"S. L. Viehl - A Diversity of Houses" - читать интересную книгу автора (Viehl S. L)

Perhaps I should consult with him as to which of the

ClanDaughters Irea to Choose, he thought as he came to the

outer fringe of the herd. One of the larger males shuffled

over to sniff at his tunic, and he stroked an admiring hand

across the space between the placid creatureтАЩs blunt, short

horns. At least with that advice I could expect to sire

healthy ClanChildren on her.

Such heresy amused Tavo, but it would have scandalized

his kin and insulted the Irea, who also had the reputation

as one of the more proper and formal Houses of Joren. If

he voiced those thoughts, they would create an instant rift

between the Giran and the Irea, and such things had to be

avoided.

Tavo could not do what he wanted, Choose when he

wanted, or speak as he wanted. No ClanLeader could.
 13


тАЬPerhaps I may settle for purchasing you,тАЭ he told the

big male, who eyed him with placid curiosity. Tavo took

out his datapad and made note of the sireline mark as well

as the ID tattooed on the inside of the animalтАЩs right ear,

тАЬIf not a ClanChild, then I can breed some stronger calves

next season.тАЭ

Although Joren had advanced to a highly developed,

technological society, the tтАЩlerue remained an important

commodity. While Jorenians did not consume animal flesh,