Читать книгу The Legend - Макс Хоффер, Max Hoffer - Страница 4

Tan barely opened his eyes. The light was blinding to him. He grimaced in pain. And even the very contraction of the muscles on the face caused pain. He groaned slightly. How his face hurt.

Seeing that Tan woke up, the hospital's nurse immediately ran up to him and, putting her hands on her shoulders, quietly but affirmatively said: "You cannot get up, Mr. Mirra." You have a severe concussion, as well as a dislocated lower jaw, bruised ribs and kidneys. Tan made a heart-rending sound again.

– Where I am? He asked with a shiver in his swollen lips.

– You're in the hospital. You were brought here after the battle. Do you remember?

Tan was silent as if trying to remember what had happened in the past couple of days. He tried to collect all the books on the shelves in his library of the mind, which was smashed by Prince Argos. Then he sat up. His head was spinning.

“He’s stubborn,” said the sister, and forcibly pushed him back to the hospital bed. You only make it worse.

– I have to talk to General Swann, with the last of his strength Tan mumbled, after which he lost consciousness.

***

His father was sitting at a table in a huge oak armchair. On his right hand stood a servant, head bowed. And his back was guarded by two armed soldiers, the best of the best in their field. Dinner was already served with various dishes and treats. In the middle of the table there was a beautiful composition of berries and fruits, around which jugs of wine were dancing in an intricate pattern. Most of the candles were extinguished. Twilight has always been his father's companion. Flames leapt from a nearby fireplace, and the crackling of a burning tree echoed from the high walls of the castle. It was a hunting room with various trophies hanging on the wall. The muzzles of the slain beasts with glass eyes looked down on the arriving guest.

– Leave us! The king ordered and in one second they were left alone. He wiped his lips with a napkin, tossing it casually on the table. Then he got up and walked over to his son. Anger was what filled his eyes. Coming close and not looking away, he punched Argos' face with the back of his hand. From the blow on the prince's face, the skin turned red and a small bleeding scratch formed from the ring.

Argos opened his mouth, but before he could utter a word, Orm interrupted him: "I don't need any excuses from you now," he bellowed. Then he turned away and walked over to the fireplace, looking at the fire for a while.

–How could this have happened? without taking his eyes off the bewitching beauty of the flame, he asked.

– With all due respect, father, one way or another, I won! I showed them all what is the strongest race on earth!

– Anyway?! Turning slowly, he asked. An ordinary man, with ordinary weapons and ordinary protection, almost kicked your royal ass! You were wearing "Isar", your mother! And you dare to say something !?

– He is very well trained and strong. He's fast. I've never seen this. This warrior was in no way inferior to me.

– Oh, I didn't even notice! Orm said with undisguised irony, then turning away, he again drowned in his thoughts, absorbed in the sight of burning wood in the fireplace.

– Father?

– Yes?!

– Why did he look at you like that during the fight?

“That's interesting to me too,” said the king. Who are you, Athanasius Mirra? he asked the flame.

Argos was about to leave. But after a pause, he turned back to his father. “When will you be able to fully trust me, Father?

– I trust you.

– Then tell me what is in the tower of the west wing at the very top?

– Soon you will find out about everything, I promise you. Until then, that's all! You are free.

***

– Good morning, Athanasius!

– Hi, General! he mumbled barely audibly.

– You look lousy.

– I feel even worse.

– Hmm, who would have thought that Prince Argos is so good. The general sat down next to Athanasius's bed.

–“It's not just him,” Tan replied.

– What are you talking about?

– His armor …

– And what happened to him?

– I hit him. He beat with all his might. No armor could stand that.

– What do you mean by that?

– I don’t know yet.

– What do you mean, “I don’t know yet” !? AND?! Swann got angry. All! The page is turned over. The story is over. He won, the general said with annoyance!

– It's him.

– Who is he"?

“King Orme, this is the bastard who slaughtered the people of my village.

– Stop it, Athanasius. You're delirious. You got it a lot, it's understandable, but you can't …

– General! Tan interrupted him. This face comes to me in dreams for 30 years. I know him by heart and will not confuse nickname with anyone else. It's him!

– Your mother! Swann said helplessly, lowering his eyes to the floor. And after a few seconds he said: Don't tell anyone about this, you hear! Nobody should know about our speech. The general whispered in a conspiratorial tone. Your words undermine twenty years of peace between our states, you understand that ?! – Rest for now. I need to consult.

