"McKenna,.Juliet.E.-.Einarinn.02.-.Swordsman's.Oath" - читать интересную книгу автора (Dragon Stories)

these curs hunting me? What trouble is Planir stirring up for us all now?Ф He
huddled back into the worn and faded cushions that lined his heavy oak chair.
Shiv rubbed a hand over his sallow chin, dark eyes thoughtful. УWell, certainly
the Archmage must be told at once. Believe me, Viltred, I told you the truth.
Planir sent me to find out what you could recall of your own voyage to the Ice
Islands with Azazir. IТm sorry, I should have explained; it seems these unknown
islanders, Elietimm they call themselves, have some means of enchantment that we
know nothing of in Hadrumal. Worse, they had some role to play in the fall of
the Formalin Empire, most likely by means of magic, but you know how much lore
was lost in the Chaos. Planir is hoping to recover some of that knowledge. We
had no idea that these men would be seeking you out as well, I swear, but that
must be what this means.Ф He paused for a moment before continuing briskly.
УStill, now that we have this warning we can make sure none of this comes to
pass. How often is an augury fulfilled in all its particulars? Not above one
time in a handful, less maybe.Ф
УIТd prefer longer odds of seeing the Solstice than four chances in five.Ф
Viltred drew a shuddering breath, and as he did so the vision in the crystal
shook and dissolved. With evident effort to regain his composure, the old wizard
leaned forward to rest his hands on the table once more and slowly turned the
stone with the shimmering fingers of azure light that revealed the mageТs
elemental link with the air that surrounded him. The answering amber glow rising
within the heart of the gem spoke of magic born of the earth as slowly a
shimmering haze cleared and new pictures focused on the bright surface.
The image sharpened; a knot of figures standing in a large airy room, framed in
an open window behind them, masts and rigging moving gently with the motion of
unseen waves, sails square-set on stubby spars.
УThere you are, Viltred, and showing no signs of ill treatment.Ф Shiv sighed
with relief.
УIТll allow being caked to my eyebrows in the filth of the road and looking nigh
on exhausted is preferable to dying spitted like a festival hog,Ф muttered
Viltred.
УThose galleys, theyТre the kind that ply the Caladhrian Gulf,Ф continued Shiv
thoughtfully.
УWhat I want to know is who are all these other people,Ф the old man snapped.
Shiv frowned as he studied the tiny figures in the spellТs vision. УThe woman
with red hair is called Livak. She travels Ensaimin, a woman of many talents, a
gambler for the most part.Ф
УThat sounds dishonest as well as disreputable,Ф snorted Viltred.
Shiv stifled a sudden smile before continuing. УThe tall man at the back is the
sworn man to Messire DТOlbriotЧRyshad, the one who should be here any day now.
You recall me telling you about him?Ф
УI am not yet in my dotage. I can generally remember things I have been told the
same day,Ф the old wizard replied acidly. УWhoТs the plain-faced piece with
shoulders like a farm hand?Ф
УThatТs Halice,Ф said Shiv slowly. УSheТs a friend of LivakТs whoТs been laid up
over the last few seasons with a broken leg.Ф
УAnd what possible reason could I have for being with such an ill-assorted crew,
down in Relshaz?Ф demanded Viltred, his sunken eyes flashing with annoyance.
УAnd before you ask, I recognize that beacon tower. I knew the city well enough
in my youth.Ф