"Mindy L. Klasky - Glasswright Journeyman" - читать интересную книгу автора (Klasky Mindy L)

staggering to his feet. "Father?" the priest asked solicitously, easing a supportive hand
beneath the elderly prelate's arm.

"In the name of Jair, let us pray."

Rani obediently bowed her head, watching Hal and Dartulamino follow suit. The footman,
caught by surprise as he held a platter of new-dug carrots, "tucked his elbows closer to his
side, inclining his head. "In the name of all the Thousand Gods, let us offer up gratitude for
the food placed before us this night." The Holy Father's voice quaked less as he continued his
speech. "In the name of Til, the god of goldsmiths, let us give thanks, for Til has guided us in
the creation of things of beauty and things of worth, and Til has seen that the coffers of the
church are never empty."
Rani intoned, "In the name of Til," thinking that it was a good sign that the Holy Father had
mentioned the church treasury on his own. She swallowed hard and raised her head,
prepared to settle down to business.

Before she could reach for her goblet, though, the Holy Father continued: "And let us pray in
the name of Kif."

"In the name of Kif," Rani muttered. In the name of Kif, in the name of Win, in the name of
Bur. On and on the Holy Father droned.

"And let us pray, first and la^t, always and longest, in the name of First God Ait. Ait brought
the world out of nothingness, breathing it into being, with the power of his lungs and his
thoughts alone. Ait blessed all of creation, the earth and the sky, the darkness and the light,
and each of the Thousand Gods. Ait blessed men and women, adults and children. He blessed
each of the castes, welcoming the nobles and priests, the soldiers, the guildsmen, the
merchants, the Touched. He blessed the seasons, the turning spring, the summer and autumn
and winter. Blessed be First God Ait."

"Blessed be First God Ait," Rani echoed, and she thought that she detected a note of
exasperation in the voices of Hal and Dartulamino, as well as the servant who continued to
hold the carrots.

"Very well, then," the Holy Father said after an expectant pause. "Don't stand on ceremony
for an old man." Rani swallowed several sharp retorts before she managed to reach for her
goblet.

Dartulamino appeared to take refuge in his wine, as well. After a sip, the young priest raised
an appreciative eyebrow toward his host. "Defender, you honor us by serving Liantine red."

"This is the last that survivedтАФour cellars were flooded by the storm that stopped the fire. I'm
grateful for the opportunity to share it with you." Hal inclined his head. Rani took a sip of her
own wine, but the fine bouquet was lost on her. What was Hal thinking, admitting that the
storm had caused such damage? If he intended to negotiate for a loan from the church, he
should hardly start by admitting desperate need.

"Of course, we expect to purchase more stock, now that it is spring and the sea passage is safe
between here and Liantine," Rani said. Hal glared at her, and she buried a tart reply beneath
a bite of carrot. Dartulamino certainly did not miss the exchange; he studied her closely. Rani