"Tamora Pierce - Protector Of The Small 3 - Squire" - читать интересную книгу автора (Pierce Tamora)

Tamora Pierce

Protector of the Small 03
Squire
"My lord only took you, because he felt sorry for you."
When Keladry of Mindelan is chosen by the legendary Lord Raoul to be his squire, the conservatives of the realm
hardly think she's up to the job. But Kel quickly proves her mettle as a jouster, warrior, and guardian of a fiery
griffin, earning respect and admiration among the men, not to mention the affection of a fellow squire. As she deals
with the challenges of a new romance and a life in the royal guard, Kel also prepares for the infamous "Ordeal", the
last challenge that stands between her and her dream of knighthoodтАж

ISBN 0-679-88916-7
Copyright ┬й 2001 by Tamora Pierce.



This e-book is not for sale!!!
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My most heartfelt thanks for this goes to my wonderful editrix, Mallory Loehr, who gave me another
hundred pages in which to tell the story - my brain might have melted down without them, because I
could think of nothing to cut. Thus, indirect thanks are due to British author J. K. Rowling (nope, don't
know her personally), whose wild success with the Harry Potter books has convinced American
publishers that perhaps their authors could manage to sell longer books too.
My gratitude goes to Alicia Craig-Lich, manager of the National Audubon Society Important Bird
Area in Indiana and Senior Manager of Nature Education, Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. for her quick
assistance with information on sparrow biology. She and the other folks at Wild Birds Unlimited online
(www.wbu.com) are a tremendous resource for those who want to know more about birds.
Thanks also to my continual support team: my parents, forever answering crazed garden information
questions without once suggesting that I need my head examined; my agent, Craig Tenney, who has a
delicate touch for what works and what doesn't; Raquel Starace, for horse breeds, riding, and monster
creation advice; Richard McCaffery Robinson, for his many instructive thoughts on the nature of royal
progresses; and my very own Spouse-Creature, Tim Liebe, who had his hands full with me this time, and
offered many sage thoughts on the nature of romance, ordeals, and training relationships.
To Iris Mori and her family, arigato goziemashita for Japanese names and weapons feedback -
errors here are strictly mine.
Finally, I express a debt to Crown, Freckle, Peg, and the house sparrows of Riverside Park in New
York City, who have taught me that big hearts and large courage can be found in the smallest of
creatures; to Pidge the dove, who taught me that whoever said doves are birds of peace had never been
anywhere near one; and to Shortstop the crow, who taught me in a short time the pains and joys of
caring for a wild bird.
 To Ms. Gloria Barbizan and Ms. Dorothy Olding
- strong businesswomen long before women's liberation
one

KNIGHT-MASTER

Despite the overflow of humanity present for the congress at the royal palace, the hall where Keladry
of Mindelan walked was deserted. There were no servants to be seen. No echo of the footsteps,
laughter, or talk that filled the sprawling residence sounded here, only Kel's steps and the click of her