"04.Bloodlines" - читать интересную книгу автора (McGough Scott)

the benefit of the doubt, especially since his track record
had improved since coming back to Tolaria after the last major
disaster, but benefit of the doubt was one thing, careless
blind faith was another. The master mage was feeling a bit
unnerved by the sight of the deeply focused Urza. As he
approached the lectern, Barrin recognized in the 'walker's
intense stare and disconnected manner that same fanatical
drive that motivated and created the last set of cataclysmic
events. He knew that Urza was again obsessing on his personal
crusade: Phyrexia.
Those creatures had once been the ancient Dominarian race
of the Thran-who at the height of their achievements had
mastered a level of artifice unknown to anyone since-save
perhaps Urza himself. Then some kind of war tore the Thran
from their advanced ways and sent them hurtling down a darker
path toward wicked corruption. They were forced to leave
Dominaria for an artificially created plane-nine spheres
nested inside one another turning blacker and more torturous
the closer they get to the center-and after a time they
emerged from their exile as the twisted, hideous abominations
that have plagued Urza for millennia. For the loss of his
brother, for the death of his one-time traveling companion
Xantcha, for replacing that which was human with corrupted
artifice the realm of Phyrexia had earned its place as Urza's
enemy, one planeswalker against nine nested spheres of
malignant, venomous force. His vendetta had nearly cost him
his life-existence rather-several times over. So far, others
had paid that price for him.
Though obsession was doubly dangerous in a being so
powerful, Barrin could understand Urza's pain and nearly
forgive the planeswalker his costly mistakes. Barrin believed
in Urza's war on Phyrexia, believed that they would return to
Dominaria (had seen them with his own eyes), and that without
Urza and the efforts of the Tolarian Academy there would be
little in the way of stopping them. For that reason Barrin had
helped create the
Weatherlight, the skyship that would presumably be the
ultimate weapon against the day of invasion. Barrin always
doubted the veracity of such an assertion, but Urza had stood
adamant-convinced.
If this weapon was capable of defending Dominaria from
invasion, why was Urza again demonstrating the distracted
intensity which Barrin had learned to recognize and fear?
Karn noticed the mage's approach first, his deep-set eyes
widening with recognition. The silver golem certainly would
have spoken a greeting if Barrin had not been prepared and
spoke first. Seldom it was that Barrin could take Urza by
surprise, and usually he learned something from it-never too
old to be a student.
"I had not heard of your return, Urza. Welcome back."