"Mercedes Lackey - Obsidian 02 - To Light A Candle" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lackey Mercedes)

He glanced at Shalkan.

"I'm with you," the unicorn said.

"And I," Jermayan said firmly.

"We won't stay where all of us aren't wanted," Kellen said, locking eyes with Andoreniel. "Without
Vestakia's help, the Barrier would still be standing. She's the one who found it for us. She - and
Jermayan, and Shalkan - protected me while I destroyed it. No matter what she looks like, she isn't
one of Them. She's as human as I am. So - "

"There's a simple way to solve all of this."

Idalia stepped forward, into the open space between the new arrivals and the Elves of
Sentarshadeen.

"If you won't take the word of an Elven Knight, a unicorn, and a... Knight-Mage... for the fact that
Vestakia bears no Taint, it would be good to hear that my word will suffice. There are simple tests I
can perform, right here in the Flower Forest, to determine beyond a shadow of a doubt whether
she can bring any harm to Sentarshadeen - if you will trust me and accept my judgment in this
matter," Idalia announced matter-of-factly.

Kellen felt a wave of relief wash over him, and saw the tension ease in Andoreniel's face as well.

"Of course we will trust you, Idalia," Andoreniel said, bowing slightly. "We are in your debt."
Andoreniel might feel that way, but Kellen doubted everyone there shared his feelings. Elven
expressions were notoriously difficult for mere humans to decipher, but the tension in the pavilion
was thick enough to cut with a sword.

"Kellen?" Idalia went on, turning to Kellen and Jermayan. "Will you abide by my judgment as well?"

Though Kellen was the one she asked - for the sake of politeness - the question included both of
them, and it was Jermayan who answered first.

"I have no doubt of what you will find, Wildmage," Jermayan said austerely.

"Well, I, uh... yeah," Kellen said. He knew Idalia wouldn't lie, and he knew Vestakia wasn't
Demon-tainted. So how could she be a danger to Sentarshadeen?

"Go with her, child," Jermayan said softly to Vestakia. "She will do you no harm."

THIS was not the grand reunion she had envisioned between herself and Jermayan, Idalia thought
with a flash of irritation, as she settled her hat more firmly upon her head and led Vestakia out of
the pavilion and into the rain once more.

Trust Kellen to manage to work a few surprises into a simple homecoming - and to come home a
Knight-Mage, as well!

He was thinner than he'd been when he'd left. There were shadows and hollows in his face that