Âåðñèÿ äëÿ ïå÷àòè òåìû
Íàæìèòå ñþäà äëÿ ïðîñìîòðà ýòîé òåìû â îðèãèíàëüíîì ôîðìàòå
Ïðèêë.îðã _ çàáûòûå ïðèêëþ÷åíèÿ _ Mists of Areinor
Àâòîð: Daelinn 14-02-2006, 18:03
Once upon a time in this world, lost in the depth of our memories, a lord was crossing strange lands in search of adventures. He was lucky to find one – there was a quarrel between the town mayors and villagers, which he managed to settle by fair judgement. The people were so happy and grateful that offered this lord the title of a king and all the lands around. And the whole realm lived happily ever after…
Thus the legends say. We won't deny minstrels' words, but we can tell what we know for sure.
In the hot summer of the year 361 in the local reckoning rumours began to spread across the country. The king's subjects blamed their suzerain, even nature seemed to protest, hardly resisting the heat. Farmers waited for the coming autumn in fear, expecting the harvest to be as small as never. But that was usual for those people, hoping for the best and expecting the worst. The strange thing was that King Robert do Rei left Areinor – the capital town where his Rosa residence was situated – together with his closest counsellor, and then returned, followed by a silent group of people, who settled in the Rosa. The king then withdrew from social affairs and was rarely seen at feasts, nothing to say about those petitioners who sought in vain to have an audience with him. And the rumour was that those "lucky" ones who had been eventually admitted to the grand halls of Rosa never returned, or became silent and thoughtful with mad fire burning in their eyes. Those didn't live long either.
The king's guards walked the streets watching merchants in their shops, citizens hurrying at work and children playing in small front gardens. All suspicious people were taken to prison or fined. The tension grew every day, intensified by hot weather and no rainy clouds in sight…
***
Master Group (=DM) - Daelinn, Crystal, don Alesandro.
Robert do Rei - the king 
Klarissa do Rei - king's wife
John do Rei - young prince, aged 15. He grew as a very happy boy. But at the age of 12 awfull fever put him to bed. He was ill for two months. His parents were very frightened, best healers from all the regions couldn't help John. Everybody was sure, that he wouldn't reach his 13th birthday. But he survived thanks to Luana Britt. John had nearly overcome the disease, but it left a trace on his costitution. Healthy, strong boy turned into a weak, ailing creature. He lived in his apartments, rarely leavin them and never - the castle. John spent much time in the library, reading books and talking with an old librarian. - Olorin
His honor, lord Kessertin of Keran - king's counsellor. Medium height, thin, with correct features, light brown hair up to shoulders, and brown eyes. He is usually dressed in modest robe to toe. Lord Keran has a strange ability to go completely silently on any surface. He is extremely polite; no one ever heard lord Keran raise his voice. However it does not prevent him, more likely on the contrary. Unique weakness of his lordship is ornaments, his fingers are covered with rings, in hair he carries a silver hoop, and the twisted gold circuit chain on his breast. - don Alesandro
Luana Britt, usually named Lune - royal healer, aged 27. Lune wanted to be a healer from the very young age. The girl grew into a lovely, tall and slim woman with dark long hair till the waist. She had wonderful and strange brown eyes. When the cruel time came and the son of do Rei fell terribly ill, she helped to the reigning family. The boy escaped from the cold arms of Death. The king was thankful and made Lune his family's healer. - Daelinn
Gitana - circus dancer. Very small and slightly built, she has olive-dark skin and brown gazelle eyes. She is over twenty, but looks more like a child. Her long painted skirt flutters when she is walking barefooted and with her hair let down. - Ri
Litar - young hunter, who provides king's kitchen with meat. He's about eighteen years old, with bronze skin, long brown hairs and attentive blue eyes. Rather tall, he mooves very quiet, so hunter's success never leave him. Leather clothes is most preferable to him. Litar lost his parents when he was a child, so he is closed in himself and very independent. - Crystal
Seril - a lady with good looks, dark hair and attentive eyes, which sometimes make people shiver. She is rather pleasant when you come to know her better, but enemies say she's a witch and dangerous to deal with. These allegations have made her cautious and reserved, never talking much to strangers, leading quiet life in the outskirts of the town. There she spins wool, gathers herbs, makes mixtures and sings softly in the evenings. Dressed in a woollen gown, Seril is usually seen in the streets at dusk and at dawn, often carrying a small bag or two. That has been her habit since she came to live here. Some say, her parents have sent her away, others keep telling tales about her family in whisper. - Daelinn
Almir Veon – a very mysterious incidental character. Has black cloak, large hat, enchanting voice and peculiar accent. The cloak hides dark robes with a silvery sign at the chest. The elderly age is also well hidden under the hood. – Daelinn
Edwin Clanter - antiques merchant, aged about 30. He is quite tall (185 cm), has short brown hair. No beard or moustache. His eyes are green. He usually wears plain clothes of dark colours. He is always polite and greetful. Nevertheless, his real thoughts and emotions are always hidden. He started his "career" when he was fifteen years old as an assistant in a bookshop. Now his company is one of the most respectable and successful. - Olorin
Eugene Greenstone - mercenary. A young man of over-than-middle height, wearing classical mercenary garb. A simple helmet without a visor, many times cut and repaired suit of chain mail, a shield of oval shape, hanging on the back, a sword in a worn scabbard. Neither really well off nor obviously run down – one of many men-at-arms, traveling from state to state in search of fame and fortune. - Parkan
Ganlen of Areinor - former courtier, 40 years old, though looks much younger because cares after himself. But long night discussions with plentiful libation made him little fatty. Has dark waved hair to shoulders. His garments are crimson with gold insets. Lost his position of minister of finance 3 years ago with help of king’s councilor. Lives near castle gates in mansion with servants. - Korei
Diego de Quarta - merchant, aged 34. Nothing special in outlook. Calm face with smooth patterns, wrinkled, bears few scars – as a reminder of quite stormy childhood. In clothes he prefers to stick to the fashion, though h’s not used to spend too much money on that. Character: Tricky and sneaky bastard from one side; harsh and hard as a brick from another. A real man who fought for every sinlge coin in his wallet. An ex-paesant, Diego knows the bitter taste of life. He knows the price of true friendship and never (nearly never) betrays his friends. - NecroPehota
Other inhabitants of the capital town Areinor, villagers, travellers - send PM if you want to join.
Please post your quentas and suggestions in the discussion topic.
Discussion here.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 19-02-2006, 8:24
In the night sky the full moon shined with changeable light famous city Areinor, peacefully sleeping in summer night of 361.
The black carriage without the arms, has left the Western gate of Areinor and was rushed on night road to the nearest forest. În a coach box of a carriage sat the driver, covered in a dark raincoat, he unmercifully hurrying up horses. After some minutes the carriage has driven in a wood. It seemed very strange, the carriage which should lift a heap of a dust and noise, was practically silently moved on a forest road. At last, the carriage has stopped on a small forest glade, the door of the carriage has opened, and the person in a simple violet robe to toe, has got out from carriage. A rich belt with massive buckle flashed in a moonlight.
"Please, wait for me here," the passenger of the carriage silently spoke.
"Yesss," driver nodded in the answer and leaned back on a coach box.
The person in violet robe, has turned a back to the carriage and has moved in a forest …
Àâòîð: Crystal 21-02-2006, 11:33
Today Litar stayed in the forest for much longer than in usual. Strangly, but all day long he could not find any traces of animals. So, in attempt to find some wild fowls or, perhaps, a deer, he walked deep in the forest. At last, good luck shines on Litar, so evening finded him going home with a couple of black grouses in his bag – young hunter was in need to march a long way by foot. When nigt fell on the trees and the moon arisen in the sky lot of frightening shadows filled the forest. Tree leaves wispered somethind on the light wind and sometimes it was possible to hear screames of night animal hunters or their preys.
Weariness and hunger have started to talk about themselves whith loud voices, so Litar started to think about a halt. To put a fire, to eat and to rest for some times – it seemed be very nice. Perhaps, to stay for the night… But, no – it woul be better to continue his way back home. He didn’t plan to delay here for so long.
With such thoughts Litar walked slowly, looking for a place to stay, when some strange noise in a distanse ahead has atracted his attention. It seemed that someone was speaking. But who might it be here, in the night forest? Mooving quietly and carefuly, Litar has been passing forward.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 24-02-2006, 18:27
A lady was walking down the path leading from the woods to a lonely house near the town wall. Her brown gown made her almost invisible among the evening shadows. The young woman, known as Seril, lived in the outskirts of Areinor, because people's prejudices and superstitions wouldn't let her lead a quiet life within the walls, in the city itself. Seril didn't mind. Her old house, painted dark-green, was quite small, but there was enough space for its only inhabitant. Sometimes people came to her asking for treatment, yet they rarely stayed for more than two days. Bad rumours spread over Areinor kept men and women in fear, and children made bets on "who dares come closest to the witch's lair".
The woman was actually strange and could frighten anybody with an acute look of her dark eyes, chestnut hair fluttering in the wind. Fortunately, there was not a soul on the road and nothing disturbed the silence except the sound of the long gown rustling softly around her ankles. Thus she was almost run over by a coach that appeared suddenly before her eyes and passed her noiselessly. Seril startled, turned around clutching woollen skirts in hands and watched as the equipage disappeared in the distance. Then she continued her walk with dark thoughts brooding in her mind.
Once at home, Seril unpacked a small case, took out three candles with sweet aroma and lit them. Then drank half-glass of cold water and sat at the spinning-wheel, humming a sad tune.
Àâòîð: Lustration 26-02-2006, 14:07
Lune left the castle as she always did in the evening. But tonight it was because of something special...
Every evening the city waited for her. The brilliant healer. The kind person. And all poor people and peasants gathered in one of the small squares of Areinor to get a piece of kindness and medicins. It was something like ritual - crowds of people stepped away when a young beautiful woman with shining eyes was walking to the very centre of their meeting.
Not today, - told Lune to herself. Young prince needed some more drugs which the woman hadn't got. And there was the only way she could get them in a short period of time. A lady called Seril gathered herbs every day...
"I hope she has the one I need. A rare, precious herb - su'uhr, which helps the sick to become stronger and strenthen their immune system." Lune gave the boy this herb and it really helped but the precious plant was over. The woman tried not to think about the circumstances. She was slowly walking to the suburbs, hoping and praying.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 26-02-2006, 15:06
A big black cloud covered the moon. And darkness fell upon the wood near the famous city of Areinor.
From the side it could seem that someone had kindled a fire in a wood. But the light which made its way through the trees was not warm. On the contrary, it seemed to spread cold.
If someone were near to that glade, a very interesting show would open to his eyes between the trees.
In the center of the glade there was a royal councilor, well-known lord Kessertin of Keran, and before him was a whirlwind of blue flame casting that cold light, and from this whirl a sibilant voice was speaking.
"What news, Kessertin?" Real frost was in that voice.
"All goes according to my plan."
"To our plan!"
"Certainly."
"What about…" The whirlwind trembled.
"Everything is all right. Soon, very soon we shall reach our goal."
"Hurry up! Dance of stars has already begun! We feel how starts..." Once again the rest of the phrase was swallowed up by the trembling of the whirlwind.
"I remember… I feel it too…"
"Don't waste your time! These games with the king and his offspring can frustrate our plans!"
"Help, rather! His Majesty has already shown huge loyalty to our… plans and even helped us to take hold of the key…"
"The main aim is to get…" a strange noise was heard from the whirlwind, "...from the treasury!"
"Do not worry… I remember it… There is time for everything… The stars should assume the necessary position and then we shall find it…"
Suddenly, lord Keran turned his head and peered closely into the wood surrounding him…
Àâòîð: Crystal 28-02-2006, 11:22
Not a rustle made Litar on his silent way. With a mess of fear and curiosity he looked on a cold light wich was twinkled between trees. What might it be? May be restless souls are there? Or evil magic of some kind?
Young hunter covered with shivers from such thoughts, but he did not stop or turn back. Soon a strange view opened to his eyes: a figure af a man standing befor magic whirl.
"Don't waste your time! These games with the king and his offspring can frustrate our plans!"
"Help, rather! His Majesty has already shown huge loyalty to our… plans and even helped us to take hold of the key…" – was speaking a man who’s voice seemed familiar to Litar.
What are they talking about?? What plans?
Youth could not understand what was happening, but it was clear that by a chance he became a witness of some ominous conspiracy. And he heard every word of this strange dialog.
Suddenly, man on the glade turned his head, staring, seemed to be, right on Litar. It was not possible to trace that someone hiding among the trees and it could be just a fortuity, but Litar scared. On a man, talking to the whirl, he recognized lord Keran, king’s councilor. It was too much for a simple hunter, so, trying to be quiet as possible, Litar ran.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 1-03-2006, 19:44
I had heard the stories
Her legend served her well
A mystics myth and fable
Truth or fairytale...
© Blackmore's night
The wheel was turning round, spinning a thin thread. She couldn't go to sleep - something was troubling her mind. Yet she had got accustomed to this feeling which first appeared about a month ago. Seril saw strange things, just like this carriage moving silently towards the forest. Most rumours were somewhat connected with lord Kessertin, who payed more and more attention to ordinary citizens. Or perhaps it was just people's imagination?
A slight knock at the door distracted her from such unhappy thoughts. Seril rose and thrust the door open - dark eyes of a young lady, appearing a bit worried, looked at the woman. Seril recognized the royal healer.
"What has brought you here in the dark night?" the woman asked.
Àâòîð: Lustration 4-03-2006, 20:24
Lune couldn't help trembling - not because of cold night, but because of Seril's intent look.
"Good evening" answered the woman, trying not to worry. "I am the king's healer, Luana Britt. I've come for help". Lune expected the woman lo let her into the house, but Seril wasn't hurring to do that. Lune continued. "As you probably know, the king's son, John do Rei, is very ill. And my medicine is over. I've come here in hope, that you have a herb, called su'uhr. i've heard so much about you and decided that maybe..."
Lune stopped speaking and the phrase was left unended. The woman felt clearly that something terrible was going to happen. But what?..
Àâòîð: Daelinn 6-03-2006, 15:50
Upon hearing Luana's words, Seril clutched the woman's wrist and pulled her into the room. Then she closed the wooden door smoothly and slid the latch* so that no one else could disturb them. Seril invited the lady to sit down at the table with a quick gesture and retreated to the next room in search for the plant required. "What tales did she hear, I wonder.." About a minute later she returned carrying a bag of fine fabric. The rustle of her gown broke the dead silence. The woman seated herself on the bed in front of Luana and laid the bag on her knees.
"You know, there are some kinds of medicine that are almost prohibited. Not long ago the king issued the corresponding edict as he considered them dangerous. Right he was. In his own way," Seril said quietly. She untied the bag and passed it to the healer.
"This," she pointed to the unremarkable dried dark-green leaves, "is all that is left. I would gladly give it to you for a reasonable price, but when it's over, you will have to look for a different source. I don't intent to go gathering su'uhr, at least for a while. Too many outsiders come here nowadays, and I believe they are just spies, evesdropping and informing the Rosa against me** so that I were condemned. You ought to be silent about our deal, you understand?"
* çàäâèíóëà ùåêîëäó
** è äîíîñÿùèå íà ìåíÿ â Rosa
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 12-03-2006, 21:59
Lord Keran turned round his head. And made some steps to the suspicion bush.
“What happened, Kessertin?” asked the voice from the blue whirl.
“I am not actually sure… but there is good reason to believe that someone has been here…”
“What!!! How! You said that…”
“I remember what I said…but the fact is the fact… someone was here… I feel it in air.”
“CHECK IT!!! We can’t risk!”
Keran lifted his hands and started whispering strange words:
“Amin-na-draah-veergla-daminar”
Air near fingers of lord Keran started shining. Flash! And three small spheres* appeared in the air.
“Go, and check the forest, search any sentient being in a radius of 300 feet. And report to me! Quick!” Lord Keran clapped one’s hands.
Spheres trembled and flew away.
“Well done!”
“Thank you. I must go. See you again soon!” lord Keran waved and whirl was scattered in the air.
* - Lord Keran summoned spirits of the forest.
Àâòîð: Crystal 14-03-2006, 10:09
In cooperation with Daelinn:
Litar ran quietly through the forest, trying not to make any noises. Once or twice he looked back, and suddenly saw a faint glimmer. Before he knew what he was doing, he stopped. One of the shining spheres caught his trace and was swiftly approaching. The young hunter could think of nothing else but the blue swirl and paralyzing fear. Magic was a thing he could not understend and it always frightened him. With a great effort youth made his legs move. Stumbling, Litar turned and ran away in a desperate attempt to escape the sorcery. The sphere was following the man, but suddenly froze in the air, glowed brighter, and then dissolved in the shadows.
Glancing behind once again Litar found, that his magical chaser was gone. Young hunter didn't know what it was, but from that moment he was sure that he was in a grave danger. No doubt - lord Keran would find who spied on him. And surely, the king's counsellor would destroy anyone who could disturb his plans...
Litar did not remember how he found his way home. With messed feelings he waited for the dawn - it was not possible to sleep right now. What would happen to him in the morning, what could he do? Who might help him? And what about the king? Counsellor mentioned something horrible about the king... There were so many questions and not an answer at all...
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 17-03-2006, 22:47
"That will be quite all right", thought Edwin looking through a business letter which he got today. It was about nine o'clockand it was time to leave the shop for home. Actually it wasn't very far, just upstairs. He lived at the first floor and the shop was at the base floor. Clanter's assistant has already left, so he locked the door and closed windows himself. Even though it was very dark, he easily found a candle, lit it and went out of the shop. There were three more rooms on the base floor used for company needs. Four rooms upstairs were Edwin's private territory. He locked another door which allowed to get to the house without passing the shop. Edwin wasn't afraid of thiefs because he didn't have much money at home and most valuable part of his goods wash't here. Nevertheless, he had a small crossbow and a snort sword. He learned how to use them during his long trips all over the country in his past...
At last, Edwin came to room, which he used as a study. He didn't want to sleep and had nothing to do. So he took a letter from his pocket, reread it and started writing a reply.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 18-03-2006, 11:21
In the Rosa
"Oh, how cold it is here. Where have they all disappeared?" a woman was mumbling to herself, going down the stairs of the North-Western wing of Rosa. "Luana! Where are you?!" White nightgown made her look like a ghost. Her pale and worried face was however beautiful, the lady was in her thirties and moved quickly, but one could feel some weariness in her bearing*. She stepped into a wide passage, half-lit with the light of torches, reached the second door to the right and knocked furiously. Nobody answered. "Where else?" The woman stood deeply absorbed in thought for a while, and then returned to the staircase. She hurried back to her room on the upper floor.
As she closed the door behind, the only candle at the bedside flickered and went out. The lady moved in the darkness – only pale moonlight streamed through the loosely drawn curtains**. It was hot and stuffy in the afternoon, but cold at night. She shivered and called out:
"My king, John is very ill, and the healer is not here, I can't find her."
The man, seeming older than he actually was, lifted his head with a grunt of discontent.
"Klarissa, I'm sure she is away to get help, as usual. Do not worry, darling."
"I've asked Dala to stay with him till Lune is found," Klarissa sat down and stared at the window, crumpling a handkerchief in the trembling hand. She remained motionless for several minutes, keeping silence. It was useless to ask him to send people after Luana, she would certainly return when she wanted to, but the Queen could not put up with the thought that so much depended on that young lady, strong and yet vulnerable. Robert was falling asleep again, tired of those troubles.
* îñàíêà
** íåïëîòíî çàäåðíóòûå çàíàâåñêè.
Àâòîð: Lustration 2-04-2006, 11:04
Lune thanked Seril for her help. The young woman wanted to stay for a while and have a bit of talk to rise the curtain of mystery surrounding Seril, but something hurried her – the feeling that something’s coming over…
Luana left the house and stepped into the darkness of the reigning night. The royal healer thought that she heard some strange sounds on her way to the Woods Gate and tried to walk faster, breathing heavily. She wanted to run as the shadows, living their own, ghostly lives, tried to catch her, stretched their arms…
Finally, the Wall appeared in front of Lune. The woman sighed and entered the town of Areinor. She hurried to the Rosa and decided to go through the front gate.
‘Who’s coming?’ asked the guardian.
‘It’s me, Robert. It’s Lune’ she tiredly smiled.
‘Oh, my lady! Her majesty is looking for you!’ Robert seemed to be worried.
‘I’m coming…’
Lune ran through the reception halls to the Prince’s Room. On her way she got out the medicine to be prepared for the worst. She opened the door smoothly and entered the room.
‘I’m here. Don’t woory…’
Àâòîð: Daelinn 5-04-2006, 16:53
Outside the town wall
Seril got what she wanted – a few silver coins and relatively more security in exchange for those dried leaves. She would even talk to Luana a little longer, but the healer hurried to leave the house and return to the palace. She was right, perhaps. It would be better if the visit remained secret and unnoticed by anyone.
Seril locked the door and put out the light. Pale moon was shining though the window. Changing her clothes for a nightgown, the woman tried to calm down a curious presentiment. In vain. A new interest to the royal family arose in her mind. As her head touched the pillow, an awful vision flashed before her eyes. It might have been just imagination, though...
In the Rosa
Prince John's room looked like something between a hospital ward* and a library. A maid, Dala, was sitting by the bed – she rose quickly, approaching Lune and whispering to her ear what had happened to the Prince. The healer sent Dala away to reassure his parents that he would be alright. Meanwhile, Luana prepared a fusion from su'uhr and made John drink it. Within several hours his weakness would pass and the lady would be able to return to her room and have a rest after this night, full of worries.
* ïàëàòà
Morning
Somewhere in the city
First rays of sunlight fell on the town walls and ran across the silent streets. The citizens were just waking up and blinking at the new day before getting down to work. One man, however, constituted an exception. He crossed the streets, sticking to the darker side, walking rather slowly and watching everything around him. His steps were light and sure, he obviously knew what his aim was. The man eventually stopped at the antiques shop door – the one that, as he knew, led to the owner's private rooms – and reached for the bell.
Just as Edwin rose to his feet wondering who might be ringing the bell in the early morning, a few blocks away a red-haired boy of twelve knocked at the door of Litar's house. As he received no immediate reply, he knocked louder and shouted.
"Hey, wake up, they want you at the palace, have you got anything for today's dinner?"
Then he applied his ear to the door, trying to distinguish some sound of feet hurrying to open it. The scullion*, named Ron, hoped to find Litar at home, because if the hunter was away, Ron would have to go looking for him all over the city. The boy was actually loath** to do it, but the order was quite precise - "Fetch me Litar".
