Ведьмак: Кровь эльфов
Chapter 1
Allaroundherscreamingsuchasshehadneverbeforeheardgrewlouder.Whatmustonedotoamantomakehimscreamso?
Fear.Overpowering,paralysing,chokingfear.
Againtheclashofiron,thegruntsandsnortsofthehorses.Thehouseswhirledaroundherandsuddenlyshecouldseewindowsbelchingfirewhereamomentbeforethere’dbeennothingbutamuddylittlestreetstrewnwithcorpsesandclutteredwiththeabandonedpossessionsofthefleeingpopulation.Allatoncetheknightatherbackwaswrackedbyastrangewheezingcough.Bloodspurtedoverthehandsgraspingthereins.Morescreams.Arrowswhistledpast.
Afall,ashock,painfulbruisingagainstarmour.Hoovespoundedpasther,ahorse’sbellyandafrayedgirthflashingbyaboveherhead,thenanotherhorse’sbellyandaflowingblackcaparison.Gruntsofexertion,likealumberjack’swhenchoppingwood.Butthisisn’twood;it’sironagainstiron.Ashout,muffledanddull,andsomethinghugeandblackcollapsedintothemudnexttoherwithasplash,spurtingblood.Anarmouredfootquivered,thrashed,goringtheearthwithanenormousspur.
Ajerk.Someforcepluckedherup,pulledherontoanothersaddle.Holdon!Againthebone-shakingspeed,themadgallop.Armsandlegsdesperatelysearchingforsupport.Thehorserears.Holdon!...Thereisnosupport.Thereisno...Thereisno...Thereisblood.Thehorsefalls.It’simpossibletojumpaside,nowaytobreakfree,toescapethetightembraceofthesechainmail-cladarms.
