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

truly was not much. But Ralabun, while elderly, had muscular arms after years
of heavy work in the stables, and so the boat moved steadily across the broad
river. They dodged floating debris, including whole trees uprooted from the
Black-mire upstream. Once there was even a log with a huge vicious raffin
aboard, that sailed along as nonchalantly as a Trevista tradeboat. The beast
roared as it passed less than three arm-lengths away, but it made no move to
leave its safe perch and attack them.

Along the opposite shore from Citadel Knoll, which was mucky and uninhabited,
the current was much less strong, just as the Prince had predicted. He wearily put
up his oars and left the propelling of the boat to Ralabun. They made good
headway upstream, and were able to converse above the noise of the rushing
water.

Tolivar said, "There is a very shallow tributary creek that joins the river on the
north shore, in the braided section just above Market Pool. That is where we are

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going."

Ralabun nodded. "I know what you're talking about: a nameless waterway
clogged with fodderfern and lanceweed. But it is not navigable—"

"It is, if one fares carefully. I have traveled the creek often during the Dry Time,
in secret, disguising myself as a common wharfboy."

Ralabun gave a disapproving grunt. "That was most impru-dent, Hiddenheart!
Even so close to Citadel Knoll, the Mazy Mire is not a safe place for a lone
human lad. If you had only asked, I would have been glad to take you swamp-
romping—"

"I was in no danger." The Prince spoke haughtily. "And my business in the mire
was both serious and personal. It had nothing to do with the sort of idle
funseeking we are accustomed to pursue together."

"Hmph. What great mystery does this creek conceal, then?"

"It's my business," Tolivar snapped.

This time the Nyssomu's feelings were clearly hurt. "Well, I humbly beg Your
Worship's pardon for prying!"

The boy's voice softened. "Do not be offended, Ralabun. Even the dearest
companions must have some things private from one another. I was forced to ask
your help in traveling to my secret place tonight because of the strength of the
river. There was no other soul I could trust."