Translation by Adrian Kołodziński
A small fragment of a story written by me on a holiday;"The Case of Paul Ryttersin" will be continued next week.
Despite the urban hustle and bustle of every day life, Aldoria was deemed a rather calm place. In effect, all disturbances of peace were quickly noticed and made known amongst the inhabitants. And this sunny day will definitely stay in their memory for a long time. "Dragon's Egg Inn" prided itself on being considered a serene asylum with "folk liquor", more widely known as piss, so it was an admired inn. To much dismay of the priests of The Great Julius it had been considered a place of worship and admiration of possibly greater importance than the local abbey.
That afternoon's peace was interrupted by a loud bang, which came from within it, causing the whole street to be overtaken by silence interrupted only by sporadic swearing of traders, who wanted to move along as quickly as possible. The inn's door slammed open, and a black cape with sky blue hems was the first thing one could notice standing in the doorway. A somewhat elderly mage was backing up slowly from the building holding a black staff aimed straight ahead of him. Eyebrows frowned in an expression of anger didn't bode well. Barely a few seconds have passed and an angry roar came from inside the building, a 2 metres tall thug dashed towards the magus. He was about to rip his scepter from his hands, about to deliver a punch, when suddenly he was blown away with incredible force, judging by the sounds hitting several people before finally landing on a table. The gust of wind caused by the spell created a cloud of dust, even the pointy beard and dangling moustache of the redhead spellslinger moved lightly. With the tapping of the bottom of the staff on the ground, the passers-by became lively again. They moved along as if nothing happened, and the commotion of life went back to normal.
- You love entering with a bang, master. - a young, dark-haired man emerged from the crowd in a straight, red robe, tied with a black rope, obviously pleased with his slightly snide remark that he's just said
- Some maturity, Felix. The folk of this town has to learn some respect for the ambassadors of the Empire, and if they don't want to listen, well... - On the wrinkled face of the redhead a half-smile appeared, as he hurried his companion with a gesture. They went towards the town center, while attempting to blend into the crowd.
- You've managed to steal the tomes from the private collection of that... What's that innkeeper's face... Ah, yes, yes, Bill, so from Bill's private collection?
- As you can see I've even managed to have some fun as one of the spectators of the spectacle conducted by The Great Ambassador of the Empire of Canthar Hollav Cain!
- You forgot half my titles! - the offended "old man" uttered theatrically
- Sometimes I'm impressed by the diplomats and courtiers who deem necessary to remember this whole nonsense. The tomes are with mister Lavatieu. Out of curiosity, were those really all your titles, master?
- Are you kidding? Do you think I had half a day to enumerate them all? I was to irritate, not bore to death the innkeeper and his poor clients.
- So I thought.
The walked along the narrow, crowded streets of the port town, and the ever-present filth and decay was unbearable. The disgusting smell of decaying fish was the only thing that differed it from a typical "barbarian" settlement, which the traders offered to everyone they saw. Though it was difficult to assess the displeasure of those two characters, quite grotesque-looking amidst their surroundings, just by looking at their faces. The mage in a diligently sewn, silky outfit with golden ornaments must have definitely been very noticeable, his scepter alone could've been considered a priceless work of art. His pupil, though dressed up more humbly, still had a golden amulet worn around his neck, fitted with gemstones, whose gleam in itself could provoke somebody to attempt to steal it, if not for the respect they both ellicited.
People whispered among each other when those two passed them by, thinking it goes unnoticed. Reactions ranging from naive awe, as those were probably the first people of this kind they've met, through fright caused by their ungodly practices, all the spitting. The Empire of Canthar had a pretty expansive policy, that couldn't go without notice, and many practices of that place were considered as cruel and inhuman, including treating those without any aptitude for magic as test subjects. Or at least those were the kind of ridiculous rumors that circulated since the news were heard that the richest of the local traders brought an ambassador straight from the Empire itself. The locals were quick to attach a dark legend accompanying this event, fully expecting a drought, the fall of the economy and divine wrath.
