"Andre Norton - Time Traders 5 - Firehand" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

accustomed to the Foanna's method of mental communication by then,
but he had to school himself neither to start nor to frown openly as he
turned to face the source of those thought-words.

The air before him was shimmering. In the next instant, it seemed to
compress and resolved itself into a gray-cloaked figure, the Lady Ynvalda,
he saw, when she permitted the deep cowl to draw back and the
atmosphere to settle sufficiently for the Terrans to recognize her.

He felt annoyed and did not care if the newcomer detected his
irritation. He disliked being perpetually taken by surprise in this manner,
and he disliked these theatrics. He also failed to see the purpose of
continuing with them, at least so far as the Time Agents were concerned.
It was different with the Rovers and Wreckers, he conceded readily, but he
and Gordon did not have to be kept impressed.

"Welcome, Lady," Ashe said, as was his right as the humans' leader.
"You heard our discussion?"

"In part," she answered in the lilting cadences of her kind's verbal
speech.
 Ynvalda turned to Murdock. He could feel a shadow of amusement,
provoked by his annoyance, but her voice and what he could read of her
expression were serious when she spoke. "You need have no fear for our
sister," she assured him. "She can protect herself and will pass through
none of your people's gates."

"Unless she chooses to do so," he responded quietly.

The Foanna measured him for a moment. "You are right, Younger
Brother," she said softly. "That decision is hers alone. I accept the rebuke."

Ashe released the breath he had been holding. More and more
frequently, Ross rose above himself, most often when the rights of others
were involved. "I'll speak with her when she comes ashore," he promised,
"though I think we can all be fairly sure of her answer, and that of the
dolphins as well."

Gordon's eyes narrowed even as he fought to control the hope surging
within him. "You have some news for us, Lady?" It required a surprisingly
strong effort of will to hold his voice steady when he asked that. The
thought of home, of Terra, was an ache filling all his being…

She slowly inclined her head in assent. "I do. The gate has formed and
should open shortly, but whether it will be to admit friends or foes, that no
mortal on this side of it can know or deduce."


3
ROSS MURDOCK CROUCHED low behind a tall, broken stone column,