"Mercedes Lackey & Josepha Shennan - Castle of Deception" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lackey Mercedes)

eyed face suddenly alert. "So it was your Summons, old
man!" he yelled back. "You're still alive and kicking, I
see!"

Kevin gasped, but his Master only laughed. "And
you're still the same disrespectful soul as ever! Come
up here, if you would."

Berak brought his whole troop with him, twenty
men and women and their offspring, all with sharp,
suntanned faces and bright, wild eyes. Chattering and

CATTLE OF DECEPTION 11

laughing, they filled the small room almost to overflow,
their gaudy clothing making it look even shabbier than
it was.

Berak held up a hand for silence, "What would you,
old Bard?" he asked, making the man a fantastic bow.

The Bard didn't seem at all disturbed by the curious
stares. "A favor, Berak, if you would. My apprentice here,
young Kevin, needs to travel to Count Volmar's castleтАФ "

"A far way for such a child," a woman murmured,
and Kevin gave her an indignant glare.

"Exactly," his Master said. "I doubt you restless but-
terflies will be staying here longer than one night."

"NotinAis dull town!"

"Then since your route seems to be taking you along
the North Road anyhow, if you might happen to see
your way to the count's castle, and take Kevin with you
when you go... ?"

For a moment, the Bard's eyes met Berak's fierce
green gaze.

Almost, Kevin thought in sudden confusion, as though
they're exchanging secret information.

But in the next moment Berak laughed and bowed
another of his intricate bows, and Kevin told himself
not to be ridiculous. The man was nothing more than a
common minstrel.

"Of course, old man," Berak said. "Kevin, bardling,