"Russell, Sean - Initiate Brother 2 - Gatherer Of Clouds" - читать интересную книгу автора (Russell Sean)

Sotura paused for a moment, reflecting. УThe Son of Heaven has
made no public gesture that would indicate that Katta does not
stand in the light of the Throne. But I have found that one ignores
Brother HuttoТs information at great risk.Ф

The older man nodded. УI agree, Brother. Appearances mean little
in the world of the Emperor. He treats Lord Shonto as a great
favorite, but only a fool would accept this as the truth.Ф

УJaku Katta in SehЕ this is a cause for concern. I find this too
much like the opening of a game of g№. There are too many pieces
for one to see clearly. It is complicated even more with tales of
alleged barbarian armies. It is as though another entire set of
pieces waited to sweep onto the board at any second.Ф Sotura met
the PrefectТs eyes. УWe must inform the Supreme Master of these
developments immediately.Ф

УOh, certainly, Brother Sctura. There is no question. I have only
hesitated so that I may decide how much credence to give your
young protegees report.Ф

УBrother Shuyun did not see the number of warriors that the
encampment indicates, I agree, but I do not think this was a
barbarian ruse. As Shuyun-sum has said, riders from Seh were
unexpected there. I fear his information is horribly true, Prefect. I
propose that we send word to Brother Hutto and to the Supreme
Master immediately, and under both our signatures.Ф

УI am not certain, Brother Sotura.Ф The older man seemed to return
to his former state of confusion. УIt is so difficult to believe. An
army of that size? How is that possible? Even the barbarians are
not bred from the sand. We would appear to be alarmists at the
very least if this army does not exist. I hesitate to sign my name to
a report that is based on so little information.Ф

УExcuse me, Prefect, but may I remind you that Lord Shonto does
not question what Shuyun-sum reported.Ф

The old man shook his head. УOne can never know the true
meaning of anything Lord Shonto says or does, Brother. He is
engaged in a struggle for his life and the future of his House. If the
Son of Heaven sent an army to Seh to save his Empire from the
barbarians and Lord Shonto could control that armyЕ
considerЧthe balance in the Empire could be altered.Ф The
Prefect gestured slowly toward the walls as though they
encompassed all of Wa.

УI do not profess to know the secrets of this ShontoТs mind,
Prefect, but I take nothing he does or says at