So, I came back to Riverstein late at night. The Archarrion opened the door to the castle, and we went out to my room. I felt that he didn't like it, that he was angry, though his face was calm. I had no idea how we would move on, how we could accept each other and accept how we would resolve our unresolved issues, but I knew for sure that I couldn't and wouldn't live without him anymore. I guess it took a good bang on the head to realize that!
- Don't stay up late on your books," he smiled.
I nodded. I didn't want to break up. The fine thread of understanding between us seemed so thin that it was terrible to make an extra move, to drop an unnecessary word, for fear of tearing it apart.
The Archarrion touched my lips with a light kiss and left. I took my breath away. Still, I thought to the last one he would say no.
* * *
Thoughtlessly wandering around the room and smiling blissfully, I still found the strength to change and weave braids. It was not so easy to get out of the whirlpool of feelings, I wanted to spread my arms and fly, or fall into the snow and lie looking at the sky. To roll back memories and feelings in your head, to look forward to meeting you...
With a sigh, I went out into the hallway and immediately ran into Shyder. He was wearing road clothes, a cape, and he was nervously patting his thigh with gloves.
- Chickenpox! - He exclaimed," Tiana said she hadn't seen you all day! And the gatekeeper saw the messenger from Elloar! What's happened? Where have you been?
- It's all right," I answered and kept silent, not knowing what else to say.
Lord Darrell was staying nearby.
- I brought you a present," he began, and suddenly silenced. He squinted, looking carefully at me. His gaze slipped across my stray eyes, swollen lips, and a hopy smile, and he stopped hard on my neck, marked by kisses that were too hot. I looked up at him at point-blank range and wasn't going to take my eyes off shamefully.
The gloves fell to the floor, and Shyder stepped toward me, clutching my shoulders painfully.
- Why? - In a hissing whisper, he asked," he said, "can you explain to me why?
I sighed.
- I'm sorry, but I don't have to explain anything to you, Shyder.
It's like he couldn't hear me. The storm was winding in his eyes, the pain was boiling, and his face turned pale, like a mask.
- Explain why... him? Why did you choose him? Why do you choose the one who hurt you? Why not me? You and I have so much in common, we understand each other, I would give my life for you! In the end, we're both human... How could you choose the one who... - he shut up, he feverishly bit his lip. Of course, Shyder knew about destroying the schematics. And who was involved in it. And I was grateful to him that he could stop and not say it out loud. And yet, the unfinished phrase was hanging in the air.
- I'm sorry," I said again, "I'm sorry... I'm sorry that I hurt you. But I don't know... what to say to you.
- You're sorry... I'm just sorry... he was screaming, you don't understand... Do you think Rion loves you? You're wrong. He just can't love! Everything he does has purpose and calculation, he just doesn't understand what it is to love someone, he plays you! You're climbing into the pit yourself, Vetriana!
- Shaider, shut up," I said. Quietly, I said, but he's gone numb, covered his eyes as if from a bright light that hurts.
- I'm sorry," he put his hands down.
Downstairs one could hear the voices and laughter, the loud voice of the teachers obsessing over the disobedient pupils. And here, upstairs, there was a painful silence. I didn't know what to tell him, what words to find to calm him down? And are there any such words... Apologize? You're welcome. Explain? There's nothing...
And it still hurts, it still hurts, it still hurts.
Lord Darrell took a step back, raised his head.
- I'm sorry," he said again, "I'm being... low. Of course it's your choice, you have a right to it. I... - he had his hand shaking in his face, - I'm going away. Today. I don't know... when I'll be back. I'll tell Tiana, she's an experienced mentor and she'll help you with all your questions.
I was silent, holding back the urge to cry. I couldn't even say I'd wait for him to come back or ask him to stay, afraid it would be another hope, a thread that would pull me back. That's why I didn't say anything.
Shyder still stood there looking me in the eye, and then he turned around and left. There were forgotten gloves on the dark floorboards.
