"Patrick Welch - Statue of Limitations" - читать интересную книгу автора (Welch Patrick)

brotherhood of Our Lady Wisteria wouldn't be present. I found them making their benedictions before
the statue and preparing for the upcoming ritual. Which would be quite different this day.

I took a deep breath, then ran up to them. I was markedly sweating and out of breath when I reached
them. "Good friars, good friars, I have fearful news," I said between gasps.

They looked at me as if I was some stray dog invading their garden. "What is this? What are you saying
and who are you?" one demanded and approached.
"Danger, great danger," I said. "Something dire is about to happen. I must talk to your leader."

The man frowned. "My name is Koros and you shall talk to me. You haven't answered my question.
Who are you?"

"Brendell. Of the order of the Most Holy Thistle. I have traveled long to warn you."

"I do not know that order."

"We are far from here."

Koros sniffed. "And what is this danger you are babbling about?"

"I don't know. Not totally," I added quickly as he began to turn away. "I had a vision of an evil darkness
striking Cardinaul. A curse has been placed upon you, I fear."

"A vision, you say. A curse. Are you sure it wasn't something you ate?" And he laughed.

"I was sent by my order to help you. My leader insisted upon it."

"You are not being very specific."

"Visions are never specific, as you well know."

"Yes." He looked back at the village square. Already the people were gathering to witness the daily
miracle. "We can't have you running around alarming the good people of Cardinaul with tales of your
'vision.' You will stay with us until the ceremony is over, then you can talk with our leader."

"Thank you, thank you," I said and knelt at his feet.

"On your feet," he whispered. "There is no reason to call attention to yourself."

"Yes, master." I rose and allowed myself to cry in appreciation.

"Stay near me," and he elbowed me in the stomach. "And be silent."

I nodded and followed him as he returned to the rest of the now curious monks. Yet we remained silent
as the expectant crowd grew and the sun climbed toward midday. I was beginning to regret my choice of
apparel when Koros whispered harshly, "Stand straight and be quiet. The ceremony is about to begin."

So it was. Again I heard the trumpets and saw the procession approach us. I waited until everyone had
taken their positions, then I turned to my benefactor. "Master, I can feel it. The evil! Something terrible is