The Riftwar Legacy: The Complete 4-Book Collection. Raymond E. Feist

Чтение книги онлайн.

СКАЧАТЬ from?’

      ‘No one knows. No one even knows what race claim them. They are Spellweavers far beyond the powers of our race. Some suspect they may be Pantathians come among us again.’

      ‘Murmandamus,’ Gorath said softly.

      ‘Yes,’ said Liallan. ‘The same as those who served the Marked One.’

      ‘Do they abide in Sar-Sargoth?’

      ‘When they counsel Delekhan. Presently they are with his son Moraeulf in Harlik. They seek out more fugitives from your clan, those who are trying to win freedom and get south to the Green Heart.’

      Gorath said, ‘Then I have even more pressing reasons to carry warning to Prince Arutha. If I cannot get my hands around Delekhan’s throat, I will aid one who will bring him low.’

      ‘Tread carefully,’ said Liallan.

      To Owyn it sounded as if she were being sincere in her concern.

      ‘Perhaps all our schemes will bear fruit. If I raise my Snow Leopard banner above the walls of Sar-Sargoth, Gorath, you and the surviving Ardanien will be welcome to return to the heart of their people.’

      Gorath’s expression was guarded. ‘You are as much to be feared as Delekhan, Liallan.’

      She smiled and again looked dangerous. ‘Only by those who seek to harm me or my tribe, Gorath. Return to your northern mountains in peace if that day comes.’ She stood, and said, ‘Rest. I will have horses outside before sunrise.’ As she reached the doorway, she looked over her shoulder and said, ‘Hide well and move quickly, Gorath. If you return to my sight before Delekhan is overthrown, I must needs present him with your head as a peace offering.’

      ‘I understand, Liallan. You’ve been generous to one humbled by fate.’

      She left, and Gorath said, ‘She’s right, Owyn. We need to rest.’

      Owyn lay down next to the fire, content with a full stomach, and glad to be rid of the drugs that had dulled his senses for so many days. Still, it seemed as if only a moment passed between closing his eyes and Gorath’s shaking him, saying, ‘It’s time.’

      He rose and forced stiff aching muscles to obey as he wrapped a heavy fur-lined moredhel cloak around him and mounted a waiting horse. If the guards were curious as to who Liallan’s guests were, they said nothing, merely standing aside as the two strangers rode off.

      

      The building was run-down, but there were a dozen horses tied in front of it. ‘We can get something to eat inside,’ said Gorath.

      The purse Owyn had liberated contained a few coins, Kingdom, Quegan and even a Keshian silver piece, as well as some gems. They dismounted and Owyn said, ‘What is this place?’

      ‘You’d call it an inn. One of the conventions brought to the north by your people. My kind have never created such, but we have come to appreciate their benefits.’

      They went inside to find a dark, small room, with as many as twenty men and moredhel standing around. A bar that was little more than long planks set upon barrels ran along the far wall of the building. Gorath shoved aside two men and said, ‘Ale and something to eat.’

      The human barkeeper produced a platter of cheese and bread, surprisingly good given the shoddy surroundings. They ate, and Owyn trusted Gorath’s instincts on his ability to blend in. ‘Where are we?’ he whispered.

      ‘Near the City of Sar-Isbandia. What you humans call Armengar. There are villages and towns throughout this region. Much trading with the south.’

      Owyn said, ‘Most of us who live in the Kingdom think of the Teeth of the World as a wall separating our peoples.’

      ‘It’s a barrier to warfare, perhaps, but enterprising men find a way to trade. There are a dozen ways through the mountains south of here.’

      From behind, a voice spoke lowly. ‘And all are heavily guarded, Gorath.’

      Gorath spun, his hand falling upon his sword hilt. ‘Draw steel and die,’ said the other moredhel. ‘Eat your cheese and live.’

      Gorath didn’t smile, but his face relaxed. ‘I see you’ve managed to keep your head attached to your shoulders, Irmelyn.’

      ‘No thanks to Delekhan,’ said the other moredhel. He indicated with a nod they should move to a small table in the corner. Owyn picked up the cheese, took his ale and followed.

      Sitting in the crowded room, the moredhel named Irmelyn said, ‘Delekhan will have the rivers running piss and chickens laying dust by the time this all ends. Drink while you can, my old foe.’

      ‘Why are you here, Irmelyn? I was told Obkhar’s tribe had fled.’

      ‘Most have, but a few of us remain behind, in the hope we can free our chieftain.’

      Lowering his voice to a whisper, Gorath asked, ‘He’s alive?’

      Irmelyn nodded. ‘He’s alive, and close by. He’s being held prisoner in the naphtha mines under the destroyed city.’

      ‘Prisoner?’ Gorath looked confused. ‘Why isn’t he dead?’

      ‘Because Delekhan doesn’t know he’s working as a slave in the mines. They think he is a man called Okabun, from Liallan’s Snow Leopards.’

      Gorath said, ‘So you linger nearby to free him?’

      Irmelyn nodded. ‘We do. We need help. Would you care to provide that help?’

      ‘In exchange for what?’

      ‘For a way south. As I said, the passes are all heavily guarded, but I know a way to get through.’

      ‘What do we need to do?’ asked Gorath.

      ‘Come outside.’

      They rose and left the relative warmth of the inn. Once they were outside Irmelyn said, ‘We have discovered a way out of the mines. Unguarded.’

      ‘Then why doesn’t Obkhar just walk out?’ asked Owyn.

      With a snarl, Irmelyn said, ‘When I want to hear from you, pup, I’ll kick you.’

      Gorath said, ‘Then tell me, why doesn’t Obkhar just walk out?’

      ‘Because of the fumes that hang in the tunnels. When the humans fled after firing the city, several tunnels from the old keep collapsed. One didn’t, but it is small, and the fumes that hang there would explode if a spark was struck. They would overcome anyone seeking to pass.’

      ‘But you have a plan?’ said Gorath.

      ‘We have found masks, used by humans in the old days, constructed of bone and membrane from a dragon’s lungs. They let air pass through but keep the deadly fumes out.’

      ‘So you need someone to get inside and get a mask to Obkhar,’ said Owyn.

      The СКАЧАТЬ