"Feist, Raymond E & Wurts, Janny - The Empire Trilogy 03 - Mistress of the Empire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

in Shinzawai blue, the ranks patched black, here and
there, by divisions of insectoid cho-ja. Along with the
Minwanabi lands, Lady Mara had gained an alliance with
two additional hives and with them the fighting strength
of three more companies of warriors bred by their queens
for battle.

An enemy foolish enough to launch an assault would
invite swift annihilation. Mara and Hokanu, with loyal
vassals and allies, between them commanded a standing
army unsurpassed in the Nations. Only the Light of
Heaven's own Imperial Whites, with levies from other
houses under his sovereignty, would rival these two armies.
And as if fine troops and a near-impregnable fortress did not
in themselves secure peace, the title Servant of the Empire,
bestowed upon Mara for her services to Tsuranuanni, gave
her honorary adoption into the Emperor's own family. The
Imperial Whites were as likely to march in her defence, for
by the honor central to Tsurani culture, insult or threat to
her was as an offense visited upon the Light of Heaven's
blood family.

'You seem delightfully self-satisfied this morning, wife,'
Hokanu said in her ear.

Tragedy

11

Mara tilted her head back into his shoulder, her lips
parted for his kiss. If, deep in her heart, she missed the
wild passion she had known with the red-haired barbarian
slave who had fathered Justin, she had come to terms with
that loss. Hokanu was a kindred spirit who shared her
political shrewdness and inclination toward innovation.
He was quick witted, kind, and devoted to her, as well
as tolerant of her headstrong nature, as few men of her
culture were inclined to be. With him, Mara shared voice
as an equal. Marriage had brought a deep and abiding
contentment, and though her interest in the Great Game
of the Council had lessened, she no longer played out of
fear. Hokanu's kiss warmed the moment like wine, until a
high-pitched shout split the quiet.

Mara straightened up from Hokanu's embrace, her
smile mirrored in her husband's dark eyes. 'Ayaki,' they
concluded simultaneously. The next moment, galloping
hoof beats thundered down the trail by the lake.

Hokanu tightened his arm around his wife's shoulder as