“Thank you,” the merchant croaked, finally coming to his senses. - I already thought I was finished when the ground suddenly left from under my feet. Claude contemptuously looked at the man lying near his feet, he really didn’t understand how it was possible to be so stupid, this man apparently didn’t have enough meeting with a swag on the road, instead of running towards the city along the highway, for some reason he rushed into the swamps, right into the clutches of the creature, and if it were not for the quagmire that he did not notice, he would have been in the arms of a swagger, much faster than a mercenary could have overtaken him. - What did you forget here? he muttered impolitely, ignoring the words of gratitude. Now they were worth nothing but wasted time. His harsh tone made the man embarrassed, reminding the mercenary even more of a suskros. Claude himself did not understand the reasons for such an association, but the wet look of the merchant, the mound of tousled h

Consciousness returned slowly, and the wild pain that tormented his body only confirmed the fact that he was still alive. What a mockery of fate, to remain alive after the shock of injury and a huge loss of blood, and to remain paralyzed without the ability to help oneself and simply lie in anticipation of death, enjoying all the delights of life leaving the body. Smiling mirthlessly, he opened his eyes, there was darkness all around. It took Claude a few seconds to realize that it was not his vision problem, but that the day had come to an end and night had fallen on the forest. A friendly crackle sounded somewhere nearby, a playful fire greedily devoured the treat offered to him, moaning with pleasure. Squinting, the mercenary tried to consider who could be next to him, but this did not lead to anything, his companion remained out of sight. straining answering with pain, stiff muscles, Claude tried to somehow attract someone else's attention, but it was all to no avail. The poiso

- I was looking for medicines, - Aliy explained his actions, embarrassed, from which the look with which the mercenary followed him did not escape. This explained everything, but the tailor did not know that the free mercenary always preferred to keep medicines with him. After having a snack and washing down a hearty breakfast with water from a flask, they began to pack up. More precisely, Aliy rushed about near the cart, collecting the poor goods of both of them, and Claude watched him from his place and only occasionally commented on what to put where. After a half-hour gathering, it was decided to leave the cart here, and go light for the trophies. Having put on Nel’s back a skein of already spoiled fabric, covered with the blood of dead animals and which Aliy refused to launder, having saved the mercenary, which is why Claude became the free owner of a skein of amazing silk, his presence of bloody stains on the fabric did not bother at all, they were ready. Then it was Cl

We need a guide. he blurted out, causing the mercenary to smile derisively again. - What am I doing here? he replied not very politely. Claude didn't like impudent people, and this teenager acted impudently, as if he owed him something. - My brother and I found out that you are the best mercenary in this village, and we need to get to San Pera, this is in the south. - I know where it is. However, I will disappoint you, I am not a guide and do not do this, especially in San Pere. Only a stupid mercenary will stick his head in there. - Scared?! - in the voice of a teenager, too, there were sad and mocking notes, but Claude was not hurt like that. - I'm not interested. - And what are you interested in? - Boy, I'm a fighter of evil spirits, not a nanny, - the man said wearily, this whole conversation began to tire him. I understand, but we really need help! - the teenager unexpectedly pleaded, discarding all his unnecessary pride. - It doesn't concern me.

- Thanks. - He whispered, reverently pressing the new thing and not fully believing that this unexpected gift was his. - I'm sorry I broke in. - I understand. Mister mercenary, did you save that unfortunate one after all? the merchant suddenly asked. Claude looked up at him in bewilderment. "What is he talking about?!". Aliy continued. - Well, mister mercenary, the boy who wanted to be executed when we were driving from the swamps, he was helped to escape. - It wasn't me. - Sorry. - Well, I have to go. Farewell, Ali. - Goodbye, mister mercenary. Take care of yourself. Having surprisingly warmly parted with the merchant, Claude went out into the street, where it was already deep night, he wanted to rest, and they still had to save this stupid guy’s brother, but he doubted that they would do anything else that night. Such things were not done in a hurry. Moving away from the merchant’s house, he caught the voices of the owners out of the corner of his ear, probably