Hollav and Felix crossed the city gates in relative peace, going completely unnoticed by the snoring man on his city guard duty. Across the bridge, on the outskirts, had been waiting Dario Lavatieu along with several warriors and his small retinue, promptly moving towards them. They bowed to each other, exchanging all kinds of necessary courtesy.
- Some maturity, Felix. The folk of this town has to learn some respect for the ambassadors of the Empire, and if they don't want to listen, well... - On the wrinkled face of the redhead a half-smile appeared, as he hurried his companion with a gesture. They went towards the town center, while attempting to blend into the crowd.
- You've managed to steal the tomes from the private collection of that... What's that innkeeper's face... Ah, yes, yes, Bill, so from Bill's private collection?
- As you can see I've even managed to have some fun as one of the spectators of the spectacle conducted by The Great Ambassador of the Empire of Canthar Hollav Cain!
- You forgot half my titles! - the offended "old man" uttered theatrically
- Sometimes I'm impressed by the diplomats and courtiers who deem necessary to remember this whole nonsense. The tomes are with mister Lavatieu. Out of curiosity, were those really all your titles, master?
- Are you kidding? Do you think I had half a day to enumerate them all? I was to irritate, not bore to death the innkeeper and his poor clients.
- So I thought.
The walked along the narrow, crowded streets of the port town, and the ever-present filth and decay was unbearable. The disgusting smell of decaying fish was the only thing that differed it from a typical "barbarian" settlement, which the traders offered to everyone they saw. Though it was difficult to assess the displeasure of those two characters, quite grotesque-looking amidst their surroundings, just by looking at their faces. The mage in a diligently sewn, silky outfit with golden ornaments must have definitely been very noticeable, his scepter alone could've been considered a priceless work of art. His pupil, though dressed up more humbly, still had a golden amulet worn around his neck, fitted with gemstones, whose gleam in itself could provoke somebody to attempt to steal it, if not for the respect they both ellicited.
People whispered among each other when those two passed them by, thinking it goes unnoticed. Reactions ranging from naive awe, as those were probably the first people of this kind they've met, through fright caused by their ungodly practices, all the spitting. The Empire of Canthar had a pretty expansive policy, that couldn't go without notice, and many practices of that place were considered as cruel and inhuman, including treating those without any aptitude for magic as test subjects. Or at least those were the kind of ridiculous rumors that circulated since the news were heard that the richest of the local traders brought an ambassador straight from the Empire itself. The locals were quick to attach a dark legend accompanying this event, fully expecting a drought, the fall of the economy and divine wrath.
Hollav and Felix crossed the city gates in relative peace, going completely unnoticed by the snoring man on his city guard duty. Across the bridge, on the outskirts, had been waiting Dario Lavatieu along with several warriors and his small retinue, promptly moving towards them. They bowed to each other, exchanging all kinds of necessary courtesy.
- Ambassador, I shall emphasise once more how honored I am that your Excellence decided to support me... - In that moment Cain interrupted the man with a gesture.
- Dear mister Lavatieu, what are all those formalities for! We are far from the borders of the Empire, let's spare ourselves all of this before we grow ridiculous.
Having heard that the blonde man smiled a little and stood up straight, cutting his bow short, which he had been serving his guest. The clanking chainmail awkwardly creased the red robe, which he put over it. In effect the trader almost unconsciously ran his hand across it, as if trying to conceal the flaws.
- I appreciate it mis... I appreciate it Hollav. As well as the fact that you replaced my men in this tiny... Borrowing.
- The knowledge gathered in those tomes could prove invaluable to our search, and let's just say that I'll put that on your check. One cannot allow for such ancient grimoires, which are the only ones describing the wisdom of mortals about civilizations inhabiting these lands, to be in hands of some innkeeper on the outskirts of the known world.
- Fair enough. - He muttered, not hiding the grimace on his face - Would you allow me to introduce you to the rest of the comrades in arms before we move out?
- But of course!
