- I think not," the boy scratched the back of his head, "except that the merchant's widow almost burned the hut yesterday with fright, barely had time to pour in, good autumn in the yard, the fire licked only, and exhausted. And in summer there would be no head left!
- And what happened? - Was I interested?
- May her late husband feel like a fool. Blessed on all the Wastelands, said, went into the hay and waved his fist at her, as in life waved, especially drunk. Then the woman was frightened, fell down on the floor with fear, knocked down the ray. While she was lying down without feeling, the fire from the beam to the blanket spilled over, and there the window curtains were taken care of. Well, the neighbor just milked a goat, went through the garden to the hut, so she saw the smoke coming out of the merchant windows! They took out the merchant, the house was only on fire from one side, and she's all crying, and about the dead woman screaming! Saying! All right, Vetriana, come on! You come in, I'll come tomorrow if I can!
And Danila gently looked out into the slot, made sure that no one was around, slipped out of the chapel and dissolved in the spruce.
I went down the worn stairs, thinking of the unduly zealous local dead. By evening it was noticeably colder, and the north wind was angry, throwing fine ice chips in my face, whether it was freezing rain or wet snow. No stars could be seen, the sky was tightened by a frowning leaden cloud clinging to the sharp tops of pines. In the rare holes of the clouds, as in the wounds, the pale silver of the young month.
In the spruce where Danila slipped lies a thick, dense shadow, and it seems that someone is looking at me from there, watching. I have eaten, looking into the darkness. It got uncomfortable and scary.
- Danila? - I called in an uncertain whisper.
The darkness didn't answer, but as if it got denser and thicker, yellow, beastly eyes flashed. I recoiled. Wolf! Did you really get that close to Riverstein? And I'm all alone here... and stupid Danila ran away through the spruce tree, maybe he's already finished under the nearest bush of a wolf pack?
I choked to death in fear, trying not to make abrupt movements. It seemed that it was necessary to turn back and the beast would attack, in one jump would overcome the distance separating us, smoothly, as a man is incapable, as ...
- Arch'arrion," I exhaled.
It was as if the darkness had frozen, then parted slightly, letting me see it. He stood there, leaning shoulder to trunk, the same pants and boots, the same naked torso. Instead of a cloak wrapped in shade.
I turned around and threw myself from all legs against the walls of the shelter.
* * *
There will be a man in our female kingdom!!!
This unbelievable news has spread across Riverstein, stirring our innocent maiden hearts, waiting for a miracle. Aristarchus' old gatekeeper and arena were not mistaken for men by default. Who and how was the first to know such stunning news, was not specified (I suspect that she was banal overheard in one of the dark corners of the shelter), but by the morning meal general nervous excitement reached unprecedented heights.
In the refectory, I was astonished to see the changes that had occurred to the appearance of novices. That's true, what has invested in a woman Nature, namely the desire to be beautiful and like men, could not beat even years of hard work harsh prioresses!
Elder girls and especially alumni have transformed. Opening my mouth, I looked at beautifully styled hair with a coquettishly released curl, rouge cheeks, ineptly smeared pinkish-red moss surimma sponges, and parade, hand-embroidered aprons over the usual brown hoodies. Every now and then novices would sneak a peek at themselves in the muddy surfaces of cutlery and tingle their already blurred cheeks for brightness.
What kind of important bird would invite nobody knew to visit us, they said that from Starovera itself, but who and why is unknown. The mentors were noticeably nervous and looked at the pretty girls with amazing indifference, without trying to stop this outrage.
But aristarchus took his soul in the morning prayer, and the beaten hour enthusiastically broadcast about the punishment waiting for us all and the inevitable punishment of heaven, which will fall on our heads right on the threshold of the sanctuary. The novices penitently lowered their heads and beat their bows, secretly correcting their curls and weaving ribbons into their braids. Arey long shook his fists, threatening an imminent and terrible vengeance, from the beginning ran around the sacred and all-seeing Eye of the Mother, inflated cheeks and handfuls of sinners watered with holy water from the font. So that when he did exhale and silence, with his hands praying to heaven, the front rows of novices could be squeezed out.
