"Douglas Hill - The Last Legionary 04 - Planet Of The Warlord" - читать интересную книгу автора (Hill Douglas)

The rumours had been spreading fast. Most of the crowd had quickly learned that Keill Randor
was the name of the young man who, for four days, had been barehandedly sweeping aside some of the
galaxy's finest warriors. Now they were beginning to learn the rest of the story тАУ that Keill Randor was
said to be the last known survivor of the Legions of Moros, the renowned martial race that had been
wiped out when their planet was mysteriously destroyed.

Not many of the crowd were aware that the planet Moros and the Legions had in fact been
murdered, in a monstrous sneak attack by an unknown enemy.

And not one of the crowd would ever know the real reason why Keill Randor, the last legionary,
had abandoned the Legion principles of discretion, of keeping yourself to yourself, and had come to
compete in the individual combat section of the galaxy's most popular and exciting entertainment event тАУ
the annual Battle Rites of Banthei.

The crowd was growing even more feverish as the voices of the officials droned on. Keill let his
eyes stray over a section of the huge throng. He knew it was unlikely that he would spot anything in that
mass of people. But he also knew that someone else was studying the crowd, on his behalf.

As if on cue, a voice spoke to him тАУ not aloud, but in a silent mind-to-mind communication.

I have never known so many humans cling to one state of mind for so long,the voice said,
with a hint of bubbling laughter.

It was the voice of Keill Randor's friend and companion, Glr тАУ an alien being from another
galaxy, small, female, winged, and telepathic. She was high above the arena, riding the thermals on her
broad, membranous wings, invisible against the sun. And from there she was using her telepathic powers
to scan, as best she could, a hundred thousand human minds.

Keill knew that Glr could project with ease, but found most human minds too alien and clouded
to be read clearly or in depth. She could take thoughts from his mind, perhaps because the self-discipline
bred into every legionary made his mind especially clear. But even then, Keill had to form his mental
words with care, as if projecting them on an inner screen for Glr to read.

'We're a bloodthirsty species, I suppose,'he replied, grinning inwardly at Glr's oft-repeated,
mocking disdain for humankind.

Children,Glr agreed.Primitive children. But at least no one in that mob seems to be planning
to spill any blood. Just to watch it being spilled.

'Keep scanning,'Keill said.

I will.Glr's mental voice took on a tinge of severity.I will expect a great deal of gratitude from
you when this is over. Studying human minds in the mass is very like flying at speed into a
mountain of mud.

Keill laughed to himself as Glr's voice withdrew. But laughter faded as he caught the words of the
official oration, and knew that the opening ceremony was about to end. He began to ready himself тАУ
gathering his balance, deepening his breathing, building his concentration and alertness.