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The Floodgate :: Каннингем Элейн
Страница: 182 из 212"
Matteo considered this, especially in light of King Zalathorm's explanation of the mysterious power that protected the "heart of Halruaa." Perhaps this «heart» was the jordaini order. Perhaps in deviating from its strict rule, in exploring its secrets, he was doing harm where he meant only good.
He sent a helpless look at his friend. "I don't know what to do anymore."
She sat down beside him. "You know, I'm starting to see some sense in the jordain's creed. You're the only person I know who tells the truth. In a way, that's really stupid, but it's also why you're the only person I really trust. You have a healthy respect for magic but you've learned how to do without it. I've seen wizards who can't hit a chamber pot without casting a spell. Well, I haven't literally seen that, but you get my point. You really are a guardian of Halruaa. That's worth doing. I've traveled. Halruaa isn't perfect, but it's the best place I've been."
Matteo took her hand. "When did you become so wise?"
She grinned and batted her eyes in a parody of flirtation. "I've always been wise. It's just that I'm so gorgeous, men don't seem to notice my other gifts."
They shared a muted chuckle. "So, what's next?" she asked.
"If the queen is to be believed, war is next," Matteo said quietly.
Tzigone looked dubious. "From all I've heard, the queen is as crazy as a moon moth."
"Yet there may be some significance in the fact that it was Kiva who brought Beatrix to Halarahh."
"So you think the queen and Kiva are allies?"
"It seems unlikely. Zalathorm is a powerful diviner. He has foreseen every major threat to the land for over three-quarters of a century."
She thought this over. "Let's find out if the queen really does know something. Since she's got so many devices around, no one would think much of another one."
"I don't think much of that, myself," Matteo said. "Planting a scrying device means using a magical item, which is forbidden to the jordain."
"It's not forbidden for a wizard's apprentice," she argued.
"Having someone use magic on your behalf is the same thing," Matteo countered.
"On your behalf? Listen to the man! Whose idea was this, anyway?"
"It's foolhardy, illegal, and very likely suicidal," he said heatedly, counting off these points on his fingers. "So obviously the idea was yours."
For some reason, this amused Tzigone. "So where do you go next?"
He glanced at the sleeping jordain. "I'll see Themo to the temple for healing, then I should report to the palace."
"But?" she demanded, picking up the hesitation in his voice.
Matteo considered this, especially in light of King Zalathorm's explanation of the mysterious power that protected the "heart of Halruaa." Perhaps this «heart» was the jordaini order. Perhaps in deviating from its strict rule, in exploring its secrets, he was doing harm where he meant only good.
He sent a helpless look at his friend. "I don't know what to do anymore."
She sat down beside him. "You know, I'm starting to see some sense in the jordain's creed. You're the only person I know who tells the truth. In a way, that's really stupid, but it's also why you're the only person I really trust. You have a healthy respect for magic but you've learned how to do without it. I've seen wizards who can't hit a chamber pot without casting a spell. Well, I haven't literally seen that, but you get my point. You really are a guardian of Halruaa. That's worth doing. I've traveled. Halruaa isn't perfect, but it's the best place I've been."
Matteo took her hand. "When did you become so wise?"
She grinned and batted her eyes in a parody of flirtation. "I've always been wise. It's just that I'm so gorgeous, men don't seem to notice my other gifts."
They shared a muted chuckle. "So, what's next?" she asked.
"If the queen is to be believed, war is next," Matteo said quietly.
Tzigone looked dubious. "From all I've heard, the queen is as crazy as a moon moth."
"Yet there may be some significance in the fact that it was Kiva who brought Beatrix to Halarahh."
"So you think the queen and Kiva are allies?"
"It seems unlikely. Zalathorm is a powerful diviner. He has foreseen every major threat to the land for over three-quarters of a century."
She thought this over. "Let's find out if the queen really does know something. Since she's got so many devices around, no one would think much of another one."
"I don't think much of that, myself," Matteo said. "Planting a scrying device means using a magical item, which is forbidden to the jordain."
"It's not forbidden for a wizard's apprentice," she argued.
"Having someone use magic on your behalf is the same thing," Matteo countered.
"On your behalf? Listen to the man! Whose idea was this, anyway?"
"It's foolhardy, illegal, and very likely suicidal," he said heatedly, counting off these points on his fingers. "So obviously the idea was yours."
For some reason, this amused Tzigone. "So where do you go next?"
He glanced at the sleeping jordain. "I'll see Themo to the temple for healing, then I should report to the palace."
"But?" she demanded, picking up the hesitation in his voice.