"Raymond E. Feist - Empire Saga 2 - Servant Of The Empire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

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mother could also act as unsure as a girl years younger.
Admiration followed; this seemingly delicate girl had
owned valour out of all proportion to her size and
experience. No one outside her inner household could ever
guess what she might have endured in Buntokapi's rude
grasp. One close to Mara might say much if Hokanu could
get him to share drink in a wine shop. But a glance at Lujan's
alert pose convinced Lord Kamatsu's son that the Strike
Leader was a poor choice. The warrior measured Hokanu,
having perceived his interest; and where his mistress was
concerned, his loyalty would be absolute. Hokanu knew
Mara was a shrewd judge of character - she had proven as
much by staying alive as long as she had.

Attempting to lighten her mood and not give offence,
Hokanu said,'Lady, I spoke out of sincere disappointment
at not being able to see you on my last visit.' He concealed
any diffidence behind a disarming smile. 'No favours do the
Acoma owe the Shinzawai. We deal here in simple practicality.
Most Midkemian slaves go to the block at the City
of the Plains in Jamar, and I am bound for Jamar. Should I
make you wait for the next shipment of prisoners to journey
upriver, while I drive two score men in a coffle through the
heat, house them while I conduct business, then herd them
back upriver again? I think not. Your needra pastures are a
more immediate need, I judge. Please accept my not bidding
against you as nothing more than a tiny courtesy from me.'

Mara stopped her fan in midair with barely hidden relief.
'Tiny courtesy? Your kindness is unmatched, Hokanu.
When your business in Jamar is concluded, I would be most
pleased if you would accept my invitation to rest as a guest
of the Acoma on your way back to your father's estates.'

'Then the matter of the slaves is settled.' Hokanu took her
hand. 'I will accept your hospitality with pleasure.' He
bowed, sealing their agreement. As he straightened he saw
two brown eyes regarding him intently. The Lady of the
Acoma had always attracted him, from the moment he had
first seen her. When he returned from Jamar, he might have
the opportunity to know her better, to explore possibilities,
to see if his interest was reciprocated. But now, intuitively,
he sensed that his nearness confused her. The public slave
market was no place to unravel the reason why, and rather
than discomfort her to the point where her pleasure at seeing
him changed to regret, he rose from his seat. 'Well, then. The
sooner I'm off to Jamar, the sooner I'll return this way. I
look forward to seeing you again, Lady.'