Селеста / Сelesta: Глава 8

Chapter 8

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 17:17

Night. The streets are barred by thorns. Houses turned into silent fortresses as darkness fell. The small groups of passersby with torches, suspiciously looking around and clutching iron-clad batons or other weapons. Such is the Lower Town now.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 17:56

Fifteen years ago, Taleya was different. More open, more peaceful, more friendly. Artisan communities did not organize their militias to protect families from the gangs that flooded the capital; impoverished people did not migrate to Pit, adding to their already precarious poverty by taking any job, legal or otherwise. The guards, who in years past had rarely ventured beyond the Upper City, now only kept an eye on the mansions of aristocrats and priests, leaving the rest of the quarters to their fate. And, frankly, in their outlook and their way of obtaining sustenance, the worthy guards of the order were not at all different from the bandits. The guards were even more feared. Corpses were found far more often, and the bazaars were openly filled with dope or dark artifacts. Strangers' ships docked in the harbor, unloading whatever bales they could with goods that bypassed customs. The number of brothels where one could buy cheap drugs or rent a shabby whore for ridiculous money had almost tripled.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 17:58

Seeing the once majestic city, the largest on the shores of the Good Sea, filled with fear and lingering hopelessness was unpleasant. It hurt almost physically, though in the human sense of pain she hadn't felt in a long time. Celeste had grown quite fond of Taleya. She'd spent the lion's share of her time here, knew the ins and outs of the capital, visited the ancestral estates of the nobility, and spoke the same language as the inhabitants of the creepiest of cloaks. Yes, her influence and power among the townspeople, especially the criminal element, had increased recently. So what? The undead has always preferred the stability of existence. The reckless Zervan is the exception that proves the rule.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:00

The vampiress walked past the tall temple, looking displeased at the piles of garbage by the steps. Under the current ruler's father, the abbot might have been demoted for such negligence, under his grandfather, he might have been exiled to the frontier forever. The cult of Derkana was something like an officially approved religion. Officials were obliged to take part in certain rituals, thereby receiving from the ruler a piece of sacred power and at the same time confirming their loyalty. What they really believed in was of little interest to anyone.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:01

The common people in the kingdom preferred to worship small local deities, rather spirits, which were closer to them and did not attract much attention from the authorities. There was also widespread service to Illiar - his temples grew like mushrooms at one time. The growth of the flock of the Lord of Light was because the undead did not feel well in the territory hallowed in his name. Later, the mages and priests of other deities figured out which signs and rituals hurt the darkly marked creatures, and introduced changes to their services "due to the current situation," but by then the cult had gained strength and penetrated all strata of society.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:03

Being considered a direct descendant of the Mistress of Waters, the Son of the Sea was naturally the high priest of Derkana. Logically speaking, this position provided a lot of opportunities, especially for an intelligent man. Unfortunately, a fool sat on the throne. Even ultra-loyal popular opinion had ceased to idealize their ruler for some time, and there were good reasons for the resulting skepticism. Irrhan had a monstrous tendency toward mysticism from a young age, made his political decisions based on divination, and had his retinue of mostly fanatics like himself.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:05

There were plenty of smart people around him too, only it would have been better if there were none at all.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:21

Now at court three factions were naturally formed, each with its ideology, including in the religious sphere. The first, composed entirely of members of the old aristocracy, was in fact in opposition to its ruler. The paradox of the political competition. It was called the "Dragon of Welfare" and as its leader, it recognized Prince Kono, the uncle of the current ruler, well as the other members of the reigning family (Irrhan's close kin was also dissatisfied). In addition, the "blessed ones" were joined by a large part of the titled nobility, who did not want change and feared a decline in their status. "Dragons" sponsored monasteries of the Derkana cult and were closely associated with all the temples tracing their history back to before the Plague. In fact, it was former family cults of aristocrats that had grown to paradoxical sizes.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:24

The second party was also made up of people of noble birth, but from simpler clans. These were some of the earls and barons, especially those whose possessions were near the borders. They were allowed to keep their own large armies to repel possible attacks of enemies, and their lands were often crossed by trade routes, which gave financial power and led to the emergence of their own intelligence network. Although not "blessed", they often enjoyed serious influence at court, but were deprived of the most prestigious positions and wished to correct this disadvantage.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:25

They chose "Beech and Lily of the Valley" as their symbol. The beech stood for the non-titled nobility, of which there were also many in their ranks. The ideological justification for this political current was provided by the temple of Blue Ang, a minor deity in the retinue of the Mistress of the Waters. In recent years, however, Ang has increasingly been referred to as the consort of Derkana, reflecting the increased influence of his worshippers and leading to noisy religious disputes. So far, bloodless.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:26

