"Mercedes Lackey - Valdemar Anthology - Sun in Glory" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lackey Mercedes)

stream was named Master Thomas' stream, which was just as important, as without water there could be
no village. I was happy, and the arrangement with the cats worked out well, with Proouw and I meeting
like ambassadors, and the pack chasing mrran in our direction to keep in our flock. I had a feeling that
the village would last for a long time, two thousand years...or maybe more.


THE CAT WHO CAME TO DINNER
Nancy Asire
Nancy Asire is the author of four novels, Twilight's Kingdom, Tears of Time, To Fall Like Stars,
and Wizard's Spawn. She also has written short stories for the series anthologies Heroes in Hell and
Merovingen Nights, and a short story for Mercedes Lackey's Flights of Fantasy. She has lived in
Africa and traveled the world, but now resides in Missouri with her cats and two vintage Corvairs.
The last rays of the setting sun struck the multiple small circular windows of the chapel,
fracturing the light into a myriad sparks dancing on the warm wooden walls and on the altar.
Reulan stood for a long moment caught in the glittering manifestation of the GodтАЩs greatest
gift to mankind-light. Several village women had finished their task of caring for the interior
of the sanctuary only a candlemark ago, and the pungent scent of wood polish filled the
chapel.
Reulan held a taper in both hands as he stood facing the altar of Vkandis Sunlord.
Where in colder weather a fire burned on the altar, summertime warmth dictated a profusion
of red flowers. Reulan briefly bowed his head in contemplation-Vkandis, source of all
comfort, light and warmth, protector and sustainer of mankind.
The light faded fractionally. Reulan stepped close to the altar and, as the chapel grew
dim with the setting of the sun, he lit the large, thick candle that stood at the center of the
altar. Darkness should never touch the chapel, with some form of light needed at all times to
honor the Sunlord.
Flickering shadows danced on the chimney-altar, then steadied as the candleflame
stabilized. The gold image of Vkandis on the chimney glittered in that candlelight, the
features of the image inscrutable but hinting of both power and love. Reulan bowed his head
again in homage to the God, made the sign of the Holy Disk, and left the chapel through the
door to one side of the altar.
Only a step lay between the chapel and ReulanтАЩs room, but the distance might as well
have been leagues. Closing the door, he removed the heavy gold chain of sun-priest and
then his vestments, standing clad in simple black robes. He sighed quietly, standing silent
for a few long breaths, mentally moving from his attitude of worship into the mundane world.
With the Night Candle lit, the chapel secure until the rising sun celebration, he could now turn
to supper.
The height of summer was nearly on the village of Sweetwater. Two windows and a
door stood open to catch the breeze. Just enough light lingered for Reulan to strike flame to
the candles on the table, dresser, kitchen cupboard and the smaller table that stood beside
his narrow cot. He gathered up the greens he had picked from his garden, added them to
the plate where his sausage sat next to a roasted potato, and filled a cup with water from the
village well-water so pure and sweet it had given this village its name. Sitting down at the
table, he blessed the food he was about to eat, and looked up.
A pair of eyes looked back, the candlelight flaming in their depths like golden fire.
тАЬVkandis preserve me!тАЭ he murmured, starting at the sight. It was a cat, a very large
and furry cat, sitting in the chair opposite as if specifically invited to dinner. тАЬWhere in the
GodтАЩs green earth did you come from?тАЭ
The cat, as was typical of all members of the species, gazed back expressionless as a
statue. Having recovered from his surprise, Reulan examined the cat closely. Large was a