"Mitchell Smith - Kingdom River" - читать интересную книгу автора (Smith Mitchell)

 Small-Sam Monroe — 'Sam' to his friends and near-equals, 'Sir' to all others — is stocky,
sandy-haired, and exceptionally powerful and active. It is said in his army that few can match him with the
sword. He carries what is called a 'bastard' — that is, a weapon a little lighter than a two-handed sword,
with a grip called a 'hand and a half.' This weapon, I understand, is a rain-pattern blade, forged and
folded many times from the empire's rare 'wootz' steel. And — which I think of some interest — though
the important fighting men and women of this country follow the barbarian tradition of naming their
swords, Monroe hasn't done so. A modesty availing not, since his officers and men christened the
weapon 'Nameless.' So the great, in small ways as in large, are denned by those they rule.
Monroe's face, square and harsh-featured, is marked by weather, war, and cares of state. His eyes
are very clear, a dark hazel, his lashes almost long as a girl's. Commanding an army whose men are often
mustached and bearded, he shaves his face clean — as do most of his senior officers and administrators,
likely in imitation.
The Captain-General's intelligence, like his vision, is clear, direct, devouring of subjects of interest,
and dismissive of others. He is alert, profoundly practical, and unafraid. He works harder than any of his
servants, though all, whether soldiers or administrators, are hard and constant workers.
Finally — and this may be unimportant, may simply reflect the pressures of great power on a young
man less than hungry for it — finally, it seems to me that Small-Sam Monroe is not happy.
Important administrators: Charles Ketch — an exceptionally tall, stooped man in his fifties, once
a prosperous valley farmer, then first Chief of Supply… and now Chief Executive, North Map-Mexico.
What Monroe commands, Charles Ketch effects — and stands, it seems, somewhat in the role of father
to the much younger man.
Eric Lauder — current Chief of Supply, a man in his thirties, squat, bearded, bald, lively and
humorous. Lauder, besides commanding the army's supply train, is also the edge of the secret civil
sword… collecting information, dispensing any necessary covert deaths. (He has informed me, in the
pleasantest way, that he considers my resignation from your service likely a clumsy ruse, and that I
remain under his eye.)
Margaret Mosten, Secretary. Mosten, an officer's widow — and herself an ex-officer of Light
Infantry — administers Monroe's quarters and camps, and commands his personal guard. A sturdy
blonde in her thirties, apparently easygoing and amiable, Mosten is both more efficient and more
formidable than she appears. (I was told by a muleteer that on one occasion she personally escorted two
drunken armed trespassers — found in the camp at night — to the perimeter guard post, where she cut
their throats. A warning as well, apparently, to the guards who had not discovered and prevented them.)
Margaret Mosten decides who sees the Captain-General, but doesn't appear to abuse her position.
Her relationship to Monroe seems to have always been that of a friend, not a lover.
Military Commanders: Almost elderly, and ranked brigadiers in the old Warm-time style, Jaime
and Elvin Rascob have functioned as Monroe's senior commanders. These brothers, often in
disagreement with each other — and occasionally with Monroe as well — nevertheless have a strikingly
successful record in war. Their staff, field officers, and subordinate commanders hold these old men in
great esteem. My impression is that the two brothers, together, have made one very formidable general.
It may prove important, therefore, that Elvin Rascob is ill of tiny plants in his lungs — certainly the
Warm-time TB — and is dying.
Ned Flores, Colonel, commands the Light Cavalry regiments. A restless young man — violent and
charming — Flores is a childhood friend of Monroe's, his closest friend. Though apparently only the
image of a perfect dashing commander of light horse, this officer, as many of Monroe's people, reveals
more depth on examination. He is responsible, more than any other, for reviving the game of chess in this
territory — where checkers had been the board game of choice — and more often than not beats
Monroe at it. He more often than not beats me as well, and crows like a child at his triumphs.
Howell Voss, Colonel, commands the Heavy Cavalry. Colonel Voss, like Eric Lauder, is often
amusing. He is also large and handsome — though missing his left eye — and is a favorite with women.
(The eye was lost in a duel with an angry husband.) Howell Voss is occasionally subdued, 'blue' as