"John Morressy - The Protectors of Zendor" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morressy John)

"I hear only the wail of a hungry child."

"Fascinating," said the wizard. "That's an elegant bit of spelling. You don't see many like that these days."

"Don't applaud, do something," Princess said sharply.

"I will, my dear. But for something like this, I'll need the full resources of my library." To the woman, he
said, "Will you be safe with your sister for ten days or so?"

She assured them that she would, and gave them directions to the place. From her description, they
recognized a farmstead they had passed earlier that day.

"You say they have a farm. What about their livestock?"

"The spell does not affect animals. And I will live deep in the forest behind the house."

"Very well, then. Await us there. We'll bring you to our cottage."
"But Master, there's an awful creature back there. I heard its growl, and its terrible tread."

Kedrigern gave her a reassuring smile. "Only a small spell to send the mob scurrying for home. You're
perfectly safe. Just wait for us, and then I'll see what I can do about a counterspell."

"That's his specialty," Princess said. "He's very good."

"Master, I'm a poor penniless woman. I can never--"

"Not a problem. This one is on Durmuk the Benign."
****
They reached Zendor without further incident, and found Durmuk's second cousin, the Chamberlain,
waiting at the gates with an honor guard. By that afternoon they were settled in a large, comfortably
furnished suite in the palace. A fire blazed in the fireplace, the floor was strewn with fresh rushes, the
bedclothes scented with lavender. Servants brought warm water for bathing, and took their traveling
garments to be brushed and aired.

"A very gracious reception, don't you agree?" said Princess when the servants and attendants had left
them.

"Yes."

"These are lovely chambers."

"Yes."

"Marvelous view of the royal gardens."

A nod.

"And the feast tonight is in our honor."

A grunt.