"Chalker, Jack L - Demons of the Dancing GodsUC - #2DG" - читать интересную книгу автора (Chalker Jack L)

bacyЧand Marge had once again been virginal in Husa-
quahrЧbut the more magic she had used or been subjected
to, the more she changed.

"Aye, thou art a changeling sure," Huspeth told her, echoing
her thoughts. "It is he whom thou dost call Ruddygore who
did this knowingly. Is there hatred in thy soul for him for this?"

She thought a moment. "No, not really. Not at all. Just for
a moment there, I was back on that lonely west Texas highway,
not caring if I lived or died. Without him I'd be dead, either
in that wreck or not too long after by my own hand. Whatever
he did, he had a right to do. I've got no kick coming."

Huspeth smiled and nodded. "Thou hast learned much, my
daughter, and thy wisdom becomes thee. I do not much like
him, as thou knowest, for he trafficks in demons, yet his heart
is good even if his soul be impure. He had very good reasons
for bringing thee and thy companion to this world, and his skill
at the art placed you both in the place where you were most
needed. It may seem cruel to send thee to a celibate order and
then make thee a changeling, but I divine strong purpose in it.
Thy string is complex and far from played out. At first I thought
him taking a subtle jest at me, but now I see it is not so. He
needed thee as a witch of the order, but the clouds of Probability

12

JACK L. CHALKER 13

DEMONS OF THE DANCING GODS

change with events. The first act is done, the curtain is down,

but the play is far from completed."

Marge felt a little better on hearing this. "ThenЧwhatever
I'm becomingЧis what is needed next?"
The ancient witch nodded. "It is clear now."
"ThenЧwhy? What must I face?"

"That is unknown to all save the Creator," Huspeth told
her. "The future is not fixed but is all probabilities. One highly
skilled in the arts may see that a thing is needed while not
knowing why, or when, or how. But it is now clear that the
curtain must rise on the next act of our play. A conference of
the Sisterhood was already held. Thy vows are lifted, as they
must be. Thou art free."

Marge frowned. "Just like that?"