"Chalker, Jack L - DG1 - The River of the Dancing Gods" - читать интересную книгу автора (Chalker Jack L)still more than a little uncertain of it all. Even stepping onto the ribbed metal of the car deck, they both felt an air of dreamy unreality about the whole thing, as if they were in the midst of some wondrous dreaming drug or, perhaps, comatose and in some fantasy world of the mind. Still, both looked in at the cavernous car deck -- and saw noth- ing. Nothing at all. It was totally and completely dark in there, with not even the other end of the boat showing. Ruddygore led them to the right stairway and saw them peering into the dark. "I wouldn't be too anxious to see in there," he cautioned them. "The ones who row this ship are best not seen by mortal human beings, I assure you.- Come. Climb up to the lounge with me and relax, and I will try to answer your questions as best I can." Hesitantly, they both followed him, still glancing occasion- ally at the total dark that masked whoever or whatever could manage oars that had to weigh a ton or more each. It was quickly obvious that they were the only passengers, but they had obviously been expected. A number of wooden chairs and benches were around, looking a bit shopworn but not too bad; in the rear, around the stack and its housing, was a large buffet table filled with cold platters and pitchers of something or other. "Just take what you want whenever you feel hungry," the sorcerer told them. "The red jugs are a fair rose, the yellow a decent if slightly warm ale. Use any of the flagons you see -- they're public." The engines suddenly speeded up, and there was the faint but definite sensation of moving, moving back out into the dark. But moving where? And on what sea? "What are we floating on -- desert?" the woman asked. Ruddygore cut himself a hunk of cheese, poured some wine, 23 |
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