"E. E. Doc Smith - D' Alembert 5 -Appointment at Bloodstar" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith E. E. Doc)

dignity. There were no ostentatious displays of art or wealth; handwoven blankets and
collections of baskets were the only decorations hanging on the walls, while smoked
sausages, braided cloves of garlic, and onions hung anachronistically from the ceiling.
The fireplaces in the main rooms looked well used rather than ornamental, and a slight,
pleasant odor of woodsmoke clung to the stone walls. The floors were rough slate,
uneven in spots, and she had to constantly watch her step to avoid tripping. Shelves
and small niches were filled with odd knickknacks, wooden carvings of animals, and
toys.

I've been in grander castles, Yvette decided, but certainly never in one that made me
feel at home more quickly. ,.

"You know Pias long?" Yuri asked in strained Empirese as they walked.

"Only a few months-not nearly long enough, as far as I'm concerned. I hope to make it
a whole lot longer." She was reluctant to spell out her relationship in more detail. Pias
had wanted to keep their engagement quiet until he could tell his father first and get his
approval.

Yuri did not seem the prying sort, though. His Empirese was not good, and
conversation was a struggle for him. "He look healthy, despite being away. I only hope
situation back here won't cause hurt."

"Well, it was quite a blow to learn about his father . . ."

"Not what I meant. Well, partly, but are other things, too."

Yuri threw open a door and led Yvette into a charming bedroom with stone walls and
windows that overlooked a tiny garden. A small fireplace was set in one wall. "This be


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your room, gospozha. If you need anything, just ring bellpull there."

As he turned to go, Yvette caught him by the elbow. "You mentioned some problems
here at home. Is there anything in particular Pias should know about?"

Yuri stopped and looked her over, sizing her up for trustworthiness much as she had
done to him a short while ago. She knew she was being judged for how worthy she was
of Yuri's master; the servant would also be taking into account Pias's kissing her before
running off to see his father. Finally, Yuri decided to open up slightly and trust her. "It be
his brother. Tas be . . . changed since Pias go away. They never got on well; Tas
always be a wild one. Pias used to hold him back so there be no problem; but with no
Pias these last few years, Tas get even worse."

The old man shook his head. "Never did like Tas. Should have be strangled in cradle
like changeling." He looked Yvette straight in the eyes. "Tell Pias, watch out for Tas; he
do no good." Then, without further ado, the servant turned and left the room. Yvette sat