Briar threw the paper on the floor without further ado, and I was amazed to see it fit into the bookcase. And then a dish of meat and bread came out of the air, a decanter of wine, cups... And all of this in itself was placed on the table under my astonished gaze.
- Are you a magician? - I guessed it.
Briar nodded.
- But it's not magic," he pointed to the moving decanter with his hand, "it's a leil. They're very useful, they know a lot. Mine helps with the household, as you can see.
- By whom? - I did not understand.
Now he was surprised.
- Don't you know who the leuil is? But I can see that you have a connection to one of them!
I looked at the Archarrion in a confused way.
- Your beast of the air, Vetriana. It's a leuil, a spirit.
- I did not know," I was even more surprised, "I call him Echo...
- How could you tie him up if you don't even know who the leli are? - I don't get it, Briar.
- I never tied him up," I said, confusedly, "he himself... tied up...
- It doesn't happen! - confidently said the teacher. Then he looked carefully at me, his amber eyes flashed a golden light. He jumped out of his chair and in one movement was near. I snapped back.
- Don't be afraid," he said softly, stretching out his hand, "may I?
I looked into his eyes and listened. The Archarrion looked calmly. And she reached out her hand to Briar. He held it slightly, with his eyes covered. He had a slow, surprised smile on his face.
- Sheath," he said confidently, letting go of my hand, "is more than that, Guardian of Balance. It's been ages since I've seen this power... Even its echoes. How beautiful...
- You know about the scheets? - with hope I asked, tell me!
- Unfortunately, not at all, Vetriana. I will tell you everything I know, of course.
Once again I looked closely into his black and white aura.
- You are a half-breed," I whispered and was confused. What if a man were to be offended?
Briar nodded with a smile.
- Yes, my father was a demon. A lower demon, with no way to turn around. I don't have that ability either, of course. But my parent had a long life and the ability to heal quickly. My mother was a man, a magician. And scientists, even though it's a great rarity for a woman. But she was very unusual... - a man gently smiled at his memories, - I was lucky to be born. You know that demons have almost no descendants of other races. And anyway, half-breeds in our world are very rare. The different nature of the Force rarely mixes. But I was distracted... My mother was studying the Sources, trying to understand their nature. Alas... But at the end of her days, she caught fire with the idea that all the Sources are somehow connected to scheets. She left her notes if you want to read them. But unfortunately, in those days, Mother was no longer quite... reasonable.
- And did you see any of the scheets?
- Only once, when I was still a young man. A girl came to my mother's house... With a completely unusual, amazing power! How did you... At that time I could already feel her flows. My mother said it was the power of life... and called that girl the Guardian of Balance.
His amber eyes glowed with gold again, looking at me. So that I even felt uncomfortable with such close attention.
- And the guest was also an elementary, she controlled the water. Do you have an element, too, Vetriana?
- The air," I nodded, reflecting on what had been said, "but I hardly know how to control it.
- Do you want me to try to teach you? - You can come here every day, I'll put up a portal for you.
I nodded with a smile, ignoring the darkened Archarrion.
- I'd appreciate it, Briar. Or should I call you Master?
Briar laughed funny.
- Beautiful! Rion, you made a wonderful gift to your old mentor! Sit down at the table, Vetriana. Rion, don't frown, the girl will be safe here.
- Someone seems tired of living as a hermit," the Archarrion grinned and sat down in his chair. I joined myself next door, still wrapped in warm skin. But soon I warmed up, relaxed and listened with interest to the men's conversation. I was surprised Rion told his teacher about Alir; he seemed to really trust him.
Briar frowned as he listened to the demon's story and sometimes I caught his gaze on me. But I wasn't embarrassed anymore. I was surprised to see the vague outline of the leila, which cleverly removed from the table and poured wine into cups. Or rather, poured it. Because the echoes of the spirit consciousness I caught were female.
I think I even dozed off a little, warm under the warm skin and lulled by the quiet conversation of men. I woke up when the Archharrion gently lifted me up.
- We must go back," he said, "you're asleep at all... Briar, will you allow the passage?
