"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 14 - Jack of Swords" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

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Jack of Swords
#14 in the Dumarest series

E.C. Tubb


Chapter One


At sunset the sky of Teralde was painted with vibrant swaths
of brilliant color; minute crystals of air-borne dust refracting the
light so that the entire bowl of the firmament looked as if some
cosmic artist had spilled his palette in a profusion of inspired
genius. An eye-catching spectacle but one which, for Dumarest,
had long ceased to hold charm.

He walked through the streets gilded with dying light, past
tall houses fashioned of stone, the windows small, the doors thick
and tightly barred. Even the shops were like small fortresses,
their wares jealously guarded, reluctantly displayed. The field, as
usual, was empty, the barren dirt devoid of the weight of a single
vessel. The gate set into the perimeter fence was unmanned, a
sure sign that no ship was expected.

"Nothing." The agent, a Hausi, leaned back in his chair. His
ebony face, scarred with the caste marks of his guild, was bland.
"Ships will arrive eventually, of course, but Teralde is not a
commercial world. Only when the beasts have been processed
and shipments are available will the traders come. Until then all
we can hope for is some tourists."

Luxury vessels carrying jaded dilettantes, the rich and curious
with money to burn and time to waste. But Dumarest had no
timeтАФunless a ship arrived soon he would be stranded.

He said, "I need work."

"Work?" The Hausi shrugged. "My friend, on Teralde the
desire is not enough. You need to own special skills. Your
profession?"