Happy dragon marriage 4. Alexandra Cherchen - Happy dragon marriage. Come back home

Alexandra Cherchen

Happy dragon marriage. Come back home

The palaces between the worlds are beautiful. Incredible architecture alien to the human eye: broken lines, strange materials. Indescribable colors, which, intertwined with a strange tie of architectural designs, create beauty.

The sound of footsteps echoed through the deserted dark hall.

“Hello, old enemy,” the owner of the house greeted the Prince who emerged from the portal with a smile.

“Peace be to this place,” the newly arrived faerie folded his hands ceremoniously. - Do you know why I'm here?

“I guess, Lallin Blackgold… I guess. And I invite you to talk.

The prince slowly followed his interlocutor along the corridors of the palace. A few minutes later, both settled down in comfortable armchairs near the large lancet window. Between friend-enemies stood a small chess table of plain white marble.

- Shall we play? Lallin suggested, nodding at the pieces on the board. As if once the party had already started, but not finished.

"Why not," the second agreed easily. – I always liked to talk over chess. As far as I remember, I played white?

“Like always,” Lallin chuckled thinly. “Which is amazing considering your life, goals and accomplishments. At least I'm not being hypocritical. The black raven is the black raven. It is foolish to expect anything else from me.

- What are the values ​​of life? Color preferences have nothing to do with them. And I don't understand at all what accomplishments you're talking about.

“You have been lying well since childhood,” Prince Black Gold thoughtfully began. – He knew how to circle around the finger of anyone. Except me.

“Everyone has their gifts,” the owner shrugged philosophically and, leaning back in his chair, fixed a thoughtful glance out the window. The castle stood on top of a cliff in the raging ocean. The dark, stormy skies were slashed by lightning, and the rain was lashing against the elegant stained-glass windows.

“Wonderful place to live,” Lallin Black-Gold grunted.

“You know my tastes,” the other faerie reminded him lazily.

“They used to be different. Have you forgotten your woman yet? So many years have passed, and you are self-destructing either alone or in desperate revels.

- You can not understand. Such pain is not forgotten. You can’t put a patch in place of a torn piece of heart.

Is that why you revived my project?

- Oh-oh-oh ... - sparks of interest appeared in the eyes of the interlocutor. – Did you not only find out, but also believe that it was me who was involved in your project? Suddenly.

- Yes, it was not easy to find out, and even more difficult to believe. You were delightfully illogical in your actions and confused me for a long time.

The hand of one of the players hovered over the board, then lowered, caressingly ran along the curves of the white bishop and moved it a few squares diagonally. For a moment, the outlines of the bone figurine flowed, changed, and now, instead of an elephant on the board, there is a lizard. Small, nimble, graceful. With a mane and a brush at the tip of the tail.

“I like your toys, Lal,” the second player drawled, frankly grinning in the face of the creator of the heilars. – Mobile, lively, obedient. Amazing.

“I was also pleased,” the Prince twitched the corner of his mouth and casually moved the black pawn forward one square. - Until I realized that they are too alive. Like us.

“Almost like us,” the master of the palace casually corrected him, brushing back a lock of hair that had veiled his eyes from his high forehead. “But it’s strange to hear that you started thinking about them only because your creations showed soul and feelings. You destroyed all the information... but only so that no one would dare to repeat your triumph.

But they didn't do it again, did they? Your beasts are pale likenesses of mine. In addition, without heilars, they are uncontrollable.

- Alas, - without the slightest regret, the insidious villain agreed. “Because of this defect, the animals had to radically change the plan and wake up your creations. I've worked hard to find the city... You've been hiding it so well! A thousand years… almost a thousand years of searching!

At the last phrase, emotions still got out of control, and under thin but strong fingers the figure of a long-suffering white elephant crunched softly.

“Hmmm…” Lallin watched as the old enemy elegantly shook off the stone chips mixed with blood from small cuts from the palm of his hand. - I can console you.

- How?

“You won’t need this elephant anyway. – The black queen moved along the board, carelessly pushing the fragments from the destroyed enemy piece with its edges. Lallin looked at the alignment with satisfaction and drawled: - And yes - a check.

– Temporarily, – the lover of white brushed aside and shielded the king with a pawn.

“That's what I'm interested in…” the scientist rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “You must have calculated my move and check. A turn later, your king will be hit again. You could have avoided this situation, but you let it happen. Let's draw a parallel with reality?

You allowed the young dragon to reach Anli-Hissar, even though it was in your power to stop her. Allowed the Centurion to wake up and bring back part of the squad. Allowed the city and its people to have a chance for revival, moreover ... partly set it all up himself. For what? Why take the risk of giving the enemy so many advantages?

- Because it is not interesting to defeat a doomed opponent who knows about it in advance. I have played these games. Bored. It's much more exciting to win against someone who can rip your throat out. And if at the moment he still can’t do it ... it’s not a sin to help. Believe me, it is truly sweet to take the most precious thing when the hope for the best is stronger than ever.

- Do you know you're sick? It is not normal.

- I know. So, your move, Lallin.

The prince took a cursory glance at the board and, without touching the queen, made a move with his knight. He reached out to the enemy pawn, sliding along the figure's headband with a curved claw. And again the outlines floated, showing a long, disproportionate lizard - a semblance of khylars.

- If we talk about success ... In fact, all your "figures" deserve one thing - culling. This is a pale imitation of the original. The failure of the imitative project is long overdue.

What is not given is not given. I am not a scientist.

– If you can’t create yourself, you should use other people’s work wisely. By the way, about this… What prevents me from using the knowledge of your game wisely myself?

– That in the end you will be the one to blame? A smile blossomed on the lips of the master of the palace. “Do you really think that I didn’t think through who to blame in the event of a final failure? Ay-yay ... but you know me for a long time and well.

Do you think they will?

- Of course they do! You are evil itself and a nightmarish scientist, whose name is still used to frighten first-year students in the academies! Lallin Black Gold and "you can't do that" are almost synonymous!

Judging by the way the Prince's black eyes squinted, his interlocutor hit the mark and hit the sore spot.

– Okay… Then what prevents me from enlightening Arvil?

“You yourself,” the faerie grinned openly, tucking his hair behind his pointed ear.

- In terms of?

“I know you too. In your eyes, the Centurion is a rough and uncouth beast. Creation, by the absurd whim of fate, turned out to be animated. Do you consider yourself responsible and want to give them a chance? Yes. But the essence of your squeamish dislike of the Heilars hasn't changed in thousands of years. You will resurrect the dead and eliminate yourself as soon as you get the chance. Let them gnaw their freedom from the world on their own. And I have.

The owner of the castle, lost in the endless ocean of a dying world, brought his queen onto the field and squinted mockingly:

- So, the situation: the fork is classic. Shah for you, Lallin. If you protect your king, I will eat the queen. I'm in the win. Anyway.

“That’s how it is…” the evil faerie raised his eyes from the blackboard. – But in pursuit of a beautiful move, you, as always, lost sight of an important detail. Horse. The most unpredictable piece in chess. We have a stalemate, my enemy.

Touching the horse, the outlines habitually change, and here on the board is a miniature fair-haired girl. Yes, the most unpredictable figure of this party. The duel of the eyes did nothing. They haven't competed for a long time, probably since childhood... And even now - what should the immortal faeries share?

Anli-Gissar... How much in this word.

I was reclining in the ring of my husband's arms, leaning my head on his shoulder, and thoughtfully looked at the fire dancing in the fireplace. We were in the common living room. The small hall was paneled with amber, magical flames dancing across it.

real fire We haven't taken the risk yet. No longer for the purpose of conspiracy, because after the meeting with representatives of the Primordial Empire, it’s too late to worry about this topic. But do not forget that the city is old. And the chimney system is the last thing those who brought him back to life were thinking about now.

It was quiet. Only a slight crackle of the same illusory firewood broke the silence. It has already become a kind of tradition. Gather here and ... enjoy the elusive that is in the air.

Those who wanted special silence came here. Fairies, dragons, heilars. What difference does it make who you are, if the soul demands the unknown? It is known that we feel loneliness most acutely in a noisy crowd. Oddly enough, the fact that you are not alone can also be felt where there are many people and non-humans. For example, in this room.

I turned my head. On the skin by the fireplace lay a large black haylar with violet eyes. He stared thoughtlessly into space.

Mr. Anli-Gissara. Arvil Teinmir. The one I called a friend. The one with whom we have to go a long way to keep feelings. We both understood it.

A slender red-haired girl stretched out next to Ar, as if girded by the long black tail of the Centurion. Still strange. No matter how much Arvil had fun with others, he always returned to the fiery dragon. I can't imagine how Kryona tolerated this, with her possessive nature. Or maybe she just wasn't attached enough to be jealous? Although when did this feeling require strong ties? Alas, jealousy is born much earlier than love.

The Runaway Princess of Fire Valley has become smarter.

Taking another look at the beautiful and harmonious couple, I glanced at the group of fairies on the other side of the hall. Despising sofas, pouffes, carpets and pillows, they stretched out right on the floor. Randomly, sometimes throwing arms and legs at each other. And they… glowed. Barely noticeable, as if the skin sparkled. As Taylin explained, in this way his people exchange energy, if the relationship between individuals is trusting enough. So he said! Individuals…

“All the same, fairies are such ... fairies,” Rinvale said in a barely audible voice over his ear.

I just nodded and looked away from the amusing wonderful company. Of course, looking openly and for a long time is impolite. And that is dangerous. After all, these are not just workers, specialists who were brought in by Lallin to solve a difficult and exciting task, code-named "resurrect what I destroyed." These are ancient fairies. Bored. Who cling to any chance to diversify life. And the last thing you need is to become the object of such interest.

- Curiously, Arvil is not afraid to start an easy relationship with girls-grandmothers of this kind? And if the ancient pointy-eared maiden is seriously carried away by him?

I shrugged and tried to push thoughts of the Centurion's personal life out of my head. After all, it's none of my business.

A week and a half had passed since the sortie to the capital of the Primordial Empire. One and a half weeks since the discovery of my unique abilities, akin to those of the commander of the heilars. And nothing happened! Everyone looked at me with interest in various levels of magical vision, wrote down something, said “yup” and sent me on my way.

I continued to study with foreman Alishin, who selflessly tried to turn a fiery dragon into a warlike dragon. Something worked. In the conditions of the semi-siege of Anli-Gissar and the dangers of the undermountain world, these skills were very relevant. Regular classes were also held: real (read - not falsified) history; diplomacy; psychology… But not a word about the mysterious magic of the Heilars!

While I was waiting. I didn’t start talking about this topic, because I understood that everyone had a lot to do and a cart. But... it's strange.

Rinvale distracted me from thinking about the recent past. My husband's hand slid down the curve of my waist, and I glanced questioningly at the red dragon. He nodded his head in the direction of the exit from the hall. After thinking for a moment, I nodded and slowly stood up. My husband immediately stood up silently and, taking my hand, went to the door. When the heavy doors closed behind us, cutting off the silence, tranquility and meditation of the entire population of Anli-Hissar from the hall, my husband said:

- Well, how did you feel better?

"Yes," I smiled and snuggled against Veil's chest. - And then she was worried about something.

- Because of Lada? Rinvale raised a copper eyebrow.

“Because of her, in the first place,” I agreed with my husband’s conclusions. She should have finished the transformation long ago and left the room. But as long as the vital signs show that everything is fine, breaking into her is not entirely correct.

- It just seems to me that our red-haired foreman will soon smash not only the entrance to the chambers to your "daughter", but also me for the company.

- What are you for?

“And I won’t let him do that yet,” Veil chuckled. - Dear already tried to raise the issue of Lada at the general council, but he was not approved. Therefore, he sought to solve this problem on his own, and we ... quarreled somewhat on this basis.

The question of interfering with the maturation cycle of the chondria? ..

The husband unconsciously rubbed his jaw. I rolled my eyes in surprise. Did they... fight? Alas, the husband often disappeared in the halls recently, sparring with either Thrinvir or the Heilars, and it was impossible to understand what kind of bruise he received in the hall, and which one - in a “private conversation” with a red-haired poisoner.

- And how did it all end? I asked just in case.

- Well, I hope that he was not so offended as to “accidentally” increase the dose of poison that he treats us daily in order to get used to all sorts of filth.

- I wonder what is going on with Diar in general? If Lilada was a girl, it would be at least somehow understandable. But…

“Irka,” Vale laughed, “he treats her like a child. A child to whom he became very attached. Heilars are generally sensitive to babies of any nations, even if they are completely strangers. And then almost native chondria. We can say, a favorite object for experiments! What are you ... Emotions more than any lady!

I silently shook my head at such a sensational statement.

- Okay, honey, - the husband touched his temple with a kiss and said: - let's go to dinner?

- It's kinda early. I glanced at the closed doors of the Hall of Silence. Yes, and the others are still there.

“I think that the soul is the soul, silence is silence, but they definitely won’t forget about food,” the dragon chuckled. - And the fact that it's early ... You and I will go a long way. We'll talk later. And then last days so hectic that we meet only at meals and at night in bed.

“Yes,” I sighed and snuggled up to Veil, closing my eyes, inhaling the scent of my husband.

It should be noted that the connection between us grew stronger, and the relationship was tender, trusting and very ... intimate. And, of course, it's not about what happened between us in bed. It's just that everything has become much more… subtle. The lines blurred, we got closer, and we liked it.

While walking through the second residential level, I took the opportunity to learn the latest news.

Alas, young dragons were not initiated into political squabbles, and therefore I was not aware of the changes. Subordinate to someone else's will, the rank and file still rushed through the steppes, cities and villages of four countries. As Vail said, almost everything was ready for the ritual of the resurrection of the foremen, and very soon the big hunt would begin. Both on ordinary khylars and beasts like them, and on the puppeteer behind the attacks.

After all, if it weren’t for the awakening of the Centurion, if Arvil couldn’t reach me, and I didn’t have enough adventurism to rush into the purple distances following my dream ... Chaos would have reigned in the territories of the empire and the Valleys of the Dragons. New power is always an unpleasant surprise. And the one about which nothing is known is doubly a surprise.

Relations with the Primordial Empire were still at the initial stage of mutual probing each other. The Imperial embassy was not allowed into Anli-Hissar, but I suppose this is a matter of time.

The Podgorny Kingdom also actively sought to build bridges with a new people that had come from nowhere. But at the same time, the drow were in no hurry to give Gillar-Khor, founded near the gates of the city of Arvil. In general, they could be understood ... A disadvantageous step both for economic (after all, the “pearl of the dungeons” was a major tourist center) and for political reasons (they will give up this outpost so easily, and there other neighbors will want a piece of land fatter chop off).

Rinvale did not tell anything about the Dragon Valleys, arguing that the moods on the other side are literally changing at the speed of light. In my opinion, the husband provided a little delusional explanation, but what can you do. If the red dragon firmly stands its ground, it will not work to move it from its place and find out what you want. So let's go to the other side! Let's ask Kryona, for example.

An hour later. Dining room

The population of the city grew, so we could no longer eat in the kitchen. Having chosen one of the halls, the restless fairies volunteered to bring it into proper shape. As one of the pointed-ears argued, he may be used to hardships, gloomy dungeons and cemeteries, but he prefers to eat in a pleasant environment. And for the sake of it, he is ready for a lot. Moreover, judging by the hostile look, at least to kill. Well, or arrange an ugly tantrum. By the way, fairies could do it! Could and even practiced. And in general, these marvelous creatures seem to have gone from one extreme to another. From teenage maximalism to senile insanity.

Perhaps that is why Arvil decided not to mess with the abnormal and not to conflict with them over trifles, giving one of the halls with the order to create something “normal and suitable” out of it. It was also necessary to add - "befitting". Because the criteria for faerie normality were somewhat different from the generally accepted ones.

As a result, the dining room turned out to be literally enchanting. Colorful, sparkling, magical, with flying tables and chairs. At first, this caused a lot of mishaps. Dragons, Heilars and humans, of course. The marvelous felt great. For me, the more remarkable they were, the more peculiar sensations others experienced.

In general, I already made it clear that we have a madhouse going on here, right?

In light of this, it should not be surprising that the Sleeper reduced his contacts with the rest of the city's population to workers. For during the rest, a few seemingly fairies crowded literally everywhere! It was difficult to endure even for those who were neutral towards the marvelous. And I'm afraid to imagine what it was like for Arville, who sincerely hated all the sharp-eared people, both together and separately. But Haylar had his reasons. I hope that in time, seeing the benefits that the fairies now bring, his dislike will disappear.

- Well, what table are we going to catch? - asked the husband, seeing off with a thoughtful glance a round table with chairs tied to it slowly floating past. Yes, yes, tied. As it turned out, when endowing objects with increased volatility, our designers, who were absolutely amazing, did not foresee that the chairs, along with the riders, could fly away from the table.

