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

upon some of your mannerisms of speech and gesture which I remembered. So
you've finally achieved your lifelong ambition, eh? I'll bet you've got a
harem, too. What's it feel like, madam, to be a real stud after having been
a gal to start out with? Bet every Lizzie in the world would envy you if she
knew. Congratulations."
Brahma drew himself up to full height and glared. The throne was a
flame at his back. The veena thrummed on, dispassionately. He raised
his
scepter then and spoke:
"Prepare yourself to receive the curse of Brahma . . ." he began.
"Whatever for?" asked Sam. "Because I guessed your secret? If I am to
be a god, what difference does it make? Others must know of it. Are you
angry because the only way I could learn your true identity was by baiting
you a little? I had assumed you would appreciate me the more if I
demonstrated my worth by displaying my wit in this manner. If I have
offended you, I do apologize."
"It is not because you guessed-- or even because of the manner in which
you guessed-- but because you mocked me, that I curse you."
"Mocked you?" said Sam. "I do not understand. I intended no disrespect.
I was always on good terms with you in the old days. If you will but think
back over them, you will recall that this is true. Why should I jeopardize
my position by mocking you now?"
"Because you said what you thought too quickly, without thinking a
second time."
"Nay, my Lord. I did but jest with you as any one man might with
another when discussing these matters. I am sorry if you took it amiss. I'll
warrant you've a harem I'd envy, and which I'll doubtless try to sneak into
some night. If you'd curse me for being surprised, then curse away." He drew
upon his pipe and wreathed his grin in smoke.
Finally, Brahma chuckled. "I'm a bit quick-tempered, 'tis true," he
explained, "and perhaps too touchy about my past. Of course, I've often
jested so with other men. You are forgiven. I withdraw my beginning curse.
"And your decision, I take it, is to accept my offer?" he inquired.
"That is correct," said Sam.
"Good. I've always felt a brotherly affection for you. Go now and
summon my priest, that I may instruct him concerning your incarnation. I'll
see you soon."
"Sure thing. Lord Brahma." Sam nodded and raised his pipe. Then he
pushed back the row of shelves and sought the priest in the hall without.
Various thoughts passed through his mind, but this time he let them remain
unspoken.

That evening, the prince held council with those of his retainers who
had visited kinsmen and friends within Mahartha, and with those who had gone
about through the town obtaining news and gossip. From these he learned that
there were only ten Masters of Karma in Mahartha and that they kept their
lodgings in a palace on the southeastern slopes above the city. They made
scheduled visits to the clinics, or reading rooms, of the Temples, where the
citizens presented themselves for judgment when they applied for renewal.
The Hall of Karma itself was a massive black structure within the courtyard