Shampoos and conditioners

© Cherchen A., 2017

© Design. LLC Publishing House E, 2017

Chapter 1

I stood on the balcony that surrounded the training hall and watched with interest the battle unfolding below. Arvil and Kryona fought. Well, how they fought... Ar glided around the hall like a shadow, dodging the attacks of the dragoness, and from time to time he warmed her with a wooden pole on some tender part of the body. Kree just squinted angrily and new strength

rushed at the grinning heilar. When she once again got hit in the soft spot, her friend roared furiously:

- Stop dancing! Have the courage to fight like a man!

“Kriona, as a man, I fight only with men or enemies,” the Centurion laughed, retreating. – With women, and especially with allies – exclusively on a horizontal plane. Well, or... I’m doing dancing.

I snorted, looking ironically at the fiery woman who was seething with anger.

But Arvil! Unhappy virgin!

True, Kryona doesn’t know this. And the heylar shamelessly teases the excitable dragoness. I even feel sorry for her. She put so much effort into persuading the Sotnik to fight, but in the end Ar made a show. It’s good that there are no foremen. Considering that Kree has already managed to clean up both scaly and not so scaly faces of at least two of them, they would undoubtedly rejoice at the leader’s revenge now.

Arville was mistaken: the unknown puppeteer woke up more than one Sheridan. The foremen did not sleep. Although I was sure that he was simply made to make a mistake. The mental vision is clouded. The Sleeper summoned the surviving foremen as soon as he realized that they were not in Anli-Gissar. The oath to the commander turned out to be more important than the bonds with which the unknown sorcerer bound them with the help of Sheridan. Ar was never able to attract him, but did not lose hope, repeating attempts over and over again. I didn’t believe that my friend and blood brother betrayed me without good reason.

Almost a week and a half had passed since Mr. Anli-Gissar awakened. During this time, the city came to life, sparkled with light and colors, sparkled with lights. His heart started beating and he began to breathe. Unfortunately, things weren't particularly fun when it came to food. There was only what the foremen brought from the big world. This means that the resurrected city and its children were increasingly faced with the problem: what to do next? Actually, that is why Arvil has not yet issued a general call. We were not prepared for so many mouths and brains on one side.

The latter, however, was exclusively Dasha’s problem. I especially remember the scene of the healer’s first acquaintance with the Heilars. Huge, gloomy men with tails - and a little man dying of fear. Well, joyful Arvil:

– Dasha, this is your material for work. Material, this is your Dasha and the doctor. Please don't offend. Please, do you all understand?

– The master’s favorite lap dog? – one of the Heilars asked an incomprehensible question.

“No,” Arvil answered seriously. - Just a healer of souls.

After this performance, the attitude towards the displaced person changed almost immediately, but Daria was still afraid. First of all, you can’t cope. Although the others were not such a dark abyss as their commander, they still represented that same bunch of psychological diseases. Dashka gloomily joked that one could defend several dissertations on them and become forever famous for studying original deviations. So for now we were still sitting underground and only preparing a springboard for further actions.

And for some reason the Sleeper avoided me in every possible way. We met only for food, and in most cases the “meetings” boiled down to him walking into the dining room, with his head buried in another document or diagram, shoveling food onto a tray and leaving!

No, I understand everything! That the city is old, stood without owners for a very long time, many systems are failing, including defensive ones, but... Ar almost fell through the ground as soon as he noticed me! Can't this continue indefinitely? I don't want to lose my friend. This means we need to explain ourselves and decide what to do next.

That's why today I decided to catch the tailed one and pin him against the wall. It’s so painful to wean yourself off of it! It turns out that during the time that we were “nearby”, I became very attached to his presence, communication, irony and outlook on life. I missed him.

Yes, Arvil made sure I didn’t get bored and found something to do. And even the one who controlled this “business”. The centurion assigned one of the foreman to me to teach mental magic. But he tricked the teacher with a very original method! I get up in the morning and the first thing I see is the imperturbable foreman over the bed! Yes, I screamed in fear and fell out of bed!!!

It turned out to be Alishin. Just that ideal soldier without doubts and hesitations.

I grinned at Dashka’s diagnosis: “They are all here with selected selective cockroaches that are not bred by any poison!” She giggled, remembering how the healer screamed at the entire office after a session with one of the foreman. In response to the question of what to do with a tired lady on a hike, he gave her: “Finish it off!” It seems that Alishin was the one who distinguished himself. Still, heilers are truly a bunch of psychological deviations. As the migrant said, Arvil is simply more adapted in this regard because of his communication with me... because he adjusted.

In general, after a couple of meetings with the owner of the magical city at the “healer-patient” level, Dashka thoughtfully suggested drinking... juice. Grape. Decent endurance. And then she said that if she pulls out “this something,” she will hang the order on herself. On one's own.

Arvil...Arvil.

I bit my lip and frowned as my thoughts again flew towards the Sotnik. He promised to work with me! But in fact, he didn’t even keep his word, and informed about the change of decision not personally, but through the foreman! I understand that I am behaving like a child who was promised a toy and was not given it. I understand his motives, but I can’t cope with the insult.

With such thoughts, I stealthily went down the side stairs and froze in a niche near the doors of the training room. A minute later they swung open with a roar. The evil Kryona appeared on the threshold, almost immediately disappearing into one of the corridors flickering with otherworldly light.

Hmmm...she seemed quite nervous. Nervous almost to the point of psychosis. Over any trifle he breaks down. She tried to punch half the foremen in the face... They were so surprised that they even allowed it. No, Kree is a good fighter. Very good. But heilars are a genetically modified hybrid of dragons and fairies. Incredibly fast, very strong, dexterous and nimble. In both guises. Forgive me, girlfriend, but the fiery young woman, who has recently passed her second adulthood, cannot withstand the ideal soldiers.

Who simply did not know peaceful life. Who were taught only to kill.

It was obvious that they were uncomfortable fighting with her. Heilars are used to killing, not fighting or training. I remember. I saw in the memories of the city how this happens.

While I was wandering in sad thoughts, one of the doors swung open again, and a tailed traitor appeared on the threshold. Didn't notice me. Still, Alishin is a great teacher! The sleeper was immersed in himself, thinking about something, so he didn’t see me standing three steps away, wrapped in spells! Oh yes I am!

Arvil carefully closed the door and moved down the corridor. I left the niche and, when he caught up with me, I touched his shoulder with my palm. Immediately the unpleasant surprises began. They twisted my elbow, pressed me against the wall of the niche, and in my throat I felt the coldness of steel, pain and a hot stream crawling down my neck, behind the collar of my tunic.

- Irka!!! Why... - Arvil cursed floridly and cut himself off mid-sentence.

They pulled me out of the nook and examined the wound, while still expressing an honest opinion about blonde idiots. The blonde idiots, in general, shared this opinion and therefore remained ashamedly silent. No, well, where were the brains?! WHO did I, you fool, go after?!

“I could have killed you,” the heilar said tiredly. - Don't come from behind, stupid. Irka, if something odorless and mentally imperceptible touches me, my reflexes are triggered! Guess which ones?!

- Understood.

She looked away, nervously fiddling with her blonde strands tied in a low ponytail. Stupid, well, stupid.

“Let’s go,” Sleeper hugged him by the shoulders, pressing him to him. - Need to talk. Has long been.

Here... a man, huh?! "Need to talk!" - he said, dragging along the girl who has been trying to catch the bastard for a week and a half! He even deprived me of the pleasure of speaking!

Okay, I'll have time. In the meantime... for now you need to break away from the warmth of his body, which seems so unbearably familiar that you don’t want to move away at all, and go where Ar deigns to take you.

It was easy to say this, especially mentally. But it’s very difficult to do, especially since Mr. Anli-Gissar himself hesitated, still pressing me, lightly stroking my back and touching my hair with his cheek.

“You’re the last bastard,” I said quietly.

“I know,” Arvil agreed sadly, starting to comb through my hair with his other hand. - But it depends on which side...

“Now you’ll tell me,” I said gloomily and with a sigh I freed myself from his arms, reminding myself that I had not yet forgiven some of them. – You will present theses and accompany them with the logical chain by which you came to such wonderful conclusions.

He looked at me carefully with violet eyes and silently extended his hand, where I, without hesitation, put my palm. The further journey was not long. First along the main corridors, then through secret passages.

- Why here? – she asked, making her way through the narrow tunnel following the heilar.

“It’s a long time along the main roads,” Arvil said without turning around. – And time, although a viscous material, is extremely scarce.

First I heard the sound of falling water, then I saw a light ahead. sunlight. Not the sparkling otherworldly glow of the magic of Anli-Gissar, but the real one! Soft, amber and unbearably attractive!

I missed the sun so much...

More - only for my husband. Thoughts about Rinvale resonated with the usual dull pain in my heart, but with an effort of will I pushed them away. Not the time. About Veil - later. Now we need to sort out our relationship with another close and dear man.

When we went out, I first closed my eyes from the rays that cut into my eyes, which were accustomed to the twilight, and then I froze... Because the waterfall was rustling, scattering tiny splashes across my face, because the aroma of sun, greenery and water was floating around... because some people hugged me again, speaking quietly in your ear:

- Be careful, the edge is very close here.

Arvil, Arvil... How complicated everything is with you and me.

You are very necessary and important to me, I have never felt as good and calm with anyone as I do with you. You're like... an extension of me. And without a part of yourself it’s very bad. I don’t know where this effect came from, but now that Arvil was close again after so many days of alienation, I trembled with happiness.

Gradually my eyes got used to it and, squinting, I looked at the place where the heilar had led me. Gorge! So... wild! Primitive, without traces of the intervention of masons: even crossing a small but very stormy river is just a piece of granite, forever frozen as a slightly curved bridge. After the splendor of Anli Hissar, this corner of wild nature was very... sweet to me. Yes, dear to my heart. Almost to the point of sweet pain. Not ideal, somewhat rough, but his own.

Arvil jumped to the lower ledge, turned around, caught me and carefully placed me next to him. He took her hand, intertwining her fingers, and gently pulled her onto the granite bridge. There he took off his doublet, threw it on a stone, motioning to sit down, then sank down next to me.

We were silent. I looked first at the Sotnik, then at the stream rushing from under my feet into the darkness of the gorge. Arvil was more interesting to watch... and sadder. Firstly, the heilar seemed tired. There were shadows under the eyes. He looked pale and somehow very... mature. All that was left of the boy I met in my dream with Veil were bright amethyst eyes and tousled black hair.

I felt ashamed that I was distracting him over such nonsense as wounded pride. It would be better not to drag him to talk, but to bed, to sleep. And also... it was also painfully good to be with him. Sit like this, holding your hand and resting your head on your shoulder. Just good, just warm and calm.

“What a child you are,” Arvil said sadly, weightlessly stroking my hair. “Your husband and I are complete perverts!”

- Uh-uh? – I was taken aback.

“I mean that you are such a small creature, and the desires addressed to you are the most adult,” the Sleeper chuckled.

– We have already discussed this. And it seems they have reached a consensus. “I looked away, nervously rubbing the cuff of my shirt. - Ar, I don’t want to lose you. But now... you are moving away, I also have things to do and worries. And if we both don’t try to maintain friendship, we’ll soon simply run away to different corners. And... that's all.

“Iryana,” Mr. Anli-Gissar chuckled condescendingly. “Unfortunately, this cannot be solved so easily and simply.” And there are reasons for everything.

- I know! “I jumped up, looking at the heilar, who, with an intermittent sigh, ran his fingers through his unevenly cut hair and tugged lightly. I tried to collect scattered thoughts and explain: “Arvil, remember how much has happened.” We went through the Primordial Empire, and then through your deadly attraction called Anli-Gissar! I woke you up... Is this really the end of it all? I understand why you are avoiding me. But could you tell me why you want to limit communication so sharply? You know very well how difficult it is for me now... without you! And you just cut off all the threads!

“I don’t know where to start,” Ar suddenly admitted, gently stroking my palm. thumb.

- And try anyway.

– Yes, I run because I’m in love. I try to stay as far away as possible because I think it's prudent. Your husband will appear any day now, and I must be prepared for this so as not to lose my temper,” the Sleeper calmly admitted, narrowing his bright violet eyes. “And in this light, do you consider my action wrong?”

“I consider him rash,” she answered honestly and shuddered at the barely noticeable change in the heilar’s ​​face. “You made a decision for both of us without informing me.” Therefore, I unwittingly ruin your plans.

“I wasn’t ready to talk,” the Sotnik rubbed his temple, smiling tiredly. – Iryana, these are bonds. The bonds that were formed during our journey. Now they are torn, that’s why we feel bad.

- So what should I do? – I threw up my hands helplessly. “You understand why you are drawn to me.” Ar, this is elementary physiology plus attachment.

“Why is the tenth thing,” Arvil waved it off. – There is a problem, and that’s a fact.

The sleeper pulled me in again, touching my temple with his lips, then pulled away a little and laughed bitterly:

- I'm an idiot, huh? I myself know that distance is the main thing now, but I can’t resist.

“I’m not an idiot,” I rubbed my head against his shoulder, realizing that I was also committing a rare stupidity. – This is called affection, Arvil. I think if you loved me, you wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to see.

- Baby, what do you know about love? – Heylar laughed openly. – You know more than me exclusively in bed terms. Morally, she’s the same as me. And you don’t love your husband. For the reasons you mentioned above. You left him, my dear.

“My dear,” I responded in the same tone. “Relationships with Veil are none of your business.” My feelings for him, their strength and nature are none of your business either! I'll figure it out myself.

“Another confirmation,” the Sleeper shrugged, looking ahead with feigned indifference. “Darling, don’t you think it’s significant that after just a week and a half of separation from me, you are suffering, trying to talk and find out everything?” Remind me how long it’s been since you’ve seen your red dragon?

- Who's arguing? – I smiled, throwing my head back and exposing my face to the warmth of the sun’s rays and a light drizzle of water. - But, Ar, who would I be, jumping on men? That's why no. I chose Rinvale, I am not indifferent to him... and love is too complex and multi-component feeling, in which the main thing is the mutual desire to preserve it. My husband and I have such a desire. – She looked at Arvil and still decided to express her thought to the end. So that there are no mistakes, insults and omissions. - Yes, I feel bad without you. You are dear. And I believe... I know that you will outgrow this disease. To be completely honest, you probably only have it until you go out into the world. It’s worth meeting other girls, and... that’s it. You will become interested in someone else.

“Your reverent faith in the best has always admired me,” the Sleeper answered a little mockingly.

“Don’t be silly,” she looked at the tailed one with slight condemnation. – By the way, remember: while we were “neighbours”, I not only talked with my husband, but also with one persistent blond dragon. - She giggled and winked at the heilar: - I didn’t notice any jealousy in you. Therefore, you perceive me as a woman, but not as YOUR woman. This means that we can continue to coexist peacefully as soon as you find yourself a “horizontal friend.” “I spread my hands and happily finished: “It’s simple!”

- "Just"! How easy it is for you! – he angrily hit the stone of the Arvil Bridge with his palm. – Everything is crystal clear and clear! My much wise and reasonable one, who has not yet passed her second adulthood! By human reckoning, you’re not even eighteen!

“Here it is,” I pouted. “Almost twenty, in human years.” – I thought a little and decided not to lie so obviously: – Well, maybe less than a year...

- And himself!

I smiled. Well, yes, some kind of completely childish squabble. Fortunately, it cleared up the atmosphere somewhat, which means we can return to our problem.

– You are still very one-sidedly developed, Ar. An ideal warrior, leader, perhaps a politician. In any case, from what I saw, you are quite resourceful. But in personal relationships - complete and utter zero. You know only fatherly warmth towards your subordinates and hatred towards your enemies. That's why I'm special to you. The first one, who cannot be classified into either category. So you got confused... and fell in love a little. Dasha and Kryona are the same, but you have no connection.

He sighed and nervously clutched long fingers. I couldn’t help but think how many more beautiful things these architect’s hands could create. After all, Ar is a genius. He created Anli-Gissar. I pray that someday Thainmere will be able to shift the burden of responsibility for the heylars to someone else and try to live for himself. Whether it will work out or not is the tenth matter, but you definitely have to try.