* ïîâàð¸íîê
** íåæåëàþùèé
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 8-04-2006, 23:26
//In cooperation with Daelinn.
The sun was rising and its rays filled Edwin's bedroom with wonderful light which could be seen only in summer during the time of daybreak. Actually Clanter never noticed this sight because usually he didn't forget to close the shutters. Also the last time when he got up so early was some years ago. Now he could allow himself to stay in bed a bit longer. "I'm getting older", he thought. "In former times I used to pay no attention to solar light if I had a chance to sleep. But..." Suddenly he understood that the door bell was ringing downstairs and this very noise caused him to wake up. It was a bell of the "private" door. "Very strange. Who is it? And what the hell is he doing here in this time? And the time is very unsuitable for visitors". Nevertheless, he made himself stand up and dress. It took him about a minute. He had many clients from high society and didn't want to lose them. So he went downstairs cursing everything in the wolrd and opened the door. There was a middle-aged man in a cloak and a hat with wide brims. His clothes were covered with dust and looked as if he had a long journey.
"Good morning", said the stranger. His voice wasn't very loud, but it was deep and the sound of it was nearly charming. Edwin noticed that he had peculiar accent.
"Hello!" answered Clanter. "Come in, please. How can I help you?"
"Thanks. Sorry for waking you up, but I'm leaving the city today and would like to strike the deal before the departure" the man said making his way to one of the merchant's rooms. There he sat in an arm-chair and crossed his legs. "My name is Almir Veon, and could I have yours?"
"Edwin Clanter at your service", merchant sat in other armchair.
"Well, Mr. Clanter," the man smiled, "I've got something to offer you. As a matter of fact, I ought to have kept those things to myself, but you see, now I need cash urgently..."
Almir took a bundle out of some inner pocket of his cloak and untied it. Edwin saw a richly carved casket of ivory, looking mysterious in the light of the rising sun. There was also a mahogany wand, with numerous notches on its once smooth surface.
"I would ask as much as 40 sterlings for all that."
Edwin was surprised. First of all, it was strange that a man who even didn't know his name came to offer such a deal. The things looked wonderful and Clanter was sure that he would easily find a buyer, but... The price which was extremely low and the strange seller made him prick up his ears. He hesitated. Nevertheless, he seemed to be confident and busy as usual.
"May I have a look?" he took the casket and tried to open it, but he couldn't. "What's the matter?"
"Ehm... I must confess, I do not know either," Almir lowered his gaze. "It was a sort of a present and I never made out where the secret key was and how it opened. If it ever really did. I guess it's just a lovely piece of no particular practucal use."
"And what do you want me to do? I don't buy different stuff for fun. I usually resell it in order to get some profit. I'm not sure that anybody will be interested in it... But let me think." Edwin tried to imagine a man who is rich enough and who is interested in mysteries.
"I'm sure, there are rich people in your city who would pay for it twice this price. I offer the casket alone for thirty coins. And the wand is quite alright, just worn with time..."
"Well," Edwin said after a short pause, "I think I'll buy it." He managed to count approximate profit and thought that it was worth taking the risk and getting up early. "I'm sorry for my question, but still... Are there any guaranties that these artifacts are not stolen and that they won't cause any serious troubles for me and for my business?"
"Serious troubles? Oh, no!" The early guest levelled his eyes and looked past the merchant at the trees behind the house. "I don't think they are of such a great importance, and they are not stolen, I assure you," Veon's soft voice sounded convincing.
The stranger could convince. Or Edwin wanted to be convinced? In any case, he decided to strike a deal.
"All right," he said. "I'll buy both things. But I'd like you to write a receipt".
Almir nodded and found a sheet of paper on Edwin's desk. He wrote several lines in ink on it and largely signed.
"Here you are."
"Thank you", Edwin gave him money and took the things.
The stranger gathered the forty silver coins and put into a small leather bag, which instantly disappeared in the folds of his cloak.
"I must go now," he said rising to his feet.
When the guest left Edwin went to a room which combined kitchen and dining room. Having breakfast he was thinking about the deal. It was quite good, but something still seemed strange. His thoughts were interrupted by the door bell. It was his assistant and his coming meant that it was time to start trading. Clanter decided to think about the stranger later.
Àâòîð: Crystal 25-04-2006, 11:57
Loud sound of knoking at the door teared Litar out of his drowsiness – man didn’t notice how he fell asleep.
"Hey, wake up, they want you at the palace, have you got anything for today's dinner?" – Litar recognized the voice of Ron. Suddenly hunter remembered what had happened in the forest this night and clows of fear clenched his heart. As he was already dressed (he fell asleep right in clothes), Litar opened the door so sudden that the scullion almost fell in the room.
“Hi, Ron, why are you so screaming? They can hear you right on the other side of a town.” – Hunter took his bag and stretched it out to the boy. “Here, take it. I shot it down this night. Take it to the kitchen and leave me be – I’m very tired”. Hoping that he had time to think what to do, Litar tried to shut the door, but the scullion did not let him.
Àâòîð: Êûñü 3-05-2006, 8:45
All was wrong. The weather was wrong, the people were wrong, even the rumours were wrong! All was going worse and worse that year and completely without a reason. That was told to Gitana by circus director - a small round old man with his face gone red. Vigo, their strong man was taken into prison by a few guards and the director was mad from knowing not the reason of it. To be honest, all troup members was either mad or depressed. Gitana was either mad and depressed. She knew fo sure - Vigo could not do anything wrong, he simply could not. He was extremely kind, that Hercules, and even shy a bit. But now he was inprisoned. She must go to the King. And ask him about her friend. For many years there was rumors all over the country about his honesty and righteousness... Once upon a time. And it coud not be changed in one year too. She will go and find the truth - right now.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 18-05-2006, 9:02
Antiquary
Almir stepped down the threshold of Edwin's house and paused for a moment, smiling to himself. His worn cloak was hiding dark robes of fine wool embroidered with a silvery sign – some letter from an unfamiliar alphabet. But hardly anybody ever noticed that – Veon was careful enough to keep secret his origin while he was here. One more visit – and he would be able to leave for the country, his business in Areinor being over. Almir chuckled, glanced at the rising sun and hurried away. The few sleepy people he met in the streets paid little attention to the stranger.
Litar's house
"Ouch!" Ron almost headed for the floor when the door flung open and Litar finally appeared before him.
While the scullion was gathering again his thoughts, the hunter handed him a bag actually telling him to take it and get away. For one thing, that was what Ron had been send for. There was, however, another part of the errand. So the boy stepped on the threshold, keeping the door from closing by his foot. He had something else to say to the hunter, stressed out as the latter was after the night.
"Thanks... eh..." the words were hard to put together. "Hey, wait! You can't really just get off like that," Ron continued with a sort of apologetic expression on his childish face.
"The chef asked you to come as quick as you can. There gonna be some grand feast or reception or dinner or something, so he... eh... I can't return without you," Ron stuck hands in the pockets of his pale-blue trousers and looked challengingly at Litar. Well, what else was left to him? He needed that job badly. The fear to get fired gave Ron unusual courage - he would drag the hunter out of his house, dammit. He must.
Before the palace
The long-expected sunrise eventually broke, and the sleepy guardians by the Rosa's front gates were rubbing their eyes anticipating the shift. The night hours were as usual unremarkable, except for Lune's venture to the city. The affairs of Rosa's inhabitants, however, were none of their business. The task was to stop and examine and (if necessary) arrest impertinent strangers desiring to peep inside. In exceptional cases - to let the guests pass and escort them through the labyrinth of the corridors. Two guards were blinking at the dawn, two more of their companions sleeping peacefully a dozen of feet away. It was high time they woke up.
Àâòîð: Crystal 18-05-2006, 10:06
"The chef asked you to come as quick as you can. There gonna be some grand feast or reception or dinner or something, so he... eh... I can't return without you"
Litar's face gone slightly pale while Ron was speaking. Young hunter understood well enough what was going on. The concilor, not a grand feast, is the main cause of that urgent summons. But, from the other hand - they could send guards after him, not a boy...
Trying to find a right path out of this, Litar glanced at the scullion and said with some anger in voice: "Go, go. I need to finish some work. After that I'll go there. Promise you, that I won't be too late"
Àâòîð: Daelinn 24-05-2006, 10:53
Litar’s house
Ron stepped back in hesitation, then made two steps aside and leaned against the wall. Litar looked scared and angry at the same time. The scullion wondered why he should be so afraid to appear at the royal kitchen, unless the hunter had done something... Well, that was none of Ron's business.
"I'll wait here," he said wearily, sliding down the wall and placing the bag on his knees. He would just sit here until Litar is ready. The chef rarely accepted any excuses for not fulfilling his orders.
Outside the town wall
Seril slept badly this night. The vision which flashed before her eyes the previous evening returned later. A chain of signs, which could be interpreted in many different ways – but none of them was optimistic. After a light breakfast, the woman went for her usual stroll in the woods, this time half listening to morning birdsongs and hardly looking around. Perhaps, she will have to keep away from the city as much as possible – Seril had no intention whatever to get mixed up in another of those dirty affairs, which was obviously brewing in Areinor.
Before the palace
Leir rose quickly to his feet when he noticed a solitary figure approaching the front gates. The guard glanced at his companions, nodding at the early guest. The man in a weather-worn cloak came up to the guards, who stepped forth blocking the entrance.
"Who are you," Leir demanded, "and what business has brought you here?"
The stranger raised his hat a bit and looked straight into Leir’s eyes.
"My name is Almir Veon," he replied in a hushed voice. "I've got no intention to enter Rosa, nor talk to anyone in there. I would only ask you to hand this over to His Honor Lord Kessertin."
Almir slid his hand under the cloak, letting the silvery sign on the robes underneath glitter in the rays of the rising sun, and produced a sealed scroll tied with a black ribbon. The mark on the seal resembled the one on his robes.
"You shall report to the Councilor about my visit and hand in the message," Veon's tone was now authoritative.
"Of course, Sir," Leir hurried to take the scroll and bowed. When he looked up again, the strange visitor was already gone. He only noticed the flap of his cloak before it disappeared behind one of the buildings surrounding the central square. The guard muttered something and rushed inside to the south-eastern wing of the palace, where Lord Kessertin of Keran resided.
Àâòîð: Crystal 3-07-2006, 10:42
In the palace.
Though he looked just as usual, that morning lord Kessertin was very excited. The moment of fate was coming soon. Everything was prepared and not a mistake should be with this. Silently walking on the coridors, the concilor came at the palace’s kitchen and watched the chief-cook’s work. Today’s dinner for the king needed some SPECIAL spices. And the chief-cook was going to make all the dishes right. Lord Keran thought, that he must see the process with his own eyes.
Litar’s house.
Sighed, Litar walked through his room, trying to find out the right way. Without doubt this summons in the palace was a trap. But why they didn’t send guards after him – he did not understand. Well, anyway – he stayed free, so…
After a few minutes the scullion saw Litar, coming out the door.
- Hey, why do you seet hear? – the hunter pretended angry. – I said to you to go forward.
But next Litar waved with his hand:
- Oh, gods with you, let’s go together.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 18-07-2006, 19:00
In the palace
The chef started when he saw His Honor's at the kitchen's threshold. Clim remembered his instructions quite well – he did receive his salary for something, after all, and he always did that perfectly. His sophisticated dishes were tasty, spices – ideally combined, and the King praised the chef-cook above all others. Lord Keran did, too, but in his own way.
"I've already created the recipe you asked for, my lord," Clim said, tearing his attention away from busy and fussing cooks and scullions, bowing his head to Kessertin. "Pity, we are left with little meat, but I'm now summoning our hunters to help with this. Knowing their zeal, we expect to get everything ready just in time."
"Hope you do," Keran was examining one of his sparkling rings, then went on to study the chef-cook's face. "This dinner must be exceptional. You know the reward."
Clim began nodding quickly, mumbling something about His Honor's goodness and generosity. Lord Keran pierced him with the gaze of his brown eyes and walked away, through the long narrow corridors of Rosa's south-eastern wing.
Litar's house
Ron jumped at the sound of the opening door. Goodness gracious, this guy was coming with him, after all. The scullion replied nothing to Litar's demand, but the expression on the red-haired boy's face showed much relief. Ron flung the bag at his back and followed the hunter, who knew the road to the Rosa himself for sure. About halfway to their destination point, Ron failed to keep his mouth shut and started gossiping about what was going on inside the palace.
"You know, since the very morning everybody seems to be hurrying here and there as if an alarm has gone off," the scullion whispered and then added in a hushed voice, "His Majesty is said to have demanded a grand feast, but there is not enough meat and all that. I think..."
Ron never finished his thought and cut himself short, remembering the cook's strange look when the latter burst into the kitchen that same morning.
Outside the town wall
The woods to the east of Areinor were most frequented by hunters or people with deep understanding of the ways of the nature, wishing peace and quiet for meditation. Those usually went there at noon and left long before the sun approached the horizon. Even in former days the forest on this side was never safe for a solitary wayfarer, nothing to say of the present uneasy times. There were lots of small parks in the city itself to entertain general public and keep it away from the wild.
Seril was of the kind of people, however, who dared go to great lengths in order to get what they wanted. She was unafraid of the things she understood (or seemed to), and the nature was familiar to her. But the last night's ride of the councillor's coach awoke fear that had been creeping up steadily on her soul. Soft whisper of leaves intertwined with the rustle of the woman's brown gown, twigs crackled under her feet as she followed an old overgrown path. Before a small clearing Seril stopped, quivering, although even the tree shadows this summer failed to protect against the heat. Too bad. The woman glanced around, noting nothing strange, picked some blades of grass, and then walked away. A stream was winding through the forest, transforming into a small pond half a mile down from that place. There she sat, twisting the weeds, twining sort of a wreath. Once ready, it was placed on the water surface, and enchanting formulas came to life.
Àâòîð: Crystal 6-09-2006, 7:59
Going towards the castle, Litar had tried to gather his thoughts. It was uneasy, but it was vital. Listening scullion's gossip with half an ear, hunter wandered what will he do, when the Keran's guards will grab him.
It was not long distance to the Rosa's walls when Litar saw Gitana almost running in the same way as he was fallowing. She looked rather excited and somehow upset.
- Hello? - Litar called for circus dancer and smiled with some effort. - Something has happened? You look like circus is burning.
The girl had stoped and turned to hunter and his young companion.
- Burning? - she exclaimed. - Things are almost as worse as it. They arrested Vigo! He could not do anything wrong, but he is in prison now. It is a mistake! I need to tell them, that they had made a terrible mistake!
Words were flowing like a stream out of Gitana's mouth and it seemed, that she was becoming angry. But her words had terrified Litar when he realised, that maiden was going to palace with such claims. She probably did not understand what was happening in kingdom.
- Wait! You can not go there now. - Litar had tried to convince dancer. - Don't you know that you would not help Vigo, but they will take you to?
Àâòîð: Lustration 8-09-2006, 20:13
Young woman could hardly open her eyes - so sweet it was, lying in the warm bed without thinking about the troubles of the real world. What is a dream? Lune thought that dreams are the only way to open the gates between different worlds. That's why a dream is a kind of magic.
But Luana woke up and had to get up. Her duties couldn't wait. Trying to dress as fast as she could, the healer thought of last night - full of worries and strange visions. Then her mind lit from the darkness the thought of prince John.
'He must be alright now' Lune told to herself. The fusion was powerful, but the recources were almost over. The woman needed to find a new source. But she couldn't gather su'uhr herself - it was too far from Areinor. And the situation in the city turned misty. It was not quite a good time for leaving.
Luana forced herself to forget about it for some time. 'I need some rest.' And the healer stepped from the coziness of her apartment to the long corridors of Rosa. She moved towards the kitchen. 'And some food too...'
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 10-09-2006, 18:31
When the stranger left Edwin started his usual work. The day was not very successful, actually, there were no more vistors so he released his assistant in the middle of the day. Then he decided to have dinner and think about that stranger and their deal. But he didn't manage to complete this plan. A ring of the door-bell which he heard soon after the departure of his aid ment that someone wanted to talk to him. His visitor was lord Kessertin, king's counsellor. Edwin invited him to come in and asked what brought His Lordship to his shop.
Kessertin sat down to the armchair and asked.
"I've heard that you take a new ancient knick-knacks", lord Keran smiled. "Could show me something?"
"You see, sir, I have a lot of different stuff... Do you have any definite preferencies?"
"Have you got any caskets? For letters or for jewelers, it doesn't matter - prolonged counselor - As you maybe know, I am sort of collector… a knick-knack-hunter."
Kessertin glanced to the shelves.
(And Îëîðèí)
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 10-09-2006, 18:34
"He needs a casket... It's a good chance to get rid of that thing's which I bought some hours ago..." Edwin was sure that he had to use this chance. So he took that casket from the shelf opened it, and gave it to cancellour.
"Look. What do think about it?"
"Very interesting! - Kessertin took the casket - It seems old, very old… do you know what these symbols mean?"
Edwin shrugged his shoulders.
"Didn't have the chance to find out."
Lord stood up. His eyes were shining.
"I am glad that I found some minutes for visiting you… I buy this casket. How much?"
"Mmm... 200 sterlings, is it okay?" This price was a bit higher than a real cost, but Edwin hoped, that lord Kessertin would agree.
"The price is acceptable… - Keran doesn't let go casket - Now I've got only 125, until the sunset I've send somebody to you"
Lord unties his pocket and throws about it to the vendor.
"Thank you… and have a nice day!"
"Good bye, sir."
When the councellour left Edwin smiled, put the money into his pocket and went to his dining-room in order to have a snack.
(And äîí Àëåñàíäðî)
Àâòîð: Parkan 28-09-2006, 15:17
The full Moon made its way slowly across the night sky. The nocturnal luminary imparted everything touched by its radiance an eerie aura, both attractive and frightening. Wolves’ sun, some say… Unfortunately, sometimes legends hold the truth – way more, than one would like.
… A lone figure was striding steadily across the moonlit fields. An outside observer would have said that the night traveler was obviously a man, of over-than-middle height, wearing classical mercenary garb. A simple helmet without a visor, many times cut and repaired suit of chain mail, a shield of oval shape, hanging on the back, a sword in a worn scabbard. Neither really well off nor obviously run down – one of many men-at-arms, traveling from state to state in search of fame and fortune. An attentive and knowledgeable observer would also notice that the mercenary was young, not quite successful at the moment and seriously worried right now. But where would such an observer emerge from late in the night in the middle of sunburnt field a few hours on foot from the city?
It seemed as if the Moon was winking archly at Eugene Greenstone, stirring blood in his veins. Sometimes the mercenary even began to think that Lune was teasing him outright. Alas, there was nothing to be done about it. After the incident two days ago, in a small inn at the ferry, Greenstone was left with the only way to escape wrath of an angered mob – flee. And so he did before someone cared to connect a quarrel followed by a fierce fistfight, thunderous roar, marks of huge teeth and claws on torn bodies of local drunkards, and bloodied footprints leading into the forest. Again! Lack of self-control in the most unfortunate circumstances, characteristic during the full moon, had shattered what stability Eugene was able to build up. Darn…
Well, too late now, anyway. No point in weeping for the spilled milk. In the beginning of that disastrous evening the mercenary had overheard some gossip about Areinor, capital of a neighboring kingdom. Some strange unrest was going on there: missing people, mysterious people surrounding the king – and, on top of that, a long draught. Hmm… Not that Eugene was good at or, at least, liked to fish in troubled waters – but the whole situation did offer some possibilities for an enterprising fellow. And Greenstone was certainly not in position to decline them outright.
The night journey went peaceful and uneventful for Eugene... except for the growing feeling of having lost direction to Areinor. Once in a while Greenstone looked at the stars, checking the Star Axis. Well, at least he was going west.
Hours went by, the field gave place to a vast forest. The sky was getting bright already, so the mercenary went in without hesitaion. His main concern was to mantain the course, since, due to the same reasons he had to move to Areinor, wild creatures tended to avoid him if not pressed into the corner.
Soon the clouds of morning mist winding between the trees were pierced by the soft light of rising sun. Having left about fifteen miles of rough terrain behind, Eugene felt hungry and tired. Luckily, in a clearing ahead he spotted a still surface of a forest lake... or a pond maybe - there was also a faint sound of gurgling water, a spring, perhaps.
Some rest, finally! Onward!
Paying no attention to branches cracking under the soles of his boots and leaves rustling behind, Eugene forced his way to a nice opening at the pond's shore.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 5-10-2006, 9:51
Before the palace
Ron calmed down, seeing that his abrupt silence didn’t catch the hunter’s attention. The scullion was concerned about his own wellbeing in the first place. But when a strange girl appeared, the poor guy started worrying again. It was almost 10 a.m. Ron should have been at the kitchen by this time, engrossed in rubbing down frying-pans. Marta will complain to the chef ‘bout his behaviour and Clim will get angry for sure. Ouch...
“Hey, lad, come on. Or else we get in trouble, both!” Ron was pulling at Litar’s sleeve like a small kid at his mum’s.
The guards at the front gate noticed the three people standing at the far side of the central square and glancing now and again at the palace. Leir, loath to get involved with any other strangers in the same morning, was now watching them lazily. Should they stay there for two minutes longer – and he’ll have to report it. Damn all this fuss and suspicions!
In the palace
Luana walked to the kitchen in the same north-east wing of Rosa where her own room was. Servants migrated by in evident hurry. As she came closer, she could hear the cooks’ voices ringing even across the corridors, urging ‘those lazy bastards’ to move on and get the feast meal ready by noon. That was clearly impossible, ‘cause the royal suppliers had just been sent away to fetch more meat, and that meant at least two hours’ delay.
In a small room to the left of the main corridor, which was a kind of canteen for servants, two maids were gossiping over a can of cabbage soup, not even caring to talk in whisper. The noise from the kitchen was anyway overriding for an outside listener what they were saying.
By the forest pond
The fibres intertwined
The memory caught...
Seril flinched and twitched, failing to recite the formula up to the end. A loud crackling was heard from behind as if a beast was making his way through the forest paying no attention to whatever obstacles it met on its way. Making fists and clenching her teeth, the woman turned round - very much eager to ‘explain’ to whatever being she was to face, that interfering in spell casting was ‘not right’. Raising her gaze, Seril saw swinging branches of rowan-trees, then a helmet, and finally the whole figure of a man. The latter looked like a guardsman or hireling who had been wandering through the woods for the whole night.
