"Miller,.Steve.And.Lee,.Sharon.-.Liaden.Universe.03.-.Adventures.In.The.Liaden.Universe.v1.1" - читать интересную книгу автора (Miller Steve)

He inclined his head to the Elders. “Thus does the Knife Clan
answer.”

There was a large quiet while the Elders conferred silently, after
the manner of the very old. in time, Eldest Speaker’s voice was
heard.

“It is seen that the Trader clan has come before the full T’car to
state its concerns and to give notice of intention to make formal
complaint, should there be no balance forthcoming from the Knife
Clan.

“It is seen further that the Knife Clan erred in failing to teach the
Trader Clan its attempt at solution.

“Thus, it is the decision and will of the T’car that the T’carais of the
Knife Clan go to the T’carais of the Trader Clan and speak as egg-
kin, seeking to resolve all equitably. If this is not done, then shall
the T’car make disposal.” She paused, and all awaited her further
words.

“It puzzles the T’car that the Knife Clan so hastily encouraged an
entire cavern of blades fit only for those of the Clans of Men.
However, there has been no complaint made of this, and no
judgment is made.

“The matter in this phase is ended. All may go.”

* * *

HE WOKE SOBBING, the echo of his cry still shuddering the
metal walls.

“Daria! Daria, untrue!”

But it was true.

Painfully, he pulled air into laboring lungs, stilled the sobs and
straightened from his cramped coil of grief.

Local midnight, by the chronometer on the board. He slid out of
bed; dressed deliberately; buckled the kit on and moved to the
door. At the threshold, he bethought himself, turned back to the
rationboard and withdrew several bars of concentrated food, which
he stuffed into his pouch. His eye fell on the flute he’d made that
afternoon and he picked that up, too, thrusting it into his belt as he
went out into the night.

There were people abroad in the valley: farming, drilling and in