Читать книгу Reflection of the night - Albina Sevenkova - Страница 1

CHAPTER I

I'll wait. The snow will melt, and the vernal water will take away my sadness.

The fire raged and devoured the huge castle, destroying the darkness of the night around. The young king smiled grimly, looking at the action playing out. His black eyes reflected tongues of flame, and large flakes of snow were falling on her dark, long hair. It seemed, that he did not notice the cold of the winter night, nor the heat of the burning shelter of the fierce enemy. The faces of his two subjects, standing side by side, seemed to reflect the same contempt and indifference.

The soldiers of the royal guard threw a gaunt man at their feet.

– You come from the underworld! Little snake, I wish I'd killed you when you were a brat!

– Everything must be done on time, – said the monarch, with a grim sneer. – All your efforts have been wasted.

The Duke's face was disfigured by a grin. He spat blood on the snow and struggled to his knees.

– Yes, and not just me. If that's what you wanted to know.

– I know their names, – the monarch said coldly and angrily, sheathing his heavy sword. – They're almost all dead now. The traitors will end their days within the walls of the Cold Tower.

The fallen man shuddered, and the king saw it.

– I can just execute you.

The Duke looked into the eyes of his enemy with hope and entreaty.

– Tell me, who is this mage?

The condemned man's gaze faded, and this finally angered the king.

– Who is he? Someone who single-handedly destroyed your entire legion without killing anyone. This is impossible! But I saw it myself. Two hundred seasoned warriors! Magicians! You were there!

The duke's bloody lips twitched and twisted into a crooked grin.

– Do you think if I knew who he was, you'd be on the throne? This someone has bypassed me and all the followers of the Order of the Golden Lion. And the country is once again ruled by Crows under your leadership, puppy. You can't imagine how many times we've tried to get close to you…

King Robin turned away indifferently.

– Hang him? – Arthur the young man with the long red hair, asked, hardly changing the haughty pose he had maintained throughout the conversation.

– To the tower, – the king ordered.

Arthur nodded curtly to the warriors.

– No! – The prisoner captive. – No! You can't do this! Damn you! You're already cursed! You are the last of the line!!!

Robin's handsome face was expressionless as he walked away. His constant companions, the devoted Arthur and Edward, walked a little behind.

– Assemble a squad,– Robin ordered the blond-haired Edward. – We're leaving.

The young man turned around, and suddenly collided with a gray-haired woman who appeared out of nowhere.

– Your Majesty! – her sharp voice cut through the frosty silence.

–You made a mistake, witch,– Edward said coldly, and with a single movement pushed the old woman away from him, who had already wrapped her arms around his knees.

– What do you want? – The monarch asked, looking at her with tired eyes.

– I…– she said, confused. – I… have a prediction.

– What can you predict if you don't even recognize me?

– Don't judge so harshly, young King. I have only a few hours to live.

– Tell me, – Robin sighed heavily.

– Please take my great-granddaughter away from here. She won't have anyone left after I die.

The men noticed a shadow moving nearby.

Arthur stepped forward and pulled a teenage girl in gray rags out from behind a snowdrift.

– Soldiers,– King Robin said to the assembled company. – Who's going to marry her?

Arthur cupped the almost childlike face in his black-gloved hand and turned it to the light.

– I am, Your Majesty, – said a determined voice from the crowd.

The faceless warrior came closer, took off his cloak, wrapped it around the girl, and put her on the horse. Edward, seeing the king's nod, tossed the bag of coins to the warrior.

– Let's go, – said Arthur lazily.

The monarch was the first to mount his black stallion lightly. And the witch, meanwhile, came out of her stupor, ran to him and grabbed the stirrups.

– You didn't listen to me! There is a woman who can give you an heir! She is of the line of the comers! Just her, there are no more of them left!

Robin stared at his strange companion in silence, showing deep indifference,and was already touching the bridle.

– Anna Rein. Her name is Anna Rein!

The horsemen raced into the night behind their monarch, and the witch stared after them thoughtfully for a long time.

The royal castle, built of black stone, weighed on the inhabitants with its gloomy grandeur. In his bedroom, Robin stared thoughtfully at the hearth, where the flames played fiercely. He was lying on a bed covered with polar bear skins, and his fingers were running through the golden hair of his sleeping mistress.

There was a prearranged knock, and the door swung open. Arthur entered the room and handed him a yellowed scroll. Raven raised himself slightly on the bed, passed his hand over the blonde's head, magically making her sleep deep, and, shaking the paper with one hand, ran his eyes over it.

Meanwhile, Arthur, completely oblivious to the half-naked beauty, swaggered into a leather-covered chair by the fire. He studied his friend's face searchingly. Robin sprang lightly from the couch and stood beside Arthur. In the dim light, his perfect body looked particularly mesmerizing. He threw the scroll into the fire.

– The magic shield artifact has finally been found, – the seated youth said softly. – This place is close. The trip will take half a day.

– Who is entrusted with the key to the cave? – Robin asked, grimacing.

– Anna Rein.

– To whom? – There was an uncharacteristic note of surprise in the King's voice.

– I was surprised that Gray Lisbourne, who has earned a reputation as a misogynist, would trust her with the key.

– It's a name, – Robin drawled.

– Yes, that mad soothsayer was talking about her, – the nobleman said.

– Did you send to her for the key?

– No, I ordered her to come to court.

– Why? – The king was even more surprised.

– Magic addiction. Only she can open the door to the cave.

– Something's definitely wrong here. What did you find out about her?

– The Countess of the Rhine. The owner of a province in the middle of nowhere. It has barren lands, almost deserts. She hasn't left her land in the last fifteen years. The woman raised her nephew, he is already an adult.

– Who's the nephew?

– There's a dukedom next door. Heir to the lands of Orden.

After these words, it seemed to Robin that the fire in the hearth flared up with an unusual force. He interrupted Arthur.

– The heir of Orden?! I was looking for him, and he was growing up in the desert?! Who is this Anna Rein?!!

– You were looking for him? – This time it was Arthur's turn to be surprised. – Why?

– Who is Anna Rein?

– I've already told you everything I know. There is almost no data in the archive about it. Although…

– What? – In his impatience, the young man even leaned forward and grabbed the handrails of the chair.

– Your betrothed! – Arthur burst out laughing. – She's old enough to be your mother. Yes, even, probably, terrible as a mortal sin. No wonder no one married, even with the title of count.

Robin condescendingly waited until the homeric laughter of his subject had died away, and then said:

– Now stop being stupid. The heir of Auden, by virtue of his bloodline, has as much right to the throne as I do.

The answer to the monarch was the wide-open eyes of red Arthur and the beads of sweat that stood out on his forehead.

– And if you consider that he may have children, unlike me, then make a conclusion on whose head the crown will look better!

As Robin said this, he crushed the heavy metal goblet of wine with one hand, and his subject, seeing this, hastened to retreat into the hall. As he ran out the door, he ran full tilt into Edward, who was coming towards him.

– What? – The warrior-healer asked, stopping his friend with an iron hand.

The crumpled goblet flew after Arthur with a curse.

– He's been looking for the Auden heir all this time! – The red-haired man rang out. – Yes! I should have known that! I am a third-generation diviner!

Before Edward could answer, the angry king burst out of the bedroom and snarled:

– Are you still here? Pull up all the archives, interrogate everyone, so that tomorrow there will be the necessary information and the pedigree will be on my desk!

– Whose? – The head of the Bear clan couldn't resist asking.

Instead of answering, the long-suffering goblet that had been picked up from the floor flew at them again.

In the morning, Arthur and Edward waited for the king in the winter garden near the fountain. The soft sunlight played in Arthur's red hair.

– All the archives are classified. I've never seen such protection. There is a royal seal.

– The Lion King the Seventh himself?

– Yes. And the witch's prediction came true. We arrived just in time for her funeral. Her young great-granddaughter doesn't know anything. Robin the First strode majestically into the conservatory.

– Good morning.

The dukes exchanged puzzled glances. The King continued:

– How long will it take to break the protection?

– At least a week, – said Arthur.

– When is the Countess coming?

– Well, I gave her three days. You know: aunts, carriages, crinolines… We are now meeting with the Minister of War. He has a lot of interesting things accumulated.

– Yes, – Robin said coldly. I know all this interesting stuff by heart. If Arenia and Piran unite, there will be nothing left of us. And such a turn of events is a matter of time. By the way, send Linea out of the palace.

– Is this your last favorite? – Edward asked.

– The last one? Hold your tongue! – the imperturbable monarch replied.

– Just send it away? – Arthur asked.

– Marry her off, – the king snapped.

– She's already married, – the Bear persisted.

– Then give her some presents and send her back to her husband, – Robin said again.

– Yes, that's right, Robin, – Edward said suddenly, his green eyes shining mysteriously. – You have a betrothed now. You have no time for mistresses.

There was a roar of laughter, and Robin winced. While the friends were enjoying themselves, the butler appeared at the door and addressed the king:

– Your Majesty, the Countess Anna Rhein requests an audience.

– What? Did she get here overnight?! – The representatives of the higher aristocracy shouted in unison.

– Let her pass, – Robin said, exchanging glances with his friends.

The three of them stared curiously at the doors.

– Countess Anna Raine, – the butler announced, and thumped his staff three times on the floor.

The vision that soon appeared took the breath out of all three of them. She was beautiful and young. However, female beauty at court is not uncommon. Brown eyes, dark unusually thick hair, a thin figure, perfect features and a delicate blush attracted the eyes. There was also an extraordinary warmth coming from this lady. The king lost his sense of reality for a moment. It seemed that as long as she was around, nothing bad would happen to him.

Meanwhile, the girl, timidly looking back and looking at him questioningly, came closer and curtsied.

– How do you do, Your Majesty, my lords?

Edward and Arthur bowed in return.

– I brought the key by order of Your Majesty, – she broke off, reaching into the folds of her modest cloak, from under which an equally modest traveling dress peeked out.

– Madame, are you out of your mind? – The king's icy voice suddenly pierced the silence.

The lady looked at the monarch, startled and puzzled.

– Excuse me, Your Majesty?

– To appear at the reception of the head of state in a fake magical guise? What were you thinking?! And how did you get through the arch that knows everyone? I'll have to help you wash away the sorcery.

Robin grabbed the beautiful woman by the arm and spun her around sharply, sending her into the fountain. The butler, who was standing nearby, gasped in surprise, and Arthur and Edward coughed, but Anna, who was in the water, did not make a sound. The impact was so strong that she lost her balance and sat down in the bowl. The shimmering silver spray soaked her through. With a funny sniff, the Countess brushed the wet strands from her face and asked:

– Can I go out now? Or will Your Majesty order me to sit here a little longer?

As the king studied her intently, not a muscle moved in his face, except for a strange gleam in his black eyes.

– Come out, – he said.

Anna stood up, wringing out the wet hem, oblivious to the eager glances of the young men directed at her.

– The Duke of Lanber is the Minister of War, – the butler's booming voice said, making everyone forget about the fountain.

The Minister of War – a stern man with graying temples, was often compared to a block of ice, and it seemed to many that he was not capable of showing emotions at all. The man entered the conservatory, looking as trim and unruffled as ever – the iceberg man, the uncomplaining screw of the state machine, who, with the same expression on his face, reports to the king and gives orders to the soldier. He strode past the wet lady, not even glancing in her direction or showing any surprise.

– I am pleased to welcome you, Your Majesty, My Lords. These are the latest reports on the state of our army to date, – the Duke said, handing an impressive pile of papers to Arthur as he approached. – Here are my suggestions for improving the situation with the defense of the state.

The minister looked expectantly at his monarch, and automatically followed his gaze to Lady Raine. The youths froze, seeing the emotion on the duke's face for the first time.

– Anna! – Lanbergsky shouted hoarsely and, in an uncontrollable rush, rushed to the female figure standing by the fountain.

– What's the matter with you? – With one magical click, he dried her clothes and kissed her hand. – How did you get here?

