"Alexander, Lloyd - Westmark 02 - The Kestrel" - читать интересную книгу автора (Alexander Lloyd)

"Nonsense," protested Las Bombas. "I find myself in merely, what shall I call it, a fiscal pause."

"What about your elixir?" Mickle asked. "Your rejuvenating potions?"

"Excellent as ever," the count replied. "I wish I could say likewise for the customers."

"If things get worse," said Musket, "he might have to make an honest living."

"A prospect I intend to avoid at all cost," said the count. "I have already attempted to tread the path of rectitude and can attest that virtue is its own reward; indeed, its only reward- Marvelously satisfying in a dreary sort of way. Along the lines of meat and drink, however, it leaves something to be desired. I prefer to admire it at a safe distance."

During this, knowing the count's inclinations, Mickle had ordered that food be immediately brought for her visitors. Las Bombas attacked his victuals the instant they arrived. If his fortunes had suffered, his appetite had survived undamaged. Musket, though half the size of his master, boasted an equal capacity.

"We've tried everything," Las Bombas went on between mouthfuls. "My finest attractions: hypnotism, fortune-telling, sleight of hand. They met with a remarkably strong lack of interest. Ah, my dear, I long for those golden days-golden in every sense of the word-when we were all together. What a superb Oracle Priestess you were! And Theo-if he'd stayed with me he could have blossomed into a first-class mountebank, he had a gift for it. Where is he, by the way? Occupied, no doubt, with his princely duties? He's one -to take that kind of work seriously: a flaw in an otherwise promising character; but he can't help it. Send for him, my dear. I'm eager to see the lad."

"So am I," said Mickle. "He's vanished. Not a word, not a trace." She quickly told Las Bombas what had happened and how all efforts to find him had failed.

"Impossible. People don't vanish into thin air. In the days of Cabbarus, yes. Not anymore. He must be somewhere."

"I know that," said Mickle. "Tell it to those bumblers searching for him- There's been so much delay, shilly-shallying, dispatches sent back and forth, it makes my teeth ache.

"Will you do me a service?" she continued, following an idea that had been in her mind since Las Bombas arrived. "The payment will be very worth your while."

"Accept money from a friend? Never!" declared Las Bombas. "Yes, well," he added hastily, "it's better than accepting it from a stranger. My dear Mickle, I should be delighted to oblige you without thought of compensation. Since you've thought of it, however, I'd not be so insensitive to refuse."

"Do you still have your coach? And Friska?"

"Both in fine state. The coach does not require nourishment, and Friska is content with her modest portion of hay. I wish I could say as much for myself. Yes, we all stand ready at your command."

"I want you to go to Mull, in the Caria valley, for a start," said Mickle. "Theo could have been there just before he disappeared. Wherever he is, find him. You and Musket can do it better and faster than all the troops, constables, and inspectors put together. You'll have money, as much as you want. I'll order the Royal Treasurer to give it to you now, cash in hand."

"Excellent!" Las Bombas heaved himself to his feet. "We'll turn him up for you. Consider it done. We depart immediately." "No," said Mickle. "Not until tonight. There are too many busybodies in the palace during the day, too many noses in other people's affairs."

"I don't see what difference it makes."

"Because," Mickle said, "I'm going with you."

The count stared at her. "The queen of Westmark? Personally? Out of the question! It's-it's not fitting. It's beneath royal dignity."

"Blast royal dignity," said Mickle. "Besides, I won't let on I'm queen of anything. I'd never get the truth out of anybody. You'll think of something we can pretend to be. Torrens can manage without me for a while. I'll leave a note for my mother where she'll be sure not to find it until it's too late to send after me."

"My dear girl, it simply won't do. The hardships of the journey-"

"We've gone through worse," Mickle said. "I'm afraid something's happened to him. My mother has the notion he's changed his mind, that he doesn't want us to marry. That-that he's set his heart on somebody else. I don't believe it, but if it's true I want him to tell me so. To my face, straight out."

"I'm sure it's not the case," the count said. "Even if it were- Great heavens, girl, you can't ask me to be responsible for your safety and comfort."

"I'll answer for my own safety and comfort- Of course, if you don't want to take me with you, I won't force you."

Las Bombas sighed with relief. "Now you're being sensible."