"Sean Russell - The Initiate Brother 2 - Gatherer of Clouds" - читать интересную книгу автора (Russell Sean)

has an uncanny ability to weigh information on the scale of truth. It is worth noting that he does not speak
of Jaku’s present situation in absolute terms.”

“This is what worries me, cousin. If Lord Shonto is right, then Jaku Katta’s fall from favor and banishment
are but a ploy to place the Guard Commander within our circle of trust. But if Jaku has truly fallen, and one
with so many ambitions could certainly do so, then Lord Shonto cannot hope to win the Emperor’s support
to battle the barbarians through Jaku. This situation is of great concern. It is as you have said; so much
depends on so little knowledge.”

“If Jaku Katta engineered the attempt on my father at Denji Gorge without the Emperor’s approval, as
Lord Shonto suspects, then it is possible that our handsome general is not in favor.” Nishima pushed her
table aside. “It is all very confusing. Being sent north to restore order to the canal is hardly a sign of
disfavor.”

“Being sent to Seh as its governor would not seem to indicate disfavor either, Nishi-sum.” Kitsura held her
ring up to the light, examining it carefully. “It is as Brother Shuyun says; at the gü board an opponent’s
design does not need to be strong if you are unable to see it.”

“I did not realize you discussed gü with Brother Shuyun,” Nishima said, her tone registering something close
to disapproval.

“Shuyun-sum has been kind enough to instruct me in the intricacies of the board… and to discuss matters of
the spirit, also.”

The two women fell silent. A distant thunder rumbled, like a far-off dragon. Rain beat on the gravel border of the
garden outside.

“Nishima-sum?” Kitsura said quietly. “We must be absolutely certain of Jaku Katta’s situation at court.”

Lady Nishima nodded. Yes, she thought, and I must know what this man expects of me. She remembered the last thing
she had said to Jaku the night she had gone to his quarters—they would speak in Seh. Now she did not know what
they would say.

“I think I know how this can be done,” Kitsura said quietly, “though I fear you will not approve.”

Sister Yasuko held the paper up and blew gently on the ink, careful not to spread it. The dampness of the evening
invaded her rooms and she huddled close to the charcoal burner and her single lamp. She blew again, careful not to
spoil the fine brush work.

“There,” she whispered and held the paper up to the lamp. It was a letter to her superior, Prioress Saeja.

Honored Sister:

In this time of great doubt, I wish I had better news. Our dear Sister, Morima-sum, shows little sign of improvement
since I last put brush to paper. She has times when her crises seems to be passing, but the scrolls of the Brothers
haunt her dreams still. We do not give up hope, Sister. We do not give up hope.

The young Acolyte who accompanied Morima-sum has not fared well. It pains me to report that she left us three days
ago. This was a tragedy, certainly, but nothing compared to the loss of a Sister ofMorima’s abilities. Our young
Acolyte had her own faith shaken by the crises of Morima-sum and as she said to me; ‘ ’If the way is too difficult for