"John Morressy - NestEgg" - читать интересную книгу автора (Morressy John)

"There's us."

Princess looked thoughtful. "Well, I'm sure you can handle a band --" she
began,
when an arrow whistled between them, others zipped overhead, and a loud shout
came from the wood.

"Let's go!" Kedrigern cried, casting a quick shielding spell around them as he
dug his heels in. They galloped to the last bend in the forest road, where a
barrier blocked their way. No sooner had they halted than a score of archers,
bows at the ready, emerged from the surrounding wood and six pikemen advanced
on
them, led by a swordsman.

"It's all right, my dear. These are Tyasan's men," said Kedrigern.

"Stand and unfold yourselves!" the swordsman demanded.

"We are friends to this ground, come at the request of King Tyasan. I am the
wizard Kedrigern, and this lady is my wife and colleague."

At the name, the swordsman sheathed his blade and said, in a much more cordial
tone, "Welcome to the Kingdom of the Misty Marshes. You are fortunate indeed
to
have come this far in safety."

"We encountered some bandits in the forest."

"Not bandits, wizard, but enemies of the kingdom. Alas, since the sickness of
the Chief Defender of the Realm has become known, our enemies have grown bold.
Three outlying hamlets have been raided. An invasion may come at any moment."

"Tyasan didn't mention that. We'd better hurry."
"I will provide you with a guide."

"No need, no need. I know the way," said Kedrigern, urging his horse forward.
"Just raise that barrier."

They reached the castle in the early afternoon, and were welcomed to
Contrecoeur
and the Kingdom of the Misty Marshes by Tyasan himself. The king was wreathed
in
smiles, and greeted them warmly.

"My good old friend, we knew you would come. Our troubles now are over," he
said, embracing Kedrigern. "And this must be your wife, as famed for her
magical
talent as for her beauty and wisdom."