Krystell placed his hand on the young mans shoulder.
Have you heard that Ermekar rocks? We must deliver him to the Duke. Maybe he can heal our comrade? Leivead, beware of imprudent actions. Sometimes its worth retreating, but waiting for reinforcements rather than getting into trouble. There is only one life, you cant turn it back.
Chapter 4. Council of Necromancers
Duke Rigerd wrapped himself in a warm blanket and drank a hot infusion. Councilor Otraud entered the room.
Why dont you feel sorry for yourself, Your Honor?
I hate autumn! said the Duke. Rains. Once you get exposed to cold streams while hunting, thats all, for a couple of weeks you are a slave to the bed.
I brought you medicinal herbs. Add them to the broth. It is not good for a ruler to skimp on health. You know. All you have to do is snap your fingers, and Seisils best healers will come to you.
Do not you understand? whispered the Duke. Im tired. Im too tired. I want to rest. And illness gives you the right to a little respite.
Blues this is the main cause of the disease! How could I not have guessed. This is a disease that affects kings, but not the poor. They dont have time to think about what could have happened but didnt!
You know, I sometimes envy the poor. I want, like them, a carefree life. Business, constant heavy thoughts this is the destiny of the ruler.
I dare to distract you from melancholy, this black bile. It looks like war cant be avoided.
After these words, there seemed to be no trace of the Dukes illness left. The eyes lit up with lively interest. And hatred.
Tell me, Advisor.
«Please follow me into the throne room,» said Otraud. I caught a new criminal on the borders with Suthering.
Rigerd put on clothes that should only be worn on special occasions. When facing an enemy, you always need to look decent.
Surrounded by Eldoran guards, stood a short young man. Despite his age, his face was already adorned with several scars.
Your Honor, we caught this man trying to execute three people
Three witches! They are Zeymond-worshipping witches! the young man shouted.
So you now decide who lives and who doesnt on my land?! Rigerd was indignant.
Not me. Emperor! Sun-Face himself gave me this right. You can look at my certificate. It is in your breast pocket. Take it and admire it!
Obeying the dukes subtle gesture, the warrior brought a parchment, folded several times, that was in the prisoners pocket.
What does he allow himself! Rigerd shouted, angrily throwing the document on the floor. Otraud immediately bent down, picking it up.
«The bearer of this has every right to administer the Imperial Court in the name of the fight against evil spirits. All persons suspected of communicating with the dark must be subjected to the test of healing fire.»
Still was a one-of-a-kind United King. The rulers of the lands gave him this right. And then a whole retinue of governors,» said Rigerd, walking around the hall, «And Gartaur decided to go further, declaring himself emperor.» He deprived the rulers of the lands of all privileges. Previously, we were called princes, but now even this has been deprived. Where has it been seen that I was a duke! What about the princely title? Perhaps he forgot that my family comes from kings? And if necessary, we will remember this!
The Emperor is in his right. If necessary, he can execute you, Duke! If you resist the eradication of enemies.
What right are you talking about? He is an emperor as long as the princes allow him to do so!
He is the Bright Lord, the messenger of good on Earth. He foresaw that Morelia, an ancient ally of Antimonikos and other followers of Zeymond, would create obstacles. Therefore, the army will soon approach your borders.
An unknown symbol flashed on the criminals shoulder, and the man turned to ashes in a matter of moments.
Seal of fidelity! «It cant be!» Rigerd whispered. I wonder if he was joking about the Bright Lord?
«His eyes didnt lie,» said Otraud.
Looks like its time to assemble the Necromancer Council.
Are you sure, Your Honor?
Is it possible to believe anything at a time like this?
***
That evening, the necromancers of Eldoras gathered for a large meeting.
«Hello, masters,» said Rigerd. His illness vanished as if by hand. «I gathered you today to tell you that war has been declared on us.» For a long time I was forced to hide you from the emperor, but he crossed all conceivable and unimaginable boundaries. I am equal to you in strength, oh masters. Therefore, I want to take a worthy place in your organization. Honestly, I want to become your leader.
We need to check on you, Duke.
Green lightning streamed from the fingers of the gray-haired old man towards Rigerd. But the Duke repulsed them with ease, turning them into a fireball at the same time.
Truly, you surprised me! said the old man. «Few people are capable of blocking my blow.» We will take you as our Grand Master.
Tell me, do you have any ideas about the battle with the Bright Lord? asked Rigerd.
The Night of the Spirits is coming, when the distance between worlds is thinner than usual. I suggest going to the ruins of the city and meeting the spirit of Antimonik.
