Top Game

40

Ka-Yi in the constellation Ma-Dayn six points from the sun

Rule of the day: "Fulfilling your will, remember - everything is the will of the gods."

"Stellar Rivers Lot" indicates:

“A clean day, a day of the magic of the spirit, a day when divine secrets and crafts clearly come out, you just need to take a closer look and try on their clothes for yourself. The day when events fall into one heap, regardless of whether they are significant or not. A day when debts to the homeland, friends, lovers, family are mixed up and one must have time to respond to each, no matter how bitter it may be, to properly dispose of each event. Yes, a task for God, no less. But you are not a god, so live more with your mind, and not with your soul, and then fate can give you an unexpected exit to a new level.

The main thing is not to be lazy and be internally prepared for such a gift.

Lagro, Royal Prison,

the first third of the morning watch, breakfast

Since my last visit (it would be more correct to say “stay”, but this is how I call visits to the prison, dragging on for at least a week) the cook in the prison kitchen has not changed, and therefore, one should not be surprised to find pieces of bony fish in a burnt porridge . I was not surprised - I just fished them out and spread them around the edges of the bowl. Of course, the fish remains strove to slide down, and from time to time I had to return them back, away from food, which could still be pushed into your stomach without much harm to health.

And yet, no matter how I tried to distract myself from chewing the same thoughts along with porridge, nothing worked. Mistakes made appeared before my eyes again and again, each time acquiring more and more aggravating consequences, generated for the most part by my imagination, but, like any fantasy, did not arise from scratch.

I fooled myself with a fan, no questions asked. Well, what prevented me from bending down, picking up a vile little thing and taking it with me? Probably her twin already dangling at the waist. And also - a head occupied with completely different problems. To be honest, the past of the dead girl occupied me more than worrying about covering my tracks. Was it possible to assume that during the time elapsed from my exit from the Soyner mansion to the appearance of Viger in it, someone would be there and steal a very important thing? Was it possible...

Can.

The servant greeted me with a disgruntled greeting, as if he was waiting for a messenger from his master. It was necessary to pay attention to his grumbling ... It was necessary. But I, like a dog on the trail, thought only of the madman hiding in the mansion. Stupid? Alas. Have I ever claimed to have a deep mind? That's it.

You could drag Viger with you. Yeah. If only I were completely insane. And where would Vig find smart assistants in a short time? And the crowd of people scurrying around the city in search of something I don’t know was not at all part of my modest plans not to make a fuss. Besides... I'm sure that the killer would not fail to try to establish control over all the people who fell into the perimeter of her influence. And what would I do then? It is easy to bring to life those whom you know as flaky, or whom you have muddied your mind. And to delve into the brains of unfamiliar soldiers, risking every moment to receive a mortal blow ... No, my dears, I am not a timid guy, but I do not welcome the extra danger.

So, at least from this side everything was correct. Well... And if you dream a little, we can assume that the stolen fan got to the main intruder, having already thoroughly lost the remnants of my water contract, and then... Perhaps no one will know what I indulge in at my leisure. Of course, extra glory did not harm anyone, but you should leave a couple of pebbles in your bosom, in case of emergency.

And yet there is one most remarkable merit in prison rest. Absence of Ra-Dien. Complete. Dan The Counselor would rather kill himself than bother to visit Lagro, and this is my little revenge on Callie, who dragged me into a complicated and dangerous story. And remembering all the details of the Small Reception and especially the condition I set ... Oh, I can stay here as long as I wish! No worries or responsibilities! What a…

The guard's head, peering out of the half-open door, said:

- They came to you, dan.

The last word was already barely audible, because for all the previous visits to my cell, the soldier had received on the forehead. How? The one that came to my hand. For example, dirty dishes. Or not yet empty dishes. Of course, food spilled and spilled on the floor, but what does dirt matter compared to the inexpressible pleasure of dispersing everyone and everything? Actually, right now the place I'm in is like a pigsty... Oh-oh-oh. What if he wants to see me...

“Will you deign to listen to me, dan Ragro?”

F-fu-u-u-uh! And I was scared. It's just my long-time opponent, the losing duelist Dagert ... what do you mean? .. Illis. Have you recovered from your injuries? But what are the injuries? Light scratches not worth mentioning. It was a lot more embarrassing, I'm sure. At least, it is always unpleasant for me to give in to someone in a duel, equally verbal and with the help of steel. I don't think this guy was happy to lose either.

I pushed aside the bowl of half-eaten porridge, leaned my elbows on the filthy table and stared at the unexpected visitor.

I can imagine what a lovely picture appeared before Dagert’s eyes: unkempt hair, but I, in fact, didn’t really unravel the braid, therefore it should look like a broomstick. Clothes… rumpled, and that says it all. Well, in some places also stained with an unsuccessfully sent lunch. Or was it dinner? In general, there is no difference, but ... There was lunch, because they usually give something liquid for lunch. Or gravy for an evening meal? Oh, I still don't remember! His face is probably swollen, because he lay for a long time and tried to sleep. Perhaps he was sleeping, perhaps he was just dozing. But then it turns out that in a dream I was thinking about the same thing ... No, it won’t work like that: I need to beg Ollie for something to calm me, and as soon as I get rid of the “snakes”, I’ll go on a binge. Exactly! Decided! Only first I will listen to what the guardsman came to make me happy.

