"Raymond E. Feist - Riftwar 1 - Magician2" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

swam, half scrambled toward the cliff face, knowing the water would be only
inches deep there. Pug reached the cliffs and leaned against them, keeping
as much weight off the injured ankle as possible. He inched along the rock
wall, while each wave brought the water higher. When Pug finally reached a
place where he could make his way upward, water was swirling at his waist.
He had to use all his strength to pull himself up to the path. He lay
panting a moment, then started to crawl up the pathway, unwilling to trust
his balky ankle on this rocky footing. The first drops of rain began to
fall as he scrambled along, bruising knees and shins on the rocks, until he
reached the grassy top of the bluffs. Pug fell forward exhausted, panting
from the exertion of the climb. The scattered drops grew into a light but
steady rain.

When he had caught his breath, Pug sat up and examined the swollen ankle.
It was tender to the touch, but he was reassured when he could move it: it
was not broken. He would have to limp the entire way back, but with the
threat of drowning on the beach behind him, he felt relatively buoyant. Pug
would be a drenched, chilled wretch when he reached the town. He would have
to find a lodging there, for the gates of the castle would be closed for
the night, and with his tender ankle he would not attempt to climb the wall
behind the stables. Besides, should he wait and slip into the keep the next
day, only Megar would have words for him, but if he was caught coming over
the wall, Swordmaster Fannon or Horsemaster Algon would surely have a lot
worse in store for him than words. While he rested, the rain took on an
insistent quality and the sky darkened as the late-afternoon sun was
completely engulfed in storm clouds. His momentary relief was replaced with
anger at himself for losing the sack of sandcrawlers. His displeasure
doubled when he considered his folly at falling asleep. Had he remained
awake, he would have made the return trip unhurriedly, would not have


file:///F|/rah/Raymond%20E.%20Feist/Riftwar%201%20-%20Magician.txt (5 of 462) [1/23/03 5:38:45 PM]
 file:///F|/rah/Raymond%20E.%20Feist/Riftwar%201%20-%20Magician.txt

sprained his ankle, and would have had time to explore the streambed above
the bluffs for the smooth stones he prized so dearly for slinging. Now
there would be no stones, and it would be at least another week before he
could return. If Megar didn't send another boy instead, which was likely
now that he was returning empty-handed. Pug's attention shifted to the
discomfort of sitting in the rain, and he decided it was time to move on.
He stood and tested his ankle. It protested such treatment, but he could
get along on it. He limped over the grass to where he had left his
belongings and picked up his rucksack, staff, and sling. He swore an oath
he had heard soldiers at the keep use when he found the rucksack ripped
apart and his bread and cheese missing. Raccoons, or possibly sand lizards,
he thought. He tossed the now useless sack aside and wondered at his
misfortune. Taking a deep breath, he leaned on his staff as he started
across the low rolling hills that divided the bluffs from the road. Stands
of small trees were scattered over the landscape, and Pug regretted there
wasn't more substantial shelter nearby, for there was none upon the bluffs.