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2023-05-17 18:59:59
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THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 61
By the evening of the second day, having climbed a stone embankment to a gentle slope, Darita raised a curved bugle to her lips and blew three times. The sound trembled in the air, clung to the rocks, and died away, leaving a strange, dreary aftertaste in the ensuing silence. Vallor, who had been silent almost all the way, stopped his tarpan and narrowed his gray eyes slightly.– Mirrors? he asked, literally moments before the overhanging rock cracked in two, revealing a paved white road and houses lit by the setting sun. Curling her lips in annoyance, Darita slightly touched the reins and slowly sent her horse forward. “A very wise decision and rather sophisticated technology,” the stranger praised, looking back at the high narrow gates. How long have you been using this method? Having greeted the unfamiliar guards cordially, Darita reluctantly turned around and shrugged her shoulders:“Shanfar is our capital. The first city reborn from the ashes after the great Blight. The g
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 62
The world closed behind them, leaving only bare rocks and a blue sky. Shanfar saw them off with quiet trumpeting and an even quieter parting whisper of the old princess. Although, according to the laws of the Allotars, Darita's marriage has not yet entered into force, both her people and she herself were forced to pacify their hostility. Now Karl was considered one of them. Ignoring the angry glances that the princess threw at him, he looked thoughtfully at the steppe spread below. The temporary respite, which the prince gave him in the fortress, made it possible to restore his strength a little. Apparently, Miel decided that this rest was enough, and now he followed him with a vengeance, passing almost every thought and feeling through his mind. Sometimes it seemed to Karl that he was beginning to lose his mind, and then the prince again briefly retreated. Miel knew about the deceit perpetrated by Darima for a long time. At first, the woman managed to trick him by replacing one twi
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 63
The dawn spread over the steppe with the trills of a lark and the bitter smell of wormwood. The sky, clear and high, was full of all shades of blue and scarlet. Waking up before the rest, Karl watered the horses and, stirring up the coals, took out the tubers of the ringflower that had been baked during the night [1] .- What are you doing? – sitting down, Darita looked sleepily at him, and then turned to the sleeping warriors. - What's happening? - Hush, - handing her a still warm tuber, Karl squatted down and said quietly: - They will sleep until noon. By now, if we hurry, we'll be far away. - Seeing the bewilderment that flashed in her eyes, he smiled: - The prince does not bother me yet. We still have time, Deru... Do you mind putting on a little show? Looking at him with a mixture of disbelief, sudden anger and timid hope, Darita nodded impulsively. Karl was sure that she would support his idea. "Then it's better not to delay," he said, rising. - Eat and go. Obediently c
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 64
Nobody knows when his hour will come. Leaning down, he took a cup from the floor and, raising his sister's head, made her drink the bitter, thick liquid. “I said that everyone would have to make a choice, Breeze. Once you have chosen, go the way you are going. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and suddenly rested her cheek against his palm.– I remembered you. I always remembered you... Why didn't you come earlier? She fell for so long... so long... There were so many of them... He said the prophecy must be fulfilled...- Who said, Veterok? Touching her forehead again, Carl concentrated. The images flashed by so fast that he could barely see them. - Who, honey? Prince? The face of the man she was talking about was frozen for a moment in a dense swirl of unfamiliar memories. “Ah, that’s how it is…” Karl drawled and, carefully getting up, covered Liramel with a blanket. Her breathing became more and more even. “Well, then, I was right after all. After making sure that h
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 65
For the first time in a long time, Lyramel felt herself waking up rested and well-rested. The first ray of light came through the narrow barred window. My heart was surprisingly calm. Something has changed around - something imperceptible, but important. She got up, washed and changed. The white tunic, more like a dress, looked unusual: the Allotars did not bleach the fabrics and preferred calm yellow-brown colors, only occasionally using red. Walking to the window, Liramel reached through the bars and flung open the sashes. A warm wind blew in my face: golden autumn came to the steppe. The hawk circled again in the cloudless high sky. - Good morning, friend! Waving at him, she tried to smile, but her chapped lips barely twitched. Liramel didn't remember when or how she got into the room, she didn't even remember how she got into the fortress itself. Sometimes it seemed to her that she had always lived here, and sometimes doubts came. Memories of the past looked strange and di
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 66
Miel climbed the rock in the late afternoon, accompanied by a tall red-haired woman whom Liramel had seen among the army of allotars and at the black throne on the day she first entered the fortress. Carl was also with them, but kept a little distance and looked gloomy and tired.Without saying anything, the prince took off his baldric and threw a caftan lined with dark fur onto the stone floor. In a long white tunic, intercepted by a wide leather belt, Mielle looked unusual and even more intimidating than usual. Fastening his scabbard, he approached and, leaning slightly over the stove, smiled.“Decided to become a martyr? Liramel's already familiar voice sounded in her head, and she closed her eyes for a moment so as not to see the hated eyes. “In vain, daughter of Lirdan. In vain. You look like my sister... See that you do not suffer the same fate.Realizing that he would not wait for an answer, Miel clicked irritably and, turning around, solemnly said: I call you to witness. – L
