was not my primary goal. I came here to fulfill a promise to a
friend, and that I have done."
He shrugged. "I will have that wag Wilfred call your servants to bring your accoutrements. Your