The teacher nodded, smiling with his crooked smile.
- I am not saying goodbye, Vetriana," he said.
The demon opened the passage of darkness and in a moment we were standing in the bedroom with a white carpet.
Chapter 24
And immediately I was stunned by a strange sound, disturbing and nervous. The Archarrion quickly put me on my feet and scolded me through my teeth.
- What's going on? - I got scared.
- Some fool climbed into a labyrinth.
He opened the window sashes and went out onto the terrace. I threw myself in the back.
Chaos's labyrinth was on fire. A fierce flame roared, devouring the figure of a demon frozen in agony. I clenched my palms in terror. The demon was screaming, but the flame came out so powerful that no voice was heard, only a burnt open mouth could be seen... The black wings were already completely burned, the demon's body had bloody wounds - burns...
- Vetriana, go to the room," said Archharrion calmly.
I did not leave.
- What... what is it? He needs help! - I exclaimed, "He's going to burn!
- Yes," said Archarrion indifferently. And he turned me around, covering up a terrible picture.
- He can't be helped," he said, "whoever entered the labyrinth can only get out by passing him.
- But why did he go in there? - Almost crying, I asked. The terrible picture of a black mouth open in silent screams and a burned body stood before his eyes.
- He who can pass through the labyrinth will challenge me and can become the Ruler," said Archarrion calmly, "but only the heir to the true fire can pass through it. Everyone knows this. But sometimes someone decides to try...
- Holy elders," I whispered. It was quiet downstairs. The flames no longer roared. And it could only mean one thing... The demon was burned.
- So now you are the only heir to the true fire? - I asked quietly.
The Archarrion was silent. For a long time. Then he took a hard breath.
- No, not the only one," he said slowly, "there is also Saarhard.
It wasn't even immediately clear what he had said. And when I did...
- Is Saharhardt alive? - I whispered.
- Yes. He's alive. And for six centuries, he's been imprisoned in the Citadel of Death in the black sands of Devil. You can't kill him. Not until... Until I have an heir. True fire must be passed on.
- So if something happens to you, the demons will free Saarhard? - I hoarsely asked, just because Haos needs someone to get through the maze?
- Yes, he does.
I walked into the room, and I sat down in the chair with no strength.
- Alira was after you," I guessed, "she knows all this, too. You took a big risk staying with us...
The demon grinned, entered the room and closed the window. And he came up to me.
- More like after both of us.
He stood there looking at me.
- Go to bed, Vetriana. Don't think about it.
I nodded, continuing to roll pictures in my head: a demon burning in a labyrinth, Saarhard, imprisoned in a dungeon of Devils, killed scheets... The pictures were black and convex, bordered with mourning frame and bled. They smelled of pain an
d death... I don't think I can sleep today...
- I will help," said Archharrion. And he picked me up and sat down in his chair, sitting me on his knees. And he pressed my head against his chest.
- Quiet," he said exactly, "don't move. Close your eyes," he said.
I didn't want to close my eyes, but he invaded my mind, commanding and commanding me not to think. Not to remember. Sleepwalking... Sleepwalking enveloped the body, fog crawled into my head, wrapped in horrible visions with a whitish veil.
- Sleep," he whispered, "my stubborn girl... Sleep...
And I fell asleep. In my dream, I could feel his hands on my body, hot lips sliding on my skin, but I couldn't wake up. I wouldn't let him...
The ghosts of the past didn't bother me that night.
* * *
I woke up in bed and alone. Someone's hands took off my boots and tunic, put on a canvas shirt. I remembered the dreams I had tonight, and the shame of the hot wave burned my cheeks. I wanted to climb under the blanket and not get out of there for the next hundred years.
I gently inspected the empty room. I didn't even want to see Albie. But as soon as I sat on the bed, the demoness's keen ear caught it, and the door opened. I met her with a frowning look. Then I sighed and smiled. Still, it wasn't the red-eye's fault. She's only doing what she's ordered to do.
- May the Abyss be good to you, mistress," she joyfully greeted you. I nodded. And yet I have decided to be more specific.
- Olby, did you change my clothes last night?
