"Chelsea Quinn Yarbro - Un Bel Di" - читать интересную книгу автора (Yarbro Chelsea Quinn)

spoke he was thinking of ways to obtain a Papi for his own use. Seeing those lovely animals at the gates
that day had awakened his need again and had strengthened his resolve to have one. He knew that his
position was an advantage but could not find the best means of using it.
"Make no doubt, Undersecretary; they will want you to visit them." Ambassador Lesh stopped at the
terrace. "Will you take your meal now?"

"It is customary," Navbe said witheringly.

"Must this be with the Janif meats, or will the local ones do? We have the Janif available, but during the
day I have tried to run this establishment on native foodstuffs …"

"Your economy is no doubt admired. Serve what you wish. If I am to go to their homes, I should learn
what to expect." He saw Lesh's embarrassment and was pleased.




·····


Nara-Lim looked expectantly at his guest, hesitating as he held the door to his house open to the Janif.
"Undersecretary? What am I to have the pleasure of doing for you?" He bowed low.
Klin Navbe opened both sets of hands in obsequious display, hoping to disarm the Papi with this
extraordinary courtesy. "I have come as a student, Nara-Lim. I desire to learn more of the life of your
people." He knew that these natives were stupid and trusting. This approach would be the most likely to
succeed. Any species of low technology that flattered itself with the illusion of intelligence was easy to
convince of your interest.

"We are delighted." Nara-Lim opened the door wider.

"I wish also to thank you for the cloth, the stone work, and the herbs you presented to me. I am
impressed."

"It is enough that you value them. If you enjoy our poor offerings, they are made rich."

Navbe moved closer. "You must tell me how to proceed, since your ways are not the ways of the Janif."
Cynically Navbe watched the approval in the old Papi's eyes. These little people were incapable of
understanding insults.

"Certainly. It will be an honor to this house." He stepped aside to let the Janif Undersecretary enter.

After a long and boring afternoon, Navbe was allowed to leave, promising to return when he could,
thanking his host in the most effusive terms.

Then, when he stood in the door, he turned back, as if suddenly aware of a new question. "I have just
thought … But it would be too great a favor. I must not ask it."

"What were you thinking of?" Nara-Lim asked eagerly, his wide Papi eyes alight and his soft clothes
quivering. "The Janif have not shown so much curiosity about us until now. We are certainly ready to
fulfill any reasonable request."