"Andre Norton - Huon of the Horn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

KingтАФwere much astounded at such a coming but
Huon went boldly to the foot of the throne and
cried aloud so that all fell silent to hear him:

"Is this the justice of King Charlemagne?"

The pride of his bearing was such that anger
arose in the King's throat for no man had so
fronted him since the days of his youth. And he
would have made swift return to such insolence
but he was minded to know the wherefore of this
strange entrance. So he made reply in more mod-
erate voice than those of his following expected
to hear, saying:

"How now, stripling. Why comest thou hither
in such clamor demanding to know of our justice?
Who are you and who is this youth you bear on
a litter?"

"Know you, Lord King," returned Huon, still
proud of bearing, "I am that Huon of Bordeaux,
son of Duke Sevin, whom you by royal decree did
summon to you. And this be my brother Gerard
who lies here sore stricken because, though wear-


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ing no sword or armor, he was set upon most foully
by a full armored knight.

^ "Was it by your pleasure that we were so way-
laid and attacked? If it wasтАФlook you now upon
your handiwork and rejoice, noble King!"

Quickly Huon stooped and tore away the cloak
which was wrapped about Gerard so that all might
see the stained linen about his wound and how
the rising blood made it like unto a corselet of
ruby.

Then did Huon draw his sword and set it before
him. And the torches and cresslights picked out
the shining steel save where the blood of Chariot,
now dried, dimmed the gleam.

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