"Elliott,.Kate.-.Crown.Of.Stars.3.-.Burning.Stone" - читать интересную книгу автора (Elliott Kate)

He chuckled. "That depends on what you think you need to
know." But his expression became serious. "Once you have
decided that, then it will take as long as it must." He glanced
toward the procession in the forest, still mostly hidden from
them in their small clearing. "But if you mean to ask how long
will it take in the world of humankind, that I cannot answer. The
measure of days and years moves differently here than
there."

"Ai, Lady!" She glanced at the stone. The fire had begun to
flicker down, dying.

"Why do you hesitate?" he pressed her. "Was this not the
wish of your heart?"

"The wish of my heart." Her voice died on the words as she
said them. Of course she must study. It was the only way to
protect herself. She wanted the knowledge so badly. She
might never have this chance again.

And yetЧshe could not help but look back.

"You are still bound to the other world," he said, not dismayed,
not irritated, not cheerful. Simply stating what was true. "Give
me your hand."

He was not a person one disobeyed. She sheathed her bow
and held out a hand, then grunted with surprise and pain as he
cut her palm with an obsidian knife. But she held steady as
blood welled up, as he cut his hands in a similar fashion and
clasped one to hers so their blood flowed together. His free
hand he pressed against the stone. Fire flared, so bright she
flinched away from it, and her horse whickered nervously and
shied. But the old sorcerer's grip remained firm.

"Come with me," he said. "What has bound you to the world of
human kin?"

The fire opened, and together they saw within.

When he sprawls in the grass under the glorious heat of the
sun, he can hear everything and nothing. He shuts his eyes, tk
better to listen.

A bee drones. A bird's repetitive whistle sounds from the treei
His horse grazes at the edge of the clearing, well out of "I
made him a promise." As the vision faded, its passing
throbbed in her like a new pain.