- What do you mean? They're all about the same here.

- I'm talking about ... Shall we eat together or join someone?

I scanned the room with a curious look. The choice of acquaintances was small.

"Vail, what do you suggest?" You can sit down with Dasha and Thrinvir, but the drow is unlikely to be pleased. It seems that our duke is once again trying to talk to the migrant and, if you look at the stony expression of her face, he is not succeeding! Shall we save the healer?

“Out of male solidarity… no,” the dragon shook his head. “By the way, what doesn’t suit your girlfriend?” She, by the way, is being offered marriage!

“The role of a second wife in a drow harem,” I twisted my lips. - Excellent job.

“You yourself know that it is an honor. And given the family of Mr. del Meredith, the Podgornaya Queen simply will not allow her nephew to make a little man his first wife.

“Sharing your man is equally unpleasant for any woman,” I answered quietly. - Whether it's a human, an elf or a dragon. Especially if you are not used to the institution of marriage with such an entertaining system. So, my dear husband in solidarity with polygamists, let's go to Daria!

"Well, that's not what I'm talking about," muttered the red dragon, taken aback by my sarcastic tone. “I actually… It’s just that last time you said that sitting at the same table with a fairy necromancer is still a pleasure.”

I glanced at a lone dark-haired boy on the other side of the hall, who was picking at his plate with an extremely mournful face. She shivered. Yes, Ulinri is already… a vegetable. Something I don't want to repeat. The last time he spoke with such enthusiasm at the table about dismembered and charred corpses ... Just when they brought us a roast!

I just smiled and, shaking my hair, figured out the trajectory to the table of Dasha and the drow. The table was just slowly flying over us. I pushed off the floor and launched myself into the air. She calculated correctly and, clinging to the back of a chair, quickly perched on the seat. Rinvale landed nearby.

“Hi,” my husband and I greeted almost in unison.

Dasha and Trinvir looked at us with a variety of feelings. The settler sighed with great relief and, apparently, was mentally ready to kiss the new arrivals. The drow's eyes were tired and irritated.

- How glad I am to see you! Dasha exclaimed.

“Oh yes,” drawled the dark elf, but corrected himself almost immediately: “Good evening.” Happy to see such a wonderful and harmonious couple again.

“Thank you,” I lowered my eyes, hiding my surprise under the mask of embarrassment and slight coquetry.

Why did this drow decide to celebrate our harmonious family relationships? After a couple of minutes of conversation, nothing and everything became clear.

– Still, it’s wonderful when people meet each other halfway, agree and forgive. They are trying to understand and accept,” Thrinvir said forcefully, glancing at Daria expressively.

Daria sat with a neutral expression on her face, and I even sympathized with her. I wonder how many times the migrant listens to this? And how quickly will this proud dark elf get bored? And the most interesting - what will happen after this happens? Women are changeable and windy creatures. And if what we kind of thought was ours suddenly disappears ... This is amazing. And the desire to return the lost.

I should talk to the healer and find out why she's holding back.

If she likes this particular man, maybe it makes sense to delve into herself and see if she really wants him to disappear from her life? For his return may cost more than the consent of the migrant to the relationship right now.

- Iryana, how are you? asked the curly-haired subject of my thoughts. “Because we don’t see each other much lately.” And we talk even less.

“All in all, everything is wonderful,” I answered after a few seconds and shrugged. - Not without questions and misunderstandings, of course, but when was it different?

“Oh yes,” Dasha shook her curly hair. “Riddles have recently become the norm. However, I can't say that I don't like it. I am grateful to the sky for the fact that we once collided with you.

“So am I,” she smiled warmly in response, and looking around the dining room, she noticed a couple of regular visitors to the healer of souls. And I'm sure I'm not alone.

“Yeah,” the migrant blushed a little with pleasure. - I'm getting better and better!

“If they didn’t want to change, nothing would have happened,” the friend objected. - I'm just pointing the way. Then they themselves. Very strong-willed… Very strong. Well done!

In the eyes of Daria there was sincere admiration for the valiant tailed men.

However, judging by the frown on his face, Vir was unhappy that the delights of his chosen one were addressed to anyone but him. I suppose for the Duke of Piedmont, the situation was out of the ordinary. If women refused him, then they were clearly not migrants without a clan-tribe. And this one also cannot be snitched or persuaded into a relationship, so that later you can figure it out. Heilars will cut anyone into thin ribbons for their healer. I had to court the obstinate prey.

In the meantime, food was brought to us. In Anli-Hissar, there was still no time for pickles, and therefore we ate what they gave. Well, at least our chefs cooked deliciously. By the way, Dear has recently almost completely withdrawn from this and disappeared in the laboratory for days. Decided that good little by little? In any case, the fairies were feeding everyone now.

Oh, wherever you throw - everywhere fairies! So try not to be grateful to them after all this.

Two large trays slowly flew up to our table and glided down. I looked at the plates with curiosity. Yeah, today without the first. But the portion of the second - mashed chicken - was more than impressive. Plus salad and dessert. We won't leave hungry.

I rejoiced and thanked the heavens for my daily bread. In fact, I didn't manage to eat well. Closer to dessert, the atmosphere at our table cleared up, and now everyone was involved in an active conversation and no longer threw strange looks at each other. Everything is quiet, peaceful and positive. Of course, not for long.

“Would you mind if I join your warm company?” came a low voice.

Turning around, I saw Ulinri hanging in the air. The necromancer smiled broadly. I don’t know about the rest, but my small predatory faerie teeth immediately ruined my appetite. Memory kindly threw up memories that he doesn’t do anything just like that, and the greatest pleasure for this type is to unbalance others.

But to refuse was, firstly, impolite, and secondly, it was fraught.

It is better not to quarrel with Ulinri. What is there! At the moment, only Arvil could openly express his opinion to him. Moreover, he is not at all embarrassed in expressions. Apparently, the deranged sluagh took some perverse pleasure from this. But no one else should follow the example of the Centurion. The necromancer responded very harshly and bitingly.

Remembering all this, I smiled and nodded to the empty seat.

– Of course, Ulin! Have a seat. We are very happy.

The others, though without due enthusiasm, nodded.

Judging by the spark of irony in the dark eyes of the sharp-eared man, he did not believe us, but supported the game.

I took a deep breath and, sensing the musty tomb notes, shook my head. M-yes, after all, a sluagh is a sluagh. A dead necromancer warrior who, like some kind of demon, behaves as if he is more alive than all the living. Sitting here, smiling, spoils our appetite.

- How are you? the newcomer inquired innocently, settling into an empty chair.

“Excellent,” said Rinvale, looking calmly and expectantly at the fairies. - What did you complain about?

“I rather came to your wife, Lier Cai Tirlin,” the necromancer said and turned a hard look at me. “Young lieta, I have the honor to invite you to a conversation with the Ruler of Anli-Hissar.

Oh, Arvil has got a title now? I remember that he insisted for a long time that he was only a Centurion. The commander of the detachment, but not the ruler. By all appearances, under pressure from our more politically savvy comrades, Haylar has come to terms with these changes. However, it is understandable. When talking with the rulers of neighboring countries, it is better to present yourself as the owner of your small state, and not as a temporary deputy until the advent of a stronger, or rather, arrogant candidate.

- As I understand it, Mr. Teinmir is waiting only for Iryana? Rinvale asked, bowing his head and looking intently at the necromancer.

“You understand right,” Ulinri smiled benevolently, narrowing his eyes slightly.

A chill ran down his back. In my humble opinion, it was contraindicated for this faerie to smile broadly and sincerely like that. For the sake of the mental health of others. Now he most of all reminded me of a mixture of toad and crocodile. The mouth is large, grinning widely, the teeth there are triangular, and it seems that there are at least three rows. Creepy guy. Completely inexplicably creepy. Because the creatures varying degrees I have already seen disgusting things, and Ulin is not the most terrible. On the contrary, even cute ... in some places ... selective ... for an amateur. But the effect of the sluagh was truly stunning.

“Well…” Veil shrugged his shoulders and, turning to me, said: “Then we’ll meet in the evening, dear.”

- Yes, my good. - I nodded in response and, reaching out to my husband, gently kissed him on the corner of his lips.

Then she said goodbye to everyone and, rising in the air, threw a questioning glance at the necromancer.

“Please, lieta,” he kindly offered me an elbow.

I was even a little surprised. When I got up, the manners of this marvelous walked far from the halls of Anli-Gissar. Now all of a sudden they're back? And why under the elbow, would it be more appropriate to offer a hand? But there is nothing to do. I clung to the offer and after a moment I realized why.

Ulin said in a cheerful voice: “And now we will turn off the weightlessness-o-bridge for a second ...” - and then he snapped his fingers, and we promptly collapsed down. Why I didn't yell, only the Great Dragons know! She landed, her knees bouncing, realizing in the corner of her mind that almost at the floor, the faerie still slowed her fall.

I let go of his elbow. She exhaled slowly, suppressing the desire to make a scandal, or rather, without talking, to fill the face of a presumptuous bastard. So, everything is wonderful, everything is wonderful, there is absolutely no negativity in my soul ... well, not a bit ...

“Wonderful,” I said dryly. - So we're going? Or will you continue to admire your childish behavior and its consequences?

Ulinri looked at me with amused surprise and nodded. Already when we went out the door and slowly moved forward along a long corridor immersed in a dim purple light, my companion answered quietly:

“Dear young dragon… let me tell you a little secret that you will no doubt remember in a few centuries.” It is in childish behavior that the youth of the soul lies.

I rubbed my temple and said, still deciding not to keep my opinion to myself, since the faerie was the first to step on the slippery slope of mutual frankness:

- Don't you think that this should be shown in a certain circle? Accustomed to and understanding jokes of this kind?

“It doesn’t seem so,” the marvelous one echoed and, tucking a strand of black hair behind his sharp ear, he finished: “You see, girl ... Standing out among those who are used to it is a useless and even somewhat risky occupation. You can always run into an answer.

“So you still don’t like getting a response?”

"If it doesn't match the one I want to see, yes," the sluagh admitted calmly. “Sometimes I don’t want surprises at all, young lieta. Looks like I'm really getting old, because the rest of my people really appreciate spontaneity. Me too... but only the one that I planned and expected.

"Then what's the surprise?"

– The most pleasant of all possible, Iryana. Trust the old faerie...

- And what are the unpleasant ones?

“But this is what each of us will learn from our own experience, dear girl,” the wondrous lord barely perceptibly smiled and pushed me forward: “Here we are.”

Only now I realized that we are standing at the door to the first level. The holy of holies of the city, where I was not allowed before.

- Well, if we add specifics, then we'll go. The first level is much lower than all the others,” Ulinri shook his dark hair and typed a combination of symbols on the panel in the wall. Something hissed under the stone, and marble slabs parted, revealing a small room with a luminous ceiling and a floor streaked with incomprehensible runes.

The faerie made a mocking bow and made a gesture of invitation.

- Ladies First!

I sighed and stepped forward. Gallant marvelous ... There is something frightening in this!

And yet I wonder why Arvil called me.

I'll find out very soon!

The transfer to the first level was no different from other transitions around the city. Except that when the room stopped sparkling with lights, the exit arch did not appear immediately, but only after Ulinri entered the access code again on the console. Yet Anly-Hissar has truly incredible technology. The rest of our world never dreamed of. The fairies gave a lot to their creations.

The first level of Anli-Gissar. With trepidation in my heart, I stepped onto the gray flagstones of the corridor and looked around. All this time, the first level was covered with numerous secrets and mysteries. That's why I expected to see something grand. After all, the most protected and dangerous place!

It disappointed me. Nothing. Even the walls do not glow and there is a minimum of openwork ornaments. There are also almost no runes, as well as other symbols that I was so used to in the city of the Heilars.

I walked along a simple corridor, glimpsing the contours closed doors and more and more bored, realizing that as they didn’t show me anything interesting, they won’t show me. Nothing scary, terrible, or even educational. Annoyance-ah-ah-ah ...

I think I said it out loud, because my companion chuckled and promised:

“Don't worry, young lady. Terrible will be a little further.

“I’m already looking forward to it,” I smiled back, but doubt crept into my honest dragon soul.

Now, if you remember ... I had an unusual gift, which Arvil blocked and ordered me not to even think about its development. And in general, not to think about sticking your charming nose far (deeply?) into the harsh affairs of harsh men. And then for some reason they call me. Moreover, the order is transmitted not by the foreman, but by the fairies. And not just fairies, but sluaghs. A necromancer known for his sick craving for experimentation.

After this thought, it became scary right away, without the promise of Ulin "a little further."

While I was hovering in unhappy thoughts, we came. The faerie let me go ahead with a half-bow again. Stepping through the imperceptible translucent film that hid the room from view, I found myself in a spacious office.

A tired Arvil sat at the table and read some papers. Apparently, having heard our steps, he turned his tired violet eyes to me and smiled joyfully:

Hello, Iri. I'm glad to see you!

I broke into an answering smile, already mentally ready to throw myself on the Sotnik’s neck and hug him properly, but I didn’t have time to say anything.

- Are you happy to see me? Ulinri entered.

Haylar shuddered slightly, and he politely replied:

- You, Mr. Morfair, I have the honor to see so often that there is no longer any joy!

- I'll take it as a compliment! - after a little thought, the faerie decided and, nodding in my direction, went to a free chair. - As you, the Ruler, asked, the dragon Iryana was brought at your disposal.

- What? I asked, puzzled.

- Lieta, lieta ... - the pointed-eared one rolled his eyes. - And what about the answer, laid down by the laws of war? To salute, to report that such and such has arrived at your disposal, to salute?

The performance, thank the Great Dragon, was interrupted in the bud. There are new ones in the office characters. The impenetrable veil parted, letting Alishin and Diar through. Apparently, the foremen knew exactly what to do, as they pulled themselves together, clicked their heels and barked:

- The foremen Alishin and Diar arrived at your order!

Silent pause. The hysterical laughter of a fairy bent over in a chair and the quiet, hopeless groan of the Centurion.

Everything is more interesting, however!

Why did Arvil bring us together? The composition is unique and surprising. The only good thing is that no one is in a hurry to cut me into ribbons. I decided not to speculate and wait for the strong cities of this to announce their intentions, so I smiled at the newly arrived tailed ones and nodded:

- Hello, Alishin.

The fair-haired foreman brightened his eyes and bowed in response.

– Good afternoon, Lieta Iryana.

I turned my gaze to Diara.

“Greetings, dear friend.

“Thank you, dear girl,” the red-haired foreman bowed his head and winked mischievously at me.

My heart even felt a little easier. Despite his venomous pursuits, Diar is a surprisingly sunny cheilar.

When we settled around the table, the Centurion tapped his fingers thoughtfully on the tabletop for a while, and then finally began:

So, let's talk about our immediate plans.

- Ours? I raised an eyebrow.

Yes, ours. All those present here, - confirmed Ar. - Don't be so surprised.

To be honest, there was nothing to be surprised. I have almost got used to the fact that I will have to spend a lot of time under all kinds of protection, and no one will let me go to battle lines and exploits. And then... In one company, I - and the best fighters of the city? And any plans?

"Don't rush," I said firmly. “Otherwise, in light of the presence of Diar and Ulinri, who are both still researchers, I can assume that you decided to give me to them for study. Rather, the study of those abilities that have recently appeared.

- No, what are you! – the centurion's purple eyes widened in resentment.

At this trembling moment, the sluagh, of course, could not remain silent. The necromancer spun in his chair, causing the leg to creak disgustingly on the marble, and declared:

Judging by how meaningfully the Centurion's fangs flashed in a smile, it would be better for Ulin to really keep his tongue on a leash.

“That's not the point, Iri. Although your new abilities are related to the future.

“Yeah…” I leaned forward, looking enthusiastically at my friend. “So, will they still teach me?”

“They will,” Ar sighed a little sadly. - Thoroughly and enthusiastically. I really wanted to avoid this, but, unfortunately, I can’t cope with everything that has fallen on me.

He paused, sighed, and laced his fingers nervously. It seems that despite the declared enthusiasm, Arvil did not feel it.

“And in this light, it is a sin to neglect the opportunity that fate has kindly bestowed,” Diar finished for the commander, who was watching what was happening with interest in bright green eyes. - You, Iryana. You, according to my observations, are a solid gift of fate for all our people.

- Oh, thanks…

I blushed with embarrassment, realizing that now heylar was talking about what had been passed and done in order to get to Anli-Gissar and wake the Centurion. To give the halars a chance at new life. Completely new. Another chance to gain independence for those who were created to become a slave...

I glanced at the fairies. Judging by the face of the sluagh, he really wanted to say something. But he was courageous.

