So I'm quite comfortably settled under a brown tree in a chair brought from home. I wrapped myself in fur and started reading. Really, I was scared to bite my lips when my teacher saw the set of books I took. I tried to take the different ones to hide my true interest, and hoped I could do a wise half-decker. He took a quick look at the folios with the talking titles: "Protection from Mental Attack", "Shields External and Internal", "Blood Bond", and he looked at me thoughtfully. The amber eyes were sad for some reason. But he didn't say anything. And I, with a sigh of relief, went to the rock, where I settled down.
My black guard used to stand aside, well, far enough away, which allowed me not to shudder from his presence. Moreover, he stood so still that he seemed to me like another tree or a statue rather than a living thing. On his black body, tightened into a black military form burned only a spiral of maze, and the red thread, folded in the drawing, seemed livelier than the demon itself.
Briar was right, the air was cool, but I, wrapped in fur, was not cold at all, and the fresh air only pleased. Tired of texts, I raised my head and gladly looked not at the walls, but at the tight blue rocks, the wide brown leaves, or the slowly floating clouds.
And as I rejoiced at it, I began reading again. Briar left the house a couple of times, brought me hot herbalist and food. As he approached, I discreetly opened the book "Children of the Abyss. The Dark and the Right of Power," and I smiled innocently.
But I still seem to have overestimated my own cunning, because for the third time, Briar didn't leave, but stayed close by looking at me frowningly.
- You can't learn anything from these books," he said displeased.
- But I'm only studying the history of Chaos," I lied. If you've lived in an orphanage your whole life, if you have any skills, you can learn. Like distorting the truth a little bit. Only a half demon with amber eyes was clearly smarter than our abbesses.
- I can teach you," he said, "to put up a mental shield.
We were silent, cautiously looking at each other. I surrendered first, and with a sigh I postponed the story of Chaos. But I still decided to make it clear.
- Briar, why are you helping me? You know Rion's not gonna like this.
The teacher took his eyes, looked at the blue rocks. His eyes were blurred with memories.
- You know, I used to have a couple... A long time ago. Her name was Lirel. We lived a beautiful life full of love... But the Weave of Destiny weaved Lirel a road that was much shorter than mine. And she went beyond the Fringe. Only I couldn't accept it. I was strong enough to pull her spirit out of the Shadow World and tie it to myself...
I didn't say anything. However, somewhere in my heart, I already knew the continuation of this story. I guessed it when I took a closer look at the leila, what I was setting the table in the house on the rock.
- Your leila is Lirel? - I didn't say it very loudly.
Briar nodded.
- Only I'm not warmed by the spirit that helps with the household," he said bitterly. "She's not alive, only a shadow, a memory... A silent reproach.
- So let her go.
- I can't let her go. I don't have enough strength. I've tried it many times. He loved too much, tied too tightly," he looked at me with faded amber eyes, and added quietly, "you must learn to let go. Even if it hurts painfully.
I got up.
- Where do we begin to make the shield, Master?
Briar shaken his head, banishing his memories.
- First, I'll put up a wall for your guard, he can't hear us," said the half-Demon, "and now try to reflect it...
And I felt a feather, which was familiar to me, that as if walked along the neck, and then began to sink, to immerse myself in my head, in my mind... It was already like this, in the Wasteland, when I first saw the Archbishop and the fangs of a black-haired beauty...
- The darkness and the Abyss! Chickenpox! - shouted out Briar and grabbed his head. He breathed heavily, and then he looked at me in astonishment.
- Badly," he stretched out, "not closed, but reflected. But badly.
- I'm sorry," I rushed to him in a fright, "I didn't understand how it happened! I just remembered something...
- You're very dependent on emotion," Briar wince, "let's do it again. Only now you have to put up a shield, not get me out of your head. And so that I don't see it.
Soon I realized that it was much harder to sit still and build a shield in my mind than to release the Force. My shield was rude, clumsy, too cumbersome. Briar would tease me and say I could see it from afar without even getting inside my head...
