"Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman - Deathgate Cycle 2 - Elven Star" - читать интересную книгу автора (Weis Margaret)

"I am quite pleased with Haplo and his accomplishments. If I keep a sharp eye
on him, it is because he has an unfortunate tendency to be an independent
thinker. I say nothing to him; this trait is invaluable to me at the moment.
In fact, I do not believe that he himself is even aware of his flaw. He
imagines himself to be dedicated to me. He would sacrifice his life for me
without hesitation. But it is one thing to offer up one's life, it is another
to offer up one's soul.

"Reuniting the four worlds, defeating the Sartan—these will be sweet
victories. But how much sweeter will be the sight of Haplo and those like him
kneeling before me, acknowledging me, in their hearts and in their minds,
their absolute lord and master."2

Haplo, my dear son.

I hope I may term you thus. You are as dear to me as the children I have
fathered. Perhaps that is because I feel that I played a role in your birth—or
rebirth. Certainly I plucked you from the jaws of death and gave you back your
life. And, after

'The Lord of the Nexus, History of the Patryns Following the Destruction of
the World. 2Exceipt from the private diaries of the Lord of the Nexus.

Elve n Star

• 3*

all, what does a natural father do to get himself a son except spend a few
pleasurable moments with a woman?

I had hoped to be able to speed you on your journey to Pryan, Realm of Fire.
Unfortunately, 1 received word from the watchers that the magical field is
crumbling somewhere near the four hundred and sixty-third gate. The Labyrinth
has unleashed a swarm of flesh-devouring ants that have killed several
hundreds of our people. I must go in and do battle and will, therefore, be
absent when you leave. Needless to say, I wish you were at my side as you have
been through countless other fights, but your mission is urgent, and I will
not take you from your dune;

My instructions to you are similar to those you received setting off for
Arianus. You will, of course, keep your magical powers hidden from the
populace. As in Arianus, we must keep our return to the world secret. If the
Sartan discover me before i am ready to proceed with my plans, they would move
heavei and earth (as they did once before) to stop me.

Remember, Haplo, that you are an observer. If possible, take no direct action
to alter events in the world, act through indirect means only. When I enter
these worlds myself, I do not want to face accusations that my agents
committed atrocities in my name. You did an excellent job in Arianus, my son,
and I mention this precaution only as a reminder.