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

"You might show a bit more enthusiasm. This is all much better than you anticipated, isn't it?"

"Yes."

"Then what's wrong?"

"I'm suspicious."

"Of what?"

"Everything."

Princess closed her eyes, sighed, and changed the subject. "I hope you can finish your work here quickly.
That unfortunate woman and her baby need help."

"She'll have to be patient. I can do nothing until we're home and I have a chance to consult my books."

"Nothing at all?"

"She's quite safe where she is. The local witch hunters won't set foot on that road for a good long time."
"But that poor child...."

"My dear, the child is under a bog-fairy spell. They're tricky things, as you well know, and this is a very
precise one. I would not attempt to break it without thorough research. And even then, I'm not sure--"

A discreet tap at their door interrupted him. At the second tap, he opened it to find the chamberlain and
three nobles waiting. With a deep bow, the chamberlain said, "My honored wizards, King Durmuk
requests your attendance at an extraordinary meeting of the council."

"And when is this meeting?" Kedrigern asked.

"I am to take you there at once."

Kedrigern and Princess exchanged a quick glance. "Is Zendor under attack?"

"Not yet. An envoy from Grendoorn has come to discuss the worsening situation on the border. No
doubt it is a ruse. Grendoorn is a nest of savage criminals."

"And what are we expected to do?"

"His Majesty wishes you to observe the depth of iniquity of our enemies so you may be fully persuaded
of our peril."

"I see. I suppose that means dinner will be delayed," said Kedrigern.

The Chamberlain appeared shocked. "His Majesty will not permit his dinner to be ruined by the intrusion
of a thieving, lying bully representing a land of sub-human renegades. Dinner will be served as planned."

"Good. I dislike lengthy meetings," said Kedrigern, gesturing for the chamberlain to lead the way. He and