Chapter 5. Spirit of the Past
It is unlikely that anyone would consider the ruins of the old town of Antimonika a welcoming place. In the middle of a forest that spread out in waves in all directions. Once upon a time there was a Magic Forest here, and the stone giants waged an endless struggle. However, with the departure of the elves, their magic also disappeared. Then there were clearings, but King Silver healed the wounds of the old forest, planting it with new trees that managed to stretch to the sky, blocking the sunlight with lush crowns.
However, an invisible line separated the place where the Dark City had once been located. There was no living space left from it; hundreds of experienced magicians ensured that they dispelled the witchcraft of this place. But not a single tree takes root beyond the unmarked line. Birds avoid the cursed place, except that sometimes vultures nest. The castle is destroyed, but there is an altar, still intact as it was centuries ago. How much blood did he absorb during the reign of the terrible masters of these lands that many hammers could not break him?
It was getting dark. Duke Rigerds detachment was approaching the ruins.
Your Honor! Its not too late to stop,» said Stuart, one of the masters. There may be no way back!
We must ask the advice of the ancient spirit.
Twelve men stood in a circle. Rigerd stood behind. He whispered an ancient spell that could open the door between worlds. Despite the late autumn, it seems to have become even colder. The men shuddered, but there was nowhere to retreat. In the circle outlined by magic, black smoke appeared, which acquired human outlines.
My servants! You decided to awaken me! Im flattered, thank you! said the demon.
I was happy early, Antimonik! We only called you for a while. We need advice, the progenitor of our lands!
And what is the reason? I cant see your face while Im standing outside the circle. Let your sorcerers disperse, and I will fulfill any of your desires.
«Its not time for you to appear again in our world.»
«Then I wont say a word more.»
We will dedicate our every action to you. Tell me, is this not enough? You left the world of the living many years ago. If you are not remembered, you may sink into oblivion. But our servants will call your name if you answer our questions.
Okay, ask.
Velzuvik is ruled by a crazy emperor who wants to exterminate all necromancers. He took the side of the Light, as far as I know. Tell me, what can we oppose to him?
The demon grinned.
I can only advise one thing. Release me.
«No,» Rigerd said firmly.
Its a pity. Then one of you must become a Dark Lord in order to oppose the Light One, who has gone mad. Although, as I see now, hes not that crazy. He sold Eldoras to the Duke of Suthering. He promised to marry his daughter to a Suthering nobleman. Beelzuvik and Suthering have united in the fight against you, unknown ruler of Morelia.
Rigerd clenched his fists.
You are lying! You say this to incline me to Darkness, evil spirit. Moreover, how do you know who I am? I didnt say I ruled Morelia!
I dont call myself honest. However, I cannot lie about the Bright Lord, no matter how much I want to. And you know this well.
The evil spirit really didnt lie.
«So, the princess goes to meetings with my nephew, and in the meantime she has wooed a Suseringian? What a bitch!»
Exactly, bitch! «Rebuild my old city,» Antimonik continued meanwhile, grinning with black lips, «The power that is poured in this place will help you protect yourself.»
The ghost was saying something else. But Rigerd did not listen. He, as if hypnotized, walked towards the sorcerers who kept the demon in the center of the circle.
«Free me!» sounded in his head. For a while, reason returned to him. The Duke turned away from the dead man, so as not to even accidentally cross his eyes again.
«Stop it,» he said. «I will order the people, and they will close the circle.» Then you will sink into oblivion.
Fine. I see you are a strong person. What is your name?
I will not tell you a name, spirit of discord. I have one last question for you. Whats going on in the Ennian Lands? Who is the sorcerer who dares to scare my inhabitants?
Fear flashed across the demons «face.»
This cant be! I didnt know it still existed! I sympathize with you if you encounter him!
So who is «he»?
Antimonik did not answer. He disappeared into thin air, leaving the Dukes main question unanswered.
Well, at least one question was answered. Looks like we have only one way to fight Beelzuvik.
Rigerd knelt down.
I renounce the Light. I dedicate myself to serving the Darkness, may it give me the strength to fight the omnipresent, all-powerful enemy!
It seemed that the Duke had disappeared for a while in the mirror of the world, dissolved like morning fog when the sun appeared. And then he appeared, but no longer as a tired old man, but as a man radiating strength.
Chapter 6. Changed
Its getting colder. Many, as always, are not ready for the first frost. During the day it is a little warmer, the puddles barely have time to turn into water. Carriages with firewood scurried back and forth. It had been raining for several hours, the city streets were covered with mirrors of puddles. The merciless wind tore the last clothes from the trees that were preparing to fall asleep until spring. He waltzed with yellow leaves.
