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Dragon’s Empire – 2. Goddess for Dragon
Natalie Yacobson


How can the power be held over the dragon who has broken free from captivity? Only by inviting him a bride, more beautiful and more dangerous there is no one. Princess Odil is the goddess of the magic arts, but she is the daughter of the sorcerer, who kept Edwin in captivity. So is it worth falling in love with her? Alas, love can pierce like an arrow even a dragon heart.





Dragon’s Empire – 2

Goddess for Dragon



Natalie Yacobson



Translator Natalie Lilienthal



© Natalie Yacobson, 2021

© Natalie Lilienthal, translation, 2021



ISBNВ 978-5-0055-5932-6 (С‚. 2)

ISBNВ 978-5-0055-4050-8

Created with Ridero smart publishing system




According toВ fate


Touching the surface ofВ the copper roofs, the sun rays were broken inВ great number ofВ sparks. The road looped and twisted between the houses ofВ aВ small village. The world around changed, not only fashion and architecture. The next era came toВ replace the suspended and sometimes, looking around, IВ felt myself aВ creature from another century. IВ wonder how much time has passed since IВ got for the study ofВ magical books. No one could give me aВ prompting. If IВ asked aВ passersby, what year is now, it would cause bewilderment and even suspicion.

Almost forests, golden fields and meadows remained the same. IВ came on aВ country road and felt that someone watched me. There was aВ few people inВ the village, and IВ did not notice anyone able toВ cause an interest. But now it was possible toВ say confidently that the same creature as IВ myself is observed behindВ me.

В«Show yourself!В» IВ mentally demanded and, turning around, saw aВ nice guy. InВ clothes from green velvet, he looked elegantly. The camouflage cloak allowed him toВ stay unnoticed inВ the forest landscape, but now standing around the road, he was not at all inconspicuous, rather similar toВ the royal courier or the page ofВ aВ nobleman, and maybe even the son ofВ aВ nobleman. He just took off on aВ moment from his head aВ hat with aВ buckle, and IВ managed toВ notice the ears typical for anВ elf.

В«Do you need aВ conductor?В» He was already standing near my horse. В«If you want toВ have aВ servant that is faster than wind, then I, Percy, is ready toВ fulfill all your wishes, Monseigneur Dragon.В»

The last words were pronounced so quietly, that even if someone came toВ us closely, it was unlikely that they could hear them. Percy knew about the sharpness ofВ my hearing and that IВ can do with anyone who would not like toВ me, and yet risked his own skin toВ start aВ conversation. Friendly and kind, he immediately caused aВ sympathy. He could be trusted, but the sly sparkles inВ the eyes sometimes spoiled the impression ofВ ostentatious humility and honesty.

В«What benefit will be from such aВ conductor as you?В»

Percy met the attack, as if he was ready for suspicion ofВ the newВ Mr.

«You are looking for your subjects. I can show you the city, it is empty after the Dragon’s raids,» he immediately answered.

«It would be not difficult to find this place for me,» I really felt not far from me the presence of the same creature, as I myself, only it was gloomy and mean. As if the black cloud enveloped The city’s walls, and behind them on the empty streets crawled something terrible and shapeless. And on the bottom of the dried well there was a collection of rarest jewels. There were also collected both valuable and cheap baubles, selected from the inhabitants.

В«Take me with you, IВ will be useful toВ you,В» Percy has already changed the tone. AВ bold smile slipped from his face, giving way toВ concern. В«IВ know aВ lot about the civilization ofВ people, the location ofВ countries and border forts, can easily get into any accommodation and fool anyone. Believe me, IВ am worthy ofВ taking aВ place inВ aВ suite ofВ the future ruler.В»

IВ almost laughed, surprised ofВ his naivety. AВ clever, aВ pretty creature, standing inВ front ofВ me inВ the appearance ofВ an elf, was an ancient and wise, but at the same time he did not know completely anything about the intrigues ofВ the sorcerer. Perhaps he was too impressed, besides stubbornly did not want toВ see the truth lying on the surface.

«I’m not still a monarch, Percy and it is unknown if I will be,» I tried to enlighten him and give at least some useful advice. «You put not on that card, my friend?»

В«No, on that,В» Percy was outraged. В«Compared toВ you, IВ am not so clever certainly, but not such aВ fool, toВ notice the obvious.В»

IВ gave spurs aВ horse and it slowly moved forward. Percy followed me, observing aВ respectful distance and at the same time noВ lag.

В«AВ vassal should always follow his suzerain, at least for the fulfillment ofВ small orders or toВ play the role ofВ advisor inВ negotiations,В» he continued toВ persist.

Percy relentlessly followed me like a puppy for the owner. There was a short green cloak with gold braid on his thin shoulders. A little squeezed eyes carefully watched all what was happening. It was worth just to look at him and I remembered ballads about how the king of the elves leaves the forest to charm and lure into the thicket to the faithful death some lady Isabelle who was embroidered at the window. I wanted to ask Percy whether all these ballads are truthful or they just came up with minstrels, but I didn’t dare to show him that I had at least something from the curious boy. After all, the elf sacred believed in my superiority over all of his kind. He quickly followed me.

В«There is aВ village ahead, the inhabitants left it, not wanting toВ stay inВ dangerous intimacy with the dragon,В» Percy reported inВ aВ whisper at one ofВ the turns.

The village, which was near the full-flowed river, suffered severely from the spring floods. Most low houses were flooded almost to the roofs, others that stood closer to the hill, too, represented a muddy spectacle. Somewhere water reached the level of windows, somewhere only managed to cross through the threshold. However, the peasants didn’t care, the houses were empty long before the spring.

There was aВ fortress on the hill, but it was best toВ visit it inВ the evening when the monster will wake up and will be ready toВ meet his master.

Percy found an empty stable, not flooded with water and wrapped the scraper, cleaning the skin of my horse. He stubbornly wanted to prove that even in the absence of important tasks, a diligent servant would get out of it. It was difficult to guess where he learned the work of the groom. With pride, he stated that he could also prepare us a dinner. As soon as the first stars were lit in the sky, I left Percy alone and moved to the castle. It will be better if I’m going there without a scared horse. The rise was not easy, but only I stepped up on the ground slope, I felt the soil left under my feet. The dangerous and delightful magic of the flight returned to me. From the height, I glanced in standing water and instead of my own reflection I saw the golden snake in the rings. Just a few moments of the flight and I was already standing in the castle in my previous guise. There was no soul around, the entire building was empty, the doors of the church clapped in the wind, the main bell was silent. Some bells in general were removed, and on the curved ladder, leading to the bell tower, the dirty trail stretched. The columns that register its roof and the railing staircase were cut with something sharp. I approached and noticed that these are traces from dragon claws.

InВ silence IВ heard aВ heavy breathing, and aВ wheezing scraping claws on the cobblestones. The dragon crept over the area and was directed toВ me. He saw me and disappeared, replaced byВ aВ bright flash, and aВ stream ofВ silver smoke on aВ deserted street. Before me stood aВ tall gloomy gentleman. His unpleasant appearance and black clothes would not cause so much suspicion, if not violent, maniac gleam inВ the narrowed eyes. He nearly bowed and took off the hat with gold buckle and aВ large ruby. InВ this way, the stranger tried toВ show his respect, though it was immediately evident that he does it, gritting his heart.

В«The highly esteemed gentleman appeared toВ honor us with his presence,В» saidВ he.

«You?» I asked. Own voice seemed to me someone else’s, cold and incredibly cruel. He hit the copper roofs of houses as steel and caused a weak echo.

В«Me and those rats, crows and insects, who pounced on the cellars ofВ taverns and an empty mill,В» it seemed the opponent wants toВ fight aВ duel, but he is afraid toВ say about it directly.

Remembering the words, once carefully rewritten byВ me on aВ blank sheet ofВ paper, IВ made aВ thin ray ofВ the moon toВ lie as the spot next toВ him. My right hand involuntarily squeezed into the fist, and the stranger wheezed, his body was delayed inВ convulsions, long wrinkled fingers reached out toВ the throat. He felt the loop delayed on his neck, and realized that IВ strangle him slow, but true. InВ his glance flashed aВ genuine horror. IВ allowed him toВ retreat aВ little and immediately made aВ new gesture with my hand, so that the lantern hanging on aВ copper hook at the porch ofВ the tavern, flared up bright, orange light. The stranger bounced off the burning heat, agile overcoming most ofВ the street. IВ felt the evil and fear fromВ him.

В«You, ofВ course, came for the tribute, Your Majesty,В» aВ rough voice stuck out ofВ the darkness. How fast this cruel killer made me inВ the kings. With my internal vision, IВ looked at the bottom ofВ the dried well. There are piles ofВ gems, coins, caskets and chests.

В«Tribute is just the formality so that you and those who like you have not forgotten that there is also the highest power over them,В» IВ took aВ step forward and he backed away from me. IВ had toВ follow the rays ofВ the moon so that they would be golden dust about the roof ofВ the houses and illuminated aВ narrow street.

«It’ll be enough?» quietly asked a hoarse voice. Behind my back there were bags with coins, tiny emeralds, gold and silver bars. «The tax is going to every seven years, it should be enough.»

The shadow, twilight world, toВ which IВ now belonged, also waited for the beginning ofВ the nextВ era.

В«The ruler does not apply toВ collect tribute himself,В» IВ said thoughtfully. В«Not later than tomorrow IВ will send my servants here. Try not toВ scare them with your sudden appearance.В»

IВ was sure that Percy would come out ofВ the situation with honor, gathering on the pavement even aВ little more coins than he was due. Not that IВ respected the ancient custom ofВ collecting taxes, but it was the only way toВ remind the terrible winged reptiles that even they can suffer punishment if they broke the permitted border. Only now IВ realized how it was profitable for Rothbart toВ have aВ tamed sorcerer.

