"Cook,.Rick.-.Wizardry.03-04.-.Cursed.And.Consulted" - читать интересную книгу автора (Cook Rick)

magical powers and the trolls, who had almost none, had lost a
major item in their diet.

Tosig tugged his beard. This was a pretty problem indeed. So far
there had been little contact between humans and dwarves and he
would just as soon keep it that way. His realms were far from the
lands of mortals and his people had not suffered from the humans'
new magic. However he had heard stories and they were not the
sort to encourage him to stir up trouble in that direction.

Well, maybe he wouldn't have to. The king had been talking for
nearly a day-tenth and hadn't yet . . .

"I call debt-right!" the troll king thundered. "Blood for my people."

A stillness settled over the hall. All the dwarves present knew that
the troll kings' claim was legitimate. Tosig sighed and inwardly
cursed the day he had contracted a debt to a gang of trolls. But
contract it he had, and now the troll had made a formal demand.
Debts must be paid.

There were practical considerations as well. The dwarves traded
salt and iron to the trolls for hides, some forest products and the
odd bit of booty. It was not a terribly profitable trade, but if the truth
be known the Mid-Northeastern Dwarves of the Southern Forest
Range were not a terribly wealthy tribe. They didn't need
complications with the trolls now.

As if I didn't have enough problems! Tosig thought as the pain in
his stomach gnawed and the silence stretched on. As if . . .
Suddenly he stopped short and thought furiously.

Ignoring the burning inside he nodded to his visitors.

"It pleases me to grant your request. The thing shall be done." He
waved dismissal. "Now go."

"When?" the small troll demanded eagerly.

"Soon," Tosig said loftily. "Return to your forests." He repeated the
dismissing gesture. The guards around the perimeter of the hall
shifted and the trolls took the hint. Jostling and squabbling, they
made their way out of the hall.

As soon as his unwelcome guests were gone, he motioned to his
seneschal.

"Make sure they leave immediately," he said, rising from his throne.
"And see that their rooms are fumigated. The last batch had lice."