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
- Mr. mercenary, there, when I saw how IT was rushing at me, my heart almost stopped, and you! So! I have never seen anything like it. - The tailor rumbled, unable to stop, everything he had experienced still did not let him go, forcing him to tell at least someone everything he had experienced in order to unload his overwrought brain and not go crazy with fear. But for several kilometers around there were no other free ears, except for the ears of the mercenary. The horse in the role of an interlocutor, the tailor did not particularly suit. Claude only sighed heavily, not interfering with the verbal flow poured out on him by the man, he even dozed slightly, lulled by this uninterrupted tirade. - When I saw that you were lying motionless, as if dead, I was frightened, but after looking closely, I realized that you were alive and dragged you here, away from these monsters. I also treated your wounds from my reserves, my wife always puts a little for me on the road. Yes, just in c
- 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
“Well, come on, Aly, and don’t go to the lair of the swagger again, I may not be around,” Claude grinned and waved his hand in farewell. - I promise, mister mercenary, in the swamps more than a foot. The mercenary heard the following, to which he once again waved his healthy hand. The right hand still hadn't healed and was quite itchy. Carefully removing the bandage, Claude grimaced in pain, but it was better to be patient than to raise unnecessary questions. Confidently walking along the familiar streets of the city, because he spent a lot of time in Rigva, the guy invariably approached the tavern. There was still a lot of time, so he was in no hurry, there was just a shop of a female alchemist nearby, where he decided to look first. The woman was here, she was sincerely glad to see him, and when she learned that the terrible bobbler was no more, she gave the mercenary another antidote. Of course, he did not refuse such a gift, and having bought a few more bottles of various