“I don’t offer to sit down, sorry.”

"That's not necessary at all," Dagert replied, with a wary eye examining the furniture that was within reach, even touching which would have meant staining oneself with dirt of unknown origin.

Did some business bring you?

- You can say yes.

- I'm listening to.

The young man paused, as if collecting his thoughts, shrugged his shoulders under the well-fitting camisole and said:

“Her Majesty has rescinded your detention. All the necessary papers have already been handed over to the commandant.

What bad news… Ruala decided that I had enough to cool off? Bitch. I'll remember her, I'll remember everything. For once I was going to rest, relax, change the situation, and she ... But I have something in stock!

- Transferred so transferred. Her Majesty's work. I reserve the right...

“It is for this reason that I wanted to speak to you, dan Ra-Gros.

Hm. If I think right... Oh man, why? No, definitely not good for me. I'm incredibly unlucky!

- Do you mean...

“If I remember your words correctly, you refused to leave the place of detention until you received an apology from me. Right?

We have to admit:

- Yes. With only one caveat.

“Sincere apologies, right?

I tap my fingers on the table

- What does it matter?

- I came to apologize.

Oh Gods! Well, why, why lately I run up exclusively on people who are bogged down in nobility, like a fly in honey? At least one normal, complete scoundrel met on the way! Am I asking too much?

- And what prompted you to take such a ... serious step?

Really serious, and also strange, because at the end of the duel, usually no one apologizes to anyone. Actually, the duel is intended for this - to clarify the relationship. If you don’t want to fight, apologize, but only “before”, not “after”. “After” is bad form, unnecessary and absurd.

Dagert pretended not to notice the sarcastic tone of my question:

“When all the details became known to me, I ...

- Did you repent of your deed? Funny. Not convinced. Are there any other reasons?

- Why do you think it's funny? I did not know that daneke Nais is your wife, that's why I allowed myself ...

To brighten up her loneliness? Wonderful. Frankly, I should thank you for this, because I rarely get to do it myself.

- But…

The guy is a little less surprised than he should be. Disingenuous? I wonder why. How did he say? Didn't know that "Nais is your wife"? "Yours". But this does not mean at all that he did not know something else: Nais is the wife of Raiden Ra-Gro. It turns out that both I and my opponent were fulfilling their own, far-reaching plans. And we were incredibly lucky that at some point the plans coincided.

“Of course, you should have found out in advance who is married to whom, and then the quarrel would not have escalated into something more. By the way, have your wounds healed yet?

- They heal. They were shallow.

— Of course.

Dagert furrows his eyebrows in bewilderment.

— Of course? Would you like to say that...

“I didn't mean to hurt you, dan. What for?

“You looked determined, and I must admit I was a little surprised when the healer said the cuts would heal in a couple of days.

“You know, if every stupid skirmish I got into was heartfelt, serious, the royal court would be thinner. And this would mean shifting unnecessary responsibilities onto the shoulders of all those who remained, including mine. Are you your own enemy? Me neither. So that…

Did you need a duel?

Oh, what insight! Viger was right in his assessment of the guy's talents.

- Why do you think so?

“But if you didn’t intend to kill me, then why did you draw your swords at all?”

The right approach. I was also taught this way: you enter into a duel, kill the enemy, otherwise resolve the problem before the start of hostilities. And Dagert is already starting to like me ... Curiously, we could make friends? If he promises to leave my wife alone, why not!

I won't deny it's stupid. But let me not talk about the reasons, this is my own business. Deal?

“As you wish, dan Ra-Gros. But still, I consider it my duty ...

- Apologize? I will assume that I have already received them.

“And mind you, they were sincere!”

Where is he headed? Oh, bastard, well, wait for me!

- Of course, sincere. When a person seeks a benefit for himself, he cannot but seek it sincerely and sincerely. You need something from me, don't you?

The young man was a little embarrassed, but the answer sounded extremely firm:

- Yes. I ask you to accept my service.

I poked my finger in my ear, praying to every god that came to mind that what I heard was a figment of my imagination.

Sorry, I'm not sure I understood correctly. Do you want to offer…

— I want to serve you, dan Ragro. Will you accept my service?

I seem to be starting to get feverish. World has gone mad. I'm out of my mind. Everyone has gone crazy, and only the young fool standing in front of me is convinced of his own rightness.

— As whom?

“I heard that you have lost one of your bodyguards, and I am ready to take his place.

— Have you heard? What a nuisance ... And why do you consider yourself suitable for this service?

- I know how to use weapons - my mentors can give you all the necessary recommendations. He took part in the battle at Zayachiy Cape - if you wish, I will invite for a conversation with you those who ...