Hollav looked discreetly at Felix and nodded to him, walking with Dario towards the rest of the colorful group. He immediately noticed two dwarves, mainly due to the extreme contrast among them. A thick, brown beard belonged to the one clad in a platemail and armed to the teeth, while the two grey braids made from a most likely more impressive beard were the property of the journey's quartermaster (it would seem like it juding by his interest in supplies and papers held in his hand, which were used to "motivate" workers) who was scolding three men. Before he managed to survey the rest of the group, Dario had already started presenting all the rest. First he pointed the scolded trio, only mentioning the name of the elderly dwarf Thursgane, who was correctly assumed to be the one responsible for the supplies during the trip. Next attention was turned to four, bulky guys in black platemails. Armed with a claymore John, crossbowman Mark with a small battle axe hanged on his belt, Steven resembling the archetype of a knight preferring a shield with a coat-of-arms and a sword, and Carl who shared his preferrences with the previous. Ironically none of them had a coat-of-arms, yet in their profession as a mercenary group they were famous for their effectivness.
- Dear mister Lavatieu, what are all those formalities for! We are far from the borders of the Empire, let's spare ourselves all of this before we grow ridiculous.
Having heard that the blonde man smiled a little and stood up straight, cutting his bow short, which he had been serving his guest. The clanking chainmail awkwardly creased the red robe, which he put over it. In effect the trader almost unconsciously ran his hand across it, as if trying to conceal the flaws.
- I appreciate it mis... I appreciate it Hollav. As well as the fact that you replaced my men in this tiny... Borrowing.
- The knowledge gathered in those tomes could prove invaluable to our search, and let's just say that I'll put that on your check. One cannot allow for such ancient grimoires, which are the only ones describing the wisdom of mortals about civilizations inhabiting these lands, to be in hands of some innkeeper on the outskirts of the known world.
- Fair enough. - He muttered, not hiding the grimace on his face - Would you allow me to introduce you to the rest of the comrades in arms before we move out?
- But of course!
Hollav looked discreetly at Felix and nodded to him, walking with Dario towards the rest of the colorful group. He immediately noticed two dwarves, mainly due to the extreme contrast among them. A thick, brown beard belonged to the one clad in a platemail and armed to the teeth, while the two grey braids made from a most likely more impressive beard were the property of the journey's quartermaster (it would seem like it juding by his interest in supplies and papers held in his hand, which were used to "motivate" workers) who was scolding three men. Before he managed to survey the rest of the group, Dario had already started presenting all the rest. First he pointed the scolded trio, only mentioning the name of the elderly dwarf Thursgane, who was correctly assumed to be the one responsible for the supplies during the trip. Next attention was turned to four, bulky guys in black platemails. Armed with a claymore John, crossbowman Mark with a small battle axe hanged on his belt, Steven resembling the archetype of a knight preferring a shield with a coat-of-arms and a sword, and Carl who shared his preferrences with the previous. Ironically none of them had a coat-of-arms, yet in their profession as a mercenary group they were famous for their effectivness.
- Captain Balen, please meet... - Dario said to the brown-bearded.
- His excellence Hollav Cain o' the fuck-all Empire, eye recognize. Oh, f'give the protocol! - The bald dwarf cut in, visibly happy of his scornful remark
- Why so nervous, mister Balen? After all once upon a time the Company of Black Joints applied for so many lucrative contracts with our bureau! - The magus replied with a smile, and something must have amused his silent pupil on that occassion.
- After such evaluation of our competence... Ah go t'hell, I'll show ya our quality n' then ya'll crawl to us yerself!
- His excellence Hollav Cain o' the fuck-all Empire, eye recognize. Oh, f'give the protocol! - The bald dwarf cut in, visibly happy of his scornful remark
- Why so nervous, mister Balen? After all once upon a time the Company of Black Joints applied for so many lucrative contracts with our bureau! - The magus replied with a smile, and something must have amused his silent pupil on that occassion.
- After such evaluation of our competence... Ah go t'hell, I'll show ya our quality n' then ya'll crawl to us yerself!
