"Michael Jan Friedman - The Seekers and the Sword" - читать интересную книгу автора (Friedman Michael Jan)

now commanded an army of men, in place of his father,
who'd been wounded in the taking of the priests' fortress-
Eric looked like a youth until one looked closely. Then
his eyes showed his true age.

What was the expression on his face? He looked
angryтАФbut why? No matter. It was nothing.

The harsh scrape of boot-leather against stone made
Vidar turn then. He looked up at the face of Hoenir, his
uncle. Hoenir seemed to glare at him, too. "That's the
trouble with you healers," he said. "You're like drunkards.
Indulge too much and you get stupidтАФlike sheep."
"What's the matter with him?" asked Eric.
"He's spent himself, that's all," said Hoenir, and spat,
"He has withdrawn. Inside his own head, he sees clearly.
But you won't be able talk to him for a whileтАФunless I try
something I haven't done in a long time."

MICHAEL JAN FRIEDMAN

"What's that?" asked Eric.

"Stand aside," said Hoenir. The boy stood and took a
step backward.

Hoenir grabbed Vidar by the front of his woolen tunic
and brought him to his feet. Vidar stood reluctantly, but
did not show any signs of understanding. His face was as
blank as that of a newborn.

"I hope you forgive me for this," said Hoenir. "After all,
you're bigger than I am." Then he brought his fist back
and drove it into Vidar's jaw. The blow sent Vidar sprawl-
ing into the shadowy recesses of the cavern.

For a moment, he lay there, moving his head experimen-
' tally. Then he propped himself up on his elbows and peered
at the pair that stood over him-

"Hi, guys," he said. "I guess I overdid it, huh?"

"Praise Vali that you've come to," said Eric, coming
over to extend his hand. With an effort, he pulled Vidar to
his feet. "There is grumbling among the Asgardians,
Vidar- They say that they're homeтАФand until Vali comes
back to tell them otherwise, they're staying here."
"Aye," added Hoenir. "And neither one of us is in much
of a position to command their respect. You're a deserter
from way back, and my philandering is legend even in