"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 20 - Web of Sand" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

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Web of Sand by E.C.
Tubb

Chapter One

Marta Caine had a singing jewel which she took from its box
and held cupped in her palms as she stood in the salon of the
Urusha.

"From Necho," she said, her eyes on the crystal. "I bought it
when young and have carried it with me ever since. A long time
now. Too long."

"It looks dull," said Kemmer. "Dead."

"It's fatigued."

"Why haven't we seen it before?" Grish Mettalus leaned
forward from where he stood behind Chai Teoh. Like the girl, he
was tall, slim, eyes slanted beneath narrow brows but where her
face held a high-boned delicacy his features bore a broad and
flattened stamp. "You are unkind, Marta. The gem would have
helped relieve our boredom."

"As I said, it is tired." The veined hands seemed to press
reassuringly against the crystal cupped in the palms. "I have kept
it cooped in darkness too long. When we reach Fendris I shall set
it on a high and open place where it can feed on sunlight and
starlight, be caressed by soft breezes and laved with gentle rains.
Then it will regain its vitality and become young again."
Bitterness edged her voice. "Would to God that it was as easy for
others to restore their beauty."

"You are beautiful enough," said Kemmer with heavy
gallantry. "With a warmth no stone can possess."

"You are kind to say so, MauriceтАФbut my mirror tells a
different story."

"Mirrors can lie. The beauty of a woman is more than a
patina of skin. It is the need within her, the spirit, the response
she creates in those who watch her walk and talk and smile. A