"03 - Shadowlight" - читать интересную книгу автора (Jefferies Mike)

First published in Great Britain by FontanaPaperbacks 1988
Second impression January 1990

Copyright (I) 1988 Mike Jefferies

Printed and bound in Great Britain by
William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. Glasgow

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Shadowlight

Doubts crowded in the darkness, whispered fears spread
through the warriors in the battle crescent as all eyes waited
on King Holbian.

'What if Thanehand fails to destroy the Nightmare, Krulshards?
What then will become of the sunlight of Elundium?'

The battle crescent trembled and swayed, stirred by each
man's fears of what the new daylight would bring. A hand
gently touched the King's elbow, making him start in the
darkness, setting the steelsilver battlecoat he wore jingling
with sweet musical whispers of the daylight yet to dawn.

'It is time, my Lord,' Breakmaster called quietly, lifting his
hand and pointing out beyond the darkened Causeway Field
to where a streak of cold grey light edged the dark bulk of
Mantern's Mountain.

'The grey hours are upon us, Lord, and the battle
crescent stands as you commanded; every warrior is in his
place.'

Slowly King Holbian turned towards the horseman. 'The
city folk?' he asked, gripping Breakmaster's arm in his brittle
fingers. 'Will they be safe if the Nightbeasts come?'

Breakmaster nodded, sweeping his rein-hand out towards
dark shapes huddling behind the battle crescent. 'I have
placed the Nighthorses before them, my Lord, they will
protect the city folk whatever the new daylight brings.'