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ОглавлениеPart 1. The Mystery of the Order of the Vernikov
Chapter 1. The world behind the mountain
A lonely mountain broke away from a huge mountain range reaching to the very horizon. The seemingly endless blue sea eagerly caught the reflections of the tired sun, which was trying with its last strength not to drown.
– How long can you endure! – the girl shouted, breaking away from the guy’s embrace.
– Well, go! – he said, trying not to show emotions, so as not to escalate the already tense situation. Although everything was boiling inside. – Is someone holding you?
She sobbed a couple of times and walked away, muttering something under her breath. And he, without turning around, walked in the other direction.
They came here to mend relationships that were falling apart at the seams like an old shirt. But you can’t make a broken vase new. It seemed like this was the end.
He walked a little more, and one could already see the last reflections of the dying Sun on the surface of the sea. He always dreamed of watching the sunset at sea. And finally, the romantic’s dream came true, but did this make my soul warmer?
He lit a cigarette to drown the ghost of a lost feeling in tobacco smoke. And then he took out a flask to drink some bitter whiskey. And don’t care about the Highway Patrol. Today he can do anything!
– Dorian! – he heard the echo of a well-known voice. Former grievances immediately evaporated, and he rushed to the side where his beloved’s voice came from.
Twenty steps. Two hundred. Five hundred.
– Angel! – he shouted, and the mountains echoed him with a long echo. – Angel, where are you?
Only an echo was the answer.
He stopped only for a few seconds to catch his breath, and then began to run further. When he had no more strength, he shouted again:
– Angel!
And again silence.
– Angel, my love! Where are you?
How often do we realize that we have lost a loved one when he is no longer around.
Dorian looked around and realized: something was wrong! It seems like the same mountain, the same sea on the horizon. The air is not like that at all. Oh yes! How could he not notice right away: the sun was on the other side. He didn’t remember the night at all, but during his run the evening gave way to morning, and somewhere behind the mountain the first rays of sunshine flickered.
He rubbed his eyes to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
– At least I’ll take a swim in the sea!
He had to walk for quite a long time: he never found the car. Angel probably left without even saying goodbye. Dorian stripped naked, because there was no one to be shy in this wilderness, and rushed into the cool water. It was his first time at sea. And for the first time I saw such crystal clear water!
– We need to buy a house on the beach.
What clean air, there is no familiar smog that was a constant companion of megacities. Having got out of the water, the guy lay down on a stone to dry off. And then he pulled on his trousers. He wrapped the shirt around his waist, because the sun was already starting to get hot.
An unfamiliar sound was heard nearby, and Dorian walked in its direction. Behind a small ledge stood… He didn’t immediately remember the name of this creature. Locker? Curl? Oh yes, a horse. I once saw these in Cinema. But this is an almost extinct species! Where does the horse come from here? They say there are no more than a hundred of them left, and they live in the Reserve.
There was a bag nearby. He opened it, seeing a lot of food items. Ah, that’s what was missing for so many hours!
The dried lamb filled my empty stomach with a pleasant lump. But it’s real lamb! Not the usual meat substitute, but a completely natural product! The last time he ate meat was as a child, while his father worked as a Guardian. They had direct supply of first-class products. Dorian was envied by everyone in the class when he brought a fresh apple, and not jam from a tube, like everyone else, or a raw potato, and not custard mashed potatoes made from starch. But then my father was taken away, accused of participating in a conspiracy.
He continued to lie there, reminiscing about old times when something cold pressed against his neck. A tall young albino stood next to him, his sword pressed to Dorian’s throat.
– Thief! What do you need here? How long have you been spying on me? Who sent you? – the stranger’s eyes glowed with anger and irritation.
– Nobody sent me! I came myself. Is this your place?
– You lie next to my horse, faithful Dolt, eat my food, and dare to say that you ended up here by accident? I haven’t believed in coincidences for a long time! Speak! Who are you?
– My name is Dorian. And you?
– As if you don’t know yourself! – said the stranger.
– Nobody sent me! How many times should I tell you? Calm down, guy! Let’s put down your weapon and we can talk in a peaceful atmosphere. I have some whiskey, we can drink to meet you. And I’ll pay for your food, if necessary. Don’t be so angry about it.
The albino lowered his sword and sat down on a stone.
– Sorry if I offended you in any way. I have no one to trust, life disappoints people. Call me White Wolf,» with these words he extended his hand. Dorian shook it hesitantly.
– A wolf? What a strange name?
«I took this name for myself when a white wolf saved me from a pack of fellow tribesmen. You know that it is better not to reveal your real name to anyone, so that demons and magicians do not take over your mind.
Dorian glanced sideways at the stranger’s sword, so he did not make comments about «demons and magicians.» Fate sends him strange friends after all!
The wolf rummaged in the bag and took out an apple. Then he pulled out another one.
