- I'll take the deputies to Elloar, magic school in the capital, so we have to get through this pretty fast. We still have to see King Amaron, it's time to clear up the situation with Zov and the new Source. I've already sent him a messenger, but of course, it's time to visit his highness in person...
- Don't worry, we're safe in Riverstein," I smiled again.
In the morning Lord Darrell and Danila left through the portal to Eloar, and from there they were planning to go to Starover, then through the border of the kingdom.
Antashar stayed at the castle, so I decided to talk to him again. I found a faceless man in an empty east wing. Everything was cleaned and tidied up here too, but the rooms were not yet furnished, and the sound of my footsteps made a resounding echo.
- An... Antashar, wait," I exclaimed as I noticed the shadow of the cloak. He swung unhappyly, but stopped. I hurriedly approached.
- Antashar, what is happening to you?
The ethereal shadow was silent. I looked into the void under his hood.
- Antashar, change your face, please.
- I don't want to," his voice rustled, "and you no longer have power over me, Vetriana. The power that knows the name ends with his death. And when you entered the Fringe, you died...
- I wasn't going to order you," I sighed, "and I'm glad this strange power no longer works. Compulsion, it's terrible... I want to help. I'm... worried about you.
- Why are you worried? - A shadow has swayed.
- Why? Because you're my friend. I'm hoping...
The shadow froze like hesitation, then slowly rippled, flowing into the blond. I gladly looked into the silver eyes, and timidly touched the hand of the Faceless.
- Can you tell me what happened?
- I... I don't know - he looked at me frowningly - after I met you, Vetriana, something happened to me. The first time I felt it was when we flew the griffin to the Rock of Grief... and then, after you poured your Power into me, it started to appear more and more... and now almost all the time...
- What? - I asked alarmingly - what to show up?
Antashar clenched his fists, his eyes trembled...
- Pain! I feel pain, Vetriana! Not someone else's, mine... and it's terrible!
I woke up in amazement, and then I grabbed his hands.
- Antashar! Have you got a feeling? But it's wonderful! - I laughed.
- You've got to be kidding me. It's painful... unbearable... I don't want to! I thought feelings were nice and beautiful, but what I feel... Drives me crazy! I was born without feelings and I was always looking for a way to get them back, to understand, to feel... but this! I don't want it! I started feeling it all the time: when you're sad, when you see how Xenya and Danila look at each other, even when I just look at the stars! I don't know what's wrong with me!
I smiled again.
- Antashar, any creature comes into our world with pain. It's the first thing we all feel at birth. So... with the birth of you, Antashar of the Immersed in the Dark! Bear with me, the pain will pass and you will feel other feelings, beautiful, magical, light...
I laughed again, joyfully looking at his gloomy face. It was easy on the soul.
- I think I understand why Ram wanted to captivate you," the Faceless laughed crookedly, "your power can lift the curse of our clan.
- Your master was born with feelings, wasn't he? - He still remembers them...
- Yes, Ram is the son and heir to the first lord, the one who gave our feelings to the Abyss. But when it happened, Ram was an adult, and he had a beloved...
- Beautiful Mayira," I ended sadly, "if I knew I could get his feelings back, I would help. He could have just asked.
- The Lords do not ask, Vetrjana," Antashar smiled, "they command. And the first thing Ram did then, he deposed his father from the throne and sent him to Eternity, and enslaved his soul forever... So, the spirit of his ancestor to this day languish in the shackles of eternal torment...
I had a guess in my head.
- Antashar, who are you? - I asked, the second shadow, what does that mean?
He grinned and gave me a ceremonial bow.
- It means the second Crown Prince, the Vetriana. The Shadows are the ruler's sons, of course. As you can see, opposing your parent is hereditary!
- Wow! - I was astonished, - and I thought you were a simple guardian of borders... And the place you brought me to, on the rock, is quite humble for a prince!
- It's my secret hiding place," he smiled even more, "and the palace wasn't fun.
- I suppose you miss home, don't you?
He shook his head.
