A Crown Imperilled. Raymond E. Feist

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СКАЧАТЬ Narab is close to claiming supremacy.’

      ‘Unless Narab has more swords than we know of, he may have already set what will become a full-scale bloodbath in motion, with his rough treatment of the clan chieftains down there.’

      Liallan shook her head. ‘It won’t come to that. By now he will have subdued the “council” without killing any but a few bodyguards. We can be certain that if any chieftain perished tonight, he was no friends of Narab’s. He’ll send them home like whipped dogs in the next hour.’

      ‘The Star Elves?’

      ‘They have magic beyond our understanding, beyond even that of the spellweavers down in Elvandar.’ She fixed her nephew with a steady gaze. ‘Unless something changes quickly, Narab is only a year or so away from entering Sar-Sargoth’s throne room and putting a crown on his own head.’

      ‘Even the false Murmandamus didn’t dare that, and he was mad.’

      ‘And he was mad,’ Liallan repeated. ‘I think holy men are more dangerous than ambitious ones, Arkan. The false Murmandamus was content to just lead the nation on a pointless invasion of the human lands.’ She sipped her ale. ‘Give me an ambitious murderer over a fanatic every time. The first will only try to kill you for your position, the second will destroy everything and everyone you love.’

      This took Arkan by surprise. His people were not especially demonstrative when it came to feelings and his aunt was perhaps the most ruthless a person he had ever encountered. The dark elves understood desire, but love … that was rare and usually reserved for children or, occasionally, siblings. To hear the word ‘love’ come from Liallan’s mouth was something he had never expected.

      She smiled. ‘Yes, there are things I love, nephew. Mostly my clan: I have nurtured them as if every warrior, every woman, each child were my own.’

      He nodded. As chieftain of his own small band he understood this feeling. ‘It is more than mere duty.’

      ‘Indeed,’ she agreed.

      ‘So Narab seeks to make himself king and we are to just sit here and let him?’

      She shook her head and smiled. ‘No, to both. He will not make himself king … yet. Tonight is merely an abject lesson. If you head back down into the valley you’ll discover that most of the broken heads belonged to those in open opposition to Narab. His allies and those uncommitted to his cause were, perhaps, jostled a bit, but for the most part remain unharmed. He will claim he was merely restoring order and protecting his guests.’

      ‘Not all the clans were in attendance. I saw Clan Blood Elk heading west a few days back.’

      She looked contemptuous. ‘Those primitives are of no importance.’

      He knew she was right politically. ‘But good to have on your side in a fight.’

      ‘No doubt,’ she agreed, ‘but this time we struggle to avoid a fight.’

      ‘I noticed no Snow Leopards at the gathering,’ he said in a neutral tone.

      ‘Why would I go? I knew what was going to happen.’

      ‘Spies?’

      ‘I have many … friends. And Narab doesn’t have as many as he thinks he does.’

      ‘Well and good, but that still leaves me up here with you.’

      She stared at him, but said nothing.

      Finally he said, ‘You knew I’d come tonight.’

      She smiled. ‘As I said, this time we struggle to avoid a fight. Had I been in attendance tonight, Narab might have let his ambition overrule his better judgment, but if he knows I’m up here with my Snow Leopards …’ She left the thought unfinished. ‘He knows that even now he cannot attack me.’ Her smile broadened. ‘Again, he doesn’t have as many friends as he thinks he does.’

      ‘Which brings us to me.’

      ‘If I were to count all the relatives I have through marriage and by blood who are smart enough to recognize a futile fight, and then invite them here … well, let’s just say you and I wouldn’t have a lot of company.’ She paused. ‘What orders did you give your men?’

      He shrugged. ‘If I’m not back by sunrise take the clan into the high mountains. If followed, journey further north to the ice floes.’

      ‘Just like your father,’ Liallan said with a sad smile. ‘Do you welcome another twenty years hunting walrus and seal?’

      ‘Not particularly, but I welcome the obliteration of my clan even less.’

      ‘Then let us speak about what will preserve our clans.’

      ‘Our clans?’

      ‘The Ardanien and Hamandien are kin, even if some of my chieftains would wish it otherwise.’

      Arkan understood what she meant. The Ardanien and Hamandien were allies through blood and necessity. Had it not been for Liallan’s power, the Ice Bears would have been obliterated after Gorath’s defection to the Kingdom. No matter that he had saved the moredhel from being dominated by a madman, and aborted the attack on the Kingdom city of Sethanon, thereby saving hundreds of lives; he was still seen as a traitor. He waited.

      At last Liallan said, ‘Even as Narab unfolds his schemes, and thinks he’s gained the upper hand, there are other forces that may consume us.’

      ‘Those Star Elves?’

      ‘Among others. The humans war among themselves as well.’

      ‘So Kumal stated; what has this to do with us?’

      ‘Ah, that is what must be discovered.’ She studied his face for a moment, then asked, ‘What does Cetswaya tell you of his dreams and visions?’

      ‘He speaks little. He claims he puts little faith in dream-lore.’

      ‘Still, he has said something.’

      Arkan remained silent.

      ‘Then I shall tell you of my shaman. Arjuda dreams of dragons.’

      Arkan’s face became an unreadable mask.

      ‘Dragons on the wing, with riders on their backs; a host mighty enough to blot out the sun.’

      Almost whispering, Arkan said, ‘So do I.’

      She nodded. ‘Then there is something you must do, for yourself, for me, for our clans, and ultimately our people – perhaps even our entire world.’

      Surprised by the fervour of his aunt’s words, he said, ‘Tell me.’

      ‘Who among your sons is fit to lead in your absence?’

      He thought about this. ‘All three, although Antesh is my heir. I have taught them to be ready, but he is the most level-headed.’

      ‘Good.’ She sighed. СКАЧАТЬ