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

King Holbian laughed, releasing Breakmaster's arm. 'They
are the new Elundium, Breakmaster, they are here to witness

s

our last great moments and welcome a new king to rule in my
place!'

'But, Lord,' cried the horseman, 'you have an age of
daylights yet.'

King Holbian sighed, putting his finger on Breakmaster's
lips. 'I am old beyond counting, frail and bristled with age;
help me now to see out my last daylight for we stand in the
shadow of the Palace of Kings.'

6

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Waiting for Old Legends

As the King spoke he unbuckled a small silver buckler at his
throat and removed the steelsilver battlecoat from his shoulders.
Carefully he placed it in the horseman's arms. 'When
this daylight is at an end and I am laid to rest in my father's
house, then this precious battlecoat shall be yours.'

For a moment the King paused, looking out beyond the
towering walls of Underfall across the darkened Causeway
Field. Smiling he turned back to Breakmaster. 'With it I give
you Beacon Light, the Queen of Horses, for you were there
at her breaking and made her proud and brave to serve me
during these last desperate daylights. Go! Go now and spread
the battlecoat across her back.'

Breakmaster fell to his knees, the battlecoat clutched in his
utstretched hands. 'Lord,' he cried, tears coursing down his
cheeks, 'I asked for nothing but to love you, and to serve you
all my days against the Nightbeasts. There was no ambition
for such a treasure, such a beautiful gift.'

King Holbian smiled, putting his ancient hand on the
horseman's shoulder. 'I know it,' he whispered, 'and without
your love and loyalty I would have perished long ago in the
ruins of the Granite City beneath the Nightbeasts' shadows.
The gift is given and cannot be taken back. Go now and
prepare Beacon Light for me. Let me come to her this last
time proud, and sure of my purpose. Go, true friend, go.'