"Springer, Nancy - Book Of The Isle 2 - Silver Sun" - читать интересную книгу автора (Springer Nancy)

then wandered through the forest glade. It was late spring;

6 THE SILVER SUN

the trees were covered with bright leaf, and the grass spar-
kled like the water. Hal and Alan lay down and basked
in the sun. The warmth baked much of the stiffness from
Alan's wounds, and he stirred contentedly.

Hal spoke lazily. "I dare say we shall be having com-
pany soon."

"Company?" Alan was almost asleep.

The outlaws that control this part of the Forest."

"Outlaws?" Alan was startled awake.

"From what I hear they are decent folk, though rough
in ways. ..." A bird whistled from within the Forest.
"There they are now. Let me speak for us."

Alan nodded, his mouth dry. Then he froze in con-
sternation as Hal whistled an answering birdlike call.
For a moment the Forest stood in shocked silence. Then
came a sharp spoken command, and from the brush
stepped eight men, from as many directions, each with
drawn bow. Their leader, a tall man whose deerskin cap
could not entirely hide his flaming red hair, strode for-
ward.

"Get up," he ordered sharply.

Hal arose, keeping his hands in plain sight. "We are
unarmed," he said.

"And ye," the outlaw snapped menacingly at Alan.

"My companion is injuredl" Hal protested. Alan strug-
gled to his feet, wincing as a wound tore open. Bright
blood stained his tunic. Hal turned to help him, and he
hotly reprimanded the outlaw.

"Ket the Red, I expected better from youl Did I not
give you the signal of friendship?"

Ket's jaw dropped, his face a mixture of astonishment
and chagrin. "He speaks truth. Lower yer weapons," he
called to his men. And then to Hal, "How did ye know
my name?"