"So, what's the next thing?" I folded my arms across my chest and leaned back in my chair. She looked at Arville expectantly. Well?! Stop walking around and around!

“You will look for ordinary Heilars,” the Centurion shocked me right off the bat. – The very ones that now fly insanely over all neighboring lands with a retinue of incomprehensible similarity creatures.

- What?! I exclaimed in surprise.

“If you refuse, we will accept the refusal,” Arvil hastily assured me. “I know it’s dangerous, and it’s generally not nice to ask you to do this, but…”

The phrase was interrupted by the faerie.

“It’s not good for a ruler to leave his state and rush around the entire empire and neighboring states in search of his fighters,” the pointed-eared man began unexpectedly harshly. “It’s not good to risk yourself and deprive even those few who managed to save the chance for a better future. And there is nothing wrong with shifting some of your responsibilities to subordinates. Therefore, stop your mutual scraping, Centurion, and speak to the point. We all know that Iryana will agree. Isn't it, girl? Time in our case is not just money. Lifetime.

- How dare you? hissed the Centurion, slowly getting up from the table and furiously tapping the top of his boot with the tip of his tail. The foremen braced themselves in their chairs, ready to come to the aid of the commander... Or to keep him?

“I dare,” the necromancer replied calmly, without thinking to be afraid. “You dare to shut me up, Haylar, and I dare to tell you my opinion. In my opinion, everything is fair.

“It’s not for you, jester in a death suit, to point out to me the loss of time!” How much do you spend on jokes?

“I admit,” Mr. Morpheyr’s thin lips twitched in a grin, and he raised his palms in a gesture of surrender, “but I remind you: you already told me this. And more than once.

A silent duel of glances lasted for several seconds, then the faerie rose, straightened his camisole and said:

“Maybe I’ll go to work. And you, O Ruler of Anli-Gissar, the insignificant fairy necromancer will be waiting in the testing laboratories below. I have something to show you.

Another bow, this time not mocking, but perfectly adjusted, and the short elf disappeared behind the veil of the door arch.

There was a short pause, during which everyone exhaled.

The room was fresher, brighter, and even the atmosphere became less oppressive. And the smell of decay, like a veil, flowed away after the sluagh.

I took a deep breath.

“I hate fairies,” said Arvil with feeling. - And I want to break this particular one in general.

"Then why are you working with him?" I ventured to ask.

“Because he's the only one of the marvelous who can figure out the technology of the city and resurrect the dead foremen.

- Is it really the only one? I allowed myself to doubt.

“Lallin was the only one who could persuade him,” Ar replied with a sigh.

- I wonder what he promised? It is not easy to interest a specialist of such a profile and such strength.

“Ulinri Morfair has long been considered mad, even among wondrous people,” Arvil shrugged, sinking back into his chair and squeezing his temples with long, nervous fingers. - Therefore, in his native Court, he was not allowed to take on serious projects, but he wants a scope of activity.

I don’t know about the Centurion, but I was scared for the fate of Anli-Gissar, foremen, and so on. With such trustees.

Diar stretched, waved his tail with a fiery red tassel and frivolously remarked:

“I don’t understand why they are so snarky. Through times such.

Alishin only snorted and said:

“I suppose the sluagh sometimes gets the urge to take revenge. Therefore, he clings to any little thing and inflicts ... an injection. In view of his age, he owns verbal stilettos no worse than steel ones.

- OK! I shook my hair. - Let's leave it. Let's get back to the topic of privates. Arvil, how do you see all this?!

“Iryana,” the Centurion looked up at me with tired eyes, “you have a gift that I have blocked. My gift, you know? You can find any haylar. Absolutely anyone. And even get into his head.

– So... So, according to your idea, I'm looking for privates, and Diar and Alishin grab them? “I tried to imagine capturing them.

“Ulinri will be with you.

- Why this one? I was even a little taken aback.

“In case of…accidental murder,” Arvil said very reassuringly. “The Sluagh will be able to hold the soul, and then, already in the city, return it to the body. Basically, he's your insurance, Iri. Haylars are not easy to kill.

“Understood,” I nodded, feeling a complete explosion of the brain and the fact that I didn’t understand anything.

That's why I called everyone here.

“Ar, does my husband know?”

- Yes. – Arvil rubbed his cheekbone, and I saw a slight redness on the skin. I figured out what a bruise should have been there recently, if, given the regeneration of the cheilars, a trace remained. Veil seemed to object rather violently. - He is against it, but he said that the decision is yours.

I just raised my eyebrows in surprise. Curious. I feel that my husband and I will have an interesting conversation.

“That’s the way it is, Iri. I now have a lot of problems, both political and ... domestic. There are many mysteries and unknown in Anli-Hissar. Moreover, a part of this "unknown" listens only to me. And I, what a shame, I myself do not know how to manage it.

That's why you're needed here.

- Right. So I will teach you and accompany you on your first trips. As soon as I make sure that everything is going well, I will let some of them go.

I just nodded silently, still digesting the information. The upcoming changes are very striking ...

The centurion stood up and, considering the audience over, dismissed the foremen with a gesture. Alishin and Diar bowed briefly and left without objection.

My purple-eyed friend leaned against the wall and looked at me thoughtfully. Then, with a soft smile, he opened his arms.

- Well, come here. I'm bored.

A moment - and I was already standing, burying my nose in Ar's black shirt and exhaling intermittently. And in the soul there is such a sparkling joy that words cannot describe! Yet our relationship with the Centurion is something quite special. Apparently, the unity of minds does not pass without a trace.

“And I missed you,” I confessed softly, whispering the words into the charcoal silk of the Heilar’s ​​robe.

He held me tighter. Feeling something wrap around my waist, pulling me even closer to the Centurion, I realized that I felt more than just my arms. She squinted her eyes to confirm her guess. Tail.

After a few seconds, Arvil pushed me away, finally gently sliding his hand through my hair. I just sighed. The centurion did not allow such moments of intimacy to drag on. In some ways, of course, he is right ... But it is painful to watch how a person dear to me becomes more and more withdrawn into himself. Arvil burned out, you can see it. And I sincerely hoped that I was exaggerating.

- Are you okay? I asked, looking anxiously into my friend's purple eyes.

- What is good and what is bad? the Centurion asked philosophically, shrugging his shoulders. Everything is relative, Iri.

“You know, I don’t like your answers,” I said decisively.

– Irka, at the moment, very few people like me, my answers, proposals and actions, – heylar chuckled. - Do you want some tea?

I even blinked, stunned, surprised at such a sudden change of subject.

Well... I won't refuse. Do you have?

“I have everything to stay in the office longer,” Ar laughed, and his tired face changed for a moment. “I spend a lot of time in it now.

- I thought that the current stage just means a lot of running around.

Of course, Iri. But the rest of the time, including at night, I hang around here, coordinating the actions of the others. I usually sleep here too.

- When was the last time you were in your chambers ?! I was horrified.

“Well… four days ago,” thought the ruler of Anli-Hissar and went to the other side of the office.

Hmmm... And I thought that Ar almost does not appear at common meals, because he is uncomfortable with the fairies! It is worthwhile for the stupid dragon to understand that because of such trifles, the Centurion would not avoid the dining room.

While I was thinking about the root causes strange behavior Ara, the hero of my thoughts pulled out a metal teapot and… a magic primus stove from a cupboard. With the snap of fingers in the steel grip of the rods, the lights of the magic flame trembled. Not a bit worried that he would ruin the expensive countertop, the Centurion put a primus stove on it, and the kettle thumped on him. Catching my surprised look, he commented:

- I like this design.

“She’s marching,” I explained the obvious.

- Laconic, interesting. Yes, and I'm primarily a warrior, if you remember. So, perhaps this is my inner protest to everything that is happening to me now.

A sharp claw clicked loudly on the side of the teapot, and the ringing echo was lost in its insides.

- And ... We also have crystals that bring water to a boil. Why don't you use it?

“It’s boring,” Arvil admitted calmly and returned to his chair. Again he stared fixedly at the primus stove and teapot. - So I threw a crystal ... One "Op!" - and that's it. A matter of two seconds, no sound. And when the water heats up gradually... I hear the metal crackling, how the water hisses, evaporating, in contact with it... You know, there is something hypnotizing about it. Allowing you to let go.

I just looked at my friend sadly and, going up, put my hands on his broad shoulders. She leaned over and whispered into her pointed ear, half covered with black hair:

– And in my opinion, you are just so exhausted that your mind is looking for peace at least in this. This is the opportunity to switch off and not think. Apparently there is no other way. This is an extreme degree of fatigue, Arvil ... You don’t joke with this. What will we do if you fail?

“Don’t worry, they won’t let me die that easily,” the Centurion laughed sadly and closed his eyes in contentment, feeling my fingers in his hair. “Mmm… nice.” Thank you.

- You're welcome. I gave him a final kiss on the temple and returned to my chair. “You wouldn’t be the only one dragging all this, or something…”

- Irka, it turns out that delegation of authority is, of course, wonderful, but further coordination of the activities of all brave comrades is a very tiring thing! - He explained to me that he himself thought of this bright idea, Centurion.

“Uh-huh…” I nodded. “My father also complained about it at one time. As you remember, he was a diplomat and a major politician in the Valley of Fire.

“I remember,” Ar nodded. “By the way, most likely, you will meet your family in the near future. Fire dragons are eager to communicate. As, however, and ice. Perhaps your daddy will be among the embassy ... Which I do not want to accept yet, but we'll see. Most likely it will.

I jumped up happily. I really wanted to see my father. Just crazy! I wanted to tell about everything, to brag about something, to cry about something ... In general, I wanted approval and sympathy from the parent. I don't know what more.

“Are you sure you want to let them into the city?”

“So far, Thrinvir and I have agreed that all embassies can build their own buildings near the gates to Anli Hissar. That is, it seems almost on the threshold, but still in Gillar-Khor. I'm not ready to let any rabble into my city yet. Forgive me for being harsh about dragons, Iryana. It's just… we can't go for it yet. We are too few, we are too weak, and no one should know about it. And so, the less information, the better.

– Can you tell me about Kryona? I asked one of the most disturbing questions.

I was very worried about the fate of the runaway bastard fire dragon princess, who ran away from the crown, leaving the heir of Icereach. Arvil is a kind of comrade. It would be quite possible for him to return the Cree fiance, tying her with a ribbon, in order to start friendly interstate relations. Grand gesture and so on...

“I don’t see the point yet,” the kheylar waved his tail and got up from the table, heading for the invitingly whistling teapot. - I'm going, I'm going...

Does he understand you? I inquired with feigned horror, watching the fire in the stove go out and the kettle quiet down, ceasing to choke on a trickle of steam.

“I think so,” my friend told me in a terrible whisper. - Shut up.

We looked into each other's eyes in silence for a few seconds, and then, unable to stand it, burst out laughing.

Then Haylar took out a teapot and two mugs from the cupboard. Arville either didn't have fine china with saucers... or didn't want to, which is more likely. Warrior. Anyway…

“I don’t have much choice,” the Centurion remarked, taking out a couple of bags after the cups. One of them, after a moment of hesitation, removed it back. - Only black.

“Okay,” I nodded and asked quietly: “What about the second one?”

This fact did not reassure me in the slightest, since it was not worth trusting the gifts of an evil faerie. In this case, he certainly did not mean evil, but I was extremely interested in the reasons why the lord of the Black Gold clan suddenly decided to take care of the health of this cheilar. Or rather, how bad it must be to inspire Lal to do this ...

I shook my head, driving away bad thoughts. Alas and ah ... all I can do is help and not pester with unnecessary questions. And even more so - the answers. In the end, Arville knows better. He has been a weapon all his life and knows how to fight like no other. And fairies have acted as puppeteers more than once. And they know perfectly well how to control their weapons and how to take care of them. It's not for me to get into this symbiosis. Especially when they don't ask.

“Tell me something interesting,” I asked, resting my chin on my clasped hands.

– Mmmm… For example? – raised an eyebrow Ar, not distracted from the magical process of brewing tea.

“New… interesting. Funny or funny. Your choice.” I shrugged.

“I can do everything at once,” the Centurion offered generously. - Want?

- Wu-u-u-u! I revived. - Curious! Of course I want!

- Then attention ... - Arvil picked up the mugs and walked towards me. Solemnly placing a scalding drink with a park winding over it in front of my nose, the haylar flopped into the chair opposite and, playfully looking at me, asked: – Ready? Hear a great revelation!

- Yes! - I said decisively and reached for tea.

- Dragons walk lying down!

I almost spilled my tea and was mentally glad that I had not had time to drink, otherwise I would have choked.

- No, you say? Reptiles in general. So they walk and really lie down. Yes, and they fly, if you figure it out, also lying down. Irka! Can you imagine?

“Then the Heilars, too!” - I vengefully reminded from whom the caudate family descended.

- Well, actually, yes. But "dragons walk lying down" sounds somehow better. If only because everyone knows who the dragons are. But few people know about us.

“I convinced you,” I shook my head, choking on laughter. “And yes…thank you.”

“You are always welcome,” Arvil returned my smile. - Happy to entertain you.

I was glad too. I'm glad he's revived a little.

Arvil, I have a request.

“Everything in my power, Iri,” the Centurion said seriously.

And I, looking into his deep, serious purple eyes, suddenly realized that it was true ... if I ask, he will do everything he can, and even a little more. But I didn't want much. Not now.

"Sleep," I said softly, reaching out my hand and covering his palm with my fingers. - Have a rest. At least a day, my friend. Dedicate days to yourself. Sleep, exercise... love women, talk to your friends... Not just as subordinates! Otherwise, your position of power, which is so oppressive, will finally finish you off.

He just nodded slowly in agreement. No arguments, not a single superfluous word.

Arvil. Centurion. Ruler of Anli-Gissar. An unyielding warrior. My friend. The one for which the heart hurts so much.

I leisurely walked down the corridor of the residential level to my quarters. From the first I was escorted, or rather escorted out, by the Centurion himself, leaving no opportunity to “get lost” along the way and more thoughtfully study the place covered with so many rumors. And yes, I went to my apartment. What a clever one, right?

True, he kissed him goodbye on the forehead and promised that as soon as his day off was over, he would "take me seriously." He set a very serious task for our team, and I am the weak link of the detachment. Yes and magical powers inherited from Arvil, until they even tried to practice. It is not known how quickly I will grasp everything.

My husband was waiting for me in our rooms. As soon as I entered, they wrapped me in strong hugs, kissed me gently and asked:

- Well, how did it go?

I fidgeted in Veil's arms, getting comfortable. She spread her hands on the wide chest of the dragon, threw back her head and, touching her husband's chin with her lips, answered:

- Peculiar. Suddenly. Interesting.

“I see that you are simply wonderfully eloquent,” the dragon smiled and turned his head slightly, catching my lips with his lips.

The kiss was gentle, affectionate and short. After my husband let me go and nodded towards the sofa.

- Shall we swear?

At this point, I realized that we would still talk. Exactly, apparently.

I just nodded. She sat down, leaned back, took off her shoes and, throwing her feet on her husband's knees, moved her fingers with pleasure. Veil gently stroked the side of his feet, not tickling, but caressing. I tilted my head back and smiled silently.

- Well, uh? – On the heel lightly clicked a finger.

- You know everything. I bowed my head, looking curiously at the red dragon. By the way, how long ago?

“Several days,” Rinvale shrugged.

“Uh-huh…” I drummed my fingers on the fabric of the couch. - And was silent?

– Arvil should have talked to you first. This is his proposal, and it is not for me to preempt and voice it earlier. I am grateful that the Centurion made me aware of his plans at all.

I swallowed the phrase about doubting that the dragon is now honest. Because the fact that he and Ar managed to fight does not fit into the gracious speeches of the spouse. Although, maybe I'm not interpreting it that way? I didn’t see it myself, so what’s the point in guessing.

- In general, I agreed to Arville's proposal. Soon we will train, and then the outings will begin.

The husband wearily closed his blue eyes and nodded:

“Actually, I didn’t doubt your answer.

“He upset you,” I said sadly.

“It upsets me that I have to hand over the most precious thing I have to the Haylars. I'm not a warrior, Iri. Alas... And I can't accompany you. Or rather, I can, of course, but I will bring little sense. I am a sensible dragon and understand that I am an explorer and an alchemist first and foremost. And I can be useful here, but in the search for or neutralization of our common "friends" - hardly.

“Darling, everything is fine. - I quickly flowed to him and, putting my arm around his waist, buried my nose in his chest. - Ten's men will be with me. And not every fighting five of dragons will cope with them, by the way. And we catch privates. Don't worry!

They pressed me tightly, kissed me on the nose and stroked my head.

- I can't help but worry. And in general, this is somehow wrong ...

- What exactly?

- The fact that I, it turns out, will sit in Anli-Gissar and work in the laboratory, and my young wife will rush through the territories of neighboring states in search of terrible monsters.

