"Books - David Eddings - Polgara the Sorceress" - читать интересную книгу автора (Eddings David)

My birds were ecstatic when I opened the bags and spread the
wheat around under the Tree, and they came in from miles around
to feast. I watched them fondly for a time, and then I climbed up
into the Tree and sprawled out on one huge limb to watch my new
friends. I got the distinct impression that the Tree approved of what
I had done.
I thought about that for quite a long time that morning, but I was
still baffled about just exactly how I'd come by this unusual talent.
'It's the Tree's gift to you, Polgara.' It was mother's voice, and
suddenly everything became clear to me. Of course! Why hadn't I
thought of that?
'Probably because you weren't paying attention,' mother observed.
In the years that followed, the Tree became like a second home
to me. I spent my days on my favorite perch with my skinny legs
stretched out on the huge limb and my back against the massive
trunk. I fed my birds and we talked. We came to know each other
better and better, and they brought me information about the
weather, forest fires, and occasional travelers passing through the
Vale. My family was always carping about my shabby appearance,
but my birds didn't seem to mind.
As those of you who know me can attest, I have an occasionally
sharp tongue. My family was spared all sorts of affronts because of
my fondness for the Tree and its feathered inhabitants.
The seasons rolled by, and Beldaran and I grew into an awkward
coltishness - all legs and elbows. And then one morning we
discovered that we had become women during the night. There was
some fairly visible evidence of the fact on our bed-clothing.
'Are we dying?' Beldaran asked me in a trembling voice.
'Tell her to stop that, Polgara!' mother's voice came to me sharply.
That was something I could never understand. Mother talked to me
directly, but she never intruded into Beldaran's mind. I'm sure there
was a reason for it, but mother never got around to explaining.
'What's happening, mother?' I demanded. To be honest about it, I
was quite nearly as frightened as my sister was.
'It's a natural process, Polgara. It happens to all women.'
'Make it stop!'
'No. It has to happen. Tell Beldaran that it's nothing to get excited
about.'
'Mother says that it's all right,' I told my sister.



'How can it be all right?'
'Shush. I'm trying to listen to mother.'
'Don't you shush me, Polgara!'
'Then be still.' I turned my attention inward. 'You'd better explain
this, mother,' I said. 'Beldaran's about ready to fly apart.' I didn't really
think it -,was necessary to admit that my seams were starting to come
undone as well.