The trader's forehead was sprinkled with first sweatdrops, and his worry about the whole ordeal would probably only escape the notice of a blind, retarded baby. He didn't manage to say anything when the imperial ambassador laughed heartily and extended his hand towards Balen.
- Let's hope it'll be that way. You can count on a warranty, should I be convinced!
The dwarf, though with hesistation, gave him a brief handshake, to the confusion of his companions
- Ekhm, yes, so if you've broken the ice already I'd kindly ask you to get ready to move out. We've little time, noon's around the corner, you know.
The dwarf, though with hesistation, gave him a brief handshake, to the confusion of his companions
- Ekhm, yes, so if you've broken the ice already I'd kindly ask you to get ready to move out. We've little time, noon's around the corner, you know.
They left on horseback, when the sun was high up in the sky. Twelve riders with their steeds loaded with cargo - the march was lead by Mark and Steven, followed by Felix absorbed in a lively conversation with the quatermaster Thursgan, Dario Lavatieu with the ambassador, three workers, John and Carl along with Balen on the very end. They briskly drove out of the town outskirts, following the road towards the nearest bridge. Barely had they said goodbye to Aldoria, when they passed by the first military post, which was a simple, cobblestone tower with a small garrison - the horizon was littered with places such as this one.
- Captain? - John finally said, when he was sure they were far enough so as nobody heard their conversation.
- What is it?
- Those mages, they were talking about only one thing, I'm liking this contract less and less.
- And not only him, sir. - added Carl.
- Those mages, they were talking about only one thing, I'm liking this contract less and less.
- And not only him, sir. - added Carl.
- Gah, tarnation! Have I evah lead ya on such mission with no reason? Eye I ain't liking it neither, 'specially 'cuz they brought their most important office rat. 'Das why we shoulda protect da c'ntractors from DANGERS, ya hear me? - He winked knowingly, and those nodded after a while
- One can even hire such people, captain?
- One can even hire such people, captain?
- The problem is, Carl, that goddamn not! - he raised his voice a little, but quickly calming down - Even more so that those bastards must 'ave some dirty, well-paid business in this. Till we get to an uninhabitated wilderness watch 'em, and it's gonna be fine.
First post, second, third, fourth, fifth... Felix felt terrible boredom since Thursgan felt offended after hearing that in Canthar for such primitive water containment measures as in quatermaster leather canteen's one would receive at least a hundred whippings due to putting lives of those drinking in danger. He's heard that the surroundings on this island are incredibly dangerous, but he didn't expect such a dense security grid in the area around the town. But what could've such a primitive tower and human guards - a sight utmostly primitive, peculiar for a student of the Higher Magic College? The human element was too weak to fulfill a task of such importance, especially at night.
In such moments one could understand why the Empire, which knew the art of animating magical constructs, triumphed in battles over all other countries. Though, regrettably, more delicate matters still required the intervention of the human element, like this one here. A forgotten island on the edge of the world, suspected to be a second continent by the bureau with secrets of fallen civilizations. Traders organising journeys have been bringing in artifacts of the past imprinted with powerful magic for years. Quite often they paid the price with their lives or insanity due to strong arcane disturbances deep in the land - anomalies, which take place on sites of great calamities were seldomly encountered and were isolated from the world known by him. They tended have undesirable effect on living creatures, ranging from many diseases and headaches, through modifying the fauna around it, giving birth to nightmarish beasts. And according to Canthar's bureau data all of this region could be called an anomaly, which prevents access to knowledge, which could revolutionize and improve the world.
All information regarding the fallen civilizations, which inhabitated these lands long before elves arrived in the Great Lands (so far considered as the only continent), clearly show they far outlevelled even Empire's magical advancements. From flying vehicles to artifacts gathering power able to make entire cities fly.
All information regarding the fallen civilizations, which inhabitated these lands long before elves arrived in the Great Lands (so far considered as the only continent), clearly show they far outlevelled even Empire's magical advancements. From flying vehicles to artifacts gathering power able to make entire cities fly.