I just giggled.

- Well, you bent!

“Actually, that’s how it is,” Veil drawled dejectedly.

“Precious, you are making yourself look like a bookworm. But I remember very well how you fought Ollie, who, for a minute, is a professional warrior. And now you regularly spar with foremen, and even the Centurion himself. So don't be modest. There are other reasons. Rather, the fact is that Alishin and Diar are a combat deuce, worked with each other, and they react badly to dragons. Like enemies. So, why do they need an unnerving factor in the rear? And I'm missing.

- Yes that's right. But still ... Don't you think that, theoretically, a beautiful maiden should be sad at the window and expect a soul mate from a dangerous campaign?

Does my dragon have male pride playing? It looks like it.

- Darling, if you remember, you already somehow planted me at the window “to wait for a soul mate”. And what ended up happening?

“You picked up a brain virus in the form of Arville and rushed to the ends of the earth after him. I remember Iryana. Like what it took for me to find you. And I won't say anything at all about the efforts we put in to cover up both your escape and Kryona's.

“Well, Kryona is understandable… Princess, pledge of peace and all that…” I scratched my nose in puzzlement. - What do I have to do with it?

Veil even got up to see me better.

- You really don't understand?

“Well… not really.

To be honest, looking into the astonished eyes of my husband, I really did not want to admit my misunderstanding. It seemed that I was showing myself to be an extremely sloppy and short-sighted dragon.

- Iryana, is it okay that our marriage with you is also a guarantee of peace and the first sign, so to speak? If the experiment fails, it will bury the whole project of dynastic interracial marriages under it.

It's like they didn't exist before...

“Before, my dear, there were love marriages. When headlong and with a curse, not the blessing of their relatives, the dragons rushed into this pool. And then, as a rule, they left for other countries, because it was difficult to stay in Icereach or Fire Valley. The couple is not explicitly, but condemned by others. Half-breeds were rarely disliked at all. I can say from my own experience. I'm just the fruit of such love...

- Understood.

I lowered my head, finally realizing what Veil wanted to convey to me. True, I did not repent! After all, this is my life. And let it be selfish, wrong, and so on, but I want to live it the way I want. Making mistakes, stuffing bumps and involuntarily substituting others. Gaining experience. Everyone chooses for themselves. I chose. A dream to distant lands and freedom right now. She rested her head on her husband's shoulder and smiled.

“You know, the experiment isn’t all that clean anyway. Just because you're a half-breed.

- These are the details...

“Perhaps,” I agreed, running my fingers along my husband’s chest.

- Irka, Irka ... - my husband sighed and kissed me on the top of my head. “My restless wife.

“Well, what can you do?” I shrugged philosophically. “Especially… What did you expect from a fiery dragon, dear?”

- Honestly? In the worst case - connections on the side. Well, the standard set in the form of eccentricity, squandering and a desire to have fun. However, all this is partly characteristic of you.

– What-o-o-o?! - I said in complete shock and even raised myself on my elbows to look into the insolent eyes of my husband.

The eyes were crystal honest and serene, like a summer sky. Not an ounce of guilt because of what was said!

- Well, except perhaps for squandering and lovers, - my precious one "corrected".

- So, there is eccentricity and a desire to have fun? I kindly stated.

"Yes," Veil nodded. – Think for yourself: their presence just explains all your actions.

- Yes, I! .. - she gasped with indignation and tried to begin to explain how her husband was wrong in general and in particular.

“Don’t argue,” the dragon waved his hand. – Iri, at first you got bored at our house, and you became sad. Here I am guilty - I repent. So then the Sleeper became an opportunity for you to escape. And his secret is good fun. And yes, I'm not judging you. I wouldn't be able to resist that one either.

I kept silent. She bit her lip and frowned, reluctantly admitting that her husband was right about something. I really wanted to reject his assumption mentally and be indignant verbally, but now ... is it necessary to engage in self-deception? And for what? To present yourself in your own eyes in a more beautiful form?

Brad, however.

“Well, what are you thinking,” my husband shook me by the shoulder. "Ir, don't bother. What I said was not a pitch for conversation, but only a passing phrase. I don't give her special significance and I do not advise you.

"Okay," I nodded, and leaned my head back on that comfortable shoulder.

My husband's fingers dug into his hair and I closed my eyes, sighing softly with pleasure. Yet… I feel very good with him. I am grateful to all the gods that I was given in marriage to this incredible dragon. Yes, we started in a different way. It continued in a specific way. But the most important thing is that he was finally able to understand me, right?

training ground

The spacious hall looked otherworldly eerie in the light of magical fire that beat in transparent crystals. In the far side stood Arvil. In light mail, with a long sword in one hand and a dagger in the other. Closer to the entrance, on a large boulder, hunched over, sat a black-haired faerie. Darkness swirled around him, now crawling over the owner's shoulders like a mantle, now spreading over the floor slabs like an oily film.

- You are sure? Ulinri asked dully, nervously lacing his unnaturally long fingers.

- You know what you need. You have to be able to deal with halars, and who better than me will show all the possibilities of ten's men?

- Ten, for example? the faerie chuckled, raising his head and twisting his lips in a grin.

“The foremen are busy,” the owner of Anli-Gissar answered calmly.

“And in my opinion, you are just covering up your own desire to clean my impudent, pointed muzzle,” Ulin chuckled. “Besides, you don’t cover very well.

Arvil remained silent, seeing no point in arguing against the obvious. Voiced obvious. Yes, it is still difficult for a young Heilar to compete with an ancient sluagh, who has long since learned to feel the nuances of the emotions of those around him almost to taste.

The faerie rose slowly.

Unlike Arville, he was dressed in simple trousers, a shirt, and an almost unbuttoned waistcoat, which was held up by the last, desperate efforts of half-torn hooks. There were no weapons in the hands of the necromancer, and there were no corpses around suitable for raising either. In general - a completely non-military look.

- OK then…

Ulin's words fell into the silence of the hall like water. The sounds faded into silence after a moment, leaving no circles. The faerie took the first gliding step towards the Centurion. Not a rustle, not a creak of a sole against a stone. Even the breath seemed to forget to leave the thin lips. Darkness crawled along like black water, gradually overtaking its master, clasping his feet, shins, getting to his hips and embracing his chest ... transforming into something else.

Magic burnt molasses spread through the body of the marvelous lord, turning into a fancy light armor. It spread over the hands, clasping them in plate gloves, covered the head, becoming a helmet, and fell on the shoulders in the form of a heavy cloak.

The smell of death, war and ruined graves slowly spread through the hall.

Ulinri, whose eyes were now swirling with pristine blackness, smiled rapaciously and twirled the thin thread of the gizora. Strange gizora. In addition to the standard, almost decorative blades in the edges of the beads of the national dragon weapon, a thin long spike sparkled at one end, and a sharply sharpened disk sparkled at the other.

Now in this marvelous one could not recognize a tired necromancer. The lord of death entered the arena. The light enveloped his figure, not playing with reflections on the matte darkness, which seemed to absorb flashes of magical fire, becoming thicker ... and more. It spread across the hall, sometimes touching its edges, then returning in a wave to the feet of the owner.

“Interesting…” Arvil looked at the enemy’s combat transformation with curiosity. - I haven't seen them yet. How to beat, I do not know.

“I, like you, am unique. And to beat ... So you'll find out. How to receive, however, too.

The centurion did not answer, only narrowed his eyes and, stepping forward, asked:

- How would you like to start?

- As I understand it, your violent subjects there only rush about in animal clothes. But I see that the lord of Anli-Gissar wants to dance with steel. Perhaps I will share this game with you.

The centurion bowed his head and moved on. Unlike his opponent, he didn't seem like a ghost of an ancient war, but that didn't make him any less dangerous. With each step, Arville's figure was enveloped in a purple light that slowly took on the shape of his beast. A man inside a translucent halar… that was interesting.

"Interesting," the sluagh inclined his head. – Materialization of magic is available to you too?

We have received a lot from you.

A wave of trembling ran through the figure of the lizard, its eyes flashed scarlet, betraying Arvil's true emotions.

“Evil-oh-oh,” the faerie drawled with some perverse pleasure, slowly moving away to the other end of the hall, away from the Centurion. Despite this, for some reason it didn't seem like he was retreating. Rather… considering.

For a minute, the opponents circled the hall.

The fight began quickly and suddenly. Only the relaxed marvelous one was stepping over his feet, once again leaving the path of the Centurion, when suddenly a flexible thread of a gizora rushed to Arvil's neck ... It froze, wrapped around the Centurion's blade, thrown up with lightning speed.

Haylar casually shook off the steel snake, and it slithered back toward the sluagh, ringing with beads. The first attack is probing the enemy. And again a leisurely, almost meditative movement around the hall.

What is a fight between two fairies? This is an element, this is strength, this is light and darkness, as if growing into each other, being one whole, consisting of opposites. This is a conversation in the language of weapons, which is conducted away from prying eyes and does not need spectators. This is the question with which the sword rings, this is the answer of the gizora in the quiet grinding of steel on steel.

Now, more than ever, I saw how strong the blood of a wondrous people is in Arvila. She was read in sharpened features, in habits and movements, felt in her eyes. The ghostly beast, woven around the figure of the Centurion like a too material shadow, now crouched to the ground, then rose up and soundlessly snarled its mouth.

Now there is no longer any doubt about what the duel was. Not at all training before sorties to hunt for privates. If only because Arvil did not even think of completely transforming into a Heilar form.

It's not a fight, it's a dialogue. Fae and Haylar had something to say to each other.

The centurion wanted to at least try to get the immensely irritating ancient, and Ulinri Morpheir… Who knows what drives the sluagh? He'd been dead for so long that he was beginning to lose the last memory of what it was like to be... alive. Experience emotions that are born on their own, and not caused artificially.

The probing ended quickly. The silence was like the calm before the storm. Thunder struck suddenly.

The weapon flickered so that a human eye could not follow it. The faerie tried not to let the Centurion within the distance of a sword strike, trying to reach him with a gizora, and the kheilar, on the contrary, tried with all his might to shorten the distance, repeatedly flying at the wondrous one, pushing him to the wall.

The storm ended as quickly as it had risen. A few seconds ago, a whirlwind was spinning in the center, and the next moment two shadows darted along opposite sides of the hall and ... silence fell again on the cave, this time broken by the barely audible breathing of opponents.

They did not hurt each other and did not even out of breath. In the dark eyes of the wondrous lord, a spark of interest flared up brighter and brighter.

“I heard Lallin made amazing fighters. But I did not think that ... so much.

“He tried,” Arvil replied dryly. - With all the fanaticism and zeal approached the issue.

The sluagh's surprise was understandable. Few could compete with Ulinri Morfair in speed of reaction.

“Well…” The smile revealed the predatory, sharp teeth of the necromancer. – Shall we continue?

The mist rushed towards the heilar, entangling the bestial figure with a sticky film and trying to destroy, crush it with its power. Arvil only screwed up his eyes in a bad way and stared intently at his opponent, who almost immediately let out a short howl and grabbed his temples. Darkness broken glass on stone slabs. In a matter of seconds, the ghostly beast freed itself from its remnants and rushed forward. But the faerie had already recovered from the mental attack, raised his hand, and a translucent veil stood in the way of the Centurion. Despite her apparent fragility, the Heylar flew into her like a wall.

The battle continued for another half an hour with varying success. Either the sluagh pressed the Centurion, alternately attacking with magic or gizora, then Arvil seized the initiative and drove the sluagh into a corner. But in the end, they recognized that the forces are equal. Now. When none of the opponents fought to the death.

And it is unlikely that the primordial enemies would have laid out all their trump cards in a training fight.

Iryana

I stood at the mirror and critically examined the outfit. Bloomers and a loose-fitting shirt should be suitable for training. It seems like I don’t need to run and jump particularly actively, but I need to work with my head. Of course, that is still a problem, but I think I can handle it.

I thought - and snorted in response to my inner irony. To be honest, I had no idea what and how to do. At all. Since Arvil blocked his gift in me, there has not been the slightest sign of its manifestations. At times, I even thought that everything was a fantasy. And I was afraid that nothing would work. After all, this will jeopardize our plan and, more seriously, impose additional responsibilities on the Centurion. And I really wanted to help Arville at least a little.

There was a knock on the door. Fussed, I quickly tied my hair in a ponytail and rushed to open it. Diar, who was standing there, nodded in greeting and greeted him with a smile:

Hello, blonde beauty. Well, let's go to the gym, shall we?

– Are you with us? I was genuinely surprised, leaning against the jamb and looking at the foreman.

“I thought we would first have separate classes with Ar, where he would teach me how to feel the Heilars.

I don't know, Iryana. But the commander ordered to arrive at the training hall, and he knows what he is saying and doing.

It was hard to argue with that, so I closed the door to Vale and my rooms and followed the red-tailed one.

How is Lada? Diar asked after a while.

“Okay,” I shrugged. “But not yet completed the rebirth.

There was silence for several seconds, diluted only by our steps, and then the foreman briefly summarized:

- For a long time. I worry.

- Why?

Yes, I did not resist this question.

“Because,” the alchemist answered very clearly and succinctly, quickening his pace.

“Buka,” I said with my lips, but still smiled.

It's good that he's worried. Including for the heilar himself. They all need some kind of foothold in a new world for them. If for Diar, attachment to my chondria becomes such a support ... why not?

Near the training hall, we ran into the punctual Alishin. Leaning in a gallant bow, he politely said:

- Glad to see you, Lieta Iryana.

“My respects, mentor.

I bowed back, noticing automatically how different the two of them were. Dear and Alishin.

The fair-haired foreman with a half-bow opened the door for me. I knocked on the next sash and, sticking my head in the opening, asked:

“No,” solemnly, with a touch of malice, answered a voice from under the ceiling.

Ulin hung there in a strange web of dark threads. Swinging like in a hammock. The faerie was cheerful, impudent and, judging by the sparkling eyes, in a great mood.

“It’s scary to think where you had time to have fun, since you feel so good now,” I honestly stated, but the answer I received was not from the marvelous, but from Arville, who, in the form of a scaly beast, collapsed against the far wall.

“At my expense,” the Haylar yawned.

Everything is completely mutual! – the necromancer answered offended. “And don’t say that you didn’t get a kind of satisfaction from what happened!”

The last phrase was purred in such a meaningful voice, emphasizing "a kind of satisfaction", that I even coughed.

The lawlessness was stopped by Alishin, who resolutely but gently moved me out of the way. The foreman walked slowly to the center of the hall, stood in a wide position, crossed his arms over his chest, looked at us with a slightly haughty look and said coolly:

“I would like to remind you that we do not have much time, gentlemen. We haven't even started training. I am, of course, very pleased with your "kind of satisfaction", but it's time to come down from heaven to earth.

“It seems that I know which dragon’s blood is the strongest in you, Alishin,” drawled the faerie swinging under the ceiling. - Icy. The same bores!

- If this implies the absence of psychoses, scandals and inappropriate behavior - thanks for the compliment, - the foreman retorted with truly royal dignity.

- Thank you, Alishin! - here I could not stand the fiery one.

Under the ceiling, the fairies were sincerely neighing, which they really wanted to shake out of his cocoon and, ideally, roll well on the floor. Dragon legs, of course.

- Okay, joking and that's enough. - Arvil got up, stretched, waving his tail with a tassel, and slowly walked towards us. - Let's get started.

“Excellent,” I was delighted and stared enthusiastically into the violet eyes of the Heilar. - What to do?

- You? Nothing, - Ar surprised me and gave the foremen a very unusual order: - And you hold her.

- What?! I breathed out in shock.

At that moment, when the hands of Alishin and Diar closed on my elbows, I realized that I categorically did not like the situation. The comment “But he, however, is an entertainer,” flying from under the ceiling, added even more emotions to this explosive cocktail.

- Arvil, what's going on? I asked trying to stay calm.

“It’s all right,” he hissed soothingly. “You just need to unblock some of the brain centers responsible for your newly acquired abilities.

- It's lovely. Why keep me?

Yes-ah, here it is, the star question of tonight!

- It is necessary, - the Centurion answered extremely understandably and, most importantly, extremely reassuringly.

Ulinri explained everything, whom, as usual, no one asked. But when did that stop him?

– If you twitch, concentration may be lost, and he will unblock something superfluous in your head. Or block. All in all, it won't end well.

“What am I supposed to be bothered about?”

“It might hurt,” the Centurion admitted with a sigh.

- Unpleasant, of course, but why so scare even before the main action? I growled angrily. – And if I here with a fright turned into a dragon?

Oh, these warriors with their motto that “A securely fixed woman does not bring problems”!

- I wouldn't be able to. I'm already in your mind...