– I'm so glad to see you, Grog, – the Countess smiled.

– And you've become even more beautiful and younger, – the Duke continued thoughtfully, giving her a long look.

– Thank you, – Anna said, looking him straight in the eye.

– I haven't seen you in years, how are you?

– I was lucky, the last years I lived in peace and quiet.

– I will consider your proposals, Duke, and in the meantime you may be dismissed, – the king's voice came in a flat, impassive voice.

The ecstatic expression on the War Minister's face slowly faded, giving way to the old lifeless mask.

– Yes, Your Majesty, – said the Duke of Lanber, and, kissing the lady's hand once more, he went out.

– So, my lady, you have brought the key, – the king said again.

– Yes, Your Majesty, here it is, – Anna said, holding out a small, inconspicuous gray bag.

Taking the metal object, Robin tried to touch her fingers, trying to prolong the touch, but the Countess deliberately quickly withdrew her hand. He suddenly smelled the faint scent of mountain flowers coming from her. With a wry smile, the crowned beauty took out a key that glinted in the daylight.

– Lady Raine, do you know that only you can open the door to the cave?

– Yes, Your Majesty.

– You'll come with us tomorrow morning.

– As you command, Your Majesty, – Anna replied on a single note.

– You'll have to ride, are you ready for that, ma'am? – Arthur cut in, giving her a mocking look with his gray eyes.

– I think I can manage, my lord, since I came here on horseback, too.

Edward chuckled. All three of them were a head taller than the Countess, and they were too close.

– Like I said, it'll take us about four hours to get over the rocks, – Arthur reminded him. – But this road is dangerous. The local stones absorb all the magic. As a result, we will have to rely only on weapons. And, in case of what… I suggest we go around this place.

The young king grimaced:

– We leave in the morning on a straight road.

He looked at the Countess, who was listening intently to Arthur.

– You had something to say, my lady? – The question was mocking.

– If you please, Your Majesty.

The answer was a slight nod and a piercing look from his black eyes.

– I agree with Lord Kern, the trip is very dangerous indeed.

– But you will be under our protection, Countess, or do you doubt that we can keep you out of harm's way? – Edward's tone was sarcastic.

Anna lowered her eyes.

– Not at all.

– That's good, – the king said again. – There is a ball tonight, and you are invited, my lady.

– Thank you, Your Majesty. I don't like social amusements. Can't this be avoided?

– That's not possible, – The young monarch's voice was steely again.

– All right, I'll carry out your order, – Anna touched her throat as if the words hurt her.

– The servants will bring you a ball gown.

– You are very kind to me, Your Majesty, I do not deserve such attention. And please don't worry, I'll find a party dress.

– Well, I won't force you to accept gifts, ma'am. You can go now.

Bowing, Anna quickly left the room.

As soon as the door closed behind her, Robin looked at Edward questioningly.

– No enchantment, – he drawled, – a little gift for healing, that's all. She came in her true form.

– How can that be? – Arthur asked in surprise.

– I don't know, – the blond youth shook his head, looking around at the raging tropical greenery, so similar in color to his eyes. – In all the history of healing I've studied, I've never seen anything like it.

– There's no doubt that it's really her, – Robin said grimly. – Have you seen the War minister's puppy-dog delight?

– Yes, I couldn't believe my eyes, I thought it was an illusion, – Arthur chuckled.

– If she managed to do this to him, what does she do to the others? – Edward asked a rhetorical question.

– We'll check it out, – the Raven King said with a bad smile.

Anna entered the room that had been given to her – a damp, semi-basement room where the winter light was barely visible. The drops of dampness falling on the bed made her smile ironically. She was startled when there was a discreet knock on the door and asked:

– Who?

– Anna, this is Gered. Open it, please.

The girl turned the lever and threw herself into the arms of the gray-haired old man.

– Careful, you'll strangle me, – he said jokingly, wrapping his weak arms around her.

– How are you? – Anna gasped, pushing him into the room and closing the heavy door.

– I've been better, – Gered grunted, looking around. – I see you've been assigned the most luxurious apartment? This was once a prison cell.

–Да, старые друзья не дремлют, – засмеялась графиня и сняла плащ.

– Don't worry, I'll spend the night in the stables. They have an order there. And here you can catch a cold. She looked into his eyes searchingly.

A few hours left, – he said, lowering his gaze. – I'm glad I got to see you.

– I've given my whole life to this crypt. Served-served and did not deserve anything, even the only granddaughter could not protect.

– Your great-grandson was born after she was dishonored? – The Countess's question sounded sad.

– Yes. My bright boy knows neither mother nor father. He is very ill, and I think he will soon follow me.

– I saw a fair-haired page at the gate, suffering from consumption, is that him?

– Yes. The healers tried to cure him, but the effect was only temporary.

– His mother's suffering was not lost on him. I'll take care of him. Don't think about dying. It is not true that your life has been in vain. Thanks to you, an inconspicuous and desperately brave clerk, this state still exists and millions of lives have been saved, including mine. Ged's face brightened, and he was able to straighten up and look triumphantly at Anna.

– Take it, – he said, holding out the scroll. – You know what to do with it. I leave without saying goodbye.

The huge ballroom, lit by torches and candles made of white wax, was full of bright dresses of the ladies. Everyone was talking in low voices, but even that made the room hum unbearably. Dressed in a black suit with silver embroidery, the young king stood at the large window, looking out at the cold drifts. The background of white snow behind the glass accentuated his graceful silhouette and dark skin. Red-haired Arthur, who was as handsome as his king, came to the window. The music began to play pleasantly, and the couples swirled around the room.

– The celebration is in full swing, and our guest is not here. She dared to disobey orders? – Robin asked.

His friend snorted contemptuously and suddenly stared at the front door.

The king followed his gaze and saw a female figure in a low-key green dress, not very frank, but emphasizing all the advantages of the figure. And there really was something to admire. Anna looked completely different from when they first met. Her head was held high, her figure erect, and her cold expression riveted the eyes of those present. Edward, who had left his dancing partner, dressed in a green suit, also saw her and heard her murmur of admiration.

– Who is this young beauty?

All the sounds merged into an unintelligible noise, when suddenly, almost nearby, a startled cry flew by:

– The Piranha rose!

The head of the Falcon clan looked around, trying to find the speaker, but couldn't.

Meanwhile, Anna stood in a dark corner, trying not to draw attention to herself. Edward walked toward her, listening to the conversation.

– What kind of jewelry are these?

– Black pine.

– A tree? – someone chuckled.

– It is several times more expensive than precious stones.

Lady Rain ignored the whispers and acted as if she were far away.

– Countess, – Edward suddenly appeared in front of her.

– My Lord, – the girl curtsied deeply.

– You don't like the holiday?

– I've already told you that I don't like such social events. This is no different from the others.

The Lord chuckled.

– And you won't even dance with me?

– I can definitely refuse you that, – Anna smiled. – Even though you're wearing green, too.

Edward couldn't hide his surprise.

– In that case, I'm sorry to bother you, ma'am.

Lady Rain responded with a slight bow.

Robin and Arthur were still standing at the window, watching the Falcon approach.

–Why didn't you ask the Countess of the Rhine to dance? – The Duke of Kern asked ironically.

– She said «no».

– What?! You?!

– It looks like she's not going to dance at all, – the Falcon said, watching the other man walk away from Anna.

– This is something interesting, – Robin said thoughtfully.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Lanber came up to Anne.

– The Minister? – Arthur asked. – Who's that brat next to him?"

– That's his son, – Edward said, eyeing the slender, blue-eyed blond man.

– Look, she went to dance with him, – the Bear continued.

The king looked around and saw the pair formed, which immediately attracted everyone's attention. Anna smiled at her partner warmly and sincerely, which for some reason infuriated him. The two of them seemed to fly around the hall to fast music.

The Countess of the Rhine said goodbye to the Duke and his son, who was looking at her with rapt eyes, and was just turning to leave when she suddenly bumped into a man in a dark suit. Looking up, she met the king's gaze.

– Are you in a hurry to leave, my lady? – The king asked.

– Yes, – the girl said shortly.

– Then dance with me one last time.

– Is that an order, Your Majesty?

– Have you ever been told, madame, that the impertinence of my subjects can have unpleasant consequences for them?

– I've been told that many times, – Anna didn't look away, not at all afraid.

He yanked her toward him, not caring what he might do to her.

– Tell me, Mrs. Rain, what principles do you use to choose your dancing partners? You so easily rejected the top officials of the state, who have wealth and good looks.

Anna raised her eyebrows in surprise, which made her face take on that childlike spontaneity that the king had seen the day before.

– I don't even know what to say to you, it never occurred to me to select cavaliers by such criteria.

– Yes? And why did you dance with the younger Lanbergsky, his father leaves him nothing, because he is as poor as a church mouse. Was he your lover?

Robin watched with pleasure as a shadow crossed Anna's face.

– He gave him an honest name, which is quite a lot. This young man has a pure soul. I am sure that he will be as happy in love as his father. Thank you for the invitation, Your Majesty.

The music had not yet ended when Anna broke off the dance, smiled, bowed to the king, and left the hall.

She confidently walked through the labyrinths of the castle and was already not far from her bedroom, when suddenly Duke Edward Ereman, the head of the powerful magical Falcon clan, appeared on her path.

– Is there anything I can do for you, my lord? – Anna asked, unable to get past him.

– Let's not be too polite, – the young man said sharply, and smiled wryly. – I suggest, madame, that you spend the night in my comfortable bedchamber.

Anna put her hand to her throat again, as if it hurt, and stepped back a little.

– I do not think your bedchamber is more comfortable than mine, my Lord, – the Countess Raine replied, her voice firm and somewhat distant.

She hurried past, but it was not possible, as the young man again blocked her way.

– Tell me, how many lovers have you had? What is it? – he asked, watching as Anna struggled to keep her hands from shaking.

– I don't want to discuss this with you, Lord Ereman.

Edward was advancing on her, still smiling unkindly.

– You're all brainless dolls who can only bat your eyelashes and dress up.

He pinned her against the wall, his arms wrapped around her waist, and then he pulled back quickly.

Anna, disheveled, leaned heavily against the wall, the Falcon's pupils dilated, and his breathing became heavy and ragged. Seeing his reaction, the Countess smiled wearily. The pale young man stared at her speechlessly and breathed heavily.

– Do you know, Edward, I remember your mother, she had the same wonderful emerald eyes.

– Don't talk to me about her, you're a witch, – the young man hissed.

The girl ran her hands over her face, as if trying to take the weariness out of it, and continued:

– This' brainless doll ' sacrificed her reputation and her life to save you and keep you as the head of the clan. Knowing in advance that the son, who was the meaning of life, would hate her…

Tears flickered in the Countess ' eyes, but only for a moment.

– What are you talking about? How do you know her?

He grabbed Anna by the shoulders and began to shake her, but she did not resist, just looked into his eyes from under the stray strands.

– I was put on the waiting list for the scaffold after her.

There was a pause.

We were kept here in the castle. In the cramped basement of the west wing of this building. There's a hiding place under a big rock, and I think it still contains her correspondence.

The Falcon recoiled from the Countess as if from a plague. The blood was pounding in his temples.

Anna seemed to peel away from the wall and stagger away down the gray corridor.

Robin was lying on the bed in his own bedroom, and Arthur was pacing up and down beside him.

– I understand the need for these strategies, so you don't have to spend the night with me tonight, dear, – the king said.

– And you won't be offended? – The head of the Bear clan asked in the same tone.

Robin was bending down to remove his boots when the door opened and Edward burst in. Arthur opened his mouth to make a joke, but when he saw the deathly pallor on his friend's face, he immediately closed it.

– I need the magic passwords for the basements in the west wing.

Robin glanced at it and removed the bracelet from his left wrist.

– Take this, any door will open when you touch it.

The falcon grabbed the thing and flew out into the corridor, not noticing that his friends followed him.

