"Tracy Falbe - The Rys Chronicles 1 - Union of Renegades" - читать интересную книгу автора (Falbe Tracy)

to his feet so quickly that he must not have committed much weight to his
knee.
This one never really kneels, Kwan thought.
Dreibrand approached the center of the tent where Kwan sat on his
cushions. Long white hair flowed from the edges of KwanтАЩs bald head, and
the famous Atrophane military leader had a perfect white goatee. His
leathery skin was tan, except for a white scar riding his right jawline.
Heavy layers of black and white silk clothed his body, and a plate of armor
covered his chest. The design of a winged beast holding two spears was
stamped into the black metal of the armor and highlighted with silver
tracery. The surreal bird warrior symbolized his ancient clan, the
Chenomet.
Casually, Dreibrand settled down among the cushions.
Kwan looked fondly at his officer. Organizing a hostile river crossing
was tricky business with thousands of soldiers, and Dreibrand had made it
look easy. And of course the lieutenant had led it personally because
Dreibrand always led his offensives, but Kwan had already congratulated
him for that. He used praise sparingly with Dreibrand after noticing the
love the soldiers had for the bold young officer, even those under the
command of other lieutenants.
Two years ago Kwan had allowed Dreibrand to purchase a commission
in his Horde. When the recent graduate of the DarmarтАЩs military academy
had approached him seeking to serve, Kwan had been shocked. How could
a Veta hope to be accepted by the EmpireтАЩs most powerful Hordemaster?
But the intense young man with his impressive academy record remained
in KwanтАЩs mind, and he discreetly investigated the youngest son of the
House of Veta. It surprised him to learn that this Veta was not only
ambitious but discriminating too. Dreibrand had not sought commissions
from any of the lesser generals.
Then Kwan had realized that Dreibrand would have to work harder to
sustain his military career because of the beleaguered status of his family.
He could demand twice as much from Dreibrand for the privilege of
becoming one of his lieutenants, and Kwan would get an especially
diligent officer.
Dreibrand, however, had turned out to be a better officer than anyone
had thought possible. After two years of campaigning, Kwan had seen in
Dreibrand a natural talent for leadership, bravery, intelligence, and drive.
These things reminded Kwan of himself.
After politely greeting his Lord General, Dreibrand gave his report. He
detailed the amount of men he had lost or were seriously injured. He
reported how many horses had been lost, and how many horses had been
captured from the enemy, but he commented that they were of smaller
stock. He included amounts of other captured goods and estimated their
value, and he relayed the reports from his scouting parties concerning
remaining enemy activity in the hills.
тАЬAnd the slavers are sorting the captives as we speak,тАЭ Dreibrand
concluded.
Kwan had listened to the figures and facts, enjoying the thoroughness.
тАЬExcellent, Dreibrand. Everything is going well,тАЭ Kwan said.
тАЬAnd we are almost off the map, my Lord,тАЭ Dreibrand said.