“You explain very beautifully,” the Sleeper began slowly, “but what to do with the current situation, Iryana is pouring?”

“To talk,” I answered calmly. “We should have done this a long time ago.” As for the rest...” I laughed quietly and put my palm on his hand, squeezing it reassuringly through the fabric of his shirt. - Ar, don’t you think that we have things to do – fifty years ahead? And this is with the condition of almost complete lack of sleep and time to “eat”. You'll soon forget about everything! Now we are sitting, gaining strength and thinking about where to move. Then... a whirlpool of events will swirl, and there will be no time left. Everything is returning to normal.

“Well, yes,” he smiled barely and, squinting his amethyst eyes, looked at the sun. – We will soon have our first courtesy visit to the head of a neighboring state. And then there are many more interesting things. But first of all, we need to find the bastard who is pulling the strings.

“Everything would be fine if the Heilars weren’t used as puppets,” I sighed, finishing his thought. – And if in the wrong hands your soldiers had not kindled the fire of an interracial war. Who are you dating? And for what? And will they accept us?

I somewhat confused him with the abundance of questions, but Ar smiled, pulled me closer and said:

– With Her Majesty Alexandra Vir Tollyman, Empress of the Primordial Empire. Only, baby... Where will this “receive us” come from? With all due respect... you will remain in Anli Hissar.

– Do you remember who my father is? – I raised an eyebrow, trying to tame the outburst of indignation from such an answer. You need to be collected, restrained and dignified. – Arvil, my father is a very high-flying diplomat. And more than once he took me to official receptions while traveling. Of course, I was not present at the meetings, but... knowledge is not lost, and blood is not water.

“Iryana, you are a young dragon,” the heilar ruffled my hair. - Not even an adult. Taking you to negotiations of this level is not the smartest move.

“Okay,” I smiled brightly. - Dear, do you really think that the place WHERE I ran away is a secret? Or the fight at the Lake of Fire, when a trio of girls opened a portal to the unknown? An unknown that has now received a name and an owner? Do you really expect that they won’t ask you where the princess of Fire Valley and I are now? I am Cai Tirlin's wife, and I am my father's daughter!

“So?..” asked the Sleeper gloomily.

“Will you just let us go and wave a handkerchief?” – I snorted skeptically, looking at him ironically.

– Do you want to leave Anli-Gissar? – Ar raised a black eyebrow. “It seems to me that Kryona would give everything to stay here forever.”

– Don’t avoid answering. If we want to go home... you won't let us go. Is that right, my dear?

He looked at me intently, narrowing his dark purple eyes and barely perceptibly curling his lips.

- Speak, speak, Iri. It's interesting to hear your speculations.

– More likely – conclusions. “I shrugged my shoulders, shook off his hand and pulled away so I could see his face. - We are hostages. You won't let us go until you achieve what you want. All three of us are very comfortable. Well, maybe except for me. Perhaps you just... don’t really need me. But Dasha and Cree...

“How smart you are at times,” Mr. Anli-Gissar drawled mockingly and admiringly.

“Kryona is a princess, the bride of the heir to the Ice Reach and... the chosen one of the prince of the Undermountain Kingdom,” I continued.

– What makes you think that Sebastian has serious feelings? I am sure that he got everything he wanted from her.

“Maybe so,” I nodded. - But he wants to return it. Because she doesn't need HIM. For the same reason, Dorian will turn the world upside down and make concessions to get the redhead back. She left him. Humiliated in the eyes of the world. With Daria, everything is also simple... applicants for her attention will do a lot and promise to gain access to your city if she stays here.

– If you understood everything, why did you drag the girls into my treacherous networks? – Arvil twitched the corner of his mouth in something like a smile.

“Because your “networks” are better than their reality,” she laughed in response. “And because they wanted it.” Kryona is ready to die so as not to return to her groom. Drow is nothing more than a hobby for her. Well, a way to get what we needed. Combined business with pleasure. Daria... dreamed of healing. And now he is doing what he loves. You found something to buy girls with.

- And you? - The Sleeper squinted.

“I also want to be useful,” I said, swinging my legs, and unexpectedly admitted: “And I also want to study.” As soon as everything calms down a little, I will enter the Primordial Art Academy. One of the best.

– Why not in the Valleys of Dragons? And why are you so convinced that your husband will allow it? It seems to me, dear Iri, that you have already forgotten a little about its presence. As well as the fact that Rinvale has exclusive rights over you, including a ban. Are you sure that after all the adventures, your husband will bless you for further ones and not lock you up?

I froze, biting my lip. To be honest, I didn’t even think about this option. It seemed that Vale understood everything, which means we will try to come to a consensus and solve the problem. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen each other in our dreams since that last time. But before that... he really understood! She looked at Arvil, who was watching intently, and answered:

- I believe in him. And I love.

“I would trust myself,” Ar advised. - You don’t like it. And you understand this perfectly well.

- You know? “I jumped up and stared angrily at the tailed one. - I'm sick of! I said a hundred times that I would stay with my husband. Love is work, precious one! Tense. This is a search for compromises, concessions to each other... and loyalty! Do you think it will be different if I stay with you? Yes, the same thing! At first, of course, no difficulties! And then you, like my husband, will push the “minor dragon” aside! You're already trying! – I clasped my hands and mimicked: “You don’t belong there”, “You’re small”, “You don’t know anything”!

Arvil stood up in one smooth, fluid movement and stepped towards me, hugging me, stroking my head and whispering soothingly:

- Well, why are you so upset... everything is fine.

- So, so. “I freed myself from his arms because I really wanted to stay in them and hug him back. To distract myself from harmful desires, I decided to talk about one interesting topic. She mentally came up with a list and began to enumerate: “You are still a disgusting politician, it should be noted.” Look: the public knows that you kidnapped us, and you have no right not to play these cards. You MUST benefit from this situation! I have to, otherwise others will do it. We can't be hidden. And one more thing... you need a diplomat. You are an excellent leader, but... negotiations are not your path. Just like "games".

- They made me like this! – the heilar barked, his eyes flashing. – Forgot, or what?! Yes, of course, I am first and foremost a warrior and commander!

– What about the foremen? Is there anyone suitable among them?

“Yes,” the Sleeper, who had calmed down a little, ruffled his hair. “But he’s dead, that’s the shame.” Lizard.

I shivered, remembering the ghostly heilar that almost killed us during our journey through Anli Gissar.

“It won’t work,” she shook her head. – He hates all living things except his people.

“His self-control is at the right level,” the city owner objected. - If you resurrect it, it will do. He is strong... also mentally.

-What about resurrection? – I was puzzled, because previously I generally thought this was impossible.

“If everything works out, I’ll find someone who will bring the right specialist,” explained the Sotnik, throwing his head back to the sky and absentmindedly running his fingers along the collar of his shirt. - Especially necessary materials and we have installations. All you need is a soul guide and an expert in ancient technologies.

Well, wow, “just”!

“Okay, you know better,” she didn’t express her doubts out loud, especially since there were more important topics than personal squabbles. – How did you manage to arrange an audience with Her Majesty? You can't get close to her that easily. I don’t think that you, such beautiful tailed ones, just showed up in the palace and demanded to set a time.

“That’s right,” Ar winced. – Tylin helped.

“Both,” I was amazed. – Are you communicating with him?!

The Sleeper did not have time to answer. They did it for him.

“Your reverent faith in the best has always admired me,” the Sleeper answered a little mockingly.

“Don’t be silly,” she looked at the tailed one with slight condemnation. – By the way, remember: while we were “neighbours”, I not only talked with my husband, but also with one persistent blond dragon. - She giggled and winked at the heilar: - I didn’t notice any jealousy in you. Therefore, you perceive me as a woman, but not as YOUR woman. This means that we can continue to coexist peacefully as soon as you find yourself a “horizontal friend.” “I spread my hands and happily finished: “It’s simple!”

- "Just"! How easy it is for you! – he angrily hit the stone of the Arvil Bridge with his palm. – Everything is crystal clear and clear! My much wise and reasonable one, who has not yet passed her second adulthood! By human reckoning, you’re not even eighteen!

“Here it is,” I pouted. “Almost twenty, in human years.” – I thought a little and decided not to lie so obviously: – Well, maybe less than a year...

- And himself!

I smiled. Well, yes, some kind of completely childish squabble. Fortunately, it cleared up the atmosphere somewhat, which means we can return to our problem.

– You are still very one-sidedly developed, Ar. An ideal warrior, leader, perhaps a politician. In any case, from what I saw, you are quite resourceful. But in personal relationships - complete and utter zero. You know only fatherly warmth towards your subordinates and hatred towards your enemies. That's why I'm special to you. The first one, who cannot be classified into either category. So you got confused... and fell in love a little. Dasha and Kryona are the same, but you have no connection.

He sighed and clasped his long fingers together nervously. I couldn’t help but think how many more beautiful things these architect’s hands could create. After all, Ar is a genius. He created Anli-Gissar. I pray that someday Thainmere will be able to shift the burden of responsibility for the heylars to someone else and try to live for himself. Whether it will work out or not is the tenth matter, but you definitely have to try.

“You explain very beautifully,” the Sleeper began slowly, “but what to do with the current situation, Iryana is pouring?”

“To talk,” I answered calmly. “We should have done this a long time ago.” As for the rest...” I laughed quietly and put my palm on his hand, squeezing it reassuringly through the fabric of his shirt. - Ar, don’t you think that we have things to do – fifty years ahead? And this is with the condition of almost complete lack of sleep and time to “eat”. You'll soon forget about everything! Now we are sitting, gaining strength and thinking about where to move. Then... a whirlpool of events will swirl, and there will be no time left. Everything is returning to normal.

“Well, yes,” he smiled barely and, squinting his amethyst eyes, looked at the sun. – We will soon have our first courtesy visit to the head of a neighboring state. And then there are many more interesting things. But first of all, we need to find the bastard who is pulling the strings.

“Everything would be fine if the Heilars weren’t used as puppets,” I sighed, finishing his thought. – And if in the wrong hands your soldiers had not kindled the fire of an interracial war. Who are you dating? And for what? And will they accept us?

I somewhat confused him with the abundance of questions, but Ar smiled, pulled me closer and said:

– With Her Majesty Alexandra Vir Tollyman, Empress of the Primordial Empire. Only, baby... Where will this “receive us” come from? With all due respect... you will remain in Anli Hissar.

– Do you remember who my father is? – I raised an eyebrow, trying to tame the outburst of indignation from such an answer. You need to be collected, restrained and dignified. – Arvil, my father is a very high-flying diplomat. And more than once he took me to official receptions while traveling. Of course, I was not present at the meetings, but... knowledge is not lost, and blood is not water.

“Iryana, you are a young dragon,” the heilar ruffled my hair. - Not even an adult. Taking you to negotiations of this level is not the smartest move.

“Okay,” I smiled brightly. - Dear, do you really think that the place WHERE I ran away is a secret? Or the fight at the Lake of Fire, when a trio of girls opened a portal to the unknown? An unknown that has now received a name and an owner? Do you really expect that they won’t ask you where the princess of Fire Valley and I are now? I am Cai Tirlin's wife, and I am my father's daughter!

“So?..” asked the Sleeper gloomily.

“Will you just let us go and wave a handkerchief?” – I snorted skeptically, looking at him ironically.

– Do you want to leave Anli-Gissar? – Ar raised a black eyebrow. “It seems to me that Kryona would give everything to stay here forever.”

– Don’t avoid answering. If we want to go home... you won't let us go. Is that right, my dear?

He looked at me intently, narrowing his dark purple eyes and barely perceptibly curling his lips.

- Speak, speak, Iri. It's interesting to hear your speculations.

– More likely – conclusions. “I shrugged my shoulders, shook off his hand and pulled away so I could see his face. - We are hostages. You won't let us go until you achieve what you want. All three of us are very comfortable. Well, maybe except for me. Perhaps you just... don’t really need me. But Dasha and Cree...

“How smart you are at times,” Mr. Anli-Gissar drawled mockingly and admiringly.

“Kryona is a princess, the bride of the heir to the Ice Reach and... the chosen one of the prince of the Undermountain Kingdom,” I continued.

– What makes you think that Sebastian has serious feelings? I am sure that he got everything he wanted from her.

“Maybe so,” I nodded. - But he wants to return it. Because she doesn't need HIM. For the same reason, Dorian will turn the world upside down and make concessions to get the redhead back. She left him. Humiliated in the eyes of the world. With Daria, everything is also simple... applicants for her attention will do a lot and promise to gain access to your city if she stays here.

– If you understood everything, why did you drag the girls into my treacherous networks? – Arvil twitched the corner of his mouth in something like a smile.

“Because your “networks” are better than their reality,” she laughed in response. “And because they wanted it.” Kryona is ready to die so as not to return to her groom. Drow is nothing more than a hobby for her. Well, a way to get what we needed. Combined business with pleasure. Daria... dreamed of healing. And now he is doing what he loves. You found something to buy girls with.

- And you? - The Sleeper squinted.

“I also want to be useful,” I said, swinging my legs, and unexpectedly admitted: “And I also want to study.” As soon as everything calms down a little, I will enter the Primordial Art Academy. One of the best.

– Why not in the Valleys of Dragons? And why are you so convinced that your husband will allow it? It seems to me, dear Iri, that you have already forgotten a little about its presence. As well as the fact that Rinvale has exclusive rights over you, including a ban. Are you sure that after all the adventures, your husband will bless you for further ones and not lock you up?

I froze, biting my lip. To be honest, I didn’t even think about this option. It seemed that Vale understood everything, which means we will try to come to a consensus and solve the problem. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen each other in our dreams since that last time. But before that... he really understood! She looked at Arvil, who was watching intently, and answered:

- I believe in him. And I love.

“I would trust myself,” Ar advised. - You don’t like it. And you understand this perfectly well.

- You know? “I jumped up and stared angrily at the tailed one. - I'm sick of! I said a hundred times that I would stay with my husband. Love is work, precious one! Tense. This is a search for compromises, concessions to each other... and loyalty! Do you think it will be different if I stay with you? Yes, the same thing! At first, of course, no difficulties! And then you, like my husband, will push the “minor dragon” aside! You're already trying! – I clasped my hands and mimicked: “You don’t belong there”, “You’re small”, “You don’t know anything”!

Arvil stood up in one smooth, fluid movement and stepped towards me, hugging me, stroking my head and whispering soothingly:

- Well, why are you so upset... everything is fine.

Out of male solidarity... no,” the dragon shook his head. - By the way, what doesn’t suit your friend? By the way, she is already being offered marriage!

The role of the second wife in a drow harem,” I curled my lips. - Wonderful vacancy.

You yourself know that it is an honor. And given the family of Mr. del Meredith, the Queen of the Mountains 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 be a man, 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, who stands in solidarity with polygamists, let’s go to Daria!

Well, that’s not what I’m talking about,” the red dragon muttered, struck by my sarcastic tone. - In general... 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 lonely dark-haired boy on the other side of the hall, who was picking at his plate with an extremely mournful face. I shivered. Yes, Ulinri is still... a vegetable. There is something I don’t want to repeat. The last time he spoke with such enthusiasm at the table about dismembered corpses... just when they brought us the roast!

I just smiled and, shaking my hair, estimated the trajectory to Dashka and the drow’s table. The table was just slowly flying over us. I pushed off the floor and flew into the air. I calculated everything correctly and, grabbing the back of the chair, quickly perched myself on the seat. Rinvale landed nearby.

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

Dashka and Trinvir looked at us with very different feelings. The migrant sighed with great relief and, apparently, was mentally ready to kiss the new arrivals. The drow's gaze was tired and irritated.

I'm so glad to see you! - Dashka exclaimed.

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

Thank you,” I lowered my gaze, hiding surprise under a mask of embarrassment and slight coquetry.