At the door to the basement, a clerk was waiting with a magic caller ID and two warriors, one of whom was the head of the royal guard.

Unable to withstand the touch of the bracelet, the heavy door opened, and stale air escaped from the basement. Edward lit the torches in the room and knocked over a heavy stone slab that lay on the floor. Groping in the cache he found, he pulled out a yellowed stack of papers. Opening the envelopes one by one, the Falcon handed them to the clerk, who checked the sheets and put them in a neat pile.

When the work was finished, the clerk said firmly:

– All submitted letters are authentic and correspond to the claimed authorship.

The gleam in Edward's green eyes became feverish. He nodded to the security chief, who came closer.

– Baron Ellard, Count Lees, and Count Terron are to be arrested immediately and brought to the palace. If they try to escape, execute them on the spot.

– But how is that possible? The nobles won't approve, – protested the head of the guard.

The Falcon, out of control, grabbed the soldier by the breast.

– You didn't understand the order? – King Robin's voice was soft and therefore even more menacing.

– No, I understand, – the warrior replied timidly.

– Do it, – Raven said, nodding toward the door.

He went over to the clerk and took the letters from him, looking through them quickly.

– That's right…

Arthur, who was standing nearby, also saw the contents of the papers.

– Ed, how are you?

– We'll start for the mountains at dawn, – the Falcon said firmly, and walked away.

Half asleep, Anna lay on the fragrant dry hay and looked at the friend who had come to her imagination.

– If you don't return within four days, I will follow you and tear down this stone crypt.

– It's all right, don't worry, Rogneda. I'll be home soon.

– Of course, I feel like you're doing well. Who do you talk to closely there? There are three clans in power, and I know their aspirations and thoughts. I hope they're smart enough to be diligent.

Anna groaned:

– You're home now and you can do whatever you want, and I have to go over the damn rocks tomorrow, so let's go to bed.

Rogda disappeared, and Ratmir appeared.

– Ra, where are you? – Anna whispered.

– Hello, dear, we decided to have a little rest here.

– I have important business to attend to." There's a boy-a great-grandson of a friend of mine-who needs help. Look at him. I want to accept him into our family. What do you think?

For ten minutes Anna seemed to be in a dream, until she heard her nephew's voice again.

– I saw him, and I don't mind calling him brother. Go to sleep…

The girl smiled serenely, inhaling the frosty freshness and winking at the stars peeking under the awning.

"The bottomless sky is good,"– she thought.

A thin boy of about seven years old stood by a fresh grave, which was mercilessly covered by the falling snow. Suddenly he was seized with a fit of coughing. He fell to his knees, and the white canvas was stained with drops of blood. Someone put a clean handkerchief to his lips and hugged him. After a few moments, the chest sounds subsided. The child was reclining on the woman's lap, looking into the warm eyes.

– Who are you? – he asked.

– I'm a friend of your great-grandfather.

The boy rested for a while longer and then roughly broke away from the embrace.

– We didn't have any friends.

Anna ran a hand over her face and stared at the child, whose desperate blue eyes were filled with hope. She reached into her gym bag and pulled out a pink apple that seemed to cheer up this snowy, cold morning.

– Take it, – she said, handing it to the baby.

He stood there for a moment, thinking, then came over and held out an almost transparent hand. My name is Anna. I'm going away on business right now, but I'll be back soon and we'll talk about everything. In the meantime, eat the fruit, and you will feel better.

The boy bit into an apple. Anna stared at him for a few more minutes, then left without looking back.

Robin and Arthur stood outside the chapel, looking up at the gray sky and breathing in the crisp, frosty air. The bright pink horizon heralded the imminent arrival of the sun. Edward approached them quietly. All three were dressed in black suits and wrapped in dark cloaks. The bear and the Falcon pulled their long hair back into tails. Raven's black, ragged locks reached only to his shoulders and fell in a picturesque disarray across his forehead and cheeks.

– Where is this lady? – Arthur asked. – Women are women, nothing can be trusted.

– Let's go to the stable. Order her to be sent for, – the monarch said to the footman.

A mournful funeral bell rang in the air.

– Someone died? – Edward asked.

– Yes, the head of the palace chancery, – Red Arthur yawned.

Near the stable, the warriors saw Anna standing at the entrance. She curtsied.

– Good morning, my lady, – Robin replied with a bow, as did his entourage, and moved closer to her. -Allow me to ask you an immodest question, madame.

– I allow it, Your Majesty, but I warn you that I do not answer all such questions.

Raven chuckled and reached out long, thin fingers to touch her hair. Anna didn't move or even change her position. Gazing into her eyes, he pulled a straw out of his hair.

– Did you sleep in the stables?

– Yes, – the Countess replied matter-of-factly.

Raven clearly hadn't expected this answer:

– Are you crazy? Spend the night here, practically under the open sky, without protection?!

– I have a reliable protector, Your Majesty. He was with me all night.

– And who is he? – the head of state tried to put maximum contempt into his voice.

– You can see it right now.

All three of them looked in the direction indicated. A bay horse pranced along the road. This wonderful creature could not contain its own irrepressible energy. He kicked and whinnied, one brown eye squinting out from under his long bangs.

– That's a wild Liis stallion, – Arthur choked. – They can't be tamed. The strongest and toughest horses, the smartest.

– Well, why not, – said the Countess's melodious voice. – You just need to find an approach to everyone.

– If I touch him, he won't trample me? – The head of the Bear clan asked enthusiastically.

Anna went to the young man, took him by the hand and led him to the horse, which was already snorting with displeasure.

– Flame, let him, – the girl said.

The stallion snorted again, but this time less aggressively, and Anna brought the duke's hand to the horse. Arthur couldn't hide his delight as he stared at the horse.

– You came here in it?

– Yes.

– They are three times faster than normal horses.

– More than that, actually, – the Countess said. And the Flame is the leader, as long as none of the tribesmen can compete with it.

She mounted the horse, which was not even reined in, with surprising ease,and thus once again surprised her companions.

– The Flame knows the way very well, Your Majesty. If you'll excuse me, I'll go first.

The King frowned, but did not object. Soon, the four horsemen disappeared over the horizon.

When they were halfway down the road, a ravine appeared ahead. The horses walked slowly. Anna suddenly stopped. Robin, riding beside her, looked at her questioningly.

– The flame senses danger, – the Countess said.

As soon as the horses stopped, and the sound of hooves ceased to resound over the snow-covered expanse, a dead silence enveloped the gorge. Even the crystal-clear stream in front of them seemed to flow without a sound.

The Countess started as a long-drawn-out howl rang out.

– Wolves of the twilight! Stop it! – she shouted.

Shadows flickered on the cliff tops.

– Dismount quickly! – The king shouted, drawing his sword. – Anna, hide behind a boulder!

The girl hurried to obey the order, at the same time, the young men rushed forward, holding their weapons in front of them. The three black horses, terrified, darted down the ravine and leaped into the hollow, continuing their senseless run. The flame was next to the hostess.

Robin was the first to meet the huge wolf, literally cutting it in half. Approaching the hill, the warriors dealt with twelve large creatures, which crumbled into dust from the blows, leaving no traces. The men stopped at the foot of the cliff and were about to return when a growl sounded from above.

– God, there are hundreds of them, – said Arthur, looking up.

– This hollow will be our grave, – Edward said grimly, brushing a strand of blond hair from his sweaty brow.

– We will fight as long as we can raise our swords, – Raven ordered.

And then a horde of animals leaped from the peaks at the people. The clang of teeth, the clang of steel, and the neighing of horses rang out. The young warriors quickly became isolated and fought off the predators, unable to help each other. Robin managed to deal with a couple of wolves, stabbing one with a straight blow and cutting the other, but two more jumped on him immediately. The last of them knocked the sword out of his hand. The king dodged the beast, trying to reach for the weapon, but it was already clear that the second jump of the predator would be fatal for him. He was staring unblinkingly into the eyes of his death when something whizzed by a centimeter away, and the wolf vanished into thin air, as did the next five. The same fate befell the predators attacking the lords. The young men looked back and saw Anna, climbing up on a high boulder, shooting with a bow, hitting targets with incredible speed. The sight only disconcerted the king for three seconds, after which he grabbed the glittering sword and charged into battle. Heart-rending sounds came from the lowlands. The King's horse was torn apart by the beasts, and the fate of the others was sealed.

– Flame! – Anna suddenly shouted, still firing. – Protect!

Her stallion, obeying the order, jumped into the lowlands and did the impossible. With two blows of his front hooves, he destroyed the huge wolf. The second beast, which had rushed at him from behind, immediately fell from the powerful push of its hind hooves.

– Get them out of there, Flame! – Anna shouted again. – They'll follow you now!!!

The bay stallion heard her again and, trampling down the predators, found a path up. The two horses followed him. Meanwhile, the beasts were already approaching the archer. Seeing this, Arthur hurried to her aid. Anna had shot an arrow through one of the twilight-born in a leap. The faithful steed was already standing beside him again, along with the other two stallions.

– They're coming! – Edward shouted, trying to strike with his magic, which immediately turned into nothing, swallowed up by the rocks.

Anna looked for Robin and saw that the predators were pushing him toward the cliff.

– Flame! – she screamed again.

The horse whinnied.

– Get him out of there! Please!!!

The bay leader quickly took the race and, soaring over the seemingly insurmountable barrier of sharp rocks, in the blink of an eye was next to the Raven. With a single swing, the king cut off the predator's head and leapt into the saddle, and the mighty horse swiftly carried him away from the cliff. Anna put several arrows into the bow at once and fired. The shadows on the peaks reappeared. Seeing this, the girl spoke, and from nowhere, an echo picked up her words.

– Without asking, I call upon the dark lord!

The young men flinched for a moment at the sound of the voice, and the Countess, who was standing on the boulder, continued, lowering her bow.

– You can't handle my power, and you can't handle me!

Edward, who had taken a break, looked at Anna in surprise as she continued to speak.

– One blow will set the water in the stream on fire.

The stallion at the spring unexpectedly pierced the ice-cold water with a hoof, and it burst into a bright fire, incinerating the wolves who tried to cross to the shore.

– One gust of wind will dispel my misfortune!

A blizzard that appeared in a few seconds, as if alive, gathered its strength and, whirling the fire on the stream, whirled it in a huge tornado, sweeping away all the gloomy creatures.

A few minutes passed, and silence reigned over the gorge again. Edward was leaning wearily on his sword, Arthur was wiping the sweat from his brow, and Anna was leaning back against a rock, deep in thought.

– Let's go, – Robin ordered curtly as he rode up. – We can't stay here. We will make a stop near the cave, and we will return by a roundabout road. Without dismounting from the chestnut horse, which silently submitted to him, he leaned over and, easily picking up Anna, lifted her into the saddle. His friends mounted their horses and followed him.

Holding the shield artifact in his hands, Robin watched Anna talk to her horse and noted that he was over the moon.

– My good one, – she cooed. – My brave chief. Thank you for helping me again.

– Well, now is the time to eat and discuss what has happened, – Arthur said cheerfully to Edward.

To which the Falcon did not fail to reply:

– And what are you going to eat, my lord? Do you want to meal some snow? There is plenty of it here.

– Didn't you bring any provisions with you? – The Bear protested loudly.

– Why should I take anything? – We were going to be done in a few hours!

It is not known how long this exchange would have continued if the young people had not caught the sweet smell of hot lentil soup. The King was the first to approach Anna, who was setting the table in the snow. She took a plentiful meal out of her canvas bag. The sight that opened was worthy of admiring. A variety of vegetables and fruits, herbs, three hot dishes and ruddy pastries increased the already brutal appetite of the young people. The Countess looked up at Raven and smiled at him for the first time.

– I ask you, Your Majesty, and you, my lords, for dinner.

