"Raymond E. Feist - Riftwar 3 - A Darkness at Sethanon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

Jimmy sped into the room, sliding across the smooth
marble floor as he sought to halt himself. Two dozen
green-and-brown-clad squires formed a neat pair of lines
in the hall. He looked around, noting everyone was
where they were supposed to be. He assumed his own
appointed place at the instant that Master of Ceremonies
Brian deLacy entered.
When given the rank of Senior Squire, Jimmy had
thought it would be all privilege and no responsibility.
He had been quickly disabused of that notion. An
integral part of the court, albeit a minor one, he was,
when he failed his duty, confronted by the single most
important fact known to all bureaucrats of any nation or
epoch: those above were not interested in excuses, only
in results. Jimmy lived and died with every mistake made
by the squires. So far, it had not been a good year for
Jimmy. With measured steps and rustling red and black robes
of office, the tall, dignified Master of Ceremonies crossed
to stand behind Jimmy, technically his first assistant after
the Steward of the Royal Household, but most often his
biggest problem. Flanking Master deLacy were two
purple-and-yellow-uniformed court pages, commoners'
sons who would grow up to be servants in the palace,
unlike the squires who would some day be among the
rulers of the Western Realm. Master deLacy absently


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tapped his iron-shod staff of office on the floor and said.
"Just beat me in again, did you, Squire James?'
Keeping a straight face, despite the stifled laughter
coming from' some of the boys in the back ranks, Jimmy
said, 'Everyone is accounted for, Master deLacy. Squire
Jerome is in his quarters, excused for injury.'
With weary resignation in his voice, deLacy said, 'Yes,
I heard of your little disagreement on the playing field
yesterday. I think we'll not dwell on your constant
difficulties with Jerome. I've had another note from his
father. I think in future I'll simply pass these notes to
you.' Jimmy tried to look innocent and failed. 'Now,
before I go over the day's assignments, I feel it
appropriate to point out one fact: you are expected, at all
times, to behave as young gentlemen. Toward this cause,
I think it also appropriate to discourage a newly
emerging trend, namely, wagering upon the outcome of
barrel-ball matches played on Sixthday. Do I make
myself clear?' The question seemed to be addressed to
the assembled squires, but deLacy's hand fell upon