Dont you see, Herberolden, your strength? asked Dartel. «You can rule the world if you want.» People will fall at your feet. They wont be able to do anything against your strength!
«Dont say such words,» said Herberolden. «Otherwise I will have to expel you.» One of us is already rotting in hell for such words!
They forgot about this conversation. But Dartel never parted with parchment and quill. He caught every rare word of the priests, tried to understand the meaning of the shade of each emotion in order to better translate it into the language of people. He created the elven dictionary a tome. It contains a huge collection of elven spells.
And then Dartel persuaded some of the priests, and they went with the man. Dartel with a handful of elves conquered Morelia, then with a small army of soldiers trained in magic, he conquered all of Eldoras. His empire expanded, but his thirst for power could not be quenched so easily. He captured two-thirds of Sanems lands and almost all of Ennis lands. I wanted to move east, but again I came across an abandoned elven village.
Your Majesty, we cannot leave unconquered lands behind. The empire must be intact! one of the advisers said to Dartel.
Gerberolden, obey me, the only true ruler of these lands! Dartel said then. But the elven king laughed in the mans face. What can a self-taught magician do in a battle with a native elf? Maybe he would have stood on equal terms against one of his children, but Herberolden is a true elf, he was born somewhere in the upper world.
Then the war between elves and people began. The forest was burning in magical fire. On that day, the magic of people was born. Elvish words did not disappear, like human ones, having fulfilled their purpose. They solidified into a viscous substance among the trees and saturated the air. After that battle, the forest became magical, enchanted.
There is no trace left of the elven settlement. Elves and human sorcerers tormented each other. And those who survived decided to hide the book in a place where no one would find it.
Maybe we shouldnt look for the book either? asked Still. She carries so much evil within herself!
«Its not that simple,» said Nermall. Who knows what Silver found in the ruins of Antimonik? But now he is one of the most powerful magicians on earth. If hes not stopped, who knows how far hell go? And the book can give us a chance in the war with Morelia.
Nermall, how do you know so much about this book?
I read a lot. I have traveled and heard many stories.
Hey, Still, what are you doing here? Lewis shouted out of nowhere. Everyone is preparing for a feast in your honor, and here you are walking in the park! You know, friend, I dont have much good. But I want to give you a gift for coming of age.
Lewis took the pendant from his neck and placed it around Stills neck.
This is the little that remains of my mother. This amulet should protect you from many problems!
Truly a royal gift! said Nermall. This pendant cannot be stolen or taken away by force. It can only be received as a gift!
Thank you friend! Still hugged Lewis.
Happy holiday to you!
The friends did not know what surprise Fate was preparing for them.
Chapter 4. Feast
Thousands of candles and torches were lit, so that not a trace remained of the usual twilight of the castle. The musicians played pipes and lutes. The dancers danced. The aroma of meat baked in spices wafted through the hall. Incense was lit.
Servants carried baked geese with apples and roasted wild boar on silver trays. Trays of meat and fruit emptied faster than cups of wine.
Then Damgam, the court jester, came out. Most jesters are dwarfs, but this tall fellow is as thin as a pillar. He pulled a coin from behind Stills ear. The guests applauded. Then, to the sound of a lute, he sang:
Glory to you, great one, our fat king,
This is your unenviable role.
You are angry like an animal, well, always drunk!
The wolf is evil on the inside, but the boar on the outside!
Absolute silence reigned in the hall for a minute. Even the musicians stopped playing. Hundreds of eyes are directed at the impudent jester. Dinor broke the silence. He laughed loudly:
I wouldnt forgive anyone else! Long ago any minstrel who dared to sing such a thing, even in a whisper, would have burned at the stake. But I forgive you. Sing some more! Cheer up the old man!
The jester sang again, without hitting a single note:
The eldest prince lives in a distant land,
He sold his soul to Satan,
His soul obeyed the witch,
He is slowly making plans for the battle!
Enough! Dinor hit the table with his fist in anger. You need to know when to stop! Go away!
The jester laughed evilly. Each time the meeting between the king and the jester ended with Dinor driving Dangam away in anger, but then calling him again the next evening to sing a new song about some nobleman or about the king himself.
Or what, Dinor? Will you cut off my balls?
Dangam was castrated by a nobleman when he found him with his wife. Since then, Dangams jokes have become angrier. And he began to fear less for his life, which is why he allowed himself liberties that others would have been afraid of. He would be happy if he were hanged. What kind of life is there without women?
Get out! Dinor shouted.
Okay, okay, Im coming! But dont call me today! said the jester, closing the door behind him.
For some time there was silence in the hall. But then Dinor said, smiling:
We have gathered today on a joyful occasion: today Prince Still turned seventeenth spring. Lets drain the cups to the bottom!
All the guests put cups to their lips.
But thats not the only reason I gathered you. Dangam is right. There will soon be a war with Morelia.
The guests whispered:
War?
War again?
Morelia?
But I know where the weapon is with which we can defeat Silver. I plan to send an expedition to the Unknown Lands!
The guests looked at each other in fear.
Unknown Lands? Didnt I hear it?
«It also seemed to me that the king said exactly that.»
Your Highness! Colonel Darsu expressed the general idea louder than others. Its suicide to go to the Unknown Lands! No one returned from there alive!
So, there wont be a single volunteer who will go to distant lands, perhaps to certain death, but for the sake of saving the Motherland? Dinor looked around at those present.
«Ill go get the book,» Still said quietly.
What, son? Dinor asked. Do you want to say something?
I will go to the Unknown Lands! Still said, this time his voice echoed throughout the entire hall.
No, son, what are you talking about! How can you go there! Dinor laughed nervously. It is unknown what awaits the traveler along the road! There will be others who will risk their lives. And you are the crown prince, your life must be protected.
Will they respect me when I become king if I sit in the castle, sending others to their deaths? Still looked carefully into his fathers eyes. Did you ever sit out your time?
Didnt sit back! People loved Dinor because he always walked ahead of the squad. Lately the king had almost gone mad, but people still respected him for his old exploits.
I will go! Still insisted.
Youre not going anywhere!
Father!
Are there anyone who wants it? Are there really no more candidates?
Father, give me a birthday present!
Your Majesty! Anilix said. All the kings of antiquity, before ascending to the throne, performed a feat. Give your son this chance too! How is he worse than his ancestors?
Dad, please!
A single tear ran down the drunken kings cheek.
So be it. I prepared another birthday present for you Councilor Wind personally chose the prostitute. I wanted you to become a man today, but I was too late. You are already a mature husband if you can make such decisions! I am the city with my son! So its destined you will go on this dangerous journey. But I wont send you away yourself. Who will go with my son?