"Anne Logston - Shadow 02 - Shadow Hunt" - читать интересную книгу автора (Logston Anne)

law for help would hurt my standing with the Guild, too. I really don't
want to go thundering off, leaving the Guild in Aubry's hands. I can
probably trust him, but why risk it? Most of all, it tips our hand to
Baloran. He could just vanish again, you know, gem and all, and then we'd
be no wiser as to what he's up to. I'd prefer something more subtleтАФsend
out a couple of spies, bribe a few mages to do some probing about, if the
Guild has to be involved at all."

"But what makes you think the Council of Churches will sit around and
wait while you do that?" Donya demanded. "I don't think you realize just
how hot Vikram is getting. If what you say is true, he loses more face with
every day that gem's missing."

"I'll talk to Vikram myself," Shadow shrugged. "Tell himтАФunder
truthspell, if necessaryтАФthat I didn't steal it and I'm on the track of the
one who did."

"Oh, Shady, he won't believe you no matter what," Donya said
worriedly.

"I think he will," Shadow argued. "The Council's last foray against the
Guild cost them credibility with the City Council. Vikram can't afford for
that to happen again, so he'll be hesitant to commit the temples at this
point. If I can convince him the Guild's not at faultтАФwhich I think I
canтАФhe'll have a good excuse to wait without losing face. I think he'll take
it. I've already arranged to meet with him in two days."

"I don't agree," Donya said slowly, "but it's your decision. What makes
you think you can learn anything about Baloran, anyway?"

"I came across some very interesting information about Baloran in my
investigations," Shadow smiled wisely. "If I need it, I know someone who
definitely knows quite a bit about him."

"Who?"

"No, no, can't reveal my sources," Shadow said quickly.

"I'd rather keep this one in reserve for an emergency, anyway."

"Well, at least give me a copy of what location you've got," Donya
begged. "Mother's good at spotting; maybe she'll come up with something,
and she's got contacts with more mages than you can probably bribe."

"That I can do," Shadow nodded. "I've marked the general area on a
map, and I'll give you a copy to take back with you. Otherwise, though,
just wait till I've had a chance to talk with Vikram before you take any
action, will you?"

"All right," Donya said reluctantly. "But I wish you'd reconsider. Think