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

Mara returned his bow with sincerity. 'I did not see any
Shinzawai colours among the retainers waiting on the street.
Otherwise I should have brought a servant with jomach ice
and cold herb tea. Or perhaps you do not wish your interest
in these slaves to be noticed?' She let that question hang a
moment, then brightly asked, 'Is your father well?'

Hokanu nodded politely and seated Mara on a bench. His
grip was strong but pleasant; nothing like the rough grasp
she had known from her husband of two years. Mara met
the Shinzawai son's eyes and saw there a quiet intelligence,
overlaid by amusement at the apparent innocence of her
question.

'You are very perceptive.' He laughed in sudden delight.
'Yes, I am interested in Midkemians, and at my most healthy
father's request, I am trying not to advertise the fact.' His
expression turned more serious. 'I would like to be frank
with you, Mara, even as my father was with Lord Sezu - our
fathers served together in their youth, and trusted one
another.'

Though intrigued by the young man's charm, Mara
repressed her desire to be open lest she reveal too much.
Hokanu she trusted; but her family name was too recently
snatched from oblivion for her to reveal her intentions.
Shinzawai servants might have loose tongues, and young
men away from home sometimes celebrated their first
freedom and responsibility with drink. Hokanu seemed as
canny as his father, but she did not know him well enough to
be certain.

'I fear the Acoma interest in the barbarians is purely a
financial one.' Mara waved her fan in resignation. 'The
cho-ja hive we gained three years ago left our needra short of
pasture. Slaves who clear forest in the wet season fall ill, my
hadonra says. If we are to have enough grazing to support
our herds at calving, we must allow for losses.' She gave
Hokanu a rueful look. 'Though I expected no competition
at this auction. I am glad to see you, but nettled by the
thought of bidding against so dear a friend.'

Hokanu regarded his hands for a moment, his brow
untroubled, and a smile bending the corners of his mouth. 'If
I relieve my Lady of her dilemma, she will owe the
Shinzawai her favour. Say, entertaining a poor second son at
dinner soon?'

Mara unexpectedly laughed. 'You're a devil for flattery,