[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
."What a concept! I shall remember those words, and use them whenever I need to express utter and abject failure.""Now then, there's no need to take that tone.Save your venom for our mystery bard."“I assure you, I've plenty to spare."The Harper shrugged."Much as I'd like to exchange pleasantries with you, I've got to get that scroll from Vartain."Before Danilo could move away, Elaith's hand closed on his arm like a vise, and the elf nodded toward the dais."The time for that has passed.You might as well stay for the festivities."Lord Piergeiron walked to the center of the platform, raising his hands for attention.Two mages stepped forward, casting the spells that would send the First Lord's voice throughout the arena.The crowd fell silent, for no other individual in Waterdeep could command their attention as could Piergeiron.The First Lord was not given to oratory, but he had a simple direct way about him to which people responded."I declare that the tournament games are over, and that the Midsummer festivities are at an end.We will begin Shieldmeet with the traditional affirmation of the Lords of Waterdeep.""I sincerely doubt that," Elaith murmured, gazing intently into the clouds.Danilo followed the elf's gaze."Don't tell me: it's an asperii.""I'm afraid so.With Lady Thione out of the way, the sorceress will no doubt try to depose Khelben herself.""The sorceress has the power to influence crowds through song," Danilo murmured, remembering the riddle spet "Let's get down there." He began to elbow his way through the crowd.Elaith followed him, but he looked doubtful."What do you propose to do?""Don't know, but I'll think of something."The asperii swooped down over the arena, drawing _gasps of wonder from the crowd and diverting all attention from Piergeiron.The noble wind steeds were rare and considered a blessing from the gods, No one thought of attacking the horse and its rider any more than they would have fired upon a unicorn that suddenly appeared in their midst.Even on the dais, the city dignitaries fell back to give the magical horse room to land.The white horse landed lightly on the dais.Its rider dismounted and took her harp from its fastenings."With your leave, Lord Piergeiron," she said in a clear voice that carried to the farthest corner of the arena, "by law and by custom, until sunset the day is to be given to contests, festivity, and song.Shieldmeet does not begin until that time, and any contracts and agreements made before that time do not bear the force of law.""That is true, lady bard," Piergeiron responded, and bowed to the half-elven woman."We await your song.""We've got to stop that song!" Danilo exclaimed, pushing aside a pair of rough looking half-orcs.One of the thugs bared his tusks in a scowl, and then quickly subsided when he caught sight of the silver-haired elf at the human's side."I challenge the bard!" demanded a resonant bass voice.The afternoon sun glinted off Vartain's bald pate as the riddlemaster pushed his way toward the platform.He spoke to the guards and was allowed to come forward.“Challenge the mage and riddlemaster Iriador Wintermist of Sespech, who is currently known as Garnet the bard, to a challenge of riddles.""That orc-sired buzzard!" Elaith muttered as he and Danilo pushed forward."What in the Nine Hells is he doing?""Don't complain.He's stopping the song," Danilo retorted.While the two made their way toward the stage, Vartain announced his terms: he would put forth a riddle, and if Garnet failed to guess it she would forfeit her harp.After a moment's hesitation, the bard agreed.Morgalla fought her way over to Danilo's side, with Wyn in' er wake."What's that fool up to?" she demanded asthey continued their struggle toward the dais."Saving face.We four will have to get the harp if Vartain fails, or if the bard does not honor the terms of the challenge.""What fourr Morgalla demanded."That silver serpent o' yers took off afore we got over to you."Danilo scanned the crowd.There was no sign of Elaith.At that moment, Vartain cleared his throat and gave the riddle challenge:"King Khalsors kingdom is long gone
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]