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

Rand had needed this man once, but why would he keep him now,
and in a position of such authority? Well, his authority
counted for nothing here.
Unhurriedly, she took her chair again, and gave a moment to
adjusting her skirts. The men would have to come around in
front of her like supplicants, or else talk to the side of her
head while she refused to look at them. For an instant she
considered passing control of the small circle. The AshaТman
would surely focus their attention on her. Renaile was still
gray, though, anger and fear tumbling over one another inside
her; she might strike out as soon as the link was hers.
Merilille had some fear, just under control, mixed with a very
great deal of aЕgooseyЕfeeling that matched her wide eyes and
parted lips; the Light alone knew what she might do with the
link.
Dyelin glided to the side of ElayneТs chair, as if to shield
her from the AshaТman. Whatever lay inside the High Seat of
Taravin, her face was stern, unfrightened. The other women
had wasted no time in preparing as best they could. Zaida
stood very still beside the kaleidoscope, doing her best to
look diminutive and harmless, but her hands were behind her
back and the dagger was missing from behind her sash.
Birgitte lounged beside the fireplace, left hand propped on
the jamb, seemingly at her ease, but the sheath of her belt
knife was empty, and from the way her other hand rested by her
side, she was ready for an underhand throw. The bond
carriedЕfocus. Arrow nocked, drawn to cheek, ready to loose.
Elayne made no effort to look around Dyelin at the three
men. Уfirst you re too slow obeying my summons, Master Taim,
and then too sudden.Ф Light was he holding saidin? There
were methods of interfering with a man channeling short of
shielding him, but it was a difficult skill, chancy, and she
knew little more than the theory.
He did come in front of her, several paces off, but he did
not look a supplicant. Mazrim Taim knew who he was and his
own worth, though he plainly set it higher than the sky.
Lightning flashed in the windows sent strange lights across
his face. Many would feel overawed by him, even without his
fancy coat or his infamous name. She did not. She would not!
Taim rubbed his chin thoughtfully, УI understand youТve
taken down the Dragon banners all over Camelyn, Mistress
Elayne.Ф There was amusement in his deep voice if none in his
eyes! Dyelin hissed in fury at the slight to Elayne, but he
ignored her. УThe Saldaeans have withdrawn to the Legion of
the DragonТs camp, I hear, and soon the last of the Aiel will
be in camps outside the city, as well. What will he say when
he learns?Ф There was no doubt who he meant. УAnd after
heТs sent you a gift, too. From the south. IТll have it
delivered later.
ФI will ally Andor with the Dragon Reborn in due course,Ф