"04.Prince of the Blood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

you the importance of what you face tomorrow."

"And what might that be," said Borric, allowing Ser-
geant Palmer to help him to his feet. But the Sergeant
didn't release Borric's right hand, but rather held it

20 Prince of the Blood

tightly as he brought his own right hand hard up into
Borric's stomach. Lieutenant William visibly winced as
Borric's breath exploded from his lungs and his eyes
crossed as he sank to the floor once more. Eriand began
warily moving away from the other fist-boxer, who now
was stalking him across the floor.

"If it has escaped your notice, your uncle the King has
sired only daughters since young Prince Randolph
died."

Borne waved off the offered hand of Sergeant Palmer
and said, "Thanks. I'll get up by myself." As he came to
one knee, he said, "I hardly dwell on the fact of our
cousin's death, but I'm aware of it." Then as he started
to stand, he drove a vicious blow into Sergeant Palmer's
stomach.

The older, harder fighter stood rock steady, forced
himself to take a breath, then smiled in appreciation
and said, "That was a good one. Highness."

Borric's eyes rolled heavenward. "Thank you." Then
another fist filled his vision and once more he consid-
ered the wonderful craftsmanship displayed upon the
ceiling. Why hadn't he ever taken the opportunity to
notice it before? he mused to himself.

Eriand attempted to keep distance between himself
and the approaching Sergeant Obregon. Suddenly, the
young man was not backing up, but striking out with a
flurry of blows. The Sergeant, rather than back away,
raised his arms before his face and let the younger man
strike his arms and shoulders. "Our uncle's lack of an
heir is a fact not unknown to us, Uncle Jimmy," ob-
served Eriand as his own arms began to tire while he
futilely pounded upon the muscular sergeant. Abruptly,
the Sergeant stepped inside Eriand's reach, and drove
another blow into the youngster's side. Eriand's face
drained of color and his eyes crossed, then unfocused.

Seeing the reaction. Sergeant Obregon said, "Pardon,