"Williams, Paul O - Pelbar 01 - The Breaking of Northwall" - читать интересную книгу автора (Williams Paul O)

To Nancy, who also knows all the seasons of the Heart

ONCE more toward evening Adai the Jestan toiled
slowly up the wide, curving stone steps to the highest
tower. The cupped wear in the limestone made her hug the
right wall, her ringed hand clicking on the stone.

The two guards flashed knowing glances at one another
as she arrived at the station. "No sign yet, Jestana," said
the taller. "Nothing but clear river. But before the week is
out, the Sentani will come."

"The Sentani," she murmured, leaning over the north
wall. The trees, save the oaks, were largely bare already,
and their brown, clinging leaves were soon to go. The wind
was chill, and the sunset glowed brick red from under the
edges of a thick layer of cloud. The dry grasses on the high
tops of the river bluffs lay down before the wind. Far to
the west, across the river and beyond the swamps, a prairie
fire near the horizon sent up a long trail of smoke.

"The Shumai are driving the wild ones," she said.

"It is late for them. Perhaps it is a natural fire," said the
tall guard.

"You needn't reassure me, Tanbar," she replied. "It is
the Shumai."

"Perhaps he will stay the winter at Northwall, Jestana."

"His exile is over. Who would spend another winter at
Northwall when he could be here? There is little metal for
working. There are few comforts, few rolls to read. No.
Something has happened."

"But Jestak is not just anyone. He might want to stay.
Or perhaps he will send word with the Sentani."

"How is it possible? They would surely harm him. I
don't understand. Since he went to the eastern cities, I
don't understand at all. What trouble. I am sure he did
nothing so bad he had to take reticence to protect himself."
And she turned to go.

2 The Breaking of NorthwaII

"We will have you called if we see," Tanbar called.
"Don't worry. Remember, he has the tattoo."