When he managed to do this, I did not have time to ask. It was just that the world around him faded, narrowed to dark pupils in the depths of the violet eyes of the Heilar.

Soon the darkness dissipated. I was surprised to find myself hanging in the void and Arvil - on the contrary.

- Well, what was it?

“That” hasn't happened yet. “It” hasn’t even started yet,” Arvil replied with a charming smile. – You and I are back in my head, on the training ground, so to speak.

- Wonderful. And how will it help us?

“I’ll show you how to look for the Heilars. And what to do. Let's form a mock-up of someone else's mind, and I'll teach you how to work with it.

Why not in real life?

- Irka, excuse me, of course, but I won’t give you any of the foremen to be torn to pieces. Yes, and ordinary, already recovered privates, too sorry.

Are you afraid I'll ruin everything? I snorted ironically.

“Considering that the said “everything” is the mind of my comrades, of course, I’m afraid,” Arvil replied seriously. - I just lack the weak-minded ... They are peculiar to me anyway.

“Agreed,” I nodded and looked around enthusiastically. - Well, where is your layout?

“Patience,” the Centurion raised his hands. - Why are you so hasty? Let's start with theory. Irka, close your eyes and try to feel those lights around you that you were talking about. The ones I saw in the city when you were being followed.

I obediently closed my eyes, trying to focus and see what heilar was talking about. A soft voice enveloped me, made me forget about everything except the goal.

“We're still in the training room, Iryana… we're still there. Next to you are two bright lights - foremen. Feel them. Touch...

Alas, there is only blackness around and nothing more. Not the slightest spark. Even the display didn't work for some reason. Couldn't even come up with it.

I swallowed the remark about why I had to force myself to be dragged out here if in the end I had to go back anyway. Okay… The body, then. What's wrong with my body now? Hanging in the hands of Diar and Alishin, and somewhere to the right dangles under the ceiling of Ulinri.

It began to work out. At first, I really felt the grip of strong fingers on my forearms, and then ... After that, I felt the warmth of other people's bodies. And then she saw the light. The foremen's auras sparkled with a soft amber glow. One side is colder than the other. Alishin? I mentally reached out to this light, passing through it and looking with surprise at the figure of a cheilar, as if wrapped in ropes from the web of arachne.

“Excellent,” Arville’s satisfied voice rang out in his head. - I saw it and even immediately began to be curious! But you and I don't need to come here, only healers of souls are shown this, they have to deal with it. So get out of Alishin's personal space and let's look around.

I obediently pulled away, moving away from the radiance and looking around with interest.

Diar, to be honest, aroused considerable interest and a desire to stick his nose behind the golden glow to see what kind of demons were gnawing at the soul of the red-haired poisoner. But with Are it was somehow embarrassing to be curious. And in general ... This is not entirely ethical.

I scanned Ulinri with my mind, wanting to see what the sluagh looked like in this new spectrum of vision for me. I saw. Impressed. Fairy was a solid ball of foggy darkness, which either took on human outlines, or was smeared in space. I mentally moved forward, wanting to study this phenomenon closer, but I was drawn by such an icy cold and the smell of grave earth that I rushed back to Arville.

– Wow, – shivering chilly, I shared my impressions.

“That's why I don't like it,” Ar briefly explained his attitude. - Vile. Really vile. It is only interesting what had to be done with him during his life in order to bring him to such a state.

“Do other fairies look different?”

- Certainly. They are different. Just this… Sluagh.

There was so much disgust and negativity in the word that I just sighed and asked:

– Iri, do you remember that we are still in Anli-Gissar? Imagine corridors, passages, stairs and halls. And in them - heilars and fairies.

Where is the promised layout? I asked for the sake of formality.

- You won't believe it! Heilar laughed softly. We are right in it! I'm just relating everything you see to the real world. And I show.

“Cunningly…” I closed my eyes with a deep sigh, allowing my even, insinuating voice to fill my consciousness.

- And now ... Imagine that you are going up and all the obstacles in the city are translucent and insignificant for you. Feel only the mental field.

And I felt... I glided with my inner eye through the levels of the city, noticed the lights and, approaching, tried to understand how they differ from each other.

“Ar… I don’t understand. They are all different in terms of brightness and general sensations from them. Is this a heilar?

- No, fairies.

How is he different from the ordinary? - I pointed to a nearby light, in my opinion, completely identical.

- Oh, from this pattern. See?

I looked honestly. To be honest, the stains on the aura did not explain anything.

- Those blue ones?

- And the little blue ones that I saw? ..

“The fact that this is a girl with the gift of turning into a boy,” the tailed one shocked me with revelations. “Because pink is stronger, I’m sure this creature is now in female form.

- How difficult it is! I exclaimed. “Ar, are you sure you can train me quickly?” How am I going to work with the rank and file if I can't tell the difference between a Heilar and a Fae?!

“This is first,” tried to console a friend. “It’s just that you haven’t caught the logic and the typical aura pattern of my people yet.

– Yes, how can you catch it, if it periodically differs from fairy tie only by a couple of squiggles?! Well, except for the sluagh. In its darkness you will not see any pattern ...

“First of all, we have our first introductory lesson. And secondly, thank everything, outside the city fairies are not found at every turn. So it's easier to search. Now I just showed how the search looks like.

It seems that the fact that no demon is not clear was clearly read in my voice.

- Okay, Irka, let's go ...

The return to the body was like a steep peak from the skies... And the sensations are as if I slowed down with myself, moreover, on the rocks!

I lay on the bed with my eyes closed.

To be honest, my solo workouts were more like walks of my own imagination. Somehow I could not believe that I really could see the auras of those who were in Anli-Gissar.

From what I remember from history, such abilities are almost a legend, and only semi-savage human tribes possessed them. In addition, this kind of enlightenment usually overtook them after special mushrooms and drumming.

At first, such rituals were considered by all progressive races as nothing more than pagan rites, but after one of the shamans of the north told the stray dragon everything that he saw in the aura, the opinion changed. The phenomenon was studied, but they could not understand. Yes, they also tried to eat mushrooms, but the testers saw anything under them, except for the cherished auras.

And that's it ... I have! Horror!

By the way… I wonder where Arvil has such abilities. It's not common feature all hailers? A gift exclusively from the Centurion. And if you remember that this race is, in fact, a killing machine, the question arises ... Why was he presented to the Centurion? If you think a little more, you can assume that to control subordinates. But is it?

And now I have this gift...

I suddenly went cold, imagining the possible prospects in colors. What if someone finds out about this? First of all, they will cut me into ribbons in the laboratory. Moreover, both local allies in the face of the ancient fairies, to whom the demon knows what will come into their heads, and opponents of any kind. And just fans of magical science.

And what to do? Ask Arville?

The panic seized me so much that the abilities activated as if from a kick. The body seemed to be thrown into the air, and I saw the corridors of Anli-Gissar, the multi-colored lights on its grid and ... my goal. An almost imperceptible purple spark. Compared to the fire that blazed with the auras of the fairies and foremen, Arvil was almost invisible. I wouldn't have paid attention to him if it hadn't happened... on its own. I just suddenly got close to the spark. So how does search work? Curious.

"Iryana? spark asked in surprise. - Wait, I'm just a second... Busy a little."

"Hello to you too, I said somewhat embarrassed. - I was brought here by chance to you. I wanted to talk."

"Accidentally? You are getting stronger fast- thoughtfully said the Centurion. - Is it dangerous. Slow down your impulses, baby."

“Actually, this is what I wanted to talk about. Arvil, what will happen to me now? Unique features have never done anyone any good.”

“Are you afraid? The friend chuckled knowingly. - There are two options. Either you develop your gift, or we block it, and you live peacefully on. Actually, if it bothers you too much, we can immediately put the new ability to sleep.

“But what about ordinary people? You have to look for them!"

"Something will think Arville waved him off. - I didn't really like the idea at first."

I thought. Truth thought. On the one hand, the danger of the gift. On the other hand, amazing prospects. Another thing that spoke in favor of the prospects was that if I refused now, I would, as planned, be sent to do some safe nonsense. And sorry, goodbye adventure! And adventures, what to hide, I really wanted to.

"Well, I do not!- I resolutely confirmed my readiness to die heroically on the barricades. - Once started - continue!

"I was waiting for you to say this,- in the voice of the Centurion, a smile was clearly heard. - And don’t worry, Iryana, I’ll figure out how to protect my sister by reason.”

“Reassuring. Listen, Ar, how did I find you? You're almost invisible."

“Firstly, you are tuned in to me. And secondly, I am open to you. Something like this".

“Set because we had a long mental conversation?”

"Smart girl. By the way, I have news for you, which I think will be very interesting. A few minutes ago, the door to Lilad's room was unlocked. I believe your chondria has completed its second transformation."

“What are you doing! I exclaimed happily and spun around. - How to return to your body?!”

"Just feel" Heilar laughed softly.

The first time I didn’t succeed, but after a few seconds I nevertheless opened my eyes and quickly jumped out of bed. Okay! More to Ladushka!

The distance was small, but I flew it in record time. She stopped, looking at the green entry panel, and, a little timidly, pressed. The door swung open with a soft rustle, letting me into a dimly lit room. I walked in, closing the door behind me, and clapped my hands:

The lights in the crystal balls began to shine a little brighter, allowing them to inspect the room in detail. M-yes ... as if I got into the cobweb again. Everything is braided with silky threads, and the thickest of all is in the corner of the room, where something like a cocoon hangs. Big cocoon...

- Lada? - I called, looking around, and ... suddenly I caught the sound of water, and only then I noticed strange streaks of mucus from the cocoon towards the bathroom door.

Oops…

What a relief! In the few seconds that have passed since the discovery of the cocoon, I managed to imagine in colors that my chondria has turned into a completely insane monster and now it may want to eat “mommy”.

- Wait a bit. I'll clean myself up and crawl out.

- Fine.

I looked around for an uncovered place to sit down. Didn't have time to get comfortable. The door creaked, a quiet clatter was heard, and in the opening was drawn ... um ... Lilad, of course.

“Oh-oh-oh…” I said in shock.

“I had the same reaction,” the girl replied with a sigh.

To the waist girl. And below is the plump reddish belly of the chondria.

- Wow - the second step! What then is the third?

- Arachnes know her ... - Lada answered gloomily. - This is rhetorical, if anything. I doubt purebred spiders would be aware of what I might mutate into. And you're right - the transformation is not over yet.

I stood up and approached, curiously examining the new look of the "daughter". It should be noted that even her upper half did not resemble a human child. Except proportions. And so ... Gray skin, black, very thick and hard even-looking hair-plaits, red eyes and sharp teeth, exposed in a smile. Plus small chitinous growths on the body and spikes on the elbows, collarbones and spine. In general - a predatory baby.

- Terrible? the girl asked sadly.

“More like a strange one,” I smiled and hesitantly reached out my hand to her hair. “But who is ordinary in this city?” So do not worry.

“Yes, you’re right,” Chondria breathed out and wrapped her arms around herself chillily. - It's cold for some reason.

I resolutely pulled off my top shirt and put it on a small one. In this form, she looked even more amusing. A kind of nightmare in a dangling shirt, who shivered chilly and rolled up his sleeves, stepping over with spider legs.

Lada yawned and resolutely declared:

- I'm going to sleep! Something is leaning.

- Of course of course! - I once again touched her hair, for some reason not daring to hug her on the move. Still, it was somehow easier to squeeze the little animal, albeit a very specific one. - When will you show up?

“I’m thinking of going out for dinner,” the girl said hesitantly. - I am not sure.

“Lada, if Diar finds out that you have woken up and you don’t appear, he will take out the door,” I said quite seriously. Our red-haired cook was very worried.

- Yes? - the little girl was genuinely surprised, and then somehow smiled too much in an adult way. “Ah, well, of course, your favorite laboratory material is out of reach.

To say that my jaw dropped is an understatement.

– Lada, what laboratory material? He treats you differently!

“Iryana, you too idealize both the Heilars in general and individual representatives of this wonderful race,” Chondria shook her head. But I don't want to argue. So see you tonight.

The sliding doors creaked softly. I abruptly sat down and, turning around, saw a tired husband, who, leaning his back against the wall, was just pulling off his shoes from his feet.
- Good evening, - I smiled, rising and approaching my husband.
He raised his head, smiled tiredly at me and pulled me to him buried his hands in his hair. He stroked his cheeks, looking strangely into his eyes, and kissed him gently.
- Hello, little one.
- Tired? I rubbed my cheek against his fingers.
“I’m tired,” my husband admitted, sliding to my ear and starting to gently stroke it. - But you are near and strength returns to me ...
- Mm-m-m ... - I snuggled closer, and rubbed my hip against his hips. - Yes, I feel it.
Veil slid his hands up my back, stopped at my buttocks, and squeezed imperiously. A lazy smile slowly slipped across my husband’s lips, and his eyes sparkled, which made my heart stop for a moment, and then beat with redoubled force. Veil grabbed me, helping to wrap his legs around his waist and firmly squeezing his hands on his body, forcefully pulled me to him and dug into his lips. passionate kiss. There was no trace of tenderness left.
I don't even remember how we got to the bed. Just a brief moment of flight, and after that I was greeted by the soft embrace of a feather bed, and my husband hung on top, looking all the same unbearably depraved look. Unbearably hot... unbearably exciting.
I reached out my hands, quickly undoing the buttons on the dragon's shirt, but with a low growl, he pulled away and pulled it over his head. The shirt flew over my head and hung over the head of the bed.
For a few seconds I admired the body of the dragon. Cast muscle, white skin through which veins show through ... the outlines of blue scales appearing. On the chest, sides and along the contours of the face.
I put my hand down, watching my skin flake into golden scales and my nails lengthen and thicken. She playfully scratched her belly with her claws, sliding down and down…until Veil growled and we rolled across the bed in a playful struggle. Then he turned out to be on top, imperiously pressing me to the mattress, and kissing me so that all thoughts were blown out of my head, then I, quietly purring with pleasure and arching under the caresses, suddenly bucked and with one throw got out from under my husband to quickly knock him over on his back and saddle. He just grinned and folded his arms over his head, showing that he gives me freedom.
"I'd tie you up.. to complete the picture," I muttered, running my tongue along his neck and biting his collarbones.
“We’ll talk about that a little later,” the dragon replied in a breathless voice.
- About what? I innocently drawled, sliding lower and lower, covering my chest with kisses and sensitively scratching my abs and sides.
“About who will tie whom and how and what they will do after,” Veil answered with growling notes in his voice and, putting his hand into my hair, imperiously pulled even lower, hinting at his desires.
I just chuckled and, rising up, looked at him playfully, licking my lips in a demonstrative way.
- True true?
At this, the patience of the temperamental dragon ended and they clearly showed me that yes, it’s true, and not even later, but right now.

