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

"Part of my vision. I saw myself in the company of a tall dark figure. Now I know it was referring to My
Lady Wisteria."

"What are you saying?" the Mayor asked, leaning forward.

"That I must remove the Weeping Nun from your village. Only then will the curse be lifted."

"This is ridiculous," and the Mayor sat back with folded arms. "I do not believe in curses."

"It matters not what we believe," said Koros. "You saw what happened. The people panicked. The word
will spread. They will believe unless we take immediate action. I do not necessarily believe in visions
either, but Our Lady has protected us. Now we must protect Her and Cardinaul. What this Brendell
proposes just might accomplish that."

"And if we don't, our visitors won't come back," the Mayor mused. "Our prosperity will be ruined."

"The geyser will still be here. You can commission another statue," I said.

The old man rubbed his chin. "Yes. It will be expensive but it can be done." He slammed his fist on the
table. "And it will. Koros, do what is necessary. Brendell," he looked at me and for the first time smiled,
"thank you for your courage."


The leaders of Cardinaul were as good as their word. Early the next morning the monks were busy with
block and tackle. I came from my room to find the moat drained and the base of the statue already
loosened. A sturdy cart and team of horses waited nearby. I watched as the Weeping Nun was raised
and secured to the cart, revealing the geyser and the dirt around it that had been stained by the dye I had
poured into the statue through its eye slits two nights previous.

"That soil is cursed as well," I said and pointed. "Dig it up and place it in barrels so the enchantment can
be totally removed." They obeyed and within the hour I was ready to leave.

"You are a brave man, Brendell," Koros said as I sat in the wagon eager to leave. "Please give my
heartfelt regards to your order."

"I will, and thank you. I am sure you will have nothing further to worry about." With that I gave a whistle
and tug on the reins and I was on my way from Cardinaul in possession of the Weeping Nun.


Tijor Bhen was ecstatic when I made my slow way into Harjung three days later. "You've succeeded,
you've actually succeeded!"

"Of course," I smiled shyly. "What shall I do with it?"

"We will put her in our town square, of course," and his eyes gleamed with avarice. "Soon our village will
be filled with pilgrims coming to worship at the feet of the Weeping Nun!"

Not if you don't have a geyser. Not if you don't remove the curse. "I'll leave that up to you," I said as
I got down gratefully from the wagon. "Let us conclude our contract. My ship leaves this afternoon."