"Zelazny, Roger - Amber 02 - Guns Of Avalon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Zelazny Roger)

"But I have watched you. You are better than the others. That is why Ganelon made you whatever deal he did. He knows a good thing when he sees it. I've had many friends who were swordsmen, and I've watched them at practice. You could cut them to pieces. The men say you are a good teacher. They like you, even if you do scare them."
"Why do I frighten them? Because I am strong? There are many strong men in the world. Because I can stand up and swing a blade for a long while?"
"They think there is something supernatural involved."
I laughed.
"No, I'm just the second-best swordsman around. Pardon me--maybe the third. But I try harder."
"Who's better?"
"Eric of Amber, possibly."
"Who is he?"
"A supernatural creature."
"He's the best?"
"No."
"Who is?"
"Benedict of Amber."
"Is he one, too?"
"If he is still alive, he is."
"Strange, that's what you are," she said. "And why? Tell me. Are you a supernatural creature?"
"Let's have another glass of wine."
"lt'll go to my head."
"Good." I poured them.
"We are all going to die," she said.
"Eventually."
"I mean here, soon, fighting this thing."
"Why do you say that?"
"It's too strong."
"Then why stick around?"
"I've no place else to go. That's why I ask you about Cabra"
"And why you came here tonight?"
"No. I came to see what you were like."
"I am an athlete who is breaking training. Were you born around here?"
"Yes. In the wood."
"Why'd you pick up with these guys?"
"Why not? It's better than getting pig shit on my heels every day."
"Never have a man of your own? Steady, I mean?"
"Yes. He's dead. He's the one who found...the Fairy Ring."
"I'm sorry."
"I'm not. He used to get drunk whenever he could borrow or steal enough to afford it and then come home and beat me. I was glad when I met Ganelon."
"So you think that the thing is too strong, that we are going to lose to it?"
"Yes."
"You may be right. But I think you're wrong." She shrugged.
"You'll be fighting with us?"
"I'm afraid so."
"Nobody knew for sure, or would say if they did. That might prove interesting. I'd like to see you fight with the goat-man."
"Why?"
"Because he seems to be their leader. If you killed him, we'd have more of a chance. You might be able to do it."
"I have to," I said.
"Special reason?"
"Yes."
"Private one?"
"Yes."
"Good luck."