***

Tan woke up as usual in the morning. There had been no news from Swann for a couple of days. During this time, his body got stronger. As the hospital attendants said, good heredity, everything heals quickly like a dog. However, the Tan was still moving with caution, without sudden movements. The bruised ribs made themselves felt. He was in a separate room. General Swann took care of this, therefore, the nightmares that tormented his soul at night and his early awakening did not disturb anyone. Approaching the window opening and opening it, he looked at the sleeping city. All these days, only one thought occupied his head: – Retribution will find everyone.

At that moment, he heard someone sneak up to the door of his room. Athanasius, despite the pain, like a cat, silently approached the door and stood next to it, pressing himself against the wall. The door opened slightly and a figure of a man in a dark cloak and a hood on his head entered the room. Without hesitation, he rushed at him, grabbing his clothes, but immediately got a trip and they both fell to the floor. The hood fell off my head. Beneath him was the same maid from the duke's house.

– You?! Athanasius was surprised. What are you doing here!?

– They want to talk to you. This is urgent. She answered with excitement in her voice.

– About what!? Who are you? What's going on here?

After a little delay, she said with regret: – General Swann is dead.

He did not immediately understand the meaning of her words. – What?

– My name is Una, and we have no time. They're coming for you!

And as soon as she uttered these words, suddenly they heard the clatter of hooves and a rude male speech outside the window. Athanasius quietly crept to the window and, looking out of the corner, began to inspect the area near the hospital. There were ten well-equipped fighters. Their eldest waved his arms and showed various directions, where one soldier later fled. With the others, he went to the hospital entrance.

Tan realized that most likely the girl was not joking, and if this was not an idiotic coincidence, he was the target of the soldiers.

– Why do they need me?

“While I’m here to explain to you, they will both capture us.

Tan could not help but agree with this statement. He walked quickly to the corner where his clothes lay. Unfortunately, the combat uniforms were sent to Pisky Efa, which Athanasius remembered with annoyance. Therefore, he put on his pants and boots, put on a white woolen shirt and left the room. Una followed him. In the corridor below one could already hear the noise and clatter of soldiers' boots. He immediately grabbed her by the forearm, pulling her towards the door of his room. Running back, he slammed the door, forcing it with a heavy wooden cabinet. Then he jumped to the window and looked down. Everything was quiet. They were on the second floor, so it was not difficult for them to go downstairs.

As he descended, he appreciated how cleverly Unya had succeeded. It was lucky that there was an apple orchard on the hospital grounds, and they could sneak from tree to tree unnoticed. Suddenly, Athanasius grabbed Una by the shoulders and pulled him over, hiding behind a tree. As it turned out, one of the soldiers was on duty in the corner of the building. Tan's brain began to actively seek a solution to the problem, but what happened next caught him by surprise. Una threw off his hands and with the words "Help" rushed towards the guards.

– That devil, thought Tan, gritting his teeth.

Then he heard a noise and, looking out from behind a tree, saw a soldier lying on the ground. Athanasius looked at her in surprise, but she just grinned.

– Why are you frozen? Hurry!

He didn't need to repeat it twice. He ran up to the guy who was lying on the ground and picked up his sword, which he had already managed to take out after hearing Una's cry. Apparently she hit him from behind, smart …

She dived into a narrow street, Tan behind her. But they had already been spotted, and the pursuit began. They ran along the ragged walls of houses and debris lying along the road. Rats scattered in different directions at the sight of strangers at such an early hour. Following this, they heard the sound of whistles, signaling troublemakers. Tan knew that reinforcements would now be arriving in this area and that it was necessary to get out of it as soon as possible. The side was very sore, his chest was squeezing, his strength was leaving him. He had to stop.

“We need to hide,” he said.

– No, we need to run and quickly, said Una.

“We won't have time to run a couple of streets before they spot us, believe me,” he said with a breath in his voice.

– What to do?! There was excitement in her eyes.

He looked around, and suddenly realized that the houses around them were familiar to him. His feet were already walking along this cobbled street, and his nose breathed in the local smell.

***

The door flew open, and the first thing Athanasius saw was a long and well-polished sword.

– Hi Byrd! Pronounced Tan.

But the interlocutor was silent and only looked at him with an incredulous look.

– We have nowhere else to go, I'm sorry.

After a little hesitation, he fully opened the door, with a mute gesture, inviting them to enter. They immediately ran into the house.

Nothing has changed in the room since his last visit. Tan leaned against the wall to keep from falling. As soon as he caught his breath, he raised his head and, looking at Byrd, said: – Thank you. Most likely, you saved our lives.

Without answering, Byrd went into another room and after a while returned with two mugs of water in his hands, somewhere hiding his sword.

After drinking greedily, Tan wiped the cold water droplets from his lips with his sleeve.

