"Gordon R. Dickson - Call him lord" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dickson Gordon R)

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The galaxy is a broad screen upon -which sagas and 'mighty'
adventures can be castor trivial, diminutive stories. Gordon
R. Dickson is one of the very few writers who is aware of the
true size of our universe, and of the possibilities inherent -
this new scale of things. His Emperor has the ring of a true
emperor, and behind him we are aware of that star-spanning.'
empire and of the problems it must present. This is a story"
with a ring of truth to it, and it is a story that moves. Perhaps
this is the reason that Mr. Dickson's fellow writers chose this
as an award winner: because he is not afraid to entertain us. .

Nebula Award, Best Novelette 1966


CALL HIM LORD

Gordon R. Dickson

He called and commanded me
Therefore, I knew him;
But later, on, failed me; and
Therefore, / slew him!"
"Song of the Shield Bearer"

The sun could not fail in rising over the Kentucky hills, ac-
could Kyle Arnam in waking. There would be eleven hou~
and forty minutes of daylight. Kyle rose, dressed, and weat~
out to saddle the gray gelding and the white stallion. He ro~e
the stallion until the first fury was out of the arched andS
Spowy neck; and then led both horses around to tether them
outside the kitchen door. Then he went in to breakfast.
The message that had come a week before was beside his
plate of bacon and eggs. Teena, bis wife, was standing at the
breadboard with her back to him. He sat down and began
eating, rereading the letter as he ate.
". . . The Prince will be traveling incognito under one of his
family titles, as Count Sirii North; and should not be ad-
dressed as 'Majesty.' You will call him 'Lord' . . ."
"Why does it have to be you?" Teena asked.
He looked up and saw how she stood with her back to him.
"Teena" he said, sadly.
"Why?"
"My ancestors were bodyguards to hisback in the wars of
conquest against the aliens. I've told you that," he said. "My
forefathers saved the lives of his, many times when there was
no warninga Rak spaceship would suddenly appear out of
nowhere to lock on, even to a flagship. And even an Emperor
found himself fighting for his life, hand to hand."