He realized that no one was going to hurt him, he, even at the speed of slow-witted person, but still decided that the reverence would not hurt. The nyx hastily rose from the stump, muttered something instead of a greeting.
«Does this pretty place belong to you?» said I. «Have you settled here for a long time?»
In response, he only nodded.
«I see you more like your underwater house than the land?»
Again the short nod. Loved to chat with himself, The nyx was shy and did not expect a sudden invasion. He did not tear off his eyes off the upward socks of his shoes.
«Are you looking for a place to rest?» answered the nyx. «Unfortunately, there is neither the cave nor the gorge, nor the palace, only the hut.»
«Does anyone live in it?»
«The forester lived with his family. Now the hut is empty.»
«Why?»
«The guard came from the city and accused the whole family in witchcraft,» the nyx smiled slyly. «No one else will live there, mortal are faint-hearted. And you are dangerous.»
Last words, he said quietly with noticeable respect.
«Did you not take my lake?» he asked with the excitement.
«No. Would you really give it without a fight?» Against my will, the question sounded with a contemptuous mockery.
«And you do not tell him that I settled here without making a gift in the treasury?»
I immediately understood that he spoke about Rothbart and almost laughed.
«If he understands that you give the lake only with life, he’ll immediately leave you alone.» If you are able to repulse him, then I will be on your side.»
The hut was in the forest’s wilderness, I immediately liked it. There was all necessary for a sorcerer with his books. Little windows almost missed light, instead of glasses in the frame was inserted transparent mica. Obviously, the glass turned out to be too expensive for local residents. A small furnace in the corner could become useful with the beginning of cold weather. The floorboards strongly creaked, but it could be fixed, besides, Percy is unknown from where it managed to drag a soft carpet, who faded the steps well. Little furniture remained in the room, and the firewood were folded in the yard. Apparently, after the hut was empty, no one dreamed of visiting here to pick up something.