Книга только для ознакомления
. . ."
"Now it is I who ask forgiveness," Nikol said, glancing
up. "I present our family chaplain, Brother Michael."
The knight bowed.
"I am honored to meet you. Brother Michael. My name is
Lord Soth, of Dargaard Keep. Lady Nikol, I thank you for
your kind offer of hospitality, but it is an offer that I
regretfully must refuse. Urgent need carries me back on the
road this night. I will not even dismount, by your leave. I
only stopped to ask for water for myself and my horse."
The knight's words were cool and courteous, but they
were tinged with the crackling of the flames that burned in
the eyes. Nikol gazed up at him in admiration. Perhaps
night's shadows blinded her as well.
"Gladly, Lord Soth. I will fetch the water myself."
The daughter of a knight, Nikol recognized the knight's
need for haste and did not waste time in further niceties.
She left immediately to find water. Michael went to find a
bucket and some straw for the horse. He returned to find the
knight drinking slowly and sparingly from the iron dipper.
Michael placed the bucket down before the horse, who
drank more deeply than its master.
"I would not have disturbed you at all, my lady," said
the knight, "but would have stopped at stream or pond. I
could find no pure water in these parts, however. Goblins
attacked you, I take it." He glanced about the ruined castle
with the air of an experienced warrior.
"Yes," said Nikol softly. She stroked the horse's neck.
"They fell upon us about a fortnight ago
|
