Книга только для ознакомления
. Strong arms took
hold of her, gathered her close.
"Nikol!" a voice cried. "Beloved!"
She opened her eyes, saw only Michael's face,
illuminated by a soft blue light.
"Is the library . . . safe?" she asked.
Michael nodded, unable to speak for his grief and fear
for her.
Nikol smiled. "Cowards," she murmured. "They dared
not stand and face a true knight."
"No," said Michael, through his tears, "they dared not."
Blue light surrounded her, soothed her. She slept.
Part IX
"Are you certain you are well enough to travel, my lady?"
The young Aesthetic, Malachai, gazed at Nikol anxiously.
"You were grievously hurt." "Yes, I'm fine," said Nikol,
with a hint of irritation. "My dear . . ." Michael reprimanded
gently. Nikol glanced at him, glanced at the young monk,
who was looking downcast. She sighed. She detested being
"fussed over."
"I'm sorry I snapped at you. You've all been very kind
to me. I thank you for everything you've done," said Nikol.
"We would have done more, much more, but you
seemed to be in good hands," Malachai said, with a smile
for Michael. "I'll never forget that terrible day," he added,
with a shudder. "Looking down from the window, seeing
you standing beside that evil knight, so brave, so
courageous - "
"What evil knight?" Nikol asked.
The Aesthetic flushed crimson, clapped his hand over
his mouth. Casting a guilty look at Michael, Malachai made
a brief, bobbing bow and scuttled from the tiny room
|
