"Jean Lorrah - Savage Empire 05 - Sorcerers of the Frozen Isles" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lorrah Jean)

as well, wore them only on ceremonial occasions.

At nineteen, Torio knew it was better to follow Lenardo's example than Master Clement's, for there was
no denying that the world had changed.

Lords Adept had no rules for clothing except richness, it appeared. As their powers made them
individualistic, their garb was idiosyncraticтАФjust as Readers dressed alike because their powers united
them rather than setting them apart from one another.

Only it's all the same power, Torio reminded himself as he entered Lenardo's house and Read Melissa
waiting for him in the courtyard.

"Decius, Melissa'sтАФ"

"I know," the younger boy told him. "Go on and get all silly with her. You don't have to worry that /'//
Read what you're doing!"

In another year or sd you'll understand, thought Torio to himself, wondering if Master Clement was
trying to stem that awakening in Decius. He had beaten it out of the young Lenardo, Torio had once
Read to his utter astonishment. He had never known the gentle Master Reader to use physical
punishment on any other student. Despite his efforts, the desire had merely lain dormant in Lenardo until
he met Aradia.

Torio had experienced the vague yearnings of adolescence some years ago, too, but he had sublimated
them until he had met Melissa last year. NowтАж neither of them knew how to achieve what they wanted.
Marriage, they were sureтАФbut when? They were young enough to wait, but also young enough not to
want to. Had they not both been brought up in the segregated disciplines of the Academy system, they
might simply have followed their inclinations by now.

But both had desires beyond those of the flesh. Torio's Reading abilities were growing at a rate which
astonished the Master Readers. While Melissa's Reading talent was maturing only at the normal rate for
her age and potential, she had added Adept powers which were growing daily.

The wisdom of both Readers and Adepts who tried to advise the young couple was to wait until their
growth spurt had reached its peak before consummating their physical desires.

Thus it was easier for them to be apart most of the time. Nonetheless, Torio went eagerly to the sheltered
bench in the courtyard where Melissa waited.

She was a slender young woman with a heart-shaped face and dark hair whose natural curl asserted itself
in soft wisps about her face. Spring sunshine had already brought out the freckles across her nose, and
she appeared healthy and contented and happy to see him.

They Read each other without words for a moment. Then Torio took Melissa into his arms. Both
stopped Reading, to assure their privacy. That left Torio blind, but his other senses were thoroughly
saturated with the feel, taste, and scent of Melissa.

They kissed until both were satisfied that they were really together, then sat down side by side, Torio's
arm around Melissa, her head on his shoulder.