Finally, a diverse coalition of "new" noblemen, whose ancestors had been elevated after the Plague, rich merchants, and migrants from neighboring countries, united around the Temple of the Sun. Taleнa was not a mono-national state, and the concept of "nationality" had changed somewhat in the last three hundred years. The nations were young. Nevertheless, certain culturally constructed communities did exist, and their leaders often clashed with the royal servants because of the latter's desire to get rid of autonomy. Their representatives did not hold key positions at court, but thanks to their control over an army of small and medium-sized officials, they were able to block almost any decree.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:29

The latter group, however, did have one powerful patron - High Chancellor Rakawa. With intelligence, cunning, incredible intuition, and rare charm, this cynical and overbearing descendant of the ancient Counts of Scalia was able to occupy a place unattainable by his ancestors. As the acknowledged leader of the Beeches and Lilies of the Valley because of his origins and personal talents, he formed an alliance with the hierarchs of the Temple of the Sun, and his ability to intrigue and read people's souls ensured him the favor of the young Son of the Sea. As time passed, Irrрan began to listen more and more to the advice of his more experienced vassal, who appeared to share his mystical views and brought his master into contact with representatives of new spiritual schools.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:31

An extraordinary personality.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:31

Celeste's status prevented her from meeting personally with the Chancellor, which did not prevent her from communicating with his confidants. Of course, such meetings were mostly directive and instructive in nature and had recently been reduced to a minimum since Laar, one of the Scalia family had taken over as head of the "spiders". Rakawa was not shy about using the undead to his advantage. This man cared little for the undead taking his orders, only expediency and results mattered. So far, the result had suited him fine. But the longer the old schemer's actions, the more he relied on the priesthood, which hated the risen, and Celesta awaited the day when her kin would be sacrificed.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:52

/I hate politics.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:52

The more responsibility you have, the more often you have to do unpleasant things. For example, dealing with scumbags. They can be charming, polite as hell, show great manners, and impress with their strict upbringing. However, the essence cannot be hidden, and sooner or later it will come out and show itself, most likely in communication with the inferiors. People who depend on them.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:55

Celesta, sad as it was, also depended on the chancellor and his minions. She would like to think that this situation was about to change. People were literally pushing the undead to revolt.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:56

The girl turned into a quiet alley, marked the four watchers in their usual places, walked a little along the high wall, and knocked three times on the inconspicuous gate. As usual, the door opened a minute later. The silent guard, smelling of incense and a light drug, did not attempt to look under the deep hood of the late visitor. He simply escorted her to the house, shining a lantern in her path, and handed her over to another guard, younger and more dangerous. The other bowed slightly and motioned for the lady to follow him.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 18:58

Although she was expected, the local host didn't accept the vampiress right away. He wanted to demonstrate his importance and the subordinate position of his guest, the bastard. He made her sit in the waiting room, under the supervision of two armed guards, next to a portable ark adorned with the signs of Light. Celesta certainly didn't show how uncomfortable her proximity was - we're not talking about nervous sweating mortals - but she made a notation in her memory. The bill she'd intended to present to Baron Tulak someday had grown by one more point.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:00

Her current supervisor, apparently, did not think it necessary to be polite, and as soon as the vampire crossed the threshold, began to interrogate her:

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:00

"Why didn't you follow Captain Guin's orders?"

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:00

Celesta defiantly slowly chose a comfortable chair, did not wait for the proposal, sat down, and only then spoke.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:01

"Is Guin already a captain? I expressed my doubts at the time about the current personnel policy. No, he's not stupid, but his experience as an army officer weighs on him and hinders his work."

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:02

"Answer the question!" Tulak raised his voice. "It is not for you to decide who deserves to hold what position!"

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:03

"Oh, calm down, I don't intend to stop you from doing anything foolish," the risen assured him. "As for the order to hand over the captive stranger to the monks... was it my duty to break the will of the blessed Yunariq?"

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:04

Baron grudgingly pursed his lips. He could not say bluntly that the order of the regional officer of the "spiders" was more important than the expressed wish of a distant relative of the ruler, for heads had been taken off for less. But he didn't want to let Celesta get out of a potentially unpleasant situation, either.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:05

"Don't play with words, lady Celesta! Your action falls well within the Privy Code, the article "disobeying an order".