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 67
Waking shortly before dawn, Lyramel asked the two warriors guarding the tent to fetch several buckets of water. After washing thoroughly, she washed her blood-stained dress herself and kindled a fire to dry it faster, then, putting on a clean shirt and trousers Christian had brought, she went outside. The sun had barely risen above the horizon, and the stuffiness around was already incredible. There will be a storm, Liramel thought, looking up at the clear blue sky for a moment. As she walked, greeting the bowing officers and warriors, most of whom she had never seen in her life, she reached Movron's tent and hesitated. She suddenly became afraid. Fragmentary visions woven by the prince flashed before my eyes, and the threat that her refusal would be a death sentence for the brothers was remembered.“Your Majesty,” the officer on guard called cautiously. Glancing at him, Liramel narrowed her eyes in disbelief. The man's face was somehow familiar, but she couldn't immediately
THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION 68
When Tarham got close enough to see the expression in his eyes, Liramel felt something burning her skin under her shirt, in the area of her solar plexus. Lowering her eyes and seeing a speck of light breaking through the fabric, she frowned in surprise and hurriedly covered it with her palm. In the meantime, enough curious people had already gathered around, and Lyramel calmed down a bit, feeling more confident. - Greetings, gentlemen advisers! Deciding to act proactively, she took three small steps towards the priests. “And you, dear cousin!” Glad to see everyone in good health. After giving her an appraising look, Paraman nodded dryly and looked inquiringly at Lafast:“I heard, General, that your people found Hyde during the night. Is this true or another encouraging rumor?“Not encouraging, Your Highness,” the general replied. “Your cousin passed away half an hour ago. My condolences.“And mine,” echoed Tarham. “A heavy loss for Rod.“Undoubtedly,” Lyramel replied seriousl
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- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
Epilogue
Paraman kept to the right of his father. Lord Wancel rode in front with a sword drawn, and behind him were about two hundred Sapphorus warriors dressed in blue and white Gorgoth uniforms. General Lafast himself preferred a closed carriage. He left a few hours early in order to get his people out of the White Castle: Kyle gave him this opportunity in exchange for neutrality. Having learned about the scale of the impending coup, Erinma chose not to interfere. As for the Duke of Auroc, he supported Kyle even before Lirdan's coronation, so he helped unconditionally. In Eliste, judging by his father’s reservation, the situation was more complicated, but several dozen executions decided the case in his favor in exactly the same way as in Gorgota: in the morning alone, more than three hundred people from the people and nobility were killed there, and about twenty military officers who tried to raise the garrison and the townspeople to revolt. Most of them belonged to Rod. However, these exec
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
78
Kyle was waiting. Stroking the emerald ring - the only thing left to him in memory of his mother - he snatched out familiar faces flashing in the crowd. Elicar answered something with restraint to the head of the Remak clan, who chuckled nervously, already knowing that the elderly adviser had only a few minutes to live. Kyle wanted to kill him with his own hands: Sarah Elikar did not deserve the fate, and Tarem, who was sitting opposite and did not take his former comrade-in-arms down with a cold gaze, would not fail to vent the anger accumulated over the years - he never forgave him for marrying Falinor, although none of the born the Leader did not restore her children. Putting down his fork, Paraman stood up and, bowing, slowly approached his cousin. With his hands behind his back, he looked out the rain-drenched window and seemed to be waiting for something. "Consider that I repaid the debt," Kyle mentally said, remembering his brother's frozen face and his last memory. Lird
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
77
Lafast greeted me coldly. Despite the early hour, he was dressed for travel and, judging by the plates set aside on the edge of a wide desk, he had already had breakfast. - Are you leaving somewhere? Karl asked calmly, looking around the luxuriously furnished office in a businesslike way. Looking away, the general nodded. “And I would be grateful if you would not detain me,” he answered in tone. “Yes, and I would advise you not to linger. - Why is that? - Smiling deliberately carefree, Karl looked at him inquiringly, but not having received an answer, he said more seriously: - Do not bother explaining, I already understood everything myself. I do not blame for the choice, for the advice - I thank you. It’s a pity, I can’t follow him - I’m not looking for an easy death. Scowling at him, Lafast shook his head and, turning to the table, poured a full glass of wine from a tall carafe. - Want to? - I will not refuse. Carl took a glass from his hands and drank it in one gulp
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
76
