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

seem to recall your delight fifteen years ago when you took the Silver Arrow from the hands of
Menion. He was as old as you are now when he stood against you in the final. And you beat him
finally only when it came to the distant targets. Could it be that his eyes were fading?'

Bison strolled over to where they stood. 'Going to be a great day,' he said, wiping crumbs from
his white moustache. 'The Ventrian sorcerer, Kalizkan, has promised a display no-one will ever
forget. I hope he conjures a dragon. I've always wanted to see a dragon.' The bald giant looked
from one man to the other. 'What is it? What am I missing here?'

'Nothing,' said Nogusta. 'We were just involved in a philosophical debate.'

'I hate those,' said Bison. 'I never understand a word. Glad I missed it. By the way I've entered
the wrestling. I hope you two will be cheering for me.'

Nogusta chuckled. Ts that big tribesman taking part this year?'

'Of course.'

'He must have thrown you ten feet last year. It was only luck that you landed head first, and
thereby avoided injury.'

Bison scowled. 'He caught me by surprise. I'll take him this year - if we're matched.'

'How many times have you entered this competition?' asked Kebra.

'I don't know. Almost every year. Thirty times, maybe.'

'You think you'll win this time?'

'Of course I'll win. I've never been stronger.'

Nogusta laid his hand on Bison's massive shoulder. 'It doesn't concern you that you've said the
same thing for

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more than thirty years? And yet you've never even reached the quarter-finals.'

'Why should it?' asked Bison. 'Anyway, I did reach the quarters once, didn't I? It was during the
Skathian campaign. I was beaten by Coris.' He grinned. 'You remember him? Big, blond fellow. Died
at the siege of Mellicane.'

'You are quite right,' said Nogusta. 'Coris was beaten in the semifinal. I remember losing money
on him.'

'I've never lost money on the king's birthday,' said Bison, happily. 'I always bet on you, Kebra.'
His smile faded and he swore. 'This will be the last year when you pay off all my winter debts.'

'Not this year, my friend,' said Kebra. 'I'm not entered.'