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

Heidah are skilled physicians who can eliminate hurtful
memories and replace them with comforting illusions. Go to
them, Pacula, have them eradicate this torment. Forget the child
and gain a measure of peace."

"And you will pay for it?"

Relief at her acquiescence made him overlook the calculation
in her eyes. "Of course. Tell me how much and it will be yours.
You have my word."

"Which has never been broken." Her smile was a mask. "I will
consider it, Tien."

He did not see the hand she held at her side, the fingers
clenched, the knuckles taut beneath the skin. Nor did he observe
the muscles tense beneath the smile which accentuated the line
of her jaw. To him her words were enough.

"Have an early night," he urged. "You have been upset since
the storm. And with reason," he added quickly. "That I do not
deny. But you are fatigued. A good sleep and you will feel better."

She said flatly, "Thank you, Tien, I will follow your advice. But
later. Tonight I have promised to visit Sufan Noyoka."

"That dreamer?" Tien made no effort to hide his contempt.
"The man is mad."

"But harmless."

"Can madness ever be that?" He shrugged, expecting no
answer and receiving none. "Well, do as you wish, but be careful.
You promise?"

"I promise."

He left her at that, satisfied, his mind busy with other things.
The pain of his recent loss was a nagging ache which left little
concern for the lightness of a decision made. Let her visit
Noyoka. Perhaps, in each other's company, they could find a
common ease. Madness had an affinity to madness and,
reluctant as he was to admit it, his sister was far from sane.


***

When a boy, Ibius Avorot had seen a man flayed and staked
out in the sun as a punishment for the unlawful killing of a beast.
His father had been at pains to point out the necessity for such