Waving his white mane, Snowball neighed loudly and, breaking into a gallop, rushed headlong along the path. Closing her eyes, Lyramel spread her arms out to the sides and exposed her face to the sun's muffled foliage. A warm breeze immediately blew into the wide sleeves of the dress and played in the hair. It seemed a little more - and she would take off. The speed pierced through body and soul, sweeping away everything but a jubilant, almost painful joy. Everything around was full of life. Liramel felt it in every breath, in every beat of her heart, and she wanted to cry and laugh at the same time.A bluish-blue shadow lay on the ground, cooling the warm colors in an instant. Liramel blinked as she heard the shout, and grabbing the reins, she turned around. Waving to her in greeting, Karl spurred on the black mare. Did you decide to take a walk? she asked as they drew level. “I heard you have an appointment in the morning. “Things can wait,” the brother dismissed, letting the ma
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
75
Lyramel spoke quickly and without much emotion. Thanking the audience for their attention and patience, she congratulated everyone on the victory and awarded the generals and several stopmen. Then she presented certificates to the families of the dead officers. The Ruby Order of the Hyde was taken by Elikar. When Lyramel called his name, Falinor shuddered, silently turned away and defiantly moved away from Paraman standing next to her. Ignoring what was happening, the duke was quietly talking about something with Lord Astin, and, judging by the expression on his face, the conversation was clearly unpleasant for him. - Go ahead. - Ali imperceptibly pushed Yakir in the side, causing him to blink in surprise. Thinking, he lost track of time and did not notice when the official part ended. The musicians on the balconies began to play again, and the people began to part, freeing the center of the hall. Reluctantly stepping forward, Yakir greeted Karl, who was helping Liramel down fro
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
74
Having convened another Council, Tarham decided to openly call on the Heads of Ten to deliver an ultimatum to Rod. For almost eight months, Her Majesty was between life and death, and Charles, who, contrary to the law, again arbitrarily assumed the regency, relying on Aarmani and the rest of the generals who supported his twin, each time rejected the request of the Order to allow the queen to quietly pass into eternity. Tarem was even ready to give the sons of Lirdan the opportunity to return to where they were born, giving guarantees that he was not going to give before, but in response, Karl only once again reminded him of Tarem's mistakes and threatened with a scandal. “Firsar Kael is waiting for his turn,” he remarked, knowing full well that Tarem was in no hurry to part with power. “I think he will certainly be interested in my information. As well as Councilor Elikar, Sarah and all the others. “Nothing, soon there will be justice for you,” Taram thought angrily. Don't expe
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
73
– This medallion, after the creation of the Council, was transferred only to the High Priest from the Kael family. I admit that over time they got too used to it to understand and think about it. I will not retell everything that led me to these thoughts, but I guessed almost immediately. Then it was only necessary to collect confirmations, and believe me, there were enough of them. From the very beginning it was a one-player game. What he achieves by trying to exterminate the Host, and why he has such power, I don’t know yet. The answer should be sought somewhere at the very beginning. And if fate gives me a chance, I will find it. Loud footsteps, heard from somewhere to the left, seemed to break the silence around them into small pieces. Cautiously looking around, Karl froze, and then leaned towards her and quickly whispered:“Close your eyes just in case. Until you get on your feet, outsiders should not know about your awakening. Obediently closing her eyes, Liramel took a deep
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
72
In the middle of a spruce forest, a lone apple tree bloomed, tall and so old that its bumpy roots rose almost a palm above the ground. A warm wind tore off the white petals from her and threw them on the ground covered with needles. Recognizing the outlines of three gentle hills, Lyramel looked around in bewilderment. Neither the White Castle nor the road was in sight. There was such silence around, as if the world had become uninhabited. Even the birds did not chirp, and only a string of red ants flowed from north to south, skirting a white pebble sticking out of the ground. About a dozen men on foot descended the eastern hill silently and quietly. Dressed in long, belted tunics, they looked tired and depressed. Two were carrying a stretcher, on which lay a body tightly wrapped in a white cloth. A tall girl walked in front of the stretcher. Long black hair was braided into two thick braids, a white dress, already dirty at the hem and heavily wrinkled, clung to her slender legs an
- THE PATH OF RENUNCIATION
71
For ten minutes a heavy silence hung in the tent. Holding his hand on the elderly warrior's neck, Paraman mentally counted the beats of his heart and furtively watched his cousin. Next to death, anger and hatred were out of place. Karl knew this very well and skillfully introduced it into the game without making a single move. As always. Even now, having lost all his trump cards and standing on the very edge, the son of Lirdan behaved so confidently and calmly that Paraman involuntarily doubted that he really did not know about the networks that were woven around while he was building a path to power through Miel. “Yakir sent a messenger…” Paraman finally said softly, breaking the protracted silence. “I want to know how things really are. I need time too. Taking the needle, Karl exhaled slowly and made the first stitch.“Lyramel lives and will live,” he replied. “But he won’t come to his senses soon. - The reason?- Many reasons. The Order is one of them. You know very well what