"Stephen Lawhead - Celtic Crusades 02 - The Black Rood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lawhead Stephen)

staff had gone, and I would not be followed, however accidentally. I feel it
does no harm to take special precautions on these infrequent occasions; no
doubt it is more for my own amusement than anything else, but it makes
me feel better all the same. I should not like even the slightest carelessness
on my part to compromise the Inner Circle.
After a pint of porter at the Wallace Arms, I proceeded around the corner
to Alexander's Chop House, where I dined on a passable roast rabbit in
mustard sauce and a glass of first-rate claret before the cab arrived. As the
evening was fine and unseasonably balmy, I asked the driver to pull the
top of the carriage back and enjoyed a splendid drive through the city and
out into the nearby countryside. I arranged with the driver to meet me for
the return journey and, when he was well out of sight, walked the last mile
or so to the chapel to meet the others.
Upon nearing the place, I saw someone hurrying up the lane ahead of me;
I recognized the fellow as De Cardou, but I did not hail him. We never
draw attention to one another in public. Even the Brotherhood's lower
orders are advised to refrain from acknowledging a fellow member in
passing on the street. For them it is a discipline which, faithfully applied,
may lead to greater advancement in time; for the Inner Circle, it is an
unarguable necessity - now more than ever, if such a thing can be possible.
Admittedly, these arcane concerns seem very far away from the honest
simplicity of life on the Greek island where I now find myself. Here in the
sun-soaked hills above Paphos, it is easy to forget the storm clouds
gathering in the West. But the writing is on the wall for anyone with eyes
to see. Even I, the newest recruit to our hallowed and holy order,
recognize dangers which did not exist a year or two ago; and in these last
days such dangers will only increase. If ever I doubted the importance of
the Brotherhood, I doubt it no longer.
Our meeting that night was solemn and sobering. We met in the Star
Chamber, hidden beneath the chancel, as it affords a more comfortable
setting for discussion. I took my seat at the round table and, after the
commencement ritual and prayer, Genotti asked to begin the proceedings
with a report on the Brotherhood's interests in South America and the need
for urgent intervention in the worsening political climate. 'While the peace
treaty concluded in the first months of last year between Chile and Brazil
remains in force,' he said, 'efforts to undermine the treaty continue. It has
come to my attention that agents in the employ of Caldero, a dangerous
anarchistic political faction, are planning an attack on the palace of the
Chilean president. This attack will be blamed on Brazil in an effort to
draw the two governments back into open conflict.'
Evans, our Number Two, expressed the concern of the group and asked
Genotti's recommendation. 'It is my belief that the presidential staff must
be warned, of course, so that protective measures may be taken. I also
advocate, with the Brotherhood's approval, monies to be advanced to fund
the training of an agent to be placed within Caldero and bring about its
self-destruction.'
Ordinarily, such a proposal would have engendered a lengthy discussion
on the manner and methods of implementing a plan. This time, however,
Pemberton rose to his feet and, before debate could begin, thanked Genotti
for his industry on the Brotherhood's behalf.