"Silistra - 02 - The Golden Sword" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morris Janet E)

others could not hear. He leaned over me, his hand once again on my forehead. I
felt strength pour into me through his palm, the heat of it burning. He had the
healerТs touch, and I wondered what other touches he had, what he meant by his
obscure comment as his hands did his work.
УPut her up before you. I would not overly tire Saer. If we leave now, we will
make Wiyuta jer by sunТs rising. There we will raise apprei,Ф Chayin said. He
got to his feet and strode to the dozing threx, huddled together, heads
drooping. The men were up and moving, hurriedly reclaiming their bladders and
meat. None spoke as they worked. I thought it strange that so many men were so
quiet. It is not that way among the Slayers.
Had picked me up and carried me to the threx, where he sat me astride a large
black and swung up behind me. I would not ride, this time, upon my stomach, with
my face in the dirt. He reached around me and drew up the reins. ChayinТs threx
was already started, a cloud of dust marking his trail. Hael kicked the black
into a run. Its gait was easier than the cahndorТs mount, but with my hands
bound behind me I had no way to keep my balance, and was glad of HaelТs arms
around me on the reins. The threxТs bristled neck snaked low as he hit his
stride, and I could see the pointed ears flicking back and forth as he picked
his way at breakneck speed across the treacherous ground. Foam sprayed up,
rising on the wind from his frothing mouth. Hael gave him more rein.
When the black threx was so close to ChayinТs dapple that each bristle of its
tail was distinct from the others, Hael reined him up, content to follow. The
ShaperТs seal sparked in the moonlight like some festival firestick before us in
the night.
УHow did you come by that cloak?Ф Hael asked in my ear. His beard itched my
neck, his matted chest hair my back as I leaned against him.
УIt was a gift from my father, when I entered the desert.Ф I turned my mouth to
his ear, that the wind would not snatch my words away.
УAnd what did you seek here?Ф
УA way home, to Astria. And a man of Arlet. And a Day-Keeper.Ф
УWhat father,Ф said he, Уwould allow his, daughнter to seek where she cannot
find? The home you will see will not be Astria. Except among the crells, there
are none of Arlet with us. There are few enough in Arlet. But a Day-Keeper, now,
that is another thing. If you sought one, then you have found one.Ф His arms
tightened about my waist as the threx swerved to avoid some obstacle, then
veered back behind the cahndorТs mount.
I had thought as much. The way he had spoken to Chayin, the concern he had shown
for me, his healing skills, all marked him. And he had the cryptic tongue of his
kind.
УIt is a certain Day-Keeper I seek, one for whom I have a message.Ф
УAlthough there is little exchange between us and our past-brothers, the times
have pushed us closer. I could deliver such a message.Ф
УFor a crell?Ф I asked bitterly.
УThat cloak marks you. Chayin is ignorant by choice of what does not please him.
He will learn. One does not instruct the cahndor. There is little enough I can
do for you. You should accept my offer.Ф
УTo Vedrev of Arlet, then, take this message. I am Estri, returned from
discharging the chaldra of the mother. I had success in that, and it should be
so written. Say also that Sereth crill TyrisТ actions on my behalf were above
reproach.Ф