Ведьмак: Кровь эльфов

           Itwaswipedoutagoodhalf-centuryago,due–incidentally–totheactivityofindividualssuchasyourselfwhoarepreparedtokillanythingthatdoesnotinstantlylookright,withoutforethought,tests,observationorconsideringitsecologicalniche."

           Foramoment,Geraltfeltasinceredesiretotellthescholarwherehecouldputtheaeschnaanditsniche,buthechangedhismind.

           "MasterTutor,"hesaidcalmly,"oneofthosepulledfromthedeckwasayoungpregnantgirl.Shewantedtocoolherswollenfeetinthewater.Theoretically,herchildcould,oneday,havebecomechancellorofyourcollege.Whatdoyouhavetosaytosuchanapproachtoecology?"

           "Itisunscientific;itisemotionalandsubjective.Natureisgovernedbyitsownrulesandalthoughtheserulesarecruelandruthless,theyshouldnotbeamended.Itisastruggleforsurvival!"TheMasterTutorleanedovertherailingandspatintothewater."Andnothingcanjustifytheexterminationofaspecies,evenapredatoryone.Whatdoyousaytothat?"

           "Isaythatit’sdangeroustoleanoutlikethat.Theremightbeanaeschnainthevicinity.Doyouwanttotryouttheaeschna’sstruggleforsurvivalonyourownskin?"

           LinusPittletgooftherailingandabruptlyjumpedaway.Heturnedalittlepalebutimmediatelyregainedhisself-assuranceandpursedhislipsagain.