“Don’t your jingling and glittering trifles obstruct your view and cut off any sense of caution? Wonder why you’re still alive,” the woman uttered in a cold voice touched with hardly suppressed anger. Then she looked at him closer, speculating on what such series of strange events might mean. Alright, perhaps there’ll be a hint – just see him off from here and finish that rite...
Àâòîð: Parkan 19-10-2006, 22:21
Suddenly a sharp cold voice pierced the rustling and cracking.
“Don’t your jingling and glittering trifles obstruct your view and cut off any sense of caution? Wonder why you’re still alive.”
Imagine yourself tired, hungry and dirty. Imagine yourself having to stride on and on for the whole night through the rough terrain. Then, at last, you spot a nice place to settle down for a while. You break through the thick undergrowth, looking forward to get rid of backpack, armor, gods-damn-them boots, and jump into the water… only to walk into a furious woman, eyeing you angrily!
“Well, good day to you too,” Eugene frowned and stepped sideway, intending just to walk past the strange woman. “Thanks for caring so much about my safety,” acidic self-irony ringed in his voice, “but, as you can see, I’ve made it so far as here and now. I can take care of myself, thankyuvrymuch”.
Uh-huh… the last time you took care of yourself, you had to flee real fast. Great work, laddy… Greenstone winced, sighed heavily and went on to a nice spot on a sunlit shore near a small sandy bank of the stream. Judging by the traces of an old fireplace, this cozy spot was a popular place for picnics, and Eugene was fully determined to make use of this peaceful secluded nook in the forest and have a thorough rest for the remainder of the day.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 4-11-2006, 13:48
By the forest pond
“I can take care of myself, thankyuvrymuch.”
“For nothing,” the woman replied, watching the intruder go past her to the stream. Well, at least he doesn’t seem eager to bother her any more.
Seril crossed hands at her breast and followed the man by a curious gaze. Should find out who he is. But later. She looked back to the pond, held up the dark woolen skirt with her fingers so that it did not trail after her catching on each fallen twig. The wreath had been driven farther from the shore and Seril had to step into the water in order to drag it back. After that, hissing through the clenched teeth, she tried to shake off water from the lace-boots – to little avail. Eventually, relative tranquility needed for concentration was restored and the inquiring incantation recited again.
For some time only sun glints danced on the pond surface intertwined with tree shades. Then it flashed...
In the night sky the full moon shined with changeable light famous city Areinor, peacefully sleeping in summer night of 361. Then darkness fell upon the woods, the moon shaded by a cloud. Shimmer of blue flame, hushed voices, secrecy, eavesdropping, chase... Swirl... Blink...
The picture became confused, the image dissolved in the light-blue ripples, and the not-long-ago restored peace and silence of the forest clearing were broken by a shrill cry.
“Damn!!”
Before the palace
Leir grew more and more suspicious. Under the circumstances, he was confused. First the strange guest with an urgent message, then this fuss ‘bout royal feast which could be heard even here, and finally the three youngsters still chatting in a corner of the Central Square. Usually people came here in the evening, when small fests or social events were organised. And those three were stealing looks at the front gates as if wishing to come in (uninvited, heh!) but yet not daring to. Suspicious, that’s exactly how it looked.
The guardian gestured to his comrades, ordering to stay on duty, and approached the boy (vaguely familiar), a girl and...
“Ron! What have you been doing here? Your place is at the kitchen as far as I know. And you, strangers? What are your names and what the hell is your business here?” Leir spoke calmly, but in a professional coldish voice of a royal guardian, sending shivers down the addressee’s spine.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 10-11-2006, 22:48
Prince John de Rei opened his eyes. It was quite dark in his bedroom but he understood that it was because the blinds were drawn. He felt much better than some hours ago when he was heavily attacked by his mysterious disease. Actually, he could hardly remember anything about that night… Only some people whispering in his room and the face of Lune, the royal healer, who was looking at him and saying some unclear words. Now it seemed a bad dream but His Highness realized that it wasn’t. After five or ten minutes of looking at the elegant decorations of the ceiling prince John decided to get up. The first attempt couldn’t be called successful: he felt giddy and fell down back on the pillow. Then he remembered that he was a prince and that here, in Rosa, there were pretty enough people who could (and had to) help him. So he found a bell and rang.
In a moment his footman* came in. His appearance showed that he had a sleepless night. Prince even felt a bit guilty because his disease gave many other people a lot of trouble.
“Good morning, sir. Can I help you?”
“Hello, William… First of all, please, open the window”, asked young prince. When the servant did, daylight and fresh air filled the bedroom. John found out that it was already quite late. The air and the sounds from the garden made him feel much better.
“Thank you. And now, please, help me to get up and dress. By the way, is there any news about Rosa or Areinor?”
His servant had a wonderful ability to know practically all news and gossips of the capital. Some of them he was glad to share with his master. William was very talkative man and prince was eager to know what was happening outside the palace which he couldn’t leave for already three years. But today the servant told His Highness no useful information. “Just imagine, sir, duke Safley portioned with his daughter** a castle of Idune!.. And lord… And sir Kessertin…” And so on. But the name of King’s Counselor reminded him about some suspicions that he had about His Lordship’s affairs and the situation in Rosa in general. So when the dressing was over prince John interrupted his servant.
“Please, William, call for Lune. I feel not very well.”
“Sure, sir”, answered William, bowed and left the room. Prince John sat down in the armchair. He had headache, but the main reason of sending William away was that young prince wanted to be for some time alone in order to have chance to think about some strange facts. He didn’t like sir Kessertin. Really he hated him. Some mysterious business of His Lordship was doubtlessly harmful for Royal Family and maybe the country in general. Prince understood this fact but he could do nothing. First of all, he didn’t have enough information. And the main problem was that even though because of his health he spent much time reading different books and discussing them with the librarian instead of fencing and horse-riding and even though he was better educated than most part of adults prince John was just a fifteen-year-old boy whose opinion meant nothing even for his father. For example, those men who came to Rosa some time ago. Or they were not men? When John asked his father about this group and than asked to remove them from the palace the only answer he managed to get was something like: “In some years you will understand that it is necessary for the politics…” Actually, prince was sure that it was lie or a terrible mistake. But… If only he knew exactly what was happening here, in Rosa! What? What?!
“What the hell is going on?” He said loudly. But he still had no theory about it.
*ëàêåé
**äàë â ïðèäàíîå çà ñâîåé äî÷åðüþ
Àâòîð: Crystal 26-11-2006, 12:42
In his attempts to convince Gitana not to go to seek king's justice Litar had not succeeded. Girl was so exited that she just could not understand what was he talked about. Only Vigo was in her thoughts, so she wanted to go straight to the king. Nothing could drive her out of this perilous path.
- Oh, you're just ignorant silly girl, would you listen to me?! Ah, damn! It's too late...
When the guard came nearby and spoke, young hunter had tried to hold a control over situation:
- I'm not a stranger - I'm Litar, king's hunter. They want me to go to the kitchen and send Ron for me. And this is Gitana - circus dancer. She wants audience, but I've told her that now is not the time. I imagine that king is too buisy right now. We've done nothing wrong and meant no harm to nobody... Can we proceede?
Àâòîð: Parkan 26-11-2006, 13:54
“For nothing,” was the reply. After that the strange woman seemed to reconcile herself with Eugene’s existence and returned to whatever she had been doing here. That didn’t bother Greenstone – there was plenty of room at the pond’s shore. The mercenary approached the large oak he spotted when entered the clearing, threw his back pack on the tangled roots near the oak’s foot and (finally!) kicked off the boots.
“Ahhh… At last!” came the breath of relief. “Definitely time to buy another pair…”
Eugene spread his bedroll aside the fireplace, removed the gloves and the helmet. He was right in the middle of pulling the worn chainmail off the shoulders, when…
“Damn!!”
The reaction was as fast as it was instinctive – hastily pulling the piece of armor back into place, Greenstone unsheathed his sword and swiftly looked around. Hmm… Nothing suspicious. Still carrying the blade, barefooted, mercenary approached the woman easily.
“Anything wrong, m’lady?”
Àâòîð: Daelinn 4-12-2006, 16:19
In the palace
William left Prince's apartment and hurried to the neighboring wing of the Rosa to fetch Luana. The royal healer was the one person John needed most, and she was offered a small room nearby, but still she preferred to live with other servants rather than in the half-desolate and empty Library wing.
The servant knocked at the door but there was no response. After a second's hesitation, William descended the stairs leading to the kitchen floor. A glimpse of wonderful dark hair streaming down the back attracted his attention – that's who he is seeking. Few women among the servants could boast the same exquisite and lovely appearance.
"Miss Luana," William called approaching the healer with a small bow.
"His Highness Prince John is waiting for you. I helped him to dress up, but he is still weak and can hardly walk."
Before the palace
Leir stared at Gitana for some time, then uttered in a low voice.
"The guy's right, it's not the time now. And it never will be. Go away, little girl. His Majesty knows how to rule without any advice, and if he ever needs one – there's His Honour at his service. Go, I've told you! Or do you desire so much to be rushed home under escort? We arrested some circus criminal last week, I don't think you would like to join him in the prison cell," the guardian laughed, then clasped her wrist and pushed her rudely away.
"And your names," he continued addressing Litar and Ron, "will be written down to register your lack of zeal and assiduity. Mind your business and don't make your masters wait! Need a stick to move fast?"
With these words Leir stamped his foot and pulled closer as if to carry out his intentions. The boys hurried down the side lane, turning at its end towards the service entrance to Rosa. Ron, now red in his face as well as his hair, swallowed nervously, expecting to be hauled over the coals*.
* ïîëó÷èòü âçáó÷êó
Àâòîð: Parkan 10-12-2006, 19:58
By the forest pond
“Anything wrong, m’lady?”
“NO!” she snapped, casting a wild look at him.
“Oh yeah?” as far as Eugene could see, there was still nothing worth such a reaction around, so he stopped and sheathed his sword. He was somewhat irritated with this woman’s hostility. “Then why did you scream as if something has just bitten your rear and scare all the crows mile around?”
Seril sighed heavily and clenched her fists, keeping silence. The troubles of this morning were too much for a woman who had been leading a quiet half-recluse life in the outskirts of the capital. The pictures that the water showed at her request resembled a nightmare. Alas, they were not. The King’s Councillor, Lord Keran was there, engaged in some dark sorcery. At least the forces he used were not of the kind she had recourse to. Seril’s mystic talent was closely connected with the wild nature, but Kessertin’s power was a deadly one. But whom did he talk to last night, and who interrupted the conversation? No way to find out, unless she gained a sudden insight, which was a rare thing. There were guesses, however – a late wayfarer, a hunter or some naughty boy careless of his mother’s warnings. Too vague...
Little by little she regained patience and just stood there, eyeing the impertinent intruder.
“Well, yes,” she said at last, “but it is none of your business and I imagine your help can be of little avail. You know nothing of mystics, I guess.”
“Perhaps. But you never know, when a skilled man-at-arms could be needed..” he tried to retort, watching her pace the pond’s bank slowly and then sit down, bracing her knees with both arms. Unfortunately, this very dispute was obviously lost. Then, again, the woman did not seem to be of the kind who can afford to hire a mercenary.
“Then go and scream at some other place!” Greenstone growled, turning around and intending to return to the fireplace and keep at least a slight resemblance of the last word.
Seril started, hearing such words from a stranger who for some reason now considered this fine spot to be his private home.
“What?!” she shouted at the man’s back. “You drive me off from my beloved lands? It’s you who is a guest, it seems to me, and if you don’t like the place and its dwellers – you are welcome to get outta here!”
While Seril spoke, her right hand moved slowly forward, as if following the man, and then pushed the air briskly. The mercenary’s body twitched resembling the gesture as he felt a strong shove in the back.
Eugene felt a push – strong shove right behind his shoulder blades, causing him to make a big awkward step forward just to keep from falling. Darn! After fleeing for the whole night, after having to put up with a quarrelsome witch – unanticipated, traitorous stab in the back in response to the offer of help! The last straw to break horse’s back! Rage boiled in mercenary’s heart, sending fiery jets through all blood vessels. Eugene turned abruptly, kneeling at the same time. His face was distorting in wave patterns, features coarsening and relaxing in a way impossible for a normal man, ear tips sharpening, fangs of the bared teeth getting long and wickedly curved. The clothes and chainmail were visibly stretched to the brink of being torn apart on Greenstone’s suddenly broadened shoulders and torso.
“I sssaw no sssign ‘Prrrivate prroperrrrty’,” rasping, low, threatening growl, the last attempt to remain sane and ward off the deadly anger...
Seril jumped up and drew back hastily. What she heard could be a natural and expected response, but the change in appearance...
“Oh, my!” the enchantress stared at the man wide-eyed and started whispering words hastily, raising her hand in a protective gesture. There was something more to this guy than it had seemed.
As the woman backed off, Eugene tensed, preparing to jump. The wolf within him howled and strained to break free, and familiar bloody haze started to blur Greenstone’s vision. But.. The strange lady actually DID have some understanding of mystical craft. Her lips uttered several unfamiliar, but soothing words, than again, again and again. The short phrase pulsed in Eugene’s mind, dispersing rage and bloodlust, leaving only familiar exhaustion and – strangely – serenity. Out of breath, the mercenary collapsed on the ground, shivering. With an effort he rolled on his back and whispered:
“Thank you…”
(Parkan & Daelinn)
Àâòîð: Daelinn 25-12-2006, 14:43
By the forest pond
Seril kept repeating the words she learnt in childhood but didn’t understand until Keti, a lady who lived two houses away from her down the village main lane, took her up. The musical voice echoed in the woman’s own ears, bringing down peace on everyone who heard it. Finally, she realized there was no need in the chant and drew a deep breath. The man bore a secret more deadly than hers, judging by what she saw. No doubt, he would be eager to keep quiet about it, but was too loathe to remain calm – as if something drove him crazy against his will. And what if... But no, the councilor could have no part here. His Dishonor’s foul mystic touch would have been obvious.
“For nothing,” Seril replied automatically, raising voice a little in a question-like manner. “D’you feel well? Can talk reasonably?”
The woman came up to the mercenary spread on the ground.
Eugene, still trembling in the aftershock of an interrupted metamorphosis, with some effort shifted his gaze on the woman, as she drew closer. Darn… Again. And so soon after the previous time. He could have easily torn her apart, and no doubt he WOULD have done that, would she had chosen to flee or attack. The strange lullaby saved them both. And the thing that happened once could be repeated. Hmm…
Fighting off leaden weariness, characteristic after his deadly fits of beastly rage, Greenstone propped himself on his elbows.
“Not really well… but sane at the very least, yes. Thank you again…” suddenly the mercenary choked with air and had to clear his throat with strained gulp. Then he continued:
“How did you manage to stop my… err… me?”
"Oh, you know, in these turbulent times a lonely woman cannot do without some skill to calm down the mob who hate ye," Seril waved her hand casually. "Especially if this lonely woman's dwelling is surrounded by ghastly rumours."
She shook her head. Another potential problem, this guy. As if lord Keran's "jokes" were not enough! Ah well, some diversity at least. As Seril sat down again, now by the hard-breathing man, a vision flashed before her eyes forcing a wry smile - an image of this stranger channelling his rage on to Kessertin. No idea who would have stayed alive in that case...
"Now, man, who are you?" an attentive look of dark-green eyes pinned the warrior down to where he was.
Eugene smiled grimly. For a lingering moment he considered the idea of lying, giving this woman, obviously familiar with mystical arts and maybe witchcraft too, some loosely made-up story of sickness, madness, or just rushing away. She, the one Eugene set his eyes upon for the first time less than half an hour ago, wanted to know the deepest, darkest, most guarded secret he had and would ever have. Why, Greenstone didn't even know her name! But, on the other hand... She did help, really did stop him. And he was deadly tired of having to keep this mess inside. Greenstone made up his mind, his face became stern and serious.
"I wish I knew, milady, or found somebody who would... Well, plainly speaking, I am a werewolf. I can turn into a wolf, or even a huge, deadly wolf-like beast, the one mothers scare their children with: thick fur, sharp teeth and long claws, growling and howling. But that's not all..."
The mercenary sighed, trying to straighten his scattered experiences and feelings, so strange, so inhuman.
"I can change freely. Day or night, full moon or not - if I make an effort, I become a wolf, or even the beast. There's no need in moonlight, reflection in water, freshly cut tree stump or whatsoever. But the moon certainly affects me, stirs what dwells within, pushes me into madness. I'm stronger than most of men, well trained in hand-to-hand fight.. even tooth and claw, heh. Confronted a rabid bear once, you know. So I chose to be a fighter for hire. Travel across the land... here today, gone tomorrow... never stay for long... something bloody happens, and I have to flee again... Or let the mob put me on a stake and burn."
By the end of this improvised confession the mercenary's speech had become slow, he lay back on the grass, staring blindly into the clear skies. But the last phrase was spoken with absolute certainty.
"People burn nowadays for much lesser deeds than, I think, yours might be," the woman uttered after a silence, surveying the stranger with her eyes half-closed, then followed his gaze up to the sky. Almost noon. Time to return - with bad news and bad company. "So, changeling from fairy-tales, you're afraid of other people's awareness rather than mine. Why? Our meeting was nothing of a pleasing."
Àâòîð: Parkan 9-01-2007, 22:42
By the forest pond
“Indeed. Yet no one else ever managed to stop me… heh… no one else ever cared to find out what I was,” with a soft groan Eugene lifted his head and sat up, crossing his legs. “Not that people often had a chance for that. I’m tired of being a monster.”
“Listen to me!” the mercenary leaned forward suddenly, grabbing his savior’s shoulders. “If you could teach me some of your ways, help me tame my beast…”
Now Greenstone’s voice was ringing, hope shining brightly in his eyes.
“I’d be in a life-long debt to you. Please, help.”
The woman watched the stranger silently, giving second thought to what she had decided. She drew back mildly, escaping from the man’s grasp.
“I never teach, I sell. Herbs, potions, charms, advice,” Seril paused, intending to wait and see.
Somewhat disappointed, Eugene shrugged. “Skill and knowledge are as good a merchandise as any other trinket. People sell books, people buy books. People pay considerable sums to be taught fencing, singing, dancing – whatever art or craft you like. Oh yes, I realize, the rarer the trade in question - the higher or more exotic the payment.”
“So you wanna buy my services, ain’t ye,” she smiled. "And what’s the benefit for me?”
“Well… You could have my services in return”, Eugene smiled back. “Besides, you could study me, gain some extra knowledge… if you’re so interested in my changeling nature.”
“Knowledge...” the woman’s eyes grew serious, she wasn’t smiling anymore. “Changelings... I fear to hurt innocent citizens... Ah, well, we’ve been talking ‘bout different things. Price, yes. That’ll do. But I don’t guarantee any success.”
Seril stood up and engaged herself in straightening her gown and wiping off dirt from the lace-boots. Eugene rose to his feet too and stretched his arms with a soft crackling sound.
“So far so good, ma’am. I just hope you won’t ask any of my limbs or guts. Other than that – feel free. Now, if you’re to leave, give me a couple of minutes to wash off the dust and pack my gear,” with these words Greenstone trotted off to the oak where he had left his belongings.
Ten minutes later they were heading south-west, to the forest road. Areinor lay two hours ahead, and by the time Seril stepped out into the sunlight, not shadowed by branchy tree tops, she had learnt several things new and strange from her companion’s past. Unlike him, by the way – every such attempt met a thoughtful yet impenetrable gaze and evasive reply. The midday sun was shining most earnestly when the door of “the witch’s hut” creaked softly, greeting the hostess’s return.
Àâòîð: Crystal 10-01-2007, 11:22
After this unpleasant scene near the gates Litar became a little bit nervous. Besides his general trouble with the counselor, he's got now some unnecessary attention of the guards. Too many for one young man.
The chief cook met Litar with loud curses: "Why the hell are you so long?! Where damn it the game*??? I've got to many things to do, so why I have to wait the raw meat for an hours, when king's dinner is almost at hand??!?"
Young hunter tried to tell something in self-apologies, but no one listened. His bag with wild fowls now was taken and it seemed, that he was no use here anymore. Calmed a little Litar went out from the kitchen. He intended to get out of the palace, but what to do next he did not know. It was obvious that lord Kessertin won’t let him live if he’d found who was there in the night forest. But still nothing bad had happened, so it was possible to hope, that counselor did know nothing. Yet. And then, Gitana’s face was in mind of Litar. This fragile girl must not die in palace’s dungeons, but she will if not to argue her to leave her foolish intention to seek king’s justice.
With such thoughts hunter went in the court and raising his eyes suddenly he met sharp look of lord Keran. It seemed, that counselor returned from somewhere and now was looking on Litar. Starting Litar felt that his legs became disobedient and his mouth was dry. Lord Kessertin stared at him with a long look of hypnotizing snake, as if he knew all the truth. Trying to hold control over himself Litar hastily went out. It was plain now that from that moment counselor became suspicious on young hunter’s side.
* - äè÷ü
Àâòîð: Aylin 11-01-2007, 11:50
(with invaluable help from Crystal)
Gitana stepped down the stairs, crossed the square and thought:
"They aressted him for nothing. They laughed... They'll pay!"
What little circus dancer can do in such case? "I can do nothing." Gitana decided. She felt lost and walked by the street in melancholy. "But I must do something!" Girl's hope on king's justice was fading. But hope will never gone. Gitana kept on searching the way to do things rignt.
"He is innosent. But he's in jail. Order is corrupted. They do nothing for justice. Robbery? Bribbery? Seduction? What can I do?" Gitana did'n see where she's going. What buildings and places - this ones or others - it didn't matter for her. In the circus no one could help. They all were weak.
She wasn't rich for bribery, she wasn't strong for robbery, she wasn't so easy for seduction. She was child in this world.
"But can I go and see for what is the indictment? Why not" she decided and went to search for judge.
Àâòîð: Êîðåé 14-01-2007, 19:49
Ganlen woke up with awful head ache. The pain was coming and pulsing from nape over temple. It let him know that yesterday in the tavern “Drunk boar” Ganlen should have gone home after fifth tankard of hot ale, but not up on the table trying to recite a famous Shanukseepr’s poem.That innocent prank cost him a hit with fist on the back of his head. His servant got involved in the scuffle and the offender was disgraced, but Ganlen’s recollections lasted only till that moment. He gets drunk a lot now and his good cheerful temper has gone leaving space for resentment and anger.”Why? Why?” he used to ask his servant Lofan – “Why the King couldn’t solve this deal? I had been serving him well for so many years until this milksop, hell with him, tripped me up and I had to leave the Court of His Majesty, burning with anger…The King maybe thought I was burning with shame…But I can understand why Kessertin has made it. He needs the King’s treasury for his own dirty deeds.” Lofan patiently listened to repeating tirades, bowed, and seldom inserted “U-hu” and “Mmmmm-m”. He knew his master for many years and got used to his tricks. Lofan shared Ganlen’s views, but he didn’t share his master’s desire to talk about it three times a day like a prayer before meal.