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:05

"So organize a tribunal," the vampiress suggested with a serious look. "You make your arguments, and I'll call on the Voice of Lash to prove my point."

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:17

"I wouldn't laugh in your situation. It is more serious than you seem to think."

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:18

"This is no laughing matter to me at all. Reports of demons are coming in from all over the country; a new cult practicing human sacrifice has appeared in the south; Cardach the Accursed is lurking in the mountains of the north, employing two vampires. He is, incidentally, considered one of the strongest dark mages of our time. And instead of dealing with these serious problems, I am forced to waste my time planning operations to eliminate noblemen."

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:27

Celesta became silent. She had already allowed herself to say more than was reasonable in the current situation.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:29

"It is not for you to argue with the orders of those entrusted with the trust of the Son of the Sea himself!" Tulak immediately took advantage of the pause. "Treason must be punished mercilessly! Snakes are a hundred times more dangerous than open adversaries, and we must rid ourselves of those whose loyalty to the House has not stood the test of time. Oh, speaking of Cardach, I'm not so sure that the vampires serving him are really fugitives, as you claim. Perhaps you allowed or even ordered them to swear allegiance to the sorcerer?"

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:30

To Celesta's deepest regret, this was not the case. Two criminals had fled into the mountains to the half-mad necromancer, who had dared to break the laws she had established. Something had to be done about them, and urgently so that the rest of them would not have an unnecessary illusion of being able to escape the Night Mistress's judgment. So she was outraged in all sincerity:

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:31

"How dare you! I always coordinate this kind of operation with the head of the Guard!"

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:31

Or almost always.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:32

"Really? Then in the future, try not to do things that make one doubt your sincerity," Tulak advised with a satisfied chuckle. "The Son of the Sea, though he has ruled for a thousand years, holds no favor with the undead. His Grace the Chancellor has so far succeeded in finding arguments in favor of your damned kind, and the undead have been useful to the throne, but recent events could disqualify you from his favor."

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:33

She distracted herself for a moment, wondering how beautiful the bloodstains would have looked on the dark green cloth upholstery of the walls. She was used to human ingratitude, but it still hurt. The undead had honestly kept their oath of allegiance and, despite their craving for more independence, were generally loyal to the kingdom.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:34

However, the community should not depend on the intrigues of politicians. If it is forced to go underground, it will go underground.

Camrad_RIP 10.02.22 в 19:35

"I am immensely grateful for his mercy, and always ready to do his bidding," Celeste said calmly, with a habitual effort to suppress a flash of anger. "The great chancellor's wisdom is like a vast ocean, giving life and good to those who touch its shores. Happy is the ruler who has such an adviser! Can an insignificant one contribute to the fulfillment of the plans that lead to the prosperity of all?"

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 07:56

The Baron grimaced almost imperceptibly as the vampiress switched to a higher dialect. He reasonably assumed he was being mocked. The undead had mastered the etiquette and language of the nobles in the days when the bearers of the original tradition were still alive, familiar with a mass of subtle nuances lost in more recent times. Sometimes the slightest shift in accent was enough to turn praise into a caustic insult, and the court took great advantage of it.

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 07:58

"You have the opportunity to atone for your Lascaris mistake," the man nodded, confirming his companion's thoughts. "The position of the lord of Capara is contrary to the strategic interests of the State, and it is up to you to convey to the Baron the depth of the displeasure of His Grace."

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:03

In other words, Capara refused to sell a piece of his land for a ridiculously low price to Rakawa's kin, and he must be convinced. Actually, it is strange: Baron Gusto sympathizes with Beech and Lily of the Valley, but the chancellor does not seem to ruin his own.

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:04

"Must the thread of the life of the one who called upon the wrath of those clothed in blue be torn?"

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:05

"This is unacceptable! No one is allowed to shed divine blood. The only death in battle with equals or the direct will of the Highest, who have called their descendants to service, can end a nobleman's life path early. However, if you see signs of interference of the eternal forces, then... Sometimes the gods choose people as an instrument for the fulfillment of their plans."

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:06

That is to say, an accident.

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:08

"These signs are too complex and elusive," Celesta remarked. "Even the greatest prophets take time to see them."

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 08:08

"I think that with your experience, a week is enough," Tulak said. "And tonight is included in the deadline."

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 12:29

Celesta rose from her chair, carefully straightening the folds of her cloak.

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 12:29

"In that case, I must hurry. Or does the noble lord who owns fat herds, the lord of ten thousand lancers, wish to throw another gray cloak over the shoulders of a frail woman?"

Camrad_RIP 11.02.22 в 12:30