"Константин Бояндин. The Guardian ("Истории Ралиона") " - читать интересную книгу автора

he could hunt for now - only seagulls.
She had caught fish enough for them both. The food was safe under the
large rock near the entrance to their cave. Nlaminer, as usual, wouldn't
find it. By the time she finished trying to reach ladder's bottom Nlaminer
woke.
Rhissa swam to the shore and let herself get dry first. Nlaminer's
footprints were fresh, waves hadn't washed them away. He would wait for her
in the cave. Before she started moving, Rhissa had a look at the sunset. The
sun was enormous and deep purple; the Night Star, first to appear, already
sparkled amidst the rare white feathers of the clouds.
Nlaminer hadn't found the fish, exactly as she thought.

* * *

"I hoped we will quickly visit the lighthouse so we could leave for
Onnd," Nlaminer said, looking at the pile of large raw fishes. "It turns out
I will delay my further plans. This haven wasn't visited for several years
now." He picked a fish and after a sigh began to eat it. Rhissa hid a smile;
Nlaminer was brought up by Humans. Their habits were still strong in him.
"And what are the plans ?"
"Well... the same ones, I'm afraid. I would like to sail to the Dragon
Isles. As I was said. Now I have money enough to undertake this voyage." He
scanned through his backpack. "The money order was damaged, I see. Well,
that means only two or three days delay, no more. And what about you, Rhissa
? What plans did you have beyond investigating the Lighthouse ?"
"Me ?" Rhissa was surprised. "I am not fond of voyages. Haans lead a
settled life, you know."
"I cannot believe that. We are traveling together for twenty years. If
this is a settled life..." He smiled ironically.
"I'm a Watcher, remember ?" Rhissa objected. "It's my task to travel
and look for unusual events. Indeed, I like travels now... probably more
than other Haans."
"I see." Nlaminer remembered the day of their departure. As usual, they
had met at the wharf of Pink Isle the day before sailing off. Nine times
they undertook their adventures; nine times they met the very day before.
He finished eating and decided to change subject.
"I thought the ladder was built at the same time the lighthouse was,"
Nlaminer said. "If the ladder is so ancient, who could construct it, then ?"
"Possibly the Akaeff could," suggested Rhissa.
"The race that disappeared one day," said he. "I do not believe they
ever existed. Too many legends say they were very mighty creatures. And yet,
nothing wonderful remained after them. We don't even know what gods they
had, do we ?"
Rhissa shrugged. She preferred not to discuss cults.
Nlaminer knew this and after several seconds added, "Well, at least we
know nothing now. Time to move along, right ?"
Rhissa nodded. "It's the night already; if you are rested, let's move."
Without any further remark she stood and disappeared in the coming darkness.
Nlaminer followed her close. "You are a good hunter," added he. "The
fish was good." There was no reply, for her friend never answered if there