Returning to Percy, I felt unusual fatigue and, nevertheless, I climbed into the saddle. «If we turn to the west, we will come to the hospitably open gate of the city with an interesting name Lara,» the elf’s voice spilled around the night with musical trills. City-dwellers must believe that spirits patronize them. This is true, it is the richest and luxurious of all cities, especially now in the spring masquerade season.

Once IВ saw the motley masquerades inВ the native capital, followed how the lush cape ofВ Lady Sylvia flashed inВ an elegant crowd, felt the burning breath ofВ the pursuer at the back ofВ my head. Memories briefly struck the gap inВ cold insensibility and immediately retreated toВ the background. Dazzling fragments ofВ the past now hurt, and it was better not toВ sort out them. Now IВ belonged toВ aВ different world, and inВ this world IВ was just aВ third-party observer, aВ magician who decided toВ make aВ pilgrimage on unfamiliar cities only toВ win inВ the crowd ofВ mortals. Maybe one day IВ will decide toВ penetrate toВ the kings and give them dangerous advises if Rothbart will not cross all my plans. Who knows what the kingdom will not like him next time.

The path to Lara passed by the forest, destroyed by stray lights and pieces of rotten wood. Flocks of the fireflies rushed past us, somewhere deafly hooted a owl, but before opened gates were only a few guards. The boats swam in the narrow canal about city’s walls, a variety of masks created the atmosphere of fun. The whole way Percy slid in front of my horse’s hooves at the same time, without touching with his feet the earth. The horse, which has already been accustomed to the presence of two unusual owners, neither afraid of the elf’s tricks.

Percy’s suit quite fit for masquerade. I just adhered the edge of the cloak to the level of the eyes sneaking through the festive crowd. In order not to attract unnecessary attention to my gold hair, I put on a black velvet hat, which my new friend have already managed to borrow somewhere. Anyway, sometimes surprised glances rushed out of the slots of masks.

В«Take aВ look like his skin is flickering, there is something wrong here,В» they whispered inВ the crowd and immediately kept silenced. IВ made my way into the smallest crowd, where youth and noble ladies inВ velvet alone were occupied only with their companions and did not pay attention toВ outsiders. After aВ deserted dead city, it was pleasant toВ be inВ the center ofВ the festive noise. IВ noticed musicians on the balcony ofВ the nearest home. From the open door, the girl inВ the purple domino was slipped and ran around the narrow path past well-dressed citizens. IВ am not knowing why followed her. Someone called her from the emptiness ofВ the ancient temples and the dungeons.

Florian argued that the carnival was aВ microcosm, where toВ distinguish aВ stranger from the enemy can only be aВ thin hint, accidentally abandoned the word, barely inВ the movement ofВ the eye, but, despite the many masks, IВ immediately recognized aВ man standing on the main square before the well. IВ even felt evil, IВ felt the presence ofВ another dragon. He called aВ girl toВ himself.. He also noticed me and made way aВ little. My look found him, even despite the abundance ofВ the people on the square.

Fast ramp ofВ raincoat and flexible, high figure has noticed between dancing couples, making yourself the road. Where an outdoor area ended and aВ winding labyrinth ofВ quarters began toВ get lost was much easier. IВ felt the presence ofВ aВ creature similar toВ me even through the thickness ofВ the stone walls. The girl inВ the purple domino made her way into the crowd, trying toВ keep up with the one who silently called her. IВ felt aВ thin but durable thread that had connected them, some striking contact between the predator and the victim.

Intrigued, IВ followed the unusual pair. Some sounds that penetrated the stones ofВ the nearest building forced me toВ linger. IВ carefully listened, but at the beginning IВ did not catch anything but noisy scratch, some mouse clogged near the foundation. The facade ofВ the building was shrouded inВ aВ bluish haze, but, looking after, IВ noticed aВ low window inВ aВ niche. It was raised from it aВ warm orange light, but its rays did not touch the bridge, as if the radiance was illusory.

IВ leaned against the wall and looked into the window. InВ the boiler over fire boiled some kind ofВ liquid. InВ addition, the walls decorated with lambrequins and carved panels did not resemble the kitchen atmosphere. The skin ofВ aВ polar bear was laid on the floor, and at aВ small table sat two men and lazily played cards. The glare from the candles, the hearth and the lamps were danced on the walls, giving the whole room aВ sinister look.

One ofВ the players who covered the face with the black velvet mask postponed cards and looked around. His eyes were tired.

В«Are you afraid ofВ someone, Vincent?В» His partner asked.

В«InВ addition toВ the royal guards ofВ anyone,В» followed aВ slightly mocking answer. В«IВ hope that these hounds will not get inВ the midst ofВ the holiday toВ us.В»

В«You said that IВ put aВ spell on the door, which would not allow anyone toВ enter or notice this house at all.В»

В«If our so-called colleagues were not aimed toВ break me inВ aВ shredder, then this night we could sleep well. They, like locust, make aВ raid at the most unexpected hour, and they are able toВ crawl at least into aВ keyhole. Envious competitors are always ready toВ destroy the one who has achieved success.В»

В«Success?В» inВ the voice ofВ the spoken was heard an indignation. В«The former allies are about toВ arrange the court overВ us.В»

«They don’t arrange, until they caught us, and in this their chances are zero,» said Vincent. «They envy to those who retain youth and independence. Listen attentively, Arno, when I was born, this city has not yet been on the face of the earth. The kingdoms underlying from here began to form only many years after I ran away from our famous school. To have obedient mortal servants is much more profitable than allies from our environment. Among the pirates and smugglers are full of people faithful to me who are happy to serve the sorcerer. Tomorrow at night in our secret harbor you are waiting for boats with a commodity. I go to the fortress and gamble with a lord, who manages this area. Before the midnight he will lose to me most of his possessions.

В«And he will give you aВ lost?В» Cynically asked Arno.

Yes, he will,В» followed aВ calm, confident answer.

В«How are you going toВ the fortress. Any guard will recognize you on the scar on the throat?В»

«Let’s see,» he grinned and throws his cards on the table. They immediately swayed the fan and swept like a colorful leaf fall.

В«IВ would like toВ try the happiness ofВ the player at least once inВ my life,В» he laughed. В«For more centuries, my fate is moving up and down. There were few next decades when Fortuna smiled toВ me, and then they began toВ lay the foundation ofВ this city wall. Already then, my accomplices foresees that Lara will be aВ picturesque place. Only inВ those days the city had not yet been the name, as long as before the builders did not appear the spirit, inВ the place where the quadrangular turret is shoved now.В»

Vincent continued toВ chat. Now his voice rang inВ my mind, like an alarm bell. Does all this spoke that audacious, self-confident boy, who, leaving the port, promised that our new meeting would fall on the upcoming centuries? IВ leaned aВ forehead toВ the cold wall. How many years has passed since the galleon ofВ prince took me from the flaming coast? The hat flew from the head, IВ did not even try toВ pick up it. My raincoat rustled inВ contact with the wall, and Vincent immediately broke away from his classes.

В«Is there someone here?В» Arno was alerted.

В«IВ do not know. IВ do not feel anyone,В» Vincent sniffed toВ theВ air.

В«IВ hope this is not one ofВ the newcomers enrolled inВ the school ofВ witchcraft.В»

В«Oh no,В» Vincent interrupted him, В«not every champion could compete with me, not the newcomer.В»

В«Still, it is better toВ retain the curtains and draw aВ few more signs,В» the accomplice advised.

«You’re right!» Vincent rose from his place and I hurriedly slid away, as fast as it could only make a shadow. I went a little aside and turned around, but I did not notice the luminous window, only a weak orange spot in the shrouded haze.

ToВ spend so many years inВ the dungeon, someone has been whispered toВ me this seems toВ appeal toВ revenge. Even if the native kingdom had not been drawn toВ the ashes inВ my eyes, everything that IВ knew and loved, now it would be equal toВ the rush. Familiar places would have changed beyond recognition. IВ finally understood why Rothbart was aged so fast. One day, having made aВ mistake, he could no longer focus all the strength on maintaining his young posture and aВ little attractive face.

And IВ stayed all the same fearful youngВ man.

Leaving the city, IВ followed the dragon. As if the silk thread led me on the smell ofВ related, self-turning blood. The winding track slid between the hills, wetlands, where the reed and tiny lakes were crushed. IВ noticed aВ small, female shoe, laying inВ dust. InВ this place, the dragon grabbed his sacrifice. The trail ended, and IВ had toВ go on the wet from the dew grass, while the swamp did not seem. Here lived our mysterious lord.

IВ did not have toВ wait long. Knowing that he can take aВ more pleasant appearance, IВ mentally ordered him toВ do it. InВ front ofВ me appeared aВ rural nobleman. If there was still no danger fromВ him.

News inВ our society spread quickly as aВ forest fire. The marsh dragon preferred at least aВ bow toВ express his respect, and not toВ throw aВ challenge.

В«Where is the girl?В» IВ asked.

«You come a little earlier, and she would be yours,» he rummaged in a vest pocket and removed from there a sapphire bracelet and several carnelian pins. «I’m afraid, that’s all that remains from her. In Lara there is a lot of other girls who will follow you anywhere, and it was just a daughter of the money-lender, and also a cunning pretender who loved to follow at night from her window for drama unfolding on the street.

The brain seems toВ be lit up aВ flash, IВ saw aВ girl who looks with curiosity and fear how the dragon kills his sacrifice under her windows, and nodded with understanding. It is impossible toВ leave aВ single witness alive, people should not suspect our existence otherwise, as then we can get lost inВ the crowd with our impeccable faces and luminous eyes.

В«Did you come for the established tribute?В» The question suddenly invaded my thoughts, and IВ woke up and with arrogance looked at the owner ofВ the swamps.

«Later, my trustee will come to you,» I explained in the harsh tone. «Do you support the connection with others… those who are something like you?»

He understood me and nodded:

В«With some, but not with everyone.В»

В«Everyone is occupied only with his problems and his territory?В» IВ grinned.

