"Raymond E. Feist - Kingdom of the Isles 1 - Prince of the Blood" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

manifested itself in the exquisite stitching of his cloak of
office and the pointed chin beard he spent hours in
trimming. In pompous tones, he spoke: "If it pleases
Your Highness, His Excellency, Lord Torum Sie, Am-
bassador from the Royal court of Great Kesh."

The Ambassador, who had been standing off to one
side, conferring with his advisors, approached the dais
and bowed. By his attire, it was clear he was of the true
Keshian people, for his head was shaved. His scarlet
coat was cut away, revealing a pair of yellow pantaloons
and white slippers. His chest was bare in the Keshian
fashion, a large golden torque of office decorating his
neck. Each item of clothing was delicately finished in
almost imperceptible needlework, with tiny jewels and
pearls decorating each seam. The effect was as if he was
bathed in shimmering sparkles as he moved. He was
easily the most splendid figure in court.

"Highness," he said, his speech tinged by a slight
singsong accent. "Our Mistress, Lakeisha, She Who Is
Kesh, inquires as to the health of Their Highnesses."

"Convey our warmest regards to the Empress," re-
sponded Arutha, "and tell her we are well."

"With pleasure," the Ambassador answered. "Now, I
must beg of His Highness an answer to the invitation
sent by my mistress. The seventy-fifth anniversary of
Her Magnificent's birth is an event of unsurpassed joy to
the Empire. We will host a Jubilee that will be cele-
brated for two months. Will Your Highnesses be joining
us?"

Already the King had sent his apologies, as had the
ruler of every neighboring sovereignty from Queg to
the Eastern Kingdoms. While there had been peace
between the Empire and her neighbors for an unusu-


Homecoming 13

ally long time—eleven years since the last major border
clash—no ruler was foolish enough to come within the
borders of the most feared nation upon Midkemia.
Those rejections were considered proper. The invita-
tion to the Prince and Princess of Krondor was another
matter.
The Western Realm of the Kingdom of the Isles was
almost a nation unto itself, with the responsibility for