– And so, maybe you can finally explain what the hell is going on here ?! Tan turned to Una. – Why did these soldiers need me? What are they? What about General Swann?

– These are the duke's men! They received an order to bring you to him, and if this fails, then kill.

“You’re also working for him, right?

– I got a job as a servant in his estate to watch and observe.

– For Erhard?

– Behind the origin of the birth of a new union! Extremely powerful. A union that will drown the earth in blood, and here you and I cannot prevent this.

– What happened to the general? Tan asked quietly.

– Erhard killed him. The general arrived late at night to the duke, alone. I overheard their conversation. He argued that King Orme is not a benefactor, as he presents himself, but the instigator of that bloody war, the end of which we all celebrate. Erhard tried to explain to him that it was simply impossible, but Swann stood his ground. He hesitated, she continued to tell: – Then he told him your story and that he trusts you as himself, and if Erhard does not want to hear, then perhaps the other members of the council will listen to him. With these owls, he signed both you and himself a death warrant. After that, the general turned away to leave, but the duke thrust a knife into his neck.

– So you just stood there and watched it ?! He turned to her with disgust.

– Trust me, if I could do something, I would do it. His house is packed with soldiers. If I tried, I would have overtaken to take into account the general, and you would have lived a little longer.

He understood this. He also understood that it was he who was to blame for the death of his closest friend, who was only trying to do the right thing by entering into open conflict with the duke. From what a real storm broke out in Tan's soul, out of powerlessness, anger and incredible melancholy. Una saw it in his eyes. She went to Athanasius, placing her mug, with half-drunk water, next to him. She gently laid her hand on his shoulder and said quietly: “Retribution will find everyone. At that moment, a noise was heard outside the door. Bert ran to the door, opening it slightly and peering into the opening. Cursing from what he saw, he immediately closed it back. Turning towards Tana and Una, he said:

– Bastards are searching houses! Faster here. He drew back the carpet on the floor. Under it was a wooden hatch cover leading to the cellar. – Get in and see yourself quiet.

From the chase, Tan's side hurt so much that he barely went downstairs. Una thanked old man Bert in a whisper and followed Tan into the cellar.

Suddenly the door rattled, in a tone that could not be delayed. For some time, Bert needed to lay the carpet back, after which he obediently obeyed the soldiers.

From below, through the cracks between the boards, it was difficult to see anything. But by the shadows and voices, Tan determined that four people had entered the house.

– How can I be of help to the guards of His Majesty and our peace, Byrd said with mock courtesy.

– We are looking for fugitive killers who are hiding in nearby houses, said one of the soldiers, and immediately proceeded to inspect the room. Most likely an officer, Tan thought.

– I did not see anyone, sir, heard Tan Byrd's voice.

– Do you live alone? He continued.

– Yes, sir, one! It's just me in the house!

Silence fell again, broken only by the steps of the officer. Then he stopped abruptly and after a while asked: – Where are these mugs of water?

Tan and Una looked at each other and held their breath …

– Sir, I am a sewing company, and these circles are left after yesterday's clients, Bert said.

Then, the officer took one of the mugs, brought it to his nose, inhaled, and then sipped it.

– Arrest him! Search the house, quickly!

After his orders, the officer turned to the old man and said through clenched teeth: – Where are they?

– Who? Bert was indignant.

– You think I'm an idiot ?! The water in the mug is icy. You just poured it. Answer me or I'll rip your belly open! The officer threatened. You will still be alive for a while, and then I will feed you your guts, if you don’t tell me everything I want to know!

The old man was held by two, one more began to run around the rooms and examine them. Tan knew he needed help, but he was useless now. Due to injury, his defense would simply not be effective.

– I'm losing my patience, old man! The sound of steel stripping was heard. Then Bert said, “I'm sorry gentlemen, really sorry.

And then there was a crash from the fall of the body to the floor, fuss, fuss, screams and moans from incredible pain began. Blows, falls, more bumps.

It was unbearable for Athanasius to sit and watch the murder of the man who had just saved his life. Realizing that this was most likely the end, he abruptly got up, climbed the steps and tried to open the cellar!

– What are you doing? Una asked in a whisper.

The lid was latched on the back. The fight from above continued, and this indicated that Bert was still alive. With a growl, the Tan began to beat the wooden hatch with his elbow. The boards cracked, but didn't give in. Once again, he tried to strike, but stumbled and fell, rolling down the stairs to the ground. Suddenly he realized that the fussing above had stopped. – I didn't have time, it was spinning in his head. They heard the rug pull back. Then Tan realized that he had given away their location while trying to get out. The lock opened and light burst into the dark closet. To his great surprise, Bert's face was looking at him. He was bleeding from his nose and mouth.

