Читать книгу Elinor. The Deserted Valley. Book 1 - Mikhail Shelkov - Страница 31

First, Fao hurried to Nomesdesoldok (Nome), confident that he would join their conspirators’ society. In a year and a half, Nome was supposed to go to the third small circle, so, in respect to the girls, he was more mature. He had a piercing gaze and unusual greenish hair the shade of spruce needles. Nome was a favorite one among peers, and girls mostly admired him. Bright, enterprising, creative, with a special charm. He, out of all people, was the one who clearly was born in some other place. As expected, Nome immediately agreed to an adventure.

For his age, Nome was successful in the art of shape-shifting. He already knew how to turn into predatory animals. The bears and wolves, of course, were far away, but he could easily turn into a fox or a saber.

Fao was very close with Nome, he was one of her best friends. So close in nature, in spirit, in interest, that Ina was sometimes jealous.

Nome did not ask unnecessary questions and did not even hesitate before such a responsible step. He said, “Yes!” and specified the time when they should gather in the Forbidden Glade.

The time was decided – the highest point of the full moon rising.

After talking with Nome, Fao went to Komos. Komos was a hereditary sorceress. She had no equal in the knowledge of herbs and white magic among peers. It was written in her fate to become the best sorceress of Swa-Ioledea. Only the dreamy Komos wanted more from life, and Fao gave her this chance.

Komos, quiet and slightly timid, was not as straightforward as Nome. However, Fao immediately stated that she was not going to persuade her, and that the time for preparation was short. Although it was clear that parting with Swa-Ioledea would be hard for her, Komos sighed and agreed to join them.

Next was Dockomol-Ildas (Docko-Il), a favorite of the elders. He dreamed of becoming an artisan, and his golden hands mastered everything from spoons to the most beautiful amulets. Only Fao thought that with his activity, he was definitely not suited to the life of the Vedichs. At first, Dockomol-Ildas was frightened by the proposal of Fao. She prepared to leave, but the young artisan unexpectedly changed his decision and with certainty declared that he would come to the Forbidden Glade.

Fao was amazed at how easily her peers agreed to such a responsible and adventurous step.

How could they? To live for so many years without changing one’s way of life, to keep traditions, to invent laws and teachings… and then suddenly one event completely changes the habitual way. It turns out that all our peers, all young, even very young, wish to leave! Each of us honors our ancestors, loves our parents, loves our whole big family, and respects the elders. Perhaps, if it weren’t for these harsh and sometimes stupid laws and constant restrictions, we would not want to leave Swa-Ioledea so zealously.

Fao also spoke with Ainurmo. They had never been particularly good friends, but had one common interest – bears. After the initiation, Ainurmo wanted to become a bear, and altogether admired these animals for their strength and perfection. However, he could not turn into a bear yet. It must be noted that, in general, very few of the young could. To become a bear, a Vedich required character, patience, will, concentration, and experience. Ainurmo was also a year younger than Fao, and was distinguished by an unprecedented absent-mindedness.

Ainurmo immediately refused, and Fao did not insist.

The last on Fao’s list were inseparable friends Laol-Jamal and Molaynur. With them, the conversation turned out to be even shorter when they offered a sharp “No.”

Fao even wished she hadn’t entrusted her secret to so many people.

Oh, someone might tell the adults and cause trouble. Then the Valley will stay unseen forever.

Full of worrying forebodings, Fao hurried to Cane Backwater, to Wey-Leya’s house.