"Esther M. Friesner - Chicks 05 - Turn The Other Chick" - читать интересную книгу автора (Friesner Esther M)

"They are bandits."

The advancing bandit gang had halted as Suzanne talked with Calliope, looking around with puzzled
expressions in search of the companion she was speaking with.

"Calliope! What do I do?"

"You're wearing your armor."

"Which didn't do its last owner much good."

"Then draw your sword, for Inspiration's sake."

Suzanne made a desperate grasping motion toward her side, finding nothing there. She glanced around
quickly, finally seeing her sword about twelve feet from her. In its scabbard. Tied to her new saddle.
Cinched onto her new horse, who was looking back at Suzanne with an expression which clearly
communicated "if you take one step toward me I'll run away as fast as possible." "I don't have my
sword."

"Well, then, draw your knife!" Calliope advised with a trace of aspersion.

"I don't have a knife."

"You must have something."

Suzanne felt frantically around her waist. "I've got my pen."

"Draw it!"

Gripping the pen firmly, Suzanne raised it in what she hoped was a menacing fashion. "Come no further!"
The bandits halted their progress again. "Calliope! Now what?"

The Muse's voice had grown fainter, as if she were moving away. "You're the writer. Find a solution to
your plot dilemma."

"What? Plot dilemma? This isn't a plot dilemma! I'm in serious danger!"

Calliope's voice could barely be heard now. "Surely you didn't write your primary character into a dead
end? Didn't you plot this out beforehand?"

"No!"

The bandits, staring around again, jerked in surprise at Suzanne's howl of anger.
 "Then use your imagination and your tools, writer. Create a way out for your character." Calliope's voice
faded out completely on the last word.

Suzanne stared at the bandits, who stared back, then began slowly advancing again. "Stand back!"
Suzanne cried. "I'm wearing armor!"