Today master was in bad mood. He almost fell from stairs coming down in the dining room. “He sure has a headache.” - Thinks Lofan mixing a potion that is popular among town’s brave drinkers who do not fear to buy it in witch’s house. Lofan does not fear. Master came down, flopped down in the sofa, took green gurgling and foaming potion and tossed off the goblet. Then turned blue, green and slowly started becoming normal. Then burst out with complaints about new life…It is luck nobody hears him. Nowadays it is dangerous. You can be easily imprisoned.
After modest breakfast they dressed and walked to the streets. The cobblestone road led to the castle to the right and to the main square to the left. Old mansion they left behind.
“It seems that today got to be a long walk, Lofan”
“Yes Sir”
They turned left and walked a little in silence.
“They will pay!” Sound of voice with anger came from the corner.
Ganlen and Lofan slowly came to the corner and looked who cried. She was little slim girl from the circus. Her show with that big butcher-like man was amazing last time they attended them. Maybe only this two were good enough to make people come to the circus. She was almost crying.
“Hey girl! What has happened to you? Who has offended you?” Ganlen asked.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 16-01-2007, 18:23
NOON
Before the palace
Leir sighed with relief when two other guards appeared round the corner of Rosa. It meant that it was time for Leir and one of his companions to shift their duties on others and go get some long-expected sleep.
“Anything new?” asked James Nill who was to take Leir’s place.
“Nothing good. First, some stranger – awful early! Handed a message for the Councilor. Then some lazy servants chatting with a girl just before our eyes, escaping their duties. How bold! I’m gonna report to the chef-cook ‘bout his irresponsible subordinates. Well, the guys will tell ye what they remembered when they were awake,” Leir smiled slyly and cast an eye on the two guilty ones. They blushed.
In the kitchen
Clim thought he was about to go mad with all the worries and irritation he had to experience that morning. But by half past one the cooks calmed down, even stout Marta, whose voice overrode all other sounds when she finally got her hands on Ron. The poor scullion had done all that his little forces allowed, but the fact was that he was late. That reason was enough to rebuke the little boy as if he had overturned a boiling can. Ron’s face and ears were as red as his hair, but he held back the sobs and got down to work, preparing meat for cooking.
By the appointed time the snacks, soups and stews were ready except one grand dish, which could be served a bit later. The kitchen soon grew empty as scullions and servants loaded themselves with plates and pots, and headed to the reception hall. The chef approached the last meal in preparation, smelled it, smiled with satisfaction – as he always did when his works of art succeeded – and went to the next room. He then returned carrying a small vial* with exquisite spices which Lord Kessertin had given to him. According to His Honor’s words, the powder was brought from a distant land during his last journey there, the one he had made together with His Majesty. Clim had tasted the spices himself and liked the aroma. Now he was going to arrange a special meal for the do Rei family.
The chef sprinkled the almost-ready dish with the vial’s contents and sighed – all of what he had went to flavour this one portion. With pity Clim threw the empty bottle to the dustbin.
In the reception hall
The table in the form of a horseshoe was covered with a snow-white cloth embroidered in green and gold, its ends and sides falling freely and hiding all that was or could be under the table. The square hall was decorated with green leaves and red flowers, sparkling with water drops on their petals. The sun rays lighted the hall so eagerly that no candles were needed, and the grand golden chandelier under the ceiling remained unlit.
Numerous servants were stalking to and fro between the chairs, placing on the table various dishes with appetizing smell. Most guests were present too, some measuring the parquet floor in expectation of the inviting bell, some were already seated and engrossed in small talk with others from the cream of the society.
The bell rang finally, and all gazes glued to the opening doors.
“His Majesty King of Areinor Robert do Rei and Her Majesty Queen of Areinor Klarissa do Rei!” announced the guard by the door. Everyone rose and bowed as the royal couple approached the table where it bent in the centre and sat down, the Queen to the right of the King. The first lady in light-green garments seemed weary, her face still pale after a half-sleepless night and worries about her son. Robert was dressed in dark-brown suit with a cloak over it. His look was dull, as if laziness and boredom were consuming the man. Bracing himself, he collected his thoughts for a speech and appeared a bit more strong and firm for some time.
“We regret to say that His Highness Prince John will not attend the midsummer feast. He does not feel all well and the healer advised him to stay in his rooms today. Nevertheless, Prince John sends you his blessings, which I hope you will gratefully accept together with ours. Hail the gods on the midsummer day!”
The guests applauded, calling out to the King rather that anyone or anything else, and started taking their seats. Only two remained empty – one by His Majesty, with a rich cloak on the armchair’s back instead of Prince John himself, and the other next to it, reserved for the lagging Lord Kessertin. All present rose goblets for the royal family’s health and set about tasting the first course.
Somewhere in the city. Almir
Just as the Rosa got down to the magnificent meal, an ordinary inn-keeper greeted a strange guest at his threshold. The man wore a large hat and a dark cloak covered with dust, but a glimpse at the inner clothes under it made the host change his attitude – made of fine black wool with a silvery sign at the chest, they implied its wearer was of great importance. Only rich and mighty lords could dare put on garments like that.
“Stewed meat and rice,” the stranger spoke quietly and calmly, but there was something bewitching in his voice and unfamiliar accent, tying up the listener’s will. “And good wine, too. Here’s the silver. Move fast.”
The black customer then left a sterling on the bar, walked off to a table at the farther wall and settled himself on the chair, wide brims of the hat covering his eyes.
--
* vial – áóòûëî÷êà, ïóçûðåê
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 17-01-2007, 17:30
In cooperation with Daelinn.
Some minutes passed since William had left. John was still sitting in the armchair looking out of the window. His headache got srtonger and his mood got worse. After quarter of hour he thought that Luana could hurry up a little bit.
At last he heard a soft rustle of a long skirt and hushed voices. Then a knock came on the door.
"Your Highness? The healer is here."
"Come in, please", answered Prince.
The door opened and William stepped aside, letting in young Luana. She looked well and beautiful this morning, quite unlike the exhausted poor woman she seemed last night. The healer rushed to John and bent before him, observing his face intently.
"How are you, my Prince?"
"You see, Luana, worse than usually, but, I think, better than during the previous night", he forced a smile.
She placed a hand on his forehead, stared in his eyes and stepped back, shaking her head.
"Here, you can take what little is left of the fusion," with a sigh, Lune approached the carved mahogany table by the other window and took an inch-full glass with a greeny substance. "William, could you please bring some boiled water?"
The servant nodded and left the room.
"Thank you for your treatment, Luana", said John. "Is there any news in Rosa? Has the midsummer feast already started?"
"News? Oh, not many," the young woman put the glass back and sat in an armchair by the Prince awaiting the servant's return. "The feast should commence pretty soon, at least the meals are ready. I've been to the kitchen this morning - oh, what a fuss! Cries, noise, rattle... One of those guys who bring meat - yes, hunters - was late, so the cooks blew the poor youngster up. Awful! How can one be so cruel?" Lune levelled her gaze at John, looking indignant and puzzled.
"Yeah, you're right, sometimes people are very cruel. But I can explain behaviour. Actually, having a talk with cooks' chief is not the best way of spending time", he smiled. "And how did that guy explain his being late?" Prince wasn't very much interested in arguements between the servants, but chatting with Luana was better thinking about Sir Kessertin's affairs.
Lune obviously shared his opinion on the chef, whose talent in cookery was compensated by rough manners.
"He said he didn't know he was to come so early, because he had never done. But he came as soon as Ron led him there. Ron is some younger scullion, I believe. But that old dame, Marta, interrupted him saying that the night before all servants had been warned 'bout that, so he must have received the message. He retorted he hadn't. Well, that's a bit strange. Perhaps he wasn't at home..."
"I see... Sometimes I think that people who can leave their place any time they like should be very happy", Prince sighed and after a pause continued: "I hope, that guy has no seriuos problems because of this case?"
"Dunno," Luana shrugged her shoulders. "He ran away to escape further scolding."
"Never mind, Luana, it doesn't matter." Someone knocked at the door and William's voice informed young prince and Lune, that the servant had already completed his job. "Come in", said John. His footman came in with a jug of water and a glass on a tray. He put it on the table and asked if he could do anything else.
"Thank you, I need nothing more. You can go unless His Highness requires some help." The healer reached for the jug and poured hot water into the empty glass, then added the fusion, careful not to rouse the dark sediment. She stirred the mixture up and handed to the Prince.
"Drink it, Sir, and then I suggest you lie down," Lune looked worried, some tension appeared on her face. "Oh, I do hope it helps..."
"You may be free, William." John took the glass, looked at it, than drank awful bitter mixture. "Sure, Luana, I'll follow your advice", he reached his bed and lied down. Actually, he'd rather go somewhere instead of lying here sleepless, but he got used to following Lune's recommendations, even if he didn't like them.
Lune sat by John's side for some time till he dozed off, and after that gathered the empty glasses and headed to the kitchen, biting her lips at the thought that there was no more drug left.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 4-03-2007, 17:19
Castle's dungeon
Lord Kerran was sitting alongside the bench on which lay what was still, technically, the trembling body of Bren Loustin, formerly king’s secretary.
‘What were their names?’ he repeated.
“…don’t know…”
“I know you gave them copies of king’s correspondence, Bren. They are treacherous plotters. Will you join them?
“…don’t know names…”
“I trusted you, Bren, king trusted you. You spied on me. You betrayed the Kingdom.
Kerran signed. And them he saw one oà Bren’s fingers curling and uncurling under the manacles. Beckoning.
“Yes?”
He learned all over the body.
Bren opened his one remaining eye.
“…truth…”
“Yes?”
“…your times had expiring…”
Kerran sat back, his expressions unchanged. His expressions seldom changed unless he wanted it to. The executor watched him in terror.
“I see,” said lord. He stood up, and nodded at the executor.
“How long he has been down here?”
“T-two days, milord”
“And you can keep him alive for--”
“Perhaps two days more, lord.”
“Do so. Do so. It is after all,” said Kerran, “our duty to preserve life as long as possible for all citizens. Is it not?”
The executor gave him nervous smile of one in presence of a superior whose merest word could see him manacled on a bench.
“Er…yes, lord.”
“Plot and lies everywhere,” Kerran sighed. “And now I shall have to find another secretary. It is too vexing.”
“Lord Kerran!” servant-messenger was out of breath, “Feast is already started!”
“Feast? Oh, yes,” Kerran corrugates, “I coming…”
In the reception hall
“Your Majesty, your Majesty, I’m so sorry that I am late, but business of your state protract me.”
“Oh… it’s okey, lord Kerran” babbled king, “we appreciate you.”
“I am just your servant, your Majesty” smiled Kerran.
“Let the feast continue!” proclaimed queen.
“And now, very specific meal for king!” chef was twinkled with joy.
Kerran smiled, and unnoticed turn one of his rings.
King and his queen tasted new meal smiling to everyone. Minutes later they started descending under the table.
“GUARDS!!!” Kerran cried, it was the first time when he cried on public, “Seize that cook!”
Àâòîð: Daelinn 14-03-2007, 22:02
Featuring Don Alesandro
July 14th, year 361
12:30
The reception hall
The guard was roused, guests – however respectable they were – jumped up from dark wooden arm-chairs and began running around in panic, mostly in the direction of the exit from the hall. No one came to help or to show interest in King Robert’s and his wife’s sad fate – or rather was not allowed to.
Two minutes later, not without the guardians’ shouts and pushes, the reception hall was cleared. Servants, by the Councellor’s order, were led away by Leir, who mumbled quietly under his breath and grieved over the damned restless day. Some tried to protest, but His Honor Kessertin was persuasive enough to prove his decision right – “no help is needed”. So, when the accused chef-cook was seized and brought to the crime scene, only Lord Keran, six guardsmen and Their Majesties’ cooling bodies met him.
“What’s the matter?” Clim kept repeating. “I did everything as you had said, milord, and tasted each dish… And all, milord, you see, all ate and…”
“Silence!” Keran’s voice was quiet, but cut sharp like hardened steel. “You’ll pay for the death of our High and Respected Ruler and the First Lady. You are plotter, and you will give up all of your accessories. This time tomorrow you will be answering to the court jury for what you’ve done, but before this, lord-prosecutor will talk with you. Guards. Take him away to cells. And search the kitchen and servants’ rooms for poison!”
The poor man’s back disappeared behind the magnificent doors, and all was quiet again.
Prince John’s room
Luana reached the empty kitchen – surely, all had been prepared for the feast and some went to rest, others - to serve at the meal. Finding nobody to talk to, she put down the glasses with some drops of the su’uhr potion left and went back, to be near her most important patient. The young woman climbed the stairs to the second floor where the Prince’s chambers were and walked into the bedroom. The boy was lying motionless, seemingly asleep. Very carefully, Lune moved a chair closer to the window and made herself comfortable in it, her dark-haired head resting on the knees.
“Oh, my… Oh, my!”
Vague lamentations rang across the passage as two women in white aprons hurried along. “Where might she be?”
Wails and sobs approached, then the steps stopped and a light knock on the door rose Luana from the chair where she had fallen asleep.
“Please do not worry, Your Highness, stay in bed” she said to John who moved and made a vain effort to get up.
“Who’s there, what happened?” the healer whispered.
“Oh, Lune, come quick, there’s a disaster!” a faltering voice answered from the other side.
“Jill, you?” Luana called.
The door opened, showing red faces of Jill and Kail, usual waitresses at royal meals and feasts. The healer drew back in inexplicable terror. Everything had been going bad since last night. Illnesses, night walks, lack of medicine… What’s next?
“His Majesty,” Jill sobbed, “His Majesty’s dead! Poisoned!”
Kail nodded, then shook her head in disbelief.
“And Her Majesty, too! But this cannot be, oh, just cannot!” she uttered. “Why? They are good, and great, and strong…”
“Were,” Jill put in her decisive word. “I saw closely…”
“No!” Kail objected. “Please, Lune, come see what you can do!”
Luana realized she was standing with her mouth and eyes wide open, unable to say a word.
The witch’s hut
The table was lain, candles lit, and another chair found in the shed* nearby – Seril used only one even when rare guests came. She always sat on her small bed then, leaving the more conforming seat to others. Just as she did now. The brown gown was tucked up to let the wearer cross her legs upon the silvery-coloured blankets. The lunch was alright to her, but obviously not enough for the man who had settled at the table with hunger-blazing eyes. Boiled white rice and cabbage disappeared from his plate in a split second while Seril apparently enjoyed each spoonful of vegetables. Herbal infusion instead of wide-spread tea did not please the guest either.
Though seemingly concentrated on the meal, the enchantress watched Eugene intently, dropping a question or two from time to time. He was a rare person not to crouch and tremble under her gaze, and therefore all the more interesting. But Seril kept her emotions in check for another reason as well. This morning, she’d come across disquieting pictures from weeds memory, drawn by her mystic force from a tuft** of grass-blades. The woman was an inch from getting involved into a dark state affair. She wasn’t going to do anything, however. It turned out, thus, that she would be helping the royal family by medicine, and at the same time helping their enemies by silence and inactivity, but such neutrality had saved the lady's life a number of times. "It's their business, not mine."
Not far from the palace
Gitana turned briskly, hearing the stranger's words. She felt eager to give away all she thought of the men who took Vigo and of the one whom they served, but at the last moment considered it wiser to keep her tongue in check.
"No one did any harm to me personally, but my friend, he... But who are you, milord?"
The man looked respectable. Perhaps, it was a happy chance she was not to miss. Hope shone in the dancer's eyes as she forced a smile on her tear-stained*** face.
---
* shed - ñàðàé
** tuft - ïó÷îê
*** tear-stained - çàïëàêàííûé
Àâòîð: Parkan 20-03-2007, 23:09
The witch’s hut
The meal was nourishing and tasty. Well, at the very least it was so for the hostess, who was clearly enjoying each piece of cabbage. As for Eugene, starving as he was, the mercenary wolfed down his portion almost in no time. Seril tried to ask several questions, but that was of no avail: with his mouth stuffed with food, her guest – or pupil? or hireling? – was unable to utter anything distinct. Finishing off the last pinch of rice, Greenstone met a slightly astonished gaze and smiled back somewhat confusedly.
- Well, I’m not usually that hungry, milady, even taking into account my… hmmm… personal peculiarities. It’s just a long march through the whole night.
Anyway, man-at-arms was still somewhat hungry; besides, the meal definitely lacked meat. Greenstone reached his backpack, rummaged in it for awhile and produced a chunk of dried meat accompanied by a load of somewhat stale bread. That should do… Another fifteen minutes later Eugene leaned on the back of the chair contentedly, with a jug of some herbal remedy in his hand. The infusion had a somewhat bitter taste, but not too bad all in all. Now he was ready to speak, answer and, if asked, show.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 12-04-2007, 20:27
Prince John's room
For nearly a moment after hearing the news prince John stayed in his bad unable to understand Jill's and Kail's words. But when His Highness realized what they had just said, he jumped out of his bad, dashed to the door and pushed Luana away from it. His weakness had completely disappeared.
"WHAT?!" uttered he a frenzy scream. "What did you say?!"
One of the waitresses broke into sobs. Prince changed his countenance.
"N-no", whispered he shaking his had. "It can't be... How?.." Prince couldn't believe the news... It seemed to be a trick, but who could joke about such a serious subject? It couldn't be... Never! But... John turned his pale face to Luana.
"Why are you standing here?!" Shouted he at the healer. "Go there, maybe you can help them!"
Suddenly prince realized what would happen, if she couldn't. His legs sank under him, so that he had to sit down on the floor. He look at Luana with his glistening eyes.
"Please..." added John silently. Tears were streaming down his face. .
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 1-05-2007, 18:50
Palace.
"Your Honor!"
"Yes?"
"We've searched the kitchen," the guard bowed before Lord Kessertin and held out a pocket with a small bottle in it. "Sergeant Paul found this in a dustbin. It seems that the same spice covered His Majesty's last dish."
"And also, milord… in one of glasses our forensic doctor detected traces of a prohibited herb fusion, made of su'uhr," the guardian stood straight, ready to fulfil any new command.
“How interesting… - wisped Kessertin – the plot is everywhere!”
Dungeons of palace.
In dark bad-lighted chamber cook was chained to the rack.
Lord-prosecutor sited on the chair behind the rack* and executor stayed near him, squeezing pliers in mighty hands.
“So, why do you hamper the progress of justice?”
“I don’t do that!!!”
“Lie…”
Executor raised the pliers.
Cock screamed.
“Who is the head of plot?”
“Where are no any…”
“Lie…”
Scream.
“Tell me their names.”
“Don’t…”
Scream.
“Who…"
"I don’t…"
Scream.
“Enough” the voice of his Honor lord of Keran was quiet, as usually, but cold as glacier, everyone in the cell heard him.
“Lord Keran, the subject hampered… he lies that he doesn’t know anything!
“Maybe it is true.”
“Sorry, Your Lordship?”
“Maybe he was just a puppet in talletned hands…
“Oh…” prosecutor noded assent.
“Who gives you this bottle?” Kessertin took out a small bottle. “Maybe our dear doctor?”
“Erh… I… Yes! It was she!!!”
“You see my dear lord,” Keran smiled “It was just a question of questions.”
Prosecutor smiled.
“And who bring the game-bird to the royal dish?”
“L… Litar! Yes! He was… today in the kitchen! Yes!
“Lord Kessertin it is a real plot!”
“Oh yes…” Kesertin noded to the executor “Throw he into dungeon, he avow that he knew a lot of suspicious characters! Do you agree, lord-prosecutor.”
There are no any question intonation in this phrase.
“Er… Yes! Absolutelly, your grace!”
“And outlaw this new plotters, find them! One hundred gold coins to conscious person who know where are their!
When executor, happy cook and prosecutor went out, Kessertin has stood a little, then approached to rack, dipped a finger in a smudge of blood and in pair movements drawn a intricate figure, after that he applied one of his rings to the center of figure:
“Ash arat nazgaa!”
Almir, at that very moment finishing his second glass of wine, raised his head, listening intently to something beyond other people's hearing.
"Almir... do hear me?" in dark dungeon whispering of lord Kessertin was sinking in deep silence.
"Yess," the answer came.
"Here, in palace we finished first part of our plan, now your turn, do not dissapoint us."
"I see, milord. I'll proceed right now," the phantom voice faded away, the magic link between two minds broke.
*rack – äûáà.
(with Daelinn)
Àâòîð: Daelinn 1-05-2007, 20:39
(with Parkan)
The witch's hut
Great strength, good appetite, bad self-control. Those were the three things Seril understood about her guest who was likely to become a freeloader* if she didn't find him some occupation in the city. Obviously some mercenary or hired labour. Or perhaps he could be of some help to herself?
"I heard, werewolves are supernatural creatures by birth. Are you any good at mysticism?" she bent her head sideways. Eugene propped his chin with his fist, pondering the question.
“I was trained in sword and shield, not book and potion, I’m afraid”, he said at last. The wise woman was obviously disappointed, and Greenstone was firm in keeping her from losing interest. This was a question of survival for him, no less – without Seril’s aid his rage would sooner or later get him into trouble he would not be able to escape or outrun.
“But there are some tricks in my sleeve, which I have hard time to explain.”
"I didn't expect any academic knowledge from you, guest. But what you are telling me now is the magic you possibly don't understand, but possess anyway," Seril nodded approvingly. "So, what is it?"
The mercenary reached for his backpack and fished out a small canteen**. He definitely needed a gulp of whiskey to vocalize feelings and emotions invoked by his bestial nature.
“Well, to begin with, I can affect the animals. Usually they feel uneasy around me, but... Tamed or domestic ones become friendly, if I wish so, while critters of the wild shy away... mostly. This must be somehow connected with my scent – they all sniff the air intently."
Another gulp of whiskey. Fiery liquid burned its way down the throat.
"Then, believe it or not, there is a sense of truth. More often than not I can tell whether the person is lying by just having a short glance at him speaking. But sometimes this sense fails – mostly when the speaker is good at hiding his emotions."