Why did the drow decide to celebrate my husband and I’s harmonious family relationships? After a couple of minutes of conversation about nothing and everything, it became clear.

It’s still wonderful when people meet each other halfway, come to an agreement and forgive. They’re trying to understand and accept,” Trinvir said with emphasis, glancing expressively at Daria.

Daria sat with a neutral expression on her face, and I even sympathized with her. I wonder how many times the displaced woman will listen to this? And how quickly will the proud dark elf get tired of it? And the most interesting thing is, what will happen after this happens? Women are fickle and flighty creatures. And often, if something that we seemed to consider almost ours suddenly suddenly disappears... it causes amazement. And the desire to return.

We should talk to the healer and find out why she is being stubborn.

If she likes this man, then maybe it makes sense to delve into herself and understand whether she really wants him to disappear from her life. Because his return later could cost her more than the migrant’s consent to the relationship now.

Iryana, how are you doing? - the girl asked, former subject my thoughts. - We see each other so little lately. And we talk even less often.

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

Oh, yes,” Dashka shook her dark hair. - Riddles have recently become the norm of life. However, I can’t say that I don’t like it. I am grateful to heaven that you and I once collided.

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

Yes,” the migrant turned a little pink with pleasure, “I’m doing better and better!”

I'm very happy for you!

If they didn’t want to change, nothing would have happened,” the girl objected. - I'm just showing you the way. Then they do it themselves. Very strong-willed... very strong. Well done!

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

And, judging by his gloomy face, Vir was dissatisfied with the fact that the delights of his chosen one were addressed to anyone but him. I believe that this situation was out of the ordinary for the Duke of the Mountains. If women refused him, they were clearly not immigrants without family or tribe. And this one couldn’t be snatched away, persuaded into a relationship, and then sort it out. For their healer, the Heylars will cut anyone into thin ribbons. Therefore, it was necessary to court the obstinate prey.

Meanwhile, food was brought to us. In Anli-Gissar there was still no time for pickles, and therefore we had to eat what they gave us. At least our chefs cooked delicious food. By the way, Diar has recently almost completely avoided this and spent days in the laboratory. Decided to have a little of each good thing? But, in any case, the fairies were feeding us now.

Oh, no matter where you throw it, there are fairies everywhere! So try not to be grateful to them after all this.

Two large trays slowly flew up to our table and floated down. I looked at the plates with curiosity.

Alexandra Cherchen

Happy dragon marriage. Find yourself

Chapter 1

Arvil and Kryona fought. Well, how they fought... Ar glided around the hall like a shadow, dodging the attacks of the dragoness, and from time to time he warmed her with a wooden pole on some tender part of the body. Kree only narrowed her eyes angrily and rushed at the grinning heilar with renewed vigor. When she once again got hit in the soft spot, her friend roared furiously:

rushed at the grinning heilar. When she once again got hit in the soft spot, her friend roared furiously:

- Stop dancing! Have the courage to fight like a man!

“Kriona, as a man, I fight only with men or enemies,” the Centurion laughed, retreating. – With women, and especially with allies – exclusively on a horizontal plane. Well, or... I’m doing dancing.

I snorted, looking ironically at the fiery woman who was seething with anger.

But Arvil! Unhappy virgin!

True, Kryona doesn’t know this. And the heylar shamelessly teases the excitable dragoness. I even feel sorry for her. She put so much effort into persuading the Sotnik to fight, but in the end Ar made a show. It’s good that there are no foremen. Considering that Kree has already managed to clean up both scaly and not so scaly faces of at least two of them, they would undoubtedly rejoice at the leader’s revenge now.

Arville was mistaken: the unknown puppeteer woke up more than one Sheridan. The foremen did not sleep. Although I was sure that he was simply made to make a mistake. The mental vision is clouded. The Sleeper summoned the surviving foremen as soon as he realized that they were not in Anli-Gissar. The oath to the commander turned out to be more important than the bonds with which the unknown sorcerer bound them with the help of Sheridan. Ar was never able to attract him, but did not lose hope, repeating attempts over and over again. I didn’t believe that my friend and blood brother betrayed me without good reason.

Almost a week and a half had passed since Mr. Anli-Gissar awakened. During this time, the city came to life, sparkled with light and colors, sparkled with lights. His heart started beating and he began to breathe. Unfortunately, things weren't particularly fun when it came to food. There was only what the foremen brought from the big world. This means that the resurrected city and its children were increasingly faced with the problem: what to do next? Actually, that is why Arvil has not yet issued a general call. We were not prepared for so many mouths and brains on one side.

The latter, however, was exclusively Dasha’s problem. I especially remember the scene of the healer’s first acquaintance with the Heilars. Huge, gloomy men with tails - and a little man dying of fear. Well, joyful Arvil:

– Dasha, this is your material for work. Material, this is your Dasha and the doctor. Please don't offend. Please, do you all understand?

– The master’s favorite lap dog? – one of the Heilars asked an incomprehensible question.

“No,” Arvil answered seriously. - Just a healer of souls.

After this performance, the attitude towards the displaced person changed almost immediately, but Daria was still afraid. First of all, you can’t cope. Although the others were not such a dark abyss as their commander, they still represented that same bunch of psychological diseases. Dashka gloomily joked that one could defend several dissertations on them and become forever famous for studying original deviations. So for now we were still sitting underground and only preparing a springboard for further actions.

And for some reason the Sleeper avoided me in every possible way. We met only for food, and in most cases the “meetings” boiled down to him walking into the dining room, with his head buried in another document or diagram, shoveling food onto a tray and leaving!

No, I understand everything! That the city is old, stood without owners for a very long time, many systems are failing, including defensive ones, but... Ar almost fell through the ground as soon as he noticed me! Can't this continue indefinitely? I don't want to lose my friend. This means we need to explain ourselves and decide what to do next.

That's why today I decided to catch the tailed one and pin him against the wall. It’s so painful to wean yourself off of it! It turns out that during the time that we were “nearby”, I became very attached to his presence, communication, irony and outlook on life. I missed him.

Yes, Arvil made sure I didn’t get bored and found something to do. And even the one who controlled this “business”. The centurion assigned one of the foreman to me to teach mental magic. But he tricked the teacher with a very original method! I get up in the morning and the first thing I see is the imperturbable foreman over the bed! Yes, I screamed in fear and fell out of bed!!!

It turned out to be Alishin. Just that ideal soldier without doubts and hesitations.

I grinned at Dashka’s diagnosis: “They are all here with selected selective cockroaches that are not bred by any poison!” She giggled, remembering how the healer screamed at the entire office after a session with one of the foreman. In response to the question of what to do with a tired lady on a hike, he gave her: “Finish it off!” It seems that Alishin was the one who distinguished himself. Still, heilers are truly a bunch of psychological deviations. As the migrant said, Arvil is simply more adapted in this regard because of his communication with me... because he adjusted.

In general, after a couple of meetings with the owner of the magical city at the “healer-patient” level, Dashka thoughtfully suggested drinking... juice. Grape. Decent endurance. And then she said that if she pulls out “this something,” she will hang the order on herself. On one's own.

Arvil...Arvil.

I bit my lip and frowned as my thoughts again flew towards the Sotnik. He promised to work with me! But in fact, he didn’t even keep his word, and informed about the change of decision not personally, but through the foreman! I understand that I am behaving like a child who was promised a toy and was not given it. I understand his motives, but I can’t cope with the insult.

With such thoughts, I stealthily went down the side stairs and froze in a niche near the doors of the training room. A minute later they swung open with a roar. The evil Kryona appeared on the threshold, almost immediately disappearing into one of the corridors flickering with otherworldly light.

Hmmm...she seemed quite nervous. Nervous almost to the point of psychosis. Over any trifle he breaks down. She tried to punch half the foremen in the face... They were so surprised that they even allowed it. No, Kree is a good fighter. Very good. But heilars are a genetically modified hybrid of dragons and fairies. Incredibly fast, very strong, dexterous and nimble. In both guises. Forgive me, girlfriend, but the fiery young woman, who has recently passed her second adulthood, cannot withstand the ideal soldiers.

Who simply did not know peaceful life. Who were taught only to kill.

It was obvious that they were uncomfortable fighting with her. Heilars are used to killing, not fighting or training. I remember. I saw in the memories of the city how this happens.

While I was wandering in sad thoughts, one of the doors swung open again, and a tailed traitor appeared on the threshold. Didn't notice me. Still, Alishin is a great teacher! The sleeper was immersed in himself, thinking about something, so he didn’t see me standing three steps away, wrapped in spells! Oh yes I am!

Arvil carefully closed the door and moved down the corridor. I left the niche and, when he caught up with me, I touched his shoulder with my palm. Immediately the unpleasant surprises began. They twisted my elbow, pressed me against the wall of the niche, and in my throat I felt the coldness of steel, pain and a hot stream crawling down my neck, behind the collar of my tunic.

- Irka!!! Why... - Arvil cursed floridly and cut himself off mid-sentence.

They pulled me out of the nook and examined the wound, while still expressing an honest opinion about blonde idiots. The blonde idiots, in general, shared this opinion and therefore remained ashamedly silent. No, well, where were the brains?! WHO did I, you fool, go after?!

“I could have killed you,” the heilar said tiredly. - Don't come from behind, stupid. Irka, if something odorless and mentally imperceptible touches me, my reflexes are triggered! Guess which ones?!

- Understood.

She looked away, nervously fiddling with her blonde strands tied in a low ponytail. Stupid, well, stupid.

“Let’s go,” Sleeper hugged him by the shoulders, pressing him to him. - Need to talk. Has long been.

Here... a man, huh?! "Need to talk!" - he said, dragging along the girl who has been trying to catch the bastard for a week and a half! He even deprived me of the pleasure of speaking!

Okay, I'll have time. In the meantime... for now you need to break away from the warmth of his body, which seems so unbearably familiar that you don’t want to move away at all, and go where Ar deigns to take you.

It was easy to say this, especially mentally. But it’s very difficult to do, especially since Mr. Anli-Gissar himself hesitated, still pressing me, lightly stroking my back and touching my hair with his cheek.

“You’re the last bastard,” I said quietly.

“I know,” Arvil agreed sadly, starting to comb through my hair with his other hand. - But it depends on which side...

“Now you’ll tell me,” I said gloomily and with a sigh I freed myself from his arms, reminding myself that I had not yet forgiven some of them. – You will present theses and accompany them with the logical chain by which you came to such wonderful conclusions.

He looked at me carefully with violet eyes and silently extended his hand, where I, without hesitation, put my palm. The further journey was not long. First along the main corridors, then through secret passages.

- Why here? – she asked, making her way through the narrow tunnel following the heilar.

“It’s a long time along the main roads,” Arvil said without turning around. – And time, although a viscous material, is extremely scarce.

First I heard the sound of falling water, then I saw a light ahead. Sunlight. Not the sparkling otherworldly glow of the magic of Anli-Gissar, but the real one! Soft, amber and unbearably attractive!

I missed the sun so much...

More - only for my husband. Thoughts about Rinvale resonated with the usual dull pain in my heart, but with an effort of will I pushed them away. Not the time. About Veil - later. Now we need to sort out our relationship with another close and dear man.

When we went out, I first closed my eyes from the rays that cut into my eyes, which were accustomed to the twilight, and then I froze... Because the waterfall was rustling, scattering tiny splashes across my face, because the aroma of sun, greenery and water was floating around... because some people hugged me again, speaking quietly in your ear:

- Be careful, the edge is very close here.

Arvil, Arvil... How complicated everything is with you and me.

You are very necessary and important to me, I have never felt as good and calm with anyone as I do with you. You're like... an extension of me. And without a part of yourself it’s very bad. I don’t know where this effect came from, but now that Arvil was close again after so many days of alienation, I trembled with happiness.

Gradually my eyes got used to it and, squinting, I looked at the place where the heilar had led me. Gorge! So... wild! Primitive, without traces of the intervention of masons: even crossing a small but very stormy river is just a piece of granite, forever frozen as a slightly curved bridge. After the splendor of Anli Hissar, this corner of wild nature was very... sweet to me. Yes, dear to my heart. Almost to the point of sweet pain. Not ideal, somewhat rough, but his own.

Arvil jumped to the lower ledge, turned around, caught me and carefully placed me next to him. He took her hand, intertwining her fingers, and gently pulled her onto the granite bridge. There he took off his doublet, threw it on a stone, motioning to sit down, then sank down next to me.

We were silent. I looked first at the Sotnik, then at the stream rushing from under my feet into the darkness of the gorge. Arvil was more interesting to watch... and sadder. Firstly, the heilar seemed tired. There were shadows under the eyes. He looked pale and somehow very... mature. All that was left of the boy I met in my dream with Veil were bright amethyst eyes and tousled black hair.

I felt ashamed that I was distracting him over such nonsense as wounded pride. It would be better not to drag him to talk, but to bed, to sleep. And also... it was also painfully good to be with him. Sit like this, holding your hand and resting your head on your shoulder. Just good, just warm and calm.

“What a child you are,” Arvil said sadly, weightlessly stroking my hair. “Your husband and I are complete perverts!”

- Uh-uh? – I was taken aback.

“I mean that you are such a small creature, and the desires addressed to you are the most adult,” the Sleeper chuckled.

– We have already discussed this. And it seems they have reached a consensus. “I looked away, nervously rubbing the cuff of my shirt. - Ar, I don’t want to lose you. But now... you are moving away, I also have things to do and worries. And if we both don’t try to maintain friendship, we’ll soon simply run away to different corners. And... that's all.

“Iryana,” Mr. Anli-Gissar chuckled condescendingly. “Unfortunately, this cannot be solved so easily and simply.” And there are reasons for everything.

- I know! “I jumped up, looking at the heilar, who, with an intermittent sigh, ran his fingers through his unevenly cut hair and tugged lightly. I tried to collect scattered thoughts and explain: “Arvil, remember how much has happened.” We went through the Primordial Empire, and then through your deadly attraction called Anli-Gissar! I woke you up... Is this really the end of it all? I understand why you are avoiding me. But could you tell me why you want to limit communication so sharply? You know very well how difficult it is for me now... without you! And you just cut off all the threads!

“I don’t know where to start,” Ar suddenly admitted, gently stroking my palm with his thumb.

- And try anyway.

– Yes, I run because I’m in love. I try to stay as far away as possible because I think it's prudent. Your husband will appear any day now, and I must be prepared for this so as not to lose my temper,” the Sleeper calmly admitted, narrowing his bright violet eyes. “And in this light, do you consider my action wrong?”

“I consider him rash,” she answered honestly and shuddered at the barely noticeable change in the heilar’s ​​face. “You made a decision for both of us without informing me.” Therefore, I unwittingly ruin your plans.

“I wasn’t ready to talk,” the Sotnik rubbed his temple, smiling tiredly. – Iryana, these are bonds. The bonds that were formed during our journey. Now they are torn, that’s why we feel bad.

- So what should I do? – I threw up my hands helplessly. “You understand why you are drawn to me.” Ar, this is elementary physiology plus attachment.

“Why is the tenth thing,” Arvil waved it off. – There is a problem, and that’s a fact.

The sleeper pulled me in again, touching my temple with his lips, then pulled away a little and laughed bitterly:

- I'm an idiot, huh? I myself know that distance is the main thing now, but I can’t resist.

“I’m not an idiot,” I rubbed my head against his shoulder, realizing that I was also committing a rare stupidity. – This is called affection, Arvil. I think if you loved me, you wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to see.

- Baby, what do you know about love? – Heylar laughed openly. – You know more than me exclusively in bed terms. Morally, she’s the same as me. And you don’t love your husband. For the reasons you mentioned above. You left him, my dear.

“My dear,” I responded in the same tone. “Relationships with Veil are none of your business.” My feelings for him, their strength and nature are none of your business either! I'll figure it out myself.

“Another confirmation,” the Sleeper shrugged, looking ahead with feigned indifference. “Darling, don’t you think it’s significant that after just a week and a half of separation from me, you are suffering, trying to talk and find out everything?” Remind me how long it’s been since you’ve seen your red dragon?