– Will you? – he handed the fruit to Dorian.
They sat like that for a while in silence and chewed the delicacy.
– Where are you going? – the albino interrupted the silence.
– We need to go home, to Stelton. I just don’t know how to get there! The girl took the car, and the wallet was in the glove compartment. You’ll have to hitchhike.
– Are you seriously from Stelton?! – the stranger rose to his feet, again pointing his sword at Dorian. – I told you that you are a spy! How did you know the name of my hometown? Who sent you?
– Will you ever calm down! You need to treat your paranoia, White Wolf. What spies!
– A person from my hometown couldn’t be here!
– Yes, the world is not a small place, but you should never rule out the possibility that fellow countrymen can meet a couple of thousand miles from their home!
– I haven’t been home for more than ten years. Ever since I came into this world.
– You know, by your appearance we can say that you came into this world more than twenty years ago. And not like all the children, but that the aliens forgot about you when they left the planet!
– How long have you been here?
– Here – at the sea? Or how long ago did you «come into this world»? I’m twenty-five, if that, and I came into this world at birth!
– It looks like you’ve been here quite recently. I want to make you happy – you crossed the portal.
– What?! Fuck you! Psycho! Abnormal!
Patience comes to an end sooner or later. First, the girl with her «corrals». Now this one. Dorian turned to walk away from his strange acquaintance. But a huge dragonfly suddenly appeared before his eyes, which the White Wolf cut in half with his sword.
«What the…» said Dorian, and fainted.
***
He opened his eyes when the sun was at its zenith. The White Wolf poured water on him.
– Looks like you’re not a spy. My real name is Eleon. What area did you live in?
– Near White Square. What was it? This is huge,» Dorian suddenly remembered the strange creature.
– Strekkil. These are often found in these parts. You may or may not believe me, but you ended up in Seisil.
– What?
– This is what the locals call this world. I came here completely by accident when I was fourteen. I was running from the gang, and didn’t even notice how I crossed the portal. And there was no turning back. It’s okay, it’s also quite good here, I was able to find a home here.
Then Dorian remembered how he walked around the entire area and did not see a single trace of a car. This clean air, the sun, which turned out to be on the other side. Dragonfly. Horse! So many coincidences.
Although, you shouldn’t even communicate with him, so as not to become infected with madness.
– What is the year now? – Dorian asked.
– One hundred and thirtieth era of the eighty-fourth King Henry.
Okay, it’s worth going with this weirdo. At least until the first traces of civilization. After all, he won’t get far without a car, but at least the psycho has a horse.
– So where are you going?
«To the House of the Sorcerer, the great royal castle,» answered the White Wolf.
The sorcerer’s house… Okay, the main thing is not to be too surprised. For Eleon these are quite normal words. Never mind, civilization is very close, you won’t have to endure it for long!
– Can I go with you?
– My path is not close and is full of various dangers! I can’t involve others in my problems!
– Don’t leave me here alone! – said Dorian.
***
Riding a horse together with another guy is a dubious pleasure. Cinema usually showed a brave adventurer carrying a beautiful lady on a horse. But it’s time to get used to the fact that life is not Cinema.
Half an hour – and Dorian rubbed his crotch, sat on his leg, a complete «bouquet».
When the sun began to sink below the horizon, they decided to stop at a nearby village on the outskirts of the forest. With every mile, Dorian’s hope of meeting civilization became less and less. Are there really still places untouched by Megacities?
Chapter 2. Execution at sunset
Every self-respecting gossip has at least once been to a tavern called the Old Magician. And today the hall was filled with guests, and old Halfrid’s treasury was filled with gold. The beer flowed like a river, and the out of breath young beauty only had time to bring more and more mugs of foamy drink and take away the empty ones.
– Suzanne, three more mugs! – one of the guests shouted.
«Teddy… hmm… Maybe… hmm… that’s enough?.. hmm,» said his comrade, with difficulty overcoming a hiccup.
– Why, Dil? Ali, aren’t you having fun on this beautiful fine evening?
– I… hmm… to be honest… hmm… not very good with gold…
– Don’t worry, buddy! I’m treating you! Suzanne, three more mugs and fried lanels with maize sauce! – Teddy said, slapping the innkeeper’s helpful daughter on the thighs.
– Hands off! Otherwise I’ll tell my father everything! He will definitely throw you out onto the street! – the girl squealed offendedly.
– It’s good for you that you shouted! Bring the beer, I tell you!
The girl hurried to fulfill the order, mincing through the dense rows of tables in the room saturated with the smell of beer, just to quickly get rid of the «dork,» as she called him, who was not allowing her passage.
– Have you heard the latest news? – said the man, sitting down with two drunken comrades.
– What’s new, Willie? – asked Teddy.
«Tomorrow at sunset there will be an execution,» Willie answered.