- I feel good in Riverstein," said Faceless, "and then ... I still hope to comfort you, my sweet girl.
He took my palm, carried it to my lips, and slowly walked my tongue around my wrist without taking his eyes off me. I admired the shimmering glow of light in his silver eyes. It's very beautiful. And with a smile, I took my hand away.
- I wonder why my magic ceased to work on you. - I hope, as soon as I feel it, I will not lose such a useful quality!
- Antashar, you are incorrigible! - I laughed, - why do you need the magic of seduction? Did you see yourself in the mirror?
- Oh, so you like me after all? - He smiled cleverly. I rolled my eyes and snorted. But it was much easier on the soul after that conversation.
* * *
And Antashar himself also had fun, at least for dinner, he appeared in his true appearance, not hiding again behind a shadowless. He even winked at the surprised Solmea and smiled at Tiana. In his hands, he was spinning the invitation I had left behind behind in the library.
- Would you like to come? - He asked. I shook my head with my chicken broth boiled.
- Such invitations are not scattered," said the Faceless quietly, "if I were you, I would meet the Emperor, Vetriana.
- I will not leave Riverstein," I said quietly.
The Faceless was silent, thinking about something. Then I made up my mind.
- The Archarrion will not be there," he said, quietly so that the others would not hear.
I put a spoon on the table, soaked my lips with canvas.
- How do you know that? - Just as quietly, I asked. The faceless man led with his shoulder.
- I heard from the elves that the ruler of Chaos is very busy fortifying the borders and checking the readiness of his guards, and the Empire's invitation was ignored. The Outer Circle has gone completely mad, the defense dome has broken through several times. So he's not interested in entertainment right now...
I was silent, and Antashar looked me in the eye.
- It's up to you to decide, but supporting the Emperor means a lot to us. Only I will go with you. I don't trust this elf... Imagine me as your favorite brother...
He smiled and clouded a little, and now instead of silver eyes they look at me dark blue, like mine! And his hair became shorter, of a different shade, and his features became remarkably similar to mine, and at the same time remained the features of his true appearance!
- How did you do that? - I was amazed.
- A partial change of appearance," he explained with a grin, "and I can also introduce myself as your strict parent!
The traits are loaded, they've grown bigger, wrinkles are marked...
- I think, dear little girl, you've behaved badly today," he said with a sparkling voice, "Come to me, Daddy must punish you...
- An! Stop sneaking around! - I snorted, - ew, your dirty hints have ruined my appetite!
- But you smiled," he shrugged his shoulders, "so what about the invitation?
- I don't know, you might be right...
So, thanks to Antashar's persuasions and to the dashing joy of Clarence, I accepted the Emperor's invitation.
* * *
I agreed with the elf right away: no dancing, no dinners and everything else. The only thing I intended to do was to pay my respects to the Emperor of the Rainbow Empire. And get back to Riverstein as soon as possible. It's still a nasty feeling
that Shader wouldn't like it...
And I flatly refused to follow the fashion adopted at the palace and sew a dress for the ball. On the contrary, I wore the most closed dress I had: a black dress with a blue tint, sewn by six-fingers maidens. It had a deaf collar covering my throat and long sleeves, though it sat on a figure and did not shy away from movement. The only thing I went for was to loose my hair, not wanting to offend the Emperor with my gloomy view.
Lord Clarius came after me, dressed in a green court uniform and with a ritual blade on his belt.
- Chickenpox, you're beautiful," he said admiringly, and I thought gloomily that my hair should be removed.
But when I saw Antashar, my eyes must have become like two bad eyes! The faceless man came down to the portal in a snow-white suit embroidered with silver, and combined with his amazing eyes and white tail, looked so stunning that I involuntarily fell in love with him.
- Poor courtier elves," I muttered. Antashar smiled mockingly. Lord Elwon leaned against him, and we entered the portal.
And immediately we plunged into the music, voices and whispers that calmed when we arrived. I didn't even have time to look around, but I saw that we were standing at the top of a crystal staircase, which was streaming down a waterfall to the center of a large hall, shining with numerous rainbows and filled with crowds.
