"05.The King's Buccaneer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

"Still are."

Amos turned to leave, and Arutha said, "Are you going to marry Anita's mother?"

Amos turned in surprise. Then he put his fists upon his hips and grinned. "Now, who have you been talking to?"

Arutha said, "Anita, and she's been talking to Alicia. The palace has been thick with gossip about you rwo for years now: the Admiral and the Dowager Princess. You've got the rank and the honors. If you need another title, I can arrange it with Lyam."

Amos held up his hand. "No, rank has nothing to do with it." He lowered his voice. "I've lived a dangerous life, Arutha. And every time I board a ship, there's no guarantee I'd be back. I can be a mean man, and no more than when I'm at sea. There was always the chance I'd get myself killed out there."

"You thinking of retirement?"

Amos nodded. "Since I was about twelve I've lived on ships, save that bit of scuffling around I did with you and Guy du Bas-Tyra during the Riftwar. If I'm to wed, I'll stay at home with my lady, thank you."

"When?"

Amos said, "I don't know. It's a difficult choice; you've seen some of what the sea can do." Both remembered their first voyage together, as they braved the Straits of Darkness in the winter many years ago. Arutha had been changed by the journey, for not only had he faced death on the sea and survived, he had come to Krondor and met his beloved Anita. Amos continued, "To leave the sea is difficult. Perhaps one last voy-

ase-'

Arutha said, "Martin's requested some aid in preparing the new garrison at Barran, up the coast from Crydee. The Royal Eagle is in the harbor, ready to sail with enough weapons and

24 Raymond E. Feist

stoics to outfit two hundred men and horses for a year. Why don't you captain it? You can carry Nicholas to Crydee, continue up the coast to the new garrison, then visit with Martin and Briana awhile before you head back."

Amos smiled. "A last voyage, back to where my cursed luck

began."

"Cursed luck?" asked Arutha.

"To meet you, Arutha, Since we've met, you insist on ruining my fun every way you can."

It was an old joke between them. "You've done well enough for an unrepentant pirate,"

Amos shrugged. "Well, I've done the best I could."

Arutha said, "Go pay court to your lady. I will join mine

shordy."

Amos clapped Arutha upon the back once, then turned and 4eft. When he was gone, Arutha continued to watch the distant tights of the harbor, lost in thoughts and memories.

Arutha's reminiscences were interrupted by an unexpected presence at his side. He turned to find the odd little Isalani standing next to him, regarding the city below.

Nakor said, "I needed to spend a moment with you/'

Arutha said, "How did you get past the guards in the hall?"