"Jack Vance - The Last Castle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

never have been disturbed by the jar.
Xanten expertly kept his balance, instead of tumbling and
rolling in the manner preferred by the Birds. "You all have
syrup," he told them. "Rest: make no noise; do not quarrel.
By tomorrow's sunset, if I am not here, return to Castle
Hagedorn and say that Xanten was killed."
"Never fear!" cried the Birds. "We will wait forever!" "At
any rate till tomorrow's sunset!" "If danger threatens, if you
are presseda ros ros ros! Call for the Birds!" "A ros! We
are ferocious when aroused!"
"I wish it were true," said Xanten. "The Birds are arrant
cowards, this is well known. Still I value the sentiment.
Remember my instructions, and be quiet above all! I do not
wish to be set upon and stabbed because of your clamor."
The Birds made indignant sounds. "Injustice, injustice! We
are quiet as the dew!"
"Good." Xanten hurriedly moved away lest they shouli
bellow new advice or reassurances after him.

IV
Passing through the forest, he came to an open meadow at the
far edge of which, perhaps a hundred yards distant, was the
rear of the first hangar. He stopped to consider.
Several factors were involved. First, the maintenance Meks,
with the metal structure shielding them from radio contact,
might still be unaware of the revolt. Hardly likely, he decided,
in view of the otherwise careful planning. Second, the Meks,
in continuous communication with their fellows, acted as a
collective organism. The aggregate functioned more complete-
ly than its parts, and the individual was not prone to initiative.
Hence, vigilance was not likely to be extreme. Third, if they
expected anyone to attempt a discreet approach, they would
necessarily scrutinize most closely the route which he pro-
posed to take.
Xanten decided to wait in the shadows another ten minutes,
until the setting sun shining over his shoulder should most
effectively blind any who might watch.
Ten minutes passed. The hangars, burnished by the dying
sunlight, bulked long, tall, completely quiet. In the intervening
meadow long golden grass waved and rippled in a cool breeze.
Xanten took a deep breath, hefted his pouch, arranged his
weapons, strode forth. It did not occur to him to crawl
through the grass.
He reached the back of the nearest hangar without chal-
lenge. Pressing his ear to the metal he heard nothing. He
walked to the corner, looked down the side: no sign of life.
Xanten shrugged. Very well then; to the door.
He walked beside the hangar, the setting sun casting a long
black shadow ahead of him. He came to a door opening into
the hangar administrative office. Since there was nothing to be