"David Drake - Belisarius 3 - Destiny's Shield" - читать интересную книгу автора (Drake David)

It has happened, you know. Emperor Carus took advantage of the civil war
between Bahram II and Hormizd to invade Persia. Even captured their capital of
Ctesiphon."
"That was over two hundred years ago," she protested softly.
"So? Persians have long memories. So do we, for that matter. Carus' invasion
was retribution for Ardashir's attack on us during our civil war after
Alexander Severus was murdered."
Antonina shrugged. "The situation's different. We've got the Malwa to worry
about, now."
Belisarius started to make some response, but fell silent. The great double
doors to the audience chamber were opening. A moment later, a worn-looking
Persian officer was being ushered in by Irene Macrembolitissa, the chief of
the Roman Empire's spy network.
"Speaking of which -- " he muttered.
Antonina started. "You think -- ?"
He shrugged. "We'll know soon enough. But we've been expecting the Malwa to
invade Mesopotamia, sooner or later. From the look of that Persian officer, I
suspect 'sooner' has arrived."
The Persian officer had reached Baresmanas. The ambassador was standing some
fifteen feet away from Theodora. Although a chair had been provided for him,
Baresmanas apparently felt that his stern message would carry more weight if
delivered standing.
The ambassador stooped slightly to hear what the officer had to say. The newly
arrived Persian whispered urgently into his ear.
Antonina could see an unmistakable look of surprise and apprehension come to
the ambassador's face. But Baresmanas was an experienced diplomat. Within
seconds, the ambassador had regained his composure. By the time the Persian
officer finished imparting whatever report he had brought with him,
Baresmanas' expression was impassive and opaque.
When the officer finished, Baresmanas nodded and whispered a few words of his
own. Immediately, the man bowed to the Roman Empress and hastily backed out of
the room.
Antonina glanced over at Irene. The spymaster, after ushering the officer into
the audience chamber, had discreetly taken position against the wall next to
the door.
Antonina's gaze met Irene's. To all outward appearance, the spymaster's own
face seemed void of expression. But Antonina knew Irene very well, and could
not miss her friend's suppressed excitement.
Behind Baresmanas' back, Irene gave Antonina a quick little gesture. Thumbs
up.
Antonina sighed. "You're right," she whispered to her husband. "Irene's like a
shark smelling blood."
"The woman does love a challenge," murmured Belisarius. "I think she'd rather
be tortured in the Pit for eternity than go for a week without excitement." A
chuckle. "Provided, of course, that Satan let her keep her books."
Baresmanas cleared his throat, and addressed Theodora once again.
"Your Majesty, I have just received some important news. With your permission,
I would like to leave now. I must discuss these matters with my own
entourage."
Theodora nodded graciously. Then: