"James C. Glass - Shanji" - читать интересную книгу автора (Glass James C)

were chatting gaily about Festival as if nothing was happening.

One of the men held up a hand, ordering them to stop. Three men stood on the trail, two others off to
one side, all armed with weapons like the one Da kept wrapped and hidden beneath the stove in theirger
. She had once watched it vaporize a tree limb, and knew its power.

Da reached around her, and tugged once on the reins, bringing Kaidu to a halt. He raised a hand in
greeting. "We travel to the Festival of Tengri, across the mountains. I have the written permission of the
Emperor, if you wish to see it."

Kati felt a sudden sensation, as if a day-dream had passed through her mind like a wisp of smoke. There
was a presence, an awareness that was not hers. The three men on the trail stepped forward until Kaidu
snorted and stomped a hoof. All were armored with bright, silver metal, bareheaded, weapons held
casually across their chests, the round faces of the Hansui, except for one. That one had a finely arched
nose and chiseled face with a protruding bulge laced with veins on the left side of his forehead.A
Searcher . It was the first one Kati had ever seen, and she was amazed.

"We are aware of the Emperor's generosity in allowing travel," said that man. "He respects all religions."
The man moved to Ma's chestnut, and looked up at her. Her eyes were open, dark brown, and she
regarded him calmly.

"Are you carrying any weapons?"

"We have no need for weapons. We have supplies with us for travel, and food is provided at the
Festival. There is no need to hunt," said Da.

Kati thought of the wooden dagger in her belt, and the man smiled, looked up at her, stepped to Kaidu's
flank and reached up to touch the hilt of her toy. "We will not count this one," he said.

Kati looked at the man, without fear. "Can you really tell what people are thinking?" she said, her eyes
focused on his forehead. "It must be very noisy, all those thoughts."

She felt Da tense, but the man laughed. "It can be difficult, and yes, sometimes noisy."
 Generated by ABC Amber LIT Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abclit.html




"Will you detain us long?" asked Da. "We must be over the pass before it's dark."

"Only a moment, while we count the number of you traveling. When will you be returning?"

"In the evening four days from now," said Da, "and it might be late."

The man nodded, then looked again at Ma. "See that you keep to your schedule, and if others return
with you, you can expect to be stopped for inspection. Young woman, is this curious little girl with the
dagger your daughter?"

"Yes," said Ma, not looking at him.