[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.From there she went to Sarkia'sapartment, on the same corridor as their offices.Sarkia was awake, she was told, had been bathed and oiled and was having"breakfast." No doubt the usual beef broth and pureed vegetables or fruit,Omara thought.She chose to wait, rather than interrupt.Shortly the Dynast'sattendant came out with a tray, two small cups, and a pair of spoons.SeeingPage 61ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlOmara waiting, she stopped."There's been no apparent change in the Dynast's condition," she said."Good," Omara answered.There was never apparent change, on a day-to-daybasis.Death was the only abrupt change that feeble body could accommodate.But looking back two or three months, one could see the deterioration.She went into the Dynast's bedroom, which for three years had also served asoffice and audience chamber."Good morning, Your Grace," Omara said, speakingloudly and clearly.The bony, nearly bald head turned on the pillow, just enough that Sarkiacould see her visitor."Good morning, Omara." The voice, though weak, wassurprisingly clear."The embassy's courier reached me two days ago.What didMacurdy look like?""There can be no question now of the dominance of his ylvin inheritance, YourGrace.He is physically unchanged except for some interesting scars.Someyears after you removed our post inEvansville , there was a major war aworldwide war on Farside.And he of course was in it, and survived.""Hmm." The Dynast's eyes no longer saw clearly, but it was her psyche thatstudied Omara's aura.Her eyes merely helped focus her attention."Where arethe scars?" she asked.Calm rational Omara blushed, and the old woman laughed softly."I trust heremains fully functional.It would be a shame to lose him as potentialbreeding stock.One might hope he'd father as many litters as his uncle.OnVaria if possible, or on you if she lacks the good judgement to have himagain." Sarkia paused."Or better yet on both of you."From Sarkia that was a lot of words at once, Omara thought."In a sense,that's what I've come to report.Macurdy planned to leave Teklapori a fewhours after I did, bound for Duinarog, to see Varia.I took the liberty oftelling him what you once said about Varia succeeding as Dynast here, with himbeside her as her consort and deputy, and military commander.He promised totell her.""But he was not enthused?""Not enthused, but not antagonistic.He will tell her, but I doubt he willargue for it."Then she told Sarkia about the giant boar, and summarized what Vulkan hadsaid about a threat from across theOceanSea.While Omara spoke, the oldDynast lay silent, her eyes closed.Her aura, though, told Omara she was fullyawake.It was a blessing she heard so well.Not till Omara had finished did Sarkia speak again, her eyes still closed.She totally ignored what Omara had said about a great boar, and a threat fromHithmearc."To meet Varia," she mused."We must ensure they decide in our favor.DidLiiset mention his sons to Macurdy? Of how, on my orders, she'd cultivatedrespect in them for Varia and himself?""I think not.He and I spent considerable time together, and I believe hewould have mentioned it if she had."Page 62ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlThe fragile old head turned slightly toward Omara again, and the liplessmouth smiled."It is well that you have a relationship with him.It shouldimprove us in his eyes.And I see it pleased you.I trust you pleased him aswell." Omara colored again, slightly."I see you did," Sarkia said."Well.Now what you must do is send their sons to Duinarog, as fast as theycan get there.To meet their mother and father, and urge them to come here.That will make the difference.That will persuade them."Sarkia no longer looked at Omara; it required too much effort.Her eyes wereopen, but directed toward the ceiling now, unseeingly."They must leave earlytomorrow," she said, "and travel fast.I want them there when their fatherarrives.Write them orders of what they're to do, not in detail, but inprinciple.And no one especially Idri! must learn of this [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]