"Sara Douglass - The Axis Trilogy 2 - Enchanter" - читать интересную книгу автора (Douglass Sara)

battle.
Yet Axis SunSoar, one-time BattleAxe of the Axe-Wielders, the force that had
been largely responsible for the thousand-year exile of the Icarii in Talon Spike,
had shown not an iota of interest in the Strike Force in the month since he'd
been in Talon Spike. As much as SpikeFeather, or any other member of the
Strike Force, might tell himself that Axis was preoccupied with learning the skills
of Enchanter from his father, his lack of interest had stung. When would Axis
visit the training chambers? When would he deign to visit the Strike Force? And
what would he say when he saw them train? What would he think? Would he
praise, or deride?
SpikeFeather was about to call a halt to their afternoon training when a
movement at the edge of his vision stopped him. Azhure stood leaning over the
balcony rail of the observation gallery, watching them gravely.
"Azhure!" EvenSong exclaimed, and SpikeFeather hoped she felt just a little
ashamed that her friend might have witnessed her poor behaviour.
"I do not want to interrupt, SpikeFeather TrueSong," Azhure said
courteously, "and if I have broken your concentration then I apologise to you
and to your command." One of the first things Azhure had learned in Talon Spike
was that the Icarii valued politeness and correct etiquette extremely highly. Two
Icarii could get themselves into a murderous argument and never raise their
voices or transgress the bounds of civilised language. The scene she had just
witnessed between SpikeFeather and EvenSong was extraordinary, and bespoke
the tension within the Strike Force.
"I have decided to accept your offer to teach me the use of the bow and
arrow, SpikeFeather."
SpikeFeather swept his wings behind him in the traditional Icarii gesture of
welcome and goodwill. "You are welcomed, Azhure. And I regret that my
command is not at its best this afternoon."
EvenSong reddened.
SpikeFeather ignored her. "Both myself and my Wing would be pleased if
you joined us, Azhure. We are all beholden to you for your bravery atYuletide,
the SunSoar family perhaps mpre than most." Another barb for EvenSong.
SpikeFeather was truly exasperated with her. , Azhure stepped down from the
ladder, took oft" her boots, and walked across the floor of the spacious training
chamber towards the Wing. Soft mats covered every part of the floor, while from
the high roof hung several brighdy coloured orbs that served as archery targets.
Weapon racks and cupboards lined the lower walls.
"I am not dressed for combat, SpikeFeather. Please do not aim any arrows
my way." She grinned at the Wing commander, her hand indicating her Avar
clothing and bare feet. All the Icarii present, both female and male, wore light
leather training armour over brief loin cloths - although the armour did not
protect against serious blows. They were sweating after their exertions, and
Azhure noticed that several had abrasions and dark bruises on their unprotected
arms and legs. Feathers lay scattered across the floor mats.
"I would be hounded from Talon Spike should I land an arrow in a guest,
and such an admired guest at that," SpikeFeather said gravely, then turned to
one of the members of his Wing. "TrueFlight, would you lift the Wolven from the
rack and select a quiver of arrows?" He paused dramatically, ignoring the
collective gasp of the Wing.
Azhure watched curiously as TrueFlight retrieved a beautiful bow and a