* * *
Lord Darrell has gone.
I experienced this breakup, but the heart in love is cruel, and quickly forgets rejected admirers, plunging into the abyss of my own feelings. I was sorry. Alas, I was sorry.
At night, Rion took me back to Chaos.
And the next day...
I was sitting in the refectory when the shadows thickened, and the Archarrion came out. I jumped up joyfully, rushed towards him, and stopped frightened. After him, demons came out of the torn darkness. Many. With guns. In black uniform with a spiral on his chest. In combat hypostasis.
- Rion, what's going on? - I got scared.
He gave me a quick hug, suspended me, looking me in the eye.
- Chickenpox, don't worry, the guards will guard you. Guard Riverstein. You've got to reinforce the shield and put in an extra one, can you do that? And close the portal. The Magicians of Chaos are already sealing off all portals around the perimeter of the Northern Kingdom so no one from outside can get through here. No one leaves the castle. Nowhere, not even in the woods. Promise me!
- What's the matter? - I exhaled my whitened lips.
- The Death Citadel has been destroyed, Saharhard has been released," he looked calmly, but a flame was already burning in his dark eyes. And I knew that this was not all..." Eloar's source, the white tree, began to lose its power. In the morning, the Empire declared war on Haos.
- The Rion...
He squeezed me, pressed me so tight that I could feel his heart beating with my skin. And he pulled away.
- Promise me you won't leave the castle," he said exactly.
- I promise.
That's not what I wanted to say. I wanted to... but he had already turned his back, giving orders to the guards, and then he pressed his lips again easily and went into the darkness.
I looked at the dead shadows, biting my lips.
So few moments together. So much time apart. What are our grievances, stupid fears, torments and doubts worth in the face of an impending disaster? Who needs duty and responsibility, long reflections of mind and entreaties of heart when you realize that there is almost no time left? How quickly souls are cleansed before this understanding, and so clearly become the main thing in the face of inevitability ...
We were running out of time. It's our time. The time of the underworld.
One of the demons who came was Khar, and his presence somehow calmed me down. Strangely, I had managed to get used to this silent guard. He quickly and clearly placed the demons all over Riverstein, gave the orders. I had to reassure the teachers, bad rumors spread quickly through the school. Surprisingly, all the mentors decided to stay and continue their lessons. Only our elf students returned to Elloar, wishing to be with their parents in this difficult time for the Underworld.
As Rion had asked, I strengthened the shield, making it completely impenetrable and closed the portal. I was very worried that Xenia and Danila, as well as Shaider, had still not returned. I missed them, and I was worried.
Rion only showed up once in eight days, came through the darkness at night, picked me up. I wasn't asleep yet, sitting in a chair trying to make out the same scroll as Mother Briar. I was still hoping there might be a clue, an answer to the question of how to save our world...
I jumped as the shadows crawled, thickened, releasing the Archarrion.
- Rion!
He silently pressed me against him, so tightly that it almost hurt. And immediately he let go with a sigh, looked me in the eyes. He just turned, because his eyes were still yellow, with his pupil st
retched out and slowly dark, becoming human.
- He missed you," he smiled.
And he picked me up in his arms and carried me to the bed.
- Rion!" I tried to be outraged, "Wait! Tell me what's going on...
- I can't," he smiled, "I said I missed you...
- But...
He closed my mouth with a kiss, and I gave up with a sigh. Demon... Well, in the end, I missed you, too.
Later, when we could get away from each other, he held me in his arms, gently kissing my face, hair, hands. I couldn't get enough of those touches, I melted, but still...
- Rion, tell me.
- I don't have much time," he sighed, "the southern lands have joined the empire, their sources completely extinguished.
I turned pale.
- Do they want a labyrinth?
- Yes," he slowly went through my hair.
- What about Saarhard, has he been found?
Rion shook his head.
- Not him, not Alira. Saharhardt is too weak after the citadel and the Black Sands, he's been there for centuries. Now he can't beat me in a fight. To recover, he must pass a maze, but he is constantly guarded by guards.
