"Andre Norton - WW - Secrets 03 - The Warding of Witch World" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

curse-sung one of their great warriors. Yet never before had those shadow ones ventured out of what
they considered their own territory. They nested upon their stores of unknown knowledge with far fiercer
protection than the scholars of Lormt guarded their finds.

Alon was moving toward the vast gate of the castle. Eydryth, one arm about Trevor, her other
hand grasping her harp, was quick to follow. But already the others were coming up the castle rise, their
horses hard pressed. Kerovan played rearguard and Jervon had drawn sword readily, save that against
their foes steel was of little value.

Nevertheless they dismounted, sending the horses into the courtyard with sharp slaps on the
rumps. Then, as archers at the forefront of a coming battle, they formed a line.

Kerovan and Alon were shoulder to shoulder, flanked by their wives, then Hyana and Trevor.
Eydryth began to hum.

They ride to the Dragon Crest!

Eydryth was not surprised by that sudden flashing into her mind. The Lady Sylvya, who was
more than half of the Ancient Ones, might share their home, but also she still roamed the hills which had
been her joy in youth.

The fairness of the day had dimmed; clouds gathered. From the Kioga camp the din still
sounded. Alon gave the command:

"Wall!"
 Eydryth's voice swelled. Her fingers were swift on the harp strings. To her voice fit the chant that
Alon now uttered, one which was picked up by the others. Only Trevor remained silent, but he moved to
stand before the adept, head up and childhood's seeming vanished from his small face. Both hands rose
over his head, his fingers clutched as if he grabbed for something hanging here. Then he hurled the
invisible.

They have with them a captive. Sylvya's mind-words thinned as if between them had arisen a
barrier. Firdun! He is mind-bound!

Eydryth's voice faltered, Trevor's hands shook, their chanting died away. Alon's features were as
set as if graven on the image of one of the High Ancients. He made a slight gesture and they moved a little
away from him.

Power -- Eydryth could feel it gathering --

Then-

She was hurtled to the pavement, her harp under her bruising her arm, Trevor screaming and
clawing at her. The raw chaos which struck at that moment was like no torment she had ever tried to face
before. She saw Joison wilt and go down, dragging Kerovan with her.

Alon staggered back, both hands to his head, his features twisted as if he stood in full torture.

Would this continue forever? If so, Eydryth did not believe that any who cowered there could
live through it.