– Come up. He said in a tired voice.

Tan and Una exchanged glances. Then she stood up abruptly and helped Athanasius to his feet. All four soldiers were lying on the floor, some of them no longer breathing. Bert, like the room, was covered in their blood. Athanasius looked around, then his gaze fell on the old man.

– Who are you?

– My name is Grubert Ebiner.

Tan's mouth fell open in surprise. Wait a minute, that same Grubert Ebiner? War hero?

– He's the one, the old man croaked. But after reconciliation, they tried to forget everything that reminded of the war, including me. But damn it, it's nice to flex your fists sometimes. He smiled and immediately his legs buckled. Athanasius managed to catch him and slowly put him on the floor.

Tan's hand holding his back was covered in blood. Grubert's clothes were pulled up and on the back, under the clothes there was a puncture wound, from which blood flowed along with air bubbles.

“A lung pierced,” Athanasius told him in despair. Una began to say that he urgently needed to be taken to the hospital, but Grubert said: “It's all over for me, but I don't regret anything. In my heart I felt that I had to help you. In the back room there is an old tapestry on the wall, remove it, behind it there will be a door to a secret room. – Here, this is for you! Byrd ripped the chain with a small key from his neck and handed it to Athanasius. There you will find everything you need, good luck to both of you. After that, he peacefully closed his eyes that will never open again. Silence fell …

He swallowed hard, and then put his right hand to his chest, paying the last tribute to the great man. Then he got up and walked with a determined gait to the back room, where Grubert pointed. On the opposite wall from the entrance hung an antique tapestry depicting a battle scene. Tearing off the canvas, a small but thick metal door appeared before his eyes. He slipped the key into his mask and turned it surprisingly gently. Outside the door, sheer darkness reigned. Tan took the oil lamp and went inside. Una followed him carefully. When the light lit up the contents of the room, she said with undisguised surprise: – Yes, this can arm a whole squad.

The weapons room appeared before their eyes. On the walls and on the floor were placed: weapons, armor and shields, skillfully made, but wrapped in a large layer of dust. In the center of this room was a stone plinth. On it were: a brigantine, bracers and a scabbard with a sword. They were all done in the same style with lions. The way these items were made, it could be concluded that a lot of money was spent on their creation. “With gratitude from the king!” Read the inscription on the bronze tablet. They vegetated for a long time in this pitch darkness.

But their dream was over!

***

Putting on the armor of Grubert, he asked Unu to tighten the brigantine from the sides.

– You said that they want to talk to me?

– Right.

– Who?

– Master of the Order of the Children of the Midnight Star and one of the initiates.

– Initiates? Into what?

– Let's just say, after talking with him, your world will not be the same.

– Hmm, we'll see.

They both donned gray hooded capes and left the house.

Of all the abundance of weapons, Una took only a dagger with her.

Common people have already started pouring out into the streets. There were no soldiers in the vicinity, which could neither please.

– Where is your master waiting for us?

– In a place called Arna. North of Anamut.

– Long away?

– Two days' journey.

Tan said indignantly in two. – Out of the question.

– Why?

“I must avenge General Swann and Grubert.

– You still have such an opportunity. But first, you must speak to the master.

– What for?

– Because he will open your eyes! It is important!

***

When they entered, Tan could not even imagine that the old, shabby barn, from the inside, would look pretty passable.

– This is the place, in case of emergency, if there is an urgent need to get out of the city, said Una. She pushed the old chair away from the corner of the shed and began to tear the planks off the floor. When she finished, she reached into the niche that had formed and took out a bag of coins.

– And you are very organized!

– Thank you, my father taught me everything. And suddenly she met his gaze. There was silence. Embarrassed, Una lowered her eyes and continued: – I will go, arrange for the horses and a safe exit from the city, buy provisions and scout out the situation, while you lie down and rest. You will need strength.

Tan didn't mind. Moreover, most likely, a paper with his physiognomy and a sum of remuneration is already hanging on every pillar and house, and the herald is competing in eloquence to make him the last bastard. But instead of a bed, he sat down on a chair, placing it opposite the entrance and placing the scabbard with the sword on his lap. Then he closed his eyes. Una opened the door to get out, but then Atanasius said: – Thank you.

She stopped and looked at him. His eyes were still closed. Smiling, Una left, closing the door behind her and hanging the padlock.

