"Eisenstein,.Phyllis.-.Elementals.2.-.1988.-.Crystal.Palace" - читать интересную книгу автора (Eisenstein Phyllis)

it.Ф
As the golden flower had opened, holding all their attention, the nearest
gilt-edged blooms had closed, and now, withered, they were dropping off the
tree.
УItТs stolen all their life force,Ф said the demon.
Cray raised a hand to his forehead, then rubbed his eyes as if they were crusty
from sleep. УAnd some of mine as well,Ф he murmured. УThis new sorcery is
wearing.Ф
His mother caught his arm. УAre you all right? The flower is beautiful, but we
need no golden flowers at the cost of your health.Ф
УNo, no,Ф he said. УI just feel ... as if I had run too far.Ф He smiled tiredly.
УTo give dead metal life is no light task.Ф
Sepwin was kneeling beneath the tree, a dozen withнered blossoms in his hands.
УTo steal life in one place and bestow it in anotherЧis that not the ultimate
desire of every sorcerer? To say what shall live and what shall die?Ф
УThat was hardly my purpose,Ф said Cray. He let his mother help him to the stone
bench, and he sat down heavily. Gildrum poured him a cup of wine.
УSorcerers are no better than kings,Ф said Sepwin, letting the withered flowers
fall, one by one, from his fingers. УNo better than the thousand petty princes I
have seen in my years with the lady Helaine. Eterнnally, they search for power.Ф
He looked up at Cray. УYou, too, my friend.Ф
Cray drank his wine at a draft and then held the golden goblet up. УI made
this,Ф he said. УAnd I wish to make more beautiful things. What better use for
sorcery? Better than enslaving thinking creatures; better than making the mortal
countryside cringe in fear at the mention of my name.Ф
Sepwin stood up slowly. УI know what I see when I look at you, Cray. I know what
I feel in your flesh.Ф He came away from the tree and sat on the stone bench
beside his friend. УLook at me and tell me what this golden flower means to you.
Tell me you are not going the way of power for its own sake, the way of Rezhyk.Ф
УOh, Feldar,Ф Delivev whispered. УHow can you make such a comparison? HeТs
harmed no one. The power he seeks is not evil.Ф
УI do not speak of evil. I speak of his heart and his future. The search for
power is endless. It consumes the seeker and never satisfies him.Ф
Cray met SepwinТs mismatched eyes. УLet it be so, then. At least it will fill up
the hundred mortal lives of my span. Or would you suggest I change to some other
line of employment?Ф
SepwinТs gaze was level, unblinking. УI say only that you need the mirror, my
friend. Others may use it, but now I know we will be making it for you.Ф
Cray pursed his lips and looked to his tree, where the gold blossom glinted in
the midday sun. УIf youТre so sure IТm on the path to self-centered power,
arenТt you afraid of what IТll see in it?Ф
УNo.Ф He caught CrayТs arm, his grip firm. УWhat you see in the mirror will open
your eyes to your true self.Ф
УYou think I donТt know myself?Ф
Sepwin smiled, but it was a wintry smile, quite at odds with the warm summer
breeze that played about the garden. УThe mirror will tell you the truth. But
perhaps youТre the one afraid.Ф
Cray looked at him squarely. УNot I.Ф
SepwinТs smile broadened. УI didnТt think so.Ф Then he turned to Gildrum and
Delivev and said, УPlease excuse us. We have work to do.Ф