"Tracy Falbe - The Rys Chronicles 03 - Judgment Rising" - читать интересную книгу автора (Falbe Tracy)

year ahead of me inside of a year after, our places might be switched.тАЭ

Carfu looked down, a little embarrassed. He had not meant to imply dissatisfaction with his current
rank, which Sandin had generously arranged.

тАЬMy Lord, I am not jealous and nor would I disagree with the judgment of our mentor and
commander who named you his successor. It is a shame that Lord Kwan did not come. I have
missed him these past few years,тАЭ Carfu said.

Haley interjected playfully, тАЬI heard he could not be bothered to leave his country estate because
he has roses to prune.тАЭ

Sandin managed to conceal most of his displeasure but Haley felt his arm tense reproachfully
beneath her hand.

тАЬI have no need to intrude upon Lord KwanтАЩs retirement,тАЭ Sandin said. тАЬHe made the Empire what
it is today and he deserves to live his autumn years as it pleases him. Here, let me toast my
predecessor.тАЭ

Sandin beckoned the nearest server with a tray of drinks. The servants were temple virgins and
Sandin admired the teenage girl in her gossamer shift as he took a glass from her tray. Her nipples
poked pleasingly through her flimsy garb and she dipped her head respectfully to the Lord General
before distributing wine to his officers.

Glasses were raised and KwanтАЩs name was praised.

Then Carfu and the other officers each toasted Sandin, but every time Sandin drank, he thought
about Lord Kwan. He thought about what had happened in the Wilderness and especially in
Jingten, and he vowed to prevail where Kwan had faltered.

Haley squeezed his arm. тАЬWe should have a dance after we eat,тАЭ she suggested.

тАЬYes, I must enjoy the fineries of civilization while I can,тАЭ Sandin agreed.

With his wife, Sandin proceeded through the crowd toward his honored seat at the central table.
On the way, he graciously acknowledged the unending congratulations from lords and lord deratas
and their splendid wives. When Sandin had first returned home from the historic journey into the
unknown world, the attention and respect from his people had been welcome, but now he was
anxious to return to the Wilderness and leave their awe behind. Their curiosity had grown tiresome
after five years and the same barrage of excited questions was hitting him again.

тАЬLord General, are the western creatures really magic?тАЭ

тАЬLord General, what does a rys look like?тАЭ

тАЬLord General, will you make a treaty with these magic creatures?тАЭ

тАЬLord General, is the King of Jingten as great as I have heard?тАЭ

Sandin looked directly at the person who asked that question and said, тАЬGreater than you can