– Magicians again? – Teddy clarified.
– Serves them right! There is no point in embarrassing the good people with your tricks! – Willie raised his voice slightly.
«I’m a bit of a magician myself,» said Teddy. – So I may also fall out of favor with the Anti-Witch League. After all, I don’t have the right to magic. Who will be executed this time?
– Children of the local clerk Herold.
– These impudent inquisitors have completely loosened their belts! There is no peace for them! – Teddy hit the table with his fist.
– And most importantly… hmm.. the king… hmm… will not protect! – Dil said, raising his head from the table.
– And I thought it was a sinful thing that you fell asleep! – Willie laughed.
– Henry will protect! – said Teddy. – He doesn’t care about us! It’s called the king! Who needs nothing but science! A great magician is a useless ruler! I think even our clerk would become a better ruler, and no less a scientist!
In a heated conversation, the regulars of this establishment did not notice how Suzanne and a gray-haired, mustachioed, wiry man approached them.
– Greetings, Halfrid! – Willie said, but the innkeeper did not notice the outstretched hand. He looked at his comrade with eyes full of anger and hatred.
– Teddy! You’ve been harassing my daughter again! I have already warned you more than once!
– You misunderstood everything!
– Get out! And never cross the threshold of my tavern! I’ll see you one more time, and you won’t waste any more air intended for honest people! – the angry father grabbed the drunkard’s collar. And he flew away, hitting his back against the corner of the table – Teddy was a sorcerer, albeit weak and illegal. Three more strong guys ran up to the lout – the sons of the old innkeeper. The three men, who had recently been quietly chatting about public policy issues, jumped to their feet. Dil began waving a knife, Willie – a fragment of a broken bottle, and Teddy had a weapon of enchantment invisible to others.
– Get Teddy alive! – shouted Halfrid. – He is an illegal magician! He must be handed over to the Anti-Witch League, as the Law says!
One of the innkeeper’s sons grabbed a knife from Dil, who could barely stand on his feet, and now crossed him with Willie’s broken bottle. And the careless owner of the bladed weapon fell to the floor and tried unsuccessfully to get up. Two other strong guys tied Teddy up. Then the three of them grabbed Willie and threw him out into the street. Dil also flew after him.
– Throw Ted in the closet! – Halfrid said.
And so every day: beer flows like a river, new gossip pours in from all sides, the bored sons of the tavern owner have something to occupy their fists in peacetime. Everyone is having fun, there is bread and circuses, everyone is happy.
But one guest is not having fun today. An albino with red eyes sits silently with a friend, lost in thought and finishing more than his first mug of intoxicating drink. But even beer haunts him from bitter thoughts and memories.
***
A huge hall made of white marble. In the center of the hall is a long stone table. At the head of the table sits a long-bearded old man – the Master of the Brotherhood of the Defenders of the Crown. Behind him flies the flag of a secret organization:
Two people entered the hall.
«We’ve all gathered today…» the master of the brotherhood began, not paying attention to the newcomers. The rest of the meeting participants remained silent.
– Congratulations, master! You have joined us again! – one of the new arrivals shouted in joy.
– What are you talking about, Ilan? I am always with you! I will never leave you! – the elder absentmindedly looked around, seemingly taken by surprise by this simple question.
– But you, Master Avinius, returned from prison today! Two hours back talked with you in the mirror.
Any, even the weakest, magician could bend the bars without much effort, so special prisons were created for sorcerers. The condemned person touched the enchanted mirror and found himself in a separate world. And everyone could see the prisoner using a special object in the form of a coin, which must be brought to any mirror. But real freedom could only be given by a magician who entered the world through the looking glass or the king personally.
– By the mirror? You are probably on Sun overheated! Today like this heat! – Avinius playfully waved his palms near his face.
– What’s wrong with you, Ilan? I spent the whole morning preparing the meeting with the master! – said Sorenius, one of the brotherhood members. – So who were you talking to in the mirror?
– I already said: with Master Avinius. Eleon, my student, also saw it. I still have the key to the prison with me.
At these words, Avinius’s face changed:
– Who are you listening to, gentlemen! Ilan has gone crazy and deprived his student of his will! Or maybe they also became faithful?
He tried to snatch the key coin from Ilan’s hands, but Sorenius was ahead of the head of the brotherhood.
– We must investigate the case before we think about conclusions!
– Sorenius, I order you! Give this item to me! – the old man extended his bony hand.
– Sorry, master, I respect you, but I can’t do this! We’ll just see what kind of key my brother brought to the Council!
The old man rushed at the careless subordinate, but Sorenius was able to easily cope with the master. Then he brought the round object to the mirror, where the image of Avinius appeared. All those gathered gasped at once, looking from the old man in the hall to another, looking through the looking glass.
– Who you are? – Sorenii took the initiative, turning to the reflection.
