"01 - A Difficulty With Dwarves" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gardner Craig Shaw)

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the magical trade do not discuss the Eastern Kingdoms overmuch. I suppose we are embarrassed by any associations with them. You see, Wunt, things are' - Ebenezum cleared his throat - 'different there.'

'Different?' I inquired.

My master nodded his head. 'They have strange customs thereabouts.' He paused, considering his words. 'They have a different way of looking at the world.' He paused again, and when he spoke for a third time, it was in a whisper. 'But mostly, they have Mother Duck.'

'Mother Duck!' I exclaimed.

'Indeed,' Ebenezum continued in a whisper. He stroked his mustache agitatedly. 'Not so loud, Wuntvor, if you please.'

He stared at the ground and surreptitiously motioned me to walk with him a little farther from the crowded clearing. Rarely had I seen my master so uneasy. I glanced briefly around the courtyard in which we stood. Those wizards who had recovered from their sneezing fits all seemed to be glaring in our direction.

'Mother Duck?' I repeated, this time matching my master's quieter tone. 'Who is Mother Duck?'

'Who indeed?' my master replied. 'She is the ruler of the Eastern Kingdoms. She is also the reason that none of the wizards here want to visit her domain.'

'Doom!'

I had become so engrossed in my master's conversation that I hadn't heard the approach of Hendrek and Snarks.

'Forgive us for eavesdropping,' the large warrior began, 'but you wizards have only narrowly averted a skirmish with the Netherhells. We were wondering if we might be able to offer you any aid.'

'It also gave us an opportunity to get rid of the

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Brownie.' Snarks, who stood somewhat farther away to avoid affecting my master's malady, nodded his head happily.

My master pondered briefly. 'Perhaps you heard that Wuntvor will have to go on another quest? He will once again need companions to aid him and protect him against dangers along the way. Still, I do not think we can utilize all the magical and heroic allies who have gathered here. I believe a small fast-moving group would be best for our purposes. Once all the wizards have recovered, we will discuss strategy and determine the party that will best serve our needs.'

'Doom.' Hendrek nodded his head, acknowledging the wisdom of my master's counsel.

'So we have a chance to leave Vushta?' Snarks added. 'Not that Vushta isn't a wonderful place' - he glanced nervously at the area around his shoes - 'but some of the creatures that tend to congregate in the area . . .'

'Doom,' Hendrek agreed. 'It will do my warclub good to once again taste battle.'

'What's this about tasting battle?' I started at the nearness of this new voice. The Dealer of Death had once again snuck into our midst.

'My master has suggested another quest,' I explained.

'Yeah!' Snarks rejoined. 'One without any Brownies!'

There was a miniature explosion at the demon's feet.

'Did somebody call?' a small voice demanded. 'Come on now, I'm sure I heard my name.'

'Why would anyone mention you?' Snarks asked defensively. 'You've heard of the phrase "beneath notice"? I think that that perfectly fits anyone who doesn't come up even to my knees!'