"II - Chainer's Torment" - читать интересную книгу автора (McGough Scott)

choking collar that didn't kill Roup outright but did make
it difficult for the old windbag to breathe.
Roup struggled feebly and clawed at his throat with his
free hand.
"Big brother," Chainer hissed in his ear, "I am going
to show you the package now. I want us to be completely
clear on one point, however-it is mine to deliver. Mine. I
found it. I fought for it, and I will kill anyone who tries
to keep me from giving it to the First with my own hands."
Roup gagged and choked, and the sleeve of his robe
began to tear.
"Are we clear, big brother?"
Roup's head jerked up and down. He banged his chin on
the table, spilling both the goblet and the decanter.
Chainer touched the link that was keeping the collar tight.
"Break," he whispered, and it shimmered away into
nothing. He allowed Roup enough slack to gasp and cough,
but he kept the chain firmly around the tavern keeper's
neck. Roup was the only one who could use the grapevine
from this location, so Chainer needed him alive and
conscious.
"With your free hand," Chainer said, "open the package.
But don't touch what's inside. Clear?"
Roup sucked in a few more wheezing gulps of air and
shot Chainer a murderous look over his shoulder. Chainer
could see the dire threats of retribution forming in Roup's
mind, but the chatty old bore was smart enough not to
challenge Chainer's advantage. Chainer suspected that Roup
had often been held hostage and was probably used to it by
now. Besides, his natural greed and curiosity were piqued.
Slowly, carefully, he undid the drawstring.
For several long minutes there was no sound other than
Roup's ragged breathing as he stared at Chainer's sphere.
Chainer himself waited patiently, resting just enough
weight on Roup's back to keep him still and just enough
tension on his throat to keep him obedient.
Roup's voice was a hoarse, painful whisper. "You win,
little brother. What do you need?"
"Get on the grapevine," Chainer said immediately.
"Contact the proving grounds and inform Skellum that his
pupil Chainer is waiting for him here. Tell him it's an
emergency. Tell him to come now."
Chainer released Roup's throat and spun lightly around
the table. As he passed Roup's pinned sleeve, Chainer
retrieved his dagger.
"And tell him to come heavy."

* * * * *

Less than an hour later, Chainer walked out of Roup's