"Morressy, John - NestEgg" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morressy John)

JOHN MORRESSY

NEST EGG

Unlike certain other mythical creatures, the griffin has never gained acceptance
as a suitable domestic companion.

A dragon raised from the egg can be very useful around the house, especially for
lighting a fire quickly on chilly mornings. The only drawback to a dragon, aside
from size, is the risk of a cough or sneeze setting off an unintended
conflagration. But preventive measures can be taken. Early removal of the
fire-breathing organs (a painless alteration if done in the creature's first
half-century) renders a dragon not only safe but sleek, docile, and
affectionate. According to experts on the subject, the procedure also improves
general health and extends the life span. Altered dragons are said to be
especially good with children.

A troll, if taken young and raised within a caring family group, can be an
invaluable help, particularly in the kitchen. Close supervision is required
until it learns to follow recipes exactly, but a properly trained troll is fit
to serve as chef to a king.

Even a unicorn, though high-strung and picky about living conditions, can be a
pleasing and useful home companion. Unicorns require constant attention and firm
handling, but they are clean, attractive creatures and discourage lions from
hanging about.

A griffin is something else entirely. For one thing, a griffin is very big. It
is also very noisy. It has few social graces and makes no effort to acquire any.
Its disposition is unpredictable, its strength awesome, its anger terrible. Even
the spelling of its name can lead to controversy: disputes are frequent among
those who spell it griffin, griffon, and gryphon. Granted, a griffin will keep a
home free of rats and mice; but its appetite is not satisfied by small
creatures. It considers a dog or cat an appetizer, and a pony a light but
satisfying supper. A pair of well-fed Belgians seventeen hands high would be no
more than a filling meal. People of sense and good judgment do not attempt to
domesticate a griffin. They keep their dealings with griffins to a minimum when
they are unable to avoid them altogether.

Thus Kedrigern's surprise at the content of an urgent communique from an old
client. He unfurled the scroll with interest. The message was gorgeously
rubricated, formal in style and diction, but the intent was plain and
unmistakable.

To the justly famed and powerful wizard Kedrigern, master of counterspells and
disenchantments, from his friend and comrade Tyasan, Lord of the Misty Marshes.

Whereas Cecil, our cherished household griffin, has not eaten in three weeks,