I felt for them sincerely. Walking from the sanctuary across the courtyard in an icy wind in wet clothes was still a pleasure. I myself have never been honored to stand in the front rows, in the immediate vicinity of the Oka, so now I was dry and, I repent, very happy with it.
When tired Aristarchus did let us go to the meal, we flew out of the sanctuary like a cork from a bottle of fermented wine. But I, and those who were able to orientate themselves and give us courage, were already walking on the cobblestones of the court, pretending that we did not hear the angry cries.
At the meal, I learned the reason for today's exalted performance of the area and the appearance of the novices.
Even Rogneda, once again imperturbable and arrogant, sat with her carefully arranged hair and colored, though her lips were pressed down. And clearly she tried to restore her authority, so impudently trampled by the drowning Golden Blossom that she had seen. The fact that the entire orphanage looked upon Rogneda crying and pitiful, howling in fear on the corridor floor, burned her self-esteem with calendar iron. And it seemed that in order to regain her influence, Rogneda urgently needed a girl to beat. And today she decided to choose me as her first choice, having made sure that Xenie, who could answer with her fist in the eye, was not around.
- She began by raising her hands in her side and curving her lips contemptuously, and our scarecrow also decided to embellish herself! She smeared her lips, broke her cheeks, and let her eyes down! It's more like a corrupt girl! Have you decided to hustle a cavalier in the capital? So there's something to remember later.
At that time, I carefully licked the spoon with the remnants of porridge and at first did not understand that Rogneda addressed me. She twisted her head in a bizarre way. The refectory hall was quiet, waiting. The novices forgot their plates, staring at me puzzled.
I was puzzled, too. Why was Rogneda so mad at me? I had not noticed myself in any of the marked actions. In the morning I rinsed my face in a rush and braided my braid. I did not know any news about the arrival of the stranger, because I missed the evening meal, having sat down with Danila, and then was so immersed in my thoughts that I spilled to the bed, as in a dream and fell asleep, and not having had time to think everything over. She slept tight, didn't even dream anything. And the call did not disturb me tonight either.
- Or would you do anything to please the capital? Are you hoping he'll take you to Starover with him?
I sincerely regretted putting aside a spoon. I haven't had enough. I took a look at Rogneda.
- It seems to me, Rogneda," I said calmly, "that there is only one person here who is so emotionally aspiring to the capital that he sees ghosts as a result of his overstrain.
Deaf laughs were heard in the refectory. The zealous desire of "the first beauty Riverstein" to get to Starover was not a secret. And the story of the bizarre drowned woman has not gone away even now. I don't bet it was cruel to talk like that, especially as I knew that no Rogneda was "bizarre" dead, but she was the first to start this conversation.
The girl blushed, then the paint splashed off her face, leaving red ugly stains. She did not seem to have expected at all that the silent Vetriana was able to fight back and hoped for a normal and quick punishment.
- You bastard! - she screamed out with hatred, you... shattered! Like a girl! You shame our mentors and... the Order itself! You are not worthy
of the title of enlightener!
Wow, you swung! Or has Aristarchus inspired her this morning?
I gently pushed the plate back and got up. Expressively looked at her surimma-painted lips, playful curls and colorful embroidery.
- I'm very sorry, Neda," I said slowly, deliberately emphasizing her childish nickname, "but of the two of us... only you were. You seem to be... dreaming again.
And when I poured water from the mug on the canvas, I rubbed my face quietly, and turned it over so that it could be seen. Naturally, there was no paint on it.
Rogneda exhaled noisily, looking at me astonishingly. The novices clashed in a semicircle behind her, and their eyes began to get on my nerves.
- Why are you staring at me like that? - I couldn't stand it. The blanket pressed against me and rubbed my cheeks.
- Hey, are you crazy? - I was outraged.
- So no paint? - She complained, and threw the accusing look at Rogneda, no! And you buzzed everybody's ears that Vetrena decided to seduce the capital and stole your face ointment for that! Liar!
