Запретный лес
X. What the Moon Saw
Asbefore,thepiperwithhishoundmasksatcross-leggedbeyondthealtar,andthedancersrevolvedwiddershinsaroundhim....
Tohisamazementhefoundhimselflookingonnotinterror,butincuriosity.ItwasagraverdancethanthatofBeltane,notthemadriotoftheburstinglifeofspring,butthemoresobermarchofsummerandthehotsunsbringingontheharvest....Seenfromabove,thefigureswereonlypuppets,movingatthebiddingofaliltthatroseandfelllikealostwind.ThepassionofwrathwithwhichhehadwatchedtheformerSabbathhadutterlygonefromhim.Hefeltacuriouspityandfriendliness,fortherewasinnocencehere,misguidedinnocence.
"WillthisbethewayGodlooksdownuponthefolliesoftheworld?"heaskedhimself.WhatwasitthatReiverslawhadsaid?--IftheKirkconfineshumannaturetoostrictly,itwillbreakoutinsecretways,formenandwomenarebornintoaterrestrialworld,thoughtheyhavehopesofHeaven....Thatwasblasphemy,andheknewit,buthedidnotshudderatit.
Howlongthesegentledancescontinuedhedidnotknow,forhewasinadreamandunderthespellofthepiping....Thensuddenlytherecameachange.Thedancing-floorbecamedark,andhesawthatcloudswerecomingoverthemoon.Achillhadcreptintotheair.Lightssprangupoutofnowhere,andthoughthewindhadbeguntosighthroughthetrees,henotedthattheselightsdidnotflicker....Themusicstopped,andthedancerscrowdedtogetheraroundthealtar.
Thehound-facedleaderstoodabovethemwithsomethinginhishand.
