Селеста / Сelesta: Глава 10

Chapter 10

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:11

Richard considered himself a smart man. With good reason. Not only had he survived, but he enjoyed a certain influence among the other leaders. And lately, he had been doing better and better, aided by the organized smuggling trade. There are, of course, some disadvantages - most notably the food cravings of his partners, but there's nothing he can do about that. They only charge ten dinir per crossing, and bribing the guards would cost considerably more. It's bad enough that Celesta flatly refuses to transfer slaves across the border, but one can understand her reasoning. A man is not a stack of potatoes; if he yells at the most inopportune moment, what then?

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:18

What the ghoul was doing at the port, she did not say. She generally preferred to remain silent, unlike her friend, who was happy to keep the conversation on any subject. The chief lamented that he had seldom seen Medea lately. He enjoyed the company of a beautiful and sociable woman. Celesta, on the other hand, weighed every word spoken and in most cases asked questions rather than answering them. She never once let slip her plans or the reasons for her interest in this or that subject; she gave out exactly as much information as she wanted and considered necessary. But she could, at extra cost, demand answers to questions that gave good food for thought.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:21

She must have had good informants. The ghoul had time to think over the news that Richard thought was fresh, and in her conversations with him, she checked some of her conclusions. At least, that was his impression. So now, taking advantage of a brief respite, the cloaked figure nestled in a dark corner and began to question:

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:23

"Have the Duke's men made you an offer to join their service? Within the last ten days?"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:23

"Why should they?" Richard wondered. "They offered to hire me to escort the caravan, as usual. I declined-it was too great a loss."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:25

"And no strange hints?"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:25

"I think not... There are too many guards as it is, and my men will refuse to become artisans."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:25

"What can I say," the girl murmured. "Taleya's population is growing, slowly, but surely. Some come by themselves, some are brought in by traders from the Archipelago, and the women dare to give birth. There are problems with food: old stocks of tinned food and cereals are running low, and everyone is tired of eating fish alone. So, it is necessary to develop agriculture. And how to do this, if the mutants and marauders attack the villages almost daily? Only by uniting all available fighters under one hand. The nucleus of the future army is there, the biggest ringleaders are fed, you can gradually start to clean up smaller units like yours."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:27

Richard didn't like what he heard. The status quo that had recently been established allowed us to live relatively peacefully, and even to build up a little fat. The sense of uncertainty that had dominated the first two years after the Plague was gone, and new rules and customs had taken shape. The government kept bandits out of its territory, providing them with food and clothing, and the newfound chieftains and "bosses" served as a layer between the city and the many outside threats. Everything is fine, but if the Duke decided to break the balance... It is impossible to oppose him.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:29

"I wouldn't want to get in trouble," said the ringleader, summing up his thoughts.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:30

"It's up to you to decide. There are strange rumors among the poor in the port, communities being moved from place to place. I'm afraid we won't be able to get you through the posts with the same frequency."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:39

That's the bad news!

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:39

"But why!?"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:39

"The patrols' disposition will change." The ghoul glanced briefly at the porters, made sure she wasn't being overheard, and then continued. "We can sneak in one man, but a whole squad... No."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:40

"Damn!" Richard cursed involuntarily at full voice. "Right now!"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:40

"Do you have any obligations?"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:41

"Something like that. I need to arm five men with something better than rusty swords, or they will be killed in the first skirmish."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:41

"I'm sorry to hear that. If it's only a matter of cargo, I can deliver it to your territory."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 16:42

"We still have to buy weapons - and for what?"

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:14

Celesta remained silent. She did not believe in Richard's soft-heartedness. His concern for his men was explained by mercenary interests. The strength of any leader was determined by the number of subordinates. That was why he sought to recruit more fighters to the gang. She saw the situation solely in terms of selfish interests. Do the ghouls need a strong Richard? They do, at least shortly. So she should help the bandit, at the same time strengthening her status as a useful and powerful ally.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:18

"I think we've got about ten days. You'll have time to make two trips if you're up to it. Then we'll have to lay low for a while. Let's say a month. During that time, the situation will clear up: we'll sort out our difficulties, and you'll decide what to do next."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:19

"I have to." The ringleader's tone left no doubt of his displeasure. However, he was already thinking about something, making plans for the future. "I think I'll hire as a guard, take a couple of wagons to the villages. The neighbors were already whispering that my luck was too good for me."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:20

The girl had instantly discerned his intention. He couldn't see her face under the mask, but he could have sworn she was grinning:

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:21

"Try it. Affinity with officials has always been a reliable source of useful gossip. And if the Duke really intends to take control of the neighborhood, it is better to be on good terms with the guards - maybe they'll give you a tastier slice."

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:24

After a monotonous and uneventful existence, the last week seemed incredibly rich. Life used to be described by a simple algorithm of "hunt - explore the land - sleep," including occasional interruptions for skirmishes with creatures spawned by the old mages' talents or cleaning the house. The rhythmic cycle was not often broken, and they got used to it (and to regular meals, too). Now there was too much going on.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:26

Sometimes Celeste wanted to be torn, to be in three places at once. The first would communicate with Richard, the second would watch over the people, while the rest would work on cleaning up the underground shelter. Alas, she had to make do with one or the other, either reassigning the rest to Medea or putting off difficult tasks for later. Her friend was slightly put off by the pace, and she opted to take time out, finishing the work alone in the new shelter. At first, without tools, the repairs went slowly, then something was bought, something was stolen, the hardest part was done. What was left was the simple and customary work.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:28

The former noblewoman surprisingly easily mastered the art of laying stone, puttying walls, and dashing with a hammer, almost without hitting her fingers. She was willing to go to great lengths to fulfill her dream of a comfortable shelter. Celesta, on the other hand, had to scurry around the port, hiding from public view, spend the day in the back corners of the sewers, communicate with agents, and manage to work as a guide at the same time. So the decrease in the number of Richard's porters made her happy, but the reasons for the decrease were not.

