"R A Salvatore - Icewind Dale Trilogy 1 - Crystal Shard, The" - читать интересную книгу автора (Salvatore R. A)

Eldeluc had used the ambiguity of his statement as a tease, but he
didn't want to push Kessell into a dangerous state of doubt. With a second
wink at Dendybar, who was inwardly thoroughly enjoying this game, he
answered the poor wretch's unspoken question. "I only meant that perhaps a
different color would better suit you. Blue would compliment your eyes."
Kessell cackled in relief. "Perhaps," he agreed, his fingers nervously
twiddling.
Dendybar suddenly grew tired of the farce. He motioned for his burly
companion to be rid of the annoying little wretch.
Eldeluc obediently led Kessell back down the alleyway. "Go on, now, back
to the stables," he instructed. "Tell the master there that the wizards
shall be leaving for Luskan this very night."
"But what of the body?" Kessell asked.
Eldeluc smiled evilly. "Leave it. That cabin is reserved for visiting
merchants and dignitaries from the south. It will most probably remain
vacant until next spring. Another murder in this part of the world will
cause little excitement, I assure you, and even if the good people of
Easthaven were to decipher what had truly happened, they are wise enough to
tend to their own business and leave the affairs of wizards to wizards!"
The group from Luskan moved out into the waning sunlight on the street.
"Now be off!" Eldeluc commanded. "Look for us as the sun sets." He watched
as Kessell, like some elated little boy, scurried away.
"How fortunate to find so convenient a tool," Dendybar noted. "The
wizard's stupid apprentice saved us much trouble. I doubt that we would
have found a way to get at that crafty old one. Though the gods alone know
why, ever did Morkai have a soft spot for his wretched little apprentice!"
"Soft enough for a dagger's point!" laughed a second voice.
"And so convenient a setting," remarked yet another. "Unexplained bodies
are considered no more than an inconvenience to the cleaning wenches in
this uncivilized outpost!"
The burly Eldeluc laughed aloud. The gruesome task was at last
completed; they could finally leave this barren stretch of frozen desert
and return home.

* * * * *

Kessell's step was sprightly as he made his way across the village of
Easthaven to the barn where the wizards' horses had been stabled. He felt
as though becoming a wizard would change every aspect of his daily life, as
if some mystical strength had somehow been infused into his previously
incompetent talents.
He tingled in anticipation of the power that would be his.
An alleycat crossed before him, casting him a wary glance as it pranced
by.
Slit-eyed, Kessell looked around to see if anyone was watching. "Why
not?" he muttered. Pointing a deadly finger at the cat, he uttered the
command words to call forth a burst of energy. The nervous feline bolted
away at the spectacle, but no magical bolts struck it, or even near it.
Kessell looked down at his singed fingertip and wondered what he had
done wrong.