В«We support the connection, because everyone is destined toВ serve one lord.В»

В«So, yell the rest that the laws remained the same. IВ will not be able toВ visit everyone inВ the near future and you will be calmer from this, you will not have toВ take aВ dangerous guest. My servant will collect tribute. And then, perhaps, IВ will get acquainted with everyone inВ turn.В»

В«When?В»

«For seven years,» the words remembered me from the conversation in the empty city. «Maybe a little later, but I will come to them and make everyone obey my power. And there, let’s see if anyone will dare to disobey. No matter how many years have passed, I will not leave my subjects alone for municipality,» I smiled contemptuously and added. «Time has no longer power over me.»

IВ do not know if he caught aВ secret meaning hidden inВ this phrase. Most likely, no, because he did not know that once IВ was as mortal and vulnerable, like those people he abducts from the city.

Percy was delighted with the fact that I entrusted him the first responsible task and did not even ask why I went to the walls of the stone fortress, located next the masquerade’s city. I decided to get ahead of Vincent. I had a lot of hours in stock. With his exacerbated hearing, I could catch the conversations that were conducted in distant taverns. From their scraps, it became clear to me that the lord was a gambler and good luck rarely left him. Vincent chose the desired string to, playing on it, and succeed.

For me, it was no longer difficulty, again take the appearance ofВ aВ golden snake, slip into aВ climbing ribbon along the night air and squeeze into aВ narrow hole ofВ the loophole. Updating inside, again became myself, shook off the drops ofВ the evening rain and felt aВ pleasant warmth from the flaming fireplace. For the guards, IВ remained invisible, they did not even notice me when IВ passed just aВ few steps from their posts.

I acted successfully, although I could not remember most of my witch skills. I was disappointed. The dragons were greed and evil. They were not resembled in any way a fascinating spectacle from the distant past when I have seen the flight of a whole flock of sparkling dragons over a grandiose fire. Now I could behave with them on an equal footing and still did not find any of them neither wisdom nor an understanding, no one with anyone could talk to souls, only animals that were required to tame. It was too early to beat the alarm, because I met only with two representatives of the ancient race, but for some reason the confidence grew in the fact that I would not meet anyone with an outstanding intelligence. Although I can try to visit and the rest, but it is unlikely that such a visit will cause their joy immediately after the news about the hard-hearted ruler will be transmitted by living chain. Their treasures did not interest me. Tribute served as a guarantee that they will obey my orders. About myself I have sworn that I will not give them to plunder the richest and most prosperous kingdoms, to which they are targeted. Let this land has become a stranger to me, but I still loved its splendor. Bustling cities and unhurried for human life reminded me that I myself was once a man. Of gold and jewels, hidden in the recesses of the dragon, on the other hand, it exuded an unpleasant cold. I do not even know why I need to keep any particles of terrible treasures. The same can not be said of Rothbart. He probably already knows everything and requires the lion’s share of the profits. For him the main thing was to divide the booty, not to reflect on where it was taken. If the rate were the treasures, he would have beaten at cards, even the devil. Or maybe he just was a devil. At least, I used to consider him as such.

Reflecting, IВ crossed several corridors, where guards with halberds were. They did not notice me. Their eyes from the slots ofВ helmets looked at me like IВ was an empty space and did not feel anything suspicious. Not aВ sound ofВ steps, nor my quiet breath, they certainly have not heard. Invisible shadow passed byВ was immune toВ their guns and spears, but at the same time could cause harm toВ them. It was pleasant toВ realize my full power over the people who have grabbed their weapons, even hearing too noisy scraping mice.

At the door ofВ the owner IВ stopped. The lord was not alone. Next toВ him were aВ valet and some women.

All the same, they would not be able toВ notice me. Opening the door, IВ boldly crossed through the threshold and passed toВ aВ high window with an arched niche. It was nice toВ look at the starry sky from the fortress.

«What’s the matter?» said the lord. «Why do you look as if you saw a ghost,» he turned to his lady and the servant.

В«Someone opened the door,В» murmured the servant.

«It seemed to me that I saw someone’s silhouette,» the lady concluded, while resorting to her rich imagination. Otherwise, it was impossible to explain it, because of her thoughts it became immediately clear that she had seen no more than the rest.

В«The door is opened from the wind,В» the owner ofВ the castle calmly said. В«The wind blows here from all four sides. Go toВ yourself, Leonora,В» he turned toВ the lady. В«And you too go and close the door behind you,В» followed the second order for the servant.

As soon as the door behind the servant and Leonora was closed, the lord began toВ look restlessly around. Then, without finding anything unusual around him, he sank into the carved chair:

В«It should be true, just the wind.В»

«You really think so,» I walked away from the window’s niche and found myself in the middle of the hall. The poor fellow lifted his eyes to me and almost cried out of surprise, because at first he heard an infrequent voice emanating from emptiness, and now, in addition, he saw a silhouette of a golden smoke.

«You’ve been waiting for someone else?» kindly asked I, having already assumed that Vincent not just dropped in here. «Most likely, I disappointed you, coming here instead of your friend’s unusual, and even without an invitation.»

– No, I’m just waiting for my partner in gamble and not a friend. The lord once again looked at me, trying not to miss a single detail of my appearance. He had a good reason, because the visitor entered the castle unexpectedly and could be anyone.

В«You got bored ofВ gambling with your friends, and your wife, why are you waiting for someone different from all ofВ them,В» IВ began carefully toВ read his thoughts.

В«You did not even guess,В» he was afraid.

«I guess. The luck smiled so often to you that no one wants to gamble with you… only he.»

«All that way. Nobody wants to help me dispel the boredom,» sadly said the gambler. «When he came to me, I was in despair and loneliness. And now I’m ready to play cards even with the devil himself.»

В«He is inВ front ofВ you,В» IВ responded with gloomy courtesy, while my eyes flashed naughty, and IВ was ready toВ swear that the lord saw the black shadow ofВ the dragon.

The lord was nor alive, or dead. InВ this moment, even addiction toВ gambling could hardly bring him out ofВ stupor, so IВ did not wait for the invitation, took aВ place at the table. Before me stood white chess and taking advantage IВ made the first move, ofВ course, while not touching any figure. White pawn itself moved forward toВ one field, quickly and deftly, as if aВ brave soldier.

В«Adrian,В» using the confusion ofВ the interlocutor, IВ decided toВ contact him byВ name. For me, it was not difficult toВ read all his names and titles among other thoughts arriving inВ confusion. В«You should not trust either aВ penny for this fraudster. If he visits you again, drive him away.В»

We both understood about whom we are talking. And the lord every time, thinking about Vincent called him with another name. It was indifferent to me, in the end, Vincent had the right to call himself as he liked, but I didn’t want to have entire provinces under the rule of this scoundrel. It will be impossible to follow him forever, but I need to save at least these prosperous places from him and located nearby Lara with their noisy masquerades, cozy taverns, sea of artificial flowers and garlands, and even marshy outlines. When memories of the swamp and his host, the mood rightly spoiled. The only consolation was that if Vincent declares the swamp and meets there with my new acquaintance, then either leaves out of there, or it will not have time to carry his legs at all. For some reason it seemed to me that all these years he was engaged in the fact that he was deceiving around others and used them for its purposes.

В«You do not want toВ continue the party?В» IВ asked.

The lord who came down from fear, stretched out the trembling hand and made aВ pawn, and so it was so unpleasant that this figure was immediately lost. His move followed, then my, aВ few more thoughts and movements ofВ fragile chess figures, while the game was not aВ duel ofВ two minds, and rather reminded the hunt for aВ rabbit, which suddenly began toВ beat back from the pursuer.

В«IВ warn you, do not trust this card-sharper,В» Shah and Mat followed the warning immediately. Adrian flinched and moved away from the figures as if they were enchanted and could harmВ him.

В«IВ just warned you, now you have the right toВ get rid ofВ the scoundrel,В» IВ tried toВ soften the tone aВ little, but the advice sounded too cold and sternly.

«But you said that you…» the lord was not deciding to call me once again by the Devil.

В«Yes,В» IВ confirmed carelessly, caught inВ his thoughts this word and fear that he experienced before his guest. В«Just, for the first time inВ the century, IВ decided toВ make one good deed. So, for the sake ofВ diversity.В»

IВ shrugged with such aВ kind, as if IВ could not understand the causes ofВ such madness. And why suddenly such an interesting person, like aВ dragon, with long-standing glances and morality toВ do aВ good deed toВ someone. This was followed byВ graceful flap ofВ aВ raincoat and guest, not even saying good-bye again became invisible. At the same time, it was very curious toВ observe how the lord looks inВ aВ bewilderment and fright right at me, but sees only emptiness.

At least Vincent is now persona non grata here, and extensive possessions are almost saved from his tricks. When he declares here closer toВ midnight, he will expect aВ hot welcome.

Passing by the chamber of the lord’s wife, I was long delayed. Leonora talked with a slender girl – a teenager, most likely a poor relative. Something in their conversation made me stop.

В«Who gave you this book?В» asked the girl.

В«The necromancer from Lara,В» answered Leonora. В«He came here several times.В»

В«And he, though, is good?В» InВ aВ thin voice, curiosity sounded. В«Usually all necromancers are so old and evil.В»

В«InВ this case it is an exception. He is very pleasant inВ appearance, but he has such an ugly scar on his throat.

В«And what kind ofВ scar?В»

В«Yes, it seems like from claws,В» Leonora shrugged, expressing complete misunderstanding. В«But the book is interesting. Over the years, the bards, and scientists also whisper secretly about some destroyed power. The fact that one ofВ the three heirs got mixed up with the sorcerer and destroyed himself and the whole country.В»

В«Why did he get mixed up with the sorcerer?В» asked the girl again. В«IВ read this legend, but IВ almost did not understand anything.В»

В«It seems that he gave up his soul for aВ beautiful face or for something else. Most likely, he was irresistible, but because ofВ him, so many people died.В»

В«Or maybe he himself still did not die, maybe the story had aВ completely different end, which no one suspects.В»

В«Anyway, we and even this necromancer can only guess what happened inВ fact. We read too much scary legends. OfВ course, IВ can understand that this prince immediately became your idol, but even if he did not die then, he would still be dead now.В»

В«But maybe he still escaped and still wanders on earth under aВ different name and other appearance?В»

Leonora did know the answer.

