"Feist, Raymond E - The Riftwar Legacy 01 - Krondor- The Betrayal" - читать интересную книгу автора (Feist Raymond E)

survivors, as well as the part played by Prince Arutha and his
companions, had grown in the telling. Any man who had served

with Prince Arutha and Guy du Bas-Tyra could only be judged a hero. With
a reappraising glance at the young man,* the sergeant kept his silence.

Locklear's amusement at shutting up the voluble sergeant was shortlived,
as the snow started to freshen, blowing harder by the minute. He might
have gained enough stature with the garrison to be treated with more
respect in days to come, but he was still a long way from the court in
Krondor, the fine wines and pretty girls. It would take a miracle for
him to get back in Arutha's good graces any time before the next winter
found him still trapped in a rural court with dullards.

After ten minutes of silent travel, the sergeant said, 'Amother two
miles, sir, and we can start back. "

Locklear said nothing. By the time they returned to the garrison, it
would be dark and even colder than it presently was. He would welcome
the warm fire in the soldiers'commons and probably content himself
sharing a meal with the troops, unless the Baron requested he dine with
the household. Locklear judged that unlikely, as the Baron had a
flirtatious young daughter who had fawned on the visiting young noble
the first night he had appeared in Tyr-Sog, and the

Baron full well knew why Locklear was at his court. On the two occasions
he had since dined with the Baron, the daughter had been conspicuously
absent.

There was an inn not too far from the castle, but by the time he had
returned to the castle, he knew he would be too sick of the cold and
snow to brave the elements again, even for that short distance; besides,
the only two barmaids there were fat and dull. With a silent sigh of
resignation, Locklear realized that by the arrival of spring they might
look lovely and charming to him.

Locklear just prayed he would be permitted to return to Krondor by the
Midsummer Festival of Banapis. He would write to his best friend, Squire
James, and ask him to use his influence to get Arutha to recall him
early. Half a year up here was punishment enough. 'Seigneur, "said
Sergeant Bales, using Locklear's formal title, 'what's that? "He pointed
up the rocky path. Movement among the rocks had caught the sergeant's
eye.

Locklear replied, 'I don't know. Let's go take a look. "

Bales motioned and the patrol turned left, moving up the path.

Quickly the scene before them resolved itself. A lone figure, on foot,
hurried down the rocky path, and from behind the sounds of pursuit could