- He woke up!Loud cackle. A bright beam of light hit my eyes, and I squinted, opening my eyelids. At first, dark silhouettes ran in the eyes. The picture became more and more clear. Until I saw Aran and Eve with Vanya. They jumped on my bed, sobbing and screaming like crazy.- Hey!!!I did not understand their op, but I clearly understood that I was in the infirmary. There are many wounded around, doctors tried to save everyone, everyone was covered in blood. The last seconds with Katya froze in my eyes, the war with the Gods, Ranm ... and something that awakened in me.Friends unhooked from me when they saw my pale face.“Katya…” Aran sat down next to Eve and Vanya with a sullen face. - She died?..That's right...they didn't see her. I became the last person to see her last seconds of life. This made my heart ache. I didn't want to talk or see anyone. But they must know what happened to her..."She's dead," I croaked. “Saving my life…and then…then…”The image of a pale creature in a
Gray tobacco smoke enveloped the room in wide curls, plunging the already dark room into even greater darkness. The old walls, which had seen a lot in their time, were decorated with spots of something unknown, once thrown into them, there were no other decorations, like paintings and other things, in this room. And the place itself left much to be desired. A leaky roof, a floor shabby by thousands of pairs of feet and a creaking door completed the image of this dull, but at the same time no less popular institution. In such taverns, lost to cultured people, one could find anyone. Mercenaries, vagabonds, and bandits preferred to rest here - not the most trustworthy contingent of the city of Rigva. However, the authorities preferred to turn a blind eye to this disgusting old ulcer on the body of the city, since monsters, a gift from past times, spinning around, frightened the mayors more than the rabble gathered in institutions like this tavern. Such degenerate or adventurous people
With a satisfied smile, remembering the mayor's rounded eyes when he laid out all three carcasses in front of him, he will never be able to forget. Yes - it was true that not everyone was willing to look at these creatures of the past without a shudder or hiccups, even though the suscrosses weren't the creepiest creations in existence. The mayor then was very accommodating, gladly paying for all three trophies, if only they were carried away, and even so that the mercenary himself would clean up after them. Which he did with considerable pleasure, tossing a decent bag of coins in his palm, and throwing the carcasses over his shoulder. Why did all the other people on the way already shied away from him, thus giving him no small pleasure. So what?! His life was hard and dangerous, so he sometimes allowed himself such childish antics, Taking another sip of the bitter drink from the huge mug, he closed his eyes. I wanted to sleep pretty much already, but there was no point in sittin
As soon as these sonorous birds sang their "Ku-ka-re-ku", the mercenary opened his eyes and yawned loudly, scratching his stubble that had grown over the night. "M-yes" - he could not defeat this monster in any way. Having neatly and cleanly shaved, washed and rinsed his mouth, the guy began to dress in the clothes laid out on the eve. Trousers, undershirt - this, of course. Under the main jacket, he always put a shirt on, this often saved his body from chafing, and life from wounds, when the claws of monsters got stuck in its folds, the fabric for it was not chosen by chance, and although it cost Claude fabulous money, it was incredibly durable and soft . It was not easy to find a good thing in their time, and even at a reasonable price, and if you turned up such a thing, then consider yourself lucky. Do not snooze. Here the mercenary did not yawn. Do not skimp on the really worthwhile things. Next came the leather vest. in the summer it was a little hot in it, but it protected the
- Here's what you asked for. Ten gold. - the man said in a lily voice, looking benevolently at the mercenary. Mercenaries were not very favored among ordinary people, but for such a jackpot since the beginning of the day, the merchant was ready to fall in love with at least the devil, even a mercenary. The prices were fabulous, but Claude did not argue with the merchant, laying out ten gold coins near the man’s hand, he took his purchases. He preferred not to give or take money into or out of his hands, so as not to bring misfortune upon himself, especially today, when he was to meet with the babbler. Alone, he had not yet had to go to this creature, and the only time he participated in the hunt for this monster was a long time ago, even at the time when he was learning the wisdom of a fighter against evil spirits. Next on his list was an alchemist's or herbalist's shop, depending on how the owner of such a place preferred to call himself. Claude especially liked these shops, th
“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
- Not! No, I won't stay here alone! - Sit here! - Claude ordered in a confident voice that did not tolerate objections, causing the man to plop down on the ground and frightenedly pressed himself against the roots. What he saw in his face, the guy did not know, but it had a sobering effect. That's just how much?! Convinced that the trader was sitting in a shelter, Claude turned around and headed away along the barely noticeable path left by the swagger, the previously clear bloody trail had partially disappeared and only traces of brown spots remained on the leaves, confirming the right direction. The unfortunate fool has taken too much time, and the sun has already decently bowed over the horizon. A couple more hours and evening will come, and the surrounding area will gradually plunge into darkness. Should have rushed. Having more comfortably intercepted the bags that pulled his shoulder, he increased his pace, and behind him came a suspicious crack and squelch. Blazing with
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