"03 - Legacy of the Sword" - читать интересную книгу автора (Roberson Jennifer)

unlocked his teeth, took his hand away from his knife and
ignored the roiling of his belly.

He managed, somehow, to speak quietly to the Homanan
who confronted him. "Shame's qu'mahlin is ended. We
Cheysuli are no longer hunted. I have tile freedom to come
and go as I choose."

"Not hereV The man, dressed in good gray wool but
wearing no power or rank markings, shook his dark brown
head. "/ say you had better go."

"Who are you to say so?" Donal demanded icily. "Have
you usurped the Mujhar's place in Homana to dictate my
comings and goings?"

"I dictate where 1 will, when it concerns you shapechangers."
The Homanan leaned forward in his saddle. One hand gripped
me chestnut's reins to hold DonaTs horse in place. "Do you
hear me? Leave this place. Hondarth is not for such as you."

LгGACY OF THE SWORD

15

Their knees still touched. Through the contact, slight though
it was, Donal sensed the man's tension; sensed what drove
the other to such a rash action.

He is afraid. He does not do this out of a sense of justice
gone awry. or any personal vendettaЧhe is simply afraid.

Frightened, men will do anything. It was Taj, circling in
seeming idleness above the crowded square. Lir, be gentle
with him.

After what he has said to me?

Has it damaged you?

Looking into brown, malignant eyes, Donal knew the other
would not back down. He could not. Homanan pride was not
Cheysuli pride, but it was still a powerful force. Before so
many peopleЧbefore so many Homanans and facing a dreaded
CheysuliЧthe man would never give in.

But if I back down, I will lose more than just my pride. It
will make it that much more difficult for any warrior who
comes into Hondarth.