«You’re right, child,» I thought silently, leaning against the door, and in this moment a fragile blond girl, as if hearing me, staggered and fainted. The inquisitive reader was motionless, like a doll, which was dropped on the floor.

Leonora, with aВ cry, rushed toВ her ward and could not see how the golden shadow quickly sliding inВ the opened window, forever leaves the fortress.

Shortly before the onset ofВ midnight, IВ returned toВ Lara and wandered aimlessly inВ the streets, with difficulty holding away from the desire toВ catch the first oncoming and tell him all the history ofВ my life from beginning toВ end. AВ desire toВ at least someone recognized the truth, and not empty fictions were so strong that IВ almost delayed aВ frightened messenger, but inВ the end, IВ made way, passing aВ frightened boy. More passersby IВ did not meet. The street was empty, nor dancing people, no carnival masks, only Percy, as if grew up from under the ground at the porch ofВ the nearest house.

Percy was pleased with the fact that he managed toВ collect tribute with most ofВ those whom he diplomatically called my vassals and admirers. After his appearance, it was already impossible toВ bother. InВ the company ofВ aВ friendly elf, it was difficult toВ feel all abandoned and unhappy. Percy without silence cracked about where he hid everything and that no one except us could find it. He waited for the praise with hope, and IВ tried toВ say something inВ approval.

В«When you need toВ find servants among people, it will not be so difficult toВ do,В» as if byВ the way he noticed. В«Sorry for the audacity, but IВ observed and noticed that it was worth only toВ call and mortals would be ready for everything for you. OfВ course, it is impossible toВ leave them alive after they fulfill the instructions.В»

Vincent also said that he has servants among pirates, smugglers and other villains.

В«What do you mean, Percy?В» IВ immediately asked.

«Well, perhaps you will want to invite to yourself a minstrel or…» he shrugged. «Many of us often used mortals in their games and their plans. Sometimes it brought success. But with your power, such a petty cunning, perhaps, will be superfluous.»

Percy blushed a little, embarrassed by his own sincerity, and I thought that my power is quite doubtful, and even if you want to call poets or musicians to yourself, then there will be no place to invite them. I was no longer at home. Since the royal castle has burned down on fire, I was deprived of home, called the dudgeon of Rothbart somehow did not turn the tongue. Even now following at random the meridian of life, I remained just a traveler. Even now, we have nowhere to spend the night. For the elf, of course, it was possible not to worry, with his flexible thin body and abilities to take off on any height and feel comfortable anywhere, he could have spent the night even in the hollow of an old oak. I was more accustomed to comfort. Remembering the message of Vincent that smugglers’ boats will wait for his accomplice, I immediately pulled an elf for myself to the nearest pier. We quickly overcame the city gate and the mouth of the river, then got to the rocky coast and next to a small, inconspicuous bay, we noticed a dozen tiny lights in the night, which as fireflies looped over water. The splash was heard. There was a crazy plan in my head. The idea was justified by tracing the boats and their owners, it was possible to say for sure that near this place they found a safe shelter.

«Let’s go for me!» I ordered Percy, it would be more precisely to say «fly,» because we hide behind the smugglers on top of the rocky ridge and now we had quickly to jump down, so that our raincoats shot down in the wind, like two multicolored wings. The man would certainly turn his neck, jumping down from such steepness, but Percy only laughed, enjoying the freedom of flight.

В«Do you want toВ drive out these guys from their cozy cave?В» he asked.

В«The cave will fit for us. Can you gather brushwood for aВ fire?В»

Percy took off his cap and elegantly bowed as soon as we stepped on the bottom ofВ the cave, littered with bales ofВ valuable products. He was happy from the fact that his Mr. is also not against mischief. It was much more interesting toВ serve the playful demon, than the gloomy hunchback.

However, the witnesses ofВ this scene did not laugh. The smugglers dropped their bales and froze at the entrance ofВ the cave. Such aВ strong effect could not allow them even the emergence ofВ aВ whole regiment ofВ the soldiers. Their confusion could be understood. After all, not every day you manage toВ see an elf with pointed ears, red eyes and such aВ mood, as if he was ready toВ destroy all the caves and stony ridges on aВ mile around. Maybe, IВ made aВ greater impression on them, with aВ sword flushing inВ the dark, with aВ cloak, like aВ black wing and aВ certain invisible force, which began toВ put pressure on them with multi-tone severity. It was difficult toВ say who scared them more the owner or the servant, but after aВ few moments most ofВ the people preferred toВ escape and only someone inВ aВ low voice sent the curse В«frightened fools and aВ false fellow.В»

IВ learned the accomplice ofВ Vincent even without aВ mask, but did not detain him. The black figure disappeared inВ the night, after the rest. Now, it was no longer important. The cave for all night belonged toВ us.

Percy very quickly returned with twigs, the fire began toВ rise inВ the midst ofВ the cave and he asked incredulously:

В«Can we really relax?В»

В«Choose yourself any bale with fabrics and sleep on them,В» IВ allowed graciously. В«InВ the morning, we will be busy, but now you can drink any wine if you likeВ it.В»

Percy examined bottles and barrels stood inВ one ofВ the distant corners, and I, feeling aВ sudden fatigue, just wrapped inВ aВ raincoat and fell asleep near the fire.

I did not remember how much I slept, one hour or more. Something hurts me in the heart and forced to open my eyes. Percy has long asleep. Everything was calm around, the noise of waves, crabs and scorpions crawling between stones and a quiet swaying of algae – all these are normal night sounds on the coast. Smugglers would not be poured back. Their traces were already washed off the surf. The lights went out. Boats, too, was no longer noticeable at the shore. I rose and sat down, trying to come into myself, to separate the dream from reality, but in my heart again there was a leaning pain and a fiery wave spilled throughout the body. I embraced myself with my hands, wanting to warm up and relieve painful spasms. The prince called me. Even at such a distance, I saw the aquamarine ring in his hands. I wanted to drive away his witchcraft. I tried to strike into the emptiness, but had no success. n.

Away from the cave. It is necessary to take off into the airspace until Percy woke up and did not witness a terrible reincarnation. Soon the shining golden dragon flew overnight, without even disturbing the peaceful sleeping of the elf. This time, the wings themselves carried me forward, to some unknown, but excellent bastion. Immediately it was possible to understand that it was the towers of the capital. Alas, the labyrinth of the toy streets, located below, was absolutely defenseless before fiery breathing, but I didn’t want to breathe fire on this wonderful picture.

В«Do you really want toВ destroy all this magnificence, Rothbart?В» IВ mentally asked and heard aВ deafening, triumphant, vile laughter. Laughter, which no one except me could hear.

Narrow roads, squares and wide avenues, according toВ the brilliant architectural plan, they were almost empty from the white side ofВ the palace. Bridges, laid out byВ yellow stones, were cast byВ sandy color, eaves, chimney pipes and attic enders represented aВ variety ofВ forms and colors toВ taste each inhabitant. Even aВ child who received as aВ gift one ofВ such doll houses, would feel sorry toВ break such aВ beautiful toy, but IВ could not act according toВ my own solution.

Someone from the night guard, cheerfully marching very far from me, inВ the interval between the buildings, stopped and began toВ point up. The cab driver could not keep aВ frightened horse and was forced toВ take aВ look up. The body ofВ the dragon is the latter that he saw inВ his life. And then the jet ofВ liquid fire crawled into the city. The buildings are easily ignited. The dream ofВ the inhabitants was interrupted byВ orange spins, compared with the windows ofВ the upper floors. The golden dragon described again the circle over the fortress wall. Reverse flight toВ the cave was quick but the heart failedВ me.

InВ the morning IВ saw my bloody clothes, Percy diplomatically kept silence. He only offered me aВ flask with wine and conscientiously cleaned my cloak from dirt.

В«Will be today any instructions?В» Percy decided toВ ask after aВ long silence.

InВ response, IВ could only negatively shake my head.

В«Then, with your permission, IВ should walk around your vassals and bring the chests inВ the already mentioned place,В» Percy always tried toВ miss the exact names ofВ the places and the names, as if he was afraid that someone could overhearВ us.

В«All this will take no more than aВ day. But if something unexpected happens, IВ will return toВ you as soon as you call,В» Percy once again asked my permission and having received it, he disappeared inВ the bright radiance ofВ the comingВ day.

В«Run, aВ cowardly elf, until the flames fell toВ you wings,В» someone was angry. It took aВ few seconds before IВ realized that aВ hoarse mocked voice sounds inВ my mind.

I hoped that if I had spent the night away from the settlements, I can’t harm people. Instead of averting the danger, I most likely got into the place where it was easier for Rothbart to reach me and get to submit to his strength. It was necessary to get away from him as far as possible. Every step that will divide me from the prince must, limit his power to me.

It’s time to go. Percy could find me anywhere. I never appointed a meeting place to him, he himself found me every time and waited for me, standing at a respectful distance. Neither the compass nor the map were with me, only I could guess in which direction I should go to move away from the prince. I quickly crossed the fields, flew through the rivers and lakes, as the shadow rushed past the towns and villages, until I began to feel that the power attracting me to itself as the magnet gradually weakens. With the onset of the first twilight, I got to the borders of the city. It was Roshen. It was immediately clear that, unlike the luxury present in Lara, here, along with new, painted buildings and mansions, there are poor bedrooms. Elegant crowds of honest citizens in the evening are replaced by the beggars and robbers. I decided that in a big city it would be easier to get lost and forget my sorrow. Maybe if I always wander in the crowd or in the center of densely populated areas, then Rothbart will lose a trace and can not find me with the help of his witchcraft.

