Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
15. Zaemon’s Summons
Shewillhavenomoreofyou,divorcesyou,spurnsyou,thrustsyoufromher,and,afterthefirstsplutterofwrathisdone,thencomepainsandpenalties.”
“TheEmpresscandonowrong.IwillhaveyouspeakrespectfulwordsoftheEmpress.”
“Oh,bedonewiththatoldfable!Itsickensme.Thewomanwasmadforloveofyou,andnowshe’smadwithjealousy.SheknowsthatyougaveNaissomeofyourpriest’smagic,andthatshesleepstillyouchoosetocomeandclaimher,eventhoughthedaybeacenturyfromthis.Andifyouwishtoknowthemethodofherenlightenment,itissimple.Thereisanotherairshaftnexttotheonedownwhichyoudidyourcooingandbilling,andthatleadstoanothercellinwhichlayanotherprisoner.Thewretchheardallthatpassed,andthoughttobuyenlargementbytellingit.
“Buthisnewscameatriflestale.Itseemsthatwiththepressureofthemorning’sceremonies,theyforgottobringaration,andwhenatlasthisgaolerdidrememberhim,itwasratherlate,seeingthatbythenPhorenicehadtiedherselfpubliclytoahusband,andpoorNaishaddoubtlesseatenhergreendrug.However,thefoolsmustneedstryandbarterhistaleforwhatitwouldfetch;and,aswasnatural,hadsuchasillyheadchoppedoffforhispains;andafterthatyourPhorenicebehavedasyoumayguess.Andnowyoumaythankme,sir,forcomingtowarnyounottogobacktoAtlantis.”
“ButIshallgoback.AndiftheEmpresschoosestocutmyheadalsofromitspropercolumn,thatisastheHighGodswill.”
“YouaremoresickoflifethanIthought.
