"David Drake - Belisarius 2 - In The Heart Of Darkness" - читать интересную книгу автора (Drake David)

half-breed Isaurian.
"It was a well-laid plan, according to the report," he murmured. His tone
exuded calm, dispassionate assessment. "Belisarius was ambushed shortly after
landing in Bharakuccha. At night, in darkness. While he was alone, without his
cataphract bodyguards. By no less than eight dacoits. Seasoned killers, all of
them."
"Really?" sneered Narses. He was quite happy to insult the Malwa, within
reason. So he allowed his lip to curl ferociously, but refrained from spitting
on the polished, parquet floor. "Tell me, Ajatasutra -- I'm curious. How many
of these -- what did you call them? -- oh, yes! 'Seasoned killers,' no less.
How many of them survived the encounter?"
"Three," came the instant reply. "They fled after Belisarius slaughtered the
first five. Within seconds, according to the report."
Narses' sneer faded. Ajatasutra was immune to the Roman's contempt. The
agent's dark brown eyes were filled with nothing beyond professional interest.
And the eunuch well remembered that Ajatasutra had expressed his own
reservations at the meeting, many months earlier, when the decision was taken
to recommend Belisarius' assassination as soon as he reached India.
(Recommend, not order. Lord Venandakatra was the one who would make the final
decision. Balban ranked high in the Malwa Empire's hierarchy, but he was not a
member of the imperial dynastic clan. He did not give orders to such as
Venandakatra. Not if he wanted to live.)
Narses sighed, as much from the pain in his back as exasperation.
"I told you then," he continued, "that you were grossly underestimating
Belisarius."
A rare moment of genuine anger heated his voice. "Who did you think you were
playing with, for the sake of God?" he demanded. "The man is one of the
greatest generals Rome has ever produced. And he's still young. And vigorous.
And famous for his bladesmanship. And has more combat experience than most
soldiers twice his age."
A glare at Balban. "Real combat experience, against real enemies. Not" -- the
sneer was back in full force -- "the 'seasoned killer' experience of a thug
backstabbing a merchant." He stopped, hissing. Partly from aggravation; mostly
from the sharp pain which streaked up his spine. He sagged back on his couch,
closing his eyes.
Balban cleared his throat. "As it happens, it may have turned out for the best
in any event. The report which we just received -- from the hand of Lord
Venandakatra himself -- also says that Lord Venankatra believes Belisarius may
be open to treas -- to our mutual cause. He has developed a friendship with
Belisarius, he says, and has had many conversations with him in the course of
their long voyage to India. The general is filled with bitter resentment at
his treatment by Justinian, and has let slip indications of a willingness to
seek another patron."
His eyes still closed, fighting the pain, Narses listened to the conversation
which suddenly filled the dining chamber. An agitated conversation, on the
part of the Romans. A mixture of cold calculation, babbling nonsense, scheming
analysis, wild speculation, and -- most of all -- poorly hidden fear.
All of the Romans in the room, except Narses, were torn and uncertain. To win
Belisarius to their plot would greatly increase its chance for success. So
they all said, aloud. But to do so would also make their own personal