Arthur couldn't hide his pleasure as he picked up his spoon. They all ate in silence for a few minutes. The usual-looking dishes were many times superior in taste to those that the young men had tried before. Surprise and bliss appeared on their faces when the turn came to the fruit. The high nobles alternated between glances and glances at the Comtesse's pretty face, which still seemed oblivious.

– Did you get all this out of the magic bag, ma'am? They say it costs a fortune, " Arthur tried to keep up the conversation.

Anna smiled at him.

– They say, but I did not buy it, I could not afford it in the recent past. I had to sew a useful product myself.

– So you're making these bags?

– I tried, – the Countess replied mockingly. – But no one bought it from me either because of the high cost. So the trade didn't work out.

Everyone laughed.

– It's time to talk about who did this attack, – the Bear said seriously.

– No one in this country has that kind of magic, – Edward said, shaking his head.

– What do you think, Countess? – The king asked suddenly.

Anna ran a hand over her face, as if she didn't want to answer.

– The sorcerers of Piran have the ability to create conditionally living things out of nothing. I knew three people who could do this. Two of them are already dead. And the third one would never use his magic for evil. Unless he was forced to do it or…

– Or what? – Raven asked.

– Or he has a disciple who has betrayed him.

– Piran, then, – said the young king thoughtfully. – They sleep there and see how Adenia will be left without a head of state. In theory, Richard the First, under such circumstances, can claim the throne of Adenia himself…

– Where did you learn to shoot like that, ma'am? I've known the best male archers, but they don't have a tenth of your skills.

– My mother was good with the bow. I was still a little girl when I saw her doing this. At the time, shooting arrows at a target seemed fun to me.

– And then?

– It's a deadly weapon. My parents died early, and I had to learn how to defend myself, remember my skills, and improve them so that I could disable my enemies without killing them. The archers you've seen must hit opponents to death, which is why they've reached the ceiling in this art. And I needed to make the arrows obey and hit the target, even when the target was moving. This happens at the level of the senses.

– You mean without magic? – The Falcon broke in.

Anna was silent for a moment.

– You, as a healer, have realized that I have almost no magic. In fact, I am an ordinary person.

The Falcon didn't take his eyes off her.

– And the fact that you were able to not just resist the black sorcerer, but without much effort to destroy his charms, also happened without magic?

– Yes. But do not think that it happened quite effortlessly. Faith in my own word was not easy for me and not in one day.

– A hare, – said Arthur suddenly. – Where did he come from? Already ran away. There is no one in the world more cowardly than these animals.

– You think so? – Anna asked suddenly.

– Is there any doubt about that? – Edward chuckled.

The girl was silent for a moment, and then said:

– This animal always knows in advance when a predator that surpasses it in everything is on the trail. He knows, but he's in no hurry to run away. He waits until the last minute, until the moment when the enemy's teeth are ready to close on his throat. And then the hare suddenly escapes from the deadly trap. He loops as he runs, shows wonders of speed and endurance, and finally leaves the attacker with a nose, proving that he is worthy to live. So who do you think is cowardly? The hare or the one who attacks it?

After saying this, Anna left the table with a few apples and went to the horses standing in the distance. The falcon stared after her with green eyes for a long time.

The king was eating fragrant strawberries when the Duke of Kern addressed him:

– Robin, give it to me.

Raven held out the cup, looking intently into his friend's eyes.

Arthur took the berries and grinned:

– Do you pretend you don't understand? So you've got your eye on her yourself. What can you give her? Will you make her your mistress? I won't let you do that.

Robin took the berries back and slowly popped the strawberries into his mouth, still looking the Bear in the eye.

– I'm delighted, – Edward said. – You've known this person for about two days, and you're already ready to bite each other's throats because of her. It is true that women are the best means of discord.

– You'd think you'd have nothing to do with it, – Arthur snapped and shot a quick glance at the young man, who couldn't stand it and turned away.

On their return, the king and his entourage were busy all day, and the Countess of the Rhine was not allowed to leave the palace and was forced to spend time among the ladies of the court. Towards noon she was informed that she was to come to the king's supper. After listening grimly to the footman, she replied with an affirmative nod and went in search of Augustus, the great-grandson of her friend, which was not successful.

In the dining room, waiting for the final preparations, Edward and Arthur stood not far from each other. The King, as he often did, was looking out of the window. None of the three men spoke. It was exactly six o'clock, and Countess Anna Raine came in through the open door, still dressed in her green ball gown. She curtsied and followed the footman to the table. After that, everyone joined in for dinner. Robin stared at her intently. This time her face was an impenetrable mask. The girl was cool and collected. The white, austere tablecloth, the gleaming silver of the appliances, and the stony faces of the young men made the atmosphere in the dining room tense.

– How was your day, Lady Raine? – the king broke the silence.

– Thank you, Your Majesty, quite passable. I've been waiting for your permission to return home.

– Are you in such a hurry to leave us? What is it? – he asked in a cold, ironic tone.

– I don't want to distract you from important matters.

– Is that so?

There was a pause.

– Why were you sentenced to death, Lady Raine? – The Falcon's voice sounded like a bolt from the blue.

Arthur and Robin flinched, but Anna remained unperturbed. She smiled faintly as she poured herself a glass of water.

– For treason to the crown, – she said, as if she had just reported a change in the weather.

There was silence for a few moments.

– And why are you still alive, madame? – Robin asked, equally evenly.

– There are many reasons for this, Your Majesty, and they are long to tell.

– Well, I'm in no hurry, and I'm ready to listen.

– As you command. It would certainly be better if you learned about everything from the secret archives. But, as I understand it, you have not yet managed to break the protection.

Arthur choked, and Edward glanced at the door.

– I was first accused of having an affair with the Arenian king.

– In what connection exactly? – Falcon asked.

– The one you just thought of. The second was the accusation of the transfer of the County of the Rhine and the Duchy of Oden to the side of the enemy power. And then there are the little things: passing on the secrets of magical inventions over the past three hundred years, debauchery, and an attempt to poison the monarch.

– Uh – huh, – Robin said, automatically pouring himself a glass of wine. – And you admitted all this?

– My confession wasn't required. I was immediately promised a scaffold and placed in a Cold Tower to wait for the end.

Raven didn't notice the red wine spilling out of the glass and spreading across the snowy tablecloth.

– Have you been to the Cold Tower, madame?" And how long did you manage to stay there?

– Then I was told that it had been three weeks. Time flies by there, the Countess of the Rhine said indifferently.

– And you signed your charges?

– No. According to the laws of Adenia, the estate of an aristocrat who pleads guilty is transferred to the crown, and a more worthy owner is chosen by the council. As a result, my people could be enslaved again, and the heir to the Order could be placed under new guardianship. And guardians rarely need heirs, so children do not live long. However, the heirs do not only interfere with the guardians Isn't that right, Your Majesty? – She glanced pointedly at the king, who was glaring at her.

– That's a lie, – said Arthur distantly. – A woman can't survive the torture of the Cold Tower.

– I won't dissuade you, – Anna said. – You know, – she said, suddenly looking at the Falcon. This was a common scheme in those days. The widow Ereman, who had earned a reputation as a flighty coquette, was asked to marry. Many suspected her lack of brains, but she quickly realized how it would all end for her son. Her refusal had unfortunate consequences. The Duchess of Eremann managed to avoid the Cold Tower only because if she was recognized, the estate would still pass to her brother, to whom she later left the heir to the Osborn province – the future head of the Falcon clan. Soon after, her brother and your uncle, my lord, died under mysterious circumstances.

Edward turned almost as white as the tablecloth.

– How did you manage to avoid the same fate? – The king asked hoarsely.

– My friends helped me. The head of the chancery, who had been buried the day before, and who then held an insignificant post, showed unprecedented courage and presented evidence of my innocence.

– Which, of course, helped you at once, – the king chuckled.

– Yes, those papers didn't help me. But what his support meant to me in that icy hell, you have no idea. He smiled at me, saving not only my life, but also my soul. At the risk of everything, the Minister of War's family took my side. His wife and I have been friends since we were young. But they changed their mind about executing me at the last minute, thanks to Countess Rogneda of Rhone, with whom we grew up together.

– And how did she do it? – Arthur asked curiously.

– She started a riot in three provinces. The castles of the four most powerful nobles in the kingdom, including the king's brother, were destroyed in a matter of minutes. It was a powerful argument. I was immediately released and even apologized. The two provinces of Oden and the County of Rhone were left alone and allowed to exist peacefully by law, and my desert – the county of the Rhine remained free.

– Why suddenly began to claim your land, where nothing grows? It's winter at night and hot summer during the day.

– You use outdated information, Your Majesty. So it was fifty years ago, when the people who came and all the undesirables were sent there, my parents did not look for ways to return. Remembering the precepts of their ancestors, they began to refine this hellish territory. The strength, perseverance and knowledge of the people did their job. Gradually, the situation there improved. I continued what my parents started, and after surviving several droughts and famines, we managed to turn this land into a real paradise. The fruit I gave you is now growing there.

– So, technically, your county is not part of the kingdom?

– That is so," Anna replied to the monarch. – I only came to the palace because I am related to Auden, and because I honor my friendship with Gray Lisbourne, who is now dead.

– As a healer, I can see that you are only fifteen or sixteen years old, how is that possible? Will you again claim that you did without magic? – Falcon asked.

– It's impossible by your standards, but it's a common occurrence for our people. Life expectancy in the former Wasteland is four to five times greater than yours.

There was an awkward silence at the table.

– Your Majesty, – Anna was the first to break the silence. – I have answered all your questions without reserve. Now, please answer my question.

– Anything I can do, Countess,– the handsome, dark-eyed man promised.

– When will I be allowed to return home?

– Your return home is not planned, – Raven said coldly.

– Why not?

– I intend to make you my mistress.

Edward and Arthur glared at their friend, which was not lost on Anna.

– So you don't need my consent?

– And it won't follow? – Robin asked, feigning surprise.

– No, – Anna said shortly.

– You prefer the scaffold, then?

– Yes, especially since it is already becoming my habit. Permission to leave?

The Falcon gave the Countess a sharp look. She was cool and tried to keep her tone casual. It was only for a moment that her fingers twitched, and he realized the cost of keeping her casual.

– Guards! – Robin shouted.

Four warriors entered the door.

– Take the lady away, – Raven said matter-of-factly.

Anna never looked back as she left.

– Have you thought well, Rob? – asked Arthur, in a hollow voice.

– You're making a mistake, – Edward said, leaving the table.

The doors opened again, and a dozen or so mage warriors burst into the dining room.

– Your energies were blocked during lunch, so don't do anything stupid, – Robin said. – Sit in quiet places for three days and calm down.

Arthur and Edward looked at each other, assessing the situation.

– Please surrender your weapons and follow us, my lords, – the mage leader said grimly.

– Please don't do this, Robin, – the Falcon said, handing over the sword. – She didn't have any lovers, do you hear?

Lord Kern's gray eyes flashed with lightning, and if they had been magical, his crowned friend would have been nothing but smoking remains. A few seconds later, the king was alone in the dining room. He sat down on a wrought-iron chair and leaned his head back wearily, looking up at the old-fashioned stucco ceiling.

Anna, who was surrounded by soldiers, listened to the creaking snow and was extremely focused. All the labyrinths of the corridors of the royal palace and the view from above of the surrounding area quickly flashed through my mind.

– Anna, – a child's voice said suddenly.

The girl smiled at Augustus as she continued walking.

– I was told you were looking for me.

– Yes. I need your help. Please pluck a branch from the old juniper tree in the back yard and bring it to the room that opens onto the pillared hall.

The child looked at her in surprise, and at the same time saw the whole plan of the future movement in his imagination.

– You should be there by midnight.

– I'll do it, – she heard a voice behind her.

With her inner vision, Anna quickly entered the stable and said softly:

– Flame.

The bay leader, flanked by two grooms, shuddered.

Realizing that her friend had heard her, she said:

– Home.

Realizing the order, Flame immediately rushed to the exit.

– Hey, where are you going? – The man yelled, trying to grab the horse's bridle.

