Втрачений континент: історія Атлантиди
6. The Biters Of The City Walls
Shesaidtome,“Come,”and,turningtothedoorway,criedforentrance,givingthesecretwordappointedfortheday.Theponderousstoneblocks,whichbarredtheporch,swungbackontheirhinges,andwithstatelytreadshepassedoutofthehotsunshineintothecoolgloombeyond,withthefan-girlfollowingdecorouslyatherheels.Withaheavinessbeginningtogrowatmyheart,Itoowentinsidethepyramid,andthestonedoors,withasullenthud,closedbehindus.
Wedidnotgofarjustthen.Phorenicehaltedinthehallofwaiting.HowwellIrememberedtheplace,withthepicturesofkingsonitsredwalls,andtheburningfountainofearth-breathwhichblazedfromajetofbronzeinthemiddleoftheflooringandgaveitlight.TheoldKingthatwasgonehadcomethisfarofhiscomplaisancewhenhebademefarewellasIsetouttwentyyearsbeforeformyvice-royaltyinYucatan.Buttheairofthehallwasdifferenttowhatithadbeeninthoseolddays.Thenitwaspureandsweet.Nowitwasheavywithsomescent,andIfounditlanguidandoppressive.
“Myminister,”saidtheEmpress,“Iacquityouofintentionalinsult;butIthinkthecolonialairhasmadeyouaverysimpleman.SuchanobeisanceasyoushowedtothatmountainnotaminutesincehasnotbeenmadesinceIwassenttoreignoverthiskingdom.”
“YourMajesty,”Isaid,“IamamemberofthePriests’Clanandwasbroughtupintheirtenets.Ihavebeentaught,beforeenteringahouse,tothanktheGods,andmoreespeciallyourLordtheSun,forthegoodairthatHeandTheyhaveprovided.