--
* freeloader - ïðèæèâàëà, íàõëåáíèê
** canteen - ñîëäàòñêàÿ ôëÿãà (îáúåìîì 3-4 ïèíòû)
Àâòîð: Parkan 1-05-2007, 20:44
(guest starring Daelinn)
The woman did not move. All ears, she was just looking at Greenstone, greenish flashes danced in her eyes in time with the trembling light of candles. There was a pause. Then at last she spoke.
"Well, sounds like an acute insight awakes in you, but there is no way to control it. As for the animals – intuition is part of their nature, thanks to which they live. As well as some smaller part of yours."
"Perhaps", Eugene shrugged his shoulders. "Besides, these are not too hard or dangerous to test. But there is one more thing, one much greater."
Greenstone paused again, running his fingers through his short hair, obviously lacking the right words to describe this "one much greater". Finally he spoke again:
"Did you see a mirror in your childhood, Seril? Did you ever dream of getting behind the glass or polished metal surface, into the hidden and strange realm of reflections? I did."
The mercenary winced, as if remembering some long past pain.
"And once my dreams came true. I... fell? slipped? squeezed through?.. well, found myself on the other side. Strange place it was. Is. Hard to describe... Another world, the land of spirits of all kinds of things. Just knew it when saw those mists, those starless skies with huge moon. Yes, the land of spirits."
The mercenary sighed deeply.
"I like to go there once in a while, though. Mirrors are a rare commodity, but any reflecting surface will do, even water. Sometimes it is harder to make it through... hm... "the border", sometimes easier – usually in places like that pond where we met this morning."
Seril looked surprised. More than anyone had ever seen her to be.
Àâòîð: ÍåêðîÏåõîòà 3-05-2007, 11:51
Thanks to Îëîðèí, who helped me to write this
"Stand right there. I have to search your wagons. "
"Cant you just let me in? You know me since I was born, Kerwin."
"Aye, Diego, but I have orders, you know. "
"Right, orders. Go ahead, lets just finish it, I am not intended to waste whole day chanting with you."
"So do you have something illegal?"
"Your mom, idiot. Only soap, clothes, parfume - as usual!"
Half an hour later.
"Hm, you know, just a personal opinion…"
"Priest will hear your confess. Let me pass! "
"Fine! Soldiers, open the gates."
Areinor. Yet an another big hole devouring money, efforts and eventualy lives. Don’t be a fool and just pass away, it won’t give you anything in return. That’s probably the reason for Diego to use any fair opportunity to run away from here. Ofcouse the fair opportunity implies some certain profit. Gold.
Unfortunately no matter how the gold leads, Diego always returns back. To his home.
He followed the main road straight to artisan quarters. Sun was slowly staggering through the cloudless sky. The day hasn’t even started yet, but heat was already torturing Diego. Though sun dispersed usual crowds, blocking the road, so the merchant was in the good mood, from time to time lazily lashing horses and whistling some unpretentious tune.
Finaly he reached the huge block of warehouses. The aura of stinch surrounding could knock a horse off its feet but Diego was used it since very childhood.
"Maaartiiin! Come out, ye rat!"
A minute after a small, round person with shining bold spot came out.
"Sweet Jesus! Diego, yer back!"
"Aye, Martin."
Keeper of storages cunningly squinted.
"I bet ye have something fer me, aye?" he asked.
"Definetely so, you realy thought I missed your mug so much to throw away all my plans," genialy chuckled Diego, "and run to see you?"
"Hehheh, ye bastard ain’t changed at all. "
"Why should I?.. but lets get straight to business. Can I use your storages? I have to run few meetings before selling all these stuff and I don’t want to bounce around with two wagons at my side. "
"Oy, ofcouzze, ye know the price, don’t ye?"
"Yea, just keep your dirty hands off my goodies and I’ll pay you."
For a while Diego was mindlessly wondering through city streets, enjoying the nostalgia feeling. He was away for a year but nothing really changed. He even could swear that cats and dogs rushing around were simply the same.
Eventually he fond himself standing right before the door of the antiquary. His old – from very childhood – good friend Edwin was in running it. Good business, aye.
"Why not?.. In fact, he is nearly the only person I was missing all the time," Diego mumbled to himself. He opened the door and freezed at the threshhold. Edwin was standing at the post, just as usual.
"Dear friend! Long time no see!"
"Diego? Hello, I’am glad to see you!.. But it seemed to me, you were not in Areinor, weren’t you?"
Diego stepped in, reached the post and shaked Edwin’s hand.
"You’r right, I was away for some stuff trip," he continued with dull voice " you know, soaps, pencils, clothes… Not a very big fish, though suits me for now. But how does your business run?"
"My business? Well, pretty good. You see, my good are quite popular among local nobles. Less useful than your soap maybe, but I don't regret" - Edwin smiled.
"Yea, the day will come and my soap will save the world!" Diego let out a heartly chuckle "well, dont you mind leaving your shore for a hour?.. In fact I feel such a thirst - I could drink a river!"
"Great idea! But... O, wait for a moment, please" - Edwin called his servant and told him to stay in the shop in order to take the money from lord Kessertin, which was intended to bring them soon. Than Clanter returned to his friend and they left the antiquary.
They wasted some time trying to find a decent hole to drop an anchor and finaly ended under the board labeled “Headless chicken”. All hesitations were thrown away and friends finaly entered it.
“Headless chicken” turned out to be a quite clean for a usual type of inns spot, weitress with a cute face were boucning around with mugs and plates. Nearly all tables were occupied, but Edwin managed to notice a free place in the very corner.
"Hey, bartender! Give us something o drink, fast!" cryed out Diego, "It burns like in Hell outside... God forgive me my blasphemy."
After a short while mugs appeared on the table.
"So I bet lot of things has happened around while away." after a long sip, asked Diego, "care to tell?.."
"Well, when something happens it seems important, but then it looks like just a routine," Edwin started "so, nothing changed seriously... If you are interested in affairs of Rosa, I can tell you than Their Majesties are still allright, Prince John's nearly OK. They say, that the Royal healer is a brilliant doctor... Lord Kessertin is still King's Counsellour. By the way, I had a very profitable though a bit mysterious deal with His Lordship," Clanter retold to his friend the morning's events.
"You always were a lucky bastard, you know," an empty mug was thrown away "As I see its just olde Areinor, same as always... you know, sometimes I simply think that I should settle down, find a wife, make a family" Diego yawned dreamily "heh, what about you? Found a hot lassie, no?"
"You always ask the same question. But nothing..."
"Hey, guys!" A not sober stranger without any request took a place at their table. "I heard, you were discussing court affairs? Then you should be interested in the fact that the King was..." he made a dramatic pause and whispered loudly "Poisoned! Yes-yes, I know it exactly! My nephew is a friend of a guy whose brother workes at the palace, so you can believe me. Could you byu me a glass of wine?"
Edwin looked at him in amazement.
"Poisoned?.. How can ever be possible?.. Wait…" Diego waved at bartender "hey, somebody, bring some ale for my buddy!
A minute later, when a weitress brought another portion of ale, Diego continued:
"So, what were you talking about, friend?.. poisoned?"
"Yes, naturally poisoned!" he drank some ale taking pleasure in his interlocutors' attention. "There was a real plot! And the leader of it is Prince, yeah... He ordered Luana, the Royal Healer, to make a poison. And the chef gave it to Their Majesties. They say, that lord Kessertin is going to hang everybody who is suspected. He is looking for conspirators. Many of them are outside the Rosa Palace. Even some foreighners... " he was ready to accuse everyone.
"Santa Maria! I hope that wont hurt my business here... What a shame! The very King was nearly killed in his own apartament! That country rolls straight into Hell! Ñhop off my arm, that's an omen of the storm! Somebody's fancy the crown!"
In some minutes the tragedy in Rosa became the main subject of all discussions. First, nobody believed the news, but then another "witness" arrived and everybody started shouting, crying, creating different versions. So, when Edwin heard the story again, he was told that it was Prince, who was killed and that the King was only injured, but alive. What kind of injury could get a man who was poisoned remained a secret. In fourty minutes Clanter was already tired of this buffoonery, so he sujested Diego to leave the tavern.
Half-drunk, friends stalked around for a while, exchanging with stories of the past, trying to rebuild images of their childhood. Time was swooping away.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 5-05-2007, 19:28
The Rosa
13:00
"I... I'll see..." that was all Luana could say. The healer rushed forward, ran across the door case, gasped, rubbed the hurt forehead, and finally found her way out of the Prince's chamber. Tears were close to start streaming down her cheeks, but she struggled to remain serene. For two long minutes she climbed the stairs leading to the central reception hall in the midst of Rosa. At the very top she almost knocked down one of two guards, who were taking down a body wrapped in black cloth. Lune understood it was too late. The healer faced the most awful of her nightmares - when you are near and can't help...
Another guardian standing in the doorway turned briskly and eyed the lady from head to foot.
"Sorry, I thought I could..." Luana mumbled something in excuse of her appearing there.
"Ah, YOU! His Honour would very much like to speak to ye," said the soldier in a lifeless voice.
"Sure..." Lune turned back to leave the place.
"Where are you going, Miss Britt? Ah, right, find His Lordship yourself before his wrath finds ye!" he continued bitterly following her to the next stair landing.
Luana took to her heels*. Down the stairs, back to where she had been a couple of minutes ago. To Prince John's rooms. Vexed and terrified, the healer brattled along the second floor corridor and burst into the chamber without any knocking. Only then she realised such behaviour was not agreeable.
"Oh, sorry, I'm so sorry... Er... How are you, Your Highness?" Lune breathed out, gasping for air.
--
* áðîñèëàñü áåæàòü
Àâòîð: Parkan 9-05-2007, 21:18
(alongside with Daelinn)
The witch's hut
Meanwhile
The woman hemmed and leaned forward, catching her guest's eye. For a long minute she was watching him, trying to decide whether Eugene had really seen the spirit world he was speaking about or that was just a freak of imagination or rather a vivid dream.
"Ah... Ah well," Seril let down her legs and slid from the bed to the wooden floor. Straightened her gown, looked around, paused, reflecting on something, and then sat back, wishing to ask one more question.
"When you go there, do you get into a totally different place, the like of which you cannot find out there?"
"Hmmm... It is hard to say for sure. Depends on time and place. It is always night time there, as I've said, the sky is always dark despite the time of the day, with the Moon shining but no stars present. The Moon is of the same phase as it is on this side, by the way."
The mercenary leaned on the back of the chair, sipping whiskey slowly, his gaze was wistful.
"The landscape does not change there, and all the landmarks like rivers, ponds or cliffs are on their proper places. But man-made things may change drastically - misshaped, misplaced or just plain not there at all. Living things do not appear in spirit world, except for plants. But sometimes they too cast strange reflections in this sunless realm: I once saw a thick forest in place of a wheat field."
The woman's lips moved silently, a sign of disappointment (or relief?) was in her gaze. She stood up again and left the room for a while without saying a single word.
Eugene raised his brows, somewhat appalled by this reaction. Such a drastic change of Seril's mood was completely unexpected. He sighed, corked the canteen and sat straight, propping his chin with both hands. Half a minute later a jingling sound reached his ears. It continued, as the woman went on moving pots, glasses, vials and other ware in search of something buried behind all that stuff. Eventually, she returned carrying on her palm a silver-sputtered piece of glass, partially mounted.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 9-05-2007, 21:20
(featuring Parkan)
Greenstone looked at the glass shard in wise woman's hands with interest, then caught Seril's gaze.
"Nice mirror you have... Want me to show my reflection trick?"
"Not that I'm much interested in your fancy, but what can you see through this?" she held out the olden mirror before the guest, waiting.
"Aww... am I that bad in explaining?" frowned Eugene as he rose on his feet and approached his hostess. "The whole thing is not about looking... alright, just wait and you'll see."
The hapless shapeshifter reached for the mirror and touched the cool glass, concentrating. A short breath, as if preparing to dive, and - splash! The familiar coldness surrounded Eugene, as he pushed through, being perfectly still - yet lurching sideways. The border between mortal world and the realm beyond met him with the familiar webby resistance.
"But what you are doing is exactly lo..." Seril's voice faded away as Greenstone, with some effort, finally squeezed through the strands. The mercenary's shape suddenly lost colours and solidity as if dissolving into thin air. The ghostly image lingered for a while until it vanished completely.
The mirror, which the woman had been holding in her hand a second before, rattled down on the wooden flooring. The room was empty - just as she had left it that morning. No one around. No movement in the next room. No sound heard from outside either. The encounter by the forest pond might have been a mare's-nest but for the stuff that was left lying by the table. A backpack, a pretty worn round shield, a long sword in a leatherclad scabbard, and a helmet on top of this pile. A flask – at the lady's best guess – of some strong drink abandoned near an empty plate.
"Good Mother, how..." Seril sank to the floor, her stiff green gaze set upon the vicious union of steel and glass, by chance unbroken.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 24-05-2007, 20:49
(together with Daelinn)
The Rosa
13:10
"Is it true, Luana?" asked quietly Prince, when the healer entered the room. He was seating on his bed, looking at one point on the wall, with a set expression on his face.
The healer stood still, breathing hard, trying to find words of consolation and... excuse.
"Sorry..." she murmured. "I'm so sorry for your... His Majesty..."
"They say, His Honour wishes to speak to me, but I am not to blame, no, I'm not!" the lady cried out, approaching the poor sick guy, her hands clasped at her chest in a pleading gesture.
"Em..." Prince seemed to be amazed. "Are you suspected of this?.. Why?!"
Lune sighed with relief. At least one man didn't consider her a naughty criminal for high treason.
"They... the guardians looked at me so strange, they must know something..." she stopped short, realizing how the words sounded.
"Er, they must have their own reasons to believe it was me," Lune continued. She hardly understood what nonsense she was talking. Nobody had accused the healer yet, not even by a word or an insinuation...
"And... Don't you think, that you are worriing for just no reason? Anyway, I believe that you're absolutely innocent. I'll try to talk to lord Keran about this affairs, I'll try to help you, if there is some danger... If only I can", John realized that it was a very difficult task to do anything against Keran's will, but maybe... Anyway he was a Prince.
"Thanks, milord... Your Highness!" Luana didn't believe her luck. "But where... can I... how shall I live till then?" she was asking herself rather than the noble young man before her. The worm of doubt lifted up its head once again.
Prince shook his shoulders. He didn't know what to do and what to advise to the healer but he really didn't want her to suffer from Keran for this terrible crime.
"Well... In my opinion, you should try not to meet lord Kessertin and his people untill I speak to him and tell you the results of our conversation. Maybe you'd better leave Rosa... But, on the other hand, that can improve suspicions. So this is an extreme measure... You mustn't use it untill you're sure that you're endangered. Are you?"
"I don't know," babbled once brilliant royal healer, now crushed by suspicion and dislike of some of the great ones of this world. Luana levelled her gaze, looking at the Prince in sudden amazement. He's lost his parents, but now tries to comfort her instead of racking his brains over his own sad fate. And yet, it was right. To think of others' problems, rather than cry over yours... "But yes, these are wise words, Your Highness. I shall return to my usual quiet life, although with no more people gathering in the central square in the evenings... But, oh, how do you feel? I mean, do you need medicine, or help? Wait! I'll fetch some sedative herbs to soothe your pain..." the young lady's face was pale.
"Thank, that isn't necessary. I feel pretty good, better than usually. I'm even sure that I'll be able to survive till evening without your invaluable help". Prince John tried to smile. "I think, you can leave me and try to solve your own problems. Anyway, I have to talk to His Lordship. He might come here soon."
"I see," Lune dropped a quick curtsey. "I will disturb Your Highness no more." Two seconds later she was gone.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 24-05-2007, 20:52
Somewhere in the city
13:25
The meal tasted ash. The wine was sour. This godforsaken land was growing hateful to the old man. Although the stranger who named himself Almir looked handsome enough, he was already quite advanced in years. His acute eyes were often clouded by weariness, movements became slower, but those signs of weakness he concealed skilfully under his large black cloak.
Veon rose from the bench, leaving a sterling at the table, and headed to the streets. The heat was rising - the hottest time of day was drawing near. A quick gaze around from under the hat's brims - the man spotted someone who could serve him for the deal he charged with. Almir called up a boy, who had been wandering near aimlessly, and leaned over him, whispering.
"D'u wanna some money for little trinkets?"
The small guy pricked up his ears.
"See this scroll? Before the nightfall it must be handed to Sir Ganlen. Poor lad, he was a courtier once, but now lives by himself, all alone, near the Rosa palace. Here's a sterling, Ganlen'll probably give you some more."
The lad nodded so violently that it seemed his head would come off.
"Sure, milord, quickest possible, milord!"
"If he doesn't receive it, I'll be sure to getcha and explain to you how impolite it is to deceive elders." Almir smiled with only angles of his mouth. His voice was entirely devoid of expression, but the promise itself sounded ominous. The man looked mysterious enough to make anyone believe in his words.
"Ye.. yesss..." the boy was already not so sure whether he really wanted the money to risk his health, but the consent had been given with no way recede.
Almir placed the scroll and a silver coin in hands of the newly engaged messenger and walked away. Soon his cloak disappeared round the corner.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 24-05-2007, 20:53
The Rosa
13:30
Lune shut the door behind her and leaned against it, looking around with a hunted gaze and unable to make a step forward. Although the conversation with John made her see some light after all, she felt needless and very lonely within these stone walls, that had no resemblance to the flower which name they bore. There, all around the Rosa and much further, in the town itself - nowhere could she feel safe. But good heavens, was it not her mere imagination and overexcitement? Perhaps it just seems to be so bad, while nobody actually accuses the royal healer of the crime committed?
“Find her! Catch her!” – Guardsmen rumbled by corridors. – “Stop by the name of the Law!”
The young lady gasped, clenched her little fists and for a long second couldn't make up her mind where to rush. The voices seemed to be coming from everywhere. But soon the loud jingle of the guards' armour set the direction for her - to the left, then straight ahead past the library, and down the stairs, down, down, down... Then ahead again, towards the kitchen and numerous servants rooms.
“Good day, our dear healer” – lord Kessertin appeared behind Luana’s back from nothing – “Do you hurry to somewhere? Maybe you will promenade with me?”
The voice of lord of Keran was calm but strong, his hand squeeze Luana’s elbow as a grip.
Lune froze in place. His Honour's presence, usually somewhat annoying and unpleasant, now felt unclean and deadly.
"Ww... Why... I m-mean, s-s-sure, milord..." the healer went pale, but resolution shined in her eyes. In an unconceivable effort, she twitched her hand out of the Councillor's clutch and dashed off nearly screaming in terror.
“How irresponsible”- lord shirked.
Kessertin descended to the garter-knee and raised right hand with massive bracelet. Something clicked. Running Luana fell flat on her back.
(and Daelinn)
Àâòîð: Parkan 24-05-2007, 21:03
The witch's hut
Diving into the mirror, Eugene was a bit afraid of what he could find in the Spirit world. The last thing he would like to find was a sickly rotten cell in place of the house. Thankfully, it was not so - even in this realm the dwelling was tidy, cared for and actually seemed to be rather cosy. A small smile crept on the mercenary's face - he strongly disliked the idea of getting mixed up with a witch (true one of the worst kind). Letting a sigh of relief, he decided to go outside and have a look around.
Actually, it was the first time Eugene went through the mirror so close to a town. Usually he chose secluded spots away from people to avoid unwanted attention. Now he found out it was a wise notion - the town represented itself as a solid mass of buildings, huddled tightly, muffled in thick strands of dirty webbing. A huge sickly-green cloud hovered above the town sending semitransparent tendrils of mist down to the streets. Something was not right there... definitely. The werewolf winced and shook his head. He circled the house hurriedly and, after another long stare at the menacing cloud above the unsuspecting town, went inside and closed the door behind him. It was time to return, the hostess could have already become worried with his absence. He stepped to the centre of the room and concentrated again, trying to feel the familiar tug beyond. It felt as if the warrior was going back to the surface after a long dive...
Eugene returned unexpectedly and instantly - ten beats of heart ago there was no sign of Greenstone, then the air became blurred, as if heated by some unseen bonfire, then - snap! - and there he was, staying in the centre of the room, as if he had never left it.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 3-06-2007, 18:02
The witch's hut
"No, I'm not insane," Seril tried to convince herself. The words worked, but not so good as she desired it. "I must have underestimated the guy. That's real charms, aren't they? So he knows the Craft. But nothing of the Lore. Poor man."
Seril was gradually regaining her spirits in spite of the fact that time passed and Eugene didn't return. That was a good time to think of how to treat this "disaster". The lady got up, walked to the next room to place the mirror back on the narrow shelf, and went on to establish order in her abode. Dark hair curled flippantly round her head, but the green gaze was beyond a joke. Teach the guy good manners? How, Mother? But there's a deal, and she won't go back on her word.
If you don't know something, ask. If there is no one out there to answer, find. If one doesn't want to tell, earn his trust. If the price is too much, bargain. If the fee is doubtful still, stop and think. Never run a worthless risk.
And Seril was not going to. The guest was a wild creature to be tamed, albeit by his own wish. The woman remembered quite well what happened the previous time she engaged with non-humans. Not the way it is rumoured, but the way she could see, and hear, and feel herself... How many deaths will the world suffer this time?
Àâòîð: ÍåêðîÏåõîòà 14-06-2007, 21:30
As the time was swooping away and both Edwin and Diego felt quite dizzy, they finally came up with the idea to return to Edwin’s apartments. Since Diego hadn’t visited his own house for at least a year, he has already lost the necessity of going there, so he decided to accompany his friend on Edwin’s way back.
Night was falling. Sun has been sinking in the horizon of wooden roofs and stone chimneys, so the streets of Areinor were slowly plunging into the twilights. Local merchants already rolled up, so only rare militia patrolls were flashing here and there.
Trying to avoid side lanes and alleys (where there was a pretty nice chance to loose wallets and lives) friends dived into the tangled city’s maze.
When they finally entered Edwin’s quarter, it was already night. Only the rare lanterns and torches were giving some light to the dark streets. Thus the strange orange blaze ahead attracted friend’s attention. As they were coming further and further, Diego felt the smell of burning. Soon the dead silence of the night city filled up with far voices and cries.