Immediately an assistant ran up to him and threw a noose around the animal's neck. A few moments later, an interesting sight opened up to the crowd of onlookers. With a sharp blow, the stable gate was carried out by a wild stallion, which rushed forward like a whirlwind. The battered grooms ran after him, shouting: " Hold him!"

But no one dared even come close to this embodiment of unrestrained energy. Flame leaped over the castle's stone railing, leaving his pursuers with their mouths wide open.

– Damn horse, – one of them lisped, spitting out a broken tooth.

For nearly an hour, Anna had been in the luxurious bedroom located in the royal guest house. It was a new building, and it was welcoming compared to the huge, dark palace. The fire crackled merrily in the grate. The room was decorated in bright colors, and there were fruits and treats on the table. Glancing at the huge carved clock, she went to the window. She heard the door open and someone enter the bedroom, but she didn't even look back. Raven appeared, took off his doublet, and threw it on a chair, leaving himself in a white shirt and black trousers. There he also sent the removed belt, which made a metallic sound. Anna was still standing with her back to him when he came close to her and put his arms around her, sliding his hands over her arms and capturing her wrists. Her tension caused a flash of anger in him, which he suppressed and asked, whispering in his ear:

– Did you really think I'd send you to the scaffold?

– I still think you'll have to, – Anna said mockingly.

– So you're a fool, – Robin said evenly, still holding her.

– Oh, don't jump to conclusions, my King.

He walked away and, almost ripping off the buttons, took off his shirt.

– Call me by my first name – Robin.

– All right, Robin, – Anna suddenly looked around and, barely touching the man's naked torso, looked into his eyes.

– You turned your back, – Raven chuckled. – You don't like me? With that, he took a step forward.

– No, come on, Robin, you're well-built, but I'm just shy of other people's half-naked men, – she said, backing away.

He smiled suddenly, a boyish, infectious smile that made his eyes sparkle.

– Then let's get closer.

For a moment, something in Anna responded to his smile, and her face reflected something similar. But then her expression suddenly became thoughtful. He continued to advance slowly until the Countess's back was against the wall.

– Give me your tenderness, – Robin said softly, touching her hair with his hand. – We'll be fine together.

He couldn't resist leaning in, nuzzling her nose, trying to kiss her, but Anna gently pulled away.

– Yes, for a short time we can really be happy, and then … – she didn't finish the sentence.

– And then? – Raven asked, mesmerized by the sound of her voice.

– And then there will come the bitterness of disappointment and a cruel reckoning that will erase all pleasant memories.

Anna went to the door and tried the handle, and the bedroom was locked.

– Well, well, well, – the young man drawled, putting his arm around her again and lifting her easily into his arms. – You will be my wife.

– Robin, please let me go, – Anna said, looking into his eyes.

He set her down on the floor, still holding her in his arms.

– Let me go home, – she said gently.

Raven sighed and whispered fervently in her ear again:

– I can't, you won't cross that threshold until you're mine.

It was extremely pleasant to hold her in his arms and kiss her hair. He even thought that he had never experienced this before.

Anna gently pulled away from him again and spoke:

– Robin, we still have a few minutes before I leave here.

– Where to, my baby? – the king chuckled.

She ignored the question.

– I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself.

– All-attention…

– Once upon a time, I loved a young man. I love him now, too.

This was the last thing the young man expected to hear from her.

– Is that so? – he got angry. – And who is he?

– He's dead, – Anna said, sounding as if she were a thousand miles away. – He's gone, and the fire in me is still burning. Why won't he burn me? Why?

Raven stared at her in silence, and she returned his gaze even more intently.

– Your real feelings, Robin, are just a destructive short-term passion.

– And yours? – The young man asked hoarsely.

– I can show them to you, but know that they are meant for him, not for you.

Robin looked down for a moment, and when he looked up, he saw Anna beside him and felt her touch on his arm, which might have been simple and meaningless, but suddenly a shiver went through his skin. He looked into her eyes and lost touch with reality.

– My love, I've been waiting for you for so long. Unbearably long, – her voice broke on the last sentence.

She took his hand in hers, pressed her cheek against it, and he stopped feeling his body.

– Please give me a son. I've been dreaming about this. To see his eyes, just like yours. I want to look at him and think of you. I want you to always be there for me, always. Anna slowly stroked his hair, causing him to close his eyes. Something unknown gripped him. But the Countess moved away from him and took the feelings she had given him with her.

The silence was broken by the striking of the clock, and the young man awoke.

– I have to go, Robin, – the girl said.

– It is clear that I do not deserve such words, because I can not have children.

– The curse of the royal dynasty, – Raven said bitterly, pushing her onto the bed and kneeling beside her, holding her down with his hands.

– Do you believe in curses? – Anna asked wearily. – Comprehend your life and the life of your ancestors and understand who is to blame for what happened and how to fix it. Look around, more and more people can't have children. Do you think that someone cursed them all?

She tried to get up, but the young man wouldn't let her.

– I didn't let you go, – he said irritably.

Anna glanced at the sword beside the bed, and Raven saw it.

– The royal sword of Adenia. He chooses his own master, he can only be held by the strongest, and the rest of this weapon causes pain.

The monarch's voice had regained its former firmness and authority. He looked at Anna quizzically. And before he knew it, she had turned on her axis and, in the blink of an eye, had placed the cold steel against his throat like a flash of lightning. The leader of the strongest Raven magic clan froze in place. He didn't move, feeling a warm trickle of blood trickle down his neck.

– Yes, – Anna said. – I've handled this sword before. – Should I claim the throne? After all, I personally also have a connection to the dynasty of the kings of Adenia. And I have more right to be at the head of the state than you, my nephew Ratmir, whom you are so afraid of, and even more than the late Leo the Seventh. Once upon a time, my grandfather ceded power to him and paid for it. And you're so calm about leaving this toy anywhere. And for some reason, you call me a fool.

– So you put a blade to my throat for that? – The king asked, squinting at the blade.

– No. For your joke with the fountain, I decided to take revenge, – she smiled.

Raven took a moment to cast a paralyzing spell on her, and immediately felt his entire body go numb as he realized that Anna had repelled his attack. With the swift movement of a skilled warrior, she slashed the blade through the air, sheathed it, and slung it over her back. Then she picked Robin up and laid him on the bed, making him comfortable with the pillows. With a satisfied glance at the motionless youth and a wink, she quickly put on her cloak and left.

Fifteen minutes of motionless solitude seemed like an eternity to Robin. During this time, he tried hundreds of ways to rid himself of the effects of his own charms. Suddenly, the door flew off its hinges from a strong blow, and Arthur stumbled into the room. To say that he looked surprised was to say nothing. For half a minute, Lord Kern was just a statue. Edward followed him through the doorway. Raising his eyebrows, he silently stood next to his friend and stared at Robin. A few more seconds passed before the young men began to shake with laughter. Reclining on the pillows, the king seemed to show no concern about this, except that his black eyes glittered fiercely in his dark face.

– How are you, Robin? – Arthur asked mockingly.

– Can I help you? – The Falcon chimed in.

– How can we help? – The Bear said, puzzled. – Do you have the magic to remove this paralysis?

– I don't have it, it was blocked. And you?

– And I don't have any magic, either.

– Should we call someone? – The young men were clearly enjoying the situation.

– How so? I'm under arrest and there's nothing I can do.

– So am I.

The king could only show by the expression of his eyes what he thought of his subjects. Finally, the leader of the Bears left and brought the guards. The mages quickly freed the Raven, who was able to yell immediately:

– Where is she?

The Falcon and the Bear looked at each other in mock bewilderment. Suddenly, the pale-faced head of the guard rushed into the room and hurriedly bowed.

– Your Majesty, the Countess of the Rhine has left the castle on her horse.

– Catch up and bring her back! – Raven snapped.

In his excitement, the subject began to stutter.

– W-w-which one?

– What?!

– The six horsewomen rode off in different directions. We couldn't determine where the mirages were, it all happened too fast.

– Catch up with all the horsewomen!

– Yes, Your Majesty.

The guards withdrew. Robin quickly pulled on his shirt and doublet, moving back and forth uncontrollably. The sound of the siren made everyone in the room tense up.

– Someone broke into the vault!" – Arthur shouted.

The young men ran.

The palace treasury was protected by the most powerful magic spells imaginable. Therefore, it was deserted in front of the entrance. When the siren announced that all the locks were broken, a large squad of the palace's best guards quickly appeared in the hall. Spread out in battle readiness, they looked around for the enemy. The captain was the first to spot the black knight at the top of the stairs. In the hands of the silent stranger, two blades flashed and cut through the air like lightning. After performing this trick, he paused for a moment, waiting for the attack, and it immediately took place. Streams of destructive energy flew at him like a wall. The warrior swung his swords again and, in some incomprehensible way, some of the magic reflected back, scattering the squad, and another part created a wall behind them. Which is what Arthur, Edward, and Robin saw when they arrived on the scene. The squad immediately grouped together and split into two halves. The first half of the warriors rushed into battle, climbing the stairs with their weapons drawn. The Bear and the Falcon were touching the invisible wall, trying to figure out what spell would destroy it, and the Raven suddenly disconnected from reality. A memory flashed clearly in his mind. He's only seven years old. He lives alone in the Greenlands. The servants who had cared for him and the Auden heir had fled. He hears the baby cry and sees the last of the knights defending them fall, slain by the swords of the warriors of the Order of the Golden Lion. He is small, but he understands that no one will spare them. The Black Knight appears unexpectedly and pats him on the head. He pulls out two blades that reflect the blinding light of the sun, and goes forward alone against two hundred experienced soldiers. The boy barely has time to watch him, like a black tornado that inflicts wounds on its opponents, and they can do nothing in return.

– It's him, – Robin said dully.

– The Phoenix spell, Raven, recite it, and the wall will collapse in fifteen minutes, – Arthur says hurriedly.

At this time, the knight in black entered the battle. In his hands, a weapon glittered, smashing at his opponents. It took him five minutes to leave ten people injured on the stairs. The best warriors, the Falcon and the Raven, stood speechless. Meanwhile, the stranger in dark clothes, after taking a short break, jumped down the stairs, spinning like a top. Another five minutes, and the rest of the squad suffered the same fate. Leaving the soldiers groaning from their wounds, the masked man hurried to the vault door and opened it with a single blow of his blade.

– The King's sword, – the Falcon breathed, and looked back at Robin. – He has the sword of Adenia.

– Yes, she's not acting alone. She managed to get it to him, – Raven said softly.

After a few minutes, the wall disappeared, and the young men rushed forward.

– Bring the healers here, quickly! – The Falcon shouted to the maid as she entered.

As they ran into the vault, they saw the gleam of a teleport opening. Robin struck with magic, which was immediately deflected and reinforced with a shield borrowed by the burglar from the royal treasury. Placing the shield in front of the king so that he could hold it, the knight turned to face Arthur and Edward.

– And you are a great swordsman, sir, – said the Falcon contemptuously, drawing his sword and charging at his opponent.

Their blades crossed, and the duke felt the confident strength of the enemy. A moment later, the knight performed an unfamiliar maneuver, the sword that slipped out of the young man's hands, plunged into the wall, and he himself was hit in the jaw and fell to the floor almost in a semi-conscious state.

– Well, it's understandable that you can fight with swords, – said Arthur. – Maybe we can try it with our fists?

Silent as a ghost, the intruder calmly put down his blades and dodged the Bear's sharp lunge. The masked man was jokingly dodging Arthur's well-aimed punches. He was waving his arms, and his expression was becoming more and more confused. The young man fell from one imperceptible movement of the opponent, which even a swing could hardly be called. Leaving his opponents defeated, the dark knight walked over to the transfiguration statue and took off his gauntlet, placing his hand on its base.

– The teleport won't open for a male warrior, – the impassive voice said.

Very little time left for Robin to free himself from the captivity of the magic shield. The Bear and the Falcon also began to recover, slowly rising from the floor.

