"David Gemmell - Winter Warriors" - читать интересную книгу автора (Gemmel David)

breastplate.

42-

'The king's law is just,' said Malikada, raising his left arm and clicking his fingers. Antikas
stepped forward, drew his sword and spun it in the sunlight. 'Which of your . . . former . . .
officers will face Antikas Karios? I understand your aide, Dagorian, is considered something of a
swordsman.'

'Indeed he is,' said Banelion. Dagorian felt fear rip into him. He was no match for the Ventrian.
He swallowed down the bile rising in his throat, and fought to keep his emotions from his face.
Glancing up he saw Antikas Karios staring at him. There was no hint of a sneer, or mockery of any
kind. The man simply stared. Somehow it made Dagorian feel even worse. Rising from his seat
Banelion gestured for Nogusta to come forward. The black man approached the dais, saluted, then
bowed. 'Will you defend the honour of your comrade?' asked the White Wolf.

'But of course, my general.'

Dagorian's relief was intense, and he reddened as he saw a slight smile appear on the face of the
Ventrian swordsman.

'This is not seemly,' said Malikada, smoothly. 'A common soldier to face the finest swordsman
alive? And a black savage to boot? I think not.' He turned to a second Ventrian officer, a tall
man with a long golden beard, crimped into horizontal waves. 'Cerez, will you show us your
skills?'

The man bowed. Wider in the shoulder than the whip lean Antikas, Cerez had the same economy of
movement and catlike grace found in all swordsmen. Malikada looked up at Banelion. 'With your
permission, General, this student of Antikas Karios will take his place.'

'As you wish,' said Banelion.

Nogusta stepped forward. 'Do you wish me to kill the

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man, or merely disarm him, General?'

'Kill him,' said Banelion. 'And do it swiftly. My breakfast is waiting.'

Both men removed their armour and upper clothing and strode out bare-chested into the centre of
the barracks ground. Nogusta lifted his sword in salute. Cerez attacked immediately, sending out a
lightning thrust. Nogusta parried it with ease. 'That was discourteous,' whispered Nogusta, 'but I
will still kill you cleanly.'

Their blades clashed as Cerez charged forward, his curved sword flashing with bewildering speed.
But every thrust or cut was parried by the black man. Cerez dropped back. Dagorian watched the
contest closely. The Ventrian was younger by thirty years, and he was fast. But there was not an
ounce of fat on Nogusta's powerful frame, and his vast experience enabled him to read his
opponent's moves. Dagorian flicked a glance at Antikas Karios. The champion's dark, hooded eyes