"Ann Durand - Flight of the Gryphon" - читать интересную книгу автора (Durand Ann)

Katera. Askinadon was known for his liking of women who acquiesced to his will with a show of
sycophantic pleasure. Perhaps, if she could convince him that Katera had a rebellious nature…

"She is, is she? Well, I'm sure you can teach her a thing or two." Askinadon paused, then, in a
commanding voice, he announced, "I want her for my next wife."

Adrella steadied her breath. "Have you not already targeted my family for one Summons, Great Master?
Did you tell the people that only one virgin per family would be chosen? And why would you care for a
disobedient one? There are so many others…"

"Not so many like you." Askinadon reached out to touch her hair.

With growing desperation, Adrella risked appearing insubordinate and raised her head to look him in the
eyes. "Great Master, she is not like me."

Askinadon dropped his hand, abruptly. "Get your eyes off my face, woman. Never look at me without
permission…never."

A chill gripped Adrella's chest as her Lan Ma Ke froze within it. With her heart pounding, she cast her
eyes to the ground and lowered herself, first on one knee and then the other, trembling under the strain of
her advanced pregnancy.

"Forgive me, Great One! I live only to serve you."

She heard Askinadon shift, but he did not move to strike her.

"That's better," he said, sounding soothed. "You will assist me in getting whatever I want. And now, I
want your sister here with me. You are not suitable for my chambers in your condition, but I think that
your sister will serve me well in your stead." His voice betrayed his enthusiasm. "At least until after your
baby is born." He paused. "Then you may both serve me."

Adrella shuddered. There was no end to the greed of this fiend. Askinadon waited, as if he expected her
to say something.
"May we both serve you to your heart's desire," she said, choking on her words, but Askinadon seemed
not to notice.

"And you will bring her to me," he added.

Why did Askinadon need her help? Couldn't he use the Voice to summon Katera?

"You, Master, may call anyone to you. You are omnipotent. Why do you want my help? I am
powerless."

Askinadon's brow furrowed, and he drew in a breath. "She does not heed the Voice."

Impossible. "All must heed your Voice, Great One. How can this be?"

"She has…somehow…removed it."

The Voice can be removed? Astonishing. And Katera has done it. Oh, Lupana. Goddess of the