Книга только для ознакомления
. His light gray eyes
reflected good humor. His thick brown hair had begun to
thin on the top. The dwarf and William had known each
other since childhood; they shared a love of good
conversation and good ale.
"You must've been napping," said Sintk, who was the
cobbler in Port Balifor. "I came in and heard you snorting
like a-" The dwarf paused for dramatic effect "-boar
being led to slaughter."
William blinked at the familiar surroundings of his
beloved Pig and Whistle. The tavern was a long, wide room
with a long mahogany bar and heavy wooden stools.
Numerous tables and chairs were in the back of the room
overlooking a small stage.
Everything in the Pig and Whistle was in a neat,
carefully maintained condition. Woodwork was oiled and
polished, the brasswork shiny and free of tarnish. The walls
and floors were clean. The neatness of the room was an
indication of William's respect and love for his inn.
Except for Sintk and a couple of strangers at a far table,
the bar was deserted. Port Balifor had been an occupied
town for several months-overrun by armies of the
Highlords, whose ships had sailed into the bay and
disgorged the hideous draconians and hobgoblins.
The people of Port Balifor, who were mostly human and,
like William Sweetwater, mostly meek and cowardly, felt
sorry for themselves. The occupation had come without
warning. Because of their geographical isolation, most of
the citizens had little knowledge of the outside world
|
