"Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman. Time of the Twins ("DragonLance Legends" #1) (angl)" - читать интересную книгу автора

of crockery up off the floor, where they floated in a sea of beer.
"Perhaps I should!" the waitress cried, tossing the pieces back
onto the floor. 'Wait tables yourself... or is that beneath you
now, Tika Majere, Heroine of the Lance?"

Flashing Tika a hurt, reproachful glance, Dezra stood up,
kicked the broken crockery out of her way, and flounced out of
the Inn.
As the front door banged open, it hit sharply against its
frame, making Tika grimace as she envisioned scratches on the
woodwork. Sharp words rose to her lips, but she bit her tongue
and stopped their utterance, knowing she would regret them
later.
The door remained standing open, letting the bright light of
fading afternoon flood the Inn. The ruddy glow of the setting
sun gleamed in the bar's freshly polished wood surface and
sparkled off the glasses. It even danced on the surface of the
puddle on the floor. It touched Tika's flaming red curls teas-
ingly, like the hand of a lover, causing many of the sniggering
patrons to choke on their laughter and gaze at the comely
woman with longing.
Not that Tika noticed. Now ashamed of her anger, she
peered out the window, where she could see Dezra, dabbing at
her eyes with an apron. A customer entered the open door,
dragging it shut behind him. The light vanished, leaving the
Inn once more in cool, half-darkness.
Tika brushed her hand across her own eyes. What kind of
monster am I turning into? she asked herself remorsefully.
After all, it wasn't Dezra's fault. It's this horrible feeling inside
of me! I almost wish there were draconians to fight again. At
least then I knew what I feared, at least then I could fight it with
my own hands! How can I fight something I can't even name?
Voices broke in on her thoughts, clamoring for ale, for food.
Laughter rose, echoing through the Inn of the Last Home.
This is what I came back to find. Tika sniffed and wiped her
nose with the bar rag. This is my home. These people are as
right and beautiful and warm as the setting sun. I'm sur-
rounded by the sounds of love - laughter, good fellowship, a
lapping dog....
Lapping dog! Tika groaned and hurried out from behind the
bar.
"Raf!" she exclaimed, staring at the gully dwarf in despair.
"Beer spill. Me mop up," he said, looking at her and cheer-
fully wiping his hand across his mouth.
Several of the old-time customers laughed, but there were a
few, new to the Inn, who were staring at the gully dwarf in dis-
gust.

"Use this rag to clean it up!" Tika hissed out of the corner of
her mouth as she grinned weakly at the customers in apology.