Артас: Возвышение короля-лича

           Arthasremovedhisglovesandranhishandalongthepink-graymuzzle,feelingthewarmthofInvincible’sbreathagainsthishands.Then,slowly,heeasedthehorse’sheadfromhislap,gottohisfeet,andfumbledwithhiswarmedhandforhissword.Hisfeetsankintheredpuddleofmeltedsnowashestoodoverthefallenanimal.

           "I’msorry,"hesaid."I’msosorry."

           Invincibleregardedhimcalmly,trustingly,asifhesomehowunderstoodwhatwasabouttohappen,andtheneedforit.ItwasmorethanArthascouldbear,andforamomenttearsagaincloudedhisvision.Heblinkedthembackhard.

           Arthasliftedtheswordandbroughtitstraightdown.

           Hedidthisright,atleast;piercedInvincible’sgreatheartwithasinglestrongblowfromarmsthatshouldhavebeentoochilledtodoso.Hefelttheswordpierceskin,flesh,scrapeagainstbone,andimpaleitselfintotheearthbelow.Invinciblearchedonce,thenshudderedandlaystill.

           JorumandJarimfoundhimtheresometimelater,afterthesnowhadtaperedoff,curleduptightlyagainstthecoolingcorpseofaonce-gloriousanimalbrimmingwithlifeandenergy.Astheeldermanbenttopickhimup,Arthascriedoutwithpain.

           "Sorry,lad,"Jorumsaid,hisvoicealmostunbearablykind."Forhurtingyou,andfortheaccident."

           "Yes,"Arthassaidweakly,"theaccident.Helosthisfooting..."

           "Andnowonderinthisweather.Thatstormcameonquickly