"Joan D. Vinge - The Storm King" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vinge Joan D)

his own honesty.

тАЬBut you called on the Earth, and She answered you. I have never seen Her
answer a man before . . . and because you were in need.тАЭ Her voice softened
unexpectedly. тАЬAn act of kindness begets a kind soul, they say.тАЭ

тАЬAnd now you hope to beget some reward for it, no doubt.тАЭ He spoke the
words with automatic harshness. тАЬGreed and pityтАФa fitting set of godparents, to
match her real ones.тАЭ

She shrugged. тАЬYou will see what you want to see, I suppose. But even a
blind man could see more clearly.тАЭ A frown pinched her forehead. тАЬYouтАЩve come
here to me for help, Lassan-din; I didnтАЩt come to you.тАЭ

He rubbed his scale-bright hands together, a motion that had become a habit
long since; they clicked faintly. тАЬDoesтАФ does the baby have a name?тАЭ

тАЬNot yet. It is not our custom to name a child before its first year. Too often
they die. Especially in these times.тАЭ

He looked away from her eyes. тАЬWhat will you do withтАФ our child?тАЭ
Realizing suddenly that it mattered a great deal to him.

тАЬKeep her with me, and raise her to serve the Earth, as I do.тАЭ

тАЬIf you help me again, IтАЩll take you both back to my own lands, and give you
anything you desire.тАЭ He searched her face for a response.

тАЬI desire to be left in peace with my child and my god-dess.тАЭ She leaned
down to pick the baby up, let it seek her breast.

His inspiration crystallized: тАЬDamn it, IтАЩll throw my own priests out, IтАЩll make
your goddess the only one and you Her high priestess!тАЭ

Her eyes brightened, and faded. тАЬA promise easily spoken, and difficult to
keep.тАЭ

тАЬWhat do you want, then?тАЭ He got to his feet, exasperated.

тАЬYou have a boon left with the dragon, I know. Make it leave the mountain.
Send it away.тАЭ

He ran his hands through his glittering hair. тАЬNo. I need it. I came here seeking
help for myself, not your people.тАЭ

тАЬTheyтАЩre your people nowтАФthey are you. Help them and you help yourself!
Is that so impossible for you to see?тАЭ Her own anger blazed white, incandescent
with frustration.

тАЬIf you want to be rid of the dragon so much, why havenтАЩt you sent it away