- Who's arguing? – I smiled, throwing my head back and exposing my face to the warmth of the sun’s rays and a light drizzle of water. - But, Ar, who would I be, jumping on men? That's why no. I chose Rinvale, I am not indifferent to him... and love is too complex and multi-component feeling, in which the main thing is the mutual desire to preserve it. My husband and I have such a desire. – She looked at Arvil and still decided to express her thought to the end. So that there are no mistakes, insults and omissions. - Yes, I feel bad without you. You are dear. And I believe... I know that you will outgrow this disease. To be completely honest, you probably only have it until you go out into the world. It’s worth meeting other girls, and... that’s it. You will become interested in someone else.

“Your reverent faith in the best has always admired me,” the Sleeper answered a little mockingly.

“Don’t be silly,” she looked at the tailed one with slight condemnation. – By the way, remember: while we were “neighbours”, I not only talked with my husband, but also with one persistent blond dragon. - She giggled and winked at the heilar: - I didn’t notice any jealousy in you. Therefore, you perceive me as a woman, but not as YOUR woman. This means that we can continue to coexist peacefully as soon as you find yourself a “horizontal friend.” “I spread my hands and happily finished: “It’s simple!”

- "Just"! How easy it is for you! – he angrily hit the stone of the Arvil Bridge with his palm. – Everything is crystal clear and clear! My much wise and reasonable one, who has not yet passed her second adulthood! By human reckoning, you’re not even eighteen!

“Here it is,” I pouted. “Almost twenty, in human years.” – I thought a little and decided not to lie so obviously: – Well, maybe less than a year...

- And himself!

I smiled. Well, yes, some kind of completely childish squabble. Fortunately, it cleared up the atmosphere somewhat, which means we can return to our problem.

– You are still very one-sidedly developed, Ar. An ideal warrior, leader, perhaps a politician. In any case, from what I saw, you are quite resourceful. But in personal relationships - complete and utter zero. You know only fatherly warmth towards your subordinates and hatred towards your enemies. That's why I'm special to you. The first one, who cannot be classified into either category. So you got confused... and fell in love a little. Dasha and Kryona are the same, but you have no connection.

He sighed and clasped his long fingers together nervously. I couldn’t help but think how many more beautiful things these architect’s hands could create. After all, Ar is a genius. He created Anli-Gissar. I pray that someday Thainmere will be able to shift the burden of responsibility for the heylars to someone else and try to live for himself. Whether it will work out or not is the tenth matter, but you definitely have to try.

“You explain very beautifully,” the Sleeper began slowly, “but what to do with the current situation, Iryana is pouring?”

“To talk,” I answered calmly. “We should have done this a long time ago.” As for the rest...” I laughed quietly and put my palm on his hand, squeezing it reassuringly through the fabric of his shirt. - Ar, don’t you think that we have things to do – fifty years ahead? And this is with the condition of almost complete lack of sleep and time to “eat”. You'll soon forget about everything! Now we are sitting, gaining strength and thinking about where to move. Then... a whirlpool of events will swirl, and there will be no time left. Everything is returning to normal.

“Well, yes,” he smiled barely and, squinting his amethyst eyes, looked at the sun. – We will soon have our first courtesy visit to the head of a neighboring state. And then there are many more interesting things. But first of all, we need to find the bastard who is pulling the strings.

“Everything would be fine if the Heilars weren’t used as puppets,” I sighed, finishing his thought. – And if in the wrong hands your soldiers had not kindled the fire of an interracial war. Who are you dating? And for what? And will they accept us?

I somewhat confused him with the abundance of questions, but Ar smiled, pulled me closer and said:

– With Her Majesty Alexandra Vir Tollyman, Empress of the Primordial Empire. Only, baby... Where will this “receive us” come from? With all due respect... you will remain in Anli Hissar.

– Do you remember who my father is? – I raised an eyebrow, trying to tame the outburst of indignation from such an answer. You need to be collected, restrained and dignified. – Arvil, my father is a very high-flying diplomat. And more than once he took me to official receptions while traveling. Of course, I was not present at the meetings, but... knowledge is not lost, and blood is not water.

“Iryana, you are a young dragon,” the heilar ruffled my hair. - Not even an adult. Taking you to negotiations of this level is not the smartest move.

“Okay,” I smiled brightly. - Dear, do you really think that the place WHERE I ran away is a secret? Or the fight at the Lake of Fire, when a trio of girls opened a portal to the unknown? An unknown that has now received a name and an owner? Do you really expect that they won’t ask you where the princess of Fire Valley and I are now? I am Cai Tirlin's wife, and I am my father's daughter!

“So?..” asked the Sleeper gloomily.

“Will you just let us go and wave a handkerchief?” – I snorted skeptically, looking at him ironically.

– Do you want to leave Anli-Gissar? – Ar raised a black eyebrow. “It seems to me that Kryona would give everything to stay here forever.”

– Don’t avoid answering. If we want to go home... you won't let us go. Is that right, my dear?

He looked at me intently, narrowing his dark purple eyes and barely perceptibly curling his lips.

- Speak, speak, Iri. It's interesting to hear your speculations.

– More likely – conclusions. “I shrugged my shoulders, shook off his hand and pulled away so I could see his face. - We are hostages. You won't let us go until you achieve what you want. All three of us are very comfortable. Well, maybe except for me. Perhaps you just... don’t really need me. But Dasha and Cree...

“How smart you are at times,” Mr. Anli-Gissar drawled mockingly and admiringly.

“Kryona is a princess, the bride of the heir to the Ice Reach and... the chosen one of the prince of the Undermountain Kingdom,” I continued.

– What makes you think that Sebastian has serious feelings? I am sure that he got everything he wanted from her.

“Maybe so,” I nodded. - But he wants to return it. Because she doesn't need HIM. For the same reason, Dorian will turn the world upside down and make concessions to get the redhead back. She left him. Humiliated in the eyes of the world. With Daria, everything is also simple... applicants for her attention will do a lot and promise to gain access to your city if she stays here.

– If you understood everything, why did you drag the girls into my treacherous networks? – Arvil twitched the corner of his mouth in something like a smile.

“Because your “networks” are better than their reality,” she laughed in response. “And because they wanted it.” Kryona is ready to die so as not to return to her groom. Drow is nothing more than a hobby for her. Well, a way to get what we needed. Combined business with pleasure. Daria... dreamed of healing. And now he is doing what he loves. You found something to buy girls with.

- And you? - The Sleeper squinted.

“I also want to be useful,” I said, swinging my legs, and unexpectedly admitted: “And I also want to study.” As soon as everything calms down a little, I will enter the Primordial Art Academy. One of the best.

– Why not in the Valleys of Dragons? And why are you so convinced that your husband will allow it? It seems to me, dear Iri, that you have already forgotten a little about its presence. As well as the fact that Rinvale has exclusive rights over you, including a ban. Are you sure that after all the adventures, your husband will bless you for further ones and not lock you up?

I froze, biting my lip. To be honest, I didn’t even think about this option. It seemed that Vale understood everything, which means we will try to come to a consensus and solve the problem. Unfortunately, we haven’t seen each other in our dreams since that last time. But before that... he really understood! She looked at Arvil, who was watching intently, and answered:

- I believe in him. And I love.

“I would trust myself,” Ar advised. - You don’t like it. And you understand this perfectly well.

- You know? “I jumped up and stared angrily at the tailed one. - I'm sick of! I said a hundred times that I would stay with my husband. Love is work, precious one! Tense. This is a search for compromises, concessions to each other... and loyalty! Do you think it will be different if I stay with you? Yes, the same thing! At first, of course, no difficulties! And then you, like my husband, will push the “minor dragon” aside! You're already trying! – I clasped my hands and mimicked: “You don’t belong there”, “You’re small”, “You don’t know anything”!

Arvil stood up in one smooth, fluid movement and stepped towards me, hugging me, stroking my head and whispering soothingly:

- Well, why are you so upset... everything is fine.

- So, so. “I freed myself from his arms because I really wanted to stay in them and hug him back. To distract myself from harmful desires, I decided to talk about one interesting topic. She mentally came up with a list and began to enumerate: “You are still a disgusting politician, it should be noted.” Look: the public knows that you kidnapped us, and you have no right not to play these cards. You MUST benefit from this situation! I have to, otherwise others will do it. We can't be hidden. And one more thing... you need a diplomat. You are an excellent leader, but... negotiations are not your path. Just like "games".

- They made me like this! – the heilar barked, his eyes flashing. – Forgot, or what?! Yes, of course, I am first and foremost a warrior and commander!

– What about the foremen? Is there anyone suitable among them?

“Yes,” the Sleeper, who had calmed down a little, ruffled his hair. “But he’s dead, that’s the shame.” Lizard.

I shivered, remembering the ghostly heilar that almost killed us during our journey through Anli Gissar.

“It won’t work,” she shook her head. – He hates all living things except his people.

“His self-control is at the right level,” the city owner objected. - If you resurrect it, it will do. He is strong... also mentally.

-What about resurrection? – I was puzzled, because previously I generally thought this was impossible.

“If everything succeeds, I’ll find someone who will bring the right specialist,” explained the Sotnik, throwing his head back to the sky and absentmindedly running his fingers along the collar of his shirt. – Moreover, we have the necessary materials and installations. All you need is a soul guide and an expert in ancient technologies.

Well, wow, “just”!

“Okay, you know better,” she didn’t express her doubts out loud, especially since there were more important topics than personal squabbles. – How did you manage to arrange an audience with Her Majesty? You can't get close to her that easily. I don’t think that you, such beautiful tailed ones, just showed up in the palace and demanded to set a time.

“That’s right,” Ar winced. – Tylin helped.

“Both,” I was amazed. – Are you communicating with him?!

The Sleeper did not have time to answer. They did it for him.

“And not only that,” said a beautiful, drawling voice.

At the same time, I felt subtle vibrations in space. She turned and greeted the golden-haired fairy with a smile, giving a curious look to the thin brunette behind him and trying to understand where she had seen this new guy before. Logically, nowhere, because he was also wonderful, and I have very few acquaintances of this race.

“Hello, by the way,” the Prince remembered politeness and nodded at his companion: “I’m not empty-handed, I’m with a gift.” Just a thought... Who can legalize heilars better than their creator? Centurion, you are aware, but let me introduce you, Iryana, to Prince Lallin Black Gold.

I stared at him in shock, then at the second one and... I remembered. It was Lallin who took away half the warriors then, in the memory of the city! This is what they called him...

- Kur-r-rator! - Arvil barked. A trembling passed through his body, indicating that he was one step away from turning around.

“I told you this was a bad idea,” the brunette said lazily. - Now they will try to kill me.

– Did you doubt it, Prince Lallin? – the tailed one hissed, slowly becoming covered with small black scales.

“I don’t...” the fairy still said lazily, looking at the heilar with interest. Then he shook his head towards Taylin: “But my brother had unfounded illusions about this.” By the way, I note that your manners have not changed over time, Arvil Teinmere. At least some consistency. But what am I talking about? After all, you have slept safely for the last few thousand years.

The sleeper growled dully, and the next moment his eyes flashed with a lilac-white flash. Lallin Black Gold howled and grabbed his temples.

“Over millennia, power tends to grow,” Ar said in a hissing whisper. He watched with such visible pleasure as the fairy bowed lower and lower to the ground that I felt terrified. – You shouldn’t have come to gloat, curator, in vain...

I looked around in panic, realizing that I couldn’t do anything at all. And I don’t want to, to be honest. This fairy created them! He is to blame for all the troubles of the unfortunate people! And I saw... I saw him in the memories of Anli-Gissar. Lallin would only be excused by ignorance, but the fairy understood perfectly well that his creations turned out to be not only intelligent, but also sentient. There is no forgiveness for him! That’s why I won’t lift a finger now to break Arvil’s concentration and prevent him from burning out the brain of Prince Black Gold.

Deserved...

However, both I and the owner of the city lost through the centuries completely lost sight of one more character. With its arms crossed over its chest, it now watched what was happening with disapproval in its amber gaze. Tylin Molten Gold peeled himself away from the rock, stepped towards the Sleeper and said:

- Let go.

“Your existence is already in the balance, fairies,” the heilar said without looking back. – Don’t cut the thread of your life.

Despite what had been said, he glanced sideways at Tylin and lightly moved his fingers, erecting a cascade of shields between himself and the wondrous one. From mental to physical. Afraid.

“Young fool,” Tylin shook his head and materialized a long whip in his palm. Dull black, like a stroke of primordial darkness, the weapon seemed unnatural in the hand of the fair-skinned, golden-haired marvel. But, remembering the true appearance of this fairy, I realized: yes. Everything is correct. Everything is natural.

The whip shot up and, without resistance, flying through the shields of the heilar, lashed him obliquely, touching the exposed skin, dragging the Centurion from the bridge into the arms of a mountain river. I gasped in alarm and rushed on my knees to the other edge of the bridge, clutching the wet stone and intensely peering into the foamy stream.

Ar surfaced almost immediately.

- You're dead!

- You are an idiot! – the marvelous one did not remain in debt. – If I weren’t a cretin, I would understand that Lal is not resisting! It doesn't even have shields! If my brother had fought with you, he would have smeared it evenly over this pretty gorge in ten seconds!

Almost crushed to the ground by someone else's mental force, Lallin coughed and croaked:

“You overestimate me, Tai.” At least twenty seconds! Still, this tailed abnormal is my best creation.

It was no longer Ar who jumped out of the water onto the stone, but a huge scaly beast with a wavy black mane and a tassel on its tail.

“R-rr,” he said meaningfully, scraping the granite with his claws.

I admired the carved sparks, then the deep grooves in the stone and swallowed nervously.

“Chicky-chicky-chicky,” the dark fairy laughed feverishly, slowly getting up. - How nervous you are.

- Stop it! – the fair-haired Prince retorted. – Lal, stop provoking, you know perfectly well the reasons for the Sotnik’s behavior. And you, Arvil Teinmire, finally find your vaunted self-control and if you please use it!

“Still, psychological preparation had to be carried out,” I glanced accusingly at Taylin.

He looked at me with irritation and grimaced:

“I naively believed that these gentlemen were at least somewhat consistent with their venerable age. - Then he looked at his brother, who was trying to catch his breath, and barked: - Or at least one of them was influenced by the passing years!

“I slept for a long time, because I’m not interested in the mouse fuss of the Yards, which you proudly call “intrigue,” Lallin responded sarcastically and, holding his temple, tried to get up. Then he looked at the slightly calmed scaly beast and said in a mentoring, albeit slightly hoarse tone: “Didn’t they tell you not to play with your prey?” If you are going to kill, kill! If you cannot resist the temptation to torture the victim, put off revenge for a more appropriate time, tailed one.

I shook my head, slightly shocked by the presentation of the “material.” Marvelous quite calmly called himself a victim and practically explained to the enemy how to finish himself off more accurately. Especially if you plan to enjoy suffering.

These fairies are just crazy!

Hearing Arvil’s answer, I was convinced that the Heilars were not far from the marvelous ones. But what am I talking about... they have fairy blood in them, and a lot of it!

– Curator, aren’t you worried about the idea that I will take such valuable advice into account and use it? “The sleeper leaned forward and smiled so joyfully and expectantly that I felt uneasy. – You are on my territory!

“Well, you’re exaggerating,” the dark fairy was finally able to get up. - Just nearby. And believe me, there is a difference.

“If I understand your intentions correctly, you are about to enter my city.” – Despite the ostentatious confidence and arms crossed imperiously on his chest, Arvil’s tail trembled nervously. Noticing this, he wrapped it around his leg and hid the tassel behind the top of his boot.

The fairy just laughed and narrowed his eyes, dark as the Abyss of Anli-Gissar.

“No matter what my older relative says, I’m not an idiot.” And I won’t enter the city... just like that right away. Only after invitation.

“What a disappointment,” Ar answered quite sincerely and glanced sideways at me. – But still, we need to talk... no matter what language... we need to talk in another place.

Well, yes... the language is different. The language of magic and steel is sometimes more expressive than any other.

