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

manipulation which would have bred a new and stronger line.
But you must not accuse your friends."

Friends on the surface, competitors beneath, each jealous of
the other's prosperity. Yet the facade had to be maintained,
unity shown, and a common face presented to the outside. The
monk, for exampleтАФhe could learn more than he should. The
Universal Church had friends in high places, and who could tell
what gossip they carried? It had been a mistake to permit his
presence. Pacula, at times, went too far.

Later, when the assembly had departed, he spoke to her about
it.

"The monk, sisterтАФis it wise to advertise your friendship?"

"I look to him for help."

"Which will be given at a price, naturally. More money wasted
on a futile quest. The girl is deadтАФcan't you accept that? Culpea
is dead."

"No!" He saw the sudden pallor of her face, the lines suddenly
appearing and betraying her age, so that, for a moment, she
looked haggard. Then, with an effort, she controlled herself, old
defenses coming to the rescue. "You mustn't say that, Tien.
There is no proof. NoтАФ" she swallowed and forced herself to
continue. "No body was ever found."

"The raft crashed. Her nurse was discovered in a crevass. The
guards were scattered and none alive to tell what happened. But
we can guess. Please, sister, accept the facts. It is better so."

"She could have been found," she insisted. "Taken by some
passing wanderer. Such things happen. I must continue the
search, Tien. I must!"

Years now and still she hoped and yet he hadn't the heart to
be ruthless. Even so, there had to be an end to the money she
squandered.

"You have tried the monks before," he reminded. "Your
donations were more than generous, but to no avail. Money is
scarce, and with the bull dead, economies have to be made. I am
sorry, Pacula, but my patience is exhausted. Search on if you
must, but don't look to me for further help."
 "You deny me my right?"

"You have had that and more. There must be an end."
Pausing, he added more gently, "One thing more I will do. On