Ойкумена / Oikumena: Глава 6

Chapter 6

Camrad_RIP 27.06.24 в 06:08

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Camrad_RIP 27.06.24 в 06:08

Elena assumed that a small war was about to break out, a robbery, a raid, or something similar. In a world where any man with a weapon was a priori a threat, a few horsemen were cause for alarm. But judging by Frels' reaction, nothing really scary has happened. Not yet, anyway...

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:47

The riders were approaching at a leisurely trot, the breeze fluttering the ensign, its design already visible: a rectangle in a frame with an emblem, plus two very long tails with abstract embroidery. Elena was not familiar with the symbolism, of course, but judging by the "tower" crown with simple teeth, the baron had come here, probably with an entourage.

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:48

Elena thought for a moment and stepped stealthily behind Pantin's back, glad that the sword was still in the house. If it came to a fight, there would be someone to act as a striking force, no need to provoke the wild and surely aggressive men by the sight of a woman with a weapon. She lowered her eyes, folded her hands on her belly, and slouched, taking on the most harmless and gray appearance.

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:49

"Such a luck, such a luck," Cadfal thought aloud. "Well, Pantocrator will measure it according to his craft."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:53

The cavalcade came closer. No one drew swords, the riders had no normal spears at all, only djerids, which could be thrown and thrust at light infantry, mostly in pursuit. Hence, a fight was not expected, obviously, a courtesy visit was in order. Though... looking obliquely at Frels, Elena thought it was unlikely. The knight's sour expression, which he didn't even try to hide, reliably indicated that the guests were not only uninvited but also unpleasant.

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:54

The Redeemers maneuvered stealthily and deftly, and Elena found herself in the "box", covered from three sides. Grimal just as deftly covered Artigo, and Gamilla stepped resolutely in front of the minstrel, not so much placing her palm on the hilt of her dagger as holding it close. Obviously, the woman was going to fulfill her duties as a bodyguard within her paid term faithfully. While this quiet and seemingly disorderly swarming was going on, the cavalrymen came very close.

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:55

"Peace be upon this house!" The leader proclaimed loudly. His horse, as if to make an end to his short speech, thumped his hoof on a pebble. "May the Pantocrator bless the hosts and all the good people who have gathered within its walls."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:56

The Baron looked simple and, one might say, “homely”. He wore no special signs or jewelry, not even a chain. He was quite young, with a classic “potty” haircut two fingers above his ears, without tails or braids, with very thin whiskers, more like cat whiskers. His face was even pleasant in its way, his gaze intelligent and attentive. The rider didn't shine with metal armor or at least chain mail but wore a gray jacket like a fleece jacket, with patches of thicker fabric on the collar and cuffs. Judging by the way the jacket fit, it was a lightweight brigandine, so the rider was not careless. And the buttons! Elena noticed that the Baron used buttons instead of laces in his clothes, and this already made the woman favorably inclined to him.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 10:58

His companions looked much the same, well-built, well-dressed (for a remote province), not openly belligerent, but far from unarmed. Except, perhaps, for one. This one was trailing behind and was equipped as if he were planning to go on a crusade right now. Even to the medic's not-too-skillful eye, the cavalryman was extremely militant. He wore chain mail with plate inserts, a good helmet with a visor (though not silver-plated), and mitten gloves without separate fingers. A triangular shield at the saddle, a spear painted with spiral stripes in three colors. In contrast to the other warriors, it seemed that this was not a man, but a self-propelled showcase of knightly ammunition. Only the shield was strange - bare waxed leather on a wooden base, not a single stroke, not even a tiny emblem. Elena furtively looked around and noticed that Frels, seeing the “exhibitionist” turned pale, and even shuddered a little.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 10:59

The pause dragged on awkwardly. The peasants had gone somewhere, leaving their rudimentary tools behind. The cabbage was dripping in the troughs. At last, Frels stepped forward and, with obvious dislike but a polite quarter bow, said:

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 10:59

"Greetings, Your Grace, Mr. Bonald of Ashey."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 10:59

Yes, that's right, Baron, that's how they're addressed. It's almost like “Donald,” except it's on the second syllable.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 10:59

The freckled daughter of Frels froze, clutching the basket with white fingers. Mr. Bonald waited a few moments as if to emphasize that he was in charge and he determined the course of events. Then, with smooth, deliberately slow movements, he threw his leg over the saddle and jumped off the horse, whose reins were immediately taken over by one of his companions.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 11:00

The Baron's sharp, attentive gaze scanned the redeemers and Ranjan with an invisible beam; the alien looked at Gamilla with curiosity; the minstrel, dressed as a scarecrow, smiled contemptuously. The Baron didn't seem to notice Helena at all, which was for the best; the social mimicry seemed to have succeeded.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 11:01

Grimal, taking advantage of the moment, grabbed Artigo in his arms and carried him into the house, covering him with himself. The Baron glanced at the servant, and Elena did not like that glance. It was too attentive and sharp, and she could read in it the work of thought: why a child of a not peasant appearance was here, why the child was being taken away in a hurry, what he had to do with the motley company. Ranjan noticed it, too, but it would have taken a few weeks of talking to the Brether, as Elena had, to read the shadow of anxiety and discontent in the coldly inexpressive face.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 11:02

