"Naomi Kritzer - Dead Rivers 1 - Freedom's Gate" - читать интересную книгу автора (Kritzer Naomi)

Bantam Dell

A Division of Random House, Inc.

New York, New York



All rights reserved.

Copyright © 2004 by Naomi Kritzer

Cover illustration © 2004 by Stephen Youll

Cover design by Jamie S. Warren Youll



Bantam Books, the rooster colophon, Spectra,

and the portrayal of a boxed "s" are registered trademarks of Random House, Inc.



ISBN 0-553-58673-4



Manufactured in the United States of America

Published simultaneously in Canada
 To my very first fans,

Abigail and Nathaniel Kritzer


FREEDOM'S
GATE
CHAPTER ONE



It was before sunrise when the shamefaced man-at-arms knocked on my door to tell me that there had
been an escape—Alibek, one of the boys from Kyros's harem. I sent him to the stable to fetch my horse
while I dressed, and met him in the courtyard, where I quickly checked over my gear. "What time was he
found missing?" I asked, buckling an extra waterskin to Zhade's saddle.

"Nearly two hours ago, Lauria," he said, avoiding my eyes.

"Why didn't you—"