"(ebook) Anthony Piers - Xanth 06 - Night Mare" - читать интересную книгу автора (Anthony Piers)

Chapter 1. To See the Rainbow

The stork glided to a landing before Stunk's
residence and squawked for attention.

"No, it can't be!" the goblin cried in panic. "I'm not
even married!"

" 'Snot that," the stork said through his long bill. "In the
off-season I deliver mail." He produced an official-looking
letter.

"Off-season for what?" the goblin demanded.

"You wouldn't understand. Take the missive. I have
other idiots to bug."

"But I can't read!" Stunk protested, his panic shifting to
embarrassment. Few goblins could read, but like most illit-
erates, they didn't like this advertised.

"I will read it to you, bulbnose." The stork opened the
envelope and oriented an eye on the document inside.
"Greetings."

"Same to you, birdbrain," Stunk said politely. Goblins
had excellent manners, though for some reason other crea-
tures seemed unable to appreciate them.

"Don't answer back, dolt," the stork said. "I'm reading
the letter, not talking to you. Don't you know what 'Greet-
ings' means?"

Stunk didn't answer.

"Hey, stupid, I asked you a question," the stork said,
irritated.

"I thought you were reading the letter, needlebeak, so I
didn't answer back. I'm trying to be polite to one not worth
the effort. Of course I know what it means. It's an ungob-
linish salutation."

"Salutation, ha! You dope, it means you have been
drafted!"

2 Night Mare

"What? I wasn't aware of any draft. It's a very quiet
day; no breeze at all."