I was shocked to turn around.
- You! You called me a thief!!! I called you a thief...
Rogneda shrieked, picked up her skirts and decided to go. The novices were outraged...
- By the way, where'd you get the ointment???
Rogned's shit changed her mind and fainted. Because the ointment is strictly forbidden to novices, as are mirrors. I'm a little confused about the fallen body, but it's not in my rules to beat the lying one. In fact, I've never beaten anyone before, except as a child, and that's from Kseni's cause. I haven't hit anyone before, but rather fought back, hitting us...
The faithful Rogneda circle of henchmen stared around the fallen leader, while the others stared at me rather unceremoniously.
- What makes her think that! Why take her ointment? Why do I need it? - I was outraged.
- Now I don't seem to have anything to do with it," said Polada, breathing down, and seeing my incomprehensible eyes she gave me a shiny tin spoon. I took it with the sinking of my heart.
No, there was something stunning like the Lady Selenia in her curved surface, and there was still me in the blurry looking-glass, but... but another. It was as if paints and life had been poured into my gray and pale face, and my skin had become radiant, my lips bright, purple circles disappearing under my eyes, and my eyes shining with sapphires.
Knowing me, and I never looked more beautiful than a pale death, you could really think that I had done something to my face. However, not a single ointment, even the village ointments, sold in placer at fairs, even the capital ones, in beautiful silver boxes, were able to give such an amazing result.
The same conclusion was reached by the novices who greedily considered me. And they lost me, delayed me, demanding to know how I did it. Especially those who did not believe actively rubbed my cheeks with rags, trying to find traces of miracle drugs. They didn't.
To tell that the demon in the Black Earth poured into me the healing power, which made me so much better, I could not and that's why I mooed something perplexing and inaudible.
My burdensome efforts were interrupted by Mistress of God, who appeared in the refectory and ordered all novices to gather in the hall for a solemn meeting of the Curator.
After all, the arrival of a stranger in the capital shocked the audience again, and I was left alone.
* * *
In the hall, I leaked the last one and was humbly lost behind my backs, going to think. The arrival of the Curator didn't excite me much. No ambitious plans, like Rogneda, I did not nourish, after the distribution was quite ready to be satisfied with the role of a junior enlightener in some expensive town, where I will be distributed. My only wish was to be distributed with Xenia, but even if it hadn't happened (or rather, if Harpia hadn't allowed it, very likely she would have found out for us in the end), my friend and I agreed to meet in Zagreb after a year of obligatory practice and there to determine the place of further service to the Order by ourselves.
This is if by graduation I will still be here, and not in the Black Earths to feed myself the sacrificial altar of the Dragonriders. Or the womb of that monster snake slaughtered by the demon. Or the demon himself...
I was driven by the animal's rush of fear and despair. What should I do? I didn't even know how to feel about what happened, not what to look for! I wasn't crazy, it proved my changed face and body, from which all the scars disappeared, and everything was too real to be considered a figment of my imagination.
The only joy, the call has stopped. The truth now, I didn't know what was worse... The Call or all... this!
When I thought about it, I missed the moment of the capital's curator's arrival. The front door slammed, the horse rusting and murmuring of the gatekeeper echoed from the yard, who became a groom if necessary, and a man confidently walked on the stone floor.
The novices in a single impulse made a well-coordinated "ooh" from afar.
I stuck out gently from behind someone's back, but the view was covered by skirts and playful bows of aprons. All I could see were tall black boots and deerskin pants. At least without the bullet," I concluded. Two springs ago, the Capital Mentor, puzzled, hollow, with the fish eyes goggled out, also stopped by to check on us. However, he had not honored the novices with his attention, talked to the mentors, had lunch, and left for the capital again in the morning. But even that "Busan" girls had been talking for a month. This one, I think, will hold on to the "theme of the day" at least.