***

He woke up, chilled to the bone. The sun did not break through the cracks between the boards, which meant it was night, Tan thought. Rising from the chair, he caught himself thinking that the pain in his side had practically passed, and he could move without much discomfort. But Una's absence worried him. He wildly wanted to eat, his stomach "rumbled" with displeasure. Tan lit a candle and tried to find food, but to no avail. But I found an excellent whetstone on the shelf. Faced with defeat, he decided to pass the time by sharpening his sword. The sword was glorious, Ancalite steel, a comfortable handle, perfectly balanced, it lay in the hand like a native.

On the street I heard someone talking and laughing. A group of people was approaching the barn. Athanasius abruptly stopped his work and began to listen attentively to what was happening on the street.

– Ahahahahahaha, if she told the truth, ahahahahahaha, I will make him kiss my boots! Said a rough voice.

– No, no, if he is really there, then I will lead him through the streets absolutely naked, ahahahahaha! – said a voice belonging to a young guy.

– Enough, you fools, be more serious – said the third. I doubt that he is sitting locked in a shed, waiting to be captured. She just gave herself some time. But at least we can profit from what is inside. Considering what she had with her, I hope she hid much more here.

“So it seems to be here,” said a gruff voice.

– It seems, answered the third. – Yunas, open the door.

– Yes! the guy said enthusiastically.

Tan, stepped back and hid behind an old canopy hanging on the wall.

A few seconds later three men entered the barn. They were the guards of the city gates. They had characteristic stripes on the right sleeve in the form of two towers. The one that was in charge was without armor at all.

– Which was required to prove, he said. The girl deceived us. Oh, and the boss won't like it. We do not waste time and get to work.

– Heh, a man with a thick beard on his face and a rough voice laughed, who began to rummage on a wooden shelf nailed to the wall. “I think she’ll lose another finger for that, and then Hort will give her to us.” Here I will show her a real man, he said with a laudatory smile.

After these words, his head split in two. Blood and brains splashed in all directions. It collapsed silently, taking the wooden shelf with it. The other two did not even have time to understand what happened. Athanasius trotted across the barn, knocking out the teeth of the young guy along the way with a blow of his hand. In two jumps, he was next to the third. He tried to remove the sword from its scabbard, but the sharp steel severed his hand and dug deeply to the side, cutting the body to the spine. He let out a shrill cry and immediately fell down dead. Tan turned and walked slowly towards the guy who was on all fours. His whole face was covered in blood. The pupils were dilated, and the eyes were chaotically looking for salvation.

– Where's she? growled Tan.

The guy's jaw was broken and his teeth were knocked out. He explained with difficulty that she was being held in custody at the northern gate of the city.

– How many Soldiers are there?

He showed seven fingers. Then he received another blow to the face, from which he lost consciousness. Tan quickly put on a gray hooded cloak and walked out.

***

It was raining outside the window …

– Well, well, well, Hort said affectionately, stroking Unu's head.

Her face was smashed, her clothes were torn and stained with blood. She pressed her hands chained to her chest. On the left, part of the little finger was cut off.

“If you told the truth and my guys bring him here, I promise I won't hurt you anymore. But for cutting one of the guards, I'm afraid I will have to hand you over to the law. However, if you cheated, and he is not there, then I am afraid that this night will seem to you the longest in your life. Here, drink! and he threw a glass of water in Unya's face. “In general, you are very beautiful,” said Hort. Then he thought a little and turned to his guard, who was also in the room and was working on the cut on his leg: – Go out and see that no one comes in, and for one thing, look, why the hell are these mediocrities making so much noise there. He, in turn, obediently got up and hobbled to the door. As the door closed, Hort walked over to the decanter of wine. Without haste, he poured himself a mug, and after draining it in one gulp, he began to unfasten the belt on his pants. “You know, I’ll probably do you a favor. For what you have done, you will be put in prison, and for a long time you will not see a man who can please you. But luckily for you, I'm ready to help you with this, he slowly moved towards her, going behind her. “It’s in your best interest to be good. After these words, he tore her clothes, exposing the delicate skin on her back.

At that moment the door banged.

“Damn it, I told you not to bother me!

But they continued to knock on the door.

– Well, that's it, someone is going to get it right now! Hort said irritatedly as he fastened his belt. As soon as he opened the door, he received a crushing blow to the bridge of his nose, from which he threw his hands up and fell flat on his back. He died even before his body touched the floor.

Una looked up, but the picture floated before her eyes. She saw a silhouette approaching her. Suddenly she felt a wet cloth covering her bare back.

– Here are the bastards, said a familiar voice and Una breathed a sigh of relief. Hold on to my neck, Tan said. After that, exhausted, he lifted her in his arms and carried her to the exit. The bodies of dead soldiers lay everywhere, but she did not notice it. Una only looked at him.

It was raining outside the window …