– Are you embarrassed by the young dragon? – Lal raised his tarry eyebrow and sent me a smile. - This is in vain. She is one of the pieces on our game board and, as the girl quite rightly said not so long ago... it would be a sin not to take advantage of it. Especially if it is so conveniently located.

– I would prefer to discuss the framework for future actions without Iryana.

I held back my irritation, trying not to let it break through or even flicker in the depths of my eyes. I pursed my lips and lowered my gaze, realizing that I definitely didn’t control myself that well.

Men... are the same! They are all the same!

That's right, I sent Arvil... to look for another love! He is no different from Vale! But unlike her husband, who, if not re-educated, has at least learned something, Aru is not yet in danger of enlightenment.

“One of your mistakes,” the hitherto silent Tylin intervened, “is that you have too few people close to you.” Monstrously little. This means we need to develop and use everyone who exists.

Flattering, of course... I didn’t expect any mental comments, if only because I didn’t imagine such a possibility. As it turned out, in vain. Feeling a slight mental touch, she shuddered in surprise. Judging by the golden-amber tones in which the “challenge” is painted, this is Taylin. She opened it carefully. upper layer consciousness, not knowing what to expect from a pointy-eared person.

“Well, what can you do, this is the most convenient terminology, girl,” Tylin smiled barely.

“I don’t mind. I’m even grateful for the intervention and confirmation of my words.”

Meanwhile, Lallin came closer and, not caring one bit about the safety of his dull black robe, sat down on an improvised bridge across the river. Then he looked back at us and, giving another wide smile, spread his arms invitingly:

– Sit down, gentlemen, allies, at the table of peace negotiations!

And this is a thousand-year-old fairy? Where is the majesty, where is the wisdom, where, after all, is the beauty?!

Unlike his brother, Lal did not have a perfect face and figure. Thin, in his robe resembling a ruffled crow, with somewhat bird-like features, the impression of which was aggravated by the predatory shape of his eyes, the color of black agate.

But in the city's memories, he was different... Tall, thin and flexible as a whip, dressed in the colors of the night sky, which seemed to be collected directly from the sky to sew clothes. The only jewelry was pearls, and the skin glowed dullly under the shine of the Anli-Gissar chandeliers. Then he really was a magnificent, wondrous lord, from whose sight those around him froze in admiration. What happened to you, Lallin Black Gold? Why do you so clearly neglect the most important thing for fairies - yourself? Extremely interesting.

Thinking like this, I sat down not far from the subject of my current interest, on the other side of the bridge. On my side, but further, Arvil descended. Tylin took a place not far from his brother. We are silent. We study each other. Or rather, they are studying. I'm not interested. Except that Prince Black Gold often returns his gaze to me, which makes me feel frankly uncomfortable.

A treacherous thought flashed through my mind that if he saw me as a woman, I would feel calmer. This evil is already familiar and not so frightening. But this was the first time they looked at me like a bargaining chip. I can't say that the feeling was pleasant.

- Why are you here? – I suddenly asked and even shuddered under the crosshairs of three glances at once. Deciding that if I don’t finish the thought now, I won’t dare voice it later, she continued: “Even the official version is interesting to me.” It’s stupid to wait for the real one, of course.

There was a cheerful look in the fairies’ eyes: “But she’s not such a fool!” – but he answered, of course, something completely different.

- What are you, dear girl, my intentions are direct and transparent.

Well, yes. And in general, you are blond, and you probably hid your white wings somewhere. It's just an optical illusion for all of us here. Of course, she didn’t speak out loud. I wanted to!

- Well, whatever you say. “I decided not to push the horn, especially since I have no chance of outplaying this fairy.” Never again. Different weight categories. Different life experiences.

“Actually, everything is extremely simple,” Lallin closed his eyes tiredly. – We have one goal, gentlemen. Find the one who started the unrest in the Primordial. That bastard who stole my project materials and tried to start it again!

- Your project? – the Sleeper asked in a whistling whisper. - So you call us... cur-r-rator?!

“I called you “heylars,” the dark fairy calmly answered, without flinching his face. - Which you know very well. Pull yourself together, Sotnik. You disappoint me.

– I wonder what you would do in my place? – Ar calmed down and now only watched the fairies.

Tylin and I were silent and did not interfere, realizing that they should talk. Even a bit. It is necessary to clarify at least a little bit. Let there be practically no time for this.

The prince from the Cast Gold family wearily looked from his brother to the heilar, and his appearance expressed the extreme state of being “fed up.” Lallin apparently thought about it. He did not take his agate eyes off Ara. When the silence became almost ringing, his thin pale lips twitched in a smile, and he said quietly:

“I would cut off everyone present and slowly, with pleasure, kill the one I hate.” Enjoying every scream... every moan... every wheeze.

“Then appreciate my self-control,” Arvil leaned forward. “All I want now is to gently squeeze your spine in my palms.” First pierce the neck with claws.

I shuddered and jumped up indignantly:

- Maybe that’s enough? And then you’ll play the “who’s the coolest threat” toy?! - She took a breath and continued: - Gentlemen, perhaps, due to the female mind, I do not quite understand the purposes of our meeting... but it seems that it is far from what you are doing now!

Silence followed, during which Arvil closed his eyes and, judging by the rhythm of his breathing, tried to calm down. Taylin stared with undisguised interest at the waters of the river and the glare of the sun, lost in the crystal water. Lallin smiled at me faintly.

And I felt like I wasn’t the smartest person in a gathering of completely incomprehensible individuals. Either geniuses, whom I do not understand due to my own limitations, or complete idiots, whom I do not understand for the opposite reason. Since I could not classify the ancient fairies and heilar into the category of fools, the conclusions were disappointing.

“Iryana, they’re trying to find a common language,” Tai sighed, glancing at me ironically. - But it’s not the right time, you’re right about that.

“Iri?” – I heard it again in my head.

“Iri, it’s better not to interfere now. “He hesitated, as if searching for words, and continued: “It’s just that Lallin and Arvil are both new to such a situation and don’t know how to behave.” Lala is sad that it was his project that was then chosen for the role of “savior of the Gold family.” But the project turned out to be... a failure. Brother did not create dolls for protection, but an intelligent and sentient race. A doomed race. The centurion is trying not to succumb to emotions and not to kill the one whom he hated so boundlessly all his life. Well... make allowances for the psychological age of your tailed friend.”

“Yes,” I mentally smiled. - Essentially, a teenager. I just thought we didn’t have much time and it was worth discussing plans.”

“They can’t,” the marvelous one responded endlessly wearily. - They won’t be able to. Now they need to draw at least some conclusions. It is necessary that there is a desire to talk, and not immediately and with pleasure cut each other into ribbons.”

Finding no words, I shrugged and discovered that while we were communicating with the elder fairy, Lallin and the heylar had come to a consensus.

“I think you understand that it will not be possible to preserve the independence of Anli-Gissar,” said Lallin, squinting his black eyes at his tailed creation.

“I understand perfectly,” Ar nodded his dark-haired head, and his tail trembled nervously, revealing his owner’s excitement. - They won’t let us. The appearance of representatives of a new race out of nowhere is too unusual. Especially considering what's going on in the world.

“Yes, your homemade copies, devouring anyone in the Empire and allied states, are an extremely annoying factor,” he put his hand in blonde hair Tai. “That’s why I agreed with Her Majesty the Empress and the Guardians to meet on neutral territory.” There are four accompanying people on each side, and you choose the place.

– Why exactly the human empire? – I was curious. - No, I understand that you can’t go near dragons, but the Undermountain Kingdom is nearby...

– Drow are sedentary fairies, have you forgotten or what? – the golden-haired bard, who now did not at all look like a carefree musician, looked predatorily. “The owner of Anli-Gissar will not bow to them.”

“That’s not the point,” the Sotnik shook his head. – The empire is simply stronger. And yet... The drow is too close. No matter what treaties we conclude, they will stubbornly invade the city. I'm sure it will be easier with people.

“I wouldn’t count on it,” I laughed quietly, remembering how my father swore after another diplomatic reception. – Extremely toothy comrades also live there. And the empire is called “human” only because, according to statistics, there are about fifty percent people there. For the rest, there are two of every creature. From settlers to drow with dragons. So…

- No, Iri... exactly the empire. There are reasons,” Arvil smiled and changed his position.

I sighed furtively. Now he's not so stressed. Not a second away from being thrown. And he took his hand off his ankle. As far as I know, Sotnik keeps the poisoned needles in that leather strip on the seam of his pants. This means that there will be no attack now, and you don’t have to be ready, just in case, to run for the hills so as not to accidentally fall under attack.

Judging by the chuckles that flashed momentarily in his violet eyes, Ar perfectly understood the reasons for my relief.

-Who will you take with you? – Lallin asked lazily. – Let me clarify: my brother and I are included automatically. That is, there are two more on your side. Who?

“The tens,” the Sleeper answered slowly, and then looked sideways at me, as if he was thinking about something.

“That’s right,” the dark fairy followed his gaze. - It would be better to have her. The girl is useful and will come in handy in the future. Judging by the data provided, she has very good genetics, which is important.

– Iryana will remain in the city.

I caught my friend’s serious gaze and shook my head:

– You have too few resources not to use them.

“You are not a resource,” the heilar snapped. - You are you.

“She’s a dragon, the daughter of the Fire Valley’s ambassador to the empire,” Lallin chuckled and continued harshly: “Arvil, we’ll have to take the girl.” We are few, but the task is great. How many of you are in the city? A dozen and a half? Less?

Ar turned to Taylin and said affirmatively:

“You told me not to shout out to the privates.”

- Of course. And stop seeing us as enemies. Lallin wants to help, so hiding anything is stupid.

“Taylin, I don’t believe him.” I don’t believe the motive stated. Your actions are accepted because my people owe you the illusion of freedom, and Anli-Gissar owes their existence.

Hmmm, we definitely won’t come to an agreement at this rate. And... if I remember the basics of psychology correctly, in such a situation it only takes time for everything to settle down a little.

“And I have a proposal,” she rubbed her temples, almost feeling her head swelling from the abundance of information. Both from the news and from the expected drastic changes. They say I went to talk and sort things out with a friend... - Before going to the Empress, we need to meet again on neutral territory and discuss everything again. Because right now you are too emotional.

“Irka is right,” the Sleeper stood up.

After waiting for both fairies to follow his example, Ar bowed his head in respect. The marvelous ones looked at each other and responded in kind. I was ready to clap my hands and give everyone a gingerbread for exemplary behavior and sound thinking.

“Okay,” Tylin nodded and looked at Arvil: “You have an amulet with which you can contact me.” I’m not in a hurry and I’m not setting a time frame, but it seems to me that you yourself understand how limited we are in this resource.

“I understand,” the Sleeper narrowed his eyes, and a barely noticeable smile touched his lips. - Prince, I will not hesitate.

- That’s great. – Lallin grimaced and rubbed his temples, looking with displeasure at the heilar, and then at everyone else. – If the conversation is finished, I leave. Centurion... it’s informative to see you again. Lieta Iryana, I will be glad new meeting. Brother... you know where to look for me.

He bowed and, retreating, disappeared into the black and gold haze.

I looked thoughtfully at the melting energetic colored “snow”, under which I was tempted to place my palm. It’s easy to guess how it will sting delicate skin. Energy... bites. She grinned, catching herself on the last thought.

But... something very unusual awaits ahead. And deep inside I felt a thrill of realization: very soon I will have a job! No, not like that... BUSINESS. Big and important. Meaningful. Such a chance comes extremely rarely, so I only have one try. If I succeed, I will prove to everyone, and first of all to myself, that I am worth something.

Probably Dasha and Krion have the same thoughts. We have a chance. The one in a million. And ours is generally from the realm of fairy tales and dreams. Because the Heilars and their master are the creation of one brilliant scientist. Lallin Black Gold. And I still wonder where the magnificent lord I saw on my walk through the memories of Anli-Hissar went to.

While I was thinking about the younger fairy, his brother finished his conversation with the Centurion. Approaching me, he bowed, took hold of my palm and pressed a light kiss on the back of it.

– Iryana, I have a small request.

“I’m listening,” I answered carefully, not even thinking about following the rules of etiquette and saying “of course” or “everything in my power.” With fairies, you generally need to watch your language. If only because if you say this, you, “of course,” will have to fulfill what you promised and at the same time “make every effort.”

A knowing smile slid across the pinkish lips of the wondrous handsome man. Pulling away, he continued:

– I want you to give Daria a small gift.

I almost laughed in his face.

This is impudence!

– Taylin, with all due respect, I have to refuse. “I shook my head and, noticing that he frowned and bad sparks flashed in his yellow eyes, I considered it necessary to justify the decision. “Forgive me, but giving gifts to a mortal from a wondrous lord... I treat Daria too well for such a blatant setup.”

“This thing does not contain anything that can influence Dasha’s will,” the fairy smiled, but the warmth did not increase in his eyes.

“Okay,” she answered with the same smile and insinuatingly asked: “What about feelings?”

- Give your word? – the wondrous one shuddered, looking at me arrogantly.

“It wouldn’t hurt,” I nodded calmly, internally cringing under the piercing amber gaze.

“Iryana...” Tylin sighed and took out a soft blue velvet bag from his pocket. He loosened the ribbons, and a strange decoration, similar to a crescent moon with a hook at the end, fell into the fairy’s palm. - This is just a “messenger”.

“Unusual,” I shook my head, not thinking of immediately believing the lord.

– Lieta, do you really think that you know everything in the world?! Maybe I’m just not aware that your specialty is the achievements of wonderful people in the field of magic and technology?

“Of course not,” I calmly responded to this outright mockery. – But, as I already said, the migrant is my friend. And in general... Tylin. If you were in my place, would you really meekly take the cute little thing and take it to to a loved one, knowing that she could possibly harm him?!

“Got it,” Ty rubbed the bridge of his nose. - Options?

– As you yourself suggested – give me the floor.

“It’s fun,” the fairy laughed and shook his head. – This is the first time I swear by such nonsense. Usually this was required by more global questions.

“Well, well...” I spread my hands and fell silent, inviting the marvelous one to figure it out on his own.

“It’s good,” he growled briefly and irritably ran his fingers through his golden hair. – I, Tailyn Cast Gold, swear that my gift to Daria does not carry any hidden properties other than those already announced.

Gave his word. No, not like that... THE WORD.

“Okay,” without taking my eyes off the marvelous look, I nodded and extended my palm.

Tylin finally slid his finger over the smooth blue-violet stone and put the amulet back into the bag, which he handed to me.

I squeezed the fabric and felt something slightly crunch in my palm.

“Paper,” the fairy answered my questioning look. - A note. More precisely, instructions.

“Okay,” she squeezed her fingers on the velvet and turned to Arvil.

“Iri, go to the wall,” the Sleeper nodded to the place from where we appeared.

I looked at him and the fairies, but felt it necessary to obey.

She turned around, walked around the men frozen opposite each other, resolutely jumped off the roughly hewn boulder that replaced the bridge and looked around the slope, mentally outlining the “steps” along which she could walk.

However, Ar caught me during the descent, which greatly simplified the task. Now I could only rely on myself. It's okay, I'm a dragon! The creature is dexterous and strong! So within half a minute I was sitting on the edge of a small cliff heated by the slanting rays of the sun and watching the still motionless men. It was completely impossible to understand what they were talking about from their impassive faces.

Arvil seemed relaxed. Which means he is leading this conversation. If things had been different, he would have looked different. I don’t know when I learned to read it, but I did. Or is it the remnants of a connection that is not completely broken even now? Anything is possible. Centurion, you tailed fool. If we have no chance of escaping from each other in the near future, it’s worth tackling the problem closely.

Of course, there is Kryona as an option. But Cree is a girl without complexes. And he knows that I’m nowhere from Vale. If she liked the Centurion, she would have made it clear. So if it doesn’t demonstrate goodwill, it means it’s out of the question. Although Fiery people are relaxed in an intimate sense, they are not to such an extent that they sleep with those they don’t like.

