"Lawrence Watt-Evans - Ethshar 3 - The Unwilling Warlord" - читать интересную книгу автора (Watt-Evans Lawrence)

"Aren't there any magicians in the castle, then?" Sterren asked, truly
frightened.
The three officers stared at each other. It was Lord Anduron who spoke,
finally, saying, "I suppose there might be one or two. Queen Ashassa keeps a
theurgist about, Agor by name, and I've heard the servants chatter about a
wizard among their number. The village has an herbalist or two, and a witch, I
believe, but they aren't in the castle. Lord Sterren, forgive me, but why do
you ask?"
"Don't you use magic... Isn't it..." Sterren's Semmat failed him
momentarily. He took a deep breath and began again.
"In Ethshar," he said, "Lord Azrad keeps the best magicians with him.
They would use their... their magic, if the city were attacked. Ships carry
magicians, to defend against... against other ships, which of course have
their own magicians. No one would dare a big fight without magic." He cursed
himself and all of Semma for his lack of a correct title for Azrad, and the
words for "spells," "pirates," and "battle."
For several long seconds the room was absolutely silent. Then Shemder
spat a word that Sterren had never heard before.
"Lord Sterren," Lord Anduron said, "we do not use magic in war here."
Lord Andyron's tone was flat and final, but Sterren could not stop
himself from shouting, "Why not?" In his thoughts, which were in Ethsharitic,
his phrasing was a good bit more colorful.
"It isn't done. It never has been."
Sterren stared at him for a moment. "I see," he said at last. He blinked
and then said, "If you will forgive me, I am tired from my journey. I need to
rest." In truth, what he felt a need for was time to digest the situation. "Go
now, and I will speak with you again later. Perhaps after dinner. I would like
to... to look at the soldiers."
"Review the troops?" Arl suggested.
"I think so," Sterren agreed, nodding. He stood up.
The other three leaped up as well. Each in turn bowed, then left the
room.
Lord Anduron bowed deeply and swept out; Arl bowed stiffly and marched
out; Shemder bobbed his head and stalked out.
Sterren stared after them, then burst out, in Ethsharitic, "What a bunch
of idiots!" He had been willing to give them the benefit of the doubt in
regard to the numbers and preparedness of their forces, but to so completely
and arbitrarily rule out the use of magic in warfare was ridiculous! What
would guard them against treachery? How could they know what the enemy was
planning? Who would heal wounds? Sending soldiers out to fight with nothing
but swords and shields was truly barbaric.
And most importantly, what would they ever do if they fought an enemy who
did not bother with such scruples?
Obviously, they would lose, and lose quickly and decisively.
He could only hope that nothing like that happened while he was warlord.
His duty, Lady Kalira had told him, was to defend Semma, but some things were
indefensible.
An Ethsharitic obscenity escaped him.
"My lord?" Alder inquired, startled by the outburst.
"Nothing," Sterren said, "It's nothing." His initial amazement at the