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! I’m 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 can’t see your face while I’m standing outside the circle. Let your sorcerers disperse, and I will fulfill any of your desires.
«It’s not time for you to appear again in our world.»
«Then I won’t 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?
The demon grinned.
– I can only advise one thing. Release me.
«No,» Rigerd said firmly.
– It’s a pity. Then one of you must become a Dark Lord in order to oppose the Light One, who has gone mad. Although, as I see now, he’s not that crazy. He sold Eldoras to the Duke of Suthering. He promised to marry his daughter to a Suthering nobleman. Beelzuvik and Suthering have united in the fight against you, unknown ruler of Morelia.
Rigerd clenched his fists.
– You are lying! You say this to incline me to Darkness, evil spirit. Moreover, how do you know who I am? I didn’t say I ruled Morelia!
– I don’t call myself honest. However, I cannot lie about the Bright Lord, no matter how much I want to. And you know this well.
The evil spirit really didn’t lie.
«So, the princess goes to meetings with my nephew, and in the meantime she has wooed a Suseringian? What a bitch!»
– Exactly, bitch! «Rebuild my old city,» Antimonik continued meanwhile, grinning with black lips, «The power that is poured in this place will help you protect yourself.»
The ghost was saying something else. But Rigerd did not listen. He, as if hypnotized, walked towards the sorcerers who kept the demon in the center of the circle.
«Free me!» – sounded in his head. For a while, reason returned to him. The Duke turned away from the dead man, so as not to even accidentally cross his eyes again.
«Stop it,» he said. «I will order the people, and they will close the circle.» Then you will sink into oblivion.
– Fine. I see you are a strong person. What is your name?
– I will not tell you a name, spirit of discord. I have one last question for you. What’s going on in the Ennian Lands? Who is the sorcerer who dares to scare my inhabitants?
Fear flashed across the demon’s «face.»
– This can’t be! I didn’t know it still existed! I sympathize with you if you encounter him!
– So who is «he»?
Antimonik did not answer. He disappeared into thin air, leaving the Duke’s main question unanswered.
– Well, at least one question was answered. Looks like we have only one way to fight Beelzuvik.
Rigerd knelt down.
– I renounce the Light. I dedicate myself to serving the Darkness, may it give me the strength to fight the omnipresent, all-powerful enemy!
It seemed that the Duke had disappeared for a while in the mirror of the world, dissolved like morning fog when the sun appeared. And then he appeared, but no longer as a tired old man, but as a man radiating strength.
Chapter 6. Changed
It’s getting colder. Many, as always, are not ready for the first frost. During the day it is a little warmer, the puddles barely have time to turn into water. Carriages with firewood scurried back and forth. It had been raining for several hours, the city streets were covered with mirrors of puddles. The merciless wind tore the last clothes from the trees that were preparing to fall asleep until spring. He waltzed with yellow leaves.
Leivead’s detachment entered Dream without being noticed by anyone. Near the city gates, people are too busy preparing for winter, but in the center, in the square, a whole crowd has gathered.
– What’s happened? – Christell asked one of the men. -What kind of meeting?
– Do not you know? Duke Rigerd will give a speech. He is preparing us for a great war! We will get rid of the oppression of Beelzuvik! Finally we will be free!
Leivead couldn’t understand what was happening. He decided to immediately go to his uncle, but the guards did not let him inside.
– I am Viscount Leivead! Do you know my name?
– It is known. But Duke Rigerd ordered not a single person to be allowed in.
Leivead did not know the guards.
– Maybe they’re new? Although, such familiar faces! Where could I see them?
The epiphany came a few moments later.
– This can’t be! Sigurd and Will! They… They’re dead! Did your uncle really resort to direct use of necromancy? War can still be avoided! I’m sure!
The Viscount ran up to the guards.
– Let me in immediately! Otherwise… – he babbled some threats, he didn’t even remember what exactly he said. The guards remained uninvolved. Then Leivead risked breaking through by force. He was grabbed by the arm.
«It’s not worth it,» Will said in a sepulchral voice. «The Duke will come out himself when he’s ready.»
Leivead went to the square where his comrades were waiting for him. After a while the Duke came out onto the balcony. He wore a golden crown over his black hair. He looked younger, his wrinkles smoothed out.
«For a long time we endured the oppression of the damned Belsuvians. It’s time to get them off our necks. Eldoras and Morelia will be able to live without Beelzuvik, and, especially, Suthering. Anyone who dares to cross the border of our kingdom will be killed.
– Hooray! – the crowd chanted. Leivead himself succumbed to the general madness for a time. It is impossible to listen to Rigerd calmly, there is something enchanting in his words. Ready to instantly take off and go to war… Against whom? The man shook off his obsession and looked around. There are only madmen around. It doesn’t matter what Rigerd said. The important thing is that people were ready to jump into the abyss right now, headlong. Black eyes that looked straight into the soul.
– Let it be so! Men who can stay in the saddle are from fifteen springs! Sharpen your swords, patch your chain mail. The Battle is Coming Soon!
He said his last words and disappeared behind the curtain. And the crowd continued to roar.
– Uncle! – Leivead shouted. – I want to talk to you!
«Let him in,» a voice was heard from the depths of the balcony.
Accompanied by guards, Leivead entered the throne room.
– Everything is serious with you, uncle! Since when do I only meet with you in the presence of guards?
«These are the times,» said Rigerd. – I don’t know who to trust.
Leivead