"Fiona McIntosh - The Quickening - 03 - Bridge of Souls" - читать интересную книгу автора (McIntosh Fiona)

Full consciousness sifted through his shattered nerves and Fynch became aware of a pressing warmth at
his side. Having sensed he was alert again, the source of warmth moved and growled.

тАЬKnave,тАЭ Fynch croaked through a parched throat.

Never far, a voice replied in his head. The unexpected sound made him flinch.

The boy turned toward the great black dog. тАЬDid you speak to me?тАЭ he asked, tears welling. тАЬCan I
finally hear you?тАЭ

Depthless eyes regarded him and again he heard KnaveтАЩs reply in his mind. I did. You can.
The friendly voiceтАФone he had never thought to hearтАФwas too overwhelming. Fynch managed to
command his reluctant arms to obey him. Slowly, painfully, he wrapped them around the big animalтАЩs
neck and wept deeply and without shame.

Elysius? Fynch asked after a long time, testing his newly acquired power.

The dogтАЩs response was instant. Dead. It was quick. And he was glad to go.

Where is his body?

Everywhere. He became dust. The massive transfer of power disintegrated his physical being and
then dispersed him.

Did he say anything beforeтАжbefore he passed on?

That you are the bravest of souls. He agonized that he might be wrong to force this burden upon
you, the dog admitted. He regretted the pain you would experience and the journey ahead, but he
believed there is no one else who can walk the path but you. The dog leaned closer and spoke very
gently. In this I know he is right.

Fynch pulled away from his friend, eyes still wet. There was so much yet to learn. Knave, I donтАЩt know
how to use this power. I have noтАФ

Hush, the dog soothed. That is why I am here.

The boy took the beastтАЩs huge head between his tiny hands. Who are you?

I am your guide. You must trust me.

I do.

The dog said no more, but Fynch sensed that he was glad, even relieved.

But there is something I must know, he went on, his tone almost begging.

Ask it. KnaveтАЩs mental voice was so deep that Fynch suspected that if the dog could speak aloud, he,
Fynch, would feel the sound rumble through his own tiny chest.

Who is your true master? Where do you belong?