"Nine Princes In Amber 06" - читать интересную книгу автора (Varley John)

"What do you want?"
"What've you got?"
"You know that." and his eyes shifted and lay upon me, but I watched his hand, which was near to his dagger.
"Where are you?"
"With Bleys."
"There was a rumor you'd shown up in Amber recently-and I wondered at the bandages on Eric's arm."
"You're looking at the reason," I said. "What's your price?"
"What do you mean?"
"Let us be frank and to the point. Do you think Bleys and I can take Eric?"
"No, that's why I'm with Eric. And I won't sell out my armada either, if that's what you're after-and I'd imagine you are."
I smiled.
"Perceptive brother," I replied. "Well, it's been nice talking to you. See you in Amber-maybe."
I moved my hand, and he cried out.
"Wait!"
"Why?"
"I don't even know your offer."
"Yes. you do," I said. "You've guessed it, and you're not interested."
"I didn't say that. It's just that I know where the equities lie."
"You mean the power."
"Okay, the power. What've you got to offer?"
We talked for maybe an hour, after which time the northern seaways were open to the three phantom fleets of Bleys, which might enter expecting reinforcements.
"If you fail, there'll be three beheadings in Amber," said he.
"But you don't really expect that, do you?" I asked.
"No. I think either you or Bleys will sit upon the throne before too very long. I'll be satisfied to serve the winner.
That regency would be nice. I'd still like Random's head as part of the price, though."
"No deal," I said. "Take it as you've heard it or forget it."
"I'll take it."
I smiled and placed my palm upon the card and he was gone.
Gerard was a matter I'd leave for the morrow. Caine had exhausted me.
I rolled into bed and slept.
-----
Gerard, when be learned the score, agreed to lay off us. Mainly because it was I who was asking, as he had considered Eric a lesser of potent evils.
I concluded the deal quickly, promising him evervthing he asked, as no heads were involved.
Then I reviewed the troops again and told them more of Amber. Strangely, they got along like brothers, the big red guys and the little hairy ones.
It was sad and it was true.
We were their gods, and that was that.
-----
I saw the fleet, sailing on a great ocean the color of blood. I wondered. Iin the Shadow worlds through which they sailed, many of them would be lost.
I considered the troops of Avemus, and my recruits from the place called Ri'ik. Theirs was the task of marching to Earth and Amber.
I shuffled my cards and cast them. I picked up the one called Benedict. For a long while I searched it, but there was nothing but the cold.
Then I seized upon Brand's. For another long while there was nothing but the cold.
Then there came a scream. It was a horrible, tormented thing.
"Help me!" came the cry.
"How can I?" I asked.
"Who is that?" be asked, and I saw his body writhe.
"Corwin."
"Deliver me from this place, brother Corwin! Anything you name shall be yours in return!"
"Where are you?"
"I-"
And there came a swirling of things my mind refused to conceive of, and another scream, torn forth as though in agony and ending in silence.