- Not necessary. I've seen what you're capable of, you don't have to continue. But understand: being a bodyguard is not the same thing as being a soldier. Yes, both of them should be able to follow orders, but if a soldier is obliged to equally protect himself and those who are nearby, then the bodyguard should be primarily concerned with the health of his master. Do you understand it?

Dagert nodded.

— I'll learn, dan Ragro. Don't you dare worry.

Stubborn. But I am also often compared to a donkey:

“Are you ready to forget yourself for the sake of your master?” Something is unbelievable.

“I am ready to serve for the good of the city and her majesty.

Well, at least he's not lying here. So, he thinks about the welfare of Antreya? Commendable. But why at my expense?

- There are quite a few places where such a service may be required. If you wish, I will talk to my acquaintances, and they will find you a suitable one. Much less troublesome and much more honorable.

Protruding chin:

— Are you refusing me?

“I want you to understand that being my bodyguard is not the most enviable fate. No honor, no respect. One might say, even contempt, though hidden under a mask of polite coldness, but not ceasing to be disgusting. People are not eager to serve me, understand? And your aspiration looks at least suspicious. What do you say to that?

“I am not afraid of difficulties, dan Ra-Gros. And I know how important what you do is important for the whole city. They won't let me get close to serious matters, because the family is ashamed of my origin, but I want to make a difference with my life. Let it be small and short-lived, but if it doesn’t exist, then why did I even have to be born?

Hmmm, sounds sublime and poetic. It can be assumed that the guy is playing. Can. But I don’t need to assume in such cases: I see perfectly well that all the words and the feelings hidden behind them are quite sincere. It remains only to dig deeper and get to the last spine:

- Do you want to be useful? Commendable. But why not admit honestly and bluntly that your crazy grandpa set a condition for accepting into the family some kind of almost impossible action? For example, to be hired in the service of Raiden Ra-Gro, known for his folly and slovenliness. Did I describe everything correctly?

Now Dagert turned slightly pale, but, oddly enough, there was no more embarrassment on his handsome face:

- I was told that you see through people ... Forgive me for trying to deceive you.

- Well, let's say, not to deceive, but simply to hide some little things. Nonsense, not worth punishment or forgiveness. So, Ra-Kimi still sees you as a possible heir, if he didn’t completely turn away from the gate.

- But the condition is impossible, right?

- Why is it ... Doable. I just want to warn you: your grandpa, among other things, is not averse to getting rid of you.

- How?

“Usually, the bodyguards of the Antreya Guardians only retire feet first… But the old asshole doesn’t know that I’ve made changes to the traditions, and he’ll probably be beside himself with anger when you return home after serving for a while.” I represent grandfather's joy! For that alone, your offer should have been accepted.

Dagert's eyes sparkled with hope.

- So you…

“Perhaps I agree. But before you go to Councilor Ra-Dien and petition for your employment as my bodyguard, you must learn two things. First, I don't like giving orders and I try not to. However, there are situations in which life and death depend on unquestioning and instant submission, and there is not always time for even a few words, so ... There is a means that establishes an inextricable bond between me and my guards.

I moved my shoulder, asking the "snake" to wake up, and when it rolled down, I showed the animal to Dagert.

The young man swallowed, but more from surprise than from shock or disgust.

“Usually, the bodyguard only finds out about her existence at the moment of connection, but in your circumstances I see no reason to hide anything. How do you like it?

The snake lifted its narrow head and stared at Dagert in turn. In fact, she has no eyes, just as there is no nose and ears. Actually, my little animals are just strings between a doll and a puppeteer. But if a soulless puppet cannot tell its owner what is in front of it, above it and below it, then my "dolls" sometimes turn out to be too talkative, and I drown in the sea of ​​their sensations. So which of us manages whom is another question. Big, important and urgently demanding an answer.

The young man reached out and ran his fingertips over the silvery skin.

- Warm...

- Of course. It takes over all the properties of your body, including warmth. Especially when it gets inside. Do you agree to receive such a guest?

- It's necessary?

“I would say vital.

Dagert looked down, thinking hard about something, but when he looked up again, there was no longer a shadow of doubt in them.

- I agree.

“Then go to Ra-Dien and take care of the papers. Then I will assign Honk to you to determine how best to use you. If everything goes smoothly, then a month or two later you will take the desired post.

"I'm going to follow orders now, dan!" He clicked his heels loudly, but didn't hurry to leave.

- Something else?

“You said I needed to know two things, but so far you have only introduced me to one. What is the second one?

- You don't have to lie to me.

— Lie?

He was a little confused.

- Well, yes. With some effort, I can distinguish lies from truth, but I prefer to use this method as little as possible, and therefore I really do not like it when they try to blatantly lie to me. Clear?

But I didn't try at all...

- Of course. And you showed signs of attention to my wife just like that, out of the kindness of your soul, and not having in mind the intention to get to know me better?

— Eh…

“Okay, that amused me more than it offended me. But I beg you, don't. If you want a trusting relationship, be honest.