Camrad_RIP 07.01.22 в 18:32

Celesta was told of the changes being prepared by Holy Fakasius, a type so vile that he evoked involuntary admiration. His name was at the top of the list of "black market kings". As a low-ranking official, His Holiness managed to get his hands into all kinds of shady business, from the unlicensed slave trade to blackmail. In his manners, he resembled a kind uncle, which often deceived people who had carelessly trusted the compassionate older man. He owned several low-class brothels in the city, where a rich client could afford anything he wanted. Wich means, anything at all.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 00:24

The ghoul first heard about him quite a long time ago. After talking to the intimidated prisoner, and since then she carefully collected any information. This business, espionage, turned out to be unexpectedly difficult and even dangerous - there were two ways to get information: from the captured victims or by eavesdropping on conversations. Laskash, as expected, was of little use, the boy was not distinguished by intelligence. He had a good memory, though.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:32

The observation of His Holiness lasted six months. For the last ten days, Celesta watched him almost every night. Of all the candidates available, he seemed the most promising. For this man, there were no moral constraints. In any case, thought Andrew sarcastically, principles did not play a special role in his life. The fat man was hardly embarrassed by the nature of his partner. A man who feeds the guilty members of his gang to the grass catcher alive would have a job for a ghoul. Though it's unlikely to be a pleasant job.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:41

We may have to endure it.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:44

His Holiness lived on the third floor of an unattractive-looking house, which stood at a distance from the other buildings. The first two floors were occupied by his guards, eight burly foreheads and six girls. They were all listed as a community, the head of which was the object of the ghoul's interest. Dogs were running in the yard - three of them, which was great of luxury in these times. In short, the old bastard slept peacefully and was greatly surprised when he was awakened by the touch of cold steel on his throat.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:49

Celesta easily jumped over the wall, playfully bypassed the watchmen, looked at the frightened dogs whimpering with fear, and finally climbed the wall to the window of Fakasia's bedroom. There she bent the thin iron bars of the bars with difficulty, straining with all her strength - the physical strength of the undead was not infinite, though it was two or three times that of a human - and squeezed herself through the opening that had been created. She was afraid of the dogs, preparing to run away to try again later, but the mutts, who had smelled the undead, dared not raise their voices.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:51

Not yet old, though very fat, the man quickly figured out what was going on.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:51

"Shall we talk, Holiness?"

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:53

"I'm afraid there must be some mistake, mistress. You have me confused with someone else."

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:54

Fakasius perked up when he heard the young woman's voice. In the darkness he could hardly see who was sitting beside him on the bed, but he caught the stranger's small stature and general frailty. He was not deceived, however, about her innocuousness: If she had managed to get into his bedroom, she must be dangerous. He just didn't know how dangerous.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:58

Very interesting - how? It is necessary to change the guards: there is someone bribed among them - otherwise, it will be impossible to get into the house. He will interrogate those who have made a mistake himself - no one can be trusted with such a case. It is unpleasant, of course, he has such a weak heart, but it is necessary, it is necessary...

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 11:58

"No, I didn't," the girl grinned. She grabbed the man by the throat with one hand and easily lifted the fat body and moved it to the chair next to the bed. "It's like this, Holiness. Either you behave like a reasonable businessman, and we peacefully part ways, regardless of the outcome of the conversation. Or you start calling for security, and your fleshy neck is decorated with a deep, unpleasant hole. What do you say?"

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:04

"I'm always ready for a dialogue," the bandit said quickly.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:04

"He held himself not bad. He hid his fear skillfully, assessed the situation correctly" Celesta even respected him for his courage. Although a weak man could not command a crowd of cutthroats and would lose his status and his life in an instant.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:08

"I'm glad to hear it. I apologize for the intrusion, but I wanted to talk to you alone, without company."

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:09

"It's all right," waved his hands, "it happens. I don't like extra ears, either. Though I must point out that you needn't be afraid of my boys; they're good. I've always taught them, 'Do good, and it will return to you a hundredfold,' and I've done the same."

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:15

"Are you helping people?"

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:26

"Of course, of course, what else could it be? Life is hard, we have to stick together. I'll give my last shirt if anyone asks for it!"

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:26

"That's great. So why don't you give the poor ghoul a sip of blood?"

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:36

The man turned slightly pale, glancing toward the door. Celesta grinned, showing her fangs, and then leaned back on the softest of cushions in a relaxed pose. As she did so, she moved slightly away from His Holiness, which made him sigh in relief. There was no reason to frighten the fat man - what if he burst out and started yelling?

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:37

"I can't remember the last time I've had such a soft bed," she ran her hands over the light blanket, "and clean. You've made a good home, Fakasius."

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:44

"To the best of my modest ability..." The man licked his parched lips.

Camrad_RIP 08.01.22 в 12:44