Having emerged from my thoughts about which direction would be best to direct Ara’s interest, I again focused on the people talking. Judging by the ostentatiously distant expression that settled on the fairy's face, he was listening to something that was not particularly pleasant for him. Finally, the men finished the dialogue, and the marvelous one disappeared into the shimmering air. Arvil looked at me with a smile.

- Well... let's go back?

“Let’s go,” I swung my legs with an answering smile, looking down at him. -What were they talking about?

“The fact that some charming migrants are not only under my protection, but also under the tutelage of the foreman,” Ar chuckled, his eyes sparkling mischievously from under his black bangs. “And if she is offended, some handsome men will have something torn off.” And not even just once.

“Poor Tylin,” I laughed. - What is he?

– He stated that his intentions were the most serious, and also explained where I could go with my threats. “In a matter of seconds, Arvil was on my ledge and sat down next to me. Also dangling his legs.

That's how we sat. The long minutes seemed timeless. And the sun fell behind the mountain range, taking away the orange-red rays that had recently warmed the rocks. The darkness thickened, first draping the cracks in the rock, and then, as if emboldened, it emerged onto the flat surfaces, which had recently felt the caress of the heavenly body, but now belonged to its opposite. Darkness.

– A new stage is coming.

I shuddered at the quiet voice and turned to the heilar. Leaning back on the still warm stone, he watched the flow of the river, which became increasingly dark. It was now impossible to see the bottom. Only rare silvery reflections on the now opaque water reminded us of the sparkling stream it had rushed from the peaks quite recently.

-What are you talking about?

“Yes, about everything, probably,” Arvil responded after a moment’s hesitation. – We are really leaving the shadows, our usual home. But... we were only weapons in the wrong hands. And if we want to seize control now, we need to change tactics.

“That’s right,” she nodded and frowned at the thought that came to her head, which she was not slow to voice: “Ar, what can we offer to the Primordial Empire?” As I understand it, if you let them into the city, it will be with a minimum level of access. Yes, and handing over your people to the Empress... is fraught.

“We have something to offer,” the corners of the lips twitched in a smile. “And believe me, they need this now more than all the mythical and not so mythical riches of Anli-Gissar.”

“Okay,” I sighed when I realized that he wasn’t going to lay everything out now. He'll tell you when he decides. – What are your immediate plans?

“Take care of the external borders,” Arvil rubbed his temples with a sigh. – I’m almost finished, but... I need to finish it.

- And I have classes with Alishin, and then get-togethers with the girls...

“Warn Daria that fairies never do anything for nothing,” the Sleeper voiced the obvious.

“I’m afraid it won’t help,” I winced. “You understand that everything here depends only on her.”

“I understand,” the master of the lost city grinned. “That’s why I’ll partially open the way for Tylin’s competitor.”

– Will you let the drow into the city?! – I gasped, staring at the heilar in surprise. - Ar, what are you doing?! Do you even know who Trinvir del Meredith is?!

“I know,” the tailed man laughed quietly, looking at me cheerfully. He pulled him in and ruffled his hair. “That’s why I probably won’t let you into the city itself.”

“Hmm, I can’t imagine how you’ll get out of it,” I shrugged. - Taylin still... well, I don’t believe that he is so smooth because of Daria or even guilt.

“That’s right,” Arvil nodded calmly. – It seems to me that the answer is simple. They are both interested. You yourself know how disastrous boredom is for wonderful people. That's why they clung to this task. It's very complex, almost overwhelming... but that's the beauty of it.

“Wonderful,” I said with some degree of disgust.

“Fairies,” Ar responded in the same tone.

We looked at each other and laughed.

I felt the Sotnik’s palm, squeezed it tightly and quietly admitted:

“I’m so glad that everything was resolved.” And that again is easy.

He didn’t answer for almost a minute, during which time the light and ringing state of cloudless happiness left me, until he finally said:

- Glad you're feeling good.

I selfishly remained silent, allowing him to heroically make this sacrifice, and suggested cheerfully:

- Let's go?

- Let's go to. “He stood up and lifted me with a strong jerk, almost immediately wrapping his tail around my waist. I twitched nervously, and the heilar, smiling sadly, weightlessly kissed my forehead. - I'm really glad, girl.

She looked away, realizing that... somehow everything was turning out very perversely.

Ollie courted me out of wounded pride and awakened desire. Veil was attracted to my age and liveliness; I relieved him of boredom. Arvil was the most unlucky of all. He tied himself to me. And if you think about it, was there anything to get attached to? To a girl who hasn’t even passed her second adulthood? I even feel sorry for the men.

The sleeper let me go and put his luminous palms on the rock, along which an ornate painting-arch instantly snaked. In its center the stone trembled like a haze, flowed, changed color. She closed her eyes as usual and stepped through this miracle back into the enchanted city.

His master followed.

We walked hand in hand for a short time. Only until one of the main corridors, in which Ar quickly hugged me and, kissing me on the forehead again, said:

- Irish, I have things to do.

“Go, of course,” I sighed. I didn’t want to part with the Sleeper.

She looked after her sadly, realizing that the problems were far from being solved. I'm selfish. Malicious. I would like to limit my communication with Arvil myself, knowing about his attitude. But I don’t do this... On the contrary, I challenge him to talk.

I really miss my husband. Both me and... Arvil. It’s one thing to know in theory that a girl is busy. And it’s another thing to see her with her legal husband.

I need to talk to Arvil about my desire to leave Anli-Gissar and meet with Vale. Maybe this time he will allow it? Previously, a hundred and one reasons why it was impossible were invented. And it’s dangerous, and they can infiltrate the city, and in general... And here, in addition to the Heilars armed to the teeth, there are also us defenseless.

Of course, I’m not a trump card, but I’m not a six in our deck either. Trumps - Kryona and Daria. The first is political, and the second may be able to pull Ara’s subordinates out of the psychological abyss where they have been wandering all their lives. True, how to do this if the tailed ones consider this condition to be the norm? Big question. Hmmm, I don’t envy the healer. Moreover, Dashka has almost zero experience, and no education yet. Acts solely on intuition.

The Joker is Lallin. No matter how the Sotnik tries to deny it. Well, Tylin. True, this one is rather an ace. I smiled at the thoughts and specifics of the layout. Yes, something from the cycle of events has begun to make your mind go completely crazy, Iryana.

She walked forward slowly, automatically noting the beauty of the patterned slabs under her feet. Gray granite with a scorched pattern, woven with a strange vine, moved further and further, even capturing the lower part of the walls, which were also light by about one third. Closer to the middle they became blue, and the vaulted ceilings generally seemed like a midnight blue aventurine sky with softly flickering sparks of distant stars.

In Anli-Gissar, a lot of things are decorated with aventurine of different colors. Arvil probably loves this stone. Or the explanation is even simpler: Anli-Gissar was built on the site of large deposits of aventurine. I always romanticize everything.

She laughed quietly and, succumbing to a childish impulse, continued to walk along the corridor in zigzags, since she was only walking on the black strip of “vine”.

My teacher, Alishin, told me that this beautiful pattern is not simple. When the city is in defense mode, the innocent drawing turns into one of the defensive means. Becomes sufficiently material and independent to kill.

He said that then... when dragons and fairies with a curator came for the Heylars, there were several hundred of them. Several dozen made it to the main hall, the rest remained lying in the corridors of the city. The cities that Arville built. How similar they are, Sotnik and Anli-Gissar!

It’s a beautiful city, and it makes my heart ache to be here. While I'm here, I can't help but feel a sense of miracle and that everything will certainly be good and no less interesting. A magical city and its completely magical owner. And the same subordinates. We have fun!

Now I was walking towards the training room. Two hours of torment with Alishin lay ahead. It is in the halls that this bastard has such a blast that I almost crawl out of there. But the practical classes are simply amazing and, one might say, exclusive. Few people get this chance. But more on that later. And now…

- Good afternoon, mentor. “I greeted the Heilar approaching from the other end of the corridor.

He just nodded and we went into the training room.

– Today we have levitation and a repetition of the basics of healing that you have already learned.

- It's clear!

- Great. Well... - Alishin looked at me carefully and, closing his eyes, slowly soared above the floor. - Repeat.

I repeated it. I felt a feeling of weightlessness cover my body and smiled joyfully, opening my eyes. I came across the skeptical look of the fair-haired tailed one, who calmly said:

- Three two one. Smack!

I widened my eyes in confusion, and then... then the “smack” happened.

- A-a-ay! – she howled, clutching her ankle that flared with pain.

“Loss of concentration at such a height has a negative impact on physical health,” Alishin stated calmly, smoothly lowering himself to the floor. With his hands behind his back, the heilar walked around me in a circle. – What and when did you make a mistake?

“I was happy too early,” I muttered, trying to detach myself from the pain and turn off the pain impulses in order to calmly heal my leg.

“That’s right,” Alishin nodded calmly. – Iryana, we need to celebrate victory with both feet on the ground, and not soaring in the sky.

“I understand,” she nodded obediently and hissed, because instead of removing the pain, I intensified it. Two times.

- What's happened? – the teacher sighed tiredly and squatted down next to him. – Are we removing the pain? That's right, that's right. But why are you influencing the wrong receptors? And why here? Baby, everything starts in the brain. Block there.

– I'm not so confident in myself. I’ll block something else... Yes, you yourself said that such a practice is appropriate only for your own healing. But if you need to treat an outsider, the effect is local, on the affected area itself.

“There is a reason in your words,” the foreman was forced to admit and continued to calmly instruct: “Look: we are pinching this nerve, and now we are not allowing swelling and inflammation to develop.” We accelerate regeneration and slightly weaken the blockade on pain receptors. Oops! Almost done. Now you don’t even need any intervention: everything will weaken and resolve on its own.

I moved my leg and voiced the sensations:

- Does not hurt.

“And it won’t be,” Alishin rejoiced, and then took off, only to hover for a moment and... fall down! My jaw also collapsed, apparently following the infectious example of my mentor.

- Alishin, are you okay?

“Of course not,” the heylar looked at me with detached surprise, nervously twitching his tail. Then he bent down and rolled up his trouser leg, showing off his reddened and beginning to swell ankle. He moved, grimaced and looked at me demandingly: “Now repeat everything I just did.” You have a minute and a half to do this!

- W-w-why one and a half?! – I asked stuttering, feverishly trying to remember what and how he did with my leg.

“Because after that I will be healed myself,” Alishin answered with some arrogance in his gaze. “And you’ll have to fall again.” This is unpleasant for me...

Wow!!! And I once thought that dragons and fairies were eccentric creatures? Unbearable creatures? Yes. She was right! But then I didn’t yet know what a cross between dragons and fairies was! Now I know. The final result never ceases to amaze.

“Iryana, I would really ask you to hurry up,” the Heylar pulled me out of my mental stupor with impeccable politeness. – Although... I was wrong.

- What? – I asked somehow very doomedly.

– You have at least four minutes! – the fair-haired abnormal said joyfully. “It looks like there’s a crack in the bone!”

- Wow! – I “rejoiced” along with the victim. – Only you haven’t shown how to fuse bone tissue yet!

“It’s true,” he looked at me predatorily and generously offered: “An arm or a leg?”

- Your neck! – I barked, jumping away just in case. - Or a skull. Maybe it will have some effect.

“It will certainly have an impact,” Al nodded seriously. – You know that damage of this nature...

“Stop,” I raised my palms and sat down near the injured part of my original tailed trainer’s body. – Is the principle almost the same as when healing muscle mass?

“A slightly different vector of force,” the foreman stared at me with curiosity. -Will you risk trying?

“Yes,” I decided and focused on the magical effect.

– Please remember about the dosage of energy, since when too much large quantities Bone growths may appear, which can only be removed surgically. And the only doctor we have is Diar, and he’s more of an amputee.

I couldn't find the words. Even obscene ones.

In the end, everything ended well. Alishin left on his own two feet, saying that he was pleased with me today. I left, holding onto the wall, with shaking knees and feeling a very strong need for a sedative. True, everything was not so bad, and therefore I chose a different antidepressant. Dream.

Creator, what kind of people are they... You can’t even call them cynical! This is their reality. Different life, different values. And I am a guest in their house. It is I who must remain silent if it bothers me. I have to adapt to the owners. Which is what I do.

I'm honestly trying to do it.

* * *

The next day, my schedule positively said: “Meeting with friends. One joke". This made me extremely happy, and even slightly ennobled the surrounding reality. So I went to Dashka immediately after another conversation between the fairies and Arvil, who discussed matters and problems, the essence of which I had not really understood.

My head ached from overexertion, and I decided to take a roundabout walk. As you know, “legs in motion - brain at rest.” And the beautiful Anli-Gissar has a calming effect, despite its otherworldly charm.

To get to Dashka’s office, I had to go down from the fourth, outer level, where I was now, to the second. There were private rooms and rest rooms for Anli-Hissar. On the third are training halls, reception rooms, armories, portrait galleries, and so on. In short, everything that was intended for general use. That's very, very common.

True, I didn’t want to remember about portraits, mosaics and other paintings. It was too... chilling from the memories of what was hidden behind the black and white images. From the danger and hatred that did not leave the Heilars even after death.

Finally, I walked out onto one of the landings and ran down the sparkling alabaster and agate staircase. The first steps and railings were so black that they seemed invisible in the surrounding twilight. I boldly took a step, feeling the support and fleetingly rejoicing at its presence. One, two, three... then the snow-white steps began. Because of this architectural technique, one got the impression that a snow-white sparkling staircase without supports or railings was simply hanging over the abyss.

I quickly passed this miracle, trying not to rummage through my memory for the role of the black and white beauty in protecting the city. Paranoid tailed ones! They have everything here, absolutely everything for a reason!

But here is the destination. The second level is not as frighteningly beautiful as the others. Just residential. I walked past a spacious corridor decorated with the usual light peach marble. The road to the first level, in the heart of the lost city. I was not allowed there, nor were my friends. Arville explained that it was “very, very uninteresting.” And in general, we have already been there. The Hall of Memories, energy sources powering Anli-Gissar and the control center for defense systems. In short, the Sleeper lied. It's interesting there. But they don't let me in. However, for now there were enough objects to study beyond the first level.

At the end of the corridor, the door of the monastery of our staff healer of souls appeared. Approaching, I poked my nose into the office. I saw a sad Dashka and Alishin sitting opposite. Apparently they were still dealing with the lady in distress situation.

“And yet I don’t understand the correctness of transporting a useless wounded man, who also has nothing to do with us.” I don’t understand why gender gives any advantages...

Dasha ran her fingers through her fluffy hair and said gloomily:

- Alishin, you will drive me into a coffin.

“No,” the foreman responded calmly, and in response to the healer’s questioning glance, he explained: “I would like to note that, given where we are, burying in wooden boxes is short-sighted.” Very soon they will become unusable. Therefore, if in the near future you are planning to depart to another world, I advise you to choose a sarcophagus. Moreover, we have reserves. Choose which one you like!

Judging by Dashka's look, she really wanted to either hit her head against something, or apply a heilar.

- You feel bad? – the tailed one asked the groaning healer with genuine concern.

“No,” she answered gloomily, again raising her eyes to him.

I couldn’t resist and giggled, which made them both turn to the door.

“Good afternoon,” she nodded and knocked demonstratively. - Can?

“We need it,” Dashka nodded joyfully, who, apparently, was simply happy to see me.

“Hello, Iryana is flying,” Alishin stood up and barely noticeably bowed slightly. – I hope you remember that we have classes in the evening?

“I remember,” she nodded and turned to the displaced woman: “Dash, did you bother me?”

- No, what are you talking about? – She hastily closed the books and notebooks. - We're almost finished.

- Really? – Heilar raised his light eyebrow and looked at his watch. – Usually you torment me... treat me for about an hour and a half. Much less time has passed now.

“I’m talking to you, not flying,” the healer frowned and straightened a fluffy lock of hair that had fallen over her eyes.

“Of course,” the tailed man nodded and stood up. - I can go?

