Книга только для ознакомления
.
Remembering the dignity of my station, I recovered my
composure. Politely declining Erasmoth's assistance, I once
again walked forward under my own power.
I could see by the irregular shape that the shrine was a
natural cavern, not an eccentric excavation. Nevertheless, it
showed signs of centuries of use - such as the smoothness of
the floor. Great, fluted columns, obviously wrought by
hand, extended from floor to ceiling around the periphery.
I became aware of someone approaching out of the
darkness. It was the priestess Kassandry. Her arrival sent a
wave of relief through my body. I had become uneasy, due
to the heavy stench and the unusual surroundings, no doubt.
A holy fire glowed within her, shining as a flaming
light in her eyes. Her lips were moist; her tongue flicked
back and forth across them. She wore no mask, and I feel
certain she had not painted her skin in any way, yet the
excessive pallor of her complexion was as white as if she
had coated herself with chalk.
Her eyes passed over me, and I saw none of the
warmth, the friendship, or affection that she had displayed
in the vale beyond this temple. In fact, the priestess
appeared to take little note of me. She drew near Erasmoth
and seemed to meld her body to his. Her voice was a throaty
whisper.
"All is readied," she told the priest.
My heart pounded with excitement. The ceremony,
which would provide the most valuable find of my career,
was, I believed, about to start.
"What do you do now?" I inquired, prepared to make
mental notes
|
