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

Urza had disappeared six months ago, after helping to
settle the refugees from Serra's Realm across Dominaria and
returning only once with a handful of new students and three
new scholars, including Rayne.
Urza did not bother to turn around. He simply reformed the
patterns of energy which made up his body so that suddenly he
faced Barrin. He was obviously too preoccupied for the more
subtle nuances which gave the illusion of his still being of
normal mortal flesh.
"Barrin," he greeted neutrally, "I expected you back three
days ago."
How are you? How was your leave? Such courtesies were left
as far behind the planeswalker as normal life.
"My chances for time away from the academy come seldom.
We-I decided to take a few extra days at Angel-wood. It's not
difficult to lose track of time on Tolaria."
The planeswalker did not even bother to feign chagrin at
the reference to the island's temporally-shattered areas where
time flowed at different speeds, by-products of the
catastrophic failure of Urza's earlier experiments with time
travel. Angelwood was a moderate slow-time environment where
the enhanced sunlight and frequent but gentle rains created a
paradise of lakes and shaded glades. It was a favorite among
academy staff for sabbaticals, though the time differential
worked against those desiring an extended term away from work.
Meeting Rayne during his vacation had seemed to shorten it
even more, the time passing so quickly in conversation and
shared meals.
She was a rarity in many ways, not the least of which
being that she was one of perhaps a few dozen adult scholars
ever admitted to Tolaria. Phyrexians planted sleeper agents
all over Dominaria but always as adults- never children.
Security at the academy usually demanded that new students be
admitted when they were in their young teens. Senior students
were promoted to tutors, and then they could advance to
scholars and eventually might serve as chancellor, one of the
eight academy administrators. Rayne's natural talent for
artifice had won her admission and instant status as a tutor.
Four months later Barrin had signed papers promoting her to
full scholar, but it wasn't until their chance meeting at
Angelwood that the mage had truly learned to appreciate her.
She had long black hair that accented her delicate features,
and she possessed an impressive mind and commanded a strong
yet subtle presence. Barrin couldn't explain such feelings to
the planeswalker. Urza, Barrin doubted, would not understand.
Caught up in his obsession, the 'walker barely recognized the
civilities of friendship.
Not so Karn.
"It is good to see you again, Master Barrin," the silver
golem rumbled out of his cavernous chest, putting an end to