"02 - Faery Lands Forlorn 1.0" - читать интересную книгу автора (Duncan Dave)

fool. "
When Sagorn had been in Krasnegar, ministering to the sick king, Andor had been
there, also, alternatively. Andor had been cultivating Rap, befriending him in
the hope of wheedling his word of power out of him. Sagorn must have known what
Andor had been doing when he was present, yet Sagorn had kept on calling him
back.
"Besides," Rap said, "you have Sagorn's memories, don't you? So you know what he
knows."
"It don't work like that," Thinal said glumly. "He's a lot smarter'n me, a whole
lot smarter. He understands more."
"I don't see why."
The skeletal shoulders shrugged. "Well, I can remember all the years he spent
sniffing around libraries. But the books themselves I can't recall like he can.
They don't make sense to me. Think of Jalon. I hear a tune whistled or sung-I
don't remember it much. No more'n you would. But Jalon would know it, and be
able to sing it next time he's around. He'd ring changes on it and craft a great
ballad out of it. We each have our own tricks. Like the djinn said, we're a
matched set-artist, scholar, lover, and fighter. All you've got in me is a
common dip, and there's small pickings hereabouts."
"Sagorn said that you were the leader."
Thinal pouted and looked guilty. "Long ago! He meant I got the bunch of us into
the mess; it was my idea to break into Orarinsagu's house. Anyway, that was
years ago. We were all kids. I still am." He turned his face away.
After a moment, Rap said, "Why are you? I know-because you don't exist as often,
or as long. So you don't age. But why's that? Don't the others call you?"
Thinal wiped his nose with the back of his hand. "Sometimes. If one of them is
hungry, or needs something that can be stolen, I'll help out."
"But you don't stay around. You call him back in your place right away. Why?"
There was a long silence then, while Thinal stared at the sea, weedy chin
resting on spindle arms. Finally he said softly, " 'Cause I'm no good, Rap.
That's why."
Rap's head felt stuffed with feathers, but he knew he needed Thinal and must not
let him disappear. "Bunk! " he said. "Right now, I'd much rather have you here
than any of the others." Thinal's eyes widened and he smiled shyly, showing
teeth as crooked as a stork's nest. "Really?"
"Really! I can't trust any of them-not even Jalon, can I?" Thinal sniggered.
"He'd get lost in listening to the birds. And he might very well call Darad. Of
all of us, he's the most likely to call Darad. No, not even Jalon."
That was a great pity. If Rap could only enlist the willing help of Thinal and
his four optional replacements, then he would have a whole gang of useful
helpers. Five specialists, strengthened by a word of power, a handful of men. He
wondered if he dared offer a bargain, remembering how Sagorn had said that their
one common purpose was to collect enough magic to be freed from the spell that
bound them. They would do anything to learn another word of power, so Rap could
offer to share his in return for theirs. It would be ironic if Thinal was the
one to gain Rap's word, after the other four had all tried to steal it without
success. Now that Rap knew what his word was, he could share it if he wished.
Certainly he must keep Thinal friendly. "Well, then! So promise me, will
you-promise that you'll not call any of the others without warning me?"
Looking flattered, Thinal nodded and accepted Rap's offer of a handshake. His