"Lawrence Watt-Evans - Dus 1 - Lure Of The Basilisk" - читать интересную книгу автора (Watt-Evans Lawrence)

"Such is the lot of all, be they man or overman." The dry monotone was
unchanged, but Garth thought a glint of light touched the hidden eyes. He was
comforted by this proof that there were indeed eyes there.
"I would not have it so. O King, I know my place in the cosmos, I know I
cannot change the stars nor alter the fate of the world, although I would like
to; that is not what I ask. If I cannot change the world, then I would
influence the dwellers therein. I would have it that my name shall be known so
long as any living thing shall move upon the earth or sea, that I shall be
famed throughout the world."
The figure in yellow stirred. "Why would you have this?"
"Vanity, 0 King."
"You know it for vanity? There is no other purpose?"
"There is no other purpose possible to such a desire."
"Think you not that your desire exceeds reason, even in vanity? What
will it profit you that you be remembered when dead?"
"Nothing. But I would know while I yet live that I shall be thus
remembered, for this knowledge will comfort me when it comes my turn to die."
"So be it, then, Garth of Ordunin; what you wish shall be yours if you
serve me without fail in certain tasks. I, too, have an unfulfilled desire,
the realization of which requires certain magic I do not now possess, and I
swear by my heart and all the gods that if I achieve my goal with your aid,
then your name shall be known as long as there is life upon this earth."
The old man's face had slipped back into shadow as he made this speech,
but Garth thought he detected a smile as he said, "I shall serve you, O King."
"We shall see. I must first set you a trial of sorts, for I dare not
send an incompetent about certain businesses. I must also be sure I will not
be bothered unnecessarily."
Garth made no reply as the hooded face sank back to its original
contemplative position, so that only the thin white beard showed. It was some
ten minutes before the dry voice spoke again.
"You will bring me the first living thing you find in the ancient crypts
beneath Mormoreth."
"Mormoreth?"
"A city, far to the east. But details can wait. Fetch me food and
drink." The ancient head rose once more, and although the eyes were as
invisible as ever, the wrinkled lips were twisted upward in a hideous grin.


CHAPTER TWO

It was almost two days later when the overman remounted his warbeast and rode
toward the East Gate. Much of the intervening time had been spent deciding
what he might need and making sure he had it. Although he had come from
Ordunin equipped for most eventualities, he had not prepared for bringing a
live captive of some sort back across plains and mountains. He had no idea
what the first living thing he would encounter in the crypts would be, and had
to consider every possibility from insect to elephant. He could only hope that
it was not a dragon he was being sent after, although even that possibility
was provided for as best he could manage with an asbestos blanket and several
heavy chains. His first inclination had been to acquire cages of various