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

УAnswer me truthfully,Ф Saerin told her. УAre you of the
Black Ajah?Ф
УI am.Ф The words creaked, as if TaleneТs throat were
rusty.
The simple words froze Seaine in a way she had never
expected. She had set out to hunt the Black Ajah, after all,
and believed in her quarry as many sisters did not. She had
laid hands on another sister, on a Sitter, had helped bundle
Talene along deserted basement hallways wrapped in flows of
Air, had broken a dozen Tower laws, committed serious crimes,
all to hear an answer she had been nearly certain of before
the question was asked. Now she had heard. The Black Ajah
really did exist. She was staring at a Black sister, a
Darkfriend who wore the shawl. And believing turned out to be
a pale shadow of confronting. Only her jaw clenched near to
cramping kept her teeth from chattering. She struggled to
compose herself, to think rationally. But nightmares were
awake and walking the Tower.
Someone exhaled heavily, and Seaine realized she was not the
only one who found her world turned upside down. Yukiri gave
herself a shake, then fixed her eyes on Talene as though
determined to hold the shield on her by willpower if need be.
Doesine was licking her lips, and smoothing her dark golden
skirts uncertainly. Only Saerin and Pevara appeared at ease.
УSo,Ф Saerin said softly. Perhaps УfaintlyФ was a better
word. УSo. Black Ajah.Ф She drew a deep breath, and her
tone became brisk. УThereТs no more need for that, Yukiri.
Talene, you wonТt try to escape, or resist in any way. You
wonТt so much as touch the Source without permission from one
of us. Though I suppose someone else will take this forward
once we hand you over. Yukiri?Ф The shield on Talene
dissipated, but the glow remained around Yukiri, as if she did
not trust the effect of the Rod on a Black sister.
Pevara frowned. УBefore we give her to Elaida, Saerin, I
want to dig out as much as we can. Names, places, anything.
Everything she knows!Ф Darkfriends had killed PevaraТs entire
family, and Seaine was sure she would go into exile ready to
hunt down every last Black sister personally.
Still huddled on the Chair, Talene made a sound, half bitter
laugh, half weeping. Уwhen you do that, we are all dead.
Dead! Elaida is Black Ajah!Ф
УThatТs impossible!Ф Seaine burst out. УElaida gave me the
order herself.Ф
УShe must be,Ф Doesine half whispered. УTaleneТs sworn the
oaths again; she just named her!Ф Yukiri nodded vehemently.
УUse your heads,Ф Pevara growled, shaking her own in
disgust. УYou know as well as I do if you believe a lie, you
can say it for truth.Ф
УAnd that is truth,Ф Saerin said firmly. УWhat proof do you
have, Talene? Have you seen Elaida at yourЕ.meetings?Ф She