– I am not a man, – the knight replied, removing his mask.

The three young men saw Augustus, pale and coughing, run up to Anna Rein, holding a branch of juniper in his thin hands. Halfway there, he stumbled and fell. It was obvious that in order to get up, the boy gathered all his will.

– Anna, I brought you what you asked for, – he said, handing her a green juniper.

– Thank you, – she said, taking the twig from him and tossing it into the blue fire blazing at the foot of the stern statue.

– The teleport opens, – the lifeless voice said again.

– Do you want to come with me? – Anna asked the boy.

– Yes, – he said, looking at her with huge blue eyes.

She reached out and picked him up. Robin did not have time to detain the Countess, who disappeared into the depths of the port in half a second. As he ran after her, he was thrown back and stunned. There was silence in the treasury.

Raven walked slowly out of the room, exhausted. Healers were bustling around, putting the warriors in order, fortunately there were no mortally wounded or killed among them. The mages who had arrived as reinforcements were rebuilding their defenses.

– Just think, – Arthur muttered. – Some woman killed my best soldiers in ten minutes.

– It's anyone but a woman, – the Falcon growled at him. – To do such a thing!!! Yes, here you need to think for ten people!

– She said it takes a lot of effort not to kill anyone, – Robin said suddenly, so softly that his companions could barely hear him. – To what place will the teleport extend?

– To the town of Selborna, – said Arthur.

– We need to go there, – Robin said more confidently.

– I suggest we find out who we're dealing with first, – Edward said irritably. – Otherwise, it will soon be revealed that she is the goddess Artemis, who came down from heaven to play with us. – I'm quite serious, – the young man coined the words. – I suggest you go to the archive. I think all the locks have already been broken.

No one argued with him this time.

A strong blizzard blew against the walls of the black castle relentlessly. As if testing the ancient structure for strength, the wind searched for cracks and tried to break the glass. Bystanders, hunched over, tried to get home faster, hardly breathing, because the sharp gusts took away their air. The Palace library was in semi-darkness. A moth was flying around the ceiling lamp, which gave off a dim light.

"How is he here?» – Edward thought.

– Get ready to listen and ask questions, – Arthur said, concentrating on pressing the lever.

Robin stood against the wall, arms crossed.

– Anna Raine, – Lord Kern said to the ghost, pronouncing each letter clearly.

– Anna Rein is a descendant of the line of the comers and a direct descendant of the line of Areerev-the royal dynasty of Adenia.

The words made Raven flinch.

– The direct heir to the throne was her grandfather, who ceded power to the Seventh Lion of the Raven clan.

Has the magic of the morning star, which is not available to anyone in the three kingdoms. The best archer, a perfect master of the sword and all known weapons. Dangerous. The nickname is the Piranha Rose. She was sentenced to death and released after proving her innocence. Single-handedly defeated a squad of warriors of the Order of the Golden Lion. This time the Bear and the Falcon started and looked at Robin. The voice trailed off.

– Personal connections? – Arthur asked.

– The whole family died during the Civil War and the war with Arenia. Her friend is the Countess Rogneda of the Rhone. Possesses magic of the highest destructive power, nickname – Black lightning. Nephew Ratmir – abilities unknown. Not related by blood.

– How?! – The king shouted.

– Is the son of a cousin's widow from a second marriage.

– They're not even related, – Raven said angrily.

– More information, – the Falcon demanded impatiently.

– The almost lifeless desert under her leadership has turned into a rich land in ten years. She has her own army.

– What?! – All three of them shouted at once.

– Details, – the head of the Bear clan gasped.

– Fifteen years ago, the Duchy of Auden, the people banished to the desert, and the tiny county of Roden were in danger. To resist the nobles of Adenia, the peoples united. The army has a powerful defense capability and a legion of dragons. This time, the friends couldn't even say anything.

In the dim light, the already wide pupils of the bear's gray eyes grew even wider.

– That's impossible, the dragons died out fifty years ago.

– Anna Rein and Rogneda Ronskaya managed to find a pair and create conditions for their reproduction. This business was successfully continued by Ratmir of Oden, the nephew of Lady Raine.

– How many are there now?

– Unknown, – the ghost continued.

– Army size, soldier skills, combat ability, – Raven breathed.

– In three provinces, they start holding weapons earlier than walking. Everyone is familiar with the art of war, and women are not inferior to men in this matter. Even all animals are able to protect them.

– This is nonsense, – the king whispered, rubbing his forehead.

– So Anna saved your life in the Greenlands, – Arthur said suddenly. – You really paid her back.

– Shut up! – Robin snarled, glaring at him.

– By the way, Raven, you're wearing a love spell, – Edward said indifferently.

– Not yet in force. Clear it?

The monarch looked at him carefully.

– Don't look so hopeful, Rob, it's not Anna, – the Falcon said acidly.

– And who? – the Bear was interested.

– Ex-lover, third from the end.

– I see, – said the Duke of Kern, with some satisfaction. – The stupidest of them all.

– Who are you to judge me? There's a bunch of saints here, I see, – Robin said, striking a pose.

– However, we did not engage in violence, – the Bear did not look away.

– I didn't mean to rape anyone, you idiots, – the young king said dully.

For some reason, he remembered Anna, who had appeared before him on the first day: confused, shy, looking questioningly into his eyes.

– What kind of plant is a piranha rose?

The Falcon stared thoughtfully at the bookshelves.

– There are such flowers in Piran. Unearthly beauty. They are so rare that many people regard them as a legend. Those who wanted to tear them down were killed on the spot. The thorns are poisonous.

– A rare abomination, – Robin said matter-of-factly. – So she's in Selborne now. We need to hurry over there.

– Yes, but why? What are you going to do, Raven? – Arthur stood with his legs spread wide and his arms crossed over his chest.

– I'm going to marry her, – Robin said, rising gently from his chair. – Or do you have any objections?

– I'm afraid she'll have them, – said the Falcon. – What do you think, Rob, that a lady with such looks, abilities, and, above all, power and rich lands, did not attract anyone before you? Of course, of course. She was waiting for you to grow up.

– Yes, – said Arthur, – she was waiting for you to make her your mistress.

– Her hand was claimed by two kings of neighboring powers. I know that for a fact.

Robin's lips curled in disdain.

– So what?

– Because, – said Edward, – none of them got a positive answer. And don't think she'll fall into your arms as soon as she hears the marriage proposal. As far as I was able to learn her nature, she didn't give a damn about high-profile titles and the treasury. Almost single-handedly confront the entire nobility and not look for a patron… I don't even know what drove her.

– And if names aren't important to her, then we also have a chance to win the beauty's love. Let her choose, – the Bear interjected again.

Robin smiled wryly again, lowering his lashes.

– What if the chosen one isn't one of us? – he asked. – Have you thought of that?

– And who? For example?

– At least Ratmir.

The falcon choked.

– It's just jealousy that's blurring your eyes. You're crazy!

– I only agree that Anna can choose for herself, but God forbid you to make any attempts in her direction. In Selborne, we only count on magic. No careless movements, so as not to harm her. You answer with your head.

The three youths stood facing each other, glaring at each other. The dim light fell on their hair, and the moth continued to fly around the lantern.

Chapter II

There is an inevitability in the sunrise. Love will overtake me.

Selborne, a large city located on the coast of the harsh North Sea, was inhospitable to the head of state and his entourage. Dressed in the costumes of commoners, they shivered in the sharp, scorching wind.

– She hasn't left the city yet, – the Falcon said, peering into a flask of clear liquid that glowed purple. – We need to move to the southeast.

– It's along the embankment, – said Arthur.

Splashes of water spilled out onto the stone street, shimmering in the moonlight. The young men had been on the road for about half an hour, and during that time they met almost no one. The alley they entered was dark and gloomy. Edward's alert ears picked up a suspicious rustle. He stopped and motioned for the others to do the same. Several men appeared out of the darkness, and the youths realized that they were surrounded.

– They don't seem to have a penny, – a deep, gruff voice said.

– Nothing, they'll do, they'll be worth a lot in the slave market.

– Thirty men, – said Arthur, almost inaudibly, to Robin.

– We're in a hurry, guys, and we don't want to waste any time on you, – Raven said. – Therefore, I suggest that you disperse in a good way.

After that, it seemed to the travelers that the whole alley burst into laughter, and in the light of the lantern flashed the blade of a knife. After a moment, magic lit up the space and the faces of the robbers, who finally understood what was happening. Arthur waved his hand and all the attackers were left lying on the pavement, writhing in pain.

– Spare me, – the leader croaked to Robin.

He snapped his fingers, and they felt better. Now there were only moans from everywhere.

– Let's go, – Raven ordered.

– Well, well! – Someone shouted down the ill-fated alley again. – The band of crooks is going to the Chanten prison!

The criminals, who had not yet come to their senses, began to look around hungrily.

– Police patrol, – the Falcon said, grimacing.

– Who are these people here? – the voice continued from the darkness.

At the same time, the mages blinked at the bright light.

– Who are you? – Another law enforcement officer asked unfriendly.

– We're just passers – by, – Robin said confidently.

– Oh, so you passed by, – The policeman came close to him and looked at him from below, because he was very small. – You will remain in the cage until the circumstances are clarified.

– Captain, – said Arthur. – Do you even understand…

– All right, – Raven interrupted. – It's not our fault.

The police station was a cramped room with a cage of iron bars against the wall, in which the three friends were placed.

– How long do you want me to stay here? – the Bear made a claim.

– How's the trail? – Raven asked Edward, ignoring Arthur.

The falcon stared at the jar and was surprised.

– Very close.

There was a noise outside the door.

– Let me hold your kid, – the captain said.

– Thank you, – a familiar female voice said.

The three prisoners tensed. The door opened, and they saw the captain with the sleeping Augustus in his arms, and Anna herself, dressed in the clothes of a commoner. The policeman was circling the Countess like a snake.

– Well, look, maybe you've met these suspicious types before.

Robin waited impatiently for Anna to turn back to the cage.

– Yes, yes, now, you just put the boy here on the bench.

After making sure that the child was comfortable, she turned her attention to the man.

– Come here and see.

Anna turned around and immediately met the burning gaze of the Raven King.

– Can I take a closer look? – she asked the policeman casually.

– Yes, of course.

The Countess walked steadily to the iron bars and looked at the three young men in turn, as if she had poor eyesight.

– This is the first time I've seen them, – she finally said, turning around.

– Well, I thought so, – said the captain, with a quick glance at the three prisoners, who blinked innocently.

– You haven't changed your mind about crossing to the mainland? The path is not close. It is also unknown how your relatives will meet you. And there are suitors for you here. If you want, I'll introduce you to the miller, he's a well-to-do guy. And it will feed you and your brother.

– Is he cute? – The girl smiled coquettishly.

– Well, not the Raven King, of course, or his dukes, but still.

– Ah, – said the Countess.

– Come on, silly girl, do you dream of a king too?

– Oh, really, Captain, – Anna said indignantly. – I can't even dream of it. And they say that he is not so handsome.

– That's right, – said Arthur. I saw him once, – she said, noticing the Raven's scowl, – from a distance. – Pretty girl, how do you like me? – He winked at Anna.

– She needs just such a rogue, – The captain said angrily, shaking his fist at the young man and slamming the door.

Anna calmly sat down on a stool and looked at the prisoners.

Anna, – Robin's voice was frighteningly gentle. – You're coming with us now, and everything will be fine.

Anna looked at the boys and felt the call coming from all three of them, which for a moment made her uneasy.

– I'm sorry, but that's not possible, Your Majesty.

– You think you can stand up to us, Countess, – Arthur said hoarsely.

– You and the boy will not be harmed, – the Falcon promised, his fathomless green eyes flashing.

– Why should I oppose you, Lord Kern? – the girl asked. – You're in a cage, aren't you?

All three of them smiled.

