"Charles Ingrid - The Sand Wars 05 - Return Fire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Ingrid Charles)

"I thought perhaps one of the Thraks—" he paused. "No. Milot or not,
K'rok is probably the cagiest being for the job they want done, although I
don't know if the Thraks know what they've got a hold of—"

"They certainly didn't know with you," Colin interrupted. "But Milos has
been under their claws for twenty-five years—"

Humor reflected in Storm's rainwater blue eyes. "Not long enough. K'rok
was born free, and he grew up fighting Thraks. He only stopped to avoid
extinction, and as soon as he finds a way to throw off their yoke, he'll do it.
No, K'rok is as good a choice as any to head up the Knights. I think I'll stay
dead."

Stress lines in Colin's face visibly relaxed as the prelate sank back among
the cushions, teacup balanced on his knee. "I'm glad I was able to persuade
you."

Storm paused in mid-stride, the irony not lost on him. He looked down.
"I wouldn't have exposed you unnecessarily," he said.
 "Thank you. I wouldn't have lied about you unnecessarily, but I seem to
remember us coming to an agreement on that strategy. And, since we did,
what the hell are you doing back on Malthen?"

"I think I've gotten you in enough trouble already." With a flexing of a
young body still well in its prime, Jack sat. He did not reach for his teacup.
"But I think I see an easier way of accomplishing what I need to. When's the
funeral?"

"The day after tomorrow."

"You'll need a retinue?"

"Of course, I—" Colin plowed to a stop. He shook his head. "Oh, no.
You're not sneaking in behind my robes."

"It's not for vanity. I need to get in. And I don't want to jeopardize
Amber by contacting her."

"And do you honestly think, if I did bring you inside the palace grounds
with me, that you'd escape her detection?"

Jack grinned. "I should hope not. But if she finds out, she'll play her part
anyway. You know that."

"This… opportunity… you're looking for. It must be awfully important to
risk coming back here."

Jack smiled thinly. "It is," he said. "It's my initiation into the Green
Shirts."