Edwin’s feelings were transparent as a glass of water. His face was literally embodied with bad premonition. And unfortunately…
…they rushed forward through the huge crowd of gapers, that surrounded Edwin’s house. Well, only a blindman could name it a house now, though. Huge tongues of fire were storming around, and it seemed that even clouds were ready to flare up. Some desperate militias and few random volunteers from the crowd were trying to extinguish the fire, but their brave attempts were totally vain...
Àâòîð: Daelinn 27-06-2007, 9:17
(with Parkan)
The witch's hut
Day, evening
She suddenly felt some pricking on her skin, an unseen wave spreading from beyond the door left ajar*. Catching a vial that had fallen out of faltering fingers, the woman peeped out into the main room. There stood her ward, as if nothing had happened.
"Hey, ye," Seril poked her finger into the man's chest. "Why are ye standing out there loafing? Clean up the mess, quick!"
She pointed to the table and the mercenary's belongings round it, then turned her back on the man and retreated back to her chamber.
Eugene raised his brows again - the hostess acted as if he came back from outside the house. And she said nothing about Greenstone's voyage through the mirror, not a single word. Ah well, no one said it would be easy... The mercenary grinned grimly, collected his belongings and stashed them in a corner of the room, then examined the table discontentedly. Washing dishes was definitely not his idea of a decent man's work! But still, a couple of dirty plates and pots were obviously not enough to squabble with the only person capable of solving Eugene's trouble. Greenstone stacked the table utensils one on one in a shabby column, picked it all up and went outside - there was a basin in the room, but it was obviously intended for washing hands and face.
In a few minutes Eugene returned. He put the piled dishes back on the table, wiped off the scraps and sat back on the chair, waiting for Seril to come back from whatever she was doing in the backroom.
The waiting was long. All was quiet, but a thin current of fragrant air was streaming through the chinks in the door. Then a repeating tune entwined with the aroma, bewitching the tired listener by its rhythm. It whirled round him, whispering about serene sky, clear air and rich colours of spring shoots. When the last tone faded, the enchanting atmosphere started to dissolve. A dozen minutes later the hostess returned - only to see that the man had obviously fallen asleep right at the table, his head resting upon the arms. The order, however, was restored. Seril hemmed contentedly and touched the mercenary's leg with her brown shoe.
--
* ajar - ïðèîòêðûòûé
Àâòîð: Parkan 27-06-2007, 21:30
(with Daelinn)
The witch's hut
Evening
Slight kick in a shank tore the mercenary out of his slumber. He twitched and jerked back to upright position, glaring crossly at the wise woman.
"You know, that's not my idea of how you folk sleep. Unfortunately, there's no other bed here but chairs or this rug... If I were you, I think I'd prefer the second option."
“That’ll do,” nodded Eugene somewhat sleepily. The day was really long, tiresome and full of most disturbing events. Accustomed to spending nights outdoors, beside a fading campfire, Greenstone had absolutely nothing against sleeping on a dry flat floor under a sturdy thatched roof. He rose to his feet, approached his belongings and fetched the blanket from under his worn backpack.
“I’ll make my bed here, if you don’t mind”, Eugene pointed on a spot in the corner of the room, out of the main path to the front door.
"That's your choice," Seril crossed her legs on the bed and watched thoughtfully how the mercenary was making himself comfortable on the floor by and slightly under the table, beneath one of the oblong windows that let in the light of sun, moon and stars through clear glass slightly coloured at the top. The windows were darkening now together with the setting sun. The woman rose and put a leather bracelet on the inner door handle - the bracelet slipped gently onto it and remained, rocking slightly to and fro. She then grasped a small bag from the wall hook by the front door and left the house, leaving the guest on his own.
Eugene was right in the middle of taking off his shirt when the door clicked and closed. He turned round, looking at the source of sound and movement, observed the piece of leather hanging on the door handle for a while and shrugged. The hostess's ways seemed strange to the mercenary, but he was not in position to question them. Obviously she had her reasons to go away like that, leaving her no doubt dangerous guest alone in her abode. Anyway, the day was really tiresome. After having his dinner Greenstone more then anything wished to be left alone and to sleep soundly for the whole night. He undressed completely, crawled under the blanket and let out a long sigh of relief as he stretched his tired legs. The last thing remaining was to check for the sword - as usual, lying sheathed beside the bed at the right arm's reach. A few minutes later the mercenary was asleep.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 16-08-2007, 15:33
July 15th, year 361
Outside the townwall.
Night.
Another night fell on Areinor. It calmed and cooled the air, bringing rest to weared citizens. Light wind blew over the castle, singing in the carvings of the central Rosa tower, came down to touch closed shops and whirled up dust on the cobblestone pavement. Seril climbed to the edge of the forest and looked back at the town. Small lights twinkled far away in the palace's large windows, but all other houses were asleep.
The woman turned and went deeper into the woods. In the pale light Seril couldn't discern trees very well, so she had to stretch arms before her. Dry twigs crackled under the woman's feet. After a while, she reached the forest pondand kneeled by it, staring at the dark water surface with sparkling dots of stars far above. Seril sat like this for a while, not moving. Then a quiet chant came off her lips - a summon or a prayer, one couldn't tell.
"Gwerin eirias..."
Nothing changed. No sound joined the lazy lapping of water by the shore and whisper of wind in the leaves. She called again.
No answer came. The woman sleeked her hair and sighed. Then she reached her small bag and took out a small stone, all in tiny holes. Rising to her feet, Seril made some steps towards the placewhere the mercenary tried to find some rest this morning, stooping down to pick up tree grassblades. Returning to the water edge, she weaved them into a braid and put through one of the holes in the stone. The woman covered it by her right palm and brought to memory last day's events.
"Remember"
"Feel"
"Taste"
...
"Think".
She tied the grass to the stone and put it carefully into the bag. For another half an hour Seril juat watched reflections on the ater and recalled the days long past. When the night cold finally won over her woolen gown, she stood up and walked away, home, making a slight detour to gather some fereil, a blue nightflower.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 19-08-2007, 22:19
Somewhere in Rose
Small chamber in the deep of Rose's case mate was lighted by trifling candle ends, but neither their poor view they are don't become dim, in the center of room was a old rack with a royal healer on it.
''Wake up, my dear'' the voice of his honor Kessertin was warm as a flame of executer ''Wake up!''
Lord Keran slapped in the face of Luana: ''It is time to play.''
He smashed women one more time.
''Whh... what happened... lord Keran... what are doing?''
''A little experiment, dear healer'' – Kessertin take a small bracelet from the pocket of his mantle and wear it.
After that he put his hand with a new bracelet to the forehead of Luana and whispered:
''Asha-karamban-aram ... asha-karamlan-aram... asha-karamdan-aram'' – the hand of lord Keran became lighting dark red light
''No! Please!!! So painful! Nooo!'' poor women burst into tears.
''Asha-kara...'' recitative of Keran betting to Luana's mind as a hot nails.
''AAAAAA!!!'' young healer again fainted.
''Hm... too hard, I believe... so inadmissible flash...''
''...K...e...r...a...n...''
''How inopportunely...'' - lord slashed with his nail by Luana's hand till it bleeds, after that he dipped his finger to blood and turn to the wall.
''Aminaya-amina-juice'' – Kesertin draw a circle on the wall and breathe out.
''Keran...'' circle blazed up.
''I told you that it is unwise, to disturb me in the palace... the time of...''
''The time of Dance is changed!''
''Are you sure?'' voice of Kessertin was calm.
''Absolutely, the will start in dozen days!''
''I understand...'' Keran's body blinked ''how inopportunely...''
On the place of lord Kessertin stayed strange creature: tentacles, big, disproportionate head, weak hands... few seconds and the vision is disappear and lord Keran again stayed in his usual view near the dark wall.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 29-08-2007, 15:34
July 15th, year 361
Morning
Burnt antiquary
By 3 o’clock that night firemen reached that quarter and brought down a storm of water on the burning wood. Reluctantly, the fire subsided, leaving heaps of black wreckage. Edwin and Diego pushed through the crowd in hope to find something that survived. All Clanter’s belongings on the second ‘private’ floor were destroyed, together with most of what he kept on the shelves in the shop. Wood burnt, metal melted. A couple of items that were held in the cellar most probably hadn’t suffered, but the entrance there was blocked. Another hour they spent digging through the blockage with the help of civil guardians.
After a short argument with Diego, all things that were of any value to the now homeless antiquary dealer were loaded onto a cart and hauled to the warehouse, which worked since early morning. At dawn, when most other citizens were waking up to start their usual business, two merchants got into the first inn they saw and finally had some sleep.
In the Rosa
Luana opened her eyes and saw nothing. Deep night around. She was coming to her senses slowly, recalling the last evening’s events. Something awful happened. Ah, the King... and his Queen. And the Prince again felt ill. And then... then... Failing to find any more than just dim reminiscences, the healer fell asleep for another hour. As Luana woke up at last, a narrow beam of light illuminated long stairs winding up above her head. When she eventually found herself able to rise, sharp pain pierced her limbs. Her back stiffened after lying on a cold stone floor, her body was beaten black and blue.
I must have fallen down. Shouldn’t have come to this cellar door.
Moaning, the lady reached her room and fell on the bed. After a while she even managed to find some ointments from her large healer’s stock and went on to rub them into the bruises and a wound on her left hand.
Ganlen’s home
“Oh, I can’t believe, just can’t believe it!” sir Ganlen muttered dressing up for the morning meal. The servant helping him tried to show some sympathy and asked what the hell his master was worried about.
“I’m afraid, I’ve got a semi-official reception in the Rosa today, can you believe?!” the man burst out at last. “She was so persuading, and little, and unhappy, I couldn’t but promise her something! Alright, I could just “forget” the promise, but last night that boy comes up and pokes this goddamn letter to me! I’ve lost my mind, for sure – it was crazy not to read it till it was too late... the little ‘postman’ could get lots of ice-cream for not telling about delivery... Shouldn’t have drunk so much last night, yeah, it killed my name, it’ll kill me some day. I hope the King won’t remind me of...”
“But His Majesty’s regent thinks differently of you, if it’s he who’s summoning,” Lofan managed to put in a couple of words into his master’s ‘stream of consciousness’.
“Regent?” Ganlen raised his eyebrows showing a most lively interest.
“Yes, Sir. Mr. Kessertin, Sir. The old King Robert is dead – poisoned, they say.”
“Poisoned?! Oh, my!” for another minute he posed as if his heart was going to stop. “But that’s no better. That’s worse! I can’t stand that gloomy fellow, who..”
“Young Prince might need your help. The boy’s alone now.”
“But his...”
“The same.”
“Oh..”
The next half an hour was unusually silent, before Ganlen saw that time was coming and started lamenting again.
Àâòîð: ÍåêðîÏåõîòà 30-08-2007, 8:34
The current residence of Diego and Edwin, obviously an inn.
The morning was worth the horrible night Diego spend with Edwin, trying to find out if something of Edwin’s belongings that accidentally managed to survive the fire. When they finished and Diego finally reached the bed he lusted so much, the exhausted merchant fell asleep in a count seconds. The rest of the night healed him. Though the morning eventually came and Diego’s body reminded him about the past events with a sharp pain in his back.
“I am obviously becoming old”, - Diego mumbled at himself, desperately trying to put his clothes on without straining muscles of his aching back.
In a half-a-hour Diego finally came down to the inn hall.
“Good morning, sire”, the innkeeper greeted him. Short, far and hopelessly bold that person was a complex of the most classic innkeeper traits. Even his was voice was so innkeeperish that Diego eventually felt the strong feeling of déjà vu.
“It’s not so good but I bet it will become better if I insinuate my grumbling stomach.”
“Aye, mister. Here, take some ale while you’r waiting”, - the innkeeper handed over the board the mug, full of ale.
The hall was nearly empty due to the middle of the work day (“sometimes you can beat the habit”, thought Diego, who simply was used to rise at cock-crow), so when the merchant took a seat at the board, the innkeeper tried to start a conversation:
“Have you heard about that horrible fire last night?”
Diego raised his dim glance and focused it on innkeeper’s eyes.
“Aye, the friend of mine lost nearly all his stuff”
“Nothing survived?”
“My dear friend, I simply don’t feel like talking. It was a harsh night and all I want is to have a lil breakfast. I really don’t need to be reminded about my friend’s grief.”, - Diego slowly and patiently explained his current feelings.
“Excuse me, sire”, - the innkeeper withdrew, - “I’ll poke my wife to hurry up with your meal”.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 30-08-2007, 14:38
It was the worst morning that Edwin could remember. Actually, the previous night was awful too. The hard work at the ruins of his house diverted him from painful thoughts, but then... Lying in bed he couldn't get rid of an idea that he lost everything. He wasn't to be starved to death now and he wasn't sorry for the money itself, no! But he couldn't get over a fact that the work of his whole life was destroyed in some hours. And that guy, a servant... poor of him. When Clanter finally fell asleep it was already morning. And the only dream he had was a burning building.
He woke up in two hours. Actually, the sleep gave him no rest. Edwin's mood was awful and he had a terrible headache. Nevertheless, he managed not to think of his loss. Clanter dressed up and went down to an inn hall. He saw his friend immediately and, asking no permission, took a sit at his table.
"Morning, Diego", said the merchant. "Frankly speaking, I don't consider it to be good".
Though he felt no hunger, Edwin asked for some food. His baleful stare disinclined the innkeeper to start a conversation or ask any questions.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 31-08-2007, 10:10
The inn
While the two friends were sitting gloomily over their plates and wistfully poking forks into sauced meat, the city started moving. The inn’s guests descended to the hall, took a quick bite of toasts, and went to walk the streets. Time was close to noon, and some of them were already returning to have a more substantial lunch. Only now Edwin and Diego discerned some paintings all round the walls – books, candles, scrolls of paper, and a grey-haired old man with a crazy wild gaze on the entrance door, with a pile of hardbacks in his hand. The friends, trying to divert thoughts, started suspecting that the inn’s name was something like “crazy librarian”, which turned out to be quite close to the truth.
One group of a middle-aged man and two women occupied the next table. The women were mostly talking, and their companion just listened and looked at them, as if he was all the time resolving a hard task in his mind – which one to chose?! Diego glanced at them and showed no more interest, as in all other people, but then their conversation suddenly touched him on the raw.
“Yes, awful night, Liz, just awful! I couldn’t sleep, with that red blazing in the window.”
“Sure,” Lisa shook her head. “I wonder how dear old Jeremy survived – his milk shop is just next to antique! It is such a miracle that fire hadn’t passed onto the roofs a dozen feet away. You know, I couldn’t live without Jer’s dairies, we should take a wagon of them when we leave for Creeston, alright, Robb?”
The man got off with some “uhuh” and continued racking his brains over his secret dilemma.
Àâòîð: Parkan 30-09-2007, 22:11
(with Daelinn, of course)
The witch's hut
Late morning
Eugene woke up late. Mercenary knew that for sure without even opening his eyes and looking through the window. He felt refreshed, his whole body full of vigour and strength. All consequences of missed sleep last night, of long march through the wilderness, of yesterday’s fit of madness – all of these were gone, any sign of weariness faded away like a bad dream. Greenstone rose to his feet, stretched himself balancing on his toes then reached for his clothes.
Seril, his yesterday’s saviour, was still soundly asleep – amazingly careless to the presence of a person like Greenstone in the near vicinity. The wise woman was curled up in childlike manner, hugging the pillow in her sleep. She definitely was not going to wake up any time soon – and Eugene felt a definite urge to have some action. He put on the boots, took his sword along with the scabbard and crept outside, onto the sunlit yard. Time to swing the iron for some time! Smiling broadly to the sun, the clear blue sky and the whole world, Greenstone started the warm-up. For the first time in many months he was tranquil and confident about his immediate future.
The door half-opened and then closed back with a light “tap!”. Eugene glanced back over his shoulder without interrupting the current sequence of sweeps and blocks, with polished steel sending sunglints all around the yard. There stood his hostess dressed in dark green, with a glass of water in her hand.
“Morning,” she said in a dull voice.
“Good morning to you too, m’lady,” Eugene replied after the last strike at the invisible enemy. He turned his blade once more around the wrist and put it back into the scabbard. Then the mercenary faced his... employer?.. sage paid for her services?.. ah well, let’s call it partnership for the time being... and asked: “So... Do you have any plans for me today?”
“I wonder whether I’ve got plans for myself, nothing to say ‘bout ye,” she mumbled, then yawned and continued grimly. “But… we could walk through the city, and perhaps have another lesson of good manners in an inn or two.”
Eugene winced at the words about "lesson of good manners in an inn or two", but refrained from retorting. After all, Seril more than any living soul had the right to speak like that. A moment later a glimpse of yesterday's venture into the Spirit world crossed Greenstones mind, casting shadow of anxiety on his face.
"City.. ah well. As you wish, m'lady... but..."
Eugene paused for a moment, hesitating, but decided to continue. It was hard still: he had to put into the words vague feelings and images brought by his bestial part, the very part he was trying to stifle in vain.
"Well, you see... The city... something feels wrong there. Do you have any news of the recent happenings in Areinor?"
“News come slowly here, you know, they aren’t eager to rush to my place and talk about it. A pub suits for that kind of thing much better… In general, people are dissatisfied with the King’s policy and stricter regime.”
"People are always dissatisfied, Seril. No matter how well the king rules his land, you can always and everywhere find someone grumbling and complaining." Eugene frowned and shook his head ponderously. "No, m'lady. I mean more sinister happenings... hard to explain... some disaster hovers above the city, flies above the rooftops and spires like a huge, bloated, menacing stormcloud..."
The woman stared at Eugene for as long as a minute, then said:
“You feel it, I see it. Citizens perish in the Rosa’s dungeons – Rosa is the royal palace. The young heir is very ill. Something’s very wrong with His Majesty’s court, especially with his councillor Lord Kessertin. He’s cruel, lustful and… involved in dark sorcery. What I was doing by the lake yesterday when you interrupted me, was trying to understand more of what he had done in the woods the night before that.”
Greenstone's brows went high up his forehead.
"Dark sorcery? Heh... sounds like some drunk minstrel's scary story. But," here Eugene grinned, "being another character of such fables, I am not in position to question this, am I? Well, let us go and see what those cords of green mist are attached to. I'll be ready as soon as you are."
Seril nodded assent and returned inside, followed by silent and thoughtful mercenary.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 7-11-2007, 19:23
(et ma chère Daelinn)
Rosa palace. Kessertin's chamber.
A lonely man was approaching the central Rosa gates. He looked grim, more so with his gray jacket and same trousers. It was early and the rising sun hadn’t yet started tormenting all alive with heat. The man wasn’t old, nor was he young – an average middle-aged man in the street. He reached the stairs, where two guards crossed spears before him.
“Who are you and what do you want?”
“My name is Ganlen, I’m a courtier… former courtier. I received an invitation yesterday,” he held out the scroll, looking much the same as the one the guardians had already seen. Leir, who was again standing guard, looked suspiciously at the man and took the scroll, ran through it quickly and nodded shortly.
“Come with me,” Leir said.
Ganlen followed the guard into a hall with padded stools by the walls. The guardian told the ex-courtier to stay there until he notified His Honor Lord Keran and returned, and Ganlen had no intention not to obey. He sat heavily on a stool and stared straight ahead, his fingers interlaced and his toes tapping nervously on the floor.
“A! Sir Ganlen.” Lord Kessertin exited from the door of his bureau. “Come in, your Exelence.”
Ganlen rose - a bit too quick and awkwardly. Bowing hastily, he followed His Honour into the room.
“Some vine? I have got very… supportable year.” Keran smiled, his smile was calm, but something strange flashed in his eyes.
"No, thank you, Sir Keran, i've just had lunch," responded the guest.
“How do you believe, why I called you in to the palace?” Kessertin sit down on his chair near the work-table and sign to Ganlen on the armchair beside “Please, do sit down.”
"Er... Oh, thank you, Your Honour," ex-courtier was evidently loath to have a long talk. Yet, he came here to regain his lost position and hoped to pass this test. "It was said, I was wanted back at the palace, which I most unfortunatly left some years ago." Ganlen's voice became stiff.
"Exectly! Unfortunate chain of misunderstandings and stupid suspicions... this is past!"
Lord Keran made a pause.
“The time of suffer has come to our glorious kingdom, Their Majesties are dead, His Majesty is too young and too ill… the weight of power is too heavy for him now, that's why I became Regent of the King” Keran smiled “His Majesty and our kingdom need you, your experience, your talents, your hardworking! Do you agree to accept the title of Prime-Minister in HM’s government?”
Ganlen was sincerely shoked. The man opened and closed his month, failing to voice something intelligible. Eventually, he cleared his throat and said:
"It was a most unexpected offer for me, and I'm so thankful for that, but... do you believe I have got enough knowledge to rule the country in such a troubled time? I've been set aside from Rosa's deal a long time ago and..."
It was not clear, whether he really doubted his own skills or was just knocking up his price.
"Not rule... We will govern under the reign of His Majesty." Kessertin looked to the eyes of Ganlen "So... you want to drop your Motherland in this terrible times and go to your good, warm nest?"
"No, of course not!" the future prime-minister clasped his hands. " I shall do my best... And how shall I begin?"
"Very good question" lord took a piece of paper. "After the disclosing of this plot, I and the Lord-Prosecutor has got a lot of work, so... you should start by financial and administrative affairs."
Having found himself in a familiar world of admin, Ganlen started regaining his spirit, notwithstanding the presence of that awful man before him.
"Then I should first explore the papers - reports, budgets, you know, that kind of things. I'll visit the archive."
"It is not nessesary" the voice of Kessertin changed "I. have. all. reports. here. it. is. not. nessesary. to. go. to. the archive. we. could. solve. a lot. of. problem. here. Do. you. agree. with. me."
There was not any question in his voice, but it was so hard not to agree with his honour. Ganlen felt his mind freeze, then after a short while it returned to work, but a strange feeling of detachment overcame him. As if the courtier wanted to hear another man's opinion and do everything to comply with it. And that man stood before him... Then for an instant Ganlen's sanity returned, aching awfully as if he had dared to do something improper and now bears the punishment. Clear mind sank again not to return until late in the evening.
"Yes, Sir," new PM only muttered.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 23-11-2007, 22:13
North-west part of the City
The walk proved to be long. A promenade of some sort, or rather a tour over the Areinor sights, which were actually few in number. Initially built as a trade centre for farmers nearby, it later fell in decay when the town mayors clashed over the entrance duties with the villagers, striving for money, power and the future harvest. The city was then reshaped by that legendary stranger lord from minstrels’ tales who united the lands and created ever strong monarchy with its administrative centre in Areinor. It was growing strong and powerful, attracting more and more craftsmen and merchants, who were coming up there from distant regions. All of them carried something in memory of their native land and embodied their varying cultures in art, clothes, and everyday way of life.