– I like it when you play the fool, you can continue this activity at your leisure, and now there is no time, – Raven said, forming a ball of energy between his palms and grabbing the bars to bend them.

Anna was smiling at his surprised face when the attempt failed.

– There is no need to strain yourself so much, Your Majesty, – she said without mockery. – The thing is, the bars in this cage are cast from the ancient bell of Selbornus, the metal of which holds back all magic. It's all the fault of the ignorance and mismanagement of officials. A stroke of the pen and here – in a worn-out police station there was such a treasure.

– Even this metal can't hold us for long.

– That is true, – said the Countess. – He can only hold such powerful mages for three hours. That's just enough time for me to leave.

– Anna, don't make me be cruel, – Robin said, gripping the bars with his hands and glaring at her.

He sensed that the Falcon and the Bear were already testing the cage for strength and using all means to break it quickly. Now you just need to distract the girl.

– I have never provoked anyone to do this, Your Majesty, – the Countess replied.

– My woman leaves the palace without permission, breaks into the vault, and injures three dozen warriors. Isn't that a provocation?

– Only I can call myself yours, – Anna's voice was steely.

The king's face twisted in anger.

– And if a man does it?

– Without a woman's consent, that would be nothing, – the Countess chuckled.

Arthur and Edward also shared a faint smile.

– Even if the words are the king's? – Raven asked.

– Even if the words were uttered by the deity of the Piran peasants.

– You have a lot of audacity and stupidity, Lady Raine, – Arthur said harshly. – A woman cannot survive without the protection of a man.

– However, I have been able to prove the opposite many times, – Anna said calmly.

– I am not trying to impose my opinion on you, my lords, but I believe that a woman does not need a man at all.

The movement in the cage froze.

– Yes, just as a man doesn't need a woman. We don't need each other without love.

There was a moment of silence in the room. August stirred on the bench. He woke up and looked at Anna.

– August, are you going to eat?

He nodded his head in the affirmative. The Countess sat down beside him and opened her bag, taking out vegetables, bread, and fruit. Augustus looked much better and ate his food with an enviable appetite. After eating a few good bites, he noticed that he and Anna were not alone. Arthur winked at the boy.

– Anna, – Augustus said, surprised. – And what are the king and my lords doing here in such clothes and behind bars?

Lady Rain yawned, covering her mouth with her hand.

– I don't know what their plans are. But if they've changed their clothes, it means they don't want to be recognized.

– They must be hungry. Can I give them something to eat?

– Sure, do whatever you want. Just move carefully, you're still weak.

The child took a large dish and, putting food on top of it, carried it to the cage. Arthur took the food from the boy with a smile and thanked him. Augustus immediately turned around and handed him a pitcher of water. The Falcon and the Bear devoured the food greedily. Robin also took a few slices of bread and vegetables, keeping his eyes on Anna and noting with satisfaction that the magic they had unleashed was beginning to work.

– We'll be back at the palace soon, – he said to Augustus, biting into his bread.

There was fear in the boy's eyes. He turned to Anna.

– We're not going back, – she said. – His Majesty is joking. Here, give it to him, and he'll stop having fun.

With that, the Countess handed the scroll to the boy. Chuckling ironically and taking the unfolded paper from the child's hands, Robin turned pale. Edward and Arthur went over to him and looked at the scroll, too.

– No, there's no hurry, – muttered the Bear. – Where will we find soldiers to face the two armies?

For a moment, the fire in Raven's eyes seemed to go out. He silently handed the paper to Arthur and looked at Anna, who was already packing.

– August, we have to go, – she smiled.

The boy came over and took her hand. As Anna passed the cage, she stopped in front of Robin. Time suddenly froze.

– If only I'd had the strength to stand up to the clans and get you out of their clutches. It would have been different then. And now we're all going to have a hard time. Forgive.

She touched his fingers, which were gripping a metal rod. Raven immediately grabbed her hand and raised it to his lips.

– Don't go away. Stay with me forever.

Anna gave him a long look and slowly withdrew her hand, which the young man did not want to let go.

– It'll be all right, – This time she looked at all three of them as if she wanted to remember every detail of them.

The cold valley of the borderlands was almost completely covered with snow, and the thawing was only visible here and there. In the royal tent, Edward, Robin, and Arthur were arguing over a map.

– I can only see the way out in retreat, – Duke Kern was saying. – Yes, if we put the main force out now, we might win, but at what cost? One battle won will result in the complete ruin of the country for us.

– It's also unavoidable in a retreat, – Robin said.

– Yes, but at least we'll have a chance, – Edward insisted.

– I don't think so, – the king said again, looking grimly ahead.

– I agree with the Duke of Lanberg. It is better to strike a decisive blow now, and then arrange a guerrilla war for the remnants of their troops.

– Wake up, Robin, after such a meat grinder, there will be no one to go to the partisans.

The young king sighed heavily.

– Then so be it. In the battle of the mages, they will try to destroy us at any cost.

– You won't take part in it. It's too much of a risk. If they kill you, there will be no Adenia, – Duke Ereman shook his head.

– There are still worthy pretenders to the throne in Adenia, and I will not hide behind my own subjects. This will not inspire anyone, the soldiers are already discouraged. The forces are unequal.

– We'll fight, and come what may, – said Arthur grimly.

The tent flap opened and a soldier from the King's guard entered.

– Your Majesty, Lord Murd has an important message for you.

– Let him in, – Raven said curtly.

A hunched, shifty-eyed man entered and made a deep bow.

– Greetings, Your Majesty, and to you, Your Excellency.

– Likewise, my lord, without further ado. Get straight to the point, – Robin said.

The tent flap opened the Minister of War entered the tent and he heard the conversation.

– Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued, casting a surly glance at the newcomer. – I have every reason to believe that the alliance of the three provinces has betrayed the crown and is on the side of our enemies.

– That's a blatant lie! – The Duke of Lanber shouted.

– Your Grace, control yourself, – Raven said softly. – I hope your words are confirmed by the facts?

– Here, – The lord handed the papers to the king. – This is evidence that the army of the County of the Rhine has been put on alert and is about to march under the command of the Duke of Rathmir of Oden. Intelligence has reported that the Countess of the Rhine plans to put her nephew on the throne of Adenia. Now is the right moment. She is about to form a marriage alliance with the king of Arenia.

– Then why does she put her hopes in her nephew? If she becomes queen? Will Adenia be divided between the two powers? – Robin asked even more quietly.

– Not all of Adenia. Our army, though weak, can still fight back even against two states. Both monarchs understand this. Therefore, they claim only a part of the northern lands, wanting to expand their borders. The rest will go to Ratmir of Oden.

– It seems so, – whispered the pale Falcon.

– And this is a new map of the three future states, Your Majesty, – Lord Murd continued. – I have a suggestion on how to stop the traitors.

The young king's face took on an earthy hue.

– Tell me.

– This area needs to be hit with a magic strike. They don't have a shield-maker, so they won't be able to deflect it. The desert will be a desert again, as it should be. Ratmir of Oden will have nothing to offer the allies, they will refuse him and we will have one less enemy.

– Your Majesty, you promised to give me your word, – the Minister of War's voice rang with tension.

– Yes, – The king looked dead tired.

– All these statements of Mr. Murd are not supported by a single fact. These are just words, and the words are false!

– Your statements are also just words, – Raven's voice was still on the same note.

The Duke of Lanberg suddenly clutched at his heart. The Falcon quickly ran up to him, laying him down on the floor of the tent and giving him magical energy. The healer made sure that the life of the still unconscious man was not in danger, nodded to the soldiers, and they carried him away. Murd, still half-bowing, waited for an answer.

Robin stood up, looked at the map again for some reason, and said:

– Adenia will not strike at its own provinces. You are dismissed, my lord.

– You're making a mistake, Your Majesty, – Murd said, barely able to contain his anger. – Let me tell you that you are still too young and do not realize the situation…

– Get out.

Murd tried to say something else, but he met the gaze of the Bear Clan chief, the evil gleam in his eyes didn't bode well. So he had to quickly retreat.

– Did you believe him? – The Falcon asked the king.

– It doesn't matter. If the army has already moved out, then only women and children are left there. Will you order me to wipe them off the face of the earth?

– Yes, and the game will be even more fun than I thought, – said Arthur.

– The lord of Arenia has become Lady Raine's chosen one, – Raven said bitterly.

The young men looked away.

Three days later, the division stationed in the valley was put on alert. The enemy was operating strictly according to the plan that Robin knew, thanks to the Adenian magical intelligence. The troops of the neighboring countries had to break through the defense in this most convenient place for them – in the Cold Valley. And all of Adenia was waiting for the magical blow that the shield-maker was supposed to protect them from.

Raven watched the approaching enemy cavalry.

– We're going according to plan, – Arthur said to someone behind him. – The flank attack should only be launched on my orders.

The distance between the soldiers was closing.

– The slaughter is about to begin, – the Falcon said heavily.

Robin took hold of the hilt of his sword to give the command to attack. But Arthur suddenly stopped him. The king saw horror and despair on the faces of the young men. On the hills of the valley, numerous cavalry appeared on both sides.

– These are the warriors of Oden, – the Falcon said in a strangled voice.

– Sound the all-round defense! – Raven shouted sharply.

Realizing that they were surrounded on all sides, and there was nowhere to retreat, the Adenian soldiers rushed around. There were shouts of panic in the crowd, which even the officers could not stop. Arthur and the Falcon were already preparing to use magic to calm the soldiers. Suddenly, the Duke of Lanberg gave an exclamation of delight from behind:

– Look, they're flying the Aden flags!!! The Union has come to our aid!

The Aden army broke into a chorus of "Hurrah!" followed immediately by a loud, high-pitched, long-drawn-out shout from above. Robin looked back in surprise.

– They're dragons! – Edward shouted enthusiastically.

The beautiful creatures flew low over the ground, proudly spreading their wings. Several dozen dragons flew over the heads of the Aden, showering them with a strong current of air. The advancing enemy cavalry had not even covered half the intended distance when they were stopped by a wall of fire spewed by the winged individuals. Panic and confusion gripped the ranks of the attackers, and almost all the riders turned back. Robin heard a bugle call from the hills and knew that the allies were waiting for his orders. He turned to look at Arthur, who understood him with a half-glance.

– Chase the enemies to the border. Take the commanders prisoner.

His order was already being repeated by the buglers. Robin remembered Anna's last words, "everything will be fine," and the look in her warm eyes. After just an hour and a half, the victory was for the Adenians. The uninvited guests were driven out of the country, and the king of Arenia and the warlord of Piran were taken prisoner. The ministers had already drawn up a treaty of surrender, which was to be signed on terms favorable to Adenia. After a while, the captive mighty mage and monarch of Arenia smiled angrily at the young king and his entourage. The tall, dark-haired man looked like a seasoned wolf caught in a trap. He smelled of danger and barely contained anger. Such sentiments were understandable to the Raven, but he did not feel fear when facing more powerful enemies, so he easily withstood these heavy looks.

– Are you ready to sign our agreement? Or would you prefer to go to the best prison in Aden, Your Majesty? – he asked.

The rebellious monarch looked up from his study of the papers and grinned angrily.

– I sign this contract, sealed with a magical seal in the name of my monarch, – the general of the Piran army said, and signed the paper that was issued, which was immediately taken from him.

The Arenian, without uttering a word, waved his pen on the paper and stamped it with his ring. The clerk hurriedly picked up the document and put it in the box, which immediately announced with a blue light that there was no turning back, and those who violated the agreement would die. A guard entered the tent and announced the arrival of the guests.

– Duke Ratmir of Oden, Count Luchezar of Rhone, and Count Buslay of Rhone request an audience.

– Let them come in, – Robin ordered immediately.

