"Vance, Jack - Elder Isles 03 - Madouc" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

Cassander shrugged, to indicate the puzzle took him beyond his depth. УSo it would seem; I grant you that. Still-who knows? Royal princess or not, Suldrun was a girl, and girls are female, and females are as wayward as dandelion fluff in the wind! Such is my experience.Ф

УPerhaps my father was highborn,Ф Madouc mused. УNo one troubled to ask.Ф

УUnlikely,Ф said Cassander. УHe was a foolish young rogue who received his just deserts. You are not convinced? This is
the law of nature! Each person is born into his proper place, which he must keep, unless his king grants him advancement for valor in war. No other system is proper, right, or natural.Ф

УWhat then of me?Ф asked Madouc in a troubled voice. УWhere is my СpedigreeТ?Ф

Cassander gave a bark of laughter. УWho knows? You have been granted the status of a royal princess; that should suffice.Ф

Madouc was still dissatisfied. УWas my father put into the hole along with his СpedigreeТ?Ф

Cassander chuckled. УIf he had one to begin with.Ф

УBut what is it? Something like a tail?Ф

Cassander could not restrain his mirth and Madouc indig antly rose to her feet and walked away.


IV

The royal family of Lyonesse often rode out from Haidion into the countryside: to join a hunt, or to indulge the kingТs taste for falconry or simply to enjoy a pastoral excursion. King Casmir usually rode his black charger Sheuvan, while Sollace sat a gentle white paifrey, or, as often as not, the cushioned seat of the well-sprung royal carriage. Prince Cassander rode his fine prancing roan Gildrup; the Princess Madouc ranged happily here and there on her dappled pony Tyfer.

Madouc noted that many highborn ladies doted on their steeds and frequently visited the stables to pet and nourish their darlings with apples and sweetmeats. Madouc began to do likewise, bringing carrots and turnips for TyferТs delectation, meanwhile evading the surveillance of both Lady Desdea and Lady Marmone, and also escaping her six maids-in-waiting.
The stableboy assigned to the care of Tyfer was Pymfyd: a tow-headed lad of twelve or thirteen, strong and willing, with an honest countenance and an obliging disposition. Madouc convinced him that he had also been appointed to serve as her personal attendant and escort when the need arose. Without demur Pymfyd acceded to the arrangement, which seemed to signalize an advancement in status.

Early one afternoon, with the overcast hanging low and the scent of rain in the air, Madouc donned a gray hooded cloak and slipped away to the stables. She summoned Pymfyd from his work with the manure fork. УCome, Pymfyd, at once! I have an errand which will require an hour or so of my time, and I will need your attendance.Ф

Pymfyd asked cautiously: УWhat sort of errand, Your High ness?Ф

УIn due course you will learn all that is necessary. Come then! The day is short; the hours tumble past, while you doodle and dither.Ф

Pymfyd gave a sour grunt. УWill you be wanting Tyfer?Ф

УNot today.Ф Madouc turned away. УCome.Ф

With something of a flourish Pymfyd plunged his manure fork into the dungheap and followed Madouc on laggard steps.

Madouc marched up the path that led around the back of the castle, with Pymfyd trudging behind.

He called out: УWhere are we going?Ф

УIt will soon be made clear to you.Ф

УAs you say, Your Highness,Ф grumbled Pymfyd.

The path veered to the left, toward the Sfer Arct; here Madouc swung away to the right, to scramble up the hillside along a trail leading up the stony slope toward the gray bulk of the Peinhador.

Pymfyd voiced a querulous protest, which Madouc ignored. She continued up the slope, with the north wall of the Peinhador looming above. Pymfyd, panting and apprehensive, lunged forward in sudden alarm and caught up with Madouc. УPrincess, where are you taking us? Below those walls criminals crouch in their dungeons!Ф