Jack Vance Elder Isles 3 Madouc

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Aha! said the under-chamberlain wisely. That is where the mystery begins!
When theologians are asked as to the source of Cron and Hec, they pull at
their beards and change the subject. It is certainly beyond my understanding.
We know for a fact that only Cron and Hec are father and mother to all the
rest. There you see Atlante, there Gaea; there is Fantares, there Aeris. These
are the divinities of water, earth, fire and air. Apollo the Glorious is God
of the Sun; Drethre the
Beautiful is Goddess of the Moon. There you see Fluns, Lord of Battles; facing
him is Palas, Goddess of the Harvest. Finally: Adace and Aronice stand in
opposition, as well they might! For six months of each year Adace is the God
of Pain, Cruelty and Evil, while Aronice is the Goddess of Love and Kindness.
At the time of the equinoxes they change roles and for the next six months,
Adace is the God of Bravery, Virtue and Clemency, while Aronice is the Goddess
of Spite, Hatred
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.txt and Treachery. For this reason they are known as The Fickle Pair .
Ordinary folk change by the hour, or even by the minute, said Madouc. By
comparison, Adace and
Aronice would seem to be steadfast. Still, I would not care to be a member of
their household.
That is an astute observation, said the under-chamberlain. He inspected her
once again. Am I
mistaken, or might you be the distinguished Princess Madouc of Lyonesse?
So I am known, at least for the moment.
The under-chamberlain bowed. You may know me as Tibalt, with the rank of
esquire. I am happy to assist Your Highness! Please advise me if I may
continue to be of service!
Madouc asked: From sheer curiosity, where is the table Cairbra an Meadhan?
Tibalt, with a brave flourish, pointed his finger. The portal yonder leads
into the Hall of
Heroes.
Madouc said: You may conduct me to this hail, if you will.
With pleasure.
A pair of men-at-arms, halberds at vertical rest, stood immobile by the
portal; their eyes moved by not so much as a flicker at the approach of Madouc
and Tibalt; the two passed unchallenged into the Hall of Heroes.
Tibalt said: This is the oldest part of Falu Ffail. No one knows who laid
these great stones! You will have noticed that the chamber is circular and
commands a diameter of thirty-three yards. And there is the Round Table:
Cairbra an Meadhan!
So I see.
The total diameter is fourteen yards and eleven ells. The outer ring is five
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feet across, and is constructed of rock elm laid on oak timbers, leaving a
central opening about eleven yards in diameter.
Tibalt conducted Madouc around the table. Notice the bronze plaques: they
name paladins of long past ages, and indicate their places at the table.
Madouc bent to study one of the plaques. The characters are of archaic style,
but legible. This one reads: Here sits Sir Gahun of Hack, fierce as the north
wind and relentless in battle.
Tibalt was impressed. You are adept in the skill of reading! But then, that
is the prerogative of a princess!
True enough, said Madouc. Still, many common folk can do as well, if they
apply themselves. I
recommend the sleight to you; it is not so hard after the many peculiar shapes
become familiar.
Your Highness has inspired me! declared Tibalt. I will begin to master this
skill at once. Now then! Tibalt pointed across the chamber. There you see
Evandig, the Throne of the Elder Kings.
We stand in the presence of the mighty! It is said that once each year their
ghosts gather in this hall to renew old friendships. And now what? Will you
see more of this hall? It is a trifle gloomy, and used only at state
occasions.
Will it be used during the present colloquy?
Definitely so!
Where will King Casmir sit, and where King Aillas and Prince Dhrun? [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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