"L. E. Modesitt - Alector's Choice" - читать интересную книгу автора (Modesitt L E)

Highest Fieldmaster--would have to choose where to transfer the master scepter,
either to Acorus or Efra. That choice would decide the fate of two worlds.
"That choice does not have to be made that soon, does it, sir?"
"Preparations must be made, one way or another, and how those preparations are
handled may also affect the choice." Shastylt reached out and lifted the
goblet of water on the corner of the desk, taking a small swallow.
"Submar-shal Tyanylt felt most strongly about the decisions made by our High
Alector of Justice. Tyanylt reported his concerns to the Highest, and was told
that, while he had identified some valid problems, plans would have to go
forth as outlined, especially since Submarshal Alcyna in Alustre had no such
concerns. Not many are allowed to question the Highest. None are allowed to
refuse the Highest."
Since the Myrmidons' prime function was to ensure and enforce justice, the
High Alector of Justice on Acorus was effectively the director of all Myrmidon
activities. For a submarshal to refuse his duties ... Dainyl shook his head.
He could understand a submarshal's resigning. It had not happened often, but
there were precedents. But to refuse without resigning?
"I see you understand."
"Enough, sir." It was all too clear that, in the contest of wills and
lifeforce between the marshal and the submarshal, the marshal had prevailed.
Dainyl also understood that it would be foolhardy to oppose both the Highest
and the marshal.
"A most cautious response. That is fitting for these times." Shastylt glanced
to the uniform on the floor. 'There will be a week of mourning for the death
of the submarshal. He served Ifryn, the Archon, and the Duarches long and
well, but life-force fails even the most powerful in time. I will have to meet
with the Highest to determine how he wishes to proceed."
"Yes, sir."
"For the moment, you will remain as director of operations and maintenance, as
before." Shastylt smiled, an expression not so much of triumph as one that
showed the relief of someone who had successfully passed a great trial. "That
will be all, Colonel."
Dainyl nodded respectfully.
"If you would summon the duty officer on your way out?"
"Yes, sir." Dainyl half bowed once more, then turned and departed, closing the
door most carefully behind him, as he headed back down the corridor to the
desk of the day's duty officer--Undercaptain Ghanyr. His steps were firm on the
green marble floor.


2
Mykel ambled over to the edge of the grape arbor that he could just touch
without stepping out from under the roof of the warm-weather dining porch. The
golden red grapes were perfect, ripe, but still firm, glowing in the
orange-tinged light before sunset. He eased one from the rear of a bunch,
shaded enough so that it was cooler, and taken from where its absence wouldn't
be noticed until his parents harvested that section of the vine.
"I saw that." His father laughed, stepping through the rear archway with a
bronze tray holding six heavy goblets. "A captain in the mounted rifles,
nearly twenty-six years old, and you're still snitching grapes."