[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

Khuri-Khan a blast of noise and heat.
The ogres of Blode were there, and then they weren t. The Great Swamp was muggy and stifling and
foul-smelling, but not for long.
They skimmed across the Westguard River and saw the sun sparkle on the waves of New Sea and
then it was gone and the Plains of Dergoth were so much emptiness. The Lake of Death lay in eerie
shadow, the White Rage River thundered past. They were in and out of Darkenwood, racing over the
Plains of Abanasinia, speeding through Gateway, and here was Solace, and then everything slowed down
and stopped.
Rhys was dizzy with the rapid motion and grabbed hold of a post to keep from falling. Nightshade
staggered about on wobbly legs for a few moments, then gave a plaintive  Oof! and collapsed. Atta
flopped down on her side and lay there panting.
 We walked all the way! Mina said proudly.  I did what you told me!
Her amber eyes were clear and shining. Her smile was eager and happy. She truly believed she had
done something worthy of praise, and Rhys did not have the heart to scold her. After all, they had been
spared a long, difficult, and dangerous journey, and arrived safely at their destination. He could not help
but be relieved. As Rhys came to realize, Mina didn t think she d done anything extraordinary. For her,
strolling across a continent in a day was something everyone could do if he just put his mind to it.
Rhys helped Nightshade to his feet and assured Atta that all was well. Mina was looking eagerly
about. She was delighted with Solace.
 The houses are built in trees! she cried, clapping her hands.  There s a whole city up in the trees! I
want to go up there. What is that place?
She pointed to a large building nestled in the branches of a giant vallenwood.
 That s the Inn of the Last Home, Nightshade stated, eagerly sniffing the air. He was feeling almost
back to normal.  Boiled cabbage. Which means today must be corned beef and cabbage day. Wait until
you meet Laura. She owns the Inn and she does the cooking and she s the best cook in all of Ansalon.
Then there s our friend, Gerard, the sheriff. He s 
 Mina, Rhys said, interrupting,  would you run over to that well and fetch some water for Atta?
Mina did as she was bid, running excitedly off to the public well, taking the panting dog with her.
 I don t think we should tell Gerard the truth about Mina, Rhys said to Nightshade when Mina was
gone.  We don t want to strain his credulity.
 Is that like noodles? Nightshade asked, puzzled.   Cause I know you have to strain them.
 I am afraid he would not believe us, Rhys clarified.
 That she s a god whose gone crazy? I m not sure I believe us, Nightshade said solemnly. He put his
hand to his forehead.  I m still kind of dizzy from all that walking. But I see what you mean. Gerard
knew Mina, didn t he? The old Mina, I mean. When she was a soldier during the War of Souls. He told us
about meeting her that one night when he started talking about what happened to him during the war. But
she s a little girl now. I don t think he d be likely to connect the two. Do you?
 I don t know, Rhys said.  He might recognize her if he hears her name and sees her. Her looks are
extraordinary.
Nightshade watched Mina hurry back toward them. She was carrying water in a pail and sloshing
most of it onto her shoes.
 Rhys, said the kender in a whisper,  what if Mina recognizes him? Gerard was her enemy. She
might kill him!
 I don t think she will, said Rhys.  She seems to have blotted out that part of her life.
 She blotted out the Beloved too, and it all came back to her, Nightshade reminded him.
Rhys smiled faintly.  We must hope for the best and trust that the gods are with us.
 Oh, they re with us, all right, Nightshade grumbled.  If there s one thing we re not short on, it s
gods.
After Atta gulped her water, Rhys and his companions joined the people standing in line, waiting for a
table in the popular inn. The line wound up the long, curving stairway that led to the front door. The last
rays of the setting sun turned the sky golden red, gleamed off the leaves of the vallenwood and
shimmered in the stained glass windows. People in line were in a good mood. Happy to be finished with
the day s work, they were looking forward to a hearty meal and an evening spent in the company of
friends.
 Goldmoon told me stories about the Inn of the Last Home, Mina was saying excitedly.  She told
me how she and Riverwind were brought here miraculously by the blue crystal staff, and how they met
the Heroes of the Lance, and how the Theocrat fell into the fire and burned his hand and the staff healed
him. And then the soldiers came and 
 I m starving, Nightshade complained.  And this line hasn t moved one little bit. Mina, if you could
just whisk us to the front 
 No! Rhys said severely.
 But, Rhys 
 Race you! Mina cried.
Before Rhys could stop her, she had dashed off.
 I ll go get her! Nightshade offered, and he bolted before Rhys could grab him.
Reaching the stairs, Mina pushed past indignant patrons. Nightshade caused further disruption trying
to catch her. Rhys hastened after both of them, apologizing profusely as he went. He collared Nightshade
at the door, but Mina was too fast and had already darted inside the Inn.
Several good-natured customers told him he could go ahead of them. Rhys knew he was condoning
bad behavior, and also knew he should have scolded both girl and kender and marched them to the back
of the line. But, frankly, he was too tired to lecture, too tired to put up with the arguing and the wailing. It
seemed easier just to let it go.
Laura, the proprietor of the Inn, was vastly pleased to see Rhys again. She gave him a hug and told
him he could have his old job back if he wanted it, and added that he and Nightshade could stay as long
as they liked. Laura had another hug for Nightshade, and she was charmed when Rhys introduced Mina,
whom Rhys described vaguely as an orphan they had befriended along the way. Laura clucked in
sympathy.
 What a state you re in, child! Laura exclaimed, looking with dismay at Mina s dirt-streaked face
and tangled hair, her tattered filthy clothes.  And those rags you re wearing! Mercy s sake, that chemise
is so threadbare you can see right through it.
She cast Rhys a reproachful glance.  I know you old bachelors don t know anything about raising [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

  • zanotowane.pl
  • doc.pisz.pl
  • pdf.pisz.pl
  • alwayshope.keep.pl

    •