"Lawrence Watt-Evans - War Surplus 01 - The Cyborg And The Sorcerers" - читать интересную книгу автора (Watt-Evans Lawrence)

"That's no problem; they're just arguing about the apprenticeship system again. Wait here, it'll only be a
minute."

The head vanished and the doors closed again; Silner and Slant waited patiently.

Sure enough, a moment later the doors were opened wide and the guard announced, "Silner of Teyzha,
your audience is granted." He stood aside, and Silner led Slant past him into the chamber beyond.

It was a good-sized room, circular, perhaps twenty meters in diameter; a translucent white dome covered
most of the distant ceiling and admitted most of the light, but lamps gleamed from white marble walls as
well. There were benches scattered along the wall. In the center of the room stood a large round table,
with seven black-robed figures seated at it. All seven were turned to face the two newcomers.

Silner approached until he was two or three feet from the nearest, then went down on one knee,
motioning for Slant to do likewise. After a moment's hesitation, Slant complied.

They knelt awkwardly in silence for a moment. Then one of the robed figures spoke, an old man with a
long white beard, and said, "Well, Silner, explain yourself. I thought we sent you to Orna with Huarram's
party." His voice was firm and robust, in contrast to his ancient and decrepit appearance.

Silner rose before replying, and Slant followed his example, since he found the kneeling posture
uncomfortable.

"Yes, Councillor, you did send me with Huarram, but he sent me back, to escort this stranger, who calls
himself Slant."

"Phrasing indicates possible doubt as to authenticity of your identity. Deception may be aborted."

Slant ignored the computer's comment and listened to the white-bearded Councillor, who said, "Indeed.
Let the stranger present himself, then, if Huarram has sent him to us."

Slant obediently took a step forward, bringing himself even with Silner, and said, "I am called Slant, from
Tur a village beyond Pruance. I am a harmless wanderer; I happened to encounter your ambassadorial
party on the road and was brought here."

"A wanderer, you say? We see very few wanderers around here."
Slant shrugged.

One of the other councillors, a young man with the light-brown hair and beard, asked, "What's that on
your shoulder?"

The cyborg looked at the submachine gun as if he had forgotten it was there, and explained, "I don't
know; I found it in the woods southwest of here. I thought it might be worth something, so I kept it."

A new councillor spoke, a middle-aged woman seated nearest the cyborg. "May I see that? Perhaps we
can tell you what it is."

Reluctantly, Slant unslung the gun and handed it to her; she placed it on the table, where the gaze of all
seven councillors fixed upon it