From large houses came laughing, music, scraps of conversations that I could hear especially acutely, not as people who pass by and will not be able to disassemble in general noise even a couple of words. An old-cut, luxurious cloak – the gift of the prince, waved behind my back. sometimes tasty passersby, but I walked so quickly, which disappeared in the crowd before someone had time to send a passage. It was necessary to stay away from the rich houses. I myself did not notice how I found myself in the poorest neighborhoods. The shabby walls of houses, broken windows and cracks on the shabby doors, were not as strong as the lit expanses of the central streets. It reigned amazing silence.

Only sometimes on the way there was a lantern with a stove or cracked glass. Very rarely in the windows of the second floors under the projected roof, the candle was poorly glued or I heard, as a children’s voice was reading fairy tales from the opened book. Rothbart did not say a word about the fact that in the current times, an education can be found even in slums. Much more often there were tramps and robbers. The outskirts of the city did not go to any comparison with the center. The death danced here in all the catches, but no disease was terrible for me.

Such aВ decline was strange toВ me. InВ the country ofВ my father never ruled the high mortality and hunger, nor inВ the center, nor on the outskirts. Robbers sooner or later met their end on the gallows, and here they were under the nose ofВ the guard. The consolation was one thing, inВ such aВ place Rothbart will not look for me. Camille, his faithful sorcerer, also does not like toВ visit here, and Percy tactfully will wait for my return inВ aВ safer and tidy quarter.

Why the dragon should obey orders ofВ sorcerer, every time rushing on his call, toВ destroy whole fragile cities, created byВ many years ofВ work ofВ people. Once at the power ofВ the villain, IВ again and again, according toВ his will, turned out inВ the thick ofВ tragic events.

IВ went down toВ the pier. Stopping not far from the slums, it was possible toВ observe how the moonlight lays the glare on the ink surface ofВ the water. Several boots swayed on its surface, fishing nets were dried on the shore. IВ wanted toВ walk around the pier, but several boards were wedged out ofВ the flooring. It remained only toВ turn back toВ semi-empty barn and sheds, deserted streets, bridge and tightly locked houses.

Found myself inВ aВ dark alley, IВ heard quick steps and muted muttering, as if two were consolidated about something.

В«Look what aВ pretty little boy!В» Someone pushed me inВ the shoulder and pressed against the wall ofВ the nearest barn. AВ fool must have been looking for his own death. AВ man with aВ nasal voice and aВ disfigured scarred face took aВ knife from his pocket. His accomplice, wrapped his face inВ aВ dirty scarf attached toВ my throat the tip ofВ the sword. ToВ keep the weapon as he should not be able, most likely stole the sword together with the sheath from one ofВ the robbed nobles. Such robbers often waited, while someone from the noblemen will go into the tavern, and then cut his throat and cleaned his pockets.

ClichГ© В«money or your lifeВ» sounded out ofВ time. AВ purse IВ did not have, but it was growing confidence that the evil power hidden inside is about toВ break loose. Until now, it had been waiting for his hour. IВ tried toВ handle myself, as once inВ the alleys under the towers ofВ the castle ofВ my father. But then IВ was free, and now IВ was under the power ofВ my curse. My detached view something startled the robber, armed with aВ sword and yet he rudely ordered toВ his accomplice.

В«Check his pockets, quickly!В» heВ told

В«Just look at his hand there is aВ ring with the emblem,В» happily exclaimed the second, eagerly staring at the glittering signet ring. В«Is granted toВ us aВ curious prince! Infrequently lords favor us with their appearance.В»

The nasty laugh rang, inВ one hand ofВ aВ villain flashed aВ knife blade, and the other reached for the intended victim. InВ aВ flash, IВ slipped out from the corner, the sword barely scratched my forehead. IВ stopped inВ front ofВ aВ stone wall ofВ the next building and turned. The robber took aback glancing at me, and he almost dropped the knife, see how the wound on my temple is rapidly dragged with the new skin. On the hand began toВ break through the golden scales, nails stretched and sparkled. IВ did not even try toВ cast, the transformation happens byВ itself. The right hand is now much more like the golden gauntlet with long claws ofВ dragon.

The second sword blow would hit me on the head, but IВ just ducked and the blade crashed against aВ stone wall inВ millimeters from my temple. One severed strand ofВ hair fell on the wet ground and now writhing inВ clear puddle, like aВ golden worm.

Instinctively stretched out my right hand, IВ slashed with my claws on the neck ofВ disarmed opponent. Blood was gushing from wounds. What will happen now, if someone finds aВ corpse with traces ofВ the monstrous claws? InВ aВ secret society will have every reason toВ accuse me ofВ aВ lack ofВ caution.

IВ did not even have time toВ turn back toВ the second scoundrel. With aВ cry В«WerewolfВ», the tramp rushed away, but aВ clawed hand did not allow him aВ step. Percy said that it is impossible toВ leave witnesses ofВ our reincarnation from simple travelers inВ supernatural beings. IВ dragged the bodies on the pavement and then they fell out ofВ my hands straight into the deep ditch. Even if someone finds the corpses ofВ robbers here, it will decide that they became victims ofВ drunk fights. And scars on the neck? Well, after aВ few nights, the rat and decomposition will make their job. Nobody will know that the dragon was held on this street. The stones ofВ the bridge will not be able toВ talk toВ anyone about the presence ofВ aВ supernatural being here.

Moon light fell on my hand. The spectacle caused some surprise even byВ me. The hand again became smooth, covered with flawless white skin, long fingers with pink nails did not resemble sharp claws.

Neither dust left on clothes, raindrops were glistened like aВ scattering ofВ diamonds on aВ blue raincoat. Now, IВ could go at least toВ the ball, and none ofВ the guests could see inВ my eyes the reflection ofВ the fighting. Not even turning toВ the scene, IВ quickly walked away.

Overcoming aВ small distance, IВ felt the presence ofВ another member ofВ aВ small gang over the distant angle. While two ofВ his senior comrades were not far from the pier, he was hidden inВ ambush, waiting for call. From his weapon, he had only aВ folding knife. He did not see me, but he felt the approach ofВ aВ stranger, because IВ set aВ mental contact with him and inВ several words gave toВ understand that toВ contact with aВ passersby, as I, is too troublesome and dangerous. He still did not leave and even leaned out from behind the corner, wondering toВ see me, but saw only aВ dark silhouette.

В«Get out,В» IВ ordered. IВ did not want toВ strangle the night robbers as chickens. It was impossible toВ give Rothbart another reason for the celebration. InВ addition, the fight occurred not according toВ the rules ofВ the duel, as IВ used. Just aВ predator played cat-and- mouse with the victim. For two robbers, who remembered me, there was no chance toВ save, but the third who did not watch what was happening could be released. He had already escaped, frightened byВ aВ hissing voice and the fact that his comrades were missing.

IВ got out ofВ the slums and turned toВ the central streets and overlooking the moment jumped through the fence ofВ the first mansion that IВ liked me. The servants put up at the door, did not even ask me for an invitation. Hypnotized, they retreated toВ the side, and the guests either did not notice me, or took for one ofВ the invited.

It was interesting for me toВ watch how the manners and the behavior ofВ noblemen have changed with the time.

Stopping by the fireplace, I felt a pleasant warmth and at the same time I watched the surrounding. The hall was visible as on the palm. The candles were given little light, but it was immediately noticeable that, compared to past centuries, fashion made a step forward. The ladies became more elegant. There were only lush cascades of flickering satin and ball’s dresses embroidered with pearls. Men’s camisoles also sparkled from jewelry. According to the abundance of gilding and silver on handles’ of swords could be said that this weapon serves only as another decoration, real duels rarely happen, and their participants are deprived of that skill, with what the sword owned my contemporaries.

IВ have already started toВ bore, as suddenly IВ heard the sounds ofВ aВ violin, aВ familiar melody. It was from an open terrace. Boldly moving through the crowd, IВ stopped next toВ the glass doors. Among the honeysuckles and rhododendrons, aВ slim silhouette ofВ aВ woman inВ aВ white light robe was clearly highlighted. IВ have already seen this violinist. Long ago, near the village, lost among the forests. She stood far from the fire and played. Then only the wolves listened toВ her music, and the villagers were locked up the windows and doors so that she could not go toВ them.

On the moment, dark eyelashes shot up, and IВ saw bright, blue eyes performed byВ malice. Did anyone see aВ strange violinistВ too?

Those who passed by, did not even hear her music. IВ myself watched her no more than aВ minute, and then aВ translucent silhouette, as if, dissolved inВ the thick ofВ the rain. Dancing and fun continued inВ the hall, guests led casual conversations. Maybe it only seemed toВ me that inВ the crowd flashed Camille, combed and laid byВ curls inВ the last fashion.

With the onset of dawn, guests will begin to drive around. I did not want to wander all day through the streets. Each big city has such a place where people are afraid to go. For me, it was not difficult to read someone’s careless thoughts and find out that the only damned place in Roshen is a crypt of one count’s family. The crypt of seven angels, where seven generations of a noble family rest. Duellists, murderers, gamblers who almost ruined the estate that were nearby. I left the ballroom long before the dawn and went there, to the locked on many chains and locks the doors of the crypt.

Passing byВ the estate, located near the crypt, IВ noticed only one lit window. It was on the first floor, low above the ground level and through the open shutters was well visible aВ girl playing on the harpsichord. Hearing the steps, she shuddered, hastily stood up from her place and closed the window.