- What are you, mistress? I'm surprised to see you. I'm not allowed in at night. You had a master with you.
- Oh, I see. And where is this lord now? I have... a few questions for him, I said grimly.
- My lord said to tell me what would happen by evening, he left, only the sun rose. And for you he left a portal that leads to the house on the rock. And he also told me to bring you furs so you wouldn't freeze.
Demon showed me a red fox vest, a fur cap and the same clutch.
- Bring me some pants, Albie. And a shirt," I frowned.
- Pants? But madam...
- Bring it, Albie. The lord said it was okay, don't worry, I lied.
The Demon was hesitant, but there was no one to ask, so she left on the doorstep and came back with narrow, canvas-covered pants and a black shirt.
- All I found was the right one, madam," she said.
- Very well," I was glad. I didn't even look at the colored silks I'd brought; I was there yesterday. As I pulled my boots up and gathered my hair in a braid, I felt more confident.
- Drive, Albie! Where's that portal?
Demon was sighing, looking at me, but disobeying, not daring. We went out into the corridor.
And almost immediately we ran into Daanhar. The demon almost smiled looking at me, but there was no fun in the transparent eyes. On the contrary, there was something shivering in them that wanted to hide or escape.
Albie felt it too, and came between us, bowing down in reverence.
- My lord," she began. Dharhar seemed to just wave, but from that movement Albee flew away and hit her head against the wall. Blood spurted out of the demon's nose and mouth. I screamed and rushed to her, but the dhir blocked my way. I wouldn't have been able to push him away to get through.
- Well, well," he said with a smile, "Rion's new toy.
I looked into his eyes. Strange eyes, clear green as water, a little tightened by a yellow frock. And in the depths there was anger lurking... And the dhir's movements were smooth, lazy, like a snake before its fatal cast. Not a demon, but a poisonous viper.
- Rion had never brought people into Chaos before," he said with contemptuous surprise. "Such delicate skin, such a fragile body..." He slipped his shameless glance at me, looking at me for an insultingly long time, "too fragile. Are you able to satisfy his passion? Hmm...
My fingers were stabbed by the Force, the urge to hit, to let her out became intolerable. But I still held back.
- Don't think you can hold the ruler's attention long, silly. Soon he'll be fed up with you. Or you'll break, which is even more likely," Daarhar said, "and then..." He stepped back a little, "I think I'll ask Rion to give you to me. Playing games with you will amuse me. I haven't tried... people yet.
- Are you used to picking up scraps from the Ruler's table, Dhir Daarhar?" I asked quietly.
His transparent eyes were green with hatred, but his lips stretched out in a smile.
- Oh, how sweet," he said almost gently, "yes, I will keep you. Let's see how quickly you stop sarcasm, flower..." He leaned toward me, carefully not to leave his scent on me. And greedily sucked the air near my neck. And he stretched his lips again in a smile. I was stunned.
- You smell good," he said, "I think I understand him.
Daarhar still stood and turned around and walked away.
- Yes," he threw over his shoulder, "you won't be telling Rihon about our glorious conversation, will you, flower? Wouldn't you?
And he went to the exit, laughing.
When the dhir was already near the stairs, I still couldn't resist. I let out the air loop, wrapped my arms around the demon's legs and yanked. Dhir stumbled, flying over his head down the stairs, but still landed on his feet. And he turned sharply, looking suspiciously in my face.
- Careful, Dhir Dharhar, there are steep staircases in the palace," I said almost gently, "don't break anything...anything.
He slurred a curse through his teeth, gave me another poisonous look, and left. I threw myself at Albie.
- Forgive me, mistress," she whispered penitently, "I could not protect you. It's my fault. I must report to my lord...
- No, Albie, this has nothing to do with you. Sit like this, I took her hand and poured a little power into her, healing and healing. When the demon girl realized what I was doing, her red eyes flashed burgundy light.
- Mistress," she whispered in shock, "Mistress, you gave me your Power... It's... it's... unthinkable!
- Quiet, Albie, don't shout. And don't talk about this incident to Rion, okay? Oh, please.
- But why? - I don't get it, demon.
