"Christopher Rowley - Bazil 01 - Bazil Broketail" - читать интересную книгу автора (Rowley Christopher)

Bazil Broketail by
Christopher Rowley
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CHAPTER ONE

High and clear the clarions sounded the silvery cry of Fundament Day
from the Tower of Guard of the city of Marneri. The old year was ended,
winter was begun, soon there would be flakes of snow upon the air.

Already there was a chill in the wind at night that sent children indoors
early, while mothers put more logs on the fires; but for now it was time for
the greatest festival of the year. The harvest was in, the sun still held
warmth; it was a day to mark the passing of the old and the beginning of
the new.

Throughout the Empire of the Rose, from the Isles of Cunfshon to the
western marches of Kenor, the people were as one on Fundament Day.

In the city of Marneri, sited at the head of the Long Sound, there was
an additional significance to Fundament Day. The Greatspells were
renewed, in solemn majesty, replenishing the strength of the city walls for
another year. Drums and the sharp reports of firecrackers urged the folk
out of their houses and through the massive North Gate to the Green Field
beyond the city walls.

Today! sang the horns, today is the day of the Greatspell and every able
witch must come. To make the walls stand tall, the height of fifteen men,
with the power to resist all known assaults. To make the turrets firm and
adamant! To give the gate spirits, Osver, Yepero, Afo and Ilim, their
strength to resist the magic of the enemy.

From the corner towers floated the brightly colored banners of the high
families of the Guard. Small balloons flew, carousels twirled upon the
green. Folk in colorful silks danced the ancient steps of the Fundament
dances.

The crowds were filled with people wearing blue and red Marneri caps.
The men wore white wool shirts called тАЬcopa,тАЭ and thick winter leggings of
black and brown. Most of the women wore traditional cream-colored linen
dresses, with the red sash of the Sisterhood.

By the tenth hour of the day the city was almost empty. The sound of
the distant fireworks and horns and drums became muffled echoes around
the stone-flagged courtyards behind the mighty Tower of Guard.

In the Stables of the Guard, where sixty horses made quiet chuffing