"Mage Storms 01 - Storm Warning" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lackey Mercedes)

common, and of average intelligence, but no more than that.

it was entirely possible that all of this was a deeply laid plan to
appear ineffectual. If so, Charliss' own network of intelligence
agents told him that the plan had succeeded, at least among the rest of
the rivals for the position. Of all of the candidates for the Iron
Throne, he was the one with the fewest enemies among his rivals.

They were as occupied with eliminating each other as in improving their
own positions, and in proving their ability to the Emperor. He was
free to concentrate on competence. This was not a bad position to be
in.

Perhaps he was even more clever than Charliss had given him credit for.
If so, he would need every bit of that cleverness in the task Charliss
was about to assign him to.

The Emperor had not donned robes and regalia for this interview, as
this was not precisely official; he was alone with Tremane-if one
discounted the ever-present bodyguards-and the trappings of Empire did
not impress the Grand Duke.

Real power did, and real power was what Charliss held in abundance. He
was power, and with the discerning, he did not need to weary himself
with his regalia to prove that.

He cleared his throat, and Tremane bowed slightly in acknowledgment.

" I intend to retire at some point within the next ten years."

Charliss made the statement calmly, but a muscle jumping in Tremane's
shoulders betrayed the man's excitement and sudden tension.

"It is Imperial custom to select a successor at some point during the
last ten years of the reign so as to assure an orderly transition."

Tremane nodded, with just the proper shading of respect.

Charliss noted with approval that Tremane did not respond with toadying
phrases like "how could you even think of retiring, my Emperor," or
"surely it is too early to be thinking Of such things." Not that
Charliss had expected such a response from him; Tremane was far too
clever.

"Now", Charliss continued, leaning back a little into the comfortable
solidity of the Iron Throne, "you are no one's fool, Tremane. You have
obviously been aware for a long time- that you are one of the primary
candidates to be my successor.

Tremane bowed correctly, his eyes never leaving Charliss' face. " I