Luckily nobody else had the time to focus on this region. When Canthar's spymasters heard the word about the planned journey to the lands far beyond the currently known border of "survivability", they had to send their men there. Otherwies it might've been necessary to use the army, bearing way too big of an economical strain, and way too big of a risk of war with the Eastern Coalition, still posing a real threat to the colossal dominion with rickety foundations ruled by magocracy.
People assigned to a mission of such huge importance had to be experienced enough so as to be able to survive in a little known area, in which only the most proficient of magic arts masters could utilize their talents - Hollav was chosen, who of all his students decided to bring him.
A chance for a promotion of his life, perhaps to be paid with his master's blood, was upon him... For now though he had to focus on observations, he was to be eyes and ears of the warlock while he studied the tomes stolen from what seemed to be the Order of Equilibrium. So be it, he's always wanted to see the infamous effects of an anomaly, he's always wanted to be able to conduct his own research on this matter, he's always...
- An' what in the heck is wrong with skin from sheep intestines on the mouth of the gourd?! - The raspy voice of the quartermaster woke him up from his daydreaming.
People assigned to a mission of such huge importance had to be experienced enough so as to be able to survive in a little known area, in which only the most proficient of magic arts masters could utilize their talents - Hollav was chosen, who of all his students decided to bring him.
A chance for a promotion of his life, perhaps to be paid with his master's blood, was upon him... For now though he had to focus on observations, he was to be eyes and ears of the warlock while he studied the tomes stolen from what seemed to be the Order of Equilibrium. So be it, he's always wanted to see the infamous effects of an anomaly, he's always wanted to be able to conduct his own research on this matter, he's always...
- An' what in the heck is wrong with skin from sheep intestines on the mouth of the gourd?! - The raspy voice of the quartermaster woke him up from his daydreaming.
- Speaking in your lingo - They cause the shits if they're not thoroughly cleaned, dear dwarf.
- If somebody is delicate then maybe they do - he said - but if ya think, that their excellence Dario wouldn't chase me away if the water was dirty, then yer dumb!
- That's always a consolation. - sighed Felix - But nevertheless boil it when we'll have the time, or at last attach some filters for...
- If somebody is delicate then maybe they do - he said - but if ya think, that their excellence Dario wouldn't chase me away if the water was dirty, then yer dumb!
- That's always a consolation. - sighed Felix - But nevertheless boil it when we'll have the time, or at last attach some filters for...
- Fi... fileters what?! - Thursgan was offended even more.
- Nevermind, just allow me to take care of it in spare time. - his next sigh was accompanied by incredible tiredness due to the work awaiting the young mage during the nearest stop.
- Nevermind, just allow me to take care of it in spare time. - his next sigh was accompanied by incredible tiredness due to the work awaiting the young mage during the nearest stop.
Nearly everyone talked, and their voices blended into an impossible to understand mass of words. Nearly, save for Lavatieu and Cain. The warlock was busy analizing the first of the earned tomes, bearing no mind to leading the horse, which trotted in the correct direction nevertheless. He felt the heavy gaze of the trader, who felt quite awkward in this situation, he was waiting when he wouldn't be able to bear it anymore and try to strike up a conversation. And that moment was closer, and closer, and closer...
- Are they of any use? - He finally asked.
- Are they of any use? - He finally asked.
- Usability is an understatment in this matter. - Hollav quickly responded not even rising his gaze above the tome.
- That is, dear magus? I am only but a humble man of business, I like getting to the point.
- That is, dear merchant... - He started, closing the book and hanging the tomes on the silver chain attached to his belt - ...we're not only going to fight against the creatures living deep in the land. I'm wondering how the existence of something like this could've eluded us all!
Dario looked at his companion, like a confounded person to another confounded man, which was enough to prompt further explanation.
- That is, dear magus? I am only but a humble man of business, I like getting to the point.
- That is, dear merchant... - He started, closing the book and hanging the tomes on the silver chain attached to his belt - ...we're not only going to fight against the creatures living deep in the land. I'm wondering how the existence of something like this could've eluded us all!
