"Joan D. Vinge - Snow Queen 2 - World's End" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vinge Joan D)

looking at the Pantheon; it was just visible from where
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his office lay, its multiple domes of azure and gold ceramic

half obscured by newer, more graceful structures.

He took an antique watch from his pocket, glancing

absently at the time . . . looking at the watch itself,

turning it over andover for the feel of its comfortable

familiarity in his hand. He sighed. The hour was getting

late--but not late enough that he could postpone this

final duty for another day.



Besides, he had no more days left. The ceremonies at

the Pantheon were due to begin today at sunset, and

they would drag on through half of tomorrow. Crowds

were gathering there already . . . gathering from all over

Number Four to see him. The thought made him grimace.

These were only the first of too many ceremonies

that he would have to wade through, like streams, on the

way to where he wanted to go.



He had put off the meaningless honors, the public

displays of adoration, for as long as possible, using his

wound and his weakness as excuses. But he had spent