– I, dear Sorenius, master Avinius, Master of the Brotherhood of Defenders Crown, member which, as I remember, you are too,» the reflection in the mirror made some manipulations with its hands. Avinius, the one who was in hall meeting, fell to the floor. Everyone present knew that the old man mastered the Light spell perfectly, so hundreds of white wands were aimed at the impostor. Instead of the old man, a young man was already sitting there.
– Tion?! You! After all, the teacher trusted you! He must be killed! Immediately! – Sorenius commanded.
– Please, don’t kill! I can still become useful! I’ll tell you everything I know! – Tion was almost sobbing, crawling on his knees.
– And what do you know? How betray? To your workshop betrayal we already believe. We also know that those who once betrayed will repeat this again and again,» said Sorenii.
– I don’t know much. But please! Just don’t kill,» the actor kept crawling on his knees.
– Who put me in prison? – asked Avinius.
– Don’t know!
– Is it true?! – Sorenius asked indignantly.
– OK! OK! This Khan! Khan ordered the thugs to imprison Avinius. He appointed me instead of him in parliament and brotherhood.
– Who?!! – asked the surprised Sorenii.
«Royal Advisor Khan,» the prisoner repeated again.
– What is he talking about! And why do you think he needs all this? – Ilan asked.
– He needs a crown!
– What? While alive king! – Sorenius smiled incredulously.
– He will kill Henry at the Autumn Festival!
– You know, friend. Even Khan can’t do it. – It’s Ilan’s turn to smile.
– Already under strength. Day before yesterday he stole a black staff from the Vault.
Panic ran across the faces of those present.
«You don’t joke with such things,» Sorenius said seriously.
– I’m not joking! And further. None of you will live until the morning! Now…
Pseudo-Avinius did not finish speaking. He began to frantically scratch his shoulder, then pulled off his sleeve. The letter «B» was blazing there, and the impostor’s body turned to ashes in a few seconds.
«This is a seal of loyalty,» said Sorenius. – Such magic beyond the power of any sorcerer. We are indeed dealing with a conspiracy. We must inform the king about the black staff!
A sharp knock on the door. Then another one. The next blow shatters the door, and an entire army rushes into the room. At the head of the soldiers who entered was Simon, Head of the Royal Guard. The man appears to be about fifty years old.
– Hello, Simon! To what do we owe the appearance of such an important person? – Sorenius asked.
«In the name of the king, all members of the brotherhood are declared outlaws,» Simon said impartially, not paying attention to Sorenius. – Hand over all weapons. You are sentenced to life imprisonment.
But there are many more soldiers than members of the brotherhood!
Ilan, with an imperceptible movement, grabbed the key coin and handed it to Eleon.
– You must convey to the ruler everything that you have recently seen. Avinius will be your witness. You will find a map of the Country in my house. Don’t hesitate! You have a little more than two months, but time will not stand still!
He made a barely noticeable movement, and a portal appeared behind the albino. Ilan pushed Eleon, and he fell onto a plane that was supposed to move him many miles away.
***
A small house in the middle of the forest, which always smells of myrtle. Here he spent several years under the supervision of a teacher who made him a powerful magician. Eleon grabbed the card lying on the table. He collected food in a bag and mounted his horse. The road is not close, but time is running out.
Just a few days ago he again entered the hall where that fateful meeting of the Brotherhood took place. And I found here only the corpses of true friends. Now he is the last one left from the Brotherhood of Defenders of the Crown, and who, if not him, will protect the king? But among the other bodies he did not find Ilan.
– Maybe he’s still alive?
***
Eleon ordered himself another glass of beer. After a long story, everyone went deeper into their thoughts. Dorian kept remembering his beloved, and Eleon remembered his murdered comrades.
The sunset spilled colors onto the endless canvas of the sky, and suddenly it became possible to take a break from the annoying heat.
The central square was filled with people.
– Lord, what does all this mean? – Dorian was unable to hide his emotions.
«Watch in silence,» said Eleon.
Surrounded by a crowd of onlookers, stood five people in black cloaks with hoods.
«The law states that illegal magic must be punished with all severity and without delay!» – said one of them.
– He used magic illegally! – said our recent acquaintance – one of Halfrid’s sons, and pulled Teddy into the center of the circle, trying to resist.
– No, please, he’s lying!
– There is only one way to check this! – said one of the inquisitors, removing his hood and smiling ominously. Silence suddenly reigned in the square. – The ancient spirit of Justice will help us judge. ILLIGULUS! – he shouted, throwing his hands up. Teddy suddenly fell to the floor, writhing in pain. He tried to cover his face with his hands, but the spell knew no barriers. Not even a few seconds had passed before the poor fellow was no longer moving.
– Oh my God! Isn’t this a dream? – Dorian closed his eyes, then opened them again. Blinked. He pinched his elbow. But the picture hasn’t changed.