Therefore, even those who live inВ the estate naively believe that at nights near the crypt walks evil spirits. This time, the superstitious girl was right, from such aВ guest, as the dragon that transformed into the young man is better toВ lock the windows and the doors. However, besides me, there were no evil spirits. There were many locks on the doors ofВ the crypt. IВ was not difficult for me toВ disrupt them all byВ several quick movements, but such aВ maneuver would have drawn attention ofВ citizens. It is always better toВ act with the mind. Remembering and repeating the necessary spells inВ aВ whisper, IВ just gave aВ short order and heard the locks with aВ click open. They did not need the keys, the chains themselves slipped from heavy forged doors, and those inВ turn with aВ quiet creak opened, as if inviting me. It cost me toВ cross through the threshold, as the doors smoothly closed behind me, the chains again littered the door ofВ the iron web, and the locks snapped up, being inВ former places. IВ descended down the marble steps. There were the statues ofВ seven angels on the steps. They reminded silent visitors who were sacrificed right here. AВ few lamps flashed, pointing me the way into the gloomy deep hole.

There were no windows. Among the smooth stone tombstones and sarcophagus covers occasionally met statues. There was not fortunately any cross inВ the tomb. InВ the marble plates ofВ the floor crawled disgusting insects. Moss made through the cracks. There was no bench around, so IВ climbed onto aВ flat sarcophagus cover toВ fall asleep right on it. After aВ long and tedious escape, no bed could seem uncomfortable.

InВ the tomb, settled down aВ few feet underground, it was possible not toВ fear that the prince would find me. There were no soul around, only spiders were taped inВ distant corners and two or three bats hung down heads, clinging toВ the ceiling.

Must be, the city has already lit the first rays of the sun, but it was cold and dark in the crypt. In a dream, I again saw the spinning-wheel and magical spinners. Then the walls of some kind of fortress and at the window I saw for a moment a strikingly beautiful girl with dark braids, crown-laid on her head and sculptural features of the face. There was an open book before her on the table. The beauty wrote something on a sheet of paper. Only in the last moment before the awakening, I realized that her feather smoothly wrote witchcraft signs. I wanted to warn her from this dangerous classes, talk about the dangerous influence of witchcraft books, but at that instant I woke up and felt someone’s unwanted presence in the crypt.

There were steps, but not from the side ofВ the stairs, but from aВ long corner. How could IВ not notice aВ secret door. Manual lantern with aВ ringing dropped onto the marble floor. Even before opening my eyes, IВ knew who IВ wouldВ see.

I instantly threw the crumpled raincoat and raised on the elbows. Noticing me, Vincent froze in one place, fearing even to move. Even with such poor lighting, it was possible to notice that Vincent had not almost changed. He even became more attractive, only in large dark eyes there was some embittered expression. He quickly came to his senses. It didn’t even need to ask how he found me, and why he was generally needed to search for an old friend. Vincent pulled out some object from under a wide cape and threw it on an unoccupied sarcophagus cover. In the glare of green light, I saw that this was a black velvet mask.

В«It would be unpleasant toВ lose forever such aВ beautiful thing? Is it not true, Mr. Elf?В» Vincent asked with sarcasm. IВ remember the tender nickname, which so loved toВ call me my brothers and fascinated peasants.

The poor fellow Vincent hoped that at the first reminder ofВ the past, IВ was angry. He did not take into account that the former trustful Edwin was now aВ hardened aВ magician. Like everyone, he relied only on the impressions ofВ the appearance and did not even try toВ look deeper into the soul. Although he certainly knew how toВ read thoughts, because it was not for noting that he was kept for many years inВ this damned school.

«I didn’t expect to see you here. Usually, the inveterate adventurer can be found anywhere, but not only in the monastery of the ghosts,» I noticed with a gloomy humor. Vincent was only more angry and even clenched fists. He measured the narrow passage between the rows of sarcophagus and looked at my side with uncomplicated hatred.

«Why are you?» He finally blurted out. Why is the power about what dreamed all the students of the school of witchcraft, namely yours? The prince was supposed to choose me, I waited for so many years to triumph. I tried so hard to achieve heights at least at school, and everything went to someone who had never had to take himself by reading the book. After all, you did not know anything, except for fighting skills, while you lived in the father’s castle.»

В«Perhaps if you spent less time toВ swindle, and more toВ study, then, indeed, you could achieve some heights,В» saidВ I.

«How can you say that, Edwin,» Vincent squeezed his fists with such force that the nails were dug in the palms, and there was blood on the skin. «While you are alive, I can not become a leading light. There are too many books of witchcraft. For me to open your secrets, it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. I’m just the second after you.»

В«If not the last,В» IВ quickly corrected. He was again inВ anger.

В«For sure, IВ forgot about your patron. InВ second place is he, IВ am on the third,В» as if apologizing, Vincent muttered.

В«My patron?В» IВ asked with surprise.

В«Well, yes, prince,В» Vincent explained, neither aВ little doubting inВ his own right.

IВ almost broke into aВ bitter laugh. Rothbart is my patron, it was quite incredible.

В«You are mistaken,В» IВ sincerely assuredВ him.

«Am I mistaken?» Vincent was in a rage. «He introduced you to the Higher Society, now all these immortal creations tremble in front of you. I know everything. I’m not so easy to fool, although you learned very sincerely to lie.»

IВ tried not toВ pay attention toВ how familiar Vincent appeals toВ me. While IВ was aВ prince, he talked with me much more respectfully. After all, then IВ did not have success inВ the witchcraft field, and Vincent had no reason toВ be angry with me, but now he was supervised byВ the black envy.

It was difficult not toВ notice that Vincent is wearing aВ high, deaf collar, fully hiding the throat before the chin. On aВ hot day it could seem strange, but inВ the tomb was too cold. Vincent resembled very much aВ nyx or an elf, aВ little grew stupid over time, but still charming. The impression was spoiled only evil, feverishly glittered eyes. Many years ago, their expression was completely different.

«I see, you have not achieved success in your sea travel. That’s right, I did then not go with you,» I decided to tease him a little.

В«It is very difficult toВ achieve success alone. IВ did not have such aВ patron, like some. There was not even an accomplice who would never fail me. IВ am worthy than others, but everything inВ life is given me with great difficulty.

В«Your life was supposed toВ end aВ couple ofВ centuries ago,В» IВ wanted toВ say, but IВ decided toВ give him the opportunity toВ speakВ out.

В«It always turns out that everything is easier for the lazy royal son,В» he was obviously exhausted byВ his eloquence, leaned tiredly against the column.

В«Why did you come?В» Finally IВ asked.

«To express everything that I think about you,» he answered. «You have no right to overheard other people’s conversations and spoil my plans.»

В«So the lord drove you away?В»

Realizing that the question is rhetorical, Vincent only pursued his lips.

В«There should be at least aВ bit ofВ honesty inВ you,В» after aВ short silence he grunted.

«You would not prevent to keep caution, then you would not appeal to anyone’s honesty. You twice allowed me to overhear the conversation about your plans.»

В«Twice?В» Vincent was alerted.

В«The first time you were too passionate toВ notice anyone presence. You so skillfully praised your talent toВ cook poisons that it seemed toВ convince yourself inВ the fact that you have the right toВ be called an evil genius.В»

Vincent was staring at me, then he knocked himself with his palm on the forehead, and whispered quietly:

«So what’s the matter!»

В«Today you kicks against the pricks. Doors are locked. Here inВ the crypt, we are alone. Even if the townspeople suddenly open the doors and notice the disappearance ofВ your eminent person and then find your body, torn byВ the dragon claws, it will attract only terrible legends that walk around this place. ByВ their opinion, you will turn into another unfortunate sacrifice ofВ the local ghosts. And then new assumptions will go, they will take the perch ofВ the deft novelists toВ explain somehow your death, refute or confirm the guesses ofВ the people. ByВ the way, you do not know, printing machines have long used inВ this city. InВ other places, IВ have not seen aВ single shop with printed books, but here they are only inВ the center more than aВ dozen.

Vincent did not answer, only tightly pressed back toВ the column.

«It’s not me then wanted to poison you. Lillian and a sly astrologer are to blame. Remember, I came to you not only to invite with myself, but also I wanted to warn, I just realized that you had already exposed their tricks,» he began to justify.

IВ almost laughed. Vincent lied masterfully. His game on stage would cost applause. It must be, he did not go toВ the actors just because the work inВ the Inquisition was more prestigious and safe. Being there and pretending toВ be faithful, he could not be exposed.

В«Did IВ wound inВ the dark street any other robber, not you?В» IВ asked inВ the same friendly tone, but the threat was still inВ my voice. В«Next time, when you want toВ get aВ knife from the boot, try toВ make it more prompt. Not every passerby let you go after you try toВ cut his throat.В»

Before Vincent managed toВ come toВ his senses, IВ jumped off the sarcophagus and darted toВ him, tightly grabbed him for the forearm and clung toВ the collar. The fabric with aВ crackling broke out, exposing aВ terrible scar that pulled on the throat and chest. It was aВ trail from five claws.

В«Who did wound you so much? Speak honestly!В» IВ ordered, without releasing him from the dead grip.

Vincent did not even try toВ resist, realizing that he could not break out. He was silent, feverishly thinking how toВ embellish the truth, but then IВ looked aside and whispered softly:

В«She!В»

В«Who?В» IВ demanded again, shaking him with force.

«It happened there, on earth of the burned state,» he said. «There is only ash. I hardly managed to find the hatch’s cover. I just wanted to take a few parchment scrolls from the baron’s pantry. I didn’t think to take everything. Besides, I did not know that he all bequeathed to you.»

IВ released Vincent, saying strictly:

«You won’t steal anymore. If you believe baron’s stories, then you are still easy to get rid.»

В«He could bequeath everything toВ me, not toВ you,В» Vincent backed up, like aВ hurt animal, but still ready toВ scratch and bite. В«Why do you need such an inheritance? You and so have the knowledge and power that others can only dream.В»

В«Are you jealous?В»

«Yes,» he honestly admitted. «Why did everything go to you, not to me? After all, I am no worse. Noble blood flows in my veins. I would have a title, if my father did not boil, entered into a plot, but most importantly, I always sought to get power, while everyone’s favorite junior prince neglected his position. I would take advantage of the love of the people and the king to become the only heir, instead of playing nobility. In addition, if the throne inherited the pet prince of sorcerer, then the deceased kingdom would now be rich and flourished.»

