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

to his house.'

'Such is the law,' Keyoke observed, revealing no hint of sorrow or anger. Relieved that Mara had the
strength to do her duty, his plumes of office stilled above his immobile features.

Mara sighed. 'I expect there is no other way.'

'None, child,' said Nacoya. 'You must specify the manner and time of Pape's death. You may allow
him to fall upon his own sword, though, granting him a warrior's honour, to die by the blade. He deserves
that, at least, mistress.'

Mara's dark eyes flashed; angry at having to waste such a stalwart servant, she knitted her brows in
thought. Nothing was said for a time, then, abruptly, she announced, 'I think not.'

Keyoke seemed on the verge of speaking, then simply nodded, while Papewaio rubbed his jaw with
one thumb, his familiar sign of distress. Shaken by the gesture, Mara continued quickly. 'My sentence is
this: loyal Pape, that you will die is certain. But I shall decide the place and the circumstance of that death
in my own time. Until then you shall serve as you always have. Around your head wear the black rag of
the condemned, that all may know I have pronounced death upon you.'

Papewaio nodded once. 'Your will, mistress.'

Mara added, 'And should fate cause my death before yours, you may fall upon your own blade . . . or
seek to visit revenge upon my murderer, as you see fit.' She was certain which course Pape would
choose. Now, until she selected the time and manner of execution, Papewaio would remain in her
service.

Mara regarded her three most loyal followers, half-fearful her unorthodox judgment might be
challenged. But duty and custom demanded unquestioned obedience, and no one met her glance. Hoping
she had acted with honour, Mara said, 'Go now, and freely attend your duties.'

Keyoke and Papewaio rose at once. They bowed with stiff-backed formality, turned, and departed.
Old and slow of movement, Nacoya performed her obeisance with less grace. She straightened, a hint of
approval on her wizened face. 'That was well done, daughter of Sezu,' she whispered. 'You save Pape's
honour and preserve a most loyal servant. He will wear the black rag of shame as if it were a badge of
honour.' Then, as if embarrassed by her boldness, the old nurse left hastily.

The house servant who hovered by the door had to speak twice before Mara noticed her. 'As my
mistress needs?'

Wrung out by the emotions and tensions of the afternoon, the Lady of the Acoma looked up. By the
expectant look on the servant's face, she realized the afternoon had passed. Blue shadows dappled the
door screens, lending a moody, sombre air to the decorative paintings of huntsmen. Longing for the
simplicity of her girlhood, Mara decided to forego the formality of the evening meal. Tomorrow was soon
enough to face the fact that she must sit in her father's place at the head of the table. She said to the
maidservant, 'Let the evening breezes in, then withdraw.'

The servant hastened to obey her wishes and slid open the large outer screens that faced the west.
The orange sun hung low, kissing the purple edge of the horizon. Red-gold light burnished the marshes
where the shatra birds flocked at eventide. Even as Mara watched, the ungainly creatures exploded into