"Juliet E. McKenna - Aldabreshin 1 - Southern Fire" - читать интересную книгу автора (McKenna Juliet E)

multifarious tasks of the author's life, never mind being a wife and mother, without
the generosity of so many people. For the continuing assistance of Ernie and Betty,
mere thanks are simply inadequate. For their part in helping me keep a balanced
perspective on all the domestic juggling and so much else, I am indebted to Penny,
Gill and Mike, Helen, Corinne, Liz E and Liz B. On the business side, sincerest
thanks go to Maggie and Camilla for all their support, and to Tim and Simon and
everyone else at Orbit.
To everyone who has spurred me on with their eager interest in this book, in
Dublin, Aberdeen and elsewhere, as well as over the Internet, my sincere
appreciation.


Chapter One
^╗
No omens of earth or sky, just tranquillity. I couldn't ask for a better welcome
home.
The sun was all but set among serene bands of golden cloud untroubled above an
unruffled sea. Down in the lagoon far below, Kheda could see the little boats of his
fishermen heading out for their night's work, the weather set fair. The great galley that
had brought him back to this island at the heart of his domain rode calmly at anchor.
Closer to shore, the first lamps were being lit above the floating frames hung with
nets that gathered fingerfish for smoking above fragrant herbs. Standing high above,
on the roofless platform at the top of the circular stone tower, Kheda was too far
away to hear the banter of his people idling about their work on the shore.
It'll be the usual jokes and debates about whether to settle to mending nets or
making gourds into new buoys. Chances are they'll opt to spend the evening with
their families and friends instead. We're not so different, highest to lowest, Daish
Reik always told me that.
At that recollection of his father's wisdom, Kheda yielded to the desire to greet his
wives and children. He'd turned first to his duty as augur; now he was entitled to
claim some time for himself. Smiling, he was about to go down the narrow winding
steps of the observatory when a new thought struck him.
Those little lights to tempt curious fish look like early stars on the dusky water.
What of the heaven's compass? I wouldn't be doing my duty if I didn't look for any
new portents, even if all the constellations are settled at their midpoints.
Kheda turned to look inland at the sky darkening to blue just deep enough to
show the first true stars. Long practice found the Winged Snake, rising above the
dark bulk of the island's hilly interior. The sky around the constellation was clear of
cloud, nothing else intruding that might warn or advise. Kheda had no need to glance
down at the arcs of the compass of the earth that were carved on the balustrade of
the observatory. The Winged Snake was in the arc where omens for marriage and all
such intense relationships would be found.
Symbol of male and female intertwined, of courage and the rewards of toil, of
new things being revealed. Of course. And unseen, below the horizon, the Net will
underlay the arc of the compass for birth, token of support and help, cooperation
and unity. Though the Canthira Tree, symbol of the cycle of life and death, is in
the arc of fear and retreat. Of course, Sam will be fretting, what with it being her
first baby. She'll have all the support she needs from Janne and Rekha, that much
is quite clear, with the Vizail Blossom, symbol of womanhood, so firmly planted in
the arc of sisterhood.