Mur-mur-mur, - I drawled, touching my husband's wet neck with my nose.
- Moore? - he said and scratched me behind the ear.
- Me-ya-ya, - I diversified cat sounds, and got up, leaning on my elbows and looking at my husband. Red, disheveled, slightly scratched and even bitten. Pleased. My. He smiled slightly, and leaving his ear alone, stroked his cheek, fleetingly touched his lips with his index finger and, taking his chin, pulled him towards him, kissing imperiously.
“What a great evening,” my husband muttered, after the kiss, burying his face in my hair.
- Are you going to have a day off tomorrow?
- I can not…
- Well Ve-e-ail! When was the last time you and I had a date?
“Ummm…” the dragon thought seriously.
“Never,” I told him, and said. - Honey, I want a date!
- Iryana! - although the man's face was serious, giggles danced in his blue eyes and this inspired him.
- What about Iryana? Iryana understands that Anli-Gissar is in a semi-military position and in general everything is very serious. But that doesn't change the fact that she wants a date!
- Mmmm ... - Rinvale thought, and then nodded to his thoughts and stood up. He stretched, which is why I fell into prostration for a few seconds, admiring the magnificent body. The dragon said without turning around. - Get dressed!
- Where?! - I was even a little taken aback, because right now, exhausted after sex, I didn’t want to run anywhere.
- How where? On a date!
- Husband, and husband ... - I called apprehensively. - You are sure?
“I’m sure,” the dragon assured happily, and picking up the barely audibly squeaking me in his arms, he dragged me into the bath.
Contrary to our custom, we got out of the bathroom very quickly. Apparently, at the moment, the idea of ​​a date captured my precious more than his naked wife at arm's length. Although the naked wife, who did not want to go anywhere, took the most attractive poses. It didn't work, so I came out of the bath a little puffed up.
“Here are the women,” Rinvale threw a towel over my head. - At first she suffers that she lacks romance, surprise and dates. And when I provide her with all this right away, what happens with us? Dissatisfied pug we have going on!
- Satisfied pug, satisfied, - looking out from under the towel, I assured the spouse, fearing that his mood would suddenly disappear and we would still go anywhere. Moreover, I had already perked up a little, and what to hide, the further, the more curious it became, what Mr. Tsai Tirlin came up with!
- That's wonderful, - the man smiled brightly and joyfully and ran to get dressed. True, I was very surprised when things flew out of the closet in my direction. - This is the dress!
- For what? - I asked dumbfounded, looking at the special enchanted clothes intended for trips to the mountains. Faeries had bewitched her from cold and water, and now you could even sleep in a snowdrift in this.
- Surprise, - such a spontaneous and creative husband mysteriously told.
Suddenly, I felt that I was letting go of wariness and some laziness, but was embraced by impatient enthusiasm. After all, I am a fire dragon!
We got dressed almost at the same time. Vail buttoned his jacket, grabbed my elbow and we left the room. Ten minutes of travel through the deserted corridors of Anli-Hissar, which barely perceptibly sparkled, giving just enough light to see counters and not hit the walls.
I took a deep breath... the smell of dust and desolation still hung in the air, but it became less and less pronounced. The city was coming to life… Filled with smells and sounds… now it was listening to our soft footsteps.
Still, I believed that Anli-Gissar was somewhat alive and sane. There are too many hopes, dreams, pain and disappointments in it. Emotions soak into the walls ... give birth to a semblance of consciousness.
- What are you thinking about? Veil asked softly, who did not raise his voice, as if catching my inner state and unwillingness to break the silence of the corridors except with footsteps.
“About the city,” I admitted. - About the fact that I associate it with a living being.
“These are fairy tales,” Veil grunted a little audibly. “Though the Heilars believe it too, I suppose it has to do with their attitude towards this place. For them, this is not just a HOUSE, for them it is ... almost a cradle. Together with mother.
“You don’t believe because you are a scientist,” I sighed. - Realist! Although it would seem that the similarity of consciousness in some things has long been proven.
- Of course. But do not forget that it did not just appear, it was laid down by the creators. Moreover, in the lion's share of cases, this consciousness used to be the consciousness of a living being.
- As you say.
I decided not to argue. Meaning? All the same, everyone will have their own opinion, and I may also be upset.
- Came.
Veil stopped at an unremarkable wall and began to grope intently.
- Where? And what are you looking for? - I immediately showed curiosity due to the occasion.
- To the exit to the mountains. I'm looking for a panel. You have to open the door somehow.
The search was quickly successful. The wall first dimly lit up, and then a sparkling panel appeared on it. I saw only strange circles, dashes and symbols there, but my husband understood much better along the way. In any case, he was not surprised or confused, but dialed some kind of cunning combination, from which the color of the panel changed from poisonous purple to blue, and part of the wall simply disappeared into thin air.
- What did you think? Just fly?
- Just? Eh, Iryana, how can you underestimate your spouse so much?
- Well, well, well, - I raised my palms in surrender with a quiet laugh. - I give up. So what?!
- Curious mine.
Curious was kissed on the tip of her nose and pulled out. And outside it was amazing. The cold air hugged the body, tossed the hair and pinched the cheeks with frost, finally driving away any laziness or drowsiness.
- Whale! I didn't give up.
- Well, - the required dramatic pause was sustained and finally solemnly told. - We will introduce you to the entertainment of those times when I served in the army.
- What-o-o-o?! - I said in amazement, imagining in colors what kind of entertainment there could be. - Veil, are you sure that it is appropriate to join them with me?
- Of course, - the dragon smiled shalo and pressed me to his side, raised his hand to the sky. - How beautiful, right? .. You know, I'm very used to the sky. So much so that at home it was already perceived as something ordinary. It has always been there. In rooms with crystal ceilings, on balconies, to which you only need to open the door and you will find yourself under an endless dome in which the northern lights dance forever.
- It's not like that, is it? I asked softly, pressing my cheek against his jacket. - There is an underground city, underground laboratories ... and even the sky here is black and starry. There are no favorite lights.
- Yes ... Although, you know, I began to find my charms in this darkness. The mountains themselves sparkle with snow and silver in the light of the moon, so ... yes, the starry abyss has its own madness that creeps into the soul. I like looking at her.
I frowned, and even stopped enjoying the big hand in my hair.
- Do you watch it often?
The palm froze. A few seconds were very quiet, dark and ... star-cold.
“It happens,” the husband finally answered.
There were two issues that bothered me. Or maybe even one, because you can't tell where one ends and another begins. Veil is often outside without me. Looks at the sky and thinks. He's probably thinking. So something very, very burdensome to him ... and I even know what.
Now I really wanted to ask my husband to take me with him on such walks, but ... but that would be wrong. It is not good to deprive the dragon of the opportunity to be alone when he so desires it.
And therefore...
I rubbed my cheek against his fingers, brushed my knuckles with my lips, and whispered.
- Do not go too far ... into the starry abyss.
- Where am I without you? - a smile was heard in her husband's voice, and confidence was felt in strong hugs.
- That's wonderful.
“Something you are depressed,” Veil lightly flicked my nose. - Let's go!
- Yes, where?
“Where else can dragons go, Iryana?” - the husband laughed and pointed to the sky. - Of course up! To the top.
I moved away from the long-closed entrance to the foothill city, and measured the rock with my eyes. She stretched her arms, released her claws and, admiring how they sparkled green in the moonlight, she said.
- Shall we go?
- Flying is too easy!

Earlier in my life, of course, there was mountaineering, but not so ... wild. But it turns out that when you climb relying only on your body, this is an incomparable pleasure. Something primal wakes up in your soul when you crawl up, pressing against the rock with your whole body, feeling how your fingers ache, launched into cracks on the stone, and how strong wind whips on your back at this height. Having reached the next ledge, on which it was possible to rest a little without spitting with hands and feet for everything that falls under them.
- Uf-f-f ... - I leaned back against the rock and looked sideways at my husband, told. - Do you have original ideas about romantic dates?
- Don't you like it? - slyly squinted the dragon. - It seems to me that all the components of romance are available.
- What is it? I tossed a strand of hair out of my face.
- Well, how! Night, starry sky, mountains, full moon, I’m wonderful near ... and I’ll even feed you dinner! - the husband from somewhere fished out something in a rag. The rag was solemnly unwrapped and I was served one already quite crumpled sandwich. The husband himself immediately launched his teeth into the second.
I took mine, twirled it around and shrugged my shoulders and began to eat. A smile crept across his lips. After half a minute of stifled giggles, I still broke down and burst out laughing.
- What?! Rinvale exclaimed in mock indignation.
“Nothing,” I laughed and kissed him on the cheek. - you are the best best husband in the world.
- It is debatable, but now I will believe your sweet lie.
- Why is this a lie? I, for your information, was sincere as ever.
- You were bribed by that marvelous sandwich, - the dragon remained adamant and got up. He stood for a while, stretching his knees and feet, and turning around, asked. - Rested a little?
“Yes,” I also stood up and hugged Veil from behind, hiding behind him from the wind.
- Then climb higher. When I flew here I saw a very convenient route for my idea and a starting point.
Realizing that my husband would definitely not tell about the essence of the upcoming, I just sighed and expressed my readiness to crawl further.
We reached the promised site after half an hour. During this time, I managed to peel off my fingers, once breaking loose and only miraculously managing to cling to a ledge and shudder a little in the wind. Plus, we didn’t manage to linger at the place of the next short rest, because a snow-ice “peak” hanging from above fell on us. So now it was unpleasantly wet and cold behind my collar, for the snow had melted from the heat of the body, but this did not relieve the consequences.
So I got out to the top, not in such a romantic-lyrical mood, in which I started climbing.
Weil helped him up, twirled him around, examined him critically, and quickly healed his hands and dried his shirt.
- Well, are you ready?
To be honest - not very much. But I modestly kept silent about this. Active recreation with her husband was becoming more and more menacing.
- Certainly!
Optimism is everything. Amen.
- Wonderful. Then now we will make “boards”.
- What? - curiosity pecked through the pressure of circumstances and showed its nose again.
“Look,” Veil just winked and headed for the nearest ice cliff. He placed his hands on it and closed his eyes. A short spell and the ice began to glow with a bluish-silver light, and in the center of the block, the contours more and more clearly appeared ... yes, in fact, just the boards. Only icy and streamlined. The ice floe parted and in the hands of Rinvale was ... in fact, what is it?
- Meet me, this is a board, - as if having read my thoughts, Vail “introduced” us, and running his hand along a strange ice toy, laid a beautiful floral ornament on its surface. - Will be yours!
I took a heavy ice floe, and put its tip on the toe of my boot.
- Honey, you intrigue more and more!
As practice has shown, placing ice floes one and a half meters long on the fingers is not worth it, and quietly hissing in pain, I quickly rearranged it on the stones.
In the meantime, the husband melted another board out of the same icy rock. He looked at him critically and, dispensing with decorations, grabbed his armpit and briskly headed for the cliff.
I cautiously approached him and looked down. There began a slope with a slight slope.
- Here! - the spouse gestured around the field for activity with a wide gesture. - Great track for beginners!
- And what to do?
- Look.
Weil put down the board, which, oddly enough, hovered literally a couple of centimeters above the stones and, running his palm along the soles of his boots, froze them to the board.
I did the same, and shivering a little, I felt that now I couldn’t move my feet even if I wanted to.
- And now ... - the dragon grinned and smoothly slid down from the edge of the cliff. Cutting through the snow, I drove several tens of meters and, with a turn, slowed down, waved my hand, calling for me.
I shivered, and then shifted my body weight to my front foot, and my board smoothly slid onto the snow and flew forward rapidly.
Thank the dragon blood, everything was fine with my sense of balance, and therefore I quickly grasped the principles of controlling this strange thing. And yes, Great Dragon, how amazing it was!
Nothing compares to the experience... except that free fall used to give me just as much pleasure.
Woo-woo-woo! - I yelled happily, making another turn.

We woke up in the afternoon: the sun was so hot that it became hot. Fatigue was gone, but we got up with groans and complaints of pain in the body. Yet we are not accustomed to spending the night on frozen ground. Dragons are not dragons, but the muscles hurt!

We drove not so randomly ... but almost. The fact is that the road went from the village, then there was a fork, and I did not remember where we turned in a hurry.

“To the right,” prompted the clever Ar.

“That means everything is right,” she smiled with relief, because seven miles is not a detour only for a rabid dog.

If you believe old map on a tapestry, by tomorrow night they should reach the city of Virin.

The day passed so calmly that in the evening we slowed down and now we just rode at a pace, admiring the scenery and generally being in a marvelously peaceful mood. Therefore, the arrow that whistled in front of my very nose was a oh-oh-very big surprise.

- Stand! A helmeted head emerged from the bushes and continued menacingly: “In the name of the Empress of the Primordial Empire, you are under arrest!”

“We are standing,” Cree obediently held the mare and looked with benevolent curiosity at the helmet in the bushes. - And, in fact, for what?

“Now,” the warrior promised and left. Well, or rolled out ... What is the name of the process of movement of a person with a complexion of a bun?

– Dragons? - importantly smoothed his mustache, drew himself up and he asked.

“Let’s do it,” we agree amiably.

Then I caught a barely audible rustle in a nearby tree and sharply tossed my head. She saw a barely noticeable gleam of chain mail, then a crossbow, and commanded:

“Cree, in the tree!”

“Already,” the dragon nodded understandingly.

"Irka! Leave quickly!!! Arvil suddenly shouted. - Fast!"

"But what? .." - she began in confusion, not understanding how dangerous these overly arrogant robbers could be.

Cree suddenly hurled the pinkish orbs at another tree and thicket opposite. There were two short cries, but we did not have time to spur the horses and run away. A crushing force fell on the mind, it began to darken in the eyes, and it took great effort not to lose consciousness.

"What more!" the Sleeper growled angrily, and the heaviness disappeared. Judging by how relieved Criona sighed, it wasn't just me.

We looked ahead and saw on the road a tall, graceful figure with piercing blue eyes and hair the color of old silver. The tail was not visible because of the long cloak. Your own mother!

Judging by the turns of Arville's speech, he shared my opinion, although he expressed his attitude to the situation somewhat more expressively.

“Dragons,” the Heylar standing opposite grinned evilly. - That's right.

– And how do you smell them?! another soldier was amazed.

I cautiously looked around and realized that it was bad. Apparently, it really was the imperial guard. Full combat ten. That is at least three mages.

“By what right were we detained?” The red-haired woman tossed her head arrogantly.

“Completely blossomed, bastards,” snorted the first one that distracted us. "Nothing, we'll find a way for you!"

"I'll tell you," Sheridan laughed softly. “For setting fire to a village and attacking a peaceful vacationer in my person.

“Everything will pay off for you,” the mage in dark clothes promised sullenly, playing with a knife through which scarlet sparks ran, and looking at us hopefully. - Completely blossomed, winged ones. Kill in broad daylight. A week ago, they ruined the castle of the local lord - also the work of your hands ?! They've all been slaughtered, you bastards! Who was not immediately killed - burned!

She went cold from the described horrors, and then choked with indignation. Oh he's a bastard! He's setting people on us! But… Veil said that magicians must understand that these are not dragons! We look different!

"It's not us," Cree shook her head, turning pale. - You are not right. Dragons are an intelligent and peaceful race. We do not fight or kill for no reason.

“Why listen to them,” the round little man spat on the ground. - Finish and let's go. The task was completed.

“No, they need to be brought to the authorities,” the kheylar slowly moved towards us.

But Cher! – the mage in black was indignant.

“No, Dir,” objected the foreman. - We have an order: to find and capture the winged ones. If they don't resist, capture them.

"Maybe they'll start?" Dir looked at us hopefully.

We were in no hurry to indulge his bloodthirsty plans.

It's obvious they did it! Dragons!

There was a sound of wings overhead. Then a white lizard landed between us and the warriors and roared shortly:

“Dragons, yes!” But I set fire to the village!

Then everything fell apart quickly, as if someone had released hitherto pent-up impulses. Sheridan's blue eyes filled with crimson madness. He threw something at Ollie, who crouched down, passing an incomprehensible dirty trick over him, and breathed a flame on the heilar. Dir immediately threw a sparkling artifact into the dragon's mouth. Goldmane choked and coughed up smoke.

"Let's go!" Arville commanded sharply.

"Olly!" I objected.

"There's nothing you can do," the Sleeper growled back. “You will only interfere!”

“You know, Ar, I don’t care what you think! I won't throw it away!"

"Stupid!" - the Sleeper described me unflatteringly.

"Not really".

I jumped off the horse and slapped my hand hard on the rump. The mare snorted and darted forward. I hope the smart horse does not turn off the road.

“It’s just, you see… If you have a must, I have a want. And I want at least something to remain unchanged. For example, that I will not betray.

"Then I have small question... - deceptively affectionately began my personal heilar and suddenly growled furiously: - What can you do ?!"

“Nothing special,” she answered calmly and reincarnated.

On the move, Ollie casually touched me with his tail and roared furiously:

- Take it away!

“What did I say,” the Sleeper commented phlegmatically. “Your impulse was not appreciated, chicken.”

"I won't actually do anything."

She jumped up, rose higher with a few swings, mentally asked the forest for forgiveness and purposefully spat into a pile of branches and leaves behind the back of the main group of attackers. Now they had to think not only about how to kill the white dragon, but also about how not to burn out. Then it flew higher, dived and swept quite low over the road, causing the horses of the two horsemen who were blocking the withdrawal of Crione, shied to the sides. The friend was not at a loss: she threw flasks with some kind of alchemical rubbish under the feet of the pawns. They crashed, and the unconscious warriors fell to the ground. The redhead whipped the horse, hiding in the smoke and dust.

Taking a parting look at the battlefield and noting the absence of Sheridan, I decided that now the icy one will definitely cope. She turned and flew towards the outfield, where my mare whistled, whose mental capacity I, as it turned out, fairly overestimated.

She landed next to her, frightening the poor animal, and for another five minutes she ran across the field after the cowardly horse. During this time, Criona arrived. The first thing she did was to express her honest opinion about me.

– Do you have any idea what you are doing? The redhead glared angrily in her eyes and held back the prancing horse, eager to break into a gallop. - Irka, if I had not covered you with shields, these frisky guys would have stuffed you with arrows in the first half minute after the turn!

There was nothing to answer.

“Irka, when will you learn to think?” - did not fail to "drip on the brains" Arvil.

He turned out to be such a boring curmudgeon!

“About the same time when you start telling the truth and answering questions,” she snapped, feeling like just a rare idiot. And not to say that I liked it.

However, so many mistakes...

“Yes, not much,” the Sleeper said unexpectedly affectionately, and a strange warmth enveloped me, from which it became easier to breathe, and evil tears of resentment receded. – Irka, we all grow up and learn. And… I'm sorry, it's my fault. Shouldn't have said that. And without me, there will be enough of those who point out mistakes and comment on them evilly.

