"Brian Thomsen - The Nobles 04 - The Mage in the Iron Mask" - читать интересную книгу автора (Thomsen Brian M)

thought. "I hope that there weren't too many other secret guests like my father's other heir
and rival to my sover-eignty. I understand the monastery was also used as an occasional
way station for Harper agents, and I have no time to deal with their peskiness at this point."
The Hawk captain quickly dispelled the High Blade's concern. "I took the liberty of
instructing one of my men to leave behind the crystal wand that had been used on the
Thayan turncoat Donal. It's Thayan design, and the blood of that slug will no doubt focus the
possible blame for this little bloodbath on more easterly sources."
"Well done, Rickman," the High Blade compli-mented. "Take a seat. You have been very
busy, and very productive."
The Hawk captain bowed in thanks, and took his place across from the High Blade,
adding, "and of course I have seen to the unfortunate demise of our friend the blind wizard
smith whose exceptional handiwork adorns the head of our secret guest."
" 'Tis a pity," Selfaril agreed, "but there is no sense in not being careful."
"Agreed," Rickman acknowledged, glad that he was not being perceived as overzealous
in his perfor-mance of his duties. "So what are your plans for the dispensation of your twin
brother, if I might inquire, sire?"
"My twin brother," Selfaril mused. "It's funny. Up until just this moment I never thought of
him quite that way. I mean, sure, he has to be my brother, my twin, but as far as I am
concerned, he is merely my father's other son, my rival, a challenger to my throne. Tell me
Rickman, do you have any brothers?"
"One, your majesty, but he is dead. His name was Jeremy."
"How sad," the High Blade replied in an unsenti-mental monotone.
"Not really, sire," the Hawk corrected. "As he was the first born, he received all the
privileges. That is why I entered the military. It was either there or a monastery."
"Your loss was Mulmaster's gain."
"In more ways than one, sire. When father died, Jeremy inherited it all. In my then capacity
as sergeant of the guards, I had him thrown in irons, charged with high treason, and
executed a week later. My father's estate was, of course, seized for the state, and I
appointed myself as custodian. I was soon promoted, and it was turned over to me as my
fiefdom."
"You're not just saying this to earn my favor, are you, Rickman?"
"I wouldn't think of it, sire," the Hawk said proudly. "All you have to do is check the civil
records."
"Of course," the High Blade observed in a jesting manner, "one who has already
engaged in fratricide would never stoop to falsifying civil records."
"Of course not, your majesty," the Hawk replied, jovially adding, "that would be against the
law."
"But of course."
The murderers' conversation was interrupted by the quick sounding of three chimes.
The High Blade cursed.
"It's the Tharchioness, no doubt," Selfaril offered. "I left strict orders with SlaterтАФmy
valetтАФto ring me if she inquired of my whereabouts. Word has no doubt already reached
her about last night's thwart-ing of her plans, and she, no doubt, wants to pick my brain about
what happened."
"Do you think she suspects that we are behind what happened?"
"No more than I would suspect her of wanting to depose me," the High Blade replied with
a grin, com-ing to his feet. "Come with me. Let us seek out my still blushing bride, and let the
game of cat and mouse begin!"
* * * * *
In the Tharchioness's Boudoir in the Tower of the Wyvern: