Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 20
As soon as dawn broke, François pushed Blanca aside, and they set off in the direction of the Dauphine. It was dark in the forest, and they walked carefully, carefully looking around.Very soon both felt that they were hungry. François was alarmed: it was not the first time for him, he would be patient, but what would it be like for his sister not to eat for a day?"Let's look for a clearing," he suggested. - If we're lucky, we can find berries.- Nonsense, - Blanca waved her hand. - The forest is full of sweet roots. Look, this is a cinquefoil, and there is a parsnip. He has pretty tasty tubers.- How do you know all this?“I’m a country girl,” the girl answered innocently. - We all know this. Give me the knife.She sat down in front of a small bush with pale yellow flowers and began to dig it out of the ground with a knife. Her brother stood by and watched her in surprise.Suddenly, a gray carcass flashed through the air, and a huge wolf landed on François's shoulders, instantly kno
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 21
After dinner, François, Gilbert, and Blanca ran to Uncle Lazzi's house. Half of the villagers were already there. The guys squeezed closer to the table, at which sat the owner, Umberto Lazzi, and a stranger strikingly similar to him. He was short, but broad-shouldered and muscular, and over a linen shirt he wore an unusual-looking leather jacket. His swarthy smiling face was overgrown with a beard and was dotted with wrinkles, his eyes glinted slyly from under a cap of disheveled hair. A white scar ran across the right cheek, on which an earring dangling on the earlobe cast a glare.François and Blanca, like everyone else, stared in amazement at the strange stranger. None of them had seen anything like it before. Roberto did not seem to notice the surprised looks, cheerfully and calmly telling his story to those around him. Slowly and with humor, he told how he ran away from home as a boy, how in Genoa he became a cabin boy on a merchant ship bound for Marseille, and how over the year
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 22
François returned to the city and wandered around the market for a long time. Finally, he found what he was looking for: fire-grass, causing instant irritation and skin burns. Having bought a bunch of grass and some fern powder, he went to the next street, where he bought not a new, but rather decent European-cut caftan, a velvet beret, chausses, boots and a leather purse. Having finished shopping, the young man jumped on his horse and rode back to the Toad's house. Not far from him, François dismounted, tying his horse in the shade of palm trees, and changed his clothes. He looked at himself as best he could and was satisfied: in this caftan he could easily pass for a young rich merchant.François approached the house cautiously and bent over towards the back door. There were no servants present, and he slipped in unhindered.The house was huge. François crept along the corridor, looked into several rooms, but did not meet a soul anywhere. Ahead, the corridor forked. After hesitating
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 23
The next morning, taking advantage of the non-working day, Francois agreed with the overseers and went into the forest to collect herbs for the treatment of a friend. Even on the Star of the Seas, he more than once had to help the ship's doctor and extract herbs for him in various ports. And now he quickly found everything he needed, and an hour later he was already giving don Rodrigo a healing decoction to drink. During the day he gave the Spaniard half a dozen different tinctures, and by night he was already much better. Using all his eloquence, Francois convinced the guards that the living Don Rodrigo is much more useful to Sufi Pasha than the dead one - after all, a ransom is already being taken for him. The Spaniard was allowed one day to spend in bed, and this finally helped him to his feet.The captives were very happy to learn that they now have their own apothecary. They often turned to François for medical help, and he made it a rule to go for herbs every Friday. The Arrais
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 24
The life of friends flowed according to the established schedule: during the day they went to patients, at sunset they passed a glass of wine in the nearest tavern, and late in the evening Nostrdam sat down to read books, among which were the works of Johann Faust, Agrippa Nettesheim, Paracelsus, and often sat up until morning. François tried not to disturb him at this time, but Michel often knocked on his room to read some quote or ask his opinion on this or that problem. François more and more often joined his friend when he worked with books on healing. In addition, Nostrdam initiated him into the secrets of astrology, firmly believing that the past and future of any person can be read by the stars, you just need to be able to do it. And now the two of them sat all night long, reading, writing, experimenting, mixing herbs, agreeing and arguing.***After one of these night vigils, François slept until noon. Entering Nostrdam's room, he found that his friend was not at home. There w
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 25
The next morning, entering Nostrdam's room, François was surprised to find that he was sound asleep. The heroic organism of the doctor, which allowed him to work for wear and tear for several months, finally demanded a rest. François quietly closed the door and went for a walk. He walked along the city streets, inhaling the fresh sea air, purified by him and his friend from the stench of the plague. For the first time in years, he felt truly happy. The epidemic is defeated, he is no longer alone and, most importantly, as it seemed to him, he was able to overcome the sticky, shameful fear of death that had tormented him from the very day when the little puppy was floundering in the waters of the Seine.François returned home in excellent spirits at two o'clock in the afternoon. He heard voices in Nostrdam's room and, deciding not to interfere, went to his room and sat down with a book on a wide bench. But gradually he began to listen to the conversation behind the wall. The unknown int
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 26
In moments of enlightenment, Francois tried to decide what he should do to save himself. He knew a miraculous spell and could change places with Nostrdam at any moment, but this thought was deeply disgusting to him. He felt that he had no right to take the life of such a great man, and most importantly, Michel was his friend. Of course, if things get really bad... "No, not that. Servants, the governor, or anyone who comes near me, not Nostrdam. Not him... not him... So what? ready to kill someone for your own salvation?! Oh, God, forgive me!"And he again sank into unconsciousness.François did not have to make his terrible choice. Three days later it became clear that the disease was receding. Noticing that the temperature was returning to normal, Nostrdam breathed a sigh of relief and went to visit the governor. He already seemed completely healthy, and only a slight weakness reminded him of a recent terrible illness.As soon as Nostrdames allowed it, the count immediately appeared
Eternal Life;Cursed Gift 27
A dispatch came from Paris: Henry's coronation was scheduled for July 26th. It was supposed to take place in Reims, the city where the French monarchs were traditionally crowned.At the end of June, a cavalcade left Aix, consisting of provincial dignitaries invited to the coronation, the retinue of Claude of Savoy, the count himself and, of course, Francois. We drove for a long time, resting in special inns intended for royal couriers. The road took almost a month, and the cavalcade arrived in Reims on July 23, on the eve of the arrival of the royal court. Comte de Tende, Francois and several of the largest dignitaries of Provence settled in the Palais du Tau - the archbishop's palace.It was immediately felt that the city was preparing for a great event. More than thirty years had passed since the previous coronation, and the townspeople were in joyful excitement, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the court. Smartly dressed residents walked along the streets, buildings were decorated w
Latest Chapter
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
Epilogue
Michael Gold paused, trying to catch his breath. He seemed to be reliving the terror that had seized him in the mountains of South America.“And Plath is gone?” exclaimed the vicar ruefully.Alas, John, yes. A strange insanity has deprived me of this most valuable relic!- What a pity! What do you think it was?“I have puzzled over this for three hundred years, explaining everything as the revenge of higher powers. It was only three years ago that I read an article in The Sunday Times that I think explains the panic attack that happened to me then. The article said that a certain John Balderston, director of the London Lyric Theater, was preparing a play for staging, where the characters were transported into the past as the action progressed. He wanted to come up with something spectacular so that the audience at that moment felt the psychological tension. And Mr. Balderston turned to his friend, the physicist Robert Wood, for help. He made a pipe, like an organ, but longer and thick
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
96
Gold wearily rubbed his face with his hands.“Those days are hard for me to remember, John. Then I committed one of the most shameful acts of my entire life. But I swear I'll be completely honest about everything.'I have no doubt, my friend,' nodded the vicar. - Few people could speak so frankly about themselves, not only good, but also bad.— So, we got into a small pirogue and sailed up the river. Usually, for the construction of boats, the Indians took a tree with a wide trunk and burned out the middle. But this boat turned out to be wicker and very light. The current here was weak, so Anka and Yakumama rowed tirelessly.About five hours later we landed on the shore, and I saw a path cut through the jungle, as wide as I had ever seen in these places. It turned out that the Indians dragged boats along it to another river, which they called the Serpent, and the Europeans - Madre de Dios. Even such a light pirogue as ours was not easy to drag, but we managed and by the evening reache
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
95
On one of the days of the Month of Seva, Apu Uma sent for Istvan. He hurried to the leader and found him in great agitation. Forgetting to offer mate to the guest, the Indian said:“Our scouts have spotted a white party, Amauta. They go through the jungle towards Antavara.The priest's heart jumped with joy, but at the same moment he thought - if the Europeans capture the village, they will also learn about the mines. No, this cannot be allowed.- How is it - "go"? After all, the selva is impassable.- How do we go? Cut through the road with knives and axes.— How many of them?The chief frowned and drew seven parallel lines on the dirt floor. Thirty-five people, Isstvan realized."And when will they get to us?"- In two or three days. We need to organize protection.“No,” the priest said thoughtfully. “We have to set up an ambush. Then, firstly, they will not find the village, and secondly, thanks to a surprise attack, we will have an advantage.After thinking for a moment, Apu Uma n
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
94
The Indians made a noise, and Istvan could not believe his ears. What nonsense? This is impossible! But no, he saw the living dead with his own eyes!"But the corpses didn't disappear until the third night," he muttered.The sorcerer chuckled and nodded again.— Yes, but here they bury in the wall. Apparently, in the ground they deteriorate faster. At first I did not know this and could not understand why they did not turn into nzambi. The first two had to be killed, their minds barely affected. Then I realized that here the body was lying in the wall and tried to pick it up later. This is how I determined from experience that it is best to raise the "dead" on the third night.- Can they be cured somehow? Return to normal life?- Of course not.How long do they exist in this state?- Who is like. If you feed them on time, then some of them last for four or five years.“Now tell me, why can’t they be killed?”- Why, maybe. They just don't feel pain and follow orders as long as they can
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
93
The Incas got up early. Not finding Istvan, they were alarmed. When he, half-dead from fatigue and experienced horror, dragged himself to the gate, he was greeted with a joyful uproar. Sampa Anka grabbed him under the armpits and helped him to the hut.“What happened to you, white brother? he kept asking. - Where have you been?"I'm sorry, Anka," Isstvan whispered, sinking onto the couch. “I’ll tell you everything, but right now I don’t have the strength.”He slept for almost a day and woke up cheerful, completely recovered from the shock of the night. Hardly waiting for the morning, Istvan went to Apu Uma and told about everything that he had to endure.Sampa Anka, who sat silently beside him, stared in horror at the priest, while the chief shook his head grimly.“You broke my ban, Amauta,” he said when Istvan finished his story.“Sorry, Great Leader, but I couldn’t help but watch your people die.“I understand that you were guided by a kind and brave heart. But what have you achieve
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
92
The next morning, having somewhat calmed down, they again retired to the hut.- Understand, spirits are not like that at all! Istvan admonished his friend. “They were real flesh and blood people. There must be some other explanation.“Okay,” he nodded obediently, “then explain to me what the secret is.”“That is what we must find out. Tell everything you know about them.Sampa Anka shrugged.- There is nothing to tell. Ordinary guys.What could unite them?- Nothing. Only that they all died.- When exactly?The young man frowned as he remembered.“Well… Vira eight moons ago. Llapi four moons earlier. The other two, it seems, shortly before your arrival.This information did not give Isstvan anything, but he stubbornly bombarded Anka with questions, trying to find at least some thread.Did any of them get sick?- It seems not.- So all four died according to the prediction of the sorcerer?After thinking, Sampa Anka nodded confidently."And their bodies disappeared on the third night?"
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
91
Returning to his room, Istvan was lost in thought. Let's say the evil Aya Naya really kills the Indians, but how and why? However, the methods may be different, for example, to send damage. For what purpose does he do this? And, most importantly, why do corpses disappear? Perhaps the spirit of the deceased raises his body and takes him somewhere? No, what nonsense!Isstvan's mind was in confusion. But he was a man of action, and therefore he soon questioned the leader and his son about all the details. It turned out that the bodies disappear on the third night after the funeral.When an old man died two weeks later at the other end of the village, Istvan decided to follow his grave.“This is unreasonable, brother,” Apu Uma admonished him, “and very dangerous. Only Viracocha knows what happens when the body disappears. Suddenly all living things around perish?“Believe me, Great Leader, I will find out the truth,” Isstvan replied grimly. “I don’t want an incomprehensible curse weighing
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
90
Listening to the leader, Istvan could not recover from amazement. So the Templars were in the West Indies long before Señor Columbus?“The Order was rich,” he reflected, “and could well equip an expedition to search for new lands. The Templars sailed here and found huge reserves of silver and gold. So that's where the legends about the untold wealth of the order came from! Some came to rule the Incas, others left, taking away priceless treasures on ships. And then what? They returned forever ... Probably, it was under Philip the Handsome, who banned the order and arrested everyone he could find. But many Templars escaped and lived here until their deaths. Why didn't they leave offspring? Posing as gods? Of course, they were monks! They could not have intercourse with women and remained faithful to their vow even in such conditions. How many times have I broken my vow of chastity? Eh..."This discovery shocked Istvan. All his knowledge of the history of the conquest of the West Indies
- Eternal Life;Cursed Gift
89
Religion occupied a huge place in the life of the tribe. Everywhere in the village and beyond there were so-called waki - sacred things and places. Uakoy could be anything - a bunch of stones stacked in a special way, a rock, a hill, a stream, a spring, an idol carved from wood, like standing on a kurikancha. The Indians carefully looked after all the Huacas. A special place of worship was Nayakuna Pirka - a long stone wall built to the east of the village, which consisted of separate cavities. In them, the inhabitants of the village buried the dead, closing each niche with a wooden door.As Istvan mastered Quechua, he learned more and more about the views of the Indians.“There are three worlds around us,” said Sampa Anka, “underground, earthly and divine. The underworld, Uku Pacha, is ruled by the ferocious god of death, Supai. All dead, unborn babies, some snakes, worms and seeds live there. In the earthly world, Kai Pacha, we are people, but also animals, birds, plants and ghosts.
