"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 04 - Kalin" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

even. Anything but this. I have no love for the sounds of
violence."

And, thought Dumarest watching, neither had the man. Not
now. The mercenary was old and afraid of what the future could
bring. A man who had too often seen the amniotic tanks,
suffered the pain of wounds. Now he searched for a haven and
the woman could provide it. She too had lived a hard life but,
unlike the man, she had something to show for it. Jewels instead
of scars. Together they could find comfort if not happiness.

Dumarest turned, breathing deep of the night air, suddenly
conscious of his isolation and a little envious of those who did
not travel alone. Behind him the trader shuffled, restless, his eyes
reflecting the glow of mounting fires.

"Let's go down to the gate and take a closer look," he
suggested. "That should be safe enough. We could take care and
might see something interesting."

"We might," agreed the thin-faced vendor. He sucked in his
cheeks. "It seems a pity to come all this way and see nothing. It
won't happen again for another year and who knows where I'll be
then?" He nodded, deciding. "All right. I'll come with you. How
about you, Earl?"

Dumarest hesitated and then, slowly, followed the others
down the ramp.
***

Guards stood by the gate, armed, armored and sullen. They
were field personnel selected to remain stable during the three
day period. They were carrying weapons which were rare on
LogisтАФ automatic rifles. These could fire a spray of shot as
effective if not as lethal as lasers at short range. One of them
glared as the three men approached.

"You going out or staying in?"

"Staying in," said the trader promptly. He squinted past the
guards into the town. A wide road, apparently deserted, ran
directly from the gate. "How bad is it?"

"Not bad at all," said the man. His face was hard, brutal
beneath his helmet. "Those who asked for it are getting it." His
face convulsed in sudden rage. "Damn it! I shouldn't be here at
this lousy gate. I should be out there hunting down the bastard
who stole my wife!"

"Take it easy," said one of his companions. He wore the