"Elizabeth Vaughan - Chronicles Of The Warlands 01 - Warprize" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vaughan Elizabeth)

work necessary to see the pleasure gardens maintained. The kitchen gardens were well-kept, mind, since
they were of practical value. But she saw no point in frivolous pursuits. It was one of the few things I
knew about my mother, as sheтАЩd died giving birth to me.

The path wound through the trees and bushes, and through a great rose briar that had grown wild. I
could see that some of the rose hips were ready to be picked. I didnтАЩt stop, but made a note to get some
later.

The overgrowth made the path dark and close. Finally, I broke through to the cleared area that held a
large canvas tent. It was here that the enemy wounded were housed.

The first sentry did not even challenge me, just waved me through. He was leaning on his spear, looking
like he was trying to nap. I continued on, puffing a little. I was tired. It al-ways seemed to take longer for
these visits than I had planned. There was a High Court tonight, but my presence would not be missed.
Or noted. I rarely attended them.

The second sentry stood post outside the tent. I was pleased to see Heath standing there, and quickened
my pace.

He was not pleased to see me. One hand holding his spear, the other planted firmly on his hip. His round
face was marred by a frown, surrounded by curls much the color of mine.
тАЬLara.тАЭ He grimaced. тАЬYou are not supposed to be here.тАЭ He jerked his head in the direction of the tent.
тАЬAnd I donтАЩt think they really appreciate what you are doing.тАЭ

I stopped next to him, holding my burdens, and looked up at him. At first I maintained a serious
countenance then slowly allowed a smile to spread over my face. As I stood there before my childhood
friend, his frown faded as a smile crept over his face in answer to mine. I lowered my eyes and tried not
to laugh. I stepped up to him, and he put a hand behind my neck, and pulled my forehead to rest against
his. WeтАЩd done it since we were kids, a greeting just between the two of us. Of course, he now had to
lower his head and stoop a bit to make it work, tall as he was.

Anna said I was just rightтАФnot too tall, not too short. But some days I wished for an extra inch or two.

I stepped back and grinned.

Heath glanced to the heavens in a great show of patience, as if looking for guidance, then returned his
attention to me. тАЬIf anyone asks, you ordered me to step aside.тАЭ

I deepened my smile. тАЬMy thanks, Heath.тАЭ

тАЬI could never say no to you, little bird.тАЭ He sighed as he lifted the tent flap. тАЬI already had the men heat
the water kettles for you.тАЭ He got that look on his face again. тАЬMy shift ends in three hours. Ameath
comes on duty after me and you need to be out by then.тАЭ

I wrinkled my nose and Heath grimaced right back at me. There was something about Arneath that made
my skin itch. HeтАЩd been made head of the Palace Guard recently by Xy-mund, over the heads of more
qualified men. I avoided him whenever I could.

тАЬIтАЩll be out in time.тАЭ