"Gray, Julia - Guardian 01 - The Dark Moon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gray Julia)

Oh, don't get them started on comparative modes of existence, Elam groaned. My brain still hurts from the last time.
I'm not sure such an organ exists, Muzeni informed him, comparatively or otherwise.
See what I mean? Elam said. They 're hopeless.
So you can hear us? Shahan asked, looking at Terrel.
'Yes.'
Then it's time.
'Time for what?'
The ghosts ignored his question and looked at each other again.
Can he do it? Muzeni asked.
I don't see why not, Shahan replied. You know the story.
All right, the heretic went on. Are you sure we ought to do this? It's interfering in another world, after all.
We're meant to interfere, the seer stated firmly. All we've been arguing about is how.
Muzeni nodded, considering.
And the collision gives us the necessary time scale, he said thoughtfully. Do you think Lathan's right?
I see no reason to doubt his findings, Shahan replied. He's one of the more capable dullards.
My feelings exactly. Perhaps-
'What are you talking about?' Terrel shouted, finally losing his temper.
Once again the strange pair turned to look at him in surprise.
He has some spirit, I see, Muzeni remarked.
And more education than we 'd any right to expect, given his history, Shahan added.
'It's time! Talk to me,' Terrel demanded. 'Or go away. What's this collision you mentioned?' He thought he knew, but it was only when Shahan replied that his terrible premonition was confirmed.
The Floating Islands are on course to run into one of the fixed land masses.
'So you mean we'll run aground? The islands won't move any more?' Terrel was horrified by this prospect. Only barbaric lands remained in one place.
It's worse than that, Muzeni told him. The Empire's speed through the water is only ponderous by human standards. But the vast momentum involved will make the impact catastrophic. The entire structure of the islands will buckle and probably break up.
It'll be like a continuous earthquake for days on end, Shahan explained. There won't be a building left standing.
Fighting hard to take in this appalling imagery, Terrel could only think of Havenmoon - and of Alyssa lying beneath its fragile bulk.
Mountains will crumble and others rise, Muzeni went on. Huge crevasses will open up, vegetation will be decimated. Vadanis will be completely devastated, and almost all its people will die.
For a while no one spoke. There didn't seem to be anything to say.
'When will this happen?' Terrel asked eventually.
In three or four month's time, Shahan replied. Unless we do something about it.
'We? What can we do? Why are you telling me?'
Because you have a part to play in all this, Terrel, the seer answered. An important part.
The boy shook his head.
'I'm nobody. I-'
You were robbed of your birthright, Muzeni said.
I played a part in that, Shahan admitted. It's something I've regretted for a long time now.
'What birthright?' Terrel asked, bewildered still.
The Tindaya Code predicted a series of events between one four-moon conjunction and the next, Muzeni told him. You were born on the night of one such confluence. Your destiny should have been part of the oracles.
'This is crazy! Me? You're not suggesting I'm supposed to be some sort of hero?'
It's more complicated than that, Shahan said.
It's been made more complex by the fact that so many of the people who have taken it upon themselves to interpret the Code have had their wits addled by court propaganda, Muzeni added. In the end, you're the only one who can understand your role.
'I don't understand anything yet,' Terrel exclaimed. 'Am I supposed to do something?'
Yes, Muzeni replied. That's one thing that has become clear to us. You have to go to Betancuria.
'Betancuria? Why?'
Because that's where the monster is, Shahan replied.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Don't call it that! Alyssa cried, before Terrel had a chance to respond.
My colleague is just using the common parlance, my dear, Muzeni said, in a condescending tone that Terrel knew would only annoy Alyssa even more.