Dario looked at his companion, like a confounded person to another confounded man, which was enough to prompt further explanation.
- The beloved and respected innkeeper Bill is nobody else, but a confidant of the "Order of Equilibrium", continuing a long standing tradition in his family, or at least that's what the author of those grimoires says. The locals have practically known since the beginning how valuable items the city ruins and necropoleis strewn across the whole island. As such they created a secret organization, whose goal was to protect those treasures from falling into wrong hands, simply speaking by killing anyone attempting to acquire them. Regarding the Temple of Clouds we're heading to I know very little about as of now, but considering the scene we made in the town we should except some company soon.
Lavatieu's fright was once again betrayed on his face, standing in stark contrast to the mage's carefree smile, who was telling the story with slight amusment. He was about to yell out something, when the Cantharian's gesture stopped him.
- Considering how careful and suspicious of me is captain Balen, he's heard about everything and will consider the acquired information in his defensive tactics without an unnecessary, rushed lecture.
What seemed to confirmed this was harsh cursing in dwarven that they heard behind them, along with some yelling sounding like new orders. And considering John, who galloped in order to overtake the group and make contact with its escort in front, one could eliminate all doubts.
What seemed to confirmed this was harsh cursing in dwarven that they heard behind them, along with some yelling sounding like new orders. And considering John, who galloped in order to overtake the group and make contact with its escort in front, one could eliminate all doubts.
- Why didn't you say so earlier?! - the blonde man finally said, who was still overtaken by his emotions.
- Together with Felix we've decided to cast some protective spells, which will make it more difficult for any robbers hanging around this area to chase us, contrary to town's council propaganda. We didn't want to bother the group for no reason, we've got everything under control.
- Together with Felix we've decided to cast some protective spells, which will make it more difficult for any robbers hanging around this area to chase us, contrary to town's council propaganda. We didn't want to bother the group for no reason, we've got everything under control.
Dario went silent and didn't say anything else, but that didn't calm him down a bit. He slowly started to share the mercenaries' worries regarding the mages' intentions. When he'd heard that his journey interested the Empire and they would positively review his request for help under the condition of receiving 1/4ths of the spoils, that they would choose themselves, he had been as happy as a kid. He had a golem or two in mind, just some steel under his command, but when he'd heard that they're sending a high rank mage... All his hope remained with the Company of Black Joints, which caused the imperial army some grief during wars. Though powers, which the Council of Twelve supposedly possessed, could outmatch their experience. It's better to have hope, that dear Cain won't confirm the legends.
Hollav completed the rest of the read information in his head. Aside from the fact that a long extinct old elven dialact d'akn was used to write this down, the members of that order had somehow managed to immunize themselves to the effects of magical anomalies. Sadly, he hasn't found a slightest bit of information on the methods used to achieve that, maybe counting aside the fact, that they were able to do that by analizing the achievements of the ancient civilizations. Considering the level of conspiracy it can't be too big of a group, the question is whether they're ready for anything in order to protect the information they stole so carefully. A report about this subject should please the Council of Twelve, as it would prove the bureau's theory about a possibility of avoding the negative effects of abusing magical power.The ancients seemingly had this knowledge, but it failed them in the end. If they could learn about those techniques and improve them, before the Empire's military authority would be damaged due to more frequent magical disasters. If other nations as much as learned about the existence of things like "anomalies" it could have a tragic outcome for world politics and lead to a mass slaughter of those with aptitude for magic, and what's more the Church of Julius would have a perfect reason to organise a cruasde against the world's bastion of magic and technology. While the propaganda that's constantly whispered to citizens' ears assumes the destruction of such a big coalition, the truth is much more cruel than that. He shook his head, when he realized that instead of focusing on the mission he daydreams about the current geopolitical situation. He finally returned to reading the tome, which was made more difficult by the fact that even the most proficient of linguists weren't ever able to fully reconstructed old elven language.
