"David Gemmell - Druss 01 - Druss the Legend" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gemmel David)

Mari nodded and looked away and Rowena could feel her
concern. For weeks her friend had tried to dissuade her from marrying Druss,
adding her arguments to those of Voren and others.
'Will Pilan be your partner at the Solstice Dance?'
asked Rowena, changing the subject.
 Mari's mood changed abruptly, and she giggled. 'Yes.
But he doesn't know yet.'
'When will he find out?'
'Tonight.' Mari lowered her voice, though there was no
one else within earshot. 'We're meeting in the lower meadow.'
'Be careful,' warned Rowena.
'Is that the advice of the old married woman? Didn't
you and Druss make love before you were wed?'
'Yes, we did,' Rowena admitted, 'but Druss had already
made his pledge before the Oak. Pilan hasn't.'
'Just words, Ro. I don't need them. Oh, I know Pilan's
been flirting with Tailia, but she's not for him. No passion, you see. All she
thinks about is wealth. She doesn't want to stay in the wilderness, she yearns
for Drenan. She'll not want to keep a mountain man warm at night, nor make the
beast with two backs in a wet meadow, with the grass tickling her . . .'
'Mari! You really are too frank,' admonished Rowena.
Mari giggled and leaned in close. 'Is Druss a good
lover?'
Rowena sighed, all tension and sadness disappearing.
'Oh, Mari! Why is it that you can talk about forbidden subjects and make them
seem so. . .so wonderfully ordinary? You are like the sunshine that follows
rain.'
'They're not forbidden here, Ro. That's the trouble
with girls born in cities and surrounded by stone walls and marble, and
granite. You don't feel the earth any more. Why did you come here?'
'You know why,' said Rowena uneasily. 'Father wanted a
life in the mountains.'
'I know that's what you've always said - but I never
believed it. You're a terrible liar - your face goes red and you always look
away!'
'I . . . can't tell you. I made a promise.'
'Wonderful!' exclaimed Mari. 'I love mysteries. Is he
a criminal? He was a book-keeper, wasn't he? Did he steal some rich man's
money?'
'No! It was nothing to do with him. It was me! Don't
ask me any more. Please?'
'I thought we were friends,' said Mari. 'I thought we
could trust one another.'
'We can. Honestly!'
'I wouldn't tell anyone.'
'I know,' said Rowena sadly. 'But it would spoil our
friendship.'
'Nothing could do that. How long have you been here -
two seasons? Have we ever fought? Oh, come on, Ro. Where's the harm? You tell
me your secret and I'll tell you mine.'