- You must not hide your thoughts, Vetriana! They must be replaced, you understand? If you hide them, there will be an emptiness that can be seen...
I nodded. I already had a headache, but I didn't have time for a long training, I had to, had to learn! And as soon as possible!
The solution came when I was already desperate and swore at myself with the last words that nothing had worked out. With fatigue, I used to reach for the trees, mentally catching the strings of power trembling above them, listening to the current of their juice...
It got lighter, my head hurt and my vitality increased. And with a sigh of relief, I smiled at the teacher.
- Briar, I'm ready! Let's get started.
- That's how I started," he said, glistening with his eyes. "All I could hear was the noise of the forest, but all I could see was the forest edge, densely overgrown with grass and thorny bushes! He could even smell it! It's so fragrant, coniferous...
- It's a juniper," I laughed, "it grows where I was born. So you're saying I did it?
He nodded and smiled. I could see the joy in his eyes, yet Briar was a born teacher who truly enjoyed learning!
- How did you do that? - He asked.
- I just listened to the trees. I pulled their threads on myself," Briar looked perplexed, and I explained, "the threads of power. You see, above the trees? They're like cobwebs everywhere... Above the trees, on the ground, in the grass... even underground! You see?
- No, Vetryana," he grinned, "I can't see, and I've never even heard of it. To me it's just trees, grass and earth. That's right, you have the blood of the schemits in you, and they were called "hearing" for a reason. However, we've been sitting here, so you should go back. Look, there and Kharh is already coming to us.
Briar hastily removed the sound shield. The guard approached and bowed his head, looking at us with yellow eyes.
- I am coming, Khhar," I sighed and said goodbye to the teacher. Night fell quickly and powerfully onto the rocks, and the heavenly lights were yellow. Once again, when I wished Briar good night, I stepped into the portal.
* * *
The first thing I thought when I came to the palace was, "Albie dropped the vial with the most valuable elixir of Snow Color!" Because there was a subtle bitter-sweet scent floating around the room, pure as snow in the mountains, beautiful as first love...
Charming, I didn't go. I swam from room to room. I pushed the door and froze, amazed. The whole room was decorated with flowers. Thin, flexible stems without leaves, and on top of it a delicate white bud, emanating this wonderful smell... And most amazingly, all the flowers were alive, their stems buried in the flowing snow and the ground, carried into high vases from the unreachable Diamond Peak. And there were hundreds of them, they stood everywhere: on the floor, on the table, on the mantelpiece, on the terrace... A whole garden of the rarest white flowers...
Embraced by this splendor, I fell into a chair. Tears came to my eyes against my will, but they never gave me flowers...
That's how I sat until Albie knocked on the bedroom.
- How long has Rion been gone? - I asked. His throat was intercepted, and his voice sounded like a chip.
- Half an hour ago, madam, the demon answered with a breath. Her eyes shone strangely like wet rubies.
- Didn't you tell me to say anything? - Without looking at Albie, I asked.
- No, mistress...
We kept quiet
looking at the flowers.
- Shall I cover your dinner, madam? - Woke up with a red-eyed look.
- I'm not hungry, thank you.
Albie nodded, took another look at the living garden, smiled at her thoughts and left. And I sat by the open window for a long time, in a dark room, not wanting to light magical glowing balls ... I breathed in the wonderful aroma of Snow Color, watched as the heavenly candles burned in the sky. One star suddenly slipped off the blanket of the sky, and slipped down a flaming flash of fire. In the Northern Kingdom, people believe that it was the Most Pure Mother who dropped a candle in heaven, and they make wishes. And before I know it, I'm used to making wishes as a child... A stupid, unfeasible wish that is not meant to come true. I fell asleep in my chair.
Chapter 26...
Rion came back in the morning, moved me to bed, pinned me down. I wrapped up, opened my eyes, was about to say something.
- Then," he whispered, "I need some sleep.
I calmed down. He smelled of ashes and a little grass... I listened to his breath, calm, even, deep. And I fell asleep myself. And when I woke up, he was no longer around.
