Раненая лань

Глава IX

While James left his father's house full of anger, Lucifer met with the local stable boy."You're the Punisher, Lucifer Franklin," a plump man with gray hair and faded eyes watched as the guest led his huge black horse into the stall. You were always running around with another blond boy."His name was Yulai," Lucifer stroked the match, " and I am no longer a Punisher.—I don't care. Where did you take the horse? Money first. Lucifer looked up at the man who was looking at him with hatred. His face twisted with anger."The king wants to meet me." After I talk to him, I'll give you the money.—I know you punishers. If you think I'm going to let your horse go for "thank you," you're wrong. Moreover, you have money, the profession is not poor.Lucifer had no choice. He gave the groom almost all of his remaining money. He gave most of it to Raven in the morning. Urda alone knows what he will live on. Apparently, you will have to really go to the mercenaries. But as soon as he thought about it, Lucifer knew that he would never sell his freedom to other people again. With dark thoughts, the man went to the entrance, while the groom went to put a Match in the stall.The walls seemed to grow darker and taller. Earlier in the spring, swallows made their nests right under the roofs, but now Lucifer did not see any nests, even though it was already the end of April. The guards looked at each other when they saw Lucifer , as if they were debating whether to let him pass or not."My name is Lucifer Franklin. You must know that king godfrid is waiting for me. Let him know I'm coming.The guards looked at each other again, and one of them left. Lucifer looked up at the sky again, noting that it was more beautiful here than anywhere else."They say punishers are well paid," one guard began, but Lucifer pretended not to hear.—For whom as. If you think that one person's life is worth a piece of bread, and you are ready to cut them down like cattle, then you will quickly become rich, " Lucifer replied reluctantly .—You didn't get paid as much as you wanted, I see." Lucifer looked down at the torn leg again. He hopes that godfrid will at least give him money to buy proper clothes. He doesn't need anything else. Then he will earn a living on his own. There was an option to serve on a merchant ship, and Lucifer was leaning toward it now. He had long wanted to see the Ocean of the Dead, see the mermaids, and admire the water devils. There are so many interesting and unknown things in the ocean that Lucifer often imagined such a journey.—Well and how? the guard spoke again. Lucifer would have liked to stand in silence instead of answering the questions of this guard, who immediately disliked him. But relations with people should be improved, so he just sighed and patiently asked:- what exactly how?"Killing people for the government?"- Any violence is disgusting. And even more violence against those who do not even have the right to defend themselves.—So why did you become one?" Lucifer took several deep breaths. He didn't like the subject, and he didn't want to discuss his past life with someone else. Lucifer wondered how anyone could be so stupid and ask such questions."Because I wanted to," Lucifer said shortly , not wanting to return to the subject.The man paused. Lucifer finally waited for silence. Only now did he feel tired. The adrenaline had kept him going for a day without getting tired, but now his legs were wobbly and his eyes were closing. He wouldn't mind eating before he went to bed, but that's how it works.The first guard finally returned. Lucifer was delighted when he said to follow him. The hope of a warm bed and a mug of strong beer still lingered in the traveler's mind as he went inside the castle.The familiar corridors were inspired by the nostalgia and warm memories of Ulae. Lucifer forgot the face of his childhood friend, and it scared him. All he remembered was his curly blond hair, which shone like gold in the sun. The rest disappeared from memory. The face was a blurry blur, without any freckles or scars that were probably present on it. And it's only been fifteen years since they last met.Lucifer wondered if they would forget me as quickly. If Yulai did many good things even as a child and will be remembered as a hero, then I will be remembered as a cruel and bloodthirsty person."This guard, unlike his companion, was less talkative, and Lucifer mentally thanked him for this. Soon they came to the lobby, where portraits of famous people are hung all around the perimeter. Lucifer found the portrait of Queen Adele without difficulty, and for a moment felt elated. The woman who killed his parents and gave their rightful lands to the Aiden family, the woman who wanted to kill him-eight-year-old Lucifer Franklin-is dead. He wasn't ashamed of his feelings, and he wasn't going to justify himself. There are people who deserve to die. Adele Golden was one of them. Lucifer never wanted to kill someone as much as he wanted to kill the Queen. But he wasn't at all upset when he found out about her death. This old snake should have died long ago. Now that godfrid Golden had taken her place, Lucifer doubted that anything would change. And suddenly a sharp guess dawned on the man - what if godfrid was going to kill him? But that would be very illogical. However, Lucifer couldn't say one hundred percent. If the king was going to kill him, Lucifer would have been killed right in castle Black."Where are you taking me?" Lucifer asked ."You'll see."Such a short answer did not reassure. My legs ached, my hands were shaking, and my eyes were starting to sting. He needed rest, at least three hours ' sleep... But for now, it was only a dream.Suddenly, the guard stopped. They were standing in the tower of the Swallow, Lucifer realized as soon as he looked out the window. As a child, he often visited this place and remembered this stunning view of the endless fields surrounding the castle.The guard nodded at the sword hanging from Lucifer's belt ."No," was the reply, " I'm not going to give you my remedy.