– May the Great Spirit of Justice be glorified! – the five inquisitors shouted in one voice. – Lead the next one!
The young man now stood in the center of the circle. One man emerged from the crowd.
– NO! He is not guilty! This is all slander!
– Don’t be humiliated, father, I beg you! It doesn’t affect them.
– The Spirit of Justice will judge! – said the same one, in a black cloak. – He never takes innocent people! ILLIGULUS!
The guy remained standing where he was. Nothing happened.
– The Spirit spared you – that means you are innocent. He only takes magicians who do not have the right to practice witchcraft. But now we need to check your sister, is he as innocent as you?!
The young black-haired girl was thrown at the feet of the executioners. She stood up proudly and spat in the face of the inquisitor who had so short-sightedly removed his hood.
«I hope you pay with your life for this,» he said, wiping his face.
Eleon already realized that the girl was guilty if an innate gift can be considered a sin. He had a personal account with the Anti-Witch League. After all, thanks to them, he ended up in this foreign place!
– Dorian, I’ve only known you for a short time. But tell me, will you stay with me? My path is thorny and full of dangers, so I would advise you to leave the square. But if you go, will you be with me to the end, earth?
Dorian, speechless, could only shake his head.
– Great. Then go towards the forest, we’ll meet you there. Get ready to run.
I didn’t have to repeat it twice. Dorian took small steps towards the endless line of trees.
The wolf raised his hand, and the two in black hoods fell to the ground, as if from an invisible blow. The chief has already raised his hands. But he didn’t have time to say the cherished spell. He grabbed his throat, as if someone was strangling him with an invisible rope. Eleon, taking advantage of the general confusion, threw the girl over his shoulder. Pushing aside the crowd, he squeezed into the forest, where it would be more difficult to find the fugitives.
– Stop them! – shouted the inquisitor in an imperious tone, who never took revenge for the spit on his face. But the crowd suddenly closed in, preventing the order from being carried out. Everyone in the village loved the clerk and his family.
– You pathetic people! Do you even understand who you are contacting? Move away quickly!
The five inquisitors extended their hands forward, and red lightning streamed from them. The crowd parted. The executioners began to make their way through the resulting passage, but their path was blocked by the brother of the condemned woman, who was given life.
– Move away! – said the one without the hood.
– Only over my dead body!
– You’re welcome! – said the judge, and lightning from his hands killed the young man. Here the exclamation of the father of the family was heard:
– After all, he was innocent! You promised him life – and killed him! This is how you serve your spirit of Justice! – lightning from his eyes pierced the killer’s head, and he fell to the ground. No one in the village knew that the clerk was such a powerful magician that he could defeat the anti-mage centurion alone! But coping with five is an unprecedented thing, so the man had no choice but to run deep into the forest, following in the footsteps of his daughter and her saviors.
And his enemies literally stepped on his heels, not giving him a second of rest…
Chapter 3. The secret of Advisor Khan.
One single window among the cold stone walls of the castle. Near the window there is a wooden table, a lit candle on it sends an uncertain light to the bored walls.
Royal Councilor Khan, the head of Parliament, sat in the room and studied the new denunciation under the rhythmic crackling of a candle that filled the whole room with a burning smell, and his little daughter played in the next room. He is not tall, he looks like he is fifty years old, but there is not a single gray hair on his jet-black curls.
Nobody liked the Advisor, not even the ruler. He was born into a poor family, but his tenacious mind quickly gave him a path to life. Khan is cunning and uncompromising, so he quickly surpassed his comrades. And luck is always on his side. Avinius at the last moment refused the post of Royal Advisor, tormented by remorse for raising Dell, a dark magician. But in vain! When it comes to power, it is better to go all the way. There is no place for being too sentimental in politics!
The years went by, but Khan did not change, he only became more cunning and resourceful. Even the death of his wife did not become a reason to be kinder and more compliant. (Although there were persistent rumors that he himself killed the poor woman – people love to talk). He always worked tirelessly, trying to find those who wanted to screw him. The paranoia probably came from the former king.
There was a guard outside the door. It was ordered not to let anyone in. Therefore, nothing could prevent the head of Parliament from working.
It was early spring, and the evenings were often still cold. But he, all in his thoughts, did not even notice how it became even colder, even for March, although the windows were closed: Khan was afraid of being struck by a spell of lightning or other death at the hands of enemies. And there was a reason: many hated the Advisor. There was a noise behind the door.
– What is there again! – the Advisor was indignant.
Suddenly, a black-haired young man of strong build appeared before the eyes of the head of Parliament, as if out of nowhere.
– I ordered: not to let anyone in! Security! – Khan turned sharply to the door.
– Don’t fuss like that! – the uninvited guest spoke, blocking the path to the exit. – I won’t delay you for long. I just need to talk to you.
