Читать книгу The Grand Dark онлайн | страница 53

Lucie said, “Strum was telling us about his new epic poem. What was it called again?”

“The Sailor’s Call. It’s all empire and blood and sacred duty. Complete garbage.”

“Then why did you write it?” said Bianca.

“Because it paid more than my last two books combined,” he said in an attempt at a joking tone. “There’s art and there’s keeping a roof over one’s head. Sadly, in those moments, the roof always wins.”

“How sad for you,” said Hanna.

“If only you enjoyed the rain more,” said Baumann. “Then you could look at a roof as a luxury.”

“True,” said Strum. “It’s my fault for being born a poet and not a duck.”

A few of them laughed, but most smiled politely. Largo felt a pang of pity for the man. Seeing a respected artist forced to betray his gifts made him happy that he had no such ambitions. Before he could dwell on it, a shout cut into his thoughts.

“It’s Frida!” Bianca said, pointing across the room to where an elegant woman in furs and a salmon-colored gown looked this way and that. “She must have married that Baron she’s been after. Frida!” yelled Bianca. The woman waved her over. Bianca and several other members of the group got up and went to her.

The only ones left around the chaise were sleeping Lucie, Remy, Largo, Hanna, and Enki.

“A Baron,” Enki said contemptuously. “The very class that’s ruining this country. They’ll drag us into another war before any enemy does.”

“Please don’t start a tedious screed, Enki,” said Hanna. “Can’t you see I’m trying to seduce these young innocents? You’ll put them right to sleep.”

“They’re already asleep,” said Enki. “So are you. So is everyone in this room. I’m telling you, we’re heading for a catastrophe.”

Largo had never heard anyone speak with such passion about politics before. Well, he had, but only for a few seconds. He sounds like one of those cranks standing on a chair in the Triumphal Square, condemning both the upper classes and the bourgeoisie. If he hates everyone, though, who is he speaking to?

“We must organize and resist the ruling class’s bloodlust,” said Enki. “Take up arms, if necessary.”