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

its apparent value. We do have a Brother in the Shonto House,
howeverЧa trusted advisor to the lord himself.У

The PrefectТs motion suddenly lost its flow and became almost
stiff. УWe have had a trusted advisor in ShontoТs House before,
excuse me for reminding you, Brother, and he was more loyal to
his lord than to his Order. We do not have verifiable evidence of
the size of the army in the desert. I should tell you that this is not
the first report of barbarian hordes I have heard.Ф

Sotura considered this for some time. УIf I send a warning to our
superiors under my own signature, what will the Prefect do?Ф

С ТI will feel obliged to report that I am not convinced by Brother
ShuyunТs evidence.У

УConflicting reports will certainly ensure that no action is taken. If
ShuyunТs information is correct, there is little time for hesitation.
Little time to seek more information.Ф

УExcuse me for saying so, Brother Sotura, but Lord ShontoТs
Spiritual Advisor, for all his abilities, is a young man and new to the
north. No experience from all my years in Seh would indicate that
such an army could exist in the wastes. I do not feel I would be
acting as my position requires to give credence to Shuyun-sumТs
report.Ф

The old man seemed to slump a little as though this rebuttal had
taken all the energy of his ancient spirit.

УI fear I have tired you, Prefect. Please excuse me if I have
destroyed your harmony.Ф The chi quan master bowed. He rocked
slowly back on his heels, a look of concern registering on his face.
IТm sorry, old man, Sotura thought, but I cannot allow your fears to
stop what must be done. There is more at stake than your
comfortable position. May Botahara forgive me.

Lady Nishima sat before a low table looking at the design for a
robe which her servants would embroider. Only moments before,
as was often the case, she had a melody in her mind, a folk tune
that a talented court composer had borrowed to create a
composition for the Imperial Sonsa troupe. But her visitor had
disturbed her harmony and the music faded away as

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though the musicians in her mind traveled off into the distance.

УIt is of no consequence to me, cousin,Ф Lady Nish-ima said, trying
to keep her voice even. УJaku Katta could arrive at my door and I