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

windows and doors to see her, and she heard a few fervent whispers.

"No, it couldn't be," said one woman's voice. "Are you sure it isn't the sister?"

"She's what?" asked another. "How far along?"

As Adrella neared the hosta of her parents and spied the familiar fence ringing it, her eyes welled up.
Through the window within the firelit room, she could see her mother's shape huddled over the hearth
prodding the flames, her profile glowing in the light. Adrella stopped in front of the window to watch her.
Mama's Shalpacan spullera spilled onto the floor in front of her as she stoked the fire.

Papa appeared, strolling across the room toward Mama. His beard seemed longer and his temples
grayer. Mama turned around as he approached, and Adrella saw her eyes. Merciful Lupana , they
looked so sad. Mama laid her head on Papa's shoulder and they stood quietly holding each other, as if
they had nothing else to do.

Adrella slid off Chilika and tied the reins to a post outside the window. She approached the front door
with her heart pounding, and knocked. A pause inside, and then she heard her father's footsteps. As the
door opened, she struggled to contain her excitement.

"Papa."

"What?" He peered at her. "Adrella?" His eyes grew wide.

"Who is it, Rinden?" her mother asked from inside.

Papa was staring at her belly. "Well, it isn't Katera. She's not pregnant." His voice sounded numb with
disbelief.

By now, her mother had reached the door and was squeezing in front of Papa. Her hands flew to her
mouth when she saw Adrella.

"Ohhhhh."

"Mama, it's me," Adrella said, moving closer as the tears escaped.

"Oh, merciful Lupana, my girl," Mama cried, and swept Adrella into her arms, plastering her wet face
with kisses. "Adrella, Adrella," she repeated, her tears mingling with Adrella's. She leaned back for a
moment and laughed, and then fell into the kisses once more. Then, she burst into tears again as if she'd
just begun. At last, her hand found Adrella's belly and the laughing resumed. Then Papa moved in. He
grasped her head in the crook of his arm and kissed the top of it. His strong shoulders shook from his dry
sobs as he held her. A few curious neighbors gathered around the doorway, staring at Adrella in stunned
silence.

"It's Adrella. She's back," Mama announced in a proud tone as she sequestered Adrella indoors. "You
can see her tomorrow."

Papa shut the door behind them, and the three of them gawked happily at each other.

"You're alive," Papa said.