Ведьмак: Кровь эльфов
Chapter 1
Theriderspurshishorse,thewingsonhishelmetflutteringasthebirdofpreytakestoflight,launchingitselftoattackitshelplessvictim,paralysedwithfear.Thebird–ormaybetheknight–screechesterrifyingly,cruelly,triumphantly.Ablackhorse,blackarmour,ablackflowingcloak,andbehindthis–flames.Aseaofflames.
Fear.
Thebirdshrieks.Thewingsbeat,feathersslapagainstherface.Fear!
Help!Whydoesn’tanyonehelpme?Alone,weak,helpless–Ican’tmove,can’tforceasoundfrommyconstrictedthroat.Whydoesnoonecometohelpme?
I’mterrified!
Eyesblazethroughtheslitinthehugewingedhelmet.Theblackcloakveilseverything—
"Ciri!"
Shewoke,numbanddrenchedinsweat,withherscream–thescreamwhichhadwokenher–stillhangingintheair,stillvibratingsomewherewithinher,beneathherbreast-boneandburningagainstherparchedthroat.Herhandsached,clenchedaroundtheblanket;herbackached...
"Ciri.Calmdown."
Thenightwasdarkandwindy,thecrownsofthesurroundingpinetreesrustlingsteadilyandmelodiously,theirlimbsandtrunkscreakinginthewind.Therewasnomalevolentfire,noscreams,onlythisgentlelullaby.Besideherthecampfireflickeredwithlightandwarmth,itsreflectedflamesglowingfromharnessbuckles,gleamingredintheleather-wrappedandiron-bandedhiltofaswordleaningagainstasaddleontheground.Therewasnootherfireandnootheriron.Thehandagainsthercheeksmelledofleatherandashes.Notofblood.
