"Eddy, Nancy - Winds of Eternity" - читать интересную книгу автора (Eddy Nancy)

WINDS OF ETERNITY

A DARK SHADOWS Novel by Nancy Eddy

Art by:

Nan Nelson - Cover, pages 19 and 24

Donna Devault-Hensley - page 54

Andrea Palencar - page 30

K.R. Sluterbeck - page 59

Available From:
Kathleen Resch
PO Box 1766
Temple City, CA 91780
WINDS OF ETERNITY Copyright й June, 1996 by Kathleen Resch for Nancy Eddy. No reprints permitted without permission of author and editor. This publication does not intend to infringe upon copyrights held by Dan Curtis, ABC-TV, or any other holders of Dark Shadows copyrights.
Author's note: I came up with the name of this series before ever hearing of WINDS OF WAR which Dark Shadows creator and producer Dan Curtis directed. When I did hear of the mini-series, I thought it an - interesting coincidence. Enjoy.

Chapter One

England, 4th Century, A.D.

The merchant stood at the center of the group of men, his sharp eyes knowing from experience those who looked at his wares intending to buy. He was waiting for a question, one above others, and it was not long in coming.

"What news have you, friend merchant, for those who have known you all of your life?"

Spreading his arms wide for effect, the merchant answered. "Wondrous news, friends. A new belief. A better one than the Druids offer."

A few buyers rolled their eyes as if to say, "Nothing new." The merchant's dislike of the Druid priests was well known among those in the village. Eighteen summers before, he had asked them for a son and received a daughter. And if that had not been enough, his wife had died in spite of all the magic the priests could work. Since that time, it was not uncommon for the merchant to speak against the Druids. It was also dangerous. There were among the crowd spies who listened and reported back to the priests.

"A belief in one God instead of many," the merchant continued. "A merciful God who does not force others to accept His edicts as law." Many in the group began to move cautiously away. If the spies were here, it would not do to be seen listening to such sacrilege. And the spies could be anyone - even one's own neighbors - just as the High Priests could be. Seeing that he had lost part of his audience, the merchant's eyes darted around the smaller crowd. "There is more, but now is not the time. I must make haste to see my daughter. It has been a long journey and I am weary. My home is open to

any who wish to hear more." With a deep bow, he packed away his goods and led his mount and pack animal down the dirt lane.
As he approached the large stone house, the merchant paused. His golden-haired daughter was standing with a tall, dark man. Beside them, a black stallion pawed the ground, a black stallion that the merchant easily recognized. There was none other like it in the area. As he watched, his daughter wished the man good-bye and stood beside the road as he mounted and rode away. Walking slowly, the merchant waited until he was very near the girl before speaking. "Grendl."
Her blue eyes widened in surprise at his familiar voice, then she turned to look down the path the horse and rider had taken. Smiling nervously, she looked back at her father. "Father. You have returned early, I did not expect you for another fortnight."
"What business did Andemus have here, daughter?"
"None. He often comes here when you are away, to make sure I am well and not in need," she said, slipping her arm through his. "He is a neighbor, Father. Do not be angry."
"I am not angry, daughter." He called for a servant-boy to take the animals, retrieving a cloth-wrapped package from the donkey's back.
"What is that?" Grendl wanted to know.
"Something for you. Let us go inside first."
In the house, he called for a drink, then gave her the gift. With deft fingers, she unfastened the wrapping and gasped with delight at the small silver box that fit into
one well shaped hand. "It is - beautiful. Is it truly - silver?"

His smile was indulgent. "It is." "Thank you, Father." She held the silver box up to let it reflect the afternoon sunlight, wondering what Andemus would think of her new treasure.

Andemus dismounted and tossed his horse's reins to a waiting servant without really noticing the boy. His mind was still too full of Grendl's big blue eyes and of their morning meeting in the oak grove. Why would she not marry him, he wondered. He had land, a fine house, and he loved her. Surely she did not suspect the truth. It was only known to the other priests.