The road was winding through the Wood Gates round the city, counter clockwise, and the two strollers followed it to see as much as they could before the sun starts going to sleep. When Seril and Eugene crossed the river Avon, which divided the city into two unequal parts, a light pavilion appeared before their eyes. Its elegant roof was bent at the bottom, looking like a pointed hat with brims. A young couple was descending from there down the winding stairs.
“Spirit Archway,” Seril said, following the two with a long gaze. “But most people call it simply ‘the Arcs’. Silly forgetful people...”
“And what’s the story with it?” her companion uttered in response. “It surely exists, I guess. There must be a reason for such a naming.”
“And your discontent,” he added in his mind, but never said aloud. The name rang the bell in Eugene’s memory, but the coincidence was just partial, only an allusion, a faint resemblance, yet he found that interesting. “Good chance if it really has something to do with the spirit world,” he thought.
Seril looked at Greenstone crossly, as if he had said something improper.
“What will it tell you? Nothing.”
She pursed her lips in irritation and walked in silence for some time. But then stopped, levelled her gaze and glanced over Eugene as if she saw the man for the first time. She shook her head.
“Well, perhaps it will, after all,” one could hear sudden grief in the wise woman’s voice. “Listen.”
Seril turned, now walking round the pavilion, to the place where the stairs began.
“I don’t think you’ve ever heard the history of this land. The true history. Only a few know how Areinor became a centre so prosperous, even fewer – why it is now falling in decay. It is not popular nowadays to talk of old ways and legends, as well as of the first King in the dynasty. He was a wonderful person, that man.”
She sighed and lowered her voice.
“Our tradition – I hope you do not wanna know which ‘our’ I mean – says that Alvin came from my native lands. It rather far from here, I must say. So, lord Alvin tried to retain something that would remind him of his home, like many other strangers have done since. His newly crowned Majesty enjoined* carvers to make a decorated pavilion that would be solid but look fragile. They did their best, setting this construction over the bank of river Avon flowing to the forest side.”
They reached the rising steps of white marble. Seril looked up, grimaced and started the ascension to a place which seemed to be unpleasant for her. When both were up at the top, she approached the railing, glanced down at the foamy water, and turned round briskly, facing her companion. Eugene stood in the centre of the pavilion, frowning.
“There’s something over here...” he muttered, stretching one hand as if he wanted to grasp something, “but I just cannot reach it.”
Seril curled her lip.
“Don’t do that here,” her voice was stern. “No good.”
It seemed as if she suddenly knew quite a lot about the things that Greenstone had been trying to explain to her, much more that he could ever believe, even more than he himself understood. The woman then continued her story.
“In the years of Alvin’s reign and long afterwards, this place became known for its calm and serenity. People who came here insisted that they saw glimpses of shapes and shades flashing by. There were even lucky persons who alleged that while resting on the benches or staring over the running water they’d seen other realms, beautiful and enchanting, where everything was done at wish and at will. And they called it the ‘Spirit Archway’ – a passage to an illusory world.”
The man looked at Seril, standing with her back to the pavilion’s edge, hands griping the wooden parapet. She was living every word that left her lips, day-dreaming of the days long gone never to return.
“Silly people,” the woman smiled at something. She looked back at Eugene, the light dimmed in her eyes. “Ah, now it’s all tales which no one remembers.”
There they stood in silence, watching the city of Areinor, each one seeing different scenery.
--
* enjoin – ïîâåëåòü.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 27-12-2007, 20:06
Prince's chamber.
“May I come in, your Majesty?” Lord Kessertin of Keran entered to the prince’s room.
Actually King's Councillor was the last man whom prince de Rei wanted to see now. But he had to. His Highness (John couldn't accept the idea that now he was already "Majesty") wanted to say some bad words about the etiquette of Royai Court, but instead he made himself nod and say quietly:
"Do please, m'lord."
“Thank you, sire” Councilor nodded to the young man “I am very sorry that I disturb you in this moment of sorrow, but some causes of our kingdom needs your attention”
"I'm listening to you" A shadow of interest appeared at John's pale face. He was so upset that he was glad to use any opportunity to think of any other subject but his trouble.
“First, I am glad to say, that by the last will of your royal father I became a regent” started Kessertin “Second good news, It is that we catch some of the plotters and now, Royal Prosecutor mmm… working with that peoples, they have already gives new names and places of the plot”
Kessertin gives a list with the names to the do Rei.
“Prosecutor and me… we thought that for investigation of this terrible plot we need a special commission with an extra-ordinary seal, do you agree with us, sire?”
It was hard for John to keep an imperturbable expression. But he managed.
"I'll be pleased to get your advice about some questions, lord. But I see no sense in giving you any extra power for the investigation. You have quite enough of it now. And I won't be glad to find out that you and sir Royal Prosecutor are too assiduous. I don't want anybody to be punished without judgment. Royal judgment, you see? And I do want you to tell me everything you find out. Let's start immediately. Who is suspected?"
"As your wish, my lord" lord Keran nodded "Royal chef admitted that he take a very specific spice from you healer and added this to the royal meals, your healer keeping silence, but we have a witness's testimony that she had some business with strange woman in the town, we thought that she gave poison to the Luane"
"Luana?" Prince looked amazed. It took him quite a long time to get control of himself. Maybe even five seconds. "But why? What for? I can't believe... I... I want to talk to her. As soon as possible!"
“Yes, sovereign, I was very surprised too, but facts are telling against her” Councilor nodded “As fast as we catch her you will talk with she!”
"So, she's gone", thought John. He was glad to hear that: young prince was sure that it was a mistake. And he knew definitely that it's better to look for a way out in freedom than in a councilor’s prison. He nodded.
"Did you want to tell me anything else?"
"Yes, you shall sign this list of this... possible suspects, this is just legal formalities to put them on the wanted list"
Keran gives to the prince new paper.
Prince looked through a list of names. He stood up from the armchair, walked slowly to the table, took a pen and put his signature. Without saying anything he returned to his place, gave the paper to Kessertin and looked at him.
“Thank you, your Majesty” lord nodded and slowly go to the door without turn back to the prince “I will be keep informed you if anything happened, sire”
"Inform me immediately when you catch somebody. You may go", John turned to the window showing that the audience is over. He wanted to stay alone in order to think about the situation in Rosa.
Kessertin closed the door.
(and Olorin)
Àâòîð: Daelinn 31-01-2008, 9:33
Eastern districts
The sun was at its hight when Seril and her companion entered the commercial district of Areinor – the one where many local merchants lived and most travelling ones resided. The Avon carried here ships with goods, which were then transported to warehouses and from there further on to shops and stores. The roads ran under carts which followed the same lot. The area was rather dirty, noisy and crowded, but if one walked farther from the docks, people became more pleasant and tolerable, even loud cries of market-men were joyful, not rude…
…Just a week before.
Now the district seemed to be drawning in the sun-warmed thick air, the population down here looked gloomy and strange, glancing at passers-by with distrust, and bright sunlight only emphasized it.
“You feel it?” Eugene uttered suddenly.
“Yes,” she replied absently.
“I can imagine what it looks like there… or rather I cannot. It’s too fearsome to get to know for sure what’s the inside soul of this place.”
“I don’t ask you to,” Seril waved her hand, pointing to some spot far away down the street. “Some poor guy lost his house, heh…”
“Come and see?” Greenstone moved to approach the burnt sight, but the woman seized his hand.
“Wait… I know who it was. He’s a merchant, lives… lived here, ran a curiosity shop. Many wonderful things.”
She shook her head, as if regretting some of those antiques. The mercenary could easily imagine, though, that she desired something that was beyond her grasp… and wealth.
“Hey, m’lady, could you turn your face on me and answer a few questions?”
A harsh voice broke the short thoughtful silence. Both turned round – one briskly, a cautious expression on his face, the other smoothly, her gestures full of dignity. The man they saw was dressed in royal guard uniform, armed with a short sword.
“How can I help ye?” Seril asked raising a brow.
“Who’s your companion?” the guardian nodded at Greenstone, his lips firmly pressed. He was too angry or too frightened.
“Who are you in the first place?” she didn’t raise her voice, but emphasized the scornful sounding of the phrase.
The guy turned out to be angry, after all. His cheek twitched, his right hand grasped sword handle.
“I am from the Rosa’s Royal Guard, and my name won’t mean anything to you, bloody witch. You and…” he glanced at Eugene, “your accomplice are arrested and must follow me. You shall be interrogated in a more engaging atmosphere if you refuse to talk now…”
Seril smiled and squeezed Greenstone’s wrist. No need to show those things before rascals.
“Calm and quiet,” she whispered to him, in a short melodious phrase.
And turned to the guard. He must have made a quiet sign to his companions, because the woman’s dark gaze met a douzen of them, all formally dressed. She didn’t make guesses who sent them. She only wondered – why?
“Alright, I’ll answer all you might wish to know.”
“One by one, to the last I’ll go.”
“From cover to cover, the secrets it keeps.”
“But the brave one to open, will curse what he grips…” enchanting rhymes were coming down on the soldier’s mind, wrapping it into a comfortable dullness.
“We’ll come later,” Seril continued.
“Alri…” poor guy tried to mutter. The other guards looked at their commandor in surprise, but didn’t attempt to finish his job for him. They still stod there when Seril and Eugene disappeared in the streets of the neighbouring quarter.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 25-02-2008, 11:22
«My lord? May I come in?” – Lord-prosecutor opened the secret door to Kessertin’s room
“Enter.” – The voice of Keran was like a glacier.
“Did his majesty sign the ordinance?” – Carefully asked lord.
“No.” Glacier dangerously hangs down over the prosecutor. “His future majesty believes that mercy opens the hearts of his peoples…”
“I see…” prosecutor nervously swallow “But what we should do in this situation?”
“You should work as you worked, this is just temporally misunderstanding between me and our future majesty.”
“Do you bring me what I am asked?”
Prosecutor assented.
“Yes, I found it in treasury” and he gives to Keran small silver thimble*.
“Excellent…” lord smiled, as a snake in front of bird.
Lord-Prosecutor breathed out.
“My Lord… I have a bad news…”
“What happened more?”
“In town, was an accident with one witch, she and her friend attacked our guards, soldiers was brave and courage but this witch bitted them all!”
Kessertin sniffed scornfully.
“Witch… This is interesting… Add her to the list of traitors, one hundred golden coins for alive!”
“Yes milord!” prosecutor smirked and go out.
Two or three minutes Keran of Kessertin sitting in his armchair and thinking about something, then open his table and take a casket what he bought. Lord wear s thimble on third finger and knocked along the casket.
“Omina… marda… Omina…”
Casket opens. Small mahogany wood stick lies before him.
“Excellent…”
* - íàïåðñòîê.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 30-03-2008, 2:48
July 15th, year 361
Afternoon
Prince's chamber
(with Olorin)
Some hours passed since the visit of lord Kessertin. Prince John was sitting in his room and trying to read a book. Actually, he couldn't concentrate on the text thinking about their conversation with Keran. Suddenly he felt a terrible headache and weakness. He tried to stand up from a chair and go lay in his bed. But he didn't manage to reach it. He made only two steps, felt dizzy and fell down on the floor.
"Hey, somebody!" he tried to cry, but his call was not as loud as he wanted. But in a minute his footman entered the room and helped the young prince to lay down in his bed.
"Thank you, William", he said quietly. "Please, call for Lu...", Prince remembered about his own order, "...for a doctor".
The footman was a bit surprised, that the Prince didn't call his healer by name as he usually did. But anyway he nodded, left the chamber and ran to the room of Luana. He knocked. "Lady Luana, His Highness needs your help".
The answer came with delay. Poor lady herself was trying to heal the bruises she got somewhere this night. The memory was still blank, and Luana had no remembrance of what exactly happened to her.
"Yes, William, could you please wait a minute..."
The voice was weak and the footman could hardly hear it. Five minutes passed, but the healer still didn't seem to hurry up for His Highness's help.
"What is she doing? She could hurry up a little bit!" William knocked once more. "Hurry up, please, lady Luana! Prince is really bad, you must go".
"Me too", she wanted to reply, but only whispered it to herself. People needn't know about the Royal Healer's troubles. Five more minutes later she appeared in the corridor, with a bag in her hands.
"We can go, William," Lune said, waiving him to move along and trying to go half step behind, so that her slight limp didn't catch the footman's eye.
They went along the corridor to the door of Prince's chamber. William was hurrying and Luana had to hurry up too. When they reached the room, William knocked and opened the door asking Luana to come in. He himself didn't enter the room and took his place near the door.
"At last", wanted to say Prince John when he saw the healer. But when he understood who was the healer, he could only stare at her and murmur: "Luana? What are you doing here?!"
"Sorry?" Lune was surprised by the Prince's words. "But you just called me to..."
"I... But why are you in Rosa? I didn't think that you are here."
"Something happened?" the healer worried. "Oh... or had I promised to go do something for you and forgotten... oh my... I am so sorry, but..." Luana was embarrassed.
"No... But something really happened. Two hours ago lord Kessertin gave me a list of people who were suspected of the murder of King and Queen. I had to put my signature under it and to allow him to look for them. Look for you, actually, because your name was in that very list. I thought that you were far from Rosa, so you see, I'm surprised to see you here."
Luana froze in place, not understanding, and then slowly started taking it in. Yes, she remembered the Royal Couple's death, and... and strange suspicious looks that guards gave her, and lord Keran following her... In panic, Lune rushed to the door, but then stopped, clutching the handle. Turned back slowly.
"You need help."
"You need it too" Prince grinned. "What are you going to do now?"
Luana crossed the room and put the bag on the table near His Highness’s bed. Then glanced at the Prince.
"Could you send your man to fetch some hot water?"
"Sure", he nodded. He took a bell, rang and when William came in he ordered him to comply with Luana's request.
"What I gonna do..." she continued, mixing up weeds from the bag and grinding them in a mug. "Give you some treatment, at least for now, and then... are you... why do... could I ask Your Highness, why you do not arrest me right now?"
"And should I? Are you guilty?"
"Of murder? But no! How could I..." she gathered some leaves that fell off the bag on the table, and continued her work. The powerful su'uhr was gone, that woman had no more and wouldn't gather it, and the boy was ill... Doing what she could, Luana hoped he would hold out till a new cure was found, but now either prison or exile awaited the royal healer.
"So, what's the problem?" Luana had no opportunity to answer, because the door opened and the footman came in with a jug of hot water. He put it on the table and asked if he could do anything else.
"No, thanks," she said, pouring water into the mug. She stirred the substance and closed the mug with a special cover that filtered the infusion. Lune leaned over the bed to help the prince drink. Surprisingly, he didn't hesitate to accept her medicine.
William left the room, finding a place next door, so that he could hear his master calling. The latter was now lying with eyes wide open, experiencing the first effect of the mixture. Slowly, his sight was returning to clear as the headache eased. Yet, he still felt weak and could not stand up on his own. He turned his head and saw Luana sitting by, eyes closed, hands clutched on the lap.
The interrogation continued.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 31-03-2008, 20:47
(with Daelinn)
Prince John looked at the healer.
"Luana, would you mind answering some of my questions? Do you know anything about the murder of Their Majesties?"
The young lady levelled her gaze, throwing dark hair away from the face with a weary gesture.
"The same things that all know. They suddenly felt ill at the feast and soon were dead... But I can't imagine who could've done it. You remember, I came to help you that early morning, and then made a visit to the kitchen to leave glasses and plates - and I saw nothing suspicious, the cooks were just hurrying up so that the dinner was prepared on time." She faintly shrugged her shoulders and was silent again.
"Kitchen..." said Prince thoghtfully. "And can you imagine, why Kessertin suspects you?"
Lune was watching her fingers and still aching scratches on her hands, and thought of all she did and sacrificed to her vocation - cure people.
"I did nothing illegal," she blushed, "at least didn't want to, but..."
The healer was now looking straight into the Prince's eyes.
"You might not know, but in desperable attempt to find something that would can set you on your legs, at least let you live!.. I found a herb that fought your illness much better than others. Recently... well, about a year ago by a royal decree, so they say, its gathering was declared illicit, but I went on buying the cure from a woman who... No, I shoudn't really give her up."
For about a minute Prince kept silence glancing at the picture of Rosa which hang against him on the wall. Then he sighed and looked at Luana again.
"I see... I'm sure that Keran had an idea about your contacts with that woman. And you were at the kitchen before the murder. These facts are more than enough if Keran wants to arrest you. Or to kill you. I can't understand two things: first of all, why does ne want to do it? He just dislikes you or has some reason to cover the truth about this murder? Or..." John made a pause. "No... And the second thing is why he didn't arrest you during this hours. Did you leave Rosa?"
"No... I... I'm sure I didn't leave it, although... last night's somewhat vague in my mind," Lune pulled down the sleeves nervously and clutched her hands again. "Me.... I fear him, Your Majesty."
"I'm not surprised... And what about last night? By the way, didn't you hear that Keran wanted to talk to you or maybe called you after the murder?"
"Talk to..." the healer shivered, an image of her running down the corridor and then darkness. No, she couldn't recall what happened next. She sat still, searching for hints again and again, but stumbled upon the same forgetfulness.
Prince looked at thoughtful face of Luana.
"Em... That's strange, very strange. I believe that you should leave Rosa as soon as possible. I won't be able to protect you from Keran for a long time. Do you have a place to hide in the city?"
"There are kind people, but... they'll know where to find me. Nobody wants the Regent's anger on his heels."
"And what about that woman, who sold the medicine?"
"I don't feel I can involve her, she's done only good, but His Lordship might suspect her as well... especially after she hides me. Yet, she could just help find some place..." Luana turned her head to the tall windows, watching the sunlight play through the curtains. More that any time before, she felt worthless and alone.
"Well, maybe that's a wayout. Anyway, I have no other idea."
Luana tried to smile. Then her look paused on the Prince' pale and exhausted face.
"Who will care for you, Your Highness? Aren't you not safe yourself?"
John shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe. Frankly speaking, I would be glad to escape from the palace myself. But for me it's much more difficult to leave Rosa. And I don't want to do it before I feel really endangered."
"I wish you will be able to, when you really need it... if you really need it," the lady whispered to the wall in front of her. She rose.
"I shall fetch you all the cures I can leave and tell how to use them, it'll help for a while, and then we'll see," Luana got control of herself and was ready to act. "I'll come in to say farewell... a bit later." She bowed.
Prince nodded. "Ask William to help you if it is neccessary."
He watched Luana leave the room, sighed and closed his eyes, laying sleepless in bed.
Àâòîð: ÍåêðîÏåõîòà 1-04-2008, 20:15
An inn
15 July of 361 year
Late morning
Sharing fame with Olorin
Crushed with his loss Edwin became quite unsociable and barely was able to hear anything but his own thoughts. Diego made a decision not to disturb his friend, since he always believed into healing skills of Time. Useless to start digging into that quite strange situation (Diego felt it with his hips – something was wrong) until emotions rule over the mind.
“Yes, awful night, Liz, just awful!” –snatch of someone’s conversation accidently crossed merchant’s ears, - “I couldn’t sleep, with that red blazing in the window.”
Diego turned his attention towards to the next table, where few random folks were chanting about the past night. As he was listening their chit-chat, his doubts morphed into certainty.
“You know, Edwin” – said Diego, - “it looks quite crooked, don’t you think so?.. if I hadn’t smashed my nose few days ago after falling from horse, I could say it smells like a pig’s shit!”
When he noticed that Edwin focused on his mouth, he continued:
“Did you hear that?.. That city, that slum is mind of virgin. Her thoughts are so close to each other, so if one turns towards to guys pants, others become dirty too. I mean, how came that only your house was burnt to the ground?.. from when fire became capricious not to pass on neighbor roofs?..”
Clanter thoughtfully looked at his friend. It seemed that Edwim didn't understand his words immediately, but needed some time to realize waht Diego was speaking about.
"Well..." said he in some seconds, "that sounds really strange. But I... Actually, I have notning to say, Diego. How can it be?"
Merchant’s lips formed a foul grin.
“Don’t be so naïve, amigo. You had a proper business with some nice income. I bet there was some sort of envy rival. You know… some fellow that wouldn’t mind you to disappear. Say, in totally accident fire.”
"It's a nice "accident fire". I can imagine none of my rivals setting fire on my house and taking care of my neighbours. And let a Sea Devil eat me, if I see a single opportunity to do that. Maybe, there are some, but I consider them to be too complicated for my rivals." The excitement of investigation even made him forget that it was his house burnt. "I can easier imagine that it was an act of one of my clents..."
Diego shrugged, making a sip from mug with ale.
“Clients?.. why not?.. Do you have any suspicions? I bet there must be the catch”
Edwin stratched his head.
"You see, Diego, my client are... were quite famous and rich people. Many of them. And most part of my deals were connected with expencive and rare items. I tried not to do with any magical artifacts or something. T'seems that i managed to avoid them. But..." Suddenly he remebered about the affairs with the stranger and lord of Keran. Too unexpectable, too quick, too profitable - and the last one before the fire.
"There was a strange story, yesterday. Hopefully it's only a coincidence, as I would never like to have a conflict with that client."
“Well, that doesn’t mean your client shares the same opinion about your person. You’r officially dead (or somebody could spot us stalking around?) now and thus provided with safety. But you can’t be sure that will last long enough for you to die because of age. If there is a potential danger, we should come up with a plan how to deal with it”
"There's one more problem. I have some opportunities to get money for living and even for starting business again. But I'll have to become officially ressurected to get them. On the other hand, I prefer being poor and alive to being a rich corpse." He made a pause and then whispered. "If lord Kessertin of Keran or his people really want to get rid of me, I must hide. Or leave Areinor."
“If it’s that serious… ofcourse, I totally understand you. And you can count on me, amigo” – Diego nodded, - “you can always join my wagon, if you want. I just need to finish my business here. After that I am totally at your service.”
"I'm glad. Thank you, Diego. And what shall we do now?"
“Find you a dress that suites your new social status” - Diego chuckled, - “and then meet few desperate souls and sell them my stuff.”
