'Yeah, and the rest,' said Nobby.
'No, that was all I said.'
'Then you must have a really convincing tone of voice.'
'Ah. Well, make the most of it, lads, while it lasts,' said Colon.
They drank thoughtfully. It was a moment of supreme peace, a few minutes snatched from the realities of real life. It was a brief bite of stolen fruit and enjoyed as such. No one in the whole city seemed to be fighting or stabbing or making affray and, just for now, it was possible to believe that this wonderful state of affairs might continue.
And even if it didn't, then there were memories to get them through. Of running, and people getting out of the way. Of the looks on the faces of the horrible palace guard. Of, when all the thieves and heroes and gods had failed, of being there. Of nearly doing things nearly right.
Nobby shoved the pot on a convenient window sill, stamped some life back into his feet and blew on his fingers. A brief fumble in the dark recesses of his ear produced a fragment of cigarette.
'What a time, eh?' said Colon contentedly, as the flare of a match illuminated the three of them.
The others nodded. Yesterday seemed like a lifetime ago, even now. But you could never forget something like that, no matter who else did, no matter what happened from now on.
'If I never see any bloody king it'll be too soon,' said Nobby.
Вы читаете Guards! Guards!
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