– There is a specially designated time for conversations. Sign up for an audience. And now I’M BUSY! Security!
«I would love to come another time, but I’m afraid that I will disappear forever.» And the conversation will be informal.
– Introduce yourself! – the angry Advisor almost shouted.
– Of course, my friend. «My name is Dell,» said the guest.
– Dell… Dell… I don’t remember that name.
– After the War of Troubles, no one dares to name their son that. I am a ghost. Until today I was invisible, if you refuse my offer, in an hour I will disappear into oblivion. Fate is inexorable, and everything is in its hands!
Once upon a time I alone dealt with an invincible army. And now I bring the cold with my presence, and I can only cope with the flowers on the windowsill!
***
This story dates back to the reign of the last king, Leonard. Then the Order of Glory was able to awaken Darkness in its purest form, and ancient demons burst out of the depths of the universe. Their army, consisting of people and ghosts who could not be killed with an ordinary sword, surrounded the Sorcerer’s House.
People fought bravely for their homes, for the king, but courage is not always a strong weapon, especially against ancient magic. The walls of the city collapsed and a black cloud poured in. Fifteen ghosts from the whole army were killed, but for each enemy there were three hundred lives of Leonard’s warriors. The castle gates did not last long, and the king was captured by evil spirits.
And when there seemed to be no hope, one of the students of Master Avinius appeared. The young man possessed the rarest gift – the spells of Darkness. Few people could see the Forces in their original form, but even fewer people had power over them. Avinius, for example, ruled over the Light. And this young man, with the power of thought, was able to disperse an entire regiment of the enemy. The ghosts disappeared into oblivion, only their armor and shields remained to decorate the nearby lands. The war has been won. Everything would be fine. But Leonard became extremely paranoid. He strengthened his security so that no one would take him prisoner again, as during this war. Then the madman ordered the young man to be arrested, too, because he was afraid of the powerful magician. They say that he even ordered the death of the queen, accusing him of conspiracy. It is impossible to say whether this is true, but she was no longer seen within the castle walls.
***
– Avinius found me. He called me the Chosen One. And I saved the kingdom from certain destruction! – Dell continued to tell. «And ended up in prison because of it!» Such is the king’s gratitude for freedom! You know, Khan, the world is not fair. I was only remembered as the villain who tried to attack the king. And not as a savior! After the feat, I was left completely exhausted, and did not even try to resist when the guards grabbed me. But the Element, which endowed me with Strength, filled me with hatred and malice, making me stronger. I broke the prison into a thousand pieces and was freed. And along with me – other powerful magicians who were outlaws. Together we went to the royal castle, in the name of revenge!
***
But Dell, of course, didn’t tell everything. He forgot to mention that the spirit of Antimonik came to him in a dream and offered him Power. And Dell did not reject the offer.
He awakened the Dark Army of Spirits again. The All-Powerful Element endowed him with a new talent – he became the new Dark Lord, the embodiment of Evil and Horror in a human body. The gates had not yet been completely restored, and collapsed again under the onslaught of the rebels.
They say that Avinius personally killed the student when he had already raised the black staff cursed by the Darkness over Leonard’s head. Dell died, but his shadow wandered for many years: first, Leonard was found dead in his bedchamber with a hole in his chest. Then many others who participated in the persecution of the caster of Darkness died from unknown causes. They said it was the spirit of a black rebel.
***
– Dell, Black Rebel! This can’t be! – Superstitious fear was visible in Khan’s eyes.
– Don’t believe me? – with these words the guest grabbed the Advisor’s wrist. But the Head of Parliament did not feel anything. The hand went right through.
– You really are a ghost! But this cannot be. I dream about you! The dead cannot meet the living!
«It turns out they can,» the ghost’s face was adorned with a demonic smile that would make anyone tremble. – An hour ago, members of my order performed a ritual, and here I am in front of you. But I’ll disappear soon. I want to be alive again. There is one secret in the vault for making a Revitalizing Stone.
– I’m not a king. And even if I want to get into the First Level Security vault, I won’t be able to.
«That’s why I came to you,» with these words an ominous smile appeared on the ghost’s lips. – Royal Advisor Khan. You have achieved the highest title a mere mortal could desire. But I see right through you! Even now you are missing something, although you don’t know what exactly. And I’ll give you a hint: the crown is missing.
– You won’t be able to give it! – Khan didn’t even deny that he wanted to wear the crown.
– I – no, of course. But I can help you achieve your goal. And in return I will get life. Sounds like a good exchange to me.
– This is impossible.
– Nothing is impossible. Half an hour ago you didn’t believe in the existence of ghosts. But I stand before you as a living, or rather, non-living example of the opposite. Fate is always so unpredictable! You don’t risk anything. If you do not become king, I will not be able to come to life, so there is no reason for me to deceive. Moreover, I have my own interest in the fall of Henry’s crown!