As usual, from sympathy, I was even more imbued with compassion for myself, my beloved, so wonderful, not understood by anyone.

"You're so funny," the Haylar snorted softly. “Maybe that’s why I don’t regret being associated with you. You are real".

"In terms of?" - I immediately forgot about the sorrows under the influence of curiosity.

“Well…” the Sleeper thought. - It is hard to explain. You are like a young fox. It seems that he understands that it is impossible and dangerous, but he still sticks his nose everywhere. And so ... childish. You are still a child, after all."

“Well, what should I answer to this, so as not to confirm? she asked rhetorically, following Kryona, turning her horse towards the nearest village. Apparently, the fiery one is up to something. “If I say no, that will be the strongest confirmation.”

"Say yes!"

“I won’t say anything,” I said with dignity. “And I will be like an adult.”

Arvil laughed merrily, and a smile never left my lips.

No matter what anyone says, I like being like that. And I'm not going to change myself for the sake of someone else's opinion. Even my beloved husband.

Life is very effective at knocking childhood out of us. Therefore, I will try not to part with him as long as possible. After all, this is not only naivety and gullibility. This is brightness. Any event, any sensation, any taste - these are thousands of different shades. And this is happiness. Living and enjoying life is wonderful! I guess that's why faeries are so... Eternal children.

“Good thoughts,” agreed the wind of dreams. “You know, it’s very interesting and pleasant for me to watch you. You are everything that has never happened in my life. In our. I look and realize the inferiority ... "

I did not have time to answer, as there was a whistle of air under the wings and a white dragon descended in front of us a little heavily. Crione cursed and stopped the horse. I had to follow her lead. And what about options?

A second later, instead of a huge reptile, a tall man with snow-white disheveled hair and bright yellow eyes stood in front.

“Well, they got down,” Sane grinned promisingly and quickly walked towards us.

The redhead quickly jumped off the horse. I, obeying the pleading look, followed her example.

Kryona leaned over to the mares and slapped their rump sharply, apparently applying a magical impulse as they neighed nervously and rushed forward.

Fiery quickly turned around and began to open the portal. Ollie jumped, letting the animals pass under him, which bought us the seconds we needed to escape. But not enough...

The dragon landed on its haunches, flashed amber eyes from under its brows, straightened up sharply, scattering silky strands along its back, in which silver gave way to gold every second. The one called Goldenmane roared:

- Stand!

Before I could open my mouth, Cree grabbed me by the collar and pulled me into the sparkling portal.

Even so, we wouldn't be able to leave because Ollie was too close to the teleport that hadn't closed yet. But already in a whirlwind of sparks, I saw how a strange dragon of dark silver color, with a mane and tail, landed in the distance. Ollisane whirled around and quickly turned around.

Right. Limit interests take precedence. So long, boys.

The fiery one released me and collapsed to her knees, breathing heavily.

- Did you carry it far? I asked semi-affirmatively.

The girl just nodded and whispered weakly:

- There should be a village, and two hours away - Big City. Let's get lost.

- Let's go, my beauty.

I helped my friend to her feet, and we staggered towards the lights of the windows that could be seen in the distance.

“I hope not so far from the destination,” the Sleeper sighed and finished almost audibly: “And I doubly hope that my relatives and the one who controls them have not yet reached here.”

“You will tell me everything today,” she promised grimly to her personal schizophrenia.

“Where am I going?!”

“Where are you from me now,” I agreed philosophically. "By the way, why does Sheridan want to kill me so much?"

“I explained. But other than that, it seems to have a setting for all dragons in general. Did you see the eyes? Combat mode of my race. Works only on the orders of the master.

“Do the reasonable have those who can order them, regardless of the opinion? An entire race…”

“But there are not so many of us,” the Sleeper said sadly. “And we… are made that way.” We must have owners. But the watchdogs turned out to be smarter than the creators expected. And stronger."

"Confused even more."

“You ask, I answer. Isn't that what you dreamed about?"

“Our desires are not always fulfilled the way we want. The more data, the more questions.”

"Natural state".

I again saw an unfamiliar brunette in front of my inner gaze, this time not only a face, but a flash picture. The man, balancing his arms and tail, carefully stepped along a thin semi-precious ribbon over a dark abyss. Abyss. You can't see the bottom or the sky. The walls glowed faintly with blue sparks in the black stone, in the glow of azure butterflies fluttering around. He turned around impulsively, as if sensing his gaze, and I stared in surprise into bright purple eyes.

She stumbled in surprise and almost fell along with the exhausted Cree.

"Iri, are you okay?"

She looked at me worriedly and gently shook my shoulder, bringing me back to reality.

"Yes," she smiled weakly. “There was just so much…

The redhead only nodded in response, and we continued on our way.

“It seemed to me or?..” – Ar asked hesitantly after a while.

"Probably not. Otherwise, we have collective hallucinations…”

"Funny."

As if with my own eyes, I saw that the abyss around the heilar had shrunk to the size of a small hall, and the Sleeper, hovering in the air, gently sank onto the sparkling floor.

"Now too?"

“Yes,” she answered shortly, trying not to concentrate on Anli-Gissar, since in reality there was a road under her feet, and stones on it.

There was no answer. Just Arvil closed his eyes and the hall began to plunge into darkness, gradually disappearing from my mind, giving way to reality.

Funny... What was that?

And... I saw Arville again. Strange and alien. And not only because of the tail. Just different. Elongated face, incredible bright slanting eyes. Graceful, flexible, swift. Dangerous.

"You're right," echoed back to me. We are weapons. The most perfect thing in this world."

And it fell into very bad hands.

How to return the rebellious Heylars to Anli-Hissar? How to cut the threads connecting them with the unknown puppeteer? Will the mental gift Iryana received from the Centurion help keep the three empires calm and find the traitor? And among the battles, political games and sharp picks with the ancient snarky fairies, will there be time for the most important thing: love? It is not easy to defend your feelings, but at the same time to marry best friends. But if for this you have to teach good manners to presumptuous dragons and arrogant necromancers - well ... Iryana can handle it. There can be no doubt about this.

The work was published in 2017 by the Eksmo publishing house. This book is part of the Magical Worlds series. On our site you can download the book "Happy Dragon Marriage. Return Home" in fb2, rtf, epub, pdf, txt format or read online. The rating of the book is 5 out of 5. Here, before reading, you can also refer to the reviews of readers who are already familiar with the book and find out their opinion. In the online store of our partner you can buy and read the book in paper form.

Current page: 4 (the book has a total of 13 pages) [available reading excerpt: 3 pages]

Chapter 4

I lay on the bed with my eyes closed.

To be honest, my solo workouts were more like walks of my own imagination. Somehow I could not believe that I really could see the auras of those who were in Anli-Gissar.

From what I remember from history, such abilities are almost a legend, and only semi-savage human tribes possessed them. In addition, this kind of enlightenment usually overtook them after special mushrooms and drumming.

At first, such rituals were considered by all progressive races as nothing more than pagan rites, but after one of the shamans of the north told the stray dragon everything that he saw in the aura, the opinion changed. The phenomenon was studied, but they could not understand. Yes, they also tried to eat mushrooms, but the testers saw anything under them, except for the cherished auras.

And that's it ... I have! Horror!

By the way… I wonder where Arvil has such abilities. This is not a common feature of all Heilars, is it? A gift exclusively from the Centurion. And if you remember that this race is, in fact, a killing machine, the question arises ... Why was he presented to the Centurion? If you think a little more, you can assume that to control subordinates. But is it?

And now I have this gift...

I suddenly went cold, imagining the possible prospects in colors. What if someone finds out about this? First of all, they will cut me into ribbons in the laboratory. Moreover, both local allies in the face of the ancient fairies, to whom the demon knows what will come into their heads, and opponents of any kind. And just fans of magical science.

And what to do? Ask Arville?

The panic seized me so much that the abilities activated as if from a kick. The body seemed to be thrown into the air, and I saw the corridors of Anli-Gissar, the multi-colored lights on its grid and ... my goal. An almost imperceptible purple spark. Compared to the fire that blazed with the auras of the fairies and foremen, Arvil was almost invisible. I wouldn't have paid attention to him if it hadn't happened... on its own. I just suddenly got close to the spark. So how does search work? Curious.

"Iryana? spark asked in surprise. - Wait, I'm just a second... Busy a little."

"Hello to you too, I said somewhat embarrassed. - I was brought here by chance to you. I wanted to talk."

"Accidentally? You are getting stronger fast- thoughtfully said the Centurion. - Is it dangerous. Slow down your impulses, baby."

“Actually, this is what I wanted to talk about. Arvil, what will happen to me now? Unique features have never done anyone any good.”

“Are you afraid? The friend chuckled knowingly. - There are two options. Either you develop your gift, or we block it, and you live peacefully on. Actually, if it bothers you too much, we can immediately put the new ability to sleep.

“But what about ordinary people? You have to look for them!"

"Something will think Arville waved him off. - I didn't really like the idea at first."

I thought. Truth thought. On the one hand, the danger of the gift. On the other hand, amazing prospects. Another thing that spoke in favor of the prospects was that if I refused now, I would, as planned, be sent to do some safe nonsense. And sorry, goodbye adventure! And adventures, what to hide, I really wanted to.

"Well, I do not!- I resolutely confirmed my readiness to die heroically on the barricades. - Once started - continue!

"I was waiting for you to say this,- in the voice of the Centurion, a smile was clearly heard. - And don’t worry, Iryana, I’ll figure out how to protect my sister by reason.”

“Reassuring. Listen, Ar, how did I find you? You're almost invisible."

“Firstly, you are tuned in to me. And secondly, I am open to you. Something like this".

“Set because we had a long mental conversation?”

"Smart girl. By the way, I have news for you, which I think will be very interesting. A few minutes ago, the door to Lilad's room was unlocked. I believe your chondria has completed its second transformation."

“What are you doing! I exclaimed happily and spun around. - How to return to your body?!”

"Just feel" Heilar laughed softly.

The first time I didn’t succeed, but after a few seconds I nevertheless opened my eyes and quickly jumped out of bed. Okay! More to Ladushka!

The distance was small, but I flew it in record time. She stopped, looking at the green entry panel, and, a little timidly, pressed. The door swung open with a soft rustle, letting me into a dimly lit room. I walked in, closing the door behind me, and clapped my hands:

The lights in the crystal balls began to shine a little brighter, allowing them to inspect the room in detail. M-yes ... as if I got into the cobweb again. Everything is braided with silky threads, and the thickest of all is in the corner of the room, where something like a cocoon hangs. Big cocoon...

- Lada? - I called, looking around, and ... suddenly I caught the sound of water, and only then I noticed strange streaks of mucus from the cocoon towards the bathroom door.

Oops…

What a relief! In the few seconds that have passed since the discovery of the cocoon, I managed to imagine in colors that my chondria has turned into a completely insane monster and now it may want to eat “mommy”.

- Wait a bit. I'll clean myself up and crawl out.

- Fine.

I looked around for an uncovered place to sit down. Didn't have time to get comfortable. The door creaked, a quiet clatter was heard, and in the opening was drawn ... um ... Lilad, of course.

“Oh-oh-oh…” I said in shock.

“I had the same reaction,” the girl replied with a sigh.

To the waist girl. And below is the plump reddish belly of the chondria.

- Wow - the second step! What then is the third?

- Arachnes know her ... - Lada answered gloomily. - This is rhetorical, if anything. I doubt purebred spiders would be aware of what I might mutate into. And you're right - the transformation is not over yet.

I stood up and approached, curiously examining the new look of the "daughter". It should be noted that even her upper half did not resemble a human child. Except proportions. And so ... Gray skin, black, very thick and hard even-looking hair-plaits, red eyes and sharp teeth, exposed in a smile. Plus small chitinous growths on the body and spikes on the elbows, collarbones and spine. In general - a predatory baby.

- Terrible? the girl asked sadly.

“More like a strange one,” I smiled and hesitantly reached out my hand to her hair. “But who is ordinary in this city?” So do not worry.

“Yes, you’re right,” Chondria breathed out and wrapped her arms around herself chillily. - It's cold for some reason.

I resolutely pulled off my top shirt and put it on a small one. In this form, she looked even more amusing. A kind of nightmare in a dangling shirt, who shivered chilly and rolled up his sleeves, stepping over with spider legs.

Lada yawned and resolutely declared:

- I'm going to sleep! Something is leaning.

- Of course of course! - I once again touched her hair, for some reason not daring to hug her on the move. Still, it was somehow easier to squeeze the little animal, albeit a very specific one. - When will you show up?

“I’m thinking of going out for dinner,” the girl said hesitantly. - I am not sure.

“Lada, if Diar finds out that you have woken up and you don’t appear, he will take out the door,” I said quite seriously. Our red-haired cook was very worried.

- Yes? - the little girl was genuinely surprised, and then somehow smiled too much in an adult way. “Ah, well, of course, your favorite laboratory material is out of reach.

To say that my jaw dropped is an understatement.

– Lada, what laboratory material? He treats you differently!

“Iryana, you too idealize both the Heilars in general and individual representatives of this wonderful race,” Chondria shook her head. But I don't want to argue. So see you tonight.

The girl crawled onto the bed and, making a rumbling sound, wrapped herself in a blanket with obvious pleasure.

I went out into the corridor, stood for a few seconds and, shrugging my shoulders, muttered to myself:

- Teenagers...

Yeah, with all their characteristic maximalism. I wonder why I am haunted by the belief that we will still have a sip of the difficulties associated with this? Great dragon, well, why? I just got used to the fact that I have a small animal daughter. And suddenly she almost immediately turned into a teenager! And soon, for sure, he will beat me in moral and psychological development. That's just…

I frowned and slowly walked towards the descent to the second level. Lilad's childhood cycle turned out to be very short. And what about teenagers? And most importantly, how long will maturity last?

When I reached the exit to the second level, I hesitated for a few seconds at the stairs, and then resolutely put my foot on the first step. It glowed with a dim orange light, and a voice rang out in my head:

"Name, race, purpose of visit, and your clearance level?"

“Iryana cai Tirlin, fire dragon.” Guest access level.

"Accepted. Checked. A match has been found."

The stairs stopped glowing, and I continued my descent. Yet in Anli-Hissar there are incredible magical things! Fae said that it was the mixture of magic and technology that produced such a stunning result.

I reached the first flight, froze, allowing myself to be scanned, and when the familiar orange light faded, I moved on. The same thing happened on the next flight. Here come the paranoids!

I was in no hurry to go anywhere, but to the laboratory, which was given to Rinvale. Knowledge, experience and talent of my husband were appreciated even by the fairies, which said a lot. My dragon was not in the wings here, but was working on his project. Even got marvelous assistants. So I was justifiably proud of my husband! Few of his age could out-compete the ancient faeries, even if those same faeries had recently become addicted to alchemy.

The steps ended, and I went out into a wide corridor, on both sides of which there were doors and magical "windows" that allowed me to see what was happening in the laboratories. The magic "window" is an interesting and unusual invention. Enchantment makes a section of the rock transparent. Very convenient, because glass could become weak point, and so the density of the material is the same, but additional functions are added.

The refurbishment of the city was in full swing.

I slowly walked forward, sometimes stopping at the next "window" and curiously watching what was happening inside. As a rule, for my brains not burdened with alchemical knowledge, it looked mysterious, incomprehensible and, what to hide, boring. Well, the fairies are standing at the tables, doing something incomprehensible ... Phew.

But sometimes it was more fun. For example, now I stopped at the next window and watched a strange analogue of an octopus crawling around the laboratory. Big, hairy, with evil eyes. The unfortunate experimenters sat on the closet and looked at their creation with sadness in their slanting eyes. Creation tried to get the creators, for which it periodically received tentacles. The situation was stalemate. It is necessary to get off, but without harm to predatory living creatures, this is difficult. It is a pity to kill the result of the experiment, so you need to call for help.

At some point, the closet residents noticed me and waved excitedly, signaling that, they say, help is needed. I nodded to show that I had heard, and, waving them back, ran on. I must tell my husband that this experiment is out of control and wants to devour the creators. Or at least suffocate in a passionate embrace.

The husband showed up in one of the distant laboratories. Contrary to his custom, this time he did not conjure over the next substance, but vigorously discussed something with Lallin. I froze in the doorway, trying to figure out whether to interrupt my husband's conversation with the creator of the heilars or smarter to turn around and come in later. Yet it is unlikely that they are here just life and the emergence of it gathered to discuss.

Before I had time to make a decision, they noticed me. The wondrous lord glanced in the direction of the door and said:

- We have guests. Hello, Lieta Iryana.

The husband turned and with a warm smile and slight surprise in his blue eyes said:

- Good afternoon, honey. Suddenly!

