"Mary Kirchoff. Kendermore ("Dragonlance Preludes I" #2) (angl)" - читать интересную книгу автора

Tas had been watching Woodrow unabashedly the entire time. "They
really seem to like you," the kender said admiringly. Woodrow
shrugged, but there was pride in his smile.

"I've grown fond of them, too, in the few weeks I've been Miss
Hornslager's hired hand." He peered around the campsite. "Help me find
some big rocks to block the wagon wheels with, would you?" He strolled
back toward the road, eyes scanning the ground, and Tas scurried after
him, trying to help.

"Can you speak with animals?" Tas grunted as he struggled to
lift a rock almost as big as his torso. "My friend Raistlin can
sometimes, when he casts a spell. It's funny, though; animals still
don't seem to like him very much."

Woodrow shook his head. "I can't speak to them with words, no,"
he said. "I do seem to understand them - their feelings and such -
except I have trouble with lizards and some birds." Wordlessly, the
human lifted a small boulder from Tasslehoff's straining arms. "We
don't need rocks quite this big. Why don't you gather some wood?" The
young, wiry man strode over to the wagon and dropped the stone behind
one of its rear wheels. "There, that one ought to do it," he said,
kicking the stone into place. "This area is mostly level."

Using some smaller rocks, Woodrow made a large fire circle about
six feet from the wagon. After completing the circle, he found the
kender at the edge of the clearing, gathering handfuls of dry pine
needles for starting a fire. Woodrow collected an armload of small
sticks and dry branches.

"How did you learn to do that?" Tas asked him. "Understand
animals, I mean."

"I dunno," said the young human, shrugging. "I just watch and
listen. Always have. I think anyone can understand animals. Most
people just never pay enough attention."

"Of course, Flint says I talk too much," Tasslehoff reElected
pensively. "Maybe that's why I've never heard an animal talk."

"I guess," Woodrow said. "Anyway, I hope you can, cook
something. Miss Hornslager can't even boil water. I try, but..."

"Oh, I'm a great cook!" Tas proclaimed modestly.

"Why, I can make rabbit gumbo and turnip dressing and even acorn
pie!"

"I'm afraid we don't have any of those ingredients," Woodrow