A skinny, burgundy-covered elf bowed down to us and spoke softly:
- The Seventh Guardian of the Circle of Light, First Lord of the Silver branch of Eloar, Claurius Elwon...
However, for some reason, his quiet voice echoed all over the room.
- His companions: The Faceless of the Clan of the Dark Dived. And Layana, Guardian of the Northern Source, Vetryana Belogorskaya!
Antashar on my left made an evil hissing, and I was surprised to turn to him. The eyes of the Faceless drilled Lord Clarius with anger. The same one, on the other hand, smiled and held my elbow firmly, helping me down the slippery stairs.
- Ahn, what's going on? - I asked with only my lips, keeping my face serenely cold.
The faces of all those present turned towards us. A lot... a lot of faces, male and female, human and not, with intricate hairstyles and colorful eyes... I've seen the amazement appear in the faces of the courtiers of elves, people and dried men, dressed in bright, open dresses. As they look at me and my companions. How men look, and interest looks through the elven arrogance.
- That ear-eared bastard, that foolish elf, introduced you to his nickname! - Antashar exhaled through his teeth and whispered to Clarius, - come out, kill...
- Take a chance," smiled the elf.
I moaned silently, and almost tripped when I stumbled upon a small group of people. Against the background of their colored outfits, their black suits with a red spiral near their hearts were unwittingly chained to attention. And immediately met with the cold look of transparent eyes. Daarhar...
* * *
The stairs ended, and we stepped on the floor of the hall, laid out with mosaics depicting scenes from the history of the empire. The crowd moved, closing off the black demon figures. I looked forward, to where the glittering throne stood and where Emperor Anwarrius Erolion and Empress Tanya, the beautiful elven, sat. Both in luxurious white and red robes, blonde and young, though. I knew that the Emperor had already passed in his fourth hundred years.
As we approached, the Emperor stood up and took three steps towards us. I was not strong in palace etiquette Eloar, but from the sigh of the courtiers and guests I realized that I had been honoured. Clarius beside me smiled and held me by my elbow. I was softly released, and I looked the elf in the eyes. That pretty smile was gone.
As I approached the throne, the men bowed down, and I sat down in a curtsy.
- We are glad to see the Guardian of the Northern Source at Elloar," said the Emperor solemnly and smiled. And added not so officially, the new source is a great joy for all the inhabitants of the Underworld. And all the more joyful when its keeper is so charming! Your lands are independent from the Empire, but for my part I guarantee you, Mrs. Vetrena, our full support and friendship.
- Thank you, Your Imperial Highness," I smiled.
Anvarius Arolion has taken another step towards us. Another breath of the crowd...
- Mrs. Vetryana, I hear you're going to open a school on your property? It's a good idea, because the northern lands are reliably protected from the world by the Devil, and only the opening of portals from your side allows you to visit them. Such a school could be the most protected in the underworld. And given that it will be close to such a strong Source... Oh, I think we in the Empire will have a lot of people willing to go to Riverstein!
- You are well aware, Your Imperial Highness, we are honoured.
- Tell me, who represents your interests? - did the Emperor smile, Lord Elwon? And I take it you are to be congratulated, Clarius?
The elf beside me froze with a tense smile.
- My interests are represented by the owner of Riverstein, my good friend and mentor, Master of Magic Arts, Lord Shider Darrell. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend today, and Lord Elwon kindly agreed to accompany me," I said calmly, allowing the elf to answer the Emperor's last question himself. In spite of his deception, I did not want to humiliate the elf with public revelation and refusal.
- Madam Vetriana has not yet given her final consent, Your Imperial Highness," said quietly to Clarius.
- Well, I hope, Madam Vetriana, you will visit us again and tell us in person with the Empress your wonderful story, which so stirred the light.
- Undoubtedly, Your Imperial Highness," I said and understood that the audience was over.