- Why does the Emperor do this? Why does he have to fight this war? - I looked at Rion with despair - doesn't he realize it's the way to nowhere? And that demons will never give up Chaos, because without a maze, you will all die?
- He understands, Vetriana... but without the Source, they'll all die too. Perhaps we could come to an agreement, but then the Empire will obey Chaos, and the Light want to own, not obey. However, like the dark...
He shook his head. I looked into his eyes with anxiety.
- I must go," he said with regret, "be careful, please don't go out.
I nodded, trying to hold on to my tears.
- And don't you ever cry again. I'll know, I'll punish you.
I nodded, smiling through my tears.
- I can't wait.
In the morning, Shyder walked into the school door and I flew down the stairs, hearing his voice in the hall. I bent over the banister, looking at his familiar figure. He felt my look, raised his head. He squinted, smiled.
- Shyder!
I ran through the remaining steps and froze awkwardly, not knowing what to do. He stepped quickly towards me, gave me a short hug and immediately let go.
- I was worried for you," I said.
- I know," he said softly, looking me in the eyes, "I was worried for you too. Has Xenya and Danila returned yet?
- No, I'm worried about their absence. Of course, we're safe inside the Hell, but...
- No one is safe now, Vetryana," he sighed, "let's go and tell what's new here.
He went leisurely to the stairs, and I followed him, smiling. After all, Shyder was an important part of my life and a dear person.
The next morning, I was out the door of the school, intent on getting some air. I was tired of sitting in the castle, pulling me into the woods, to the trees, but I didn't want to break my promise to Rion. So I decided to walk inside the shield, along Riverstein walls.
The pines smelled of freshness and sticky young needles. I could hear the grass waking up under the snow, the first spring glades breaking through the ground.
Echo flew a whirlwind, circled around me with warm air, shattered my hair. I smiled. My air beast did not like stone walls, and almost always I let him go free, running around the tops of trees. We used to walk in the forest together, and now it missed me, my wind did not understand why the hostess did not come. I mentally sent him my love and warmth, asked him to forgive me. Echo curled up at his feet with a faithful dog, quietly. True, my fidget was not enough for a long time, and he twirled again, raising a swirl of snow and pine needles around me.
- Come, restless," I whispered with a smile.
I reached the stables, circled it, and went further, beyond the east wing of the castle, where there was a large and still abandoned wasteland. Because of the impossibility of being in the forest, I decided to sit at least at the far wall, where it was quiet and where no voice could be heard. In addition, there were trees and a few pines that had once germinated from the seeds that had flown in the spring.
I felt something wrong from afar. A small dark spot on the white snow seemed to be nothing wrong, but my heart rushed and beaten harder. I approached gently, hoping that it seemed to me. No. You did. By the wall, a piece of land was covered in black sand, one that was only in the Devil.
I sat next to it, unbelievably looking at the gray ashes at the edges and the sand in the middle. I stretched out my hand so that my palm was above the darkness. I snapped my fingers, trying to make a fireball. Nothing. I couldn't even feel the tingling force in my hand, all of it leaking into the black sand...
Biting the excitement of my lip, I sat next to it, right in the snow, not knowing what to do. There was a tiny piece of Hell near Riverstein. Why did it happen? One more question I didn't have an answer to.
But the mood went bad and the anxiety increased so much that the clouds began to condense over my head. I breathed, calmed down, raised my hands, disperse them. I sat still, but there was nothing to do, so I got up and slowly went back.
I found Lord Darrell in his study, he was looking through the teachers' reports, and he raised his head when I came in.
- Shaider, from the doorstep I said, could you open a portal to the Valley of Oblivion and find Antashar?
- I can, why do you need it?
- I need him to open the Shadow Line. It's for me.
Lord Darrell digested what he said for a few moments and then jumped in.
- Chickenpox, no! Have you gone mad?
