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rooms in the monastery. All are filled with histories, studies, and scientific
papers ac-cumulated over thousands of years."
"I see," Ethan murmured. "There are two men with us of identical sentiment
with the Brotherhood.
One of your kind and one of mine."
"Their profession makes them thrice welcome, then," said Fahdig.
"Yes. What I want to know is, would it be possible for them to have a look
through your libraries?
They'd both be forever grateful."
"Tis not often done with outsiders, 'out then few express the desire to share
of our knowledge.
Peasants! Most who stop at the monastery are of lower fifes, merchants and
dealers with goods to barter."
"I understand perfectly," replied Ethan with a straight face.
Fahdig continued more cheerfully. "But if these compan-ions of yours are true
scholars, I am sure the Brotherhood would be pleased to have them enjoy the
results of many years' labor. Yes, consider it agreed!"
"Thank you, Fahdig. I'm sure they'll be demonstrably grateful."
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"If knowledge is spread," intoned their guide a bit pomp-ously, "then that is
thanks enough, for it holds back the encroachment of the Dark One!"
"Oh, absolutely," agreed Ethan.
Fahdig accompanied them to the bottom of the switch-backs and said he would
meet them there an hour before the sun disappeared behind the mountains.
Hunnar formally accepted the Prior's invitation and they started back to the
raft.
Ta-hoding's anxious face conveyed more questions than a thousand words.
"Everything is fine, captain," said September. "This place is run by a crowd
of desiccated old bookworms. "Didn't see a spear or bow in the whole
mausoleum. We've got permission to use the harbor for as long as we need. They
won't give us any trouble ... Oh, one other thing." He paused.
"We've been invited to supper."
Ta-hoding raised his eyes meaningfully. " Up there?"
"Did you think it was going to be catered?"
"Then," the captain replied, "you will extend my regrets to our hosts for any
absence. I must decline ... until you re-turn to us with another sky-boat.
Your pardon." He shuffled off and began bawling out a crewman who'd mistied a
knot.
Their report drew a mixed reaction from the others. Bala-vere in particular
found their isolated hosts too polite for his liking. But Hunnar reminded the
General that the small farming and hunting villages they'd passed had seemed
equally open and unmilitary. Clearly this area was not visited by such as the
Horde.
"We've also been extended the services of the monastery for this night, at
least," he added. Ethan expressed his own pleasure at the chance to sleep in a
real bed for a change. One that did not rock with the wind.
Hellespont du Kane professed indifference, but Colette was plainly as excited
by the offer as
Ethan. Even if it meant a five-hundred-.meter ascent.
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When they received the news about the libraries, of course, there was no
holding the two wizards, just as Ethan had pre-dicted. In fact, they insisted
on leaving immediately and making their own way to the top.
Hunnar argued mildly that arriving early might be con-strued as a breach of
local etiquette. But
Ethan and September disagreed, citing the unfailing kindness and open
helpfulness of the Prior and
Fahdig. Without waiting for an official de-cision, both Eer-Meesach and
Williams vanished up the near-est hatchway.
"That's the last we'll see of those two for a while," said Budjir gruffly.
Ethan was surprised.
Rarely did either of the squires offer an unsolicited comment.
"Why do you say that, Budjir?"
"I do not understand those two," he replied. "Their con-stant chatter hurts my
head."
"Don't let it bother you, Budjir," said September jovially, clapping the huge
tran on the:
shoulder. "Sometimes I find my-self in complete agreement with you. Now a tall
tankard of needle and a shapely female, eh? .. "
The squire grinned and the slitted pupils focused fondly on something in the
far distance.
Ethan observed this comradely by-play and muttered, "Communication ... it's
wonderful," and turned to go to his own cabin to prepare himself for the
overnight stay.
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Work on the repairs proceeded steadily and at a relaxed pace. There was no
need to rush the workmen. This time they could make a decent job of the
foremast, too. And while the temporary repairs on the fore port runner had
held up better than anyone had a right to expect, Ta-boding was relieved at
the chance to fix it properly.
Timbers and bracing had been set up beneath the bow and the metalworkers were [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]