Elena was expecting a firm handshake, but the gentlemen embraced, obviously out of necessity, clapping each other on the backs and indicating kind kisses, as brothers in class should. The kisses, of course, were of the air. Frels strained to taste the meager refreshment, but the Baron politely declined, referring to business, hurried and urgent, because a good feast means first of all a decent conversation, and what kind of conversation is short? Another time, by all means.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:02

Bonald was good with his tongue. He had taken no lessons in Rhetoric, but he had practiced his speeches long enough to make the words fly out like arrows from an excellent archer. The cavalrymen partially dismounted but did not cross the invisible line, the conventional traverse through the lord. Judging by the insignia and patches, three or four of them were minor knights, the rest were typical sergeants. There was no obvious aggression, but such a fit retinue in itself inspired wary respect.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:03

"My honorable sir, I see that you are blessed with a duty of hospitality. But let me take a moment of your time,” asked Bonald of Ashey, very courteously. He did not even carry a sword, but instead a dagger with a triangular blade, very broad at the base, as wide as the palm of his hand, hanging from his belt.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:04

Frels again, as if with difficulty, tore his gaze away from the dressed-up cavalryman and concentrated on the polite interlocutor.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:04

"Yes,” he said absentmindedly. "I'll allow it... Of course, I'll allow it.Э

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:26

"A tournament sword,” the Baron noticed that Ranjan was still holding the weapon. "A rare blade in our land. Would you be willing to identify yourself?"

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:25

"My name is Dotta,” Ranjan said grimly, making a rather deft and courtly bow. "Dotta is from the North. I do not have the honor of bearing a noble surname."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:05

"A nobleman's weapon,” his grace raised an eyebrow. "And a very expensive one at that."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:24

"The Assizes do not prohibit commoners from owning expensive weapons," Ranjan bowed again. "This is a gift."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:41

“A valuable gift,” Bonald continued to frown, and the unspoken but clearly implied “too valuable” hung in the air.

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:41

"I'm a paid guard, Your Grace. I met a gentleman who was badly hurt by adverse circumstances and the road. I helped him, and he saw fit to repay me with arms."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:26

"And what was the name of that generous gentleman?"

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:42

Frels pressed his lips together unhappily, but kept his mouth shut; he did not like the interrogation of his guests, but the Baron had not yet overstepped some bounds.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:26

"Arpheus."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:27

"Just Arpheus?" Bonald squinted.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:27

"He did not give his full name, and I did not ask. If a worthy gentleman considers it necessary to remain incognito, it is not proper to encroach on his intention."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:42

"Good words," Bonald approved. "And what is this service? Or is that also a secret?"

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:43

"No, Your Grace. I found him, wounded, bleeding on the road. I warmed him by making a fire, sharing supplies, and bandaging his wounds. Then I helped him get to town and find a good healer. He felt obliged and gave me a sword."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:28

"On the Northern Road, I suppose?"

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:43

"Yes."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 11:02

"What selflessness,” the Baron said sarcastically. "Rare honesty these days. I'd rather believe the story of a robbed corpse. Or a dagger stabbed in the back."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:28

"Yes, unfortunately, it happens these days,” Ranjan bowed his head, perhaps to let the long strands hide the expression on Brether's face.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:29

The Highlander, leaning against the fence, was quietly wrapping up the bandage as if everything that was happening did not concern the wounded man at all. The Baron turned his head to him and suddenly said with a wicked grin:

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:29

"Rumor had it that in the forest to the East of here, they set off crossbows for a poacher. He was a cunning bastard, he avoided all the traps. But he didn't run away from the crossbow. I bet if you unwound the rag, the wound would be very noticeable."

Camrad_RIP 13.08.24 в 15:44

Elena lowered her head so no one would notice the crooked grin. She'd assumed something like that. Hunters would set reliable, proven snares, not a complicated self-shooter with an expensive arrow.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:30

"I fell, and stumbled over a knife,” Maryadek said with suitable gloom. After a moment's thought, he added. "Your Grace."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 15:07

"I would ask you not to make an interrogation,” said Frels with a very marked uncertainty, and Helena only now remembered that she had not heard his name the day before. "They are my guests, and I have seen no bad deeds from them and heard no bad words. From here on, and until duty calls them onward, they are under my roof and protection."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 15:09

"Oh, my good friend, they're not under the roof,” the Baron smiled. It was a nasty smile, not a good one, but somehow Elena didn't feel threatened or truly endangered. It was as if his grace was playing a performance for a single audience.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 15:11

"So custom and the letter of the law would have been followed exactly."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 15:11

"The letter, but not the spirit. So, still..."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 14:52

"Have it your way,” Bonald waved his hands, saying, ”I can't refuse."

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 15:07

A cunning crook, Elena thought, cunning and sharp-tongued. He had a knack for twisting everything with bare words as if it were not Frels in his right to give shelter to a guest against whom there was no clear evidence, and the baron was making leniency by backing down. A dangerous man. It's a good thing Grimal has already disappeared into the house, carrying Artigo away. Though... perhaps just the opposite, it might have aroused interest and suspicion, but what's done is done.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 12:32

"I must confess that I am short and on business,” the baron said in a sort of bourgeois tone, without any pleasantries. He stood up so that he was not face to face, but rather side by side with Frels, somewhat more trusting.

Camrad_RIP 21.08.24 в 13:41