"Adkins, Patrick H - Titans 02 - Master of the Fearful Depths" - читать интересную книгу автора (Adkins Patrick H)

nonetheless. "I see your vision and judgment remain as sharp as ever,"
he said jovially. "Welcome, Proteus! I observe that the outside world
does not lack beauty either. Who is your lovely companion?"

"This is Nalassa, the daughter of the river god Asopos."

Doris turned toward her daughters. "Go now, children, that we may talk.
There'll be time later for each of you to greet our guests." Reluctantly
the Nereids left the great hall, and Doris turned back to her brother.
"It's been far too long since we've seen you. Why, most of my daughters
didn't even recognize you. ..."

Nereus interrupted her. "No recriminations, Doris. He'll stay away even
longer next time if you scold him. Now, Proteus, shall we talk first, or
would you rather wait until you've rested? Are you hungry? Have you
eaten?"

"A long conversation is in order," Proteus said.

Two others, a god and goddess, had entered the hall and seemed uncertain
if they should approach more closely. Nereus glanced toward them, then
gestured to them to come forward. "Here are my brother and sister, Lord
Phorkys and his wife, Lady Keto," he told Nalassa. The two gods joined
them. Both had the golden blond hair of Nereus and his daughters, and
both displayed obvious curiosity about the two visitors.

After the cordialities had been satisfied, Nereus said, "Come, then,
Proteus. You've traveled far and we have much to say to each other. I'm
sure everyone will excuse us."

He clapped the ocean god on the shoulder and led him across the broad
hall toward a number of coral benches, the surfaces of which were kept
smooth by the coral-eating fish that seemed to be everywhere about the
palace. Nudging one of these aside, Proteus and Nereus sat side by side.

"Would you care to see your apartment now?" Doris asked Nalassa.

Nalassa hesitated, glancing toward Proteus. "If you don't mind, I think
I'd rather wait here for a while yet."

Doris nodded. "Certainly, though I must warn you that they may talk for
quite some time. My husband does not despise conversation."

Nalassa smiled back at her hostess. The others had all moved away now,
so that the nymph and the queen were alone on one side of the great
hall. From across the chamber Nereus signaled to his wife to join him
and Proteus. The two gods had risen from their bench and were swimming
toward the portal of an adjoining room. Doris looked her embarrassment
and began to glance about, intending to summon one of her daughters to
keep the naiad company while she accompanied Nereus and Proteus.