"Роджер Желязны. Lord of Light (Лорд Света, engl) " - читать интересную книгу автора

certain extent, engendering a new homeostasis, permitting a gradual return
of power. Mine does return quickly, though, and it is with me fully now. But
even if it were not, I have my knowledge to use as a weapon-- and that is a
power."
Ratri sipped her tea. "Whatever its source, if your power says move,
then move we must. How soon?"
Yama opened a pouch of tobacco and rolled a cigarette as he spoke. His
dark, supple fingers, she noted, always had about then: movement that which
was like the movements of one who played upon an instrument of music.
"I should say let us not tarry here more than another week or ten days.
We must wean him from this countryside by then."
She nodded. "Where to then?"
"Some small southern kingdom, perhaps, where we may come and go
undisturbed."
He lit the cigarette, breathed smoke.
"I've a better idea," said she. "Know that under a mortal name am I
mistress of the Palace of Kama in Khaipur."
"The Fornicatorium, madam?"
She frowned. "As such is it often known to the vulgar, and do not call
me 'madam' in the same breath-- it smacks of an ancient jest. It is a place
of rest, pleasure, holiness and much of my revenue. There, I feel, would be
a good hiding place for our charge while he makes his recovery and we our
plans."
Yama slapped his thigh. "Aye! Aye! Who would think to look for the
Buddha in a whorehouse? Good! Excellent! To Khaipur, then, dear goddess-- to
Khaipur and the Palace of Love!"
She stood and stamped her sandal upon the flagstones. "I will not have
you speak that way of my establishment!"
He dropped his eyes, and with pain dropped the grin from his face. He
stood then and bowed. "I apologize, dear Ratri, but the revelation came so
sudden-- " He choked then and looked away. When he looked back, he was full
of sobriety and decorum. He continued, "That I was taken aback by the
apparent incongruity. Now, though, I do see the wisdom of the thing. It is a
most perfect cover-up, and it provides you both with wealth and, what is
more important, with a source of privy information among the merchants,
warriors and priests. It is an indispensable part of the community. It gives
you status and a voice in civil affairs. Being a god is one of the oldest
professions in the world. It is only fitting, therefore, that we fallen ones
take umbrage within the pale of another venerable tradition. I salute you. I
give thanks for your wisdom and forethought. I do not slander the
enterprises of a benefactor and coconspirator. In fact, I look forward to
the visit."
She smiled and seated herself once more. "I accept your well-oiled
apology, oh son of the serpent. In any event, it is too difficult to remain
angry with you. Pour me some more tea, please."
They reclined, Ratri sipping her tea, Yama smoking. In the distance, a
storm front drew a curtain across half the prospect. The sun still shone
upon them, however, and a cool breeze visited the porch.
"You have seen the ring, the ring of iron which he wears?" asked Ratri,
eating another sweetmeat.