- Yes. I mean, no, I'm not, and yes, we have to do it. Spider, we need answers! I keep thinking that the solution is close, that it's worth understanding something, and we'll figure it out, we'll figure it out, we'll find out what's going on with the Sources! There's someone in the shadow world who can help...
- Chickenpox, you're not going in there! Last time we almost lost you. You know the Fringe is dangerous with its attraction.
I smiled.
- I'll be back, Shyder. Besides, I've been there before and I know where to look, I think the second time will be easier.
Lord Darrell sat down in his chair and put his hands on his chest.
- No," he said obstinately, "it's too dangerous.
I walked through the office, stopped by the window, looking at the forest.
- It's more dangerous not to do anything, Shaider," I sighed and turned to him," black sand appeared near Riverstein. It's the same as the Hell, and it's completely absorbing the Force.
- Where is it?
He jumped again. I told him where I saw the black sand today. Lord Darrell began to strip in a hurry.
- Wait for me outside the door," he said, "I want to fly a bird around, see if there's any sign of the Hell somewhere else.
I nodded.
- I'll be at the library.
Lord Darrell is back in an hour. Pale and clearly anxious.
- Black sand not only near the castle, but also in the woods, a little like small islands the size of a palm. But they stretch around Riverstein in a chain, somewhere closer, somewhere further...
We kept quiet, thinking.
- We need Antashar, Shaider. You realize we don't have a choice. I can find someone in Grani who knows the answer, at least I hope so!
Lord Darrell was looking at me with a frown.
- Shyder, please! Don't worry, I'll come back from the Boundary! Believe me!
- No! Oh, come on, it's too dangerous! The Fringe is no place to go for a walk! It isn't.
I snorted angrily and left, even slammed the door almost. And I thought it was urgent to learn how to make portals...
* * *
However, Shader still had to give up.
Because a few days later, we noticed that the pieces of the Hell were getting bigger. Little islands of sand that stretched around Riverstein were growing, new ones
appeared between them, as if they were trying to take the castle in a ring, and it scared us more and more. So one day, Lord Darrell did open a portal to the Valley of Oblivion.
He came back in a few hours and I was waiting. And I sighed a sigh of relief when the Lord, accompanied by Antashar and Solmea, came out of the torn space. I threw myself at their meeting, hugged them both. I smiled as I saw the faceless thin palm of the siren holding it.
- I'm so glad to see you both!
- We're happy to see you, too. You're up to a dangerous task, Vetriana," Antashar said, kissing me, "but Shaider told me about the sand. I'll give you the edge, hopefully you can come back.
- The Dark One will kill us," Solmei mumbled, "and it's agonizing and painful.
I almost blushed, trying not to think about what the Archarrion would have to say about my plan. Or rather, I was sure of what he would say... And it frightened me.
- I just can't sit back and wait for the Sources of the world to fade away and the Devil swallow up Riverstein! The Empire is at war with Chaos, even now there are battles going on somewhere, it's all... terrible! We should at least try it! - in despair, I said.
Antashar shook his head and smiled sadly.
- You're right, Vetriana. There are battles in the east, the clan of the Dark Down is fighting on the side of Chaos. I was miraculously caught by Shyder in the Valley. Already now the losses are significant, the Orcs have joined us, as have the Dwarves, both always disliked the Light. But the elves have many allies, too. They were joined by the whole south, these impressive reserves - faceless smile gloomy - but the worst thing is that many understand the meaninglessness of this war. Demons will never give up Chaos, will fight to the last drop of blood, but they will not.
Solmeya nodded at his words.
- The sirens are still neutral for now, but it's temporary too.
- Mayira will join the Empire? - I asked with concern.
- I don't know, I haven't seen her... But many of the sirens have left Him and now live in the Lake of Oblivion," Solmeya smiled, "so, Vetriana, I have become Mistress after all.
- A beautiful Mistress," Antashar said fondly, and again he took Solmeya by the hand.
The Wind of the North Page 73