"Raymond E. Feist - Empire Saga 1 - Daughter Of The Empire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

that the old hadonra had refused to eat or drink after Lord Sezu's death. Since he was an elderly man, it
must have taken only a few days for him to die. Absently she wondered who had presumed to appoint
Jican hadonra in his stead. As she turned to follow one of the large halls that flanked a central garden,
Nacoya said, 'My Lady, your quarters are across the garden.'

Mara barely managed another nod. Her personal belongings would have been moved to her father's
suite, the largest in the building.

She moved woodenly, passing the length of the square garden that stood at the heart of every Tsurani
great house. The carved wooden grillework that enclosed the balcony walkways above, the flower beds,
and the fountain under the trees in the courtyard seemed both familiar and inescapably strange after the
stone architecture of the temples. Mara continued until she stood before the door to her father's quarters.
Painted upon the screen was a battle scene, a legendary struggle won by the Acoma over another,
long-forgotten, enemy. The hadonra, Jican, slid aside the door.

Mara falted a moment. The jolt of seeing her own belongings in her father's room nearly overcame her
control, as if this room itself had somehow betrayed her. And with that odd distress came the memory:
the last time she had stepped over this threshold had been on the night she argued with her father. Though
she was usually an even-tempered and obedient child, that one time her temper had matched his.

Mara moved woodenly forward. She stepped onto the slightly raised dais, sank down onto the
cushions, and waved away the maids who waited upon her needs. Keyoke, Nacoya, and Jican then
entered and bowed formally before her. Papewaio remained at the door, guarding the entrance from the
garden.

In hoarse tones Mara said, 'I wish to rest. The journey was tiring. Leave now.' The maids left the
room at once, but the three retainers all hesitated. Mara said, 'What is it?'

Nacoya answered, 'There is much to be done - much that may not wait, Mara-anni.'

The use of the diminutive of her name was intended in kindness, but to Mara it became a symbol of all
she had lost. She bit her lip as the hadonra said, 'My Lady, many things have gone neglected since . . .
your father's death. Many decisions must be made soon.'

Keyoke nodded. 'Lady, your upbringing is lacking for one who must rule a great house. You must
learn those things we taught Lanokota.'

Miserable with memories of the rage she had exchanged with her father the night before she had left,
Mara was stung by the reminder that her brother was no longer heir. Almost pleading, she said, 'Not
now. Not yet.'

Nacoya said, 'Child, you must not fail your name. You-'

Mara's voice rose, thick with emotions held too long in check. 'I said not yet! I have not observed a
time of mourning! I will hear you after I have been to the sacred grove.' The last was said with a draining
away of anger, as if the little flash was all the energy she could muster. 'Please,' she added softly.

Ready to retire, Jican stepped back, absently plucking at his livery. He glanced at Keyoke and
Nacoya, yet both of them held their ground. The Force Commander said, 'Lady, you must listen. Soon
our enemies will move to destroy us. The Lord of the Minwanabi and the Lord of the Anasati both think