After an hour of calm riding among the surrounding fields and glades they finally left the area of high security. Here and there one could see some forests on the horizon, here and there some hills, with a lonely birch tree, a stream. Grass grew tall and dense here, though a path still existed and was in use. From time to time they passed by a house or a farm, not attracting much attention of their inhabitants. It would seem that they were used to such colorful groups driving through, or possibly they were only aware of their closest surroundings, because what could one expect from such simple-minded peasants or hunters? It was curious that they still remained on this patrimony. Not until the sun started to go down did they arrive on edge of an awe-inspiring wilderness. Huge and brimming with life, made of centuries-old trees, which seemed to reach the clouds with their dense crowns. Some of them were a little bit yellow, the vegetation period around here seemed to be disturbed compared to the rest of this land. Barely had they left the lands overtaken by spring, and they are met by such a surprise.
The warriors along with the workers started putting up tents and after fifteen minutes one could speak of a camp established on the edge of the wilderness. Despite Mark's long and clear protests a bonfire was lit. In all of this chaos one small detail escaped everybody's notice - the mages weren't with them anymore. In that time Hollav and Felix managed to take a walk into the forest, studying the plethora of unnatural trees. The branches of those magical byproducts bent in every direction, often times creating geometrical figures. There you see a triangular, thick branch right next to a square or other rectangle, one could even sometimes a circle.
- Casting spells here could be a very bad idea... - Felix breathed, clearly bothered by this situation.
- And now, my dear, recall the lesson about the War Concentration and mix its experience with Sectius VII the Younger's treatise, and by the way...
- And now, my dear, recall the lesson about the War Concentration and mix its experience with Sectius VII the Younger's treatise, and by the way...
- Oh, right, it's so simple after all! Thank you master!
- Watch your language! - Cain's ever serene and calm face was now full of anger - We are far away from them and you are to show me due respect, you don't have a conjuror's title, you insolent bastard. If you can't work under these conditions then you might as well tie a rock around your neck and jump into the nearest river.
- Watch your language! - Cain's ever serene and calm face was now full of anger - We are far away from them and you are to show me due respect, you don't have a conjuror's title, you insolent bastard. If you can't work under these conditions then you might as well tie a rock around your neck and jump into the nearest river.
- Yes master. I'm sorry for my wrongful judgment, master... - the dark-haired boy shivered having seen that the real personality of his protector wasn't hidden under this theatrical mask anymore.
- I can't find the source of this anomaly, it's weird, damn weird. - Hollav finally broke the silence - I'd get it if somebody as primitive and unacquianted with magic like you couldn't, but me? Exactly! The rest of those rotting buffons from the Council won't be satisfied with such intel.
- I can't find the source of this anomaly, it's weird, damn weird. - Hollav finally broke the silence - I'd get it if somebody as primitive and unacquianted with magic like you couldn't, but me? Exactly! The rest of those rotting buffons from the Council won't be satisfied with such intel.
Felix was still silent, and his master shook his head in embarassment having seen that. They stopped at the nearest glade, or rather what's left of it - only dry, scorched earth remained. The magus took his scepter in both hands and started to create protective circles around him, carefully writing down runic sequences into them. During this endeavour he looked at his pupil.
- Go back to the camp before that band of drunkards suspects us of a world-scale conspiracy. One doesn't need magical talent to think of a nice story, your deceptive talent after your father will be enough. - the youngster had already opened his mouth, but the master stopped him in time - Go, damn it! - Cain yelled, and it seemed as if his voice could crush bones in that moment.
- Go back to the camp before that band of drunkards suspects us of a world-scale conspiracy. One doesn't need magical talent to think of a nice story, your deceptive talent after your father will be enough. - the youngster had already opened his mouth, but the master stopped him in time - Go, damn it! - Cain yelled, and it seemed as if his voice could crush bones in that moment.
The boy bowed nimbly and immediately turned around, quickly marching towards the camp. "Stuck-up buffoon. Redheads are bitchy they said, don't go to the redhead master they said... they were right" he added in his thoughts. While walking he stared at those weird by-products of the anomaly, still not being able to understand why it had this kind of effect on the trees.
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