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

little hut in the woods is not my idea of a future to look
forward to. You were living on roots and berries until I
came along and started trapping meat for the fire.
Maybe that's your idea of a wonderful life, Garkin, but
it's not mine!"

We glared at each other for several long moments.
Now that my anger was vented, I was more than a little
afraid. While I had not had extensive experience in the
field, I suspected that sneering at magicians was not the
best way to ensure a long and healthy future.

Surprisingly enough, it was Garkin who gave ground
first. He suddenly dropped his gaze and bowed his head,
giving me a rare view of the unkempt mass of hair atop
it.

"Perhaps you're right, Skeeve," his voice was
strangely soft. "Perhaps I have been showing you all the
work of magik, but not the rewards. I constantly forget
how suppressed magik is in these lands."

He raised his eyes to meet mine again, and I shivered
at the impact. They were not angry, but deep within
them burned a glow I had never seen before.

"Know you now, Skeeve, that all lands are not like
this one, nor was I always as you see me now. In lands
where magik is recognized instead of feared as it is here,
it is respected and commissioned by those in power.
There a skillful magician who keeps his wits about him
can reap a hundred times the wealth you aspire to as a
thief, and such power that...."

He broke off suddenly and shook his head as if to
clear it. When he opened his eyes again, the glow I had
seen burning earlier had died to an ember.

"But you aren't to be impressed by words, are you,
lad? Come, I'll show you a little demonstration of some
of the power you may one day wieldЧif you practice
your lessons, that is."

The joviality in his voice was forced. I nodded my
agreement in answer to that burning gaze. Truth to tell,
I needed no demonstration. His soft, brief oration had
awed me far more than any angry tirade or demonstra-
tion, but I did not wish to contradict him at this time.

I don't believe he actually noticed my response. He