"Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman - Deathgate Cycle 1 - Dragon Wing" - читать интересную книгу автора (Weis Margaret)

Dragon Wing - Death Gate Cycle 1
Margaret Weis & Tracy Hickman



PROLOGUE

"BE AT EASE, HAPLO. COME IN AND MAKE YOURSELF COMFORTABLE. SIT DOWN. THERE
are no formalities between us."

"Allow me to fill your glass. We drink what was once called the stirrup cup, a
salute to your long journey.

"You like the port? Ah, my talents are many and manifold, as you know, but I
begin to think that only time-not magic- can produce a truly fine port. At
least that's what the old books teach. I've no doubt our ancestors were right
about that ... no matter how wrong they were in other things. There is
something about the drink I miss, a warmth, a mellowness that comes with age.
This port is too harsh, too aggressive. Fine qualities in men, Haplo, but not
in wine.

"So, you are prepared for your journey? Is there any need or want I can
satisfy? Say so, and it's yours. Nothing?

"Ah, I do envy you. My thoughts will be with you every moment, waking and
sleeping. Another salute. To you, Haplo, my emissary to an unsuspecting world.

"And they must not suspect. I know we've been over this before, but I want to
stress this again. The danger is great. If our ancient enemy catches even the
slightest hint that we've escaped their prison, they will move land, sea, sun,
and sky-as they did once-to thwart us. Sniff them out, Haplo. Sniff them out
as that dog of yours sniffs out a rat, but never let them catch a whiff of
you.

"Let me refill your glass. Another salute. This one to the Sartan. You
hesitate to drink. Come. I insist. Your rage is your strength. Use it, it will
give you energy. Therefore...

"To the Sartan. They made us what we are.

"How old are you, Haplo? You have no idea?

"I know-time has no meaning in the Labyrinth. Let me think. When I first saw
you, you looked to be just over twenty-five years. A long life for those of
the Labyrinth. A long life, and one that had almost ended.

"How well I remember that time, five years ago, I was about to reenter the
Labyrinth when you emerged. Bleeding, barely able to walk, dying. Yet you
looked up at me with an expression-I will never forget it-Triumph! You had
escaped. You had beaten them. I saw that triumph in your eyes, in your