Not even having breakfast, I went to Briar's. We spent the whole day studying, and when I was tired of the strain, the teacher had mercy and let me rest. I slowly walked along the path, along the shield, stretching my legs, and rubbing my faded neck. And suddenly I heard a whisper:
- Chickenpox...
I stopped bewilderedly looking through the empty rocks. Did you really feel overworked? But then the whisper came out again!
- Chickenpox... aura.
I wrapped my head and froze. By the tree, behind the fence shield, the emptiness was drawn by a familiar blue aura... Pure Mother! There's no such thing! It's... Spider!!!
- Quiet," whispered the invisible Lord Darrell, "your guard has the hearing of a lynx. Are you all right?
I nodded a little. I came closer, pretending to be looking at the tops of the rocks.
- How did you find me?
- I had to try, - ridiculous, and I can almost see the pinch of nut eyes. Wow, I didn't think I'd be so happy to see him!
- Shaider, it's so good to see you! Oh, I mean... to hear...
- Me too, Vetriana. You have no idea how much... Okay, no time. I can put the shield away for a few moments, run out when I say. I have a portal...
- It's not going to work," I shook my head, "and I'm wearing an arch.
- Chertso-mun! Oh, my... ahtaram!
- Quiet," I shouted. And as I turned towards Khuaar, I sneezed expressively.
- There's the Abyss! - whispered Shyder," he whispered, "to remove an arch without the master's knowledge, you need a very complicated ritual! And it takes a lot of time...
He quietly scolded again. I sighed, staring intensely at the void near the trees.
- If he takes it off, can you move me to Riverstein?
- Of course! And don't worry, I've put up security shields in the castle that won't even let a Dark Lord in! Not even Eloar has one of those... The main thing is to take off the arch!
I nodded slowly.
- I'll...try," I whispered.
- I'll wait for you here every day," said Lord Darrell, "and it's a good thing he's letting you go. I can't get to the palace.
Khkhar was looking at me without blinking, and even from here I could feel his yellow animal look. And I have never seen my guard in human form... Always just a demon. I sneezed again, nodded empty and went to the house.
* * *
- Briar," I said loudly when I opened the door, "can we finish today? I think I'm sick, sneezing, and my throat hurts!
- Shall I make you some medicinal herbs? - The teacher was worried, - I picked it myself on the slopes.
- I'd better go back to the palace and lie down," I smiled soothingly, "don't worry about me!
- I will," the teacher smiled.
I smiled too, sneezed, and went to the portal, luring the guards after me.
* * *
In the bedroom, Albie made her bed, her face froze a dreamy expression. She covered her red eyes, smelled the scent of Snow Color and smiled at herself. And she was surprised to see me.
- Mistress? You're early today... Are you all right?
- Yes, I'm just tired of class. I want to lie down. Take your time, I'll go to the thermals, sit in hot water. I'm a little frozen on the rocks...
- Mistress, you're all shaking! - Allby exclaimed, you are sick!
- Albie, it's all right. I'm going to warm up and it'll be all right.
- I'll set your table for dinner, Mistress.
I stood by the door of the thermals. I was really shaking, not from the cold...
- Albie," I asked without turning around, "bring me some elven nectar, please. A little bit... And light the fireplace.
And without waiting for her answer, she went inside quickly. In hot water I relaxed a little, closed my eyes, trying not to think about anything. I was scared. Very... I was scared of what I was going to do. If I could consult someone! Talk... But alas, I was alone.
When the water in the thermals started to cool, I hurriedly wiped my canvas, put on a turquoise tunic and came out. A reckless demon was already serving the table, the fire in the fireplace was cheerfully lit with orange flames. I thanked the red-eye and let her go. I wasn't hungry at all, I just spun a cup of water in my hands. I ate a spoonful of air, smelling of peaches of elven nectar, and at once in a head noisy, and in a body there was desirable ease. It became a little lighter, a nervous shiver did not beat me anymore. But still, I pushed the nectar away, today I need a clear head...
