"Brian Jacques - Redwall 06 - Martin The Warrior" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jacques Brian)

In a trice the mouse was set upon by the nearest six guards. He disappeared
beneath a jumble of ferrets, weasels and rats as they pounded him mercilessly,
stamping upon his paws and breaking his hold on the whip. They continued
relentlessly beating him with spearhandles, rods and whips until Badrang
intervened.

"That's enough. Bring him to me!"
His paws pinioned by whips and a spear handle pulled hard across his throat,
the young mouse was dragged struggling and kicking into the stoat Lord's
presence.

Badrang drew his sword and pressed the point against the young one's heaving
chest. Leaning forward, he hissed into the captive's face, "You know the
penalty is death for attacking one of my horde. I could run you through with
my sword right now and snuff out your life. What d'you say to that, mouse?"

The strong young mouse's eyes burned into the Tyrant's face like twin flames
as he gritted out, "Scum! That sword is not yours, it belongs to me as it
belonged to my father!"

Badrang withdrew the swordpoint. He sat back, shaking his head slowly in
amazement at the boldness of the creature in front of him.

"Well well, you're not short of nerve, mouse. What's

your name?"

The answer was loud and fearless.

"I am called Martin, son of Luke the Warrior!"

"See the roving river run

Over hill and dale

To a secret forest place,

O my heart, Noonvale.

Look for me at dawning

When the sun's reborn

In the silent beauty

Twixt the night and morn.

Wait till the lark ascends

And skies are blue.