We stepped away from the throne and the music flashed, the multicoloured crowd moved and circled around us. A stream of courtiers and guests came to me, they said something, introduced themselves, avidly looked into my face, felt the figure with their eyes. Men kissed my hands, women frowned jealously. And immediately they blossomed with their best smiles, translating the look at Antashar.
- Chickenpox, dance with me," whispered Clarius in my ear.
- I will dance with you now," Antashar replied in a threatening whisper.
I grabbed the Faceless by the hand.
- Hang on, we'll go now," he said, and looked at Clarius grimly, "where is the way out?
Lord Elwon walked silently through the crowd, we're next. Antashar smiled, I looked around for men in black ... But all around me was the bright, colorful outfits that made my eyes rattle. The fresh wind and floral fragrance pulled from my side, and I was relieved to see the high arch leading into the garden. Through it we came out, leaving behind a noisy crowd and music.
Fountains sang gently in the garden, and the trees gently shone, illuminated by magical sparks. The roses were fragrant, and the whitewashed paths led to cozy pavilions, winding plants.
Antashar turned to the elf.
- Come here, ear-eared," he said with anger. And without hesitation, he struck the elf under his breath. He punched like a commoner, the more he insulted a noble lord. Clarius ducked, scared, and took out his blade.
The faceless man was his own, and they quickly went deep into the garden.
I gazed at their retreating figures. That's how the defenders are! Let's go and find out about the relationship and forget who was promised to be guarded... I threw myself next, but I was intercepted by a dark shadow. My heart was compressed when I looked up at Darkhar.
- Oh, flower, I'm surprised.
- The one who sees me here? - I specified.
- The one that just sees you," the dhir grinned, "and I thought you were already quietly overgrowing somewhere with weed... Peacefully and quietly under some tree. It's strange that Rion left you alive, unlike him.
- Why, does he have a habit of killing his exes... passions? - I asked as quietly as possible.
- He has a habit of killing those who betray him. Well, or those who lie to him. And judging from what happened to him when you disappeared, I take it you've done
well! That's why I'm surprised to see you alive and well! - The dhir responded cheerfully.
- I take it you didn't count on it," I said with disgust.
- Well, I was counting on you to stop getting mixed up under your feet. By the way, I told you the real truth, flower. Though I'm sure you checked with Briar, didn't you? But I did the right thing, I praise you! And by the way, I still want to try you, white lily...
I watched him smile, cheerfully stretch his lips, look at me so frankly that it became disgusting. Inside me, like a pattern on glass, the cold blossomed...
- I pity you, Dhir Dharhar," I said calmly, looking into his transparent eyes, "you consider yourself a clever manipulator. Even believe that you do everything for Chaos... and for Rion. And the truth is, he doesn't even need you. Nobody needs you... You seemed pretty scared when you realized what place I could take next to the ruler, didn't you? You're still afraid... It must be sad, like this, to hustle behind the back of such a strong and powerful ruler as Archharrion all your life, to intrigue, to pick up what he throws away... sad. I wonder if that girl you had, the red-haired one, was also the former lord's toy? Probably introduces him when you and her... have fun... Doesn't he mix up names? Doesn't it?
I've seen the fun leave the transparent eyes of a dhira, he loses control of what I say, and his beastly essence gets out. As he lets out his claws, and he wails, as a heavy wildlife rage flares up in him. What hurts a cold and mocking adviser so much? He was breathing heavily, trying to calm down and hold back the treatment, and I only smiled politely, looking at him.
- How... How do you know that? And how do you know about... Leila? Who told you that?
I shook my head. I fell asleep, and it got really nasty. And I was sorry I said all that. The only thing left in my mouth was a nasty taste, like I ate something rotten. There was nothing to it, the dhir was pursuing his goals, and I knew it from the beginning. And it's just stupid to be mad at him.
Daharhar stood, clutching his teeth and clutching the handle of his blade until his knuckles were white. Strangely, I wasn't afraid of him at all.
- Forgive my lack of restraint, Dhir Daharhar," I said calmly, "it's just a silly woman's speculation. It's nothing more than that.
The Wind of the North Page 68