"Raymond E. Feist - Kingdom of the Isles 2 - The King's Buccaneer" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

"Nicky's not the only candidate, is he?"

"No, there's Carline's two sons, but Nicholas might be the best—if I thought
he was able."

Amos was silent awhile. "He's still young."

Arutha nodded. "Younger than his years. I blame myself—"

"You always do," interrupted Amos, with a barking laugh.

"—for being too protective. The deformed foot ... his gentle nature . . ."

• Amos nodded and again fell silent. Then he said, "So season him."

Arutha said, "How? Send him to the Border Lords as \ did his brothers?"

"That's a little too much seasoning, I think," said" Amos, stroking his beard.
"No, I was thinking you might do well to send him to Martin's court for a
while."

Arutha said nothing, but from his expression Amos could tell the idea had
struck home. "Crydee," said Arutha softly. "That would be a different sort of
home for him."

"You and Lyam turned out well enough, and Martin'11 see the boy stay safe
without coddling him. Around here no one dares raise a hand or even their
voice to the 'crippled son of the Prince.' " Arutha's eyes flashed at that
term, but he said nothing. "Send Martin instructions, and he won't let Nicky
use his bad foot as an excuse for anything. Prince Marcus is about his and
Harry's age, so if you send that troublemaker along, there'll be two
companions of noble rank who are a little rougher than Nicky's been used to.
He might be able to command them, but he won't cow them. The Far Coast is
nothing like Highcastle or Ironpass, but it's not so civilized that Nicky
can't be hardened a bit."

Arutha said, "I'll have to convince Anita."

THE KING 's BUCCANZE R

23

"She'll understand, Arutha," said Amos with a chuckle. "I don't think you'll
have to do much. As much as she wants to protect the boy, she'll see the
need."

"Boy. Do you realize I was only three years older than Nicholas when I took
command of my father's garrison?"