"Jordan, Robert - Wheel of Time 09 - Winter's Heart" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jordan Robert)

again as many golden medallions dangling on her left cheek and
carried an air of command rather than arrogance, a sure
certainty that she would be obeyed. Gray flecked her cap of
tight black curls, yet she was stunning, one of those women
who grew more and more beautiful as they aged.
Dyelin flinched at sight of them, and half raised a hand to
her nose before she could stop herself. A common enough
reaction in people unused to the AthaТan Miere. Elayne
grimaced, and not for their nose rings. She even considered
another curse, something moreЕpungent. Excepting the
Forsaken, she could not have named two people she wanted less
to see right then. Reene was supposed to see this did not
happen!
УForgive me,Ф she said, rising smoothly, Уbut I am very
busy, now. Matters of state, you understand, or I would greet
you as your stations deserve.Ф The Sea Folk were sticklers
for ceremony and propriety, at least on their own terms. Very
likely they had gotten past the First Maid by simply not
telling her they wanted to see Elayne, but they easily might
take offense if she greeted them sitting before the crown was
hers. And, the Light burn both of them, she could not afford
to offend. Birgitte appeared at her side, bowing formally to
take her cup; the Warder bond carried wariness. She was
always ginger around the Sea Folk; she had let her tongue slip
around them, too. УI will see you later in the day,Ф Elayne
finished, adding, УThe Light willing.Ф They also were great
ones for ceremonial turns of phrase, and that one showed
courtesy and gave a way out.
Renaile did not stop until she stood right in front of
Elayne, and much too close. One tattooed hand gestured curt
permission for her to sit. Permission. УYou have been
avoiding me.Ф Her voice was deep for a woman, and as chill as
the snow falling on the roof. УRemember that I am Windfinder
to Nesta din Reas Two Moons, Mistress of the Ships to the
AthaТan Miere. You still must fulfill the rest of the bargain
you made for your White Tower.Ф The Sea Folk knew of the
division in the TowerЧby this time, everyone and her sister
knewЧbut Elayne had not seen fit to add to her difficulties by
making public which side she was on. Not yet. Renaile
finished on an imperious, commanding note. УYou will deal
with me, and now!Ф So much for ceremony and propriety.
УShe has been avoiding me, I think, not you, Windfinder.Ф
In contrast to Renaile, Zaida sounded as though she were
merely making conversation. Rather than rushing across the
carpets, she moved idly about the room, pausing to touch a
tall vase of thin green porcelain, then rising on her toes to
peer through a four-barreled kaleidoscope atop a tall stand.
When she glanced toward Elayne and Renaile, an amused glint
twinkled in her black eyes. УAfter all, the bargain was with
Nesta din Reas, speaking for the ships.Ф In addition to