"Gene Wolfe - Long Sun 3 - Calde Of The Long Sun" - читать интересную книгу автора (Wolfe Gene)

Remora looked doleful. "Equally so, Your Cognizance. if not
worse. As an augur, Silk could well, ah, proclaim himself Prolocutor,
as well as calde."
"Really. He lacks reverence for you, my coadjutor?"
"No, Your Cognizance. Quite the, um, contrary."
Quetzal sipped beef tea in silence.
"Your Cognizance--ah--intends the Chapter to support the--um--
host
of, er, Patera Calde?"
"I want you to compose a circular letter, Patera. You have nearly
six hours. It should be more than enough. I'll sign it when we're
through in the Grand Manteion." Quetzal stared down at the
stagnant brown liquid in his cup.
"To all the clergy, Your Cognizance?"
"Emphasize our holy duty to bring comfort to the wounded and
the Final Formula to the dying. Imply, but don't say--" Quetzal
paused, inspired.
"Yes, Your Cognizance?"
"That Lemur's death ends the claim to rule the councillors had in
the past. You say you know Patera Calde Silk?"
 Remora nodded. "I conversed with him at some--ah--extensively
Scylsday evening, Your Cognizance. We discussed the financial--um--
trials
of his manteion, and--ah--various other matters."
"I don't, Patera. But I've read every report in his file, those
of his
instructors and those of his predecessor. Thus my recommendation.
Diligent, sensitive, intelligent, and pious. Impatient, as is to be
expected at his age. Respectful, which you now confirm. A tireless
worker, a point his instructor in theonomy was at pains to emphasize.
Pliable. During the past few days, he's become immensely
popular. Should he succeed in subjugating the Ayuntamiento, he's
apt to remain so for a year or more. Perhaps much longer. Charteral
government by a young augur who'll need seasoned advisors to
remain in office..."
"Indeed, Your Cognizance." Remora nodded energetically. "The
same--ah--intuition had occurred tome."
With his cup, Quetzal gestured toward the nearest window. "We
suffer a change in weather, Patera."
"An, um, profound one, Your Cognizance."
"We must acclimate ourselves to it. That's why I asked if young
Incus swam. If you can reach him, tell him to strike out boldly. Have
I made myself clear?"
Remora nodded again. "I will, um, strive to render the Chapter's
wholehearted endorsement of an--ah--lawful and holy government
apparent, Your Cognizance."
"Then go. Compose that letter."
"If the Alambrera doesn't--ah--hey?"
There was no indication that Quetzal had heard. Remora left his
chair and backed away, at length closing the door behind him.