ЭAnd in the crowd of frightened people there were a lot of sorcerers, gnomes, elves and other faithful servants of the ruler – the dragon.

Vincent has already managed toВ repeat В«why are you, not me,В» and before he managed toВ start the same song, IВ strictly broke itВ off.

В«Source ofВ my strength is knowledge. With one dexterity, without prior training it is impossible toВ practise witchcraft, otherwise you do harm yourself and others. Are you ready toВ follow my example and spend many years inВ aВ conversation with witchcraft books. How would you distinguish the truth from lies, because you can not be pouring the poison or hit the knife inВ the ghost. And you need toВ spend not one ten years there toВ choose the original, and not fake key toВ the truth. IВ doubt that you are ready toВ sacrifice your youth and relative health. If you are prudent and repent ofВ your words, then IВ cure you from these ulcers,В» IВ pointed toВ the inflamed scars that Vincent tried toВ cover with scraps ofВ the collar. В«Although they remind you ofВ untimely heroism, but for the ladies it is an unpleasant sight.В»

В«IВ could heal them myself,В» he hesitated.

В«But for some reason you did not. Maybe just did not have time?

В«What do you need for pay?В» Vincent became incredulously.

В«IВ am afraid that IВ will have nothing toВ demand from you, except for the promise no longer arrange conspiracies against me and do not wait for me inВ aВ dark alley with two cowardly mercenaries.В»

В«Why should IВ believe inВ your honesty?В» Vincent considered aВ tempting offer.

«Take it easy!» I touched his shoulder, but Vincent suddenly cried. My touch burned him. I didn’t want to hurt him at all, especially when we barely entered into an alliance.

В«So IВ knew that you were lying me,В» Vincent almost shouted. He instantly found himself at the far wall and now he was looking inВ aВ hurry for aВ secret lever that opened the hidden door. В«Remember, Edwin, destroy such an opponent, as I, you will not succeed. Sooner or later, but IВ recognize what is the mystery ofВ your power and even exceed you.В»

He slammed down the secret door, and IВ finally could breathe easier. Due toВ the appearance ofВ Vincent, IВ was deprived ofВ those few hours ofВ rest, which IВ was going toВ spend inВ the crypt, away from vigilant observation and persecution ofВ my so-called В«patronВ». After listening toВ the tantrum ofВ Vincent and numerous undeserved reproaches, no one would have been able toВ calmly fall asleep. He stirred unpleasant memories, made me think over my problems again. What power can we talk about if IВ have toВ hide from the prince as aВ runaway prisoner. After all, IВ would have remained aВ prisoner if IВ did not have time toВ leave enough away from the strength that was trying toВ subjugateВ me.

IВ remembered the night byВ baron Raul. An incredible guess came toВ my mind. After all, the old baron knew about the strength ofВ his treasure. Standing, next toВ the sealed door, IВ heard mounted voices. They said they waited for me for aВ very long time and finally waited.

The baron was aВ smart person, he did not only read books, but also collected his own library. He wanted toВ give his treasure toВ aВ stranger, whom he saw for the first time inВ his life. OfВ course, this stranger killed the wild boar and earned the award, but did not deserve such aВ heavy cargo, as inhabiting inВ the depths ofВ earth an ancient and powerful evil. Did Raul guess that the shy hero, who was afraid toВ admit his lack ofВ education, sooner or later will be the one who became aВ prisoner ofВ evil fate and aВ sorcerer.

IВ would never have thought that the century later IВ would return toВ the very place where the terrible treasure was hidden, but IВ will not be afraid ofВ supernatural creatures, because IВ became one ofВ them. Probably, scientists and astrologers have understood from the very beginning my destination. It should have felt that the black wings ofВ an invisible demonic satellite will be rustling behind the back ofВ aВ dismissed prince. Now, even when IВ made my original appearance, the shadow ofВ the dragon often flashed inВ my eyes and could easily exposeВ me.

It was necessary toВ pick up my inheritance covered byВ ash, until some clever friend or follower ofВ Vincent got into his own hands such aВ formidable weapon, because sooner or later it is possible toВ find the key toВ any lock. InВ addition, it was impossible toВ neglect the tips ofВ the spirits, which were not once mentioned about where treasures were hidden for the next ruler. InВ the fact that IВ will succeed inВ getting all this treasures from under the ground, IВ did not doubt, but it was nowhere toВ hide my inheritance, with the exception ofВ this crypt. The cold room was located much lower than the level ofВ the ground, no one would have dare toВ enter here. Vincent went, slamming the door, and it is unlikely that he will have aВ desire toВ return, but just inВ case it was necessary toВ follow safety.

There was neither pen, nor ink with me, but next toВ the lamp was lying aВ piece ofВ chalk. IВ took the chalk and drew the long formula ofВ the witchcraft signs over the secret door, then IВ drew some similar signs next toВ the threshold. Now the door was closed for Vincent.

But this seemed toВ me not enough. The future treasury should be hidden from human eyes.В e.

IВ went out. Chains and locks with aВ quiet ringing closed after me. It was necessary toВ call the fog so that he would shut up the crypt with aВ dense ring and did not allow anyone toВ even look into this direction. InВ the fog, no one can find the way toВ my shelter. IВ read aВ spell.

Already at the first words ofВ the spell the dense fog thickened around. It will hang here and at noon, and inВ the evening, and at night. White rings will melt over drying ground and gradually the townspeople will even forget about what was inВ this place. They will find their explanations for the fact that aВ small block ofВ land near the city center inВ any weather is located inВ the fogs.

It took quite aВ bit time toВ get out ofВ the neighborhood ofВ the city toВ the spacious sea coast, over which the first evening stars were lit. It was necessary toВ wait for the night, but every minute ofВ waiting was difficult. The instructions ofВ the spirits were not aВ lie. IВ saw how far from the shore over aВ separate section ofВ water was aВ weak radiance, as from an open treasure chest. The hidden treasure was visible only toВ one-sole observer.

InВ the evening fishermen and sailors could be met inВ the taverns. There were two taverns located near the coast. For aВ short time, choosing between two institutions, which used inВ the district the same bad reputation, IВ headed for aВ crowded В«Knight ofВ heartsВ», but it was worth only toВ cross the threshold, as two burglars, standing at the entrance, immediately rushed toВ the side. Nothing remained from their militant appearance, one even pressed against the wall, ready toВ retreat. Looking at them, IВ recognized two smugglers, whom the Percy and IВ have easily survived from the cave. They were far from being happy toВ see me. IВ stopped inВ front ofВ them, crossed my hands on my chest and looked at them. The guy noticed the golden dragon embroidered on the camisole and respectfully removed theВ hat.

ToВ read the thoughts ofВ these two did not make difficulty. Retribution for their atrocities from the heavenly strength they feared much more than the whole royal guard. The scene inВ the cave they considered as the sign from the heaven. They quickly managed toВ swim through the canal and hide their boats inВ the reeds ofВ another coast. Their hasty and fear ofВ unknown came just at the right moment.

В«InВ the near future, IВ will not cause an evil toВ you,В» the smooth voice, which sounded as if from the bottom ofВ the grave, not only did bring them out ofВ the stupor, but drove inВ even more superstitious fear. OfВ course, such visitors, as IВ and Percy cost fear, but before IВ assumed that the robbers are less cowardly. Perhaps it was so inВ those times when Florian was preparing toВ inherit aВ flourishing country, but now the villains have become more mean and less brave. It was interesting toВ observe how these two tremble for their skin.

В«IВ need aВ boat with aВ durable bottom and one rower,В» IВ demanded. The elder comrade pushed the younger one. The boy with an unpleasant appearance and still uncovered head stood inВ front ofВ me and did not dare toВ put on his shabby cap on his head.

«Let’s go,» I ordered strictly. «If you will exactly execute all my commands, it may even be possible to get a reward.

He went down after me, while his comrade, reluctantly brought the boat. Fear was aВ reliable guarantor for the fact that they would not try toВ swindle.

Soon the boat with a carved nose cut the water’s surface. Two oars with a splash loose on salty seaside water. The rower barely coped with them, so the boat all the time looped, instead of heading straight to the right place. Of course, I could send the boat so that it smoothly rolled forward, but it was better to get strength to the point when I have to get the luggage from the seabed. The boy was trembling all the time or from the cold, or from fear of unwanted neighborhood. One thing to stand in a cozy tavern and with curiosity to look at the dangerous nobleman and quite another thing to stay with him alone in a swinging boat when there are only ripples on the water, and under the boat is the bottom of incredible depth.

When the boat finally got toВ the right place, IВ gave another order:

В«Stay here. Soon IВ will come back, wait for me and do not try toВ run away!В»

IВ jumped down. The frightened smuggler, watched me with the opened mouth. After all, he did not understand that IВ had plunged into the water already completely inВ aВ different guise. The skin ofВ the golden snake was not aВ luxurious clothing.

In the thickets of corals, it was not possible to immediately notice the chests with gold. The ship, transporting gold, sank too far from this place, but the spirits managed to drag all the most valuable here. With claws it was easy to raise the chests and tear them off from the bottom. My satellite did not even notice how the dragon’s paw deftly threw the luggage into the boat. He just stared at the chests, appearing as if from nowhere. I jumped in the boat after them.

В«Turn toВ the shore!В»

After another order we sailed inВ silence until the boy dared toВ speak.

В«You promised toВ reward me,В» he said.

В«So what? We have not even reached the shore.В»

В«You can everything?В» Quietly sounded the question, full ofВ hope.

В«What do you want toВ ask?В»

В«Only the love potion.В»

IВ had aВ short laugh. IВ thought he would ask for one ofВ the gold bars hidden inВ the chest.