“Thank you,” Alishin thanked without a smile and, clearly, in a military manner, turned around and left. Dasha allowed herself to drop her head on the table with a thud and moan sadly: “Irka, what are they like...

Apparently, she did not have any further censorship words to describe the situation.

- Irka, did you hear?! Am I torturing them?! This is still who is torturing whom!

“They can also be understood,” I said soothingly, sinking into the chair vacated by Alishin. “They’re so used to it and don’t know any other way.” For heilers, this behavior is normal. I will say more: not only for them.

“I understand that,” the friend waved her hands and finished a little hastily: “I don’t understand otherwise.” Why did Arvil pin all this on me?! Well, he can’t help but know that his idea is of zero use! There wouldn't be any harm... Irka, they're different! Yes, you are all different here! Dragons, heilars, fairies... what can I, an ordinary person, do?!

“He knows better,” she shrugged. “Ar wouldn’t do anything he wasn’t sure of.” Therefore, I am confident in you.

“They have a different psyche,” Daria rubbed her temples and tapped her finger on one of the volumes on the table. “I’ve been studying the psychology of fairies and dragons, because our handsome tailed creatures are basically made from them.” So here it is. What I previously considered a serious deviation is just mild eccentricity for fairies! Easy!

- Don't panic to begin with.

- I'm trying.

“Well done,” I extended my hand and squeezed the cold fingers of my interlocutor. - Dash, look for the positive. If you thought the situation was completely bad, but in the light of new information it turns out that everything is not so disgusting, that’s already good.

“Not really,” our unfortunate woman shook her head. – There are all different directions, phenomena... But it’s fun to work with foremen - there’s nowhere else to go. And... I feel so useless!

“Nonsense,” I shook my head decisively. - Everything will be fine. Of course, I haven’t known Alishin for long, but, in my opinion, in the first days he was completely, completely frozen. Better now.

- That's not the point. Irka, how can we instill in mature beings the norms of morality, ethics and the laws of society? Especially considering that something completely different was invested in the Heilars? Just the opposite! All I can do is help them learn the basics, like the rules of survival in new conditions. They will stick to it. As long as they remember and as long as they consider it necessary.

“It’s already an achievement,” I said quietly.

She nodded, her finger absentmindedly running along the spine of the book.

- Shall we go get Kryona? – I suggested after a while. “We don’t have much time, but we haven’t been able to meet for days.” Someone is always busy.

The migrant rose with a sigh, and we went in search of our fiery one.

The redhead was training in the gym with a couple of foreman. Or rather, I honestly tried to do it, since the men for the most part allowed themselves to be beaten. If they dropped it, it was very carefully, and if they hit something, it was something soft. Needless to say, the dragoness was almost smoking with anger?

Finally Kryona stopped, and a couple of foreman immediately froze nearby, watching her carefully. The sorceress threw down a long pole and barked:

– What kind of icy ballet are we having again?! I want to fight! Hard!

“Leta Krion,” one of the heilars cleared his throat and adjusted his glasses that had slipped down a little, “if we fight hard, then you won’t be in danger of active rest for a while yet...

Kree looked offended and clasped her hands nervously:

- Well, how can I learn anything if you treat me like a crystal vase?! And you don’t want to train!

“Because there is no time,” the heylar said softly, and the next moment the amulets on the foremen’s chests lit up, and they bowed out of the hall. Call of the Centurion.

- Genetically modified bastards! – Making sure that the doors were tightly closed and no one would hear her, the redhead began to swear. - Tailed bastards!

- Well, why do you need to be “tough”? – Dashka chuckled, leaning on the wall.

- Because I am a warrior! – Kree shook her fiery curls and, picking up the pole, took it to the counter. - A warrior, not a muslin young lady! Girls, have you ever seen how heilars fight among themselves?

Daria and I shook our heads in unison. Somehow it wasn’t necessary, and our interests were on a different plane.

– They are incredibly skillful! – Kryona’s eyes lit up with admiration. - Amazing! Even Dorian can't compare! And I want, I really want to get at least a little closer to their level!

– To clean up the icy groom’s face when we meet?

“And that too,” Kree nodded gloomily and waved it off. – But the main thing is different! The main thing is self-improvement! But they... don’t allow... - And again, childishly offended: - Tailed bastards...

“Okay,” I chuckled and hugged my friend’s shoulders. “Let’s go rob the kitchen and get out onto one of the upper balconies, as we planned.”

The friends looked at each other, and Dashka voiced a common thought:

– Everything would be fine, but how do you plan to steal some of Diar’s supplies?

- We’ll just ask! – I winked.

Very soon we went down one of the distant stairs and found ourselves in front of a door, behind which we could hear the rattling of pots and non-musical singing. I knocked and, opening it, stuck my head into the gap that had formed.

- Hello, Diar.

A short red-haired boy with bright, crazy green eyes waved his tail in greeting and called:

- Hello, Iryana. Come in. Standing in the doorway is the last thing.

“I’m not alone,” she walked into the kitchen and dragged the reluctant girls after her.

“Good afternoon, lady,” he waved his red tassel again, since our cook’s hands were busy. The guy chopped carrots with inspiration.

“Hello,” the girlfriends responded in a discordant chorus.

-Where is Ladushka? – I shook my head, because I knew that my “daughter” had firmly clung to him from the moment this guy appeared. However, the heilar did not mind.

I myself didn’t look out for anyone, but Ladka came to the rescue: a cheerful chirping sound came from the ceiling:

– I’m here, Iryana.

She threw back her head and smiled at the chondria, which sparkled at me with its compound eyes. Then she stretched out her arms, and a plump carcass immediately fell on them.

“Wow, how Diar fattened you up,” I was pleasantly surprised, hugging the spider.

Dashka and Kryona still stood aside, looking at us with restrained bewilderment.

They weren’t afraid of Ladushka in Anli-Gissar, but they couldn’t say that they were particularly welcoming. Except that Diar and Alishin talked with pleasure and even took them on walks.

Well, I tried to diversify our existence. True, lately the little spider has been sleeping a lot, and she couldn’t be called on. Lilada herself vaguely explained the dream with mysterious “new stages and steps of development.”

-Are you getting the basket you asked me to prepare? – the incredibly young-looking foreman raised a copper eyebrow. He looked absurdly peaceful in the kitchen, wearing an apron and cooking.

“I see,” muttered the heylar. Putting down the knife, he rushed with a swift, almost invisible movement to another part of the kitchen, then back to us and held out a wicker basket: “Here.” Everything was as agreed.

- Thank you! – I smiled joyfully, placing the chondria on the floor and taking the burden from the boy. - You are the best!

“I know,” he winked mischievously. green eye. - But it’s still nice.

Then he returned to the table, throwing out as he went:

– Don’t be late for dinner! Daria, this especially concerns you.

- But the fact that? – the curly girl laughed, throwing a curl of hair out of her eyes.

- Otherwise, just like last time, I’ll find you and bring you personally. “And I’ll feed you with a spoon like a little one,” Diar answered calmly and shook his head, throwing away the long copper strands. - Shame on you. But you will start thinking about your health. At least take your girlfriends as an example! They've never been late before!

He cooked amazingly, that’s why we weren’t late.

Well, that's me for myself.

“Got it,” the migrant woman snorted and walked out the door muttering: “Here’s a red hen.”

- I hear everything! – Diar did not remain silent.

Cree couldn’t hold back her smile and went out after the little man, and I squatted down next to Lada and asked:

– Don’t you want to come with us?

“Nope,” she yawned. - I'm going to bed.

- Again?!

- And what? – the “daughter” flashed her crimson eyes with displeasure. - I would like to!

“Okay, okay,” I backed down and, leaning forward, gently stroked her silky back. “Then I ran away.”

Having said goodbye to the foreman and chondria, I ran out into the corridor to see my friends.

- Well... let's go?

And we moved towards the stairs to the third level, subconsciously choosing the corridors for service use. I didn’t want to see the otherworldly beautiful halls now. They were incredible, but alien.

A few minutes later, Kree broke the silence:

- Diar is so... strange.

- Really? – I frowned. I rarely contacted the green-eyed redhead, who usually ran the kitchen, although he treated me well. However, all the foremen were loyal to us, despite the fact that Kryona and I were purebred dragons. “And he seemed just the most normal to me.”

Here our soul healer giggled nervously.

“Yes, if only,” Daria clasped her hands. - If! He's just very emotional, that's why you got that impression. But in fact, Diar is an extremely interesting young man.

- And with what? – Kryona snorted ironically.

I basically shared her doubts.

The red-haired boy looked like a real teenager. But what kept me from agreeing with Cree’s opinion was the realization that he was, firstly, a heilar, and secondly, a foreman.

“He’s a poisoner,” the migrant responded carelessly. – Almost a brilliant alchemist, tenderly loving all sorts of poisons. Especially their invention and testing. Recently I lamented that there are almost no living creatures in the city. And the material in the laboratory, consider it missing. Out of boredom, I started cooking.

I don’t know about my friends, but for some reason I suddenly lost my appetite!

- What do you mean, a poisoner? But why then... is he in charge of the kitchen?

“He says the principle of operation is similar,” Dashka shrugged and burst out laughing, looking at us: “Girls, you have such-a-a-a-a-a-w faces!”

“What news, such faces,” the red dragon shuddered nervously and carefully clarified: “Dash, isn’t he too keen on experiments?”

“Don’t worry,” our curly-haired optimist patted her on the shoulder. – He first tests it on the Lada, and then gives it to us!

- What-o-o-o?! – I was already indignant. – Is he poisoning Ladka?!

“Your little spider will be poisoned,” the healer chuckled and finished in a soothing tone: “Ira, killing chondria is extremely problematic, and yours is also a hybrid unknown to science.”

“By the way, about the unknown to science,” I again became wary. – Doesn’t this brilliant redhead dissect my “daughter” inadvertently?

“I talked to him about this topic,” Daria carelessly waved it off. – He said that genetics and biology are not his specialty. That is, it’s interesting, of course, but it’s more useful to him alive. Observe how he reacts to different substances, for example...

- So what does he feed her?!

– The same as us, don’t worry so much! She also eats what she catches on the external levels. Alishin recently took her hunting with him, taught her to track prey and rush.

I tried to imagine it. Fantasy saved the day.

“Irka, stop worrying,” Krion ruffled my hair. “Nothing will happen to your misunderstanding.”

“Ladushka is not a misunderstanding,” she looked at her friend offendedly.

– I’m actually surprised by your attitude towards her! As is the attitude of the heylars.

I smiled sadly and, throwing the heavy basket into my other hand, said:

– Everything is clear here. Remember who our tailed ones are. Also... an artificial creation. So they have more in common with Lilada than might seem at first glance.

By the way... Considering that Lallin has appeared on the horizon again, I need to be careful and, if possible, not show my chondria to the marvelous one. Unlike Diar, fairies are just geneticists. Brilliant geneticist, creator of heylars. And I really don’t want him to be interested in my little spider. If only because if he wants to get it, he will get it. No matter how sad it is to realize this.

I shook my head, realizing that indulging in decadent thoughts was the last thing. Moreover, there are no grounds for concern yet.

“Well,” she turned to the girls, “let’s go to the upper boxes and balconies, right?”

“Come on,” Dashka agreed and closed her eyes dreamily. – From there there is an amazing view of Anli-Gissar!

“Arvil used the features of the internal topography of the mountains and emptiness,” I began with inspiration. – There are a lot of things here that fit perfectly into the natural caves. And some, on the contrary, are of artificial origin. It’s incredible that they could create such a magnificent creation in less than a hundred years, and with such little effort!

- Irka, stop! – The redhead raised her palms with a laugh. “We’re pretty tired of listening to your Centurion’s praises.” He is, of course, a brilliant architect, but curb your ardor! “She winked and joked: “Some actually have a husband!”

“Well, you,” she looked at the dragoness offendedly. – It’s just that, unlike some foremen who are fixated on weapons and combat skills, I first of all pay attention to the aesthetic beauty of this place!

- And his owner!

“Cree...” I squinted uncomfortably. – Yes, Arvil is an interesting man. And yes, he is dear to me. But, thank God, there is no physical craving. And I’m incredibly happy about this, because otherwise everything would have been very, very bad. I am already very attached to him, even without the physical side of the relationship.

– I confessed.

– What to hide? “I shrugged, ran my fingers through my hair, lightly tugging it at the roots, and with feigned calm asked: “Just don’t tell me for the tenth time that I don’t like Veil, okay?”

“I didn’t plan to,” muttered the fiery one, apparently confused by such an emotional answer. - Ir, calm down.

I just nodded and quickened my pace, squeezing my hand on the wicker handle of the basket. And strength for a good cause, and I will remain silent. Benefits everywhere! What should we do if everyone and everything is poking their nose into Veil and I’s affairs?! Who would I become if I changed men just because difficulties suddenly arose in my relationship with one?

As a result, we reached the upper platforms in almost oppressive silence. I somewhat regretted my excessive emotionality, but... I was really tired! This is my business, my family, my life!

When we were finally at the top, I set down the basket and walked to the edge of the semicircular balcony without railings. I wasn't afraid to fall. Firstly, I am a dragon, and I can fall here for so long that I will have time to open my wings in any way. Hundreds of meters... Secondly, no one has canceled the force barrier.

She extended her hand and admired the rainbow glow that spread around her palm, which touched something invisible. Beautiful... Everything is beautiful. Space ahead, hundreds of meters to the next wall of natural stone. So gray and inconspicuous that you inevitably begin to understand: it only highlights something. Butterflies and fireflies that circle the ceiling around large oval “suns” sparkling in different shades of yellow and orange. Colonies of jade moths.

Extremely useful creatures illuminating this huge take-off training arena. They feed on underground moss that grows on their hives and absorbs the outer shell of the house. Such is the symbiosis in the strange underground world of my Sleeper.

The memories led to details of the meeting with the fairies. I reached into my pocket and felt Tylin's pouch. She pulled it out and stepped towards her friends, who had spread a blanket on the stones and were already laying out the supplies given by Diar.

- Dasha, they gave you a gift.

- Yes? – the smiling healer jumped up. - Who?

“Taylin Cast Gold,” I said after a moment’s hesitation and handed the bag to the fairies.

The smile disappeared from Dasha’s face, but she took the bag. However, I was in no hurry to untie it.

- And what's there?

“As I understand it, some kind of amulet,” she responded, sitting down on the edge of the bedspread and looking predatorily at what the red-haired poisoner was generous with.

And he spoiled us! True, in the light of new facts about this “boy,” I began to be somewhat wary of his gifts.

- Properties? – Dashka became unusually brief and thoughtful. It seems that she understood as well as I that a simple gift from the Prince of Fairies was something from the realm of fairy tales. In theory, yes, but in practice it’s funny.

- Don't know. “I looked around our makeshift table and reached for the ham sandwiches.

- How is it that you don’t know? – the migrant was puzzled.

“So this is it,” I answered a little indistinctly, sinking my teeth into the chosen delicacy. We, of course, are not on a starvation diet, but still the diet is somewhat limited. And now Diar has become generous in earnest! And sandwiches, a variety of them, and smoked chicken, and lots and lots of fruit! In short, I changed my mind about torturing the red-haired heilar. First we’ll interrogate, and then we’ll think about what to do!

In general... the first time I saw him was in the portrait gallery of foremen. And, I remember, I was surprised at how Sheridan portrayed him: an herbalist and alchemist in search of new ingredients. But Diar really turned out to be just like that. Even serving for an unknown villain, everything that Diar did on his orders, did not change the alchemist.

Although... What did he do that he had not had to do before? A picture from Ara’s memories of the “education” of the tailed creatures flashed before my mind’s eye, and a nervous tremor involuntarily ran through me. Phew... I won't even think about it. It's incomprehensible. I don’t understand them, the load on my shoulders is too heavy. They are completely different. Not just for the healer—even for me.

I have no idea how Dasha copes. Although... judging by her speeches, she can’t cope. It turns out that you need to talk to Arvil about this topic. But what makes me think that he will answer me if he left the healer herself, who is directly affected by this, with her nose?