—If you don't give me your weapons, it will be considered mutiny, "the guard replied easily," and I will be forced to kill you as a rebel." Lucifer assessed the situation. He doesn't know what to expect or what to prepare for. One thing he knows for sure - if he doesn't give up the weapon now, he will be killed on the spot. You can try to escape, but Creople is not castle Black. Here are well-trained warriors who will kill him instantly if he takes even one extra step. It was better to die with a sword in his hand and the knowledge that he had fought to the last minute of his life. But reason said otherwise. He would have been killed in the first place if necessary. Lucifer looked the guard straight in the eye as he handed him the weapon."I hope I get it back." "what is it?" he asked roughly."I will," was the short answer again, " now follow me."They didn't have long to walk. Lucifer immediately guessed where they were taking him - to the star mage. But he didn't understand why. Besides, he wasn't thinking straight right now, because he was tired."What am I —" Lucifer began , but the guard held up a hand to silence him.The constant climb up the stairs made Lucifer's already sore feet ache even more. It was long dark outside, and they walked through the darkness in absolute silence. Even at this height, you could hear the soft chirp of cicadas and the hoot of an owl. These sounds helped Lucifer distract himself, and he hoped that he was strong enough to survive the entire journey.—Go.The harsh voice brought Lucifer back to reality. He stopped and staggered, grabbing the cold stone wall just in time.The guard's voice was stern, reminding Lucifer of his master.Without answering, he opened the oak door with difficulty. A strong smell of rotten apples hit my nose, but then it was replaced by the sweet smell of lilac, grass and liquid caramel. Lucifer felt a surge of strength again.The star wizard's room was no different from the workshops of other wizards Lucifer had seen in his time. In addition to thick old leather-bound books and talismans hanging from the ceiling, there was a brass telescope that glittered darkly in the moonlight. The same thing Lucifer noticed was a large gold - rimmed mirror that stood against the far wall. Rather, it was the reflection of a tall, fair-haired man with lilac eyes that caught his attention. Lucifer looked around again. There was no man in the dark room. But in the reflection, he was looking at him, as if waiting for the guest to speak. The room was dark enough that it was hard to make out anything, but Lucifer was sure it was a wizard. Lucifer bowed awkwardly on unsteady legs, feeling like a complete idiot. It seemed to him that the man frowned. But he wasn't sure - it was too dark to light a candle...— Lucifer ... A poor boy from the black earth who could be sitting on his parents ' throne right now... I didn't see you coming so quickly.The wizard's voice was magical - velvety, as if it enveloped Lucifer and he could barely keep from falling asleep. The voice came from different directions each time, and Lucifer had to summon all her willpower not to turn around. He knew it was just an illusion.—You came to me as I thought you would. As soon as I learned that our king had invited you to our castle, I knew that I must not miss the opportunity to talk to you.—I won't tell you anything until I know your name, wizard.The reflection laughed."Lucifer, Lucifer, do you think you're setting conditions here? I can wipe you out with just a thought, so..."the King won't like you killing his guests," Lucifer said, " either you tell me your name and why you called me, or I leave immediately.""Don't make any new enemies, Monsieur Franklin," Lucifer said, grimacing at the address, and the wizard noticed it.—I don't want to have anything to do with wizards." So speak quickly and without riddles.It got darker. Lucifer couldn't see, but he could guess what the wizard was thinking about those words. The light suddenly brightened, so much so that Lucifer squeezed his eyes shut. The bright light hit him right in the eyes, and he had to cover them with his hands.—My name is Nathan Aiden, Lucifer Franklin.A perfectly normal voice came from behind. Lucifer turned and opened his eyes. Right in front of him was a thirty-year-old man with purple eyes and long brown hair pulled back in a ponytail. He was dressed in a purple suit that matched his eyes and carried a black cane.- Aiden? Lucifer clenched his fists at the name.—Don't think I have anything to do with this stupid old man who takes your place on the throne of the black earth. He's my uncle, but to be honest, I wouldn't want to be related to him in any way."I don't care what you think of your uncle," Lucifer said, trying to pull himself together.Aiden chuckled. Abruptly, candles floating in the air appeared in the room, and immediately it became much more comfortable.You hate magicians, Lucifer, Franklin?—I don't hate you. I just try to have little to do with such people. I don't trust you, Monsieur Aiden, I'll be honest.—Then I don't see the point in detaining you — - the wizard waved his hand and two chairs appeared behind them — - sit Down. Would you like to try something? Today, the chefs prepared delicious pork with lingonberries. I think you're hungry. Lucifer immediately imagined a juicy piece of hot meat that was begging for his mouth and his stomach clenched painfully.