"Eddy, Nancy - Winds of Eternity" - читать интересную книгу автора (Eddy Nancy)

"Then you do not care for me."

"Of course I do." Her fingers caressed his cheek lightly before she moved away. "But don't you understand? I cannot let them get away with this. I will not."

"If you marry me, then no one would dare harm you."

"Andemus, what I must do will be dangerous. If I were to marry you, you would be in danger as well."

"I would not mind."

"I would. I will not ask you to support my cause publicly, but do not condemn me for it. I beg of you."

"Never. I only ask that you be careful, Grendl. The Druids can be ruthless. Even more than you know."

Over the next month, Grendl spoke to anyone she could about the possibility of the Druids being outlawed by the Romans. And people were listening.
Damian stalked into Andemus' study unannounced, furious. "She must be stopped!" he declared.
"Who?"
"That - merchant's daughter. She is causing unrest in the village. There is talk of sending for Roman soldiers."
"I know." Andemus took a deep breath. "Perhaps - if we warned her -"
"No. If the death of her father was not warning enough, then no mere warning will stop her." He began to pace the room. "There must be a way to deal with her." Andemus watched him closely, keeping his worry well-hidden. Damian's ideas were often cruel and sadistic. "I have it," he said, turning around. "The solstice."
"What about it?" Andemus asked, knowing where he was heading.
"We will need a sacrifice. A beautiful, innocent girl - Grendl."
"Damian -"
His voice was sharper than he intended, drawing Damian's gray gaze. "Do you have another plan?"
"No," Andemus admitted. "But her death may only cause the villagers to become angry. Grendl is well-liked. They may send for the soldiers anyway."
"The villagers are an ignorant lot," Damian scoffed. "When word of Grendl's sacrifice is spread, her followers will scatter like leaves to the wind. Yes. It is a perfect plan. Yes," he mused with satisfaction. "Grendl will be our sacrifice on the midsummer solstice. Do you agree?" Those colourless eyes were on him again.
Knowing he had no choice, Andemus turned to the window. "I agree." The solstice was one day away.
He met Grendl that night at the grove. After returning his kiss, she looked up into his face. "I have news, Andemus."
"Tell me your news," he said softly, almost hoping that she was going to tell him
that the Roman soldiers would be there at sunrise.

"I am with child. Your child."

He searched her face, then closed his eyes. "No. You cannot-"

Her eyes mirrored his confusion. "I thought you would be pleased. We can be married -"

Andemus jumped quickly on her words. "Yes. Yes, we will leave tonight -"

She pulled away, surprised. "Leave? For what reason?"

"I cannot explain. But we must leave."

"But - what of my property? And yours?"

"They do not matter."

"Andemus, I will not leave without an explanation."