Exodite

Глава 1At first, there was only the whisper of leaves—and not from any wind.Branches swayed, the forest litter crunching beneath the weight of something large—then onto the path emerged a mounted beast: saddled, bearing a rider. It raised its broad, scaled head, nostrils flaring like a dragon’s as it tasted the air, then cast a sidelong glance back into the thicket. With a subtle flick of his wrist, the rider tightened the reins, and obediently, the beast resumed its course, its gait smooth and swift. After a time, the rider checked its pace—no sense in letting the steed waste its strength needlessly.The wind carried the crisp, vivid scents of approaching night, and of course, even in this tamed creature, the animal instinct stirred in response. Without bit or bridle, without the firm mental command of its master, the mount would have long since bolted into the undergrowth—to seek its k…