"Jack Vance - The Languages of Pao" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vance Jack)

Ayudor Bustamonte asks that all join to project a wave of hope for the
stricken Medallion!"
Palafox extinguished the sound with a second touch of his tongue; he
turned to Beran, motioned. Beran came a step or two closer. Palafox bent to
his ear, whispered, "We're in danger. Whatever we say is heard. Don't talk,
just watch me--and move quickly when I give the signal!"
Beran nodded. Palafox made a second inspection of the room, rather
more slowly than before. As he went about his survey, a section of the door
became transparent; an eye peered through.
In sudden annoyance Palafox raised his hand, then restrained himself.
After a moment the eye disappeared, the wall became once more opaque.
Palafox sprang to the window; he pointed his forefinger. A needle of
incandescence darted forth, cut a hissing slot through the cleax. The
Beran. Standing in the starlight, darker than the darkness, they argued in
their soft voices, and presently reached a decision. Their voices ceased;
they themselves slid away through the night.
 THE PAONESE, in spite of their fifteen billion, comprised as
undifferentiated a group as could be found in the human universe.
Nevertheless, to the Paonese the traits in common were taken for granted
and only the distinctions, minuscule though they were, attracted attention.
In this fashion the people of Minamand--and especially those in the
capitol city of Eiljanre--were held to be urbane and frivolous. Hivand,
flattest and most featureless of the continents, exemplified bucolic naiveté.
The people of Nonamand, the bleak continent to the South, bore the
reputation of dour thrift and fortitude; while the inhabitants of Vidamand,
who grew grapes and fruits, and bottled almost all the wine of Pao, were
considered large-hearted and expansive.
For many years, Bustamonte had maintained a staff of secret informants,
Stationed through the eight continents. Early in the morning, walking the
airy gallery of the Pergolai lodge, he was beset by worry. Events were not
proceeding at their optimum. Only three of the eight continents seemed to
be accepting him as de facto Panarch. These were Vidamand, Minamand
and Dronomand. From Aimand, Shraimand, Nonaman, Hivand and
Impland, his agents reported a growing tide of recalcitrance.
There was no suggestion of active rebellion, no parades or public
meetings. Paonese dissatisfaction expressed itself in surliness, a work-
slowdown throughout the public services, dwindling cooperation with civil
service. It was a situation which in the past had led to a breakdown of the
economy and a change of dynasty.
Bustamonte cracked his knuckles nervously as he considered his
position. At the moment he was committed to a course of action. The
Medallion must die, and likewise the Breakness Wizard.
Daylight had come; now they could properly be executed.
He descended to the main floor, signaled to one of the Mamarone.
"Summon Captain Mornune."
Several minutes passed. The neutraloid returned.
Both are fled to Eiljanre. There will be trouble.
He went to the window, stood looking out into the distance. Finally he
turned. "Your name is Andrade?"
"Hessenden Andrade."