- Irya-ya-ya-yan-ah?!

“Oh, sorry, I got lost in thought,” she smiled guiltily at her friends and reached for a bottle of water and a mug. The water was local, from underground mineral springs.

“I asked, what can you see in this tchotchke yourself?” – Dasha repeated patiently, turning the jewelry that had already been taken out of the bag in her hands.

“I made you laugh,” I snorted, looking condescendingly at my friend. - Dash, I’m like a magician - zero without a wand. And we just started working with Alishin. Who to show it to is him. If I were more savvy in magic, I still wouldn’t understand anything, because on the pendant is the weave of the Prince of Fairies. A magician of old training. He uses what was forgotten before I was born.

Dasha sighed sadly and unexpectedly admitted:

– I don’t know why, but I don’t want to show Alishin.

- Yes? – threw up red eyebrow Kryona suddenly and seriously suggested: “But it seems to me that you know.”

“I know,” the migrant easily agreed and, with a grimace of annoyance, finished: “I myself understand the idiocy of the motives, but... there are fears.”

- Maybe you can explain it? – The Princess of the Fire Valley of Dragons is clearly tired of riddles.

“Alishin is a heilar,” our curly haired girl told the obvious. - Moreover, he’s a foreman... And a strong magician. Should I remind you what Tylin Cast Gold did in the heilar project? And what did he do with one of the last created children of this people?

– Are you leading to the fact that Alishin will try to get Tai through this amusing little thing?

- Right. And it seems to me that killing this fairy now is extremely short-sighted. – Daria pulled her knees to her chest and rested her chin on them.

I internally winced at such a cynical formulation, but agreed with its reasonableness. Yes, and Dashka can be understood, considering what Tylin was going to do to her. The fate of the wondrous lord's toy is unenviable. If only because sooner or later he will get tired and leave... And it will be unbearably painful for the little man to learn to live without him. Fairies fill your life, occupy your thoughts, and leave no room even for you.

– What makes you think that Alishin would even do this? – Kree widened her eyes in bewilderment. - He's not an idiot...

“Not an idiot,” the healer repeated and finished in a half-whisper: “Kriona, imagine that in your hands is the opportunity to take revenge on the enemy.” The one who tortured and tormented, the one whose brother created this damned race, dooming the Heylars to what they went through. The foreman, of course, understands everything, but he may well... succumb to temptation. He fiercely hates the wonderful people. Like dragons. I heard the conversation between Arvil and the foreman immediately after he called them. So... Alishin advocated that now that the Sotnik’s plan was a success, they could kill the completely useless Iryana, and send the Fire princess home in parts if the dragons did not obey their conditions. Diar was more humane. It was suggested that Irka be painlessly poisoned and sent to his hubby in a crystal sarcophagus. He thought it would look more elegant.

I don’t know about Kryona, but my jaw dropped. I hastily reached for a glass of water, wanting to wash down the amazing news about the true attitude of the owners of the enchanted city. I choked and coughed heavily, so Kryona slapped me on the back a couple of times. By the way, she looked surprisingly calm and unperturbed.

- As expected. They couldn’t immediately perceive us the way they show us. Another point in favor of the tailed ones. They control themselves very well.

“Then that leaves Arvil,” I said, breaking off a leg of chicken and looking at the meat with suspicion. After Dashka’s story, I still wanted to taste the red-haired culinary poisoner’s offering, but it raised some concerns.

– Arvil, of course, is an option. But I don’t feel comfortable taking him away from his work. The centurion barely sleeps a couple of hours a day, which, I must admit, worries me,” the blonde healer frowned. “He didn’t look any better.” And he trains almost to the point of exhaustion.

I winced, realizing that Dashka knew more about the Heilars and their master than Kryona and I. Although... she communicates with them most of all.

- Yes, girls! – Kree decisively cut the apple. – It seems to me that we have loaded ourselves with the wrong thing again. Or rather, not our business. And it also seems that we came here to rest, relax and share GOOD news. But somehow everything doesn’t go according to plan!

“I agree,” Dasha and I said in unison and, looking at each other, laughed.

“Well, now it’s more fun,” the redhead nodded approvingly and, breaking off a wing from the chicken, looked at him with the same suspicion that I had recently. - Well... with God!

The brave warrior maiden tried a piece and after a moment rolled her eyes in delight.

- Yummy!

Dashka and I decided not to lag behind and followed the infectious example of our fiery dragon.

Ten minutes later, the situation calmed down, and sincere, boisterous laughter began to sound under the stone arches. And after another ten minutes we even regretted that we only had water and fruit juice to drink. Kryona was the first to express the idea of ​​the need for alcohol for a bachelorette party.

“We’re like little kids,” she said thoughtfully, tilting the jug and examining the juice remaining at the bottom. - Now I wish I had some wine...

I was not an expert in drinking at all. I didn’t like its taste, with the exception of some more or less tolerant varieties, B lung condition I was intoxicated only once, and I can’t say that I particularly liked it. After. It was a lot of fun at the time!

Dasha scratched the tip of her nose and said:

– Actually, Kree is right.

- And what do you propose? – I gave up. “If Diar has alcohol, he definitely won’t give it to us.”

“He won’t give it up,” the redhead agreed sadly. – Even if he managed to say to me: “I will not allow a young organism to be poisoned!” - what will he tell you? And I’m the eldest, by the way!

“And even an adult,” I giggled and thought. – By the way, I’m also approaching my second adulthood soon.

- In theory, this is a reason...

“Well, yes,” we looked at each other.

The conversation about how we plan to celebrate the upcoming holiday was interrupted in a very peculiar way. A laugh came from the ceiling, and we looked around in surprise. A stone a few meters away from us began to ripple, and the curious curve, which I had previously taken for architectural features, turned into a black heilar with violet eyes.

“Arvil, what are you doing!..” I was the first to break down. She spoke succinctly, without finding any censored expressions: “You are shameless, that’s it.”

“I was actually sleeping here,” the animal waved its long scaly tail with a tassel.

- Here?! – Dashka exclaimed. - But why?

Heilar slid forward like a shadow. The claws with which he clung to the unevenness of the arch scraped, barely audible. When it reached our balcony, it gracefully fell onto the floor. The grace and economical elegance of her movements made me momentarily envious. Arvil lounged on the free side of the blanket and put his muzzle on his folded paws.

– Because here is one of the energy sources. Strength is restored faster.

Here I still couldn’t stand it.

– Ar, if I’m not mistaken, the level above there is a completely normal stone slab on which you can lie down and not pretend to be a bat of gigantic proportions.

Violet eyes narrowed slyly. Heilar spread his wings a little and inquired:

– Why am I bad for this role? Black, flying and I can hang from the ceiling.

“A muzzle without a snout,” Dashka muttered and reached for the apple. She sunk her teeth into it, chewed what she had bitten off, and demanded: “Mr. Sotnik, is it possible without subterfuge and noodles on our ears?”

“It’s possible,” the black beast agreed accommodatingly. - But it's boring.

“Vevil,” I smiled and crawled closer, running my hands into the silky mane. - Prehistoric miracle.

- As it is.

A tail brush tickled my hand, and I giggled and grabbed it, wrapping it around my fingers. Then I cast a casual glance at my friends, and I felt uneasy. They looked very... understandingly. About the same as recently, when they talked about our relationship with Arvil.

Here I was simultaneously visited by two completely polar desires. The first thing is to move away and pretend that nothing happened and “it seemed to everyone.” Second... Why should I refuse the one I am attached to?! I have NO ONE closer! Simply no! Mother, father, brother... no one remembered me during the months of marriage! Vale... This is a separate conversation. And I'm sure that everything will be fine with us.

Arvil is my friend and a congenial creature. He knows me more than these girls, because the time we spent together was very productive. Yes, and a moral connection... And therefore, let everyone go... to places not so distant.

I clasped my fingers tighter on the heilar’s ​​fur, looking defiantly at Daria and Kryona. The friends, as if understanding why I behaved this way, just smiled, and Dasha returned to the conversation with feigned cheerfulness:

- So why did you sleep here?

– I combined business with pleasure. – Heilar reached into the fruit basket and fished out an apple. He critically twirled the fruit in his paw and threw it into his mouth. – There is energy here, well, I trained at the same time. The first time the experiment ended in a fall. I rent...

-What did you want? – I shrugged my shoulders and, succumbing to the infectious example, also rummaged in the basket, fishing out a pear.

“And I, like any maximalist, wanted the body not to change during sleep, but ideally to become stronger,” the Sotnik chuckled. – By the way, I really have become stronger. So, Irka... if you want to increase your magical potential, go into hibernation for a couple of millennia! Checked!

“An ulcer,” she shook her head and busied herself with the pear, which turned out to be very juicy and tasty. - By the way, what are our plans? And when is the meeting with... the fairy brothers?

– What kind of “brothers”?! – Dashka and Krion asked almost in unison.

– Tylin has younger brother“,” Arvil answered calmly. – Geneticist. Who once created us.

- And what kind of business can you have with him in this case? – the red dragon became interested.

“Exclusively political,” the winged lizard chuckled sadly. – Unfortunately, Daria’s admirer is right. No one can legalize a creation like its creator. And if this is also an ancient fairy...

– Can’t we get by with just Tai? – the migrant frowned. – Yes, and... knowing your attitude towards marvelous people, I’m surprised.

“An attitude is an attitude,” Arvil nodded. – And necessity is necessity.

“You know better,” the healer immediately retreated.

The tailed one turned to me and muttered thoughtfully:

“But you really need to be prepared.” Tylin insists that you be part of the embassy.

“He sees potential in me!”

- I see it too. But this does not change the fact that it is too early for you to meddle in the sphere of higher politics. And there’s no need to cite daddy as an example, Irka! I can remind you at what age his diplomatic career began.

- But mom...

“And your mother began to meddle in her husband’s affairs only after she gave birth to her first child and received her second education,” Arvil snapped and looked at me more softly: “But, as I already said, there is not much choice.” And in some ways Tylin is right. Taking my inadequate ones is the last thing. Unfortunately, I am not sure of their self-control.

- So, I will be silent and keep a low profile, which cannot be said about the foremen who were accustomed to freedom and equality while you were sleeping? – I inquired ingratiatingly, trying not to smile too ironically.

Alexandra Cherchen

Happy dragon marriage. Catching up with the dream

All rights reserved. No part of the electronic version of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including posting on the Internet or corporate networks, for private or public use without the written permission of the copyright owner.

© The electronic version of the book was prepared by liters company (www.litres.ru)* * *

A large elegant vase flew into the wall, and a second later the picture of the enchanting mess was completed by beautifully scattered fragments.

Rinveil Tsai Tirlin growled briefly and, pulling off the still dull knives from the wall that his wife had once wanted to use for their intended purpose, tried to repeat her feat.

“It won’t work,” Freaklen Riot, who was sitting in the only surviving chair, phlegmatically commented on the flight of steel.

Among the chaos reigning around, this man seemed to be a model of accuracy and calm. In general, he was the complete opposite of either a trashed room or a rumpled, carelessly dressed and extremely angry friend.

- I'll bite you!

“At least don’t lie to yourself, Veil,” the butler snorted. - Unless you bite it gently.

– If only you had kept quiet, Freak! – the red dragon threw an angry look at his friend. - You missed her! How could he?! I ordered control.

“Try to control her,” nodded the icy one. – If something breaks your brain in a big way, and then you lie unconscious for a day. You found us yourself...

- But where did Iryana get such abilities? – Vale walked up to the least damaged chair and looked at it doubtfully. – In general, she is almost mediocre in this regard.

“As it turned out, no,” Freak shrugged. “And... it’s not her, Veil.”

Cai Tirlin grabbed the backrest and shook the piece of furniture a little. The obvious instability did not inspire optimism. Therefore, the man thought a little and sank straight onto the carpet.

- Didn't understand.

“I’m not a magician, but I sense the essence well,” the blond began slowly. – So, for that moment when this something came into my head... Not Iryana, Veil. I guarantee it.

- Amazing! – he hissed. – Where did she manage to pick up this nasty thing? And most importantly, where did my fool go?!

“For me, if you can understand what kind of “nasty” this is, then you can decide on the direction,” the butler smiled. “I think she left a note?”

“I left her,” the abandoned husband ran his hair through his hair with a sigh. – This message did not bring clarity.

- What's there? – Frik asked curiously.

“There is an appeal to my understanding,” Rinvale said sadly. – Nothing specific. In short: “I went to gain experience. Do not be bored".

“Tell me, was it really so difficult for you to take her with you at least sometimes?” Not all the time. I sat down with my studies and my brains would be busy and my nerves wouldn’t be shaken.

– To the Shimmering? – the red-haired man asked skeptically. – There now in one half of the castle there is a complete panopticon of the political sphere, and in the other there is a gathering of scientists. And it is still unknown which is worse.

“So tell me that you didn’t want to leave the beautiful young fiery wife in male company,” the blond squinted. “There would be people willing to join her and help her with her studies.”

“You’re partly right,” Veil winced. - Even if Ollie got caught...

“Golden Mane surprised me,” the butler laughed.

“But I’m not here,” the red-haired man sighed. – If even me, despite the initial intentions, so...

- What is “so”? – his interlocutor became keenly interested.

“Nothing,” the man waved his hand off in annoyance.

“As you say,” the blonde hid his smile. - So, what are we going to do?

“Search,” Rinveil Tsai Tirlin rose from the floor. - Search, and then flog.

– What about the tasks of the heir?

– Shouldn’t Dorian go?!

“It won’t work,” Freak shook his head.

“I really won’t go,” said a cold voice.

The red-haired and blond turned and saw the heir frozen in the doorway.

“Hello, gentlemen,” Dorian bowed his head slightly.

– Is a bow from the waist obligatory or can it be done without it? – Rinvale asked, getting up from the floor.

“I’ll manage,” the newcomer smiled. – As I understand, you have the same problem as me.

- What are you talking about?! – Vale was amazed. – The daughter-in-law ran away?!

In response, the prince winced, and Frik laughed in a completely shameless manner. Fluffy and fun.

- Nothing funny! - the heir allowed himself to raise his voice a little, and then quietly growled: - You should have seen the farewell note... It tells in detail exactly in which coffin she sees me and the state interests!

“What an irresponsible girl,” Frik calmed down.

– Can you imagine what consequences this will entail?! – Dorian angrily slammed his palm on the table, which had previously withstood Veil’s wrath with difficulty. Apparently, the heir's emotions were the last straw. The table stood there for a second and then collapsed with a crash.

– Do you think the girls made their legs together? – the red-haired man made an assumption.

“It’s possible, but not a fact,” said Dorian and thoughtfully twirled a blue strand that had escaped from his snow-white braid around his finger.

- In any case, we need to block the passes. Or rather, strengthen the cordon. So that our mice don't sneak through.

“There are three passes,” the butler drawled thoughtfully. - Maybe we should split up?

“That’s right,” Veil nodded. “Frick and I will fly to the Western one, and you check the Eastern one.”

- And Northern? – asked the heir.

– There is already someone there who can be entrusted with this.

“Great,” Dorian nodded. “But we won’t be able to fly anywhere in the next twelve hours.” How to build a portal.

- Why is this? – the red-haired man was amazed.

– Because Kryona activated the distortion stone before she escaped!

- Wow! – Tsai Tirlin whistled. “Then we’ll really wait.” Until the energy field calms down, you can only fly close, and then you need to be able to see point “b” from point “a”.

“That’s it,” the heir grimaced. - I went, we need to leave the adviser in charge and get ready.

“And it won’t hurt us,” Tsai Tirlin and Len Riot looked at each other.

I looked around the picturesque landscape again, but didn’t see anything optimistic. Still the same pass, the same checkpoint, a lot of people and no way to get through unnoticed!

Slipped back behind big Stone and slapped him angrily with her palm.

Why are you so unlucky?! And I, naive, thought that the most difficult thing was to escape from the Flying One. It turned out not. Although I couldn’t have done it there without Arvil. How he managed to knock out Freak is still a mystery.