"L. E. Modesitt - Corean Chronicles 4 - Alector's Choice" - читать интересную книгу автора (Modesitt L E)

the Duarch, quietly noting who had appeared.

Finally, Dainyl turned. "Myrmidons, ready!"

"First squad, present and ready!"

"Second squad, present and ready!"

With that, Dainyl turned and waited, standing at attention.

As Dainyl and the Myrmidons continued to wait, more alectors slipped
into the courtyard. With just a few moments before the third glass of the
afternoon, more than a hundred alectors--besides the Myrmidons--stood
waiting. Although the day was not that hot, Dainyl could feel perspiration
oozing down the inside of his uniform, more a result of his own discomfort
than of any real heat, pleasant as the cloudless harvest afternoon was.

From the headquarters building came three deep chimes. All
conversation and whispers died away.

The High Alector of Justice stepped from the headquarters building.
He wore a tunic and trousers of purple, trimmed with black. Upon his
upper left sleeve was a crimson armband identical to the ones worn by all
the Myrmidons. Across his chest was a black sash. Behind him were his
two assistants, attired in a similar fashion, except without the sash. One
carried the lash, with its black tendrils, tipped with razor-sharp barbs.
The other carried the mace of justice.

The High Alector climbed the steps to the landing stage and walked to
the center, placing himself three yards back of the empty justice stand.

"Bring forth the malefactor!" The High Alector's deep voice boomed
across the courtyard.

The doors of the headquarters building opened, and Un-dercaptain
Zernylta stepped out, followed by two rankers. Behind them stumbled an
alector in nearly shapeless dark red trousers and shirt, barefooted, with
his hands manacled behind his back. Two more Myrmidons walked
behind the malefactor.

The courtyard remained quiet as the Myrmidons escorted the alector in
red to the steps onto the stage, then to the justice form.

The High Alector stiffened slightly as the Myrmidons unshackled the
prisoner. Dainyl could sense the immense well of Talent marshaled to
strike, if necessary, but the malefactor did not move as his wrists were
clamped to the frame and a red hood was slipped over his head. The
Myrmidons stepped back, re-forming behind the alector and his two
assistants, one male and one female.