The curtain lifted and revealed the young men, whose appearance attracted the eyes of all those present. The three of them placed their right hands on their chests and bowed to Robin the First, who returned their greeting with alacrity. Arthur and Edward, as well as their king, were looking at the guests carefully and appraisingly. In front of them was a platinum-blond man with gray-green eyes that now gleamed like steel, and a little further away were young men with long golden hair and blue eyes. The faces of all three had a downright girlish freshness, but this impression was deceptive. Carefully examining the figures of those who entered, Arthur realized that they all had remarkable physical strength, and this was especially true of the first young man, who was Ratmir of Oden.

«The same power comes from a breeding young bull that grew up in the wild», – the Bear thought for some reason.

Rathmir had not yet used the chair offered to him when he heard the King of Arenia's hoarse laughter and voice.

– A baby Piranha rose. And you've grown up, little wolf.

The outwardly imperturbable Odensky and the Counts of Rhone shuddered, but did not say a word. Their reaction was not lost on the defeated monarch.

– It's hard to call them women. Only vicious she-wolves can protect their pups like Black Lightning and Piranha Rose. Filthy witches with pretty faces. Robin felt a red haze over his eyes, and suddenly he heard Rathmir's deep, distant voice.

– It's your mouth and your guts that are rotten.

– How rude, why are you so, and I could have been your dad.

– I wonder how? Your candidacy was not considered even under torture, death threats and blackmail. Are you sure you could have done something? People like you can't do anything, and women look at you with either fear or pity.

– I'll kill you, little snake! – the Arenian autocrat lost his temper, demonstrating that the blow hit exactly on target.

Ratmir easily deflected the deadly lightning shot at him and, almost without swinging, hit the attacker in the jaw, from which he flew three meters into the corner of the tent. Watching this scene, Arthur and Edward exchanged amused glances almost as much as the Rhone brothers. The fallen king, who miraculously remained conscious, was not helped.

He grinned, wiping the blood from his split lips, and said in a low voice:

– Well, you'll answer for that very soon.

Bustling clerks quickly brought the necessary papers to the Duke of Auden and the Counts of Rhone, who slowly studied and signed them.

– Knights, I'll be glad to have you at my table, – Raven said. – And I hasten to thank you for your help in this fight, without which such a quick and easy victory would have been impossible for us.

Ratmir looked him in the eye, as if testing the sincerity of what he had just said, and when he was sure that there was no mockery in what he had said, he bowed.

– We accept Your invitation, Your Majesty, and we will be happy to share your dinner.

After that, the young men bowed once more and left the tent.

As soon as the courtiers dispersed, leaving the king in the company of Edward and Arthur, the latter gave a cry of delight:

– Did you see how the guy put the punch?! And magic?! Arenian – a powerful sorcerer, to playfully repel the attack of such! Yes, this is what kind of stock you need to have?!

Robin rubbed his forehead tiredly and slumped his shoulders, as if the strain of the last few months had weighed heavily on him.

– And the dragons, the dragons, the men! Have you seen the dragons?! – Arthur demanded.

– Oh, come on, – Edward said. – Only you saw them. Because your eyesight is special. Yes, and the last dragon died fifty years ago.

– Uh – huh, – Robin muttered under his breath.

– Oh, how boring you are, – the Bear finished regretfully. – Maybe you can have some fun at dinner.

– Closer to night, the teleport opens. The King of Arenia is being sent back, – the Falcon said.

– I'd like to take him to the cemetery, – Arthur added grimly.

– Unfortunately, that's not possible yet, – Raven said.

As he dressed for dinner, the king looked at himself in the mirror. His black trousers and white doublet fitted him perfectly, but there was something wrong with his face. He frowned, a heavy sense of foreboding tightening his chest. Something was going wrong, but what?

"In any case, it will soon be clear," – he thought.

Robin stepped away from the mirror and felt an unexpected female embrace on his back. He recognized his former mistress by the strong smell of sweet perfume.

– Greetings to the victorious king, – the black-haired Elenia cooed. – I've come a long way to see you.

– Who gave you permission to come? – Abruptly, the young man released her hands and turned around.

– Aren't you glad to see me? – The beauty pouted resentfully.

– No, especially since I didn't invite you here, my lady.

– Yes, and who did you expect? Is it really the conqueror of the hearts of a past era – the Countess Anna Rein?

Raven quickly approached the girl, grabbed her by the chin and pulled her so quickly that she screamed.

– Perhaps the king needs to report to you? I hasten to remind you that you would not even be my mistress if you did not make a love spell.

Hearing this, Elenia turned pale.

– That alone, madame, is enough to put you in a convent for ever.

He pushed her roughly onto the couch and leaned over her.

– Forget that name, madame. Forget me, too, or the way to your cell will be open to you. Now, go home immediately. Guards!

A few seconds later, the soldiers were in the tent.

– Take my lady away quickly and send her back to where she came from.

Tired, Robin didn't even bother to find out how Elenia had gotten to him. It was probably bribery and female guile, and he would punish those responsible later. He also suspected that this lady might be supported by an entire clan pursuing their own selfish goals.

A Falcon and a Bear were waiting for him in the tent that had been prepared for the feast. Edward walked slowly along the food table, checking it for poison and other unpleasant things. Raven looked around the room, but Ratmir Odensky and his friends weren't there yet, and he didn't like it. It was time to sit down at the table. Finally, the canopy opened, and the allies deigned to enter. The women who had been invited to dinner, and who were in the minority, held their breath as they looked at the young men. All three of them were simply dressed and did not attract attention with their outfits. An unbreakable strength and youthful energy radiated from them in waves, and it couldn't help but be felt. Raven was the first to approach them.

– I'll be happy to share your dinner, – he said, extending his hand to Ratmir.

A young man with eyes like steel looked at the king searchingly from under his short platinum locks. For a moment, Robin thought he could see into his soul. Finally, the Duke of Oden shook his hand.

– I'm sorry, Your Majesty, for not coming sooner. We needed to place the dragons in a suitable place to take off.

– Not so long ago, your aunt, Lady Raine, graced our court with her presence, – Robin said suddenly. – How's she doing?

Rathmir glared at him again, but he didn't read anything in the impenetrable face.

– Thank you, Anna is in a good mood, despite what is happening.

Raven realized that the young duke did not know anything about what had happened in the palace.

– She told me that your province is no longer a desert.

– Yes, it is. And you can see it for yourself, Your Majesty. The King of Adenia will be welcome in the County of Rhein.

The young man's eyes were open, and there was sincerity in his voice. But there was a wariness in his whole appearance, and Robin knew that Odensky did not trust him. At dinner, Ratmir, Luchezar, and Buslay ate little and drank no wine at all. The courtiers made toasts, but the guests preferred to salute with clean water. A footman came up to the king and handed him a note. After barely glancing at it, Robin quietly got up from the table and headed for the exit. Edward and Arthur quickly followed him out.

– What happened? – Bear asked, breathing in the frosty evening air.

– Trouble with the Arenian wires, – Raven muttered.

– Maybe we should take the guards with us, – Falcon suggested.

– Everyone's drunk. And what can three wizards do with their magic securely locked? We only open the portal in one direction, – said Arthur.

Three Arenians and six Adenian mages were standing on a slope covered with snow that sparkled in the torchlight. When the king saw the Raven, he grinned ominously.

– Your Majesty, – the wizard said to Robin. The teleport didn't open at the scheduled time. We're looking into the reasons.

– What, you decided to stay with us? Raven asked the monarch.

– Yes, there are unfinished business, – the sinister Arenian replied in the same tone. – It's a pity, pup, that you refused to make a magical strike on the Rhineland. He could have been twice as strong. The young man of the word was struck with a whip. Yes, the king continued. Soon this desert of the Rhine will cease to be blooming. The Piranha Rose knew that they were in danger of a magical strike. Yet she chose to protect Adenia rather than her own land. So I didn't manage to kill two birds with one stone. But that's for now. I wish I could kill you personally, you know, the contract. But that's okay, but I'll enjoy watching you die. Robin saw Murd approaching, and a smile touched his lips. The teleport opened, releasing fifty Aden mages who had betrayed their king. The six escorts were blown away by the flow of magic. Arthur and Edward shielded the Raven, releasing a powerful stream of energy that killed ten mages. But they were followed by others, even stronger, and it was clear that the young men were doomed.

– Robin, go away! – Bear shouted at the top of his voice. – We can hold them off!

Raven's mind flashed with images from his childhood and adolescence. He remembered how Arthur and Edward had protected him, and how he had protected them. They managed to survive only thanks to each other's support and trust. Only a few seconds had passed. Robin's friends were already on their knees, fighting the pain. Raven concentrated and gathered all his magic, which swept away twenty opponents at once. Surprise flickered in the Arenians ' eyes. They had not imagined that the young head of the Raven clan had such power. Robin stepped in front of his friends, who were already unconscious, and concentrated again, gritting his teeth. Twenty mages had parried his blow and were now advancing, trying to break through the shield. The king smiled, knowing that it was all over for him, and whirled the energy into a vortex, knocking the fifteen mages away, falling to the ground with a groan. Already immobilized, the young man saw the Arenian approach him, accompanied by traitors.

– It was a tough attempt to survive. Even I'm impressed. Finish with him.

One of the wizards created a ball. Raven continued to smile as he looked at the sparkling, deadly stream. And suddenly, instead of the warriors looming over him, he saw a starry sky. There was the sound of a teleport opening quickly, and someone yelling. After a few minutes, everything went quiet. Rathmir was leaning over Robin, looking anxiously into his eyes.

– A magical blow to your land, – the young king whispered. – Save Anna…

Anna sat on the floor of her little house and wept bitterly. The more she tried to control herself, the more her sobs seemed to grow. In her bedroom, the unconscious Raven that Rathmir had brought to the desert a week ago still lay. The Adenian healers were able to heal his body, but were unable to recover his soul. In an unequal battle, the young man spent all his life force. Realizing this, Anna tried every means she knew to save Robin, but it was all in vain. Out of danger were the lives of Arthur and Edward, who were at that time in the castle of the County of the Rhine. The young men were still weak, but they had regained consciousness and were recovering. Ratmir and his friends, the brothers of the Rhone, left immediately for the capital to calm the unrest associated with the illness of the king and his closest subjects. Anna was choking on tears when she heard a sharp shout.

– Stop your tantrum right now!

Through the salt water, she saw her friend Rogneda. Her brown eyes glowed with anger, and her long dark hair was tousled. The girl let out a long moan and stopped crying.

– What? – Rogda asked.

– There's less hope every hour, – Anna said in a dejected voice. – I contacted all the healers and tried everything I knew.

– There's still something to try, – she said.

– I've learned that our old friend, the all-powerful King Piran, has a thing that can bring back magic.

– Where is he keeping her?

– In his cave, which is familiar to us.

– Can I open a teleport there? – Countess Raine asked, gathering herself.

– What do you think I've been doing these days?

– When can I go there?

– Stop joking, do you think I'll let you go alone?

– I'm not kidding, it's dangerous. I think that our old friends are well aware of the current situation and will be waiting for us there.

– There's no doubt about that, so we'll go there together.

Anna wiped her face with her hands, got up from the floor, and went into the bedroom. Rogneda followed her. The Raven King was lying in a snow-white bed near the open window. The curtain fluttered in a gust of wind, opened, and a few delicate apple petals flew into the room. Lady Raine went to Robin, straightened the blanket, and stroked his bare arm.

– Yes, – Rogneda said, blowing an unruly curl from her forehead. – The boy had a chance to drink shit on the way to power.

Anna looked at her friend absently.

– And how much more to come, oooh, – said Ronskaya.

Augustus burst into the bedroom and stood by the bed, panting. The fair-haired, rosy-cheeked boy with the glowing eyes was now hardly recognizable as the former puny child. He bowed slightly to Rogneda, who nodded back.

– August, – Anna said to the child. – I'm going out of the house and I'm asking for your help.

The boy was all ears.

– I want you to look after His Majesty.

– I get it. I've already thought about it, – Augustus said seriously. – Our friends and neighbors volunteered to help. We can keep a steady watch here. Our estate is protected by magic.