Àâòîð: Daelinn 8-04-2008, 13:52
July 15th, year 361
Afternoon, an hour later
Prince's chamber
(with our Prince Olorin)
Hasty steps were heard approaching Luana's room along the corridor. The young lady shivered and pressed herself to the wall. The steps passed by. She breathed with relief. Hurrying up, the healer put the remaining bags and packs into one roomy handbag and pulled tight the strings. She then packed another carrier bag, taking only the most necessary possessions. She wanted to escape unwanted attention from the guard at the gates... Lune only prayed that lord Keran had not ordered to arrest all people from that list yet.
Five minutes later the healer sat on the floor in the room she was going to leave.. for ever. Time to go now.
Knock on the door pulled the Prince out of the restless dream.
The answer followed after a short delay.
"Come in, please", heard Luana the voice of the Prince from behind the door of John's chamber.
The healer entered, quickly closing the door behind.
"Here are the herbs and other things for fusions," the first handbag landed on the table beside the glasses. "I don't know how to explain..."
For a minute Luana rummaged in the bag, thoughtful.
"Well," she pulled out a bunch of weeds, "there are labels to most of them, your illness will require this and..." another tuft came out, "and this treatment. Just pour boiling water, add several crumbled leaves and stems, wait ten minutes, and it's almost ready. Clear?"
Prince nodded.
"Now... the rest," Lune placed two firts bunches aside and looked into the bag. "You will read everything on them. When you need something for headache or butterflies in your stomach. Do just the same. And now, you'd better hide it all somewhere..."
The healer looked around the Prince John's chamber in search of secret places.
"Bookshelves, yes... You know, Your Highness, you are lucky to have so much time to read," she smiled sadly.
"Sometimes I doubt if my free time is actually a luck", Prince left his bed and unwillingly came to one of the bookcases. He moved some thick volumes so that some free space appeared. "Put it over here".
The young lady stood at tiptoe to place the bag where he pointed. Then, grasping another one from the floor, she freezed for a second, desperately trying to recall everything she wanted to say at parting. And just kept silent.
Prince looked at the young woman for a while.
"Thank you for... everything", said he at last. his voice seemed to have trembled, but in a moment he collected himself and continued in his usual manner. "Good luck and I hope to see you later, Lune".
"I don't think we shall ever meet again," she didn't say it aloud, but her wry face made it clear.
"Good luck to you, Your Majesty," the healer bowed and, carefully peeping out, opened the door and sneaked out of the Prince's chamber.
"One less friend in Rosa", thought Prince John looking at the door which closed behind Luana. He walked to the table and rang a bell. In some seconds his footman knocked on the door and Prince let him come in.
"William, did you see anybody visit me today?"
"Nobody but the lord of Keran, Your Highness", answered the servant immideatelly.
"That good, you may go now."
William bowed and left the room. John came to the window and looked through it in the garden. The day was bright and sunny, but the mood of His Highness was worse than ever. He had no idea what to do and there was nobody who could give him a good advice. Nobody whom he trusted.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 16-04-2008, 20:29
July 15th, year 361
Afternoon
The Royal Library of Rosa
(a historical revelation for our dear master)
The Royal Library of Rosa had a very vast collection of books. It was a second treasure of do Reis, which they gathered during the whole period of their reign. Many people considered it to the best library in the whole world. The librarian was a wise monk about sixty years old. Books were his profession, hobby and the sense of his life. The only thing that he disliked in his job was the readers, their absence indeed. It was a complicated task to get a permission to work here and those who could read these books without any special document usually were not interested in them. And so he was very glad to meet young Prince John who spent much time reading books and talking to the librarian. That day was not the exception. When His Highness entered the room the monk greeted him heartily and presented his condolences to him. Prince was gloomy and had no mood to chat. He just nodded and said a couple of short phrases when the librarian was opening the door of the depository. John came in and walked along the bookshelves looking for something interesting. Finally he pointed on a thick volume on one of the shelves. Librarian took it and brought to a table in a reading hall. John thanked him and looked at the book. A long title was written at the cover: “Historia of glorious reign of His Royal Majesty Edward I do Rei, the King of Areinor, who is also known as Edward The Great”. The book was about 300 years old but nevertheless the hand-written letters were still clear and the pictures were still bright and beautiful. Prince opened it and started reading.
“…It was before the beginning of our age, when His Royal Majesty Edward I, who was the first of blessed dynasty of do Reis to rule our Kingdom, was still not a King of Areinor. It is known that those times were very dark and mysterious period of the history of the State. Many nobles and their ministers were fighting for the Throne and only God’s will and the mercy of the Salvator saved us from the Apocalypse and the fall of Rosa. And as the prophets came in the times of Old Testament to provide the will of the Creator, so His Highness Edward came to become a Prophet of a new age.
The previous King died during the hunting, killed by an arrow of a man, whose name is covered by a mist of times. The anger of noble family which was kept earlier by the ghostlike authority of the Royal government broke out and grew into the kind of a civil war, one of those wars which destroy the countries even better than the attacks of the worst enemies. It seemed that the End has already begun and many wise people whose knowledge of the theology can’t be called in question predicted the near coming of Antichrist and the end of our being”, - Prince looked through a long description of the war between some lords of the Kingdom, which contained a good deal of different theological reflections and the hopes of the author not to see the same again. At last John found the paragraph which seemed to be interesting. It was a story of a young King’s nephew who had no luck to become a King during those unclear times.
“…So it was the Reign of Christ* when this famous but sad story had place at the castle of Rosa. Young Geoffrey was only fourteen years all, when the meandering road of his fate brought him to the top of the realm. The real power was actually grabbed by his aunt lady Katharine of Aerpshire. Never wondering the welfare of Areinor she tried only to improve her own power. They say that she wanted to marry His Highness and her daughter who had neither beauty nor good education which should have every young lady of a real good family. Lady Katharine managed to become a regent and to keep the whole power of Royal authority for four months. That was a really awful time for the realm. She made her minister a Lord Commander, and the intervention of neighbor Emperor turned to be extremely successful and a great deal of our lands was keep by him. Another slave of hers became a Lord Chancellor and nearly all treasures of the Kingdom were stolen by her relatives and allies. The list of her villainies can be infinitely continued and let the God curse her name and the names of those who helped her and let her be in the worst cauldron of Hell for ages and let her have no mercy and excuse even after the Doomsday**.
But the most awful of her affairs was that how she made Prince obey her. She was a real witch, what is known now for sure. She made some awful potions which she gave young Geoffrey as a protection from poisons. But worse than every poison was so called medicine given by the hand of that who wanted to seem a friend. His Highness who always was a strong and lively young man suddenly became sickly. He could leave the Rosa and as they say lost his own will. He could never argue with any decision of the regent and at last there was a formed a kind of addiction so that he couldn’t live without the daily portion of that very deadly substance. I do know it for sure as I’ve heard this story from my own father whose friend was one the servants which worked at Rosa during than dreadful times. The end of this story was even sadder than its beginning. You must know, my reader, that after the great battle near Brittsbrough the rebellion of stirred up folk and army stopped the reign of Katharine. Though His Majesty Edward do Rei showed an example of a rare mercy and wanted to catch her in order to judge her and execute her following the lawful sentence of Royal Court he didn’t manage to do that. The Highest Justice brought her to an awful death from the hand of a soldier while she was trying to run away. It was a proper end for her awful life. And hopefully her immortal soul was sentenced to have eternal sorrows in her Afterlife. It was Prince who was caught and imprisoned by His Highness. No doubt that the Holy Spirit would have spoken through the mouth of the judges if he had had an opportunity to appear before the Court. But it is very regrettable to say that he was found hung in his cell before the judgment. Let the God save and protect his immortal and innocent soul!”
Prince stopped reading and looked at the wall towards him. The story seemed to be carefully chosen for John. He tried to imagine himself at the place of Geoffrey and lord of Keran – at the place of lady Katharine. The picture turned out to be frightening but clear. “If the history is repeating here, in Rosa, so what should I do?” asked he himself and could find no definite answer. That was a problem which young Prince couldn’t solve, anyway couldn’t solve immediately. He put the book back on the shelf, nodded the librarian and promised to come again later. Then he left the quarters of the Library and directed his steps to the garden of the palace. It was necessary for him to stay alone and to breathe some fresh air.
*"It was the Reign of Christ..." (lat. "regnante Christo") means that there was no legal ruler.
**äåíü Ñòðàøíîãî Ñóäà.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 19-04-2008, 20:14
July 15th, year 361
City.
"In the name of the Prince! What are you doing here?" A tall pale guardian appeared behind the backs of a couple. "This is a forbidden area!"
"Warrant?" asked with dignity the dark-haired woman, turning away from the ruins.
"Ha! Smarty?" Guardsman grinned. "Here you are, the valid warrant form his grace, Lord Prosecutor!"
He waved the paper with seal.
"We need to ask you some questions."
And as an echo of his words, the dozen grey-coated guards were coming to site of fire from another street.
Seril's companion, frowning, moved closer, glancing sideways. The walk around the city was spoilt beyond hope. And this time the clash seemed to grow into a real trouble. Of course, two or three douzen guards were not a problem for a creature like him, driven to real anger, but it was the last thing Greenstone would do in the streets. He hardly settled down round here and the need to flee again would be depressing. And she promised help...
"Let me see," Seril readily approached the guardian who was waiving the rolled sheet.
"Ph, you can read?" the man smiled "Okay, if you tear it, I would..."
He didn't continue.
"You what?" the woman took the warrant and glanced through it quickly.
"Nothing."
"Lord Kessertin signed an in.. instruction... so if we are talking smut without reason with citizens, he fines us... Have you finished?" the guard lost all his patience.
"Would you invite a lady and her companion to have a talk in some more proper place? The nearest inn, for example?" Seril's voice was calm, self-assured and persuading. And she didn't show any intention to run away.
"Hm... it is not by the rules... but okay, let's go there."
They moved along, followed by an almost royal escort.
and Dae.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 24-05-2008, 14:39
July 15th, year 361
Late afternoon
The inn
(Parkan's instructions taken into consideration)
“So what can you say in your defence?” the captain of the guard inquired.
“I do not see the reason for defending myself against the alleged crime I’ve never done,” the woman repeated once again with a bored voice.
The ‘meeting’ lasted for about half an hour, and neither side changed its opinion. The only useful thing Seril now knew was a long list of accusations she had been officially charged with.
“If that is going to continue any further, wouldn’t you at least order a meal for us?” she asked incidentally.
The guardian started, clenching his fists, a hardly polite impression still clutching to his face – that was supposed to be a civilised talk, but in the name of the King, he is not going to bear the witch’s levity and mockery!
“You confess to me now!” he yelled, springing to his feet and leaning menacingly over the table.
“How convinci…” Seril didn’t have the time to finish off the reply as her companion, losing most of his patience left, rose up to withstand the offender. One second, eyes to eyes, and of the two men only one would remain safe…
With a shrill cry, Seril waved her right hand so that it passed between the opponents, close to the guard’s face. He blinked, startled, and then, recovering, yelled at his soldiers who were already pushing in.
“Get them down!!”
Greenstone growled menacingly, but the chances were against him. Unless…
“No!” the woman cried out, and he didn’t know, whether that was to the royal guards or to his obviously guessable thoughts. The snatchers hesitated for a moment, then rushed to seize the disdainful couple. The latter recoiled until they reached other guests’ tables and the guards were forced to manoeuvre in between them.
“Could you please calm down, guys?” asked someone.
“Get him too!” snapped the captain.
“What is goin’ on here, eh?” said another sleepy voice from upstairs.
“Shut up, Di,” his companion tried to warn, but then one of the soldiers cut short his attempts. The man tried to oppose, until his capturer groaned and crooked down and some stronger hand pulled him to the back door.
“Ah, wait!” the one upstairs pleaded as he followed the suit, trying not to lose the bags he was carrying with him.
Seril raised her voice once again, in a short chant, but these soldiers were now aware of the trick and didn’t pay much attention. The whole company got into the kitchen area, the doors flung open, and hasted up to the exit… which was guarded by the second group under the inquisitive captain’s command. Those proved not that ready for the woman’s tricks, and stood still at her “Hush!” while the runaways speeded down the lane and disappeared round the nearest corner, leaving the guards only to wonder, “What the hell again was that?”
Àâòîð: ÍåêðîÏåõîòà 17-06-2008, 20:00
+Olorin
After few hours Edwin and Diego were standing in front of the massive storage block. The name “slums” would be the most correct for that city’s region, if not the tons of various goods kept here.
“ That place never changes,” mumbled Diego, hopelessly trying to dust off his clothes, “like people, who were cursed to live here”
Before Edwin had time to ask what they were waiting for, clumsy commoner appeared.
“Here ye arr, Diego” chuckled clumsy commoner.
“Unfortunatelly me and my friend don’t have free time to trade chant with you, Jhon” answered Diego “so, please, hurry up and find my horses, wan and package”
“Oh, so we are going to skip the flirt part? What a pity!”
“Don’t force me, Jhon!”
“Alright, alright…” said the commoner and disappeared.
Some time had passed before they finally got Diego's stuff and got an oppurtunity to start packing it. Though Edwin hadn't left Areinor for about two years and hadn't had any practice of such an unskilled labour he was still a good assistant for his camrad. The memory of youth when he spent much time travelling all around the country made him completely forget the troubles of present. In some time the two friends completed the loading of the van.
"Do you have any idea where to go?" Asked Edwin as they were leaving the storage.
“I guess it doesn’t matters right now. As far as possible” answered Diego, from time to time whipping horses. “My seat will be much more comfortable when we leave the city”
Soon they left the storage area and finally joined thousands of commoners crowding the main street. Despite Diego’s attepmts to clear the way with his whip, movement notably slowed down.
“Good lord, that will take ages”
"Damn them!" Edwin was looking around trying to find some way out. He knew some other road to the gate, but now it seemed quite impossible to reach them. Suddenly on the wall he saw a list of names. The title said: "In the name of the King each citizen of Areinor must help to find..." He skipped some lines. "...suspected of the murder of Their Royal Majesties..."
"You see, lord counsillor and his executors are always working rapidly. I wonder if any of this people has an attitude to the crime..."
“Well, I just hope our names aren’t included in that list. Thought I wouldn’t be surprised…”
The closer to the gates, the more crowded it was. Inch along they reached the final line. City gates were guarded with few dozens of armoured thugs. Their primary duty was to check and rob everyone who was trying to leave the city. The God only knows whether they will let the wan get through or not.
“Here we go, Edwin” sighted Diego, joining the line, “let’s find out how lucky we are”
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 21-07-2008, 20:02
July 15th, year 361
Late afternoon
Palace.
“Lord Ganlen… I am very sorry that I trouble you in this moment but” lord Keran entered to the minister’s bureau.
Men stood up and tried to smile “I it is pleasure for…”
“This is disturbance” assured Kessertin “We need to discus small changes in coronation ceremony, Pri… His Future Majesty said that palace and city should decorate these obelisks of glory”
“Of what?” Ganlen looked surprised “But we never doing this! Why he need this? And how it looks like?”
“Like this” Kessertin gives to minister a scroll “Messier Ganlen, I supposed that you are good servant of His Majesty?”
“Yes.. but.. I quite don’t understand..”
“It is not necessary, milord, just do it!”
“Bu…” Galen wants to say something, but then he saw Kessertin’s eyes and finished: “By your command.”
“By His Future Majesty’s command. Very good answer.” Kessertin closed the door.
“So, what we have” Ganlen opened the scroll.
“Nine obelisks, three here, in palace, and six in the city, looks like not very complicated… but this bas-reliefs.. Victory and glory and ornament hm… wooden, thanks God, we will be in time”
Minister puts the scroll on the top of paper mountain on his table.
“I started only few moments ago, and it seems that Keran drop all of his affairs on me… it unfair!” thought Ganlen, but other part of his mind said him “Wanna to go back, worm? No? So, do your work!”
Men took a long breath and continued his paper-work.
Àâòîð: Daelinn 26-08-2008, 17:02
July 15th, year 361
Late afternoon
At the gates
(With Olorin)
As the friends pushed through the crowd and approached the guards, they heard their grumbling about the weather, people, strangers, criminals who could-happily-make-money-somewhere-else and not in Areinor, it then changed to snarling "Who are ye?", "Papers!", "What's that filth in the bags?" "Papers on the load?", "Who's damn that with ye?", "Papers!", after which all returned to buzzing over the long list of names. The same lists that Diego saw on a house were pinned to the town wall to the right of where the merchants currently stood.
Now Edwin got a good chance to look through the list and read the names. "Luana Britt, former Royal healer", said the very first line of the list. The merchant elevated his eyebrows in surprise. As he used to have many nobles among his clients he was quite well informed about many gossips of Rosa. And as far as he knew Luana was one of the confidants of Royal family because of the Prince's disease. How could she kill Their Majesties? Why? While reading Edwin met some more familiar names of courtiers. But the last but one name made him gasp. The clear letters of unknown clerk formed the name, that he was never waiting to see here: "Edwin Clanter, antiques merchant". Mistake? He checked the adress which pointed at his former house, the description which was actually the description of his own appearence. No doubt... and no way!
"Di-diego, we can't go there", he nodded at the city gate and the guardians, who were checking the travellers. He shivered and nervously put the hood on. "I-i'm there, in the list!" Whispered he loudly. "They'll catch us! We can't go there! Turn back! We must hurry up!" His voice was trembling. Edwin, whose self-possession was famous among his colleagues and clients, was very frightened and couldn't hide it.
The Rosa
When the paperwork was substantially finished, Ganlen leaned back in his armchair with satisfaction and looked at the ceiling. Dark wooden panels high above were covered in thin dust and seemed awfully old compared to the Rosa’s stonewalls. Then he suddenly jumped up, recalling Lord Keran’s instructions.
“Here it is,” after a short while, the scroll was found on the far side of the large desk and re-read carefully. “I’ll should have someone do that… quick! Better send a messenger to that good old man Raesley, who’s doing the woodwork. Yes, he’ll get to the job by tomorrow morning with some of his folks.”
Ganlen reached to ring a bell, but halted his hand.
“No, I must see to that myself. The glory obelisks are too much important a thing to be left to discretion of a hardly literate artisan,” he said to himself.
The minister grabbed the bell at last, ringing for his servant (he was still not comfortable with this guy, being too accustomed to his faithful Lofan) to come and prepare a carriage for him. After the boy left, the lord rolled up the scroll, put on a hat and circled the desk. In the far corner of the room, a secret door led to treasury. Old Raesley will have nothing but to do the job real quick – half the money paid in advance. Ganlen was going to prove himself in this noble task to the Regent… and His Future Magesty, of course.
Àâòîð: Îëîðèí 9-10-2008, 16:38
Land was swinging below him, hardly visible through a thick cloud of smog. As he eased down, the outlines of a city opened to his spirit’s eyes. Then in a second, the vision once again became blurred – this time by dark smoke coming from the east. In the darkness that enveloped him, a light silhouette emerged.
“Run, run!” a hoarse voice was following after the mystic shape, “Fool, no! That’s not the way!”
“Geoffrey… Here, Geoffrey…” came another one, persuasive and sweet… too sweet…
“Leave now!” the old man’s voice cut in again.
“Here, my dear…
The silhouette fell down, wavering, and disappeared, and in its place emerged its follower, black robes swaying in the unseen wind, only eyes twinkling under the hood.
It. Is. Gathering.
The figure hissed and waved a hand with numerous rings and signets. And drew nearer…
He started back and saw a darkgreen canopy of the bed. Some seconds passed before His Highness realized that he was lying in his own bed as it was actually usual for John early in the morning. It was dark in the room, but the sky seen through the split between the curtains was already not so dark. He sat down and looked around. Though he was not a single figure in the room, the ghosts of the nightmare couldn't leave him alone. Prince wiped his forehead wet of sweat and rang calling somebody of the servants.
"M'lord", William appeared in the room in some moments, "can I help Your..."
"Sure, you can!" exploaded the young Prince with anger - the troubles of the previous day and the nightmare made him very nervous. "If you couldn't why would I call you then?! Can you understand, you, s..." He suddenly recollected, gave a deep sigh and said in calm but a little bit trembling voice:
"I'm sorry, William. I don't know what is happening to me. Give me some water, please. And then open the window".
The servant passed him a glass. As the room was fullfilled with the light of rising sun, John had already felt nearly alright. He told his footman to come back later in the usual time of His Highnesses getting up. The young man was sleepy and again had a headache. John closed his eyes lying in bed and praying that it wasn't a new attack of his illness. Luana was far now and the Prince wasn't sure that he would be able to endure it without a proper medicine.
Àâòîð: äîí Àëåñàíäðî 15-11-2008, 17:28
July 15th, year 361
Late afternoon
At the gates
A sudden cry ringed through the air, making the merchants forget for a while about their own troubles. A dark-haired woman was pushing her way out of the crowd, followed by shouting guardsmen. She was obviously about to be let through the gates when her name and appearance were recognized as those of an announced criminal.
"I did nothing bad, I served Their Majesties as best I could!" the lady was yelling, her once pretty face ugly with fear.
“Best poison that you gave to the King was a service too?” Guardsman pushed her with halberd. “Bloody poisoner!”
Woman fell down on the stones.
“I didn’t!” she sobbed, rising to her knees and creeping away from armed men. The people in the queue around her stepped back, having no intention to get on bad terms with the guards. “It is His Highness lord Keran who hunts me and casts aspersions! Prince do Rey knows better, he is the lawful ruler, not …”
She reeled, put down by another blow.
“Shut up, witch! How dare you?! We’ll teach you how to calumniate Lord Keran!” new guardsmen tried to bludgeon the crying woman.
"Don't touch me! Heeelp!"
The crowd swarmed around, uneasy with such revelations, almost blasphemous, spoken openly. Some tougher men pushed forward at last, finding resonance in there souls to the poor woman's words. The anger brooding in Areinor people from furnace heat all days, from inexplicable arrests and fearsome disappearances, from sudden Monarchs' deaths at last, was about to break free, fuelled by this open opposition to the dubious ascension of lord Keran to legitimate power.
“Hey, stop the beating, she’s helpless!”
“You should protect the people, what are you doing?!”
The voices rang from all directions, when the population of Areinor finally burst out against the royal soldiers in a riot. Beaten and trembling, Luana for a moment left alone.
(è Äàý)
Àâòîð: ßñìèê 17-12-2008, 15:45
Ïðèêë çàêðûò, ïîñêîëüêó âûøåë ñðîê è îòâåäåííîå íà ðåàáèëèòàöèþ âðåìÿ òîæå, à íèêàêèõ óêàçàíèé äîïîëíèòåëüíûõ ìíå íå ïðèõîäèëî.
Ñ óâàæåíèåì, öåíçîð ßñìèê.
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