"Andre Norton - Witch World - Lore of the Witch World" - читать интересную книгу автора (Norton Andre)

as you.

"Think on that spider silk, girl. You held that rag that Ortis has. And
you can do mighty things, unless all those at Rannock are crazed in their
wits. Which I do not believe. This is a chance which a man may have
offered to him but once in a lifetime."

She heard the greed in his voice. Perhaps that greed would be her
protection. Vidruth would take good care to keep her safe. Just as he held
somewhere Sibbald Ortis for a like reason.

"Why did you take me so, if your intentions are good? If you heard my
words to the captain, you know I would have gone willingly."

He laughed. "Do you think those shore-side halflingmen would have let
you go? With three quarters of the Guardians dead, their own Wise
Woman laid also in her grave shaft, would they willingly have surrendered
to us even your small Talent? The whole land is hard pressed now for any
who hold even a scrap of the Power.

"No matter. They will welcome you back soon enough after you have
learned the secret of Usturt. If it then still be in your mind to go to them."

"But how do you know that in Usturt I shall work for you?"

"Because you will not want the captain to be given over to them. They
do not have a pleasant way with captives."

There was fear behind his words, a fear born of horror, which he fought
to control.

"Also, if you do not do as we wish we can merely sail and leave you on
Usturt for the rest of your life. No ship goes there willingly. A long life for
you perhaps, girl, alone with none of your own kindтАФthink of that."

He was silent for a moment before he added, "It is a bargain, girl, one
we swear to keep. You deal with the weavers, we take you back to
Rannock, or anywhere else you name. The captain, he can be set ashore
with you even. No more harm done. And a portion of the silk for your own.
Why, you can buy all of Rannock and make yourself a Keep lady!"

"There is one thingтАФ" She was remembering Wak. "I am not such a one
as any of your men can take at his will. Know you not what happens then
to any Talent I may possess?"

When Vidruth answered her there was a deep note of menace in his
voice, though it was not aimed at her.

"All men know well that the Talent departs from a woman who lies with
a man. None shall trouble you."