Krystell placed his hand on the young mans shoulder.
Have you heard that Ermekar rocks? We must deliver him to the Duke. Maybe he can heal our comrade? Leivead, beware of imprudent actions. Sometimes its worth retreating, but waiting for reinforcements rather than getting into trouble. There is only one life, you cant turn it back.
Chapter 4. Council of Necromancers
Duke Rigerd wrapped himself in a warm blanket and drank a hot infusion. Councilor Otraud entered the room.
Why dont you feel sorry for yourself, Your Honor?
I hate autumn! said the Duke. Rains. Once you get exposed to cold streams while hunting, thats all, for a couple of weeks you are a slave to the bed.
I brought you medicinal herbs. Add them to the broth. It is not good for a ruler to skimp on health. You know. All you have to do is snap your fingers, and Seisils best healers will come to you.
Do not you understand? whispered the Duke. Im tired. Im too tired. I want to rest. And illness gives you the right to a little respite.
Blues this is the main cause of the disease! How could I not have guessed. This is a disease that affects kings, but not the poor. They dont have time to think about what could have happened but didnt!
You know, I sometimes envy the poor. I want, like them, a carefree life. Business, constant heavy thoughts this is the destiny of the ruler.
I dare to distract you from melancholy, this black bile. It looks like war cant be avoided.
After these words, there seemed to be no trace of the Dukes illness left. The eyes lit up with lively interest. And hatred.
Tell me, Advisor.
«Please follow me into the throne room,» said Otraud. I caught a new criminal on the borders with Suthering.
Rigerd put on clothes that should only be worn on special occasions. When facing an enemy, you always need to look decent.
Surrounded by Eldoran guards, stood a short young man. Despite his age, his face was already adorned with several scars.
Your Honor, we caught this man trying to execute three people
Three witches! They are Zeymond-worshipping witches! the young man shouted.
So you now decide who lives and who doesnt on my land?! Rigerd was indignant.
Not me. Emperor! Sun-Face himself gave me this right. You can look at my certificate. It is in your breast pocket. Take it and admire it!
Obeying the dukes subtle gesture, the warrior brought a parchment, folded several times, that was in the prisoners pocket.
What does he allow himself! Rigerd shouted, angrily throwing the document on the floor. Otraud immediately bent down, picking it up.
«The bearer of this has every right to administer the Imperial Court in the name of the fight against evil spirits. All persons suspected of communicating with the dark must be subjected to the test of healing fire.»
Still was a one-of-a-kind United King. The rulers of the lands gave him this right. And then a whole retinue of governors,» said Rigerd, walking around the hall, «And Gartaur decided to go further, declaring himself emperor.» He deprived the rulers of the lands of all privileges. Previously, we were called princes, but now even this has been deprived. Where has it been seen that I was a duke! What about the princely title? Perhaps he forgot that my family comes from kings? And if necessary, we will remember this!
The Emperor is in his right. If necessary, he can execute you, Duke! If you resist the eradication of enemies.
What right are you talking about? He is an emperor as long as the princes allow him to do so!
He is the Bright Lord, the messenger of good on Earth. He foresaw that Morelia, an ancient ally of Antimonikos and other followers of Zeymond, would create obstacles. Therefore, the army will soon approach your borders.
An unknown symbol flashed on the criminals shoulder, and the man turned to ashes in a matter of moments.
Seal of fidelity! «It cant be!» Rigerd whispered. I wonder if he was joking about the Bright Lord?
«His eyes didnt lie,» said Otraud.
Looks like its time to assemble the Necromancer Council.
Are you sure, Your Honor?
Is it possible to believe anything at a time like this?
***
That evening, the necromancers of Eldoras gathered for a large meeting.
«Hello, masters,» said Rigerd. His illness vanished as if by hand. «I gathered you today to tell you that war has been declared on us.» For a long time I was forced to hide you from the emperor, but he crossed all conceivable and unimaginable boundaries. I am equal to you in strength, oh masters. Therefore, I want to take a worthy place in your organization. Honestly, I want to become your leader.
We need to check on you, Duke.
Green lightning streamed from the fingers of the gray-haired old man towards Rigerd. But the Duke repulsed them with ease, turning them into a fireball at the same time.
Truly, you surprised me! said the old man. «Few people are capable of blocking my blow.» We will take you as our Grand Master.
Tell me, do you have any ideas about the battle with the Bright Lord? asked Rigerd.
The Night of the Spirits is coming, when the distance between worlds is thinner than usual. I suggest going to the ruins of the city and meeting the spirit of Antimonik.
Chapter 5. Spirit of the Past
It is unlikely that anyone would consider the ruins of the old town of Antimonika a welcoming place. In the middle of a forest that spread out in waves in all directions. Once upon a time there was a Magic Forest here, and the stone giants waged an endless struggle. However, with the departure of the elves, their magic also disappeared. Then there were clearings, but King Silver healed the wounds of the old forest, planting it with new trees that managed to stretch to the sky, blocking the sunlight with lush crowns.
However, an invisible line separated the place where the Dark City had once been located. There was no living space left from it; hundreds of experienced magicians ensured that they dispelled the witchcraft of this place. But not a single tree takes root beyond the unmarked line. Birds avoid the cursed place, except that sometimes vultures nest. The castle is destroyed, but there is an altar, still intact as it was centuries ago. How much blood did he absorb during the reign of the terrible masters of these lands that many hammers could not break him?
It was getting dark. Duke Rigerds detachment was approaching the ruins.
Your Honor! Its not too late to stop,» said Stuart, one of the masters. There may be no way back!
We must ask the advice of the ancient spirit.
Twelve men stood in a circle. Rigerd stood behind. He whispered an ancient spell that could open the door between worlds. Despite the late autumn, it seems to have become even colder. The men shuddered, but there was nowhere to retreat. In the circle outlined by magic, black smoke appeared, which acquired human outlines.
My servants! You decided to awaken me! Im flattered, thank you! said the demon.
I was happy early, Antimonik! We only called you for a while. We need advice, the progenitor of our lands!
And what is the reason? I cant see your face while Im standing outside the circle. Let your sorcerers disperse, and I will fulfill any of your desires.
«Its not time for you to appear again in our world.»
«Then I wont say a word more.»
We will dedicate our every action to you. Tell me, is this not enough? You left the world of the living many years ago. If you are not remembered, you may sink into oblivion. But our servants will call your name if you answer our questions.
Okay, ask.
Velzuvik is ruled by a crazy emperor who wants to exterminate all necromancers. He took the side of the Light, as far as I know. Tell me, what can we oppose to him?