– What if, having become king, I deceive you?
– You won’t deceive me. So, do you agree? – Dell asked.
«Yes,» Khan answered.
– Hurry up. Create this sign on your left shoulder.
An image appeared in the air:
– What is this?
– Seal of fidelity. In case of betrayal, you will turn into ashes. Without her I will disappear. And this way I can feed on your energy to live and give advice. What did you want? Nothing appears out of nowhere and disappears without a trace. In order for me to appear before you, the Order had to sacrifice a child. And this is too much, even for a sect of dark magicians.
No one should know about our little secret. The Order of Vernikov will be at your personal disposal. I will warn Master Simon personally.
– Simon, the head of the Royal Guard – the leader of the sect of dark magicians?!!
– Have you stopped being surprised? But what about the Advisor – the future king? Will this news also surprise you? So, first, get rid of the Brotherhood of Defenders of the Crown. First of all, from Master Avinius. My mentor has not forgiven me, and will be an ardent opponent of revival. And he is a strong enemy! Maybe he, too, will decide to use the magic of Light to destroy the prison in which he will be put, and will go to kill the king, like I once did? I want to look at this!
– If not for you, he, and not me, would have been the head of Parliament. This is the second time you have promoted me up the career ladder!
«You must also get my staff out of the Vault,» Dell said.
«Black staff…» Khan whispered with awe in his voice.
– Yes, the same staff that I tried to kill Leonard with before my death. Darkness-cursed staff. Only he can kill the king. Be careful to handle it with silk gloves. Otherwise the curse will kill you! Touch causes instant death. Many people think that Avinius killed me. Nonsense! I died by accident! I touched the staff. And for many years he found himself in a gloomy world of Darkness and Horror. Many people go crazy, but I turned out to be stronger than the Element under my control. But death became the beginning of a new life for me! And soon I will become even stronger, my king.
– I’ll kill Henry and end up behind bars! – Khan exclaimed.
«Listen to me, and everything will be fine,» Dell said. – The secret of reincarnation will help. Including in the fight against these Defenders of the Crown.
Dell handed Khan the book, and he began to read: «Once upon a time there were two sisters. One inherited the beauty of her mother, and young men came from all the principalities to see the land on which she walked. And the second was smart, like a mother, and she had no equal in magic. The sisters got along well with each other until they met the princely governor. Between two sisters, he chose one, whom he married. And his choice fell, of course, on the beauty. But the second girl cried sleepless nights until she came up with the right way to be with her beloved. She touched her sister, and immediately they swapped bodies. And now only one belonged to intelligence, beauty, and a beloved young man. And only the elder, who perfectly mastered the power of Light, could remove the spell.»
– Only the primordial Elements can destroy the ancient curse! – said Dell. – Therefore, dear Khan, be careful with Avinius – he can expose us!
***
Hundreds, no, thousands of politicians from all over the world promise a happy future. If everything was as they say, everyone would have lived just perfectly long ago. But people love money, without exception. Khan knew this very well. And now he called Tion, one of Avinius’ students, «for a conversation.» He also knew that Tion was getting married soon, but had no gold. He comes from a poor family.
– Do something for me and I’ll pay for your wedding. By the way, I won’t offend you with the title either.
– I can’t do this, Advisor! – said Tion.
– You know, your father made a lot of mistakes in his youth. I think he should go to jail for them. I turned a blind eye to this for a long time. This item was found in his bedroom.
Khan handed a small piece of paper to Tion. «Kill Henry and you get 5 gold»
– What a coincidence, the royal guard receives gold for betrayal!
– You! – Hatred lit up in Tion’s eyes.
«You’re so honest, it’s time for me to do my duties too.» Soon your father will turn out to be an enemy of the state, and you, as his son, will be treated with caution. There is no future for the people you become, all roads are closed! And you don’t have to look with such hatred! Many people can’t stand me. But I have the information! – Khan looked into Tion’s eyes for a long time until he lowered his gaze.
«I agree,» he said quietly.
– Correct solution! – Khan burst into ominous laughter.
From birth, magicians are equal. Titles and positions are not inherited. The son of a magician can become a peasant, and the descendant of a craftsman can become a member of parliament if he shows talent for magic and wisdom.
All people, some from childhood, sign up to study at the University of Witchcraft. Until its completion and successful passing of the exams, no one has the right to use witchcraft.
Tion was soon to take Avinius’ exams. And he will officially be allowed to use magic. Otherwise – death. Its name is the Illigulus spell.
– Well, did you remember everything? – said Khan. – Repeat your lesson again!
– Avinius gives me my legal right to magic. I use a transformation spell and take on the appearance of the master, and he becomes me. Then I have to shout for the guards to take the «imposter» away.
