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

"Those of our class, however, understand one another very well on both sides of the Domitians," he continued. "Constantine, naturally, appreciates that in Westmark he will be guided by a ruling council: myself, General Erzcour, and some of the higher nobility."

"His Majesty will be grateful for such advisers," Conrad answered. "But now, Baron, I raise a point regarding this council. One of your compatriots was obliged, not long ago, to seek refuge with us. His help has been invaluable. He has shared with us his intimate knowledge of your governmental procedures, the practical workings of your ministries-and other information we have found extremely interesting. He is presently living quietly in Regia, occupied in writing his memoirs."

'They should be fascinating," said Montmollin. "Autobiography suits him. It is the highest form of lying."

"I am sure he could be induced to put aside his literary efforts and sit as a member of your council," said Conrad. "He offers the benefit of long experience in statesmanship. Desirable, you would agree? Certainly, from our point of view, the Sieur De Brussac-"

"Otherwise known as Cabbarus," Montmollin broke in. "I was aware that our former chief minister had chosen Regia for his exile. I did not know he had also chosen a new name."

"He prefers it for the time being."

"Understandably. And the title?"

"We bestowed it on him," admitted Conrad. "A small honor compared with his great assistance to us. For one who was nearly king of Westmark, 'Sieur' is not extravagant."

"Cabbarus is unacceptable to us, whatever he calls himself." returned Montmollin. "Under no circumstances will he hold a place in our council. The fellow has less breeding than one of my dogs, and the sensibilities of a hog butcher. He would be worse than a discredit, he would be an embarrassment. A tyrant who gives tyranny a bad name'"

Conrad shrugged. "As you wish. You see. we are not difficult. Now, gentlemen, I propose a toast-"

The duke had only raised his glass when the door flew open. A bright-haired, slender young man in disheveled hunting garb clattered into the room. He smiled at the guests, who immediately came to their feet. The new arrival's face was still rosy from the mountain air. While the downy beginnings of a moustache had sprouted on his narrow upper lip, he had not yet come into the full strength of his ancestral features that looked so well on gold coins. King Constantine IX was sixteen years old-

"I got my stag," said Constantine. "It looks like Erzcour got a ram," he added, noticing the splotches on the general's face. "Congratulations. You can wash now. You needn't go around bloody forever. Have I missed anything?"

"Nothing of consequence," Conrad said.

Ignoring his uncle's frown, Constantine threw himself on a couch and stretched his legs. "We'll have our war, then? Good. It's my first, you know. I'll be in personal command."

"I think not this time," said "Conrad. "There will be other opportunities when you have more experience."

"How else am I to get it?"

"Majesty," said Erzcour, "it will be a short campaign, little better than a field exercise."

"All the more reason," said Constantine. "No, uncle, I'm not going to sit in Breslin Palace until it's over. I want to see things for myself."

"We shall talk about it later," said the duke.

"One thing more," said Montmollin. "Regian troops are to be kept firmly in hand. No needless destruction, looting, and all the rest of it."

"Soldiers loot," replied Conrad. "It is a customary amusement."

"Even so, it must not be excessive. Your field officers must be so instructed. It will only work to all our disadvantage if there is ill will between our people and your soldiery."

"Montmollin's right," said Constantine, sitting up.

"We're not really enemies, you know."

"We understand that, Connie," the duke said impatiently. "Now, gentlemen, if we have nothing further- Ah, yes. It almost slipped my mind. That young fellow, what's his name-the Sieur De Brussac suggested, quite rightly, that we put him out of the way. The Sieur De Brussac passed along a name to you, did he not, Erzcour? A man he recommended. You have seen to the matter?"