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

their age, holding the same appearance from early adulthood until death,
until that time when they could -no longer hold their lifeforce.

"He was deeply concerned about some trends he was seeing all across
Corus, and he could see that his lifeforce was failing."

Dainyl knew that the marshal was lying, and that Shastylt knew that
Dainyl recognized that. The colonel nodded. "I just felt something and
knew something had happened."

Shastylt cleared his throat. "Tyanylt and I have both known that Acorus
faces a transition in the next few years, one that will change everything."

Every alector knew that. Ifryn was failing, as its lifeforce was drained
away, and in the next decade the Archon of Ifryn--based on the
recommendation of the Highest Fieldmaster--would have to choose where
to transfer the master scepter, either to Acorus or Efra. That choice would
decide the fate of two worlds. "That choice does not have to be made that
soon, does it, sir?"
 "Preparations must be made, one way or another, and how those
preparations are handled may also affect the choice." Shastylt reached out
and lifted the goblet of water on the corner of the desk, taking a small
swallow. "Submar-shal Tyanylt felt most strongly about the decisions
made by our High Alector of Justice. Tyanylt reported his concerns to the
Highest, and was told that, while he had identified some valid problems,
plans would have to go forth as outlined, especially since Submarshal
Alcyna in Alustre had no such concerns. Not many are allowed to question
the Highest. None are allowed to refuse the Highest."

Since the Myrmidons' prime function was to ensure and enforce justice,
the High Alector of Justice on Acorus was effectively the director of all
Myrmidon activities. For a submarshal to refuse his duties... Dainyl shook
his head. He could understand a submarshal's resigning. It had not
happened often, but there were precedents. But to refuse without
resigning?

"I see you understand."

"Enough, sir." It was all too clear that, in the contest of wills and
lifeforce between the marshal and the submarshal, the marshal had
prevailed. Dainyl also understood that it would be foolhardy to oppose
both the Highest and the marshal.

"A most cautious response. That is fitting for these times." Shastylt
glanced to the uniform on the floor. `There will be a week of mourning for
the death of the submarshal. He served Ifryn, the Archon, and the
Duarches long and well, but life-force fails even the most powerful in time.
I will have to meet with the Highest to determine how he wishes to
proceed."