"William Forstchen - Magic The Gathering - Arena" - читать интересную книгу автора (Forstchen William R)

тАЬSO WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR TODAY?тАЭ

Garth, scratching the fleabites he had picked up during the night, looked around at the room full of old
men, who were stirring as the first light of dawn peeked in through the cracks in the shutters and roof.

тАЬLeave here for starters.тАЭ

The raggedy man chortled.

тАЬHere to do whatever it is you came for. Ah, your greater mysterious quest.тАЭ

тАЬSomething like that,тАЭ Garth said dryly.

тАЬIтАЩm coming.тАЭ

Garth looked down at the toothless old man.

тАЬI had a feeling you would,тАЭ Garth said softly and the raggedy man looked at him in surprise.

тАЬWhy?тАЭ

тАЬтАЩCause you canтАЩt stand a mystery. You want to find out what will happen next.тАЭ

The raggedy man rocked back and forth on his stool next to the fire, laughing with delight.

тАЬI want to watch the fun. I think someoneтАЩs going to get killed out of this and I want to be there. Always
a business opportunity in such ventures.тАЭ

The old man leaned over the fire and cut off two thick slices of meat from a roast that had been slowly
cooking over the glowing embers. He tossed one over to Garth, who snatched it and gingerly tossed it
back and forth in his hands until the meat cooled enough to eat. The old man, finishing his breakfast,
unbolted the door and peeked out cautiously.

The legless beggar was sitting across the street and waved his hand as if swatting away a fly.

тАЬItтАЩs clear,тАЭ the raggedy man announced. тАЬLetтАЩs go.тАЭ

Taking a staff from beside the door, he stepped out into the street and then, turning, relieved himself
against the building. Garth looked at him disdainfully and then realized that he had to follow suit and
stepped up beside the old man.

тАЬYou know, this is as good a moment as any for introductions. IтАЩm Hammen of Jor.тАЭ

The old man, finishing, buttoned his greasy trousers and then extended his hand.

Garth, finishing as well, buttoned up and looked down at Hammen, who grinned at him, his yellowing
teeth looking like jagged, rotting posts in a dark cavern.

Garth tentatively took HammenтАЩs hand and then did not bother to hide his actions as he wiped his palm