—I'd appreciate it if you could tell me why you need me as soon as possible.""Nevertheless, I think you should eat," Aiden waved his cane, and a plate appeared in front of Lucifer with exactly the kind of meat he had imagined."I'm sorry, Monsieur Aiden, but I don't trust conjured food."—This food was prepared by our chefs. I was just transporting her. So eat and don't be afraid.The temptation was too great, and Lucifer really hadn't eaten in a long time. He picked up a plate, a silver knife, and a fork and began to eat. The meat was indeed so delicious that after three minutes there was nothing left of it, and Lucifer was full to the brim.—Now we can talk, when you're full, Lucifer Franklin — "the dishes disappeared into the air, just as the wizard's hand moved," do you know why I'm called the star wizard?""Yes, you shouldn't start from afar," Lucifer still disliked the man for no apparent reason, " speak plainly.—Recently I was watching the stars, and do you know what I saw? I saw a new life, extremely interesting and beautiful. She bloomed in this world like a rosebud on a warm summer evening...Lucifer had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. He disliked wizards just as much because of that. He talks too much in riddles instead of answering directly."Can I cut it short?""Sagittarius," the wizard said simply."What-Sagittarius?"—The stars told me that you will meet Sagittarius, who appeared here by chance, but his presence can lead to confusion. Find it. Find it and bring it to me.—Why should I help you?" Lucifer asked, switching to "you" without expecting it — " and why me?"—You want the black earth back in your hands, don't you?" I know you want to regain your rightful throne. Only you lost hope. It may be difficult, or even impossible, for you to do this without my help. But before you sits a star wizard whose words are backed by magic. Help me find Sagittarius. In return, you will receive the throne."What makes you think —" Lucifer began, " what makes you think I want the black earth throne back?"The wizard hadn't expected this question. For a moment, he was taken aback, and then his face relaxed.—If you don't want the throne of the black earth, then ask for something else. Everything in this world is in my power. But only in our city. Other worlds are beyond my reach."Other worlds?" Lucifer had never heard of other worlds. He wasn't interested. If other worlds exist, so be it. Let them continue to exist."The entire Royal family knows about this," Nathan Aiden chuckled, " there are three worlds-ours, the one next to it, and the world of the dead. The only way to get into this world is to die. There is no turning back. Walls between other worlds can break down and form Bald spots. But I haven't heard of one in the last hundred years. Sagittarius did not enter our world through a bald Spot. I don't know how he got here, and I'm going to find out."You mean," Lucifer said after a moment's thought, " that a man from another world just showed up here?"—Exactly. But nothing is taken from the void. If there is a way to move from world to world... This will help us open the gates to the world of the dead and resurrect people—"The first thought that came to Lucifer - Yulai's mind. If the wizard is telling the truth, then he can be resurrected. All fatigue was forgotten, and the only thing Lucifer cared about was traveling between worlds."So what do you say, Lucifer Franklin —" the wizard asked again, grinning, " that you will bring Sagittarius to me?" Lucifer tried to control his emotions. He tried to convince himself that it was impossible to raise the dead, that the wizard could be wrong, that this deal was contrary to the moral principles he had tried to adhere to when he fled to Creople. But in the meantime, he remembered Yulai's laughter and appearance... I couldn't remember."I need to think about it," Lucifer said, " I still don't trust you."—In vain. Very much in vain. I can help you. And I want to do it, but you're pushing away the helping hand that I'm pulling towards you. See that you don't get lost in your problems."Look how you'll stay fine after the king talks to me," Lucifer began to copy the wizard's style of communication, " I'm already a fugitive, and I'll be executed if I'm caught in the black earth territory." So what's stopping me from ruining the life of a sorcerer who does his dirty work at the hands of other people?"You won't want me to do these dirty things with your hands," Aiden said simply, " don't think that if I ask you for help, I'm weak and can be manipulated." You divide the world into black and white, and you consider yourself to be the latter. But you have an idea in your head how you can use my offer to your advantage. Your soul is black, Lucifer Franklin, even though you try to justify yourself. If you bring Sagittarius to me, you will not become cleaner, you will not become dirtier. But you can get what you've always wanted.—I've always been taught that making deals with a wizard means selling part of your soul. You're right, Nathan Aiden. My soul can no longer be cleansed, but I can keep it, and this wealth will be much better than the throne of the black earth.The wizard is angry. This Lucifer understood immediately. He could see how fast the man was breathing, how he was looking at him. "You promised to think about it, Lucifer," he finally said in a calm voice, " and I'll give you time."In the next second, Nathan Aiden was gone. The candles went out and fell to the floor. Lucifer got up from the chair before it disappeared. The man looked around the room again. No matter what, he would consider the wizard's offer. Maybe there are better riches than a part of his dark soul.