"Christopher Stasheff - Warlocks Heirs 01 - M'Lady Witch" - читать интересную книгу автора (Stasheff Christopher)

unarmed man!"


Sir Devon gasped, gathering himself for a desperate spring-but Geoffrey's eyes only narrowed to slits. Before he could speak, Alain went on. "Yet
be advised, young warlock, that your sister's words had a sting of their own, and did stab me most unexpectedly."


"Did that warrant your insults and threats of revenge?" Geoffrey countered, grim-faced.


"I spoke in anger, hurt, and shame," Alain replied. "I spoke rashly and foolishly. Surely, Geoffrey, you know that I would never dream of hurting
Cordelia-and to realize that I have done so is cause for great shame! I shall apologize as honor dictates I must, apologize to the lady most abjectly!"


"Why, how now?" Geoffrey eyed him warily. "Will you do what honor dictates, when your station contradicts it?"


"Honor is of more import than rank," Alain returned. "In truth, I cannot honestly claim royal station if I have lost honor. Nay, I shall apologize to
your sister as soon as I may come to her."


Geoffrey tried to maintain the glare, but had to let it drop, and his sword's point with it. He eyed his old friend with disgust. "Why, how can I stay
angry with you, if you behave so admirably? You are a most aggravating opponent, Prince Alain!"


"And you a most astounding one," Alain returned, suppressing a tremor of relief. "I have never been beaten before, save in childhood duels with
yourself. You humiliated me, for you were two years my junior-and you have done so again now."


"You have deserved it," Geoffrey said grimly.


"I know that I have." Alain frowned. "Yet we have not duelled since we were twelve, for my father forbade it."


"Aye." Geoffrey smiled. "He forbade it as soon as we were old enough to be truly a danger to one another. One must not imperil the heir to the
throne."


"You would not have slain me!"


"Not with purpose, no. Accidents have happened with swords ere now, though, and will happen again. 'Tis a dangerous game."


"But how could you win so easily?" Alain protested. "Partly by my own skill." Geoffrey's anger had largely abated. "The other part was your
overconfidence."


"None have won against me save you!"