I just looked down, understanding the emotions of the missus. I really rarely bothered him at work. Or rather, actually never. But the situation, in my opinion, was an emergency and required immediate discussion. Many questions, fears and doubts about Lilad. I believe Veil can dispel some of them. And the rest of us, we'll manage somehow. There is so much to understand and clarify! And it is better to decide on the line of conduct before dinner. That is, until the meeting with Ladushka.

- Lada woke up, - on an exhalation, I told the main news of the day for me. To be honest, I did not want to proclaim it in front of the experimental scientist, but I understood that there was hardly anything unknown in Anli-Gissar for the Prince of Black Gold.

- Oh, how! - Rinvale ran his fingers over the table and remarked shrewdly: - Judging by your reaction, our "daughter" has turned into something completely obscene.

“Even more obscene than before?” Lallin was genuinely surprised. - That's interesting! Where is she now?

- Resting!

I burned the fairies with a hostile look. I knew that he would not be able to ignore this "curiosity".

“Let’s wait,” the marvelous Prince resigned himself easily. - Lieta Iryana, as I understand it, something is bothering you?

“Yes, and I came to discuss this with my husband.” I could not restrain myself and nevertheless hinted to the fairies that we had some kind of family business here.

Breaking Lal was not easy. He leaned his hip on the bedside table and, looking into my eyes, assured me with lively interest:

- I'm listening to you too! And believe me, you do not distract me at all and do not take time!

And not the slightest spark of doubt in the black eyes!

- As I said - Lada finished the transformation, - I began slowly and carefully.

- Well, what is there?

Oh, how difficult it is to talk with fairies, and even scientists! Especially when you have to watch your tongue so as not to blurt out too much, because sometimes little things can be not only important, but also dangerous!

My husband saved me.

“Prince, do you mind if we first discuss family matters in private?”

Divny stared at us for a few seconds, then nodded and, wishing a good day, left the laboratory. Already when he was at the door, I, remembering the deplorable situation of his colleagues in the neighboring laboratory, shouted:

- There in the neighboring laboratory ... it is ... - I froze, trying to find the most accurate expression, - the experiment got out of control.

- Strongly out?

I remembered the scientists sitting on the cabinet and the shaggy octopus of impressive size.

- Strongly. Almost ran out.

“We’ll figure it out,” the faerie promised and left.

We were left alone. Bowing his head, Veil watched me attentively for a while, and then asked:

- Something happened?

“I’m afraid,” she honestly admitted to her spouse. “Too many things have piled up, but these are just problems. And Lada is Lada. I never thought that it could differ from relatives in life expectancy, but now ...

- So! the dragon interrupted the flow of my words. “One more time, but slowly at first. Problems with Lada?

“Not yet,” I thought for a few seconds and calmed down a little, I answered. But I'm afraid they will.

“No reason for irony,” I muttered darkly.

- Of course, not a reason. Veil pulled me in and kissed me gently on the forehead. So, I'm listening to you.

– Lada has completed the transformation of the second stage. She is now… half human.

“Interesting…” My husband twitched his red eyebrow and soothingly ran his hand along my back. Our mutant continues to amaze.

“It worries me that her 'childhood' stage lasted so little. And how long will the teenage and maturity stages take? When will... cell aging start?

- It's easy to find out! Let's just do a series of analyzes and tests. Don't worry. And it's too early to panic. Iryana, she simply has no one to be born into a short-lived creature.

“The overlap of genes with a set like hers can have any effect.

- Says a young dragon with an art education, - as if her husband said nowhere, and then, pressing me tighter, he finished: - Irish, don't worry! We will definitely solve everything. Do you remember where we are? The best specialists in their field have now gathered in Anli-Hissar. If you remember, our main objects are Heilars, who, like your Lada, are mutants, although with a different set of characteristics. And by the way, in such a light, you absolutely in vain exposed the Prince of Black Gold. In the end, it was he who invented heilars in his time, so he will deal with your non-chondria.

- That's what I'm afraid of!

- Don't! There is also your precious Centurion! If you or your daughter are offended, he will cut any suicide to ribbons. Well, or try to do it. In the case of the ancient Prince, I would not bet.

I exhaled a little. And it's true. For some reason, I panicked for nothing.

- Fine.

- Here you go. All?

- Little things remained ... - I thought a little. - It seems that the girl has finally entered adolescence with all its "joys".

- The character deteriorates even more?

I just nodded sadly.

“Well, let's see… What else can I say…” drawled the dragon.

Judging by his face, the last thing he wanted to shoulder was the question of Lilad's psychological maturation.

To distract Veil, I stood on tiptoe and resolutely pressed my lips to his, sliding my palms over his chest at the same time. Lower and lower... starting to pull the shirt out from behind the belt. Veil let out a short growl, grabbed me by the waist and, turning me around, sat me on the table.

After an hour or so, we sat in a chair, moving away from what had happened. I pressed my wet forehead against my husband's shoulder and leveled my breathing, squinting contently from the languor spreading through my body.

“Hor-r-rosho,” she purred, rubbing her nose against the dragon's neck.

“I love you,” my red-haired husband whispered in my ear, gently biting his earlobe and at the same time squeezing his chest imperiously.

“And I love you,” she admitted, smiling brightly. After a little more thought, I decided to speak on a topic that had been worrying me for a long time. “Vail… I have a question. Perhaps not very convenient.

The husband took a deep breath and chuckled.

- Irka, do you know that when a conversation begins with such a sweet introduction, it becomes awkward right away?

"I'm sorry," I repented immediately.

- Yes, what is there ... State it!

“I don’t think you are… not happy.” Of course, I understand that now we are in such a place and such an environment that it is difficult to be joyful ... but ... You seem to be worried about something, and you regularly reflect on this topic.

The dragon looked at me intently, narrowed his blue eyes, drummed his fingers on the armrest and calmly replied:

“You think, honey.

I glared at Rinvale indignantly. How does it “seem” if it doesn’t seem?! I'm not blind!

Yes, Iri? - the husband answered with a gentle smile and, leaning forward, kissed his nose. - My girl, do not invent unnecessary problems, okay? You have enough real ones to worry about imaginary ones as well.

"I guess you're ungodly leaking the subject now, dear," I said grimly.

“Where does the jargon come from, decent girl Iryana?” Has your journey through the Primal Empire left its mark on your vocabulary?

– Aha! Best defense is attack? And how not ah-ah-ah? I slyly squinted.

“Very ay-yy-yy,” Vale said very seriously and pulled me in with the words: “I'm sure my little wife thinks too much. Right now, when she's naked and in the hands of no more dressed me, it's downright ... outrageous.

Before I had time to squeak, they closed my mouth with an imperious kiss, and then they got up and, picking it up in their arms, took it to the bath. Thank God, there was this in the laboratories. Needless to say, all my thoughts were blown away at once in literally ten seconds?

Chapter 5

I meditated over a cup of tea. She sat in the common room with her legs up in the armchair and stared gloomily into the amber-brown tea depths. Whether the female cycle is to blame for such an internal state, or something else, but I felt a huge internal discord for several reasons at once. I was sick! Mu-tor-but-oh-oh!

“Lieta Iryana, you are staring at it so intently, as if you are trying to see the future!”

I glanced sideways at Mr. Ulinri, who, leaning over the back of my chair, was staring first at me and then at my cup with genuine curiosity in his dark eyes.

To be honest, now I really wanted to say to this evil spirits, "Get lost, you nasty!". But you can't. In theory, I am a well-mannered and decent girl. And what is more significant... What if this evil spirits will be offended?! I don’t want to know what a faerie offended by me is!

Therefore, I slammed the desire to be rude and answered:

“Unfortunately, dear Morfair, the future never opened up to me.

“So the young lieta was trying to look deep into herself?” What thoughts are troubling you? The sluagh nimbly circled around me and sat down on the ottoman opposite. He crossed his legs and stared with that same look of rapt anticipation that you usually see in the eyes of children asking for a story. In general - it did not feel good!

“Lieta spent some time in the city, and therefore she was visited by melancholy,” I replied, not hiding some irony in my voice and adhering to the same pretentious tone set by the marvelous.

- So what's the problem? - he was surprised. - We must unwind!

– Do you have any constructive suggestions?

- Of course there is! - happily told the terrible necromancer. - You can go down to the lower levels of Anli-Gissar and drive the carnivorous aphids! I recommend! Very tonic.

I sadly remembered the last walk along this route. Just in the company of a sluagh and a couple of heilars. The aphids have indeed flourished. It began to appear at the upper levels, so it was necessary to destroy the colonies.

We then descended to the jokes of Ulin and the afterlife silence of the Heilars, whom he also incredibly infuriated. Aphids were found, but somehow suspiciously small, to which the fairies offered to weave an alluring spell. We foolishly agreed. The problem turned out to be that the spell attracted not only aphids in incredible quantities, but also all sorts of other underground muck. In general, they got out with difficulty and pretty shabby. Since then, the sluagh "intelligence" was not taken.

“No, thank you,” I replied politely, remembering in vivid colors how I was running away along a very narrow corridor from a giant stone serpent tooth lured by this comrade.

- Yes? - Morpheyr was a little upset, but, however, not for long. “Then you can visit the drow!” They have been dreaming of an official conversation for a long time ... Well, a second one. After we sorted out other misunderstandings.

Uh-huh... Ulin called the most grandiose scandal that erupted after the second unofficial visit of our delegation to the capital of the Podgorny Kingdom with the modest word "misunderstanding". I myself was not present there, but they retold it in colors.

Since Arville regarded the level of danger of the "friendly visit" as high, he decided to take the most dangerous fighters with him. That is, a couple of foremen, heels of privates and heels of ancient fairies-seniles, among whom our necromancer wormed his way. At first, the dark elves trembled reverently... And then Ulin was found in the bed of one of the Queen's daughters. Moreover, the daughter was the youngest, beloved, who had not passed the ritual of the second adulthood and, therefore, had not given up her innocence on the altar of the Dark Goddess. The innocence of the princess remained in the arms of this here ... here ... In general, here.

“You know, it seems to me that it’s better for you not to go to the drow yet,” I sincerely advised, even forgetting about officialdom.

“Then I can suggest…

– Maybe something simple, without complications? I interrupted this generator of dangerous ideas.

- Boring, monotonous and completely without adventure? Ulin was obviously upset.

- Yes! I exclaimed contentedly and snapped my fingers. “Looks like they were going to fly to my estate today and stock up on provisions.

- Would you like to join?

Well, I suggest...

- And I? - In the dark eyes, on the contrary, there was so much sorrow of the highest standard that the insidious necromancer would definitely have been accepted without exams in any theater.

- But what about work? I reminded. – You resurrect foremen, by the way.

Ulinri grew gloomy and reluctantly answered:

– And here we are somewhat at an impasse, Iryana. Resurrection is already a complicated procedure, and even the resurrection of evil spirits who died thousands of years ago is a challenge to our entire team. Which we accepted, but have not yet been able to win with a swoop. So… We are looking for, experimenting… And yes, my head is already exploding from all the calculations.

Yeah ... So, the sluagh will not get rid of and fly with us. Wonderful.

Probably, such thoughts could seem like a manifestation of black ingratitude ... In justification, I can say that I am not against the relaxation of this fairy, but somewhere far away from me. For Ulin's rest comes around with hemorrhoids to all those who inadvertently ran nearby.

- In general, you need to ask Alishin when they are going, and most importantly - in what way.

– Portal or on foot?

- Yeah. Of course, I would prefer to fly.

“Me too,” the faerie said, looking at me suggestively.

- It's a pity that there is nothing, right? I answered innocently, batting my eyelashes.

- It's a pity of course! But I already found a way! I will fly on you!

What a twist! That's unbreakable self-confidence! This is rare audacity!

- Why is that? I asked, dropping more and more expressive expressions.

- Well, for example, I'll be grateful. And I can also say what exactly worries your husband ... How do you like this option?

Insightful, vile, self-confident wondrous infection, I mentally said.

And aloud...

- That's gorgeous! - rejoiced marvelous and, jumping up from the ottoman, gave me his hand. I just sighed and placed my fingers in the sluagh's. The skin was cold and slightly damp. Unpleasant. And the grip and strength of the jerk when he lifted me up was surprising. Why so much strength in such a fragile body?

- Now let's go look for Alishin and please him with a statement that we are going with him!

Having imagined the expression in the eyes of the imperturbable Alina in colors, I shrugged my shoulders.

Premonitions were not far from the truth. Oil painting, to say the least. When we found Alishin, five privates in marching clothes were trampling behind him. The facial expressions were indescribable, and the tails twitched nervously. Satisfied, Ulinri stopped in front of the foreman, clutched my arm tightly, and declared:

Guess who you got lucky with?

Silent pause. Alina's bright eyes narrowed, the tail made a nervous pirouette and tapped on the top of his boot.

“No,” he said curtly, admiring me for his amazing sense of trouble.

- Yes! the faerie solemnly disagreed.

- Why is that?

Yes perishing, logical and simply deadly dialogue!

- Since then. Ulinri reached elbow-deep into the sparkling air and fished a scroll out of his dimensional pocket.

Alishin closed his graceful fingers on the slightly creaky paper, looked at us attentively for a few seconds, and then unfolded the scroll.

“Hmmm…” the tailed one drawled after a few seconds. Apparently, you didn't have a choice.

“Thank you for the compliment,” said Ulin, touched, and, intercepting the Heilar’s ​​hand, shook it in a handshake.

Alishin carefully took his hand away, was not too lazy to wipe it on the tunic, and said maliciously:

- Can you jump on the clouds? We were going to fly one way.

I won't give you that pleasure.

"It's a pity," Alin said frankly.

For a moment I imagined a dark sluagh merrily jumping through the pink and white clouds, I also realized that it was a pity.

- No doubt.

So, we're leaving in an hour. Get ready, get ready… Iryana treats you especially.

- What about me? I threw up my hands indignantly.

“And you can’t argue,” Ulin commented.

“Fact,” I agreed with a sigh. Quickly grabbing the sleeve of the faerie about to flee, she asked, “So, what’s up with Rinvale?”

“After the trip,” the wondrous one winked. - Well, you know, as in those plays ... "Money in the morning - chairs in the evening", "First you to us - then we to you" and so on.

“Well, okay,” realizing that you won’t achieve anything by force, I was forced to accept. – And what is even written in the scroll that you showed the foreman?

– The order of the Centurion is to assist me in every possible way, for I am the head of the resurrection department and, therefore, the frame is incredibly valuable. And such brains should be protected, walked and aired. Something like this!

My claws were carefully unhooked from the black cotton shirt, and the necromancer, solemnly declaring that he might not be a woman, but he needed to get ready, disappeared into the passages of Anli-Gissar.

I stayed with the privates. She glanced uncertainly at the fighters with young faces and very angry eyes and also decided to return here at the time of departure. Besides, I need to notify Lilad and Vale that I'm going to leave town. I waved the stern tailed ones, received sour and reluctant smiles in return, and hurried to my quarters, intending to turn into Chondria on the way.

Lada was not in the room, but luckily I ran into the same Alishin, who said that he had seen her in the kitchen in Diar's company. Having estimated how much time was left, I sighed with regret and went to look for my husband, intending to hang the happiness of communicating with my “daughter” on him in my absence.

The dragon, oddly enough, reacted evenly and kindly. He only asked where I was flying, with whom and for how long. Then he gently kissed and asked to be at home by night.

With difficulty breaking away from my husband, I went to the gathering place. I decided not to take things. Firstly, in the estate, if anything, there are already a lot of them. Secondly ... Well, where do I put them in the form of a dragon?

At the appointed time, we gathered again, and Alishin, noting with displeasure that we had not changed our minds from the sluagh, called us to follow him.

There are two ways to get out of Anli-Hissar. Move through the portal to special sites in the mountains and fly away from there or exit through the Gate. Now only those that led to Gillar-Khor were working, and then only because the cities were nearby, and the spatial corridor was preserved. Of course, there were also hidden loopholes, thanks to which it was possible to go to the mountains on foot, but it was so far to go, which meant that it was easier to use the portal.

We went into the teleportation hall and stood on the triangles highlighted with intricate ornaments. Alishin set up the coordinates on the wall panel, and drew the remaining symbols in the air. The foreman's fingers fluttered, drawing unfamiliar runes. The signs filled with green light, and then crumbled onto the stones, causing the pattern to flash on them.

- Hold your breath! – authoritatively ordered Alin.

The world darkened and blurred.

The first thing I felt after a few seconds was a whipping slap in the face of the icy wind. When the dusk cleared, I realized that we were standing on the same platform with a fading glow, but already on the plateau of the Silver Mountains. Around - only the boundless, gray, like a watercolor sky and majestic snowy ridges.