– You say everything correctly. The main thing is to do everything right. Now imagine such a symbol on your left shoulder. – Khan drew the letter «B» in Tion’s head, that very seal of loyalty to Dell. «You must be faithful to our cause.»
***
Again this cold and feeling of panic.
– A good start! – said the ghost of a black rebel already familiar to us. – The main thing, Khan, is that everything goes as we plan.
The ghost could now move calmly, having drunk his fill of Khan’s energy.
***
Dawn just recently spilled the scarlet wine of the glow on the black blanket of the sky. Somewhere in the distance, a lanelle chirped, rejoicing at the birth of a new day. And this all-consuming smell of wild myrtles that bloomed all around.
A great holiday for many students of the magic school: very soon they will be able to use magic.
The high hill dozed languidly in anticipation of the approaching event, and the free wind gently ruffled it. A stone staircase, built several centuries ago, ran up the hill. It was here, and not within the city walls, that the ceremony for awarding the right to magic took place.
Master Avinius stood at the top. Each of the students climbed up in turn to receive the right they had earned over the years of study.
– Errifen! «Come to me, my student,» said the great magician. The named one went up the steps. -You have earned the right to magic! Swear on your name that you will use this right only for good!
– I swear, my teacher!
– We are all in the hands of Fate! But swear to me in the name of your mother that you will never take the path of evil!
– I swear, my teacher!
– Swear in the name of your father that you will protect the king and his family to the last drop of blood!
– I swear, my teacher!
– Let it be so! By the power given to me, I give you the legal right to magic! – Avinius ran his brush over Errifen’s shoulder, and for a moment a flame flared up on it, but then went out. Errifen fell to his knees, as tradition required, to thank the teacher for his efforts and patience.
– Arise, my faithful student! Now you are a magician!
Now it’s Tion’s turn to receive his legal right. Friends tapped him on the shoulder encouragingly, and he went towards his fate. He so wanted to quickly gain the right to magic, but he had to strictly follow traditions, and he had to slowly move from step to step. He kept looking at his feet to show modesty.
– You have earned the right to magic! Swear on your name that you will use this right only for good! – Avinius repeated, as required by the ancient ritual.
– I swear, my teacher! – Tion lowered his gaze even more. He never took an oath that he could not fulfill. But the seal of Loyalty burned stronger than his conscience, so he took all subsequent oaths.
– We are all in the hands of Fate! But swear to me in the name of your mother that you will never take the path of evil!
– I swear, my teacher! – the student said more confidently. Already became, for the sake of his father and beloved.
– Swear in the name of your father that you will protect his family to the last drop of the king’s blood!
– I swear, my teacher!
– Let it be so! By the power given to me, I give the legal right to magic!
Tion did as Khan taught him. One moment, and he turned into an exact copy of Avinius. The next second, and Avinius and Tion stood before the astonished students again.
– Take away the impostor! – shouted the young man in the guise of an old man. As it turned out, the royal guards, led by Simon, were standing nearby. Not even a minute passed before the unfortunate Avinius, in the guise of Tion, was imprisoned in a prison world.
And you already know how Tion’s fate ended.
***
A round steel table took up most of the room. There were flasks and retorts on the table, and liquid was boiling on the stove. And all the free space was occupied by manuscripts covered with various hieroglyphs of long-forgotten languages. Lightning or smoke sometimes flew out of the flasks, filling the entire room.
– Found! I found this! How stupid I was before! How could I not notice such an obvious thing! This is incredible!
All the people loved the king because he was kind to his people. But it was difficult to call him a good politician: what could interest a born scientist other than science? He spent days on end in the musty laboratory. Henry received the highest level of magic at the moment, and a tattoo with the number «16» adorned his delicate shoulder. And politics can be left in the reliable hands of Parliament and the Councilor!
There was a knock on the room and Khan entered.
– Hello, dear assistant! – Henry hugged the head of Parliament.
– Be healthy, Your Highness!
– Can you imagine! I found! It’s so wonderful! We understood magic completely wrong! And it is based on the forces of nature!
– I am amazed by your talent! – Khan bowed slightly.
– What’s new in the Country?
– Troubled Times threaten the United Kingdom! – said Khan.
– What kind of passion are you talking about?! What’s the matter.
– A new organization of conspirators has emerged. They call themselves the brotherhood of the Defenders of the Crown. But they want to make an attempt on your life. I know this from reliable sources.
– What should we do now! There can be no attempt on my life! After all, so many more works must be written, so many discoveries have not yet been made!
– Your Highness, I see only one way out: we need to eliminate the conspirators!
– You know, Advisor, that I completely trust the Parliament in matters related to politics. So you can take action.
So Henry signed his own death warrant. Khan left the laboratory hall, and as soon as he entered the room, a familiar ghost appeared in it.
«Everything is going as well as possible,» Dell grinned.
