Книга только для ознакомления
.
Saliak swung his lance sideways. Tarli crouched
against the saddle, avoided being slashed.
By intention or by accident, Saliak sliced through
Tarli's reins. Tarli's spotters, given no signals, tugged
wildly.
Tarli lurched from side to side, trying to avoid being
smashed against the courtyard walls. He glanced at Moran,
the boy's eyes asking for help or advice.
Moran watched silently.
Saliak pulled back on his reins and hung motionless,
watching Tarli's flight. Drying his palms on his legs, Saliak
grasped the lance firmly. His spotters slowly pulled him
backward, preparing for his forward arc.
Tarli glared in frustration at the lance he could barely
hold. Suddenly, he took the reins in his mouth. Holding the
lance crosswise, like a balance pole, he smashed it against
the saddle pommel. The lance broke in two.
The watchers gasped. Tarli threw down the lance point,
tied the broken reins hastily around the butt, and whirled
the stick over his head by the leather thong. The stick
whirred like a living thing. Tarli's mount swung crazily.
Saliak dove toward him.
Saliak aimed the lance straight for Tarli's unguarded
chest.
Tarli leaned away, brought the whirling lance end
down on Saliak's lance, breaking it
|