The night was falling on the capital of Chaos. Silently sneaked up on the roofs and spires like a big black cat with soft and warm hair... I stood by the window, looking at this beautiful and cruel city, so incomprehensible and strange... An emerald spark flashed in the apex, and I smiled at the dragon flying in the clouds.
There was a mild noise in the living room and immediately the voice of the Archarrion releasing Khkhar.
I took a deep breath and turned to the opening door.
- Vetriana, what is wrong with you? Are you ill?
He quickly stepped into the bedroom, threw his cloak off, took off his acanara, hung his scabbard on a special hook. And he sat in the chair, looking at me. I shook my head.
- No, I just got a little cold. It got colder in the mountains. How was your day?
He looked surprised at me. He poured himself some wine, scattered the cup in the palm of his hand.
- Lots to do," he said.
I came closer.
- Rion, is something wrong? You look tired...
I noticed it with some surprise, because he really looked tired, even fire in his eyes as if it became less... The archpriest threw his head, smiled.
- It's all right, Vetriana. Tell me how Briar is doing. Have you eaten yet?
I shook my head, and I slowed down and sat in the next chair. The Archarrion thoughtfully drank the wine, and looked at me sharp.
- Vetriana, what's wrong with you?
I hurriedly pulled the threads of force upon myself, imagining the coniferous forest and the sunrays piercing the shaggy branches of fir trees. And I smiled.
- It's just that I haven't seen you in a while. I... missed you.
He looked me in the eyes wary. He didn't believe me. I was embarrassed and I turned my back.
- I have a present for you," he said, stepping back to his cloak and pulling out a small elongated box of black velvet. I approached, looking at it with curiosity. Inside lay a ruby lizard, small, smaller than my hand.
- How beautiful," I smiled, "is it an ornament?
The Archarrion removed the box and put the lizard in his palm.
- I can give you all the jewels of Chaos," he grinned, "but something tells me you won't be happy with them... Look.
He lifted his palm. And the ruby lizard suddenly moved its tail, came to life and sparkled! Then it went out and ran on his hand, looking at me with
black eyes, and then returned to the palm of Archarrion, wrapped around his fingers as if caressing.
- Is that a salamander? - I smiled, Archarrion smiled. He was amused by my delightful surprise. And he shook his head.
- No, Vetriana, it's Archa. A drop of true fire. My fire. Give me your hand.
I gently stretched out my palm, and he gently laid the lizard on it. Archa froze, turned her head, and ran briskly up my hand, a little sparkling. As she ran, the skin pinched slightly, as if someone was walking a leaf of young nettle on it. When it reached my elbow, the lizard froze again and suddenly... disappeared! And almost immediately it appeared on my shoulder, rubbed its head stretched against my neck. I awoke again.
- I confessed," laughed the Archarrion.
The archaic quickly circled my neck, and disappeared again. And by my collarbone my skin was slightly protected, as if it had been warmed inside by a gentle fire.
- Where is she? - I was frightened.
He pulled me to the mirror, stood in the back and gently pushed the edge of my tunic. He slipped his finger over my skin.
- Look.
I lifted my eyes looking into our reflections. On my skin, just below my collarbone, a red-and-black lizard pattern was slowly coming through...
- When you need her, just call her," he said quietly, "maybe you'll get a little warmer with Archa...
I caught his gaze in the mirror, sharp feeling his closeness and warm fingers on his skin. The Archarrion frowned, turned me towards him.
- Vetriana, what's going on? - He asked me harshly.
I sighed a little frightened and slowly put my palms on his chest. The Archarrion stood still and did not move. I confidently threw my hands around his neck, hugged him, looking into his eyes. My heart was pounding like a caged bird...
I pulled him towards me, and when the Archharrion tilted his head, still looking at me, she said:
- It's a wonderful gift, Rion. Thank you, Rion.
And I kissed him. I mean, I tried. Still, there is a difference when he kisses, or when it is not skillfully tried, I ... I confidently clung to his hard lips, but he did not answer, not even moved. Without knowing what to do, I slowly walked on his lips with my tongue.
The Wind of the North Page 63