"Asprin, Robert - Another Fine Myth" - читать интересную книгу автора (Asprin Robert)

the wick.

Like my father, I tap the strength of the earth. The
knowledge my mother gave me is like a lens, enabling
me to focus what I have gained. The wisdom of my
teacher directs my efforts to those points of the universe
most likely to yield to my will. I am Skeeve.

The candle remained unlit. There was sweat on my
forehead now, and I was beginning to tremble with the
effort. No that was wrong, I should not tense. Relax.
Don't try to force it. Tenseness hinders the flow. Let
the energies pass freely, serve as a passive conductor. I
forced myself to relax, consciously letting the muscles
in my face and shoulders go slack as I redoubled my ef-
forts.

The flow was noticeably more intense now. I could
almost see the energy streaming from me to my target. I
stretched out a finger which focused the energies even
more. The candle remained unlit.

I couldn't do it. Negative thought. Stop it. I am
Skeeve. I will light the candle. My father. . . . No. Neg-
ative thought. Do not rely on others for your strength. I
will light the candle because I am Skeeve.

I was rewarded by a sudden surge of energy at the
thought. I pursued it, growing heady with power. I am
Skeeve. I am stronger than any of them. I escaped my
father's attempts to chain me to a plow as he had my
brother. My mother died from her idealism, but I used
her teachings to survive. My teacher is a gullible fool
who took a thief for an apprentice. I have beaten them
all. I am Skeeve. I will light the candle.

I was floating now. I realized how my abilities
dwarfed those around me. Whether the candle lit or not
was inconsequential. I am Skeeve. I am powerful.

Almost contemptuously I reached out with my mind
and touched the wick. A small bright ember appeared as
if in answer to my will.

Startled, I sat up and blinked at the candle. As I did.
the ember disappeared, leaving a small white plume of
smoke to mark its departure. I realized too late I had
broken concentration.

"Excellent, Lad!"