"Julian May - Trillium 3 - Sky Trillium" - читать интересную книгу автора (May Julian)

Trillium 03 - Sky Trillium by Julian May (v1.0) (html).html


perusing?"

"No! Stop asking questions!"

Ralabun fell into a wounded silence as they descended more cautiously. The
walls of the cramped staircase were now very wet. In the crevices grew masses
of pale fungi that harbored faintly glowing creatures called slime-dawdlers.
These little beasts crept along the steps like luminescent slugs, making the
footing treacherous and producing an evil smell when they were trodden upon.

"It's not much farther," Tolivar said. "We are already at the level of the river."

After a few more minutes they came to another secret portal, with wooden
machinery that creaked when the Prince operated it. They emerged into a disused
shed full of decayed coils of rope, sprung barrels, and broken crates. A couple of
startled varts squeaked and ran away as Tolivar and Ralabun went to the shed's
exterior door. The Prince shuttered the lantern and peered cautiously outside.
Only a light drizzle fell now and it was very dark. There were no guards, for this
quay had been abandoned years ago following the war between Ruwenda and
Labornok, and its entrance into the Citadel sealed.

They cautiously made their way over the rotting planks of the dock with Ralabun
now leading the way. The Nyssomu's night vision was much keener than that of
humankind and they dared not show a light that might be detected by patrols on
the battlements above.

"My boat is yonder," Tolivar said, "hidden below the broken bollard."

Ralabun inspected the craft dubiously. "It is very small, Hiddenheart, and the

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Mutar flood is strengthening each hour. Will we have to go very far upstream?"

"Only about three leagues. And the boat is sturdy enough. I will row with the
central oars while you scull with the stern sweep, and together we will breast the
current and cross the river. Once on the other side, there will be slack water and
the going will be much easier."

Ralabun grinned. "I was not aware that you were such an experienced waterman."

"I am experienced in more things than you know," the boy said shortly. "Let us
be going."

They climbed aboard and cast off. Tolivar rowed with all his strength, which