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

slightly to the right. His left boot had a raised heel to compensate for the
deformed foot he'd possessed since birth. Otherwise Nicholas was a well-made,
slender boy of seventeen. He resembled his father, having angular features and
dark hair, but he lacked Prince Arutha's intensity, though he rivaled him in
quickness. He had his mother's quiet nature and gentle manner, which somehow
made his eyes look different from his father's, though they were the same dark
brown. At the moment he looked thoroughly embarrassed.
His companion was another matter. Henry, known to the court as Harry because
his rather, the Earl of Ludland, was also named Henry, grinned as if he hadn't
been the butt of the joke. The same age as Nicholas, he was a half-head
taller, had curly red hair and a ruddy face, and was considered handsome by
most of the younger court ladies. He was a playful youngster who often let his
adventuresome nature get the better of him, and from time to time his sense of
fun took him beyond the limits of good judgment. Most of the time, Nicholas
traveled beyond that border with him. Harry ran a hand through his wet hair
and laughed.

"What's so funny?" asked Amos.

"Sorry about the boat, Admiral," answered the Squire, "but if you could have
seen die assistant pilot's face . . ."

Amos frowned at the two youngsters, then couldn't hold in

THE K/NG 'S BUCCAN£E R

11

his own laughter. "I did. It was a sight to behold." He threw wide his arms
and Nicholas gave him a rough hug.

"Glad you're back, Amos. Sorry you missed the Midsummer's Feast."

Pushing the Prince away with exaggerated distaste, Amos said, "Bah! You're all
wet. Now I'm going to have to go change before I meet with your father."

The three began walking toward the wharf next to the palace. "What news?"
asked Nicholas.

"Things are quiet. Trading ships from the Far Coast, Kesh, and Queg, and the
usual traffic from the Free Cities. It's been a peaceful year."

Harry said, "We were hoping for some rousing tales of adventure." His tone was
slightly mocking.

Amos playfully smacked him in the back of the head with the flat of his hand.
"I'll give you adventure, you maniac. What did you think you were doing?"

Harry rubbed at the back of his head and attempted an aggrieved expression.
"We had right-of-way."