"Raymond E. Feist - Conclave of Shadows 2 - King of Foxes" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

confronted by the notorious Tal Hawkins. Tal kept the flirtation to a
minimum,
just enough to amuse the girl, but not enough to pose any serious issues
between
himself and the girl's father. While the father posed no threat to him
directly,
he had money, and money could buy a lot of threats. The father appeared a
moment
later, and as always Tal wondered how he could have sired a girl as pretty as
Sveta. Kostas was gaunt to the point of looking unhealthy, which Tal knew was
misleading, for he was lively and moved quickly. He also had a keen eye and a
canny knack for business.
He moved swiftly between his daughter and his tenant, and smiled. "Greetings,
Squire. Your rooms have been readied, as you requested, and I believe
everything
is in order."
"Thank you." Tal smiled. "Has my man put in an appearance?"
"I believe he has, otherwise you have an intruder above who has been banging
around all day yesterday and this morning. I assume it's Pasko moving the
furniture to dust and clean, and not a thief."
Tal nodded. "Am I current with our accounts?"
As if by magic, the moneylender produced an account ledger and consulted it,
with one bony finger running down the page. With a nod and an "ah" he said,
"You
are most certainly current. Your rent is paid for another three months."
Tal had left the island nation almost two years previously, and had deposited
a
sum of gold with the moneylender to keep the apartment against his return. He
had judged that if he didn't return within two years, he'd be dead, and
Kostas
would be free to rent out the rooms to someone else.
"Good," said Tal. "Then I will leave you to your business and retire. I
expect
to be here for a while, so at the end of the three months, remind me and I'll
advance more funds against the rent."
"Very well, Squire."
Sveta batted her lashes. "Good to see you home, Squire."
Tal returned the obvious flirtation with a slight bow and smile, and fought
down
a sudden urge to laugh. The rooms above were no more his home than was the
palace of the King. He had no home, at least he hadn't since the Duke of
Olasko
had sent mercenaries to destroy the land of the Orosini. As far as Tal could
judge, he was the sole surviving member of his people.
Tal left the office. One quick glance around the street told him that the man
who had followed him from the ship was out of sight, so he mounted the stairs
next to the door, climbing quickly to the entrance to his rooms. He tested
the
door and found it unlocked. Stepping in he was confronted by a dour-looking
man