"Dark Elves - 01 - Taken" - читать интересную книгу автора (Mykles Jet)

the victims showing up neatly arranged toward the safer outskirts of the forest. Neatly
arranged so that it was sure no animal could have accomplished it. And the bones, from what
anyone could tell, were always those of the male victims. Female victims were never seen
nor heard from again. Rescue parties sent after those missing either never returned or
returned with wild stories of black phantoms and sinister magic.

But Gala had known Diana since childhood and had traveled with her as her only
companion for the past five springs. She was the untrained healer, the pickpocket, the
negotiator. While Diana was the fighter, the instigator, the lure. Together, theyТd managed to
get enough odd jobs to stay alive as they continually wandered.

The previous night, Diana had been cheated, her money stolen, and the culprit had
taken off in the morning -- while Diana was passed out cold -- with one of the mountain
caravans. It had taken Diana most of the day to recover from the thiefТs blow to her head, but
once sheТd recovered, her anger flared. And DianaТs anger, once sparked, did not die easily.

Diana hefted her bag, quiver, and unstrung bow and faced Gala across the tiny room
theyТd shared. УI know you donТt like this idea,Ф she said, visibly trying to rein in her anger.
УYou donТt have to go with me. I can be back by tomorrow night.Ф

Resolute, Gala shook her head. УWhere you go, I go. WeТve been through worse
before.Ф

Even angry, Diana had to smile. But it was brief. Then she was out the door.

* * * * *

The track was easy enough to follow. The thief, in fact, had been the one to tell them
what they now knew of the caravans that crossed the mountains. There were only two tracks
that any caravan would take, both wide enough to fit the typical merchantsТ wagons. The
High Road was actually faster, but more treacherous, as it went over one of the tall


mountains. The Low Road added weeks to a trek, but it was safer, even if it skirted the edges
of the Dark Forest throughout most of the journey.

УCamp is held on the road, as well,Ф Gala recalled the charming man telling them. УNo
oneТs allowed to step foot off the road.Ф

УWhy not?Ф Diana had asked, already intrigued by him.

УToo dangerous. Anyone who loses sight of the road never returns.Ф

Diana had laughed. УNever?Ф

Gala recalled the oddly serious look in the manТs sparkling blue eyes. УNever.Ф

Gala, for one, believed him.

Although the twisted oaks and soaring elms that lined the path were gorgeous, there