- I'll tell you myself. You got a deal?
The demon girl nodded insecurely. And I was thinking about the dhira's behavior. What is the reason for this outright hatred for me? Just because I'm human? I don't think so... What does an advisor care about the ruler's toys? And his anger can only be caused by one thing: by my appearance I have interfered with Daarkhara.
We need to find a way out of Chaos, the incomprehensible stubbornness of Rion only creates unnecessary problems. How can he not understand that our lives are too different! And we are too different. I can never live in Chaos, no matter how beautiful he is. And I will never be able to live in captivity.
- Albie, where's the portal? - I woke up from my unfunny thoughts.
- This way, my lady.
We went into an empty room behind the stairs, and the demoness pointed to an elegant crystal vase.
- The portal is tuned to your aura, my lady. Just touch it.
I nodded, put on the fur cap I held in my hand, remembering how cold it was in the mountains. And I touched the palm of the clear crystal. And I fell into the void. But in a moment, the earth was under my feet, and fresh, slightly frosty air and sunlight poured into my face.
- Chickenpox! - Briar exclaimed on his way to me, and I've been waiting for you since morning! Have you had breakfast?
The teacher came to me, helping me get off the ground. Still, crossing the portal for me is a novelty, I fell from the habit of not being able to keep up.
- I would gladly share a meal with you, Master," I smiled as I rose.
- Then let's go!
The table was already set in the house, Leila Sporo brought hot dishes and poured wine into the cups. To tell the truth, I gave it up, asking for water.
- What will you teach me today? - I asked.
- For starters, let's see how well you know your element," Briar answered, smiling crook
edly. And call me by my name, please. I don't want to be reminded of my old age again, especially in the company of such a charming girl!
I laughed.
- Okay, Briar. Did you say yesterday that there were notes from Mother, that I could take them?
- Oh, yes, of course. But remember, Mother wrote them on the threshold of eternity, and a lot of them look delusional... perhaps they did. But they are at your disposal," Briar kept silent, looking at me with his amber eyes. "Tell me, Vetriana, where are you from? I thought there were no schemits left in the Underworld.
I sighed and told my story as briefly as I could. As the story progressed, the men's eyes turned golden, and at the end he could no longer hide the excitement.
- Amazingly," he whispered, "and I thought that nothing could surprise me any more... Foolish. The abyss is an even bigger joker than I thought. So you grew up among people and know nothing about your race... Amazing.
- That's why I'm looking for people who can tell me," I said, "but there seems to be almost none left.
- The scheets were a small people," Briar thoughtfully said, "as far as I know, they were very rarely born. I don't know why. Besides, they always lived apart, not interacting with other races and jealously guarding their unity. Some of the schemists lived behind the big water, on the island of Xia. Some of them, in the snow-covered wastelands of the Ice Plains. Some individual families lived in the forests and near the Sources. But at some point, they all disappeared. They'd all gone. Missing... Where? Unknown.
- When was that?
- About eight centuries ago, by my calculations. Unfortunately, then the Great War broke out, and the people of the underworld didn't care about the Scheats. And if there were those who knew anything about them, they all died, disappeared... The last of the scheets, as far as I know, lived inside the Devil.
- Yes, - I nodded, - my parents lived there. That's where my house is.
Briar was thinking. I think he knew the story of the destruction of the Scheet settlement, so he wouldn't keep talking.
- If you've finished, let's go," he said, "and you'll take my mother's notes when you leave.
In a couple of hours I realized that Lord Darrell was a very kind teacher! Because Briar wasn't very ceremonial with me, he made me release the Force over and over again, taught me to hold the wind in my palms and beat the directed wave, to control the flow of my power with my mind, not with my emotions. He did not give me a moment's rest, and after a few hours I was literally knocked down by fatigue! I was already hot in the first half hour, so I took off my fur vest and hat. My hair, of course, broke again, and I blushed myself, but Briar kept going. The uncomfortable half-breed just glowed with pleasure, and just licked like a big cat. His amber eyes had long been glowing in gold, and the man seemed to be sincerely enjoying our lesson.
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