"Stasheff, Christopher - Warlock 04 - The Warlock Enraged" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stasheff Christopher)

with that." Rod smiled, amused. "Still, I must admit they're
outnumbered by the kings who've been glad of the support
of their younger brothers."

"As I trust our Alain shall be." Tuan turned away. "Come,
let us pass into the solar." He paced down the hall and into
another chamber with a wall of clerestory windows. Rod
followed, with the two ladies chattering behind him. He
reminded himself that he and Gwen were being signally
honored; none of the royal couple's other subjects had ever

12 Christopher Stasheff THE WARLOCK ENRAGED 13

been invited into their majesties' private apartments.

On the other hand, if Gwen had been the kind to brag,
they might not have been invited in, either.

And, of course, there was old Duke Loguire. But that
was different; he came under the alias of "Grandpa." And
Brom O'Brien; but the Lord Privy Councillor would, of
course, have access to the privy chambers.

On the other hand. Rod tried not to be too conscious of
the honor. After all, he had known Tuan when the young
King was an outlaw; exiled for courting Catharine; and
hiding out in the worst part of town, as King of the BeggarsЧ
and unwitting party to the forming of a civil war. "As long
as they grow up friends," he reminded Tuan, "or as much
as two brothers can."

"AyeЧand if their friendship doth endure." A shadow
crossed Tuan's face, and Rod guessed he was remembering
his own elder brother, Anselm, who had rebelled against
their father, and against Queen Catharine.

"Then must we take great care to ensure their friendship."
Catharine hooked her arm through Tuan's. "Yet I misdoubt
me, my lord, an our guests did come to speak of children
only."

"I'm sure it's a more pleasant subject than whatever he
had in mind," Rod said quickly.

"And 'twould have been cause enow, I do assure thee,"
Gwen added.

Catharine answered with a silvery laugh. "For thou and
I, mayhapЧbut I misdoubt me an 'twould interest our hus-
bands overlong."