"Robert Jordan - Wheel of Time 11 - Knife of Dreams" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jordan Robert)

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УHe likes to strike at the arms and legs,Ф he said in a low voice,
casting glances over his shoulder at Valda. From the way he glared, some
matter stood between them. Of course, that scowl differed little from
his normal expression. УHe likes to bleed an opponent until the man
canТt take a step or raise his sword before he moves for the kill. HeТs
quicker than a viper, too, but heТll strike at your left most often and
expect it from you.Ф

Galad nodded. Many right-handed men found it easier to strike so, but it
seemed an odd weakness in a blademaster. Gareth Bryne and Henre Haslin
had made him practice alternating which hand was uppermost on the hilt
so he would not fall into that. Strange that Valda wanted to prolong a
fight, too. He himself had been taught to end matters as quickly and
cleanly as possible.

УMy thanks,Ф he said, and the hollow-cheeked man made a dour grimace.
Byar was far from likable, and he himself seemed to like no one save
young Bornhald. Of the three, his presence was the biggest surprise, but
he was there, and that counted in his favor.

Standing in the middle of the courtyard in his gold-worked white coat
with his fists on his hips, Valda turned in a tight circle. УEveryone
move back against the walls,Ф he commanded loudly. Horseshoes rang on
the paving stones as the Children and the grooms obeyed. Asunawa and his
Questioners snatched their animalsТ reins, the High Inquisitor wearing a
face of cold fury. УKeep the middle clear. Young Damodred and I will
meet hereЧФ

УForgive me, my Lord Captain Commander,Ф Trom said with a slight bow,
Уbut since you are a participant in the Trial, you cannot be Arbiter.
Aside from the High Inquisitor, who by law may not take part, I hold the
highest rank here after you, so with your permissionЕ?Ф Valda glared at
him, then stalked over to stand beside Kashgar, arms folded across his
chest. Ostentatiously he tapped his foot, impatient for matters to proceed.

Galad sighed. If the day went against him, as seemed all but certain,
his friend would have the most powerful man in the Children as his
enemy. Likely Trom would have had in any event, but more so now. УKeep
an eye on them,Ф he told Bornhald, nodding toward the Questioners
clustered on their horses near the gate. AsunawaТs underlings still
ringed him like bodyguards, every man with a hand on his sword hilt.

УWhy? Even Asunawa canТt interfere now. That would be against the law.Ф

It was very hard not to sigh again. Young Dain had been a Child far
longer than he, and his father had served his entire life, but the man
seemed to know less of the Children than he himself had learned. To
Questioners, the law was what they said it was. УJust watch them.Ф