Leiveads detachment entered Dream without being noticed by anyone. Near the city gates, people are too busy preparing for winter, but in the center, in the square, a whole crowd has gathered.
Whats happened? Christell asked one of the men. -What kind of meeting?
Do not you know? Duke Rigerd will give a speech. He is preparing us for a great war! We will get rid of the oppression of Beelzuvik! Finally we will be free!
Leivead couldnt understand what was happening. He decided to immediately go to his uncle, but the guards did not let him inside.
I am Viscount Leivead! Do you know my name?
It is known. But Duke Rigerd ordered not a single person to be allowed in.
Leivead did not know the guards.
Maybe theyre new? Although, such familiar faces! Where could I see them?
The epiphany came a few moments later.
This cant be! Sigurd and Will! They Theyre dead! Did your uncle really resort to direct use of necromancy? War can still be avoided! Im sure!
The Viscount ran up to the guards.
Let me in immediately! Otherwise he babbled some threats, he didnt even remember what exactly he said. The guards remained uninvolved. Then Leivead risked breaking through by force. He was grabbed by the arm.
«Its not worth it,» Will said in a sepulchral voice. «The Duke will come out himself when hes ready.»
Leivead went to the square where his comrades were waiting for him. After a while the Duke came out onto the balcony. He wore a golden crown over his black hair. He looked younger, his wrinkles smoothed out.
«For a long time we endured the oppression of the damned Belsuvians. Its time to get them off our necks. Eldoras and Morelia will be able to live without Beelzuvik, and, especially, Suthering. Anyone who dares to cross the border of our kingdom will be killed.
Hooray! the crowd chanted. Leivead himself succumbed to the general madness for a time. It is impossible to listen to Rigerd calmly, there is something enchanting in his words. Ready to instantly take off and go to war Against whom? The man shook off his obsession and looked around. There are only madmen around. It doesnt matter what Rigerd said. The important thing is that people were ready to jump into the abyss right now, headlong. Black eyes that looked straight into the soul.
Let it be so! Men who can stay in the saddle are from fifteen springs! Sharpen your swords, patch your chain mail. The Battle is Coming Soon!
He said his last words and disappeared behind the curtain. And the crowd continued to roar.
Uncle! Leivead shouted. I want to talk to you!
«Let him in,» a voice was heard from the depths of the balcony.
Accompanied by guards, Leivead entered the throne room.
Everything is serious with you, uncle! Since when do I only meet with you in the presence of guards?
«These are the times,» said Rigerd. I dont know who to trust.
Leivead clenched his fists. But he did not respond to the Dukes taunt.
What happened to you! You have changed since our last meeting!
Life is such a thing that leaves no one unchanged!
But why are you preparing for an uprising?
Rebellion, you say? These lands belong to my family! After my death they will go to you. My son died of smallpox, so the crown will go to you. But we must not obey Beelzuvik! Gartaur sold our lands to Suthering. Do I really have to endure this in silence?
Do you think we can resist the entire empire?
«Now yes,» Rigerd grinned, revealing his shoulder, on which a tattoo in the form of a black crown appeared.
«This cant be,» Leivead whispered. Uncle, why did you do this?
Yes, I am the Dark Lord. Now I have no less right to the throne of Beelzuvik than their «blessed» emperor!
One of the many curtains fell and Nisa ran out. She clutched a dagger in her hand.
Father is right! But I didnt believe him! Die, spawn of darkness!
She plunged the blade into the Dukes chest. But he laughed, taking out the bloody steel. Before the eyes of the surprised Leivead, the wound healed.
A mere mortal cannot defeat the Dark Lord!
He clenched his fist, and some invisible thread began to strangle Nisa. She held her throat, choking.
Let her go! Uncle, can you hear me? Let her go!
Rigerd looked at his nephew with eyes mad with hatred. And then his gaze softened.
You are right! I didnt think you were so savvy! Gartaur will not attack Eldoras while his daughter is in my captivity! Willie!
The dead guard entered.
Take her to prison. Make sure our guest doesnt get bored.
Uncle, please dont do this! You know how I feel about Nysa!
«I also know how she treats you and our family.» Shes already married to someone else! Do you hear, Leivead? Gartaur sold Morelia, and the price was your beloved.
What are you saying! How dare you say these words?
«Its true,» Nisa whispered. «I went to Eldoras to prove to my father that he was wrong. He called your lands black, he promised to cleanse them. I was hoping to bring him proof of your innocence. But it turns out the emperor is right. Morelia and Eldoras are now ruled by evil spirits!