"Jude Fisher - Fool's Gold 02 - Wild Magic" - читать интересную книгу автора (Fisher Jude)

[Jacket]

For generations, the countries of Eyra and Istria have been enemies,
opposed in culture, society, and religious beliefs as well as by ongoing
disputes over territory.
The rugged Eyrans of the Northern Isles, driven from the mild climes of
their ancient lands long ago? lands now considered part of the Istrian
Empire? are a proud and strong people, honed by the harsh islands they
have inhabited for centuries. Theirs is an egalitarian, seagoing culture,
where men and women work side by side and are equally blessed in the
eyes of their god, Sur, who they believe dwells in a great stronghold
beneath the waves, deep down on the ocean bed.
The Istrians, however, who live in the warm lands of the south, have
little love of the sea, and worship Falla, a goddess who is said to have
emerged unscathed from the volcano that birthed her in the Golden
Mountains. They call her merciful, yet the Istrians burn unbelievers and
wrongdoers by the thousands? sacrifices to appease Falla and hold her at
bay in the molten heart of the world. Though their goddess is female, they
consider their women little more than chattel, keeping them veiled by a
garment that leaves only their hands and their mouths visible.
Once a year these ancient enemies put their differences aside and meet
to trade at the Allfair? a gathering to which all peoples are welcome, even
the caravans of the magical nomadic tribes called the Footloose.
But at the most recent Allfair disaster struck. Open hostilities flared
once more between Eyra and Istria, threatening to bring all-out war to the
world of Elda. But the opposing countries are not fully at fault, for
powerful forces are at work which could change their world and everyone
in it. Magic is reawakening, and those caught in the maelstrom of its wild
power will be irrevocably altered.

VIRELAI: Once a mighty magician's apprentice on a faraway isle, he
has done the unthinkable? poisoned his Master and stolen his greatest
treasure of which is a small black cat within whom is hidden some of the
world's most potent magic. Now, racked by fear he hides among the
Footloose, terrified of retribution and unable to understand or control that
which he has stolen.

THE ROSA ELDI: Chosen by the Eyran king to be his bride, she is the
most unusual of women, for she has the ability to inspire unquenchable
lust in any man who sees her. Yet she is an enigma even to herself, for she
has no memory or knowledge of the world around her, nor any
understanding of her strange powers.
ARAN ARANSON: Since buying a map from a Footloose sorcerer, he
has become a man possessed. For the map shows the way to a mythical
arctic fortress called Sanctuary and promises unimaginable treasure.
Blinded by the magical pull of the map will he risk all he holds dear:
family, home, honor, his life and the lives of his crew on an expedition
which only a madman would undertake?

KATLA ARANSEN: Though still a young woman, Aran's daughter is the