В«For this, they usually turn toВ the witch. You are the first who asks such an uninteresting trifle from aВ more powerful creature.В»

He recoiled, noticing dangerous shine inВ my look.

В«Well, okay, who is this beauty? Probably from noble?В»

В«No, aВ lace-maker,В» he whispered.

В«AВ lace-maker!В» IВ grinned, then still threw him aВ coin, which he cleverly caught. В«Buy aВ sheet ofВ paper inВ the hotel, aВ feather and aВ little ink. IВ will write you aВ recipe.В»

«But I don’t know how to read,» he protested.

В«Well, wait for me inВ the hall for card games, IВ will bring you aВ potion,В» the petitioner has already started toВ botherВ me.

He nodded gratefully.

The boat stuck to the common shore, on a decent distance from the hotel’s yard so that even the visitors of the tavern could not see us.

В«You have toВ wait an hour, maybe more,В» IВ warned the rower, who immediately jumped out ofВ the boat and rushed towards the tavern

InВ an hour IВ had toВ have time toВ take the chest toВ the crypt and go into the nearest forest toВ get the necessary potion. Although the dragon could successfully cope with this, but the aid ofВ Percy would not be aВ bad thing. IВ found him near the crypt. He devotedly protected my new ownership. He had nothing toВ explain. When the chests were fell on the stone floor, and the doors were locked again, Percy followed me toВ the nearest forest.

Leaving him toВ wait near the edge, IВ deepened inВ the thicket. There was no full moon inВ the sky, but aВ new moon also gave enough light. Finding aВ century-old tree, grew up on the crossroads ofВ aВ few paths, IВ took out the dagger and plunged aВ sharp blade deep into the tree. Dull lights running through the fresh cut and inВ the pre-substituted flask, drove aВ thick wood juice. According toВ the old habit, IВ decided toВ fulfill the promise. There was aВ little more time. Little glowing balls flew low above the bushes, disappeared and again appeared inВ the most unexpected places. AВ few minutes have passed before IВ realized that these are wandering lights. How often they knock down the trails from the road and lure deep into the forest or inВ aВ swamp.

However, this time they called me for aВ certain purpose. After all, before them was not aВ simple traveler. Tightly clogging the flask and waiting until the cut inВ the tree dries off and stop shining, IВ succumbed toВ temptation and followed the wandering lights. They had fun danced, overflowing with all the colors ofВ the rainbow, looped and flew toВ the level ofВ high branches. They tried toВ tell me the way toВ another treasure. IВ myself carefully followed the road and counted the steps. IВ got toВ the old oak even earlier than the dozens ofВ colored lights had time toВ take place. They rushed on branches, shifting with pink, purple and purple tones, and IВ viewed the thick roots ofВ oak, discovering from under the ground. IВ needed aВ shovel, but it was not there. However, it was too early toВ lose heart. It was necessary toВ find aВ stick and whisper aВ spell. InВ my hands was aВ useful tool for theВ job.

Soon the edge ofВ the shovel clanged on forged lid ofВ the chest. IВ jumped into aВ deep hole, knocked down aВ rusty lock and flipped it open toВ see if it is not aВ hoax. The chest was full ofВ precious stones and jewels. AВ handful ofВ gold, sapphire and pearl necklaces are mixed into one glittering mass. It costs toВ open the chest and on the brightness ofВ the set ofВ priceless items beginning dazzle the eyes.

Percy took the responsibility toВ deliver the box toВ the door ofВ the tomb, and IВ came at the appointed time toВ the yard inВ front ofВ the hotel. InВ the window could be seen the hall where the audience ordered strong ale and shuffle the cards. Only one visitor sat at aВ separate table with aВ strained view ofВ peering into the faces ofВ guests, seemed toВ be waiting for someone. He immediately stood up when he saw me and warmly whispered words ofВ gratitude when IВ slipped into his hand aВ sealed bottle.

«I’m grateful to you,» once again he said.

В«Why do IВ need your gratitude?В» IВ took the liberated table and watched how the happy fraudster hurries toВ his friends playing cards.

Several guards crossed the threshold and headed straight toВ the table, behind which my acquaintances are located. OfВ course, they did not pay attention toВ the young nobleman, which with the most innocent appearance, was located at the window, although the danger proceeded from this side.

The owner ofВ the hotel moved toВ me. AВ minute ago, he saw me talking with one ofВ his visitors, now causing the attention ofВ the guards.

В«Do you need aВ room for the night?В» He asked uncertainly.

IВ nodded:

В«Yes! IВ need aВ key toВ the room,В» IВ grinned. The prince would not have come toВ mind that his former student ofВ noble blood suddenly decided toВ spend the night inВ such aВ dirty hotel with robbers.

The owner jammed was clearly not going toВ remove one ofВ the bundles ofВ copper keys, chatting on his belt.

«What’s the matter?» I asked strictly.

В«Sorry, but we never let guests who came after the sunset,В» finally said the owner.

So what’s the matter. I wanted to get offended, but I just got up, pushed the nervous suspicious person from my road and slowly said:

В«Good!В»

Even without turning around, IВ went out on the night. The door itself slammed after me. It seemed that the moon over coal-dark water was flooded with aВ bloody color.

IВ was inВ rage, and the transformation happened faster than usual. AВ kind ofВ curious visitor who looked into the window did not see the young nobleman. inВ the courtyard. OfВ course, the winged sparkling silhouette, which rose toВ the roof level, was also not able toВ notice. Panic inВ the tavern began only when the smooth dragon wing was demolished part ofВ the roof. Those who managed toВ figure out what was the matter, rushed into the street, and the others inВ horror observed how the building easily flashed from the first breath ofВ the dragon.




Feelings ofВ dragon


The dawn, illuminating the picturesque forest’s glade, smoothed the latest memories of the night fire. Most visitors, of course, managed to carry their feet in time. The burning hotel is not a whole huge city, but the inhospitable owner lost his institution.



The shore of a small forest lake was fenced with a border of flowers. Water, as a mirror, reflected the flexible branches of willows’ and wild roses’ bushes. The sounds of music came from the far edge of the glade. It made me alert. There was something unusual in this music. The traveler who heard it would certainly turn off from his way and would run to a deceptively calm lake. A pleasant colder freshness came from the water. Another would hear in this melody all his dreams, but I caught a hidden catch. The sounds were too clean, measured, but without a single fake note. A musician must have very long deft fingers, person can not have those fingers. Through thickets of the reeds I moved to the side where the singing of violin came from. I did not immediately realize that this was a violin.. It is impossible to get used to such perfection during visits to theaters or holidays. Even if the nyx hides in the crowd, he will not work on the stage to entertain the people. The only exception to this rule was Camille. During the service, accustomed to tolerate the adversity, he did not want to miss the opportunity to have fun and deserve at least someone’s approval.

As IВ approached, the excitement was intensified. Really, IВ will see the violinist that as the ghost flashed at the reception. Contrary toВ expectations, no transparent silhouette was there. Only aВ nyx was sitting on aВ stump and playing aВ small violin. He did not even notice aВ number ofВ outsiders. What can he be afraid when he is so close toВ his native lake.

My steps were almost silent. The nyx broke away from the violin. He heard the sound somewhere far beyond the forest and put the ears, as if wishing to disassemble someone’s call.

В«How was it said there?В» the nyx said. Then he smiled, as if he remembered the long-being forgotten chorus and whispered quietly, like aВ prayer:

В«All the spirits know aboutВ you.
Where the fortress is burned
Flocks ofВ demonsВ fly
And the bells call.
With seal and locks
Together the treasure is locked
There is aВ mysteryВ and
Someone’s first dream!»

The nyx noticed me only when IВ approached him closely. All the mood toВ read poems instantly passed, he shuddered, dropped his invaluable violin and turned frightened. ByВ rounded blue eyes, it was possible toВ say that he was not deceived, having taken me for aВ traveler or an elf. From his attention did not slip away any trait and he felt the presence ofВ hidden strength.

He realized that no one was going toВ hurt him, he, even at the speed ofВ slow-witted person, but still decided that the reverence would not hurt. The nyx hastily rose from the stump, muttered something instead ofВ aВ greeting.

В«Does this pretty place belong toВ you?В» said I. В«Have you settled here for aВ long time?В»

InВ response, he only nodded.

В«IВ see you more like your underwater house than the land?В»

Again the short nod. Loved toВ chat with himself, The nyx was shy and did not expect aВ sudden invasion. He did not tear off his eyes off the upward socks ofВ his shoes.

В«Are you looking for aВ place toВ rest?В» answered the nyx. В«Unfortunately, there is neither the cave nor the gorge, nor the palace, only the hut.В»

В«Does anyone live inВ it?В»

В«The forester lived with his family. Now the hut is empty.В»

В«Why?В»

В«The guard came from the city and accused the whole family inВ witchcraft,В» the nyx smiled slyly. В«No one else will live there, mortal are faint-hearted. And you are dangerous.В»

Last words, he said quietly with noticeable respect.

В«Did you not take my lake?В» he asked with the excitement.

В«No. Would you really give it without aВ fight?В» Against my will, the question sounded with aВ contemptuous mockery.

В«And you do not tell him that IВ settled here without making aВ gift inВ the treasury?В»

IВ immediately understood that he spoke about Rothbart and almost laughed.

«If he understands that you give the lake only with life, he’ll immediately leave you alone.» If you are able to repulse him, then I will be on your side.»



The hut was in the forest’s wilderness, I immediately liked it. There was all necessary for a sorcerer with his books. Little windows almost missed light, instead of glasses in the frame was inserted transparent mica. Obviously, the glass turned out to be too expensive for local residents. A small furnace in the corner could become useful with the beginning of cold weather. The floorboards strongly creaked, but it could be fixed, besides, Percy is unknown from where it managed to drag a soft carpet, who faded the steps well. Little furniture remained in the room, and the firewood were folded in the yard. Apparently, after the hut was empty, no one dreamed of visiting here to pick up something.




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