Naughty novices joked, calm male voice exchanged greetings with the prioresses, something puked Aristarchus. I fell into an agonizing daze again. I miss Kseni! I wanted to share everything with her, together we will surely think of something! But the girlfriend is weak, Danina categorically forbade to disturb her, and the herbalist looks at me with fear, so to appear in her closet once again, I was timid.
Also, I have to somehow sneak out of the evening prayer and sneak into the chapel, to meet with Danila. Maybe it occurred to him or he could see in his "dream" the details of where the missing children are kept...
A wave of excitement swept through the cramped rows of novices, everyone moved and parted like sea water in front of a sharp block of ice. And the capital's curator appeared before me, staring at me with his eyes staring at the evil green-brown, like the shell of a wild nut. I was afraid to look at him.
Now I know what that unanimous female "ohhh!" was about. The man was handsome. Tall, trim, with a strong, trained body and a tough, but attractive face. Short dark-ribbed hair in the capital fashion, hard chin, evil eyes and hand, eloquently embracing the sword's arm.
I think the curator was going to cut me.
I clapped my eyes at him distractedly, forgetting about the reversal. And it's foolish to lean in the rope before someone who's going to cut your head off. Well, isn't it just to make it easier for a killer. The lady of the village's powerful scream has led me out of my stupor.
- Belogorskaya chickenpox! You're forgetting yourself! Where are your manners?
I came to my senses and sat down clumsily, not letting down the man's wary look. The Mother Superior appreciated my efforts with a slightly contemptuous curve of beautiful lips. Well, forgive me, I've never been very graceful.
- Is this one of your students? - A grim question from a man.
- Yes, Lord Darrell. - frankly surprised the Lady Silenia, not knowing what caused such aggressive attention to me, - Vetriana Belogorska has been studying at the Shelter since she was five years old and this year will be dedicated to the Order.
- That's how ... - the Lord was still looking at me gloomy, this look made me frankly uncomfortable. Thank you for taking your hand off the handle of the sword," he said.
And he turned around and went to the rectors. I was stunned to look at him afterwards. The villages, too, then dissatisfied me and gracefully rushed after the man. The novices who stood beside me and understood nothing moved away from me just in case, forming arou
nd my pathetic figure a zone of alienation.
I proudly threw my head up, trying not to cry and dreaming to get away from here as soon as possible. Preferably on the other side of the earth. In fact, at this moment I would even agree to the Black Earth, although there are terrible snakelike monsters, but no one looks with such a squeamish perplexity. Rogneda almost applauded with joy. It's true, under my gaze, the skeleton has curled and turned away.
Fortunately, the curator did not stay in the hall, peered once again at the rows of novices and left, fascinated by the prioresses. The hall exploded immediately with women's voices, the girls caught up, hurrying to share their impressions, but I slipped quietly to the far entrance and jumped into the corridor. Only here, in Riverstein's cold and damp bowel, did the evil tears burn my eyes. The only consolation was the short-lived nature of the visiting curators. I think this one will be gone by morning, too. The gloomy and scanty "hospitality" of the border did not tempt the visitors to the capital. Praise be to the holy elders!
* * *
However, how I was mistaken!
By lunchtime, we had learned that the curator was not only not going to be back in town anytime soon, but was also going to spend unlimited time in Riverstein! This message created panic in the ranks of the novices, we did not know what to expect, and even the abbesses were scattered and unhappy to answer our timid questions.
Moreover, we, the graduates, introduced an additional subject "History of the Order and its role in the life of society", and it will be led by the capital's own lord! Such an oddity caused a flurry of significant gossip, both among novices and mentors, but the curator presented all the necessary papers, and from speculation only swept away. Our guardians had to accept with a sigh an uninvited guest as inevitable.
We were wondering why we need another lesson, especially since the history of the Order is studied by everyone in the junior courses, and in general more or less know every citizen of the country. But, of course, we kept our questions to ourselves.
As a "sick" in the class I did not go and ran away to talk to Xenia, but she slept again and I was upset went to the chapel. I hope at least Danila shows up.
The Wind of the North Page 8