"Stephen Lawhead - Pendragon Cycle 05 - Grail" - читать интересную книгу автора (Lawhead Stephen)

Gradually, the wood began to thin and the land to rise. And then we
stepped from the trees into the full, bright sun. Cleared land lay before us
planted in fields; the crops were withered, however, leaves and stalks dry
and rattling listlessly in the sun. Beyond the fields, squatting atop the
broad crest of the hill, stood the timber wall of the stronghold. A well-used
track emerged from the wood not fifty paces from where I walked, and
made its way to the fortress gate. I wondered how we had missed such a
well-travelled road in our search.
The young woman halted just ahead of me, gazing at the stronghold. I
moved to stand beside her, and she pointed to the place.
'I thank you for leading me,' I told her. We started across the field
together, and had just reached the trail when I heard a shout behind us and
turned; the young woman continued on without looking back.
Peredur and Tallaght emerged from the wood, leading my horse. They
rode to where I stood waiting. 'The trail led from the glade,' explained
Tallaght. 'I cannot understand how we missed it before.'
'Nor can I,' added Peredur.
'Well,' I replied, 'at least we will not have to search for it on our return.'
Taking the reins from Tallaght, I said, 'You can go ahead, if you like. I
will walk with our guide.' At this, both warriors exchanged uneasy
glances, but I ignored their odd behaviour and quickly joined the young
woman on the trail.
We walked towards the gate - a steady climb as the hill rose steeply at its
summit - and the young woman kept her eyes on the stronghold and said
nothing. Approaching the gate, we were hailed by a man brandishing a
spear. 'Greetings!' he called, hastening forward to meet us. 'I give you
good day!'
I gave the gateman my greeting, whereupon he looked at the girl beside
me and stopped in his tracks, losing control of his spear, which fell to the
ground. He bent to retrieve it and stood staring at us, his mouth agape like
a beached fish.
'We come looking for the caer of Urien Rheged,' I told the man. 'Have we
found it?'
'That you have, lord,' he replied slowly; he seemed to have difficulty
taking his eyes from the girl. For her part, she regarded the man without
expression; indeed, she seemed to look through him to the settlement
beyond. 'But if it is himself you are wanting, I must tell you he is not here,'
the man said. His attention shifted to the two warriors coming up behind
me. 'Is it far you have ridden today?'
'We have come from the Pendragon,' I answered. 'Our camp is no farther
than a short day's ride.'
'The Pendragon! - here?' cried the man. 'But our lord is gone to join him in
the south.' His eyes, fearful now, shifted quickly to me. 'Has Urien been
killed? I must tell Hwyl - I must tell him at once.'
He made to dash away then and there, but I held him. 'Stay, friend. Calm
yourself. All will be explained in good time.' I smiled to assure him we
meant no harm. 'Ah, but it is too hot to be standing here in the sun.
Perhaps there is a shady spot within.' I gestured towards the fortress. 'My
men and I could use a drink - and the horses as well.'
'Forgive me, lord,' spluttered the man. 'I am a hound for yapping on so.