"Elizabeth Vaughan - Chronicles Of The Warlands 02 - Warsworn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Vaughan Elizabeth)

The members of my writer's group, who told me all the painful truths that a writer needs to
hear. This group consists of Spencer Luster, Helen Kourous, Robert Wenzlaff, Marc Tassin,
Keith Flick, and Mike Szymkowiak.

Once again, Kandace Klumper, Patricia Merritt, and JoAnn Thompson were essential to the
process, offering me constant reassurance and support. Tom Redding and Mary Fry read the
final drafts, catching more mistakes than I care to mention. Phil Fry, Cathie Hansen, and Deb
Spychalski are my long suffering co-workers, and I thank them for their love, support and
patience.

I can't say enough about the contribution that my editor, Anna Genoese, has made to this book.
Every time she makes a suggestion the story grows stronger and richer. And my deep thanks
go to Heather Brady, my copy editor.

But once again, most of all, credit must go to Jean Rabe, who pushed me into the pool, and to
Meg Davis, who found me there.



Chapter 1


T o p N e x t




"Bloodmoss! That's bloodmoss, Marcus!" I leaned over, trying to get a better look. I was
positive that the grubby little plant I was seeing passing under the hooves of the horse was the
rare herb. "Let me down!"

The horse we were riding danced as my weight shifted and Marcus tightened up the reins. "If
you don't stop wiggling, you're gonna tumble off, and embarrass Hisself and me." Marcus
groused as the horse pranced under us.

I tightened my grip on his waist. "If you let me ride by myself, this wouldn't be a problem."

He huffed. "You can't ride worth a damn, and your feet remain sore. Now sit still! How would it
look, the Warprize sprawled in the dirt?"
"Marcus, I am a Master Healer and my feet are healing fine."

"You know from nothing," Marcus growled. "I will judge if the Warprize is fit to walk."

I settled back, frustrated. I might be Xylara, Master Healer, Daughter of the House of Xy,
Queen of Xy, Warprize of Keir of the Tribe of the Cat, Warlord of the Plains, but as far as
Marcus was concerned I was little more than an unruly child. I sighed, and leaned my head on
the back of his shoulder. "I can ride just fine."

Marcus snorted. "About as well as you tend your own feet."