Селеста / Сelesta: Глава 17

Chapter 17

Camrad_RIP 20.05.22 в 18:10

There were no official maps of the whole of Taleya. There was something called a "large-scale representation of the capital and its immediate surroundings" in the city mayor's office, and the guards kept plans of individual neighborhoods, but both the detail and the timeliness of the changes reflected on them were lagging. Suffice it to say that it was not always possible to find houses built thirty years ago on them. It's a shame: a quality copy would have come in handy today.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 11:27

In the absence of the right tools, they had to use surrogates. Hustin scolded, Celesta prepared for trouble and stocked up on alive canned food. A dozen "extra" people had been caught in the slums, especially for the ritual, and no one would notice their disappearance. And there were a few particularly trusted servants around, ready to set the throat to their Mistress. She was not afraid of exhaustion. But she strongly worried about complications with the magicians and priests of various temples, which would inevitably feel the complex ritual based on the power of the undead, and the future conflict with her own superiors, with whom she had not agreed on their actions. Because she knew that the use of magic on such a scale would be forbidden to her. But she saw no other way out. The nightly death toll was not diminishing, the usual search methods were failing, and the mood of the risens was falling. The community urgently needed some success. The Taleya people had never before faced such an experienced enemy; they should have been emboldened.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 16:27

After all, what if they are lucky, and the authorship of the ritual can be blamed on Carlon? Hustin swears that he will bury traces as deep as possible, and the lessons with Garresh have borne fruit. There's a chance.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 16:28

A wide, about a man's height and a half, an oval bowl of black porous stone had stood in the dungeon for a long time. Almost from the time of the Plague. At the time, Celesta and her companions had been shoveling everything that seemed valuable and useful to them, but which they were having trouble realizing at the time, into the deep vaults. She doesn't want to remember how they hid that big thing; it was both funny and scary. The three-hundred-kilogram product of the unknown master stood in the far corner of the century, before the sorcerer, who decided to adopt the bowl for useful work, saw it again. It was now the centerpiece of an intricate pattern designed to help the risen overcome the defenses created by their enemies.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 16:32

Leaning against the stone ledge, Celesta gazed out into the water. The lamps around the edge of the bank gave off just enough light to make it seem as if the vampiress was leaning over a matte black, barely reflective mirror. The sorcerer stood concentrated beside her, ready to receive images from her trance-wielding mistress and translate them into human language, and behind her, a good distance apart was Zervan and Latham. The elder bandit was to bring stupefied men from the next room, as many as needed; his colleague and rival were waiting for information to rush in at the head of his small squad to retrieve the found booty. Five elite fighters, the gathering estimated, should suffice. Carlon's servants acted in groups of three or four and, despite their age and strength, were inferior to Latham's workmanlike foursome. Especially since the rest of the ritualists would follow them and help when the mistress came to her senses.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 16:34

"Here we go," a low whisper echoed off the low ceiling and wafted through the small hall.

Camrad_RIP 22.05.22 в 18:57

A habitual effort takes consciousness to another level, forcing it to perceive the world, not as a set of separate, sometimes self-contained, sometimes not, pieces, but as a whole, in its entirety. Here and now Celesta seemed to herself a bird (what is a bird?) soaring over the city (what is a city?), gliding quietly and majestically in the gray mist, looking below, above, around for some small reason, for the target she needed. She could not remember why she was looking for these "enemies," only that she had to find them. So far, it wasn't working. She spotted similar ones quickly and easily, just as black and scarlet and smelling of crossing over to the Other Side, but they didn't fit. /Too big of a city,/ the thought popped up in a rare clarity. /It's hard to hold a target./

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 07:56

The fog was colored by people's vivid dreams, by flashes of emotion, by the glow emanating from old buildings and places of power. It reflected everything - love, pain, artifacts made by wizards, and relics of temples worshipped by worshippers. The Academy's core and the Royal Palace were surrounded by dark monolithic walls, and Celeste did not dare go near them, sensing a threat from the shields put up by ancient sorcerers. With hunger radiated the small undead, cautiously and respectfully twitched at the appearance of the Spirit of Mistress; menacing glowed eyes of the guards of the central temple of the Sun. That's not it.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 07:59

At last something black flashed and disappeared nearby. The tired bird-Celesta lingered, peering more closely into the suspicious area, ducking closer, taking in the invisible currents with her whole body. Yes, there it is, there it is! Wrapped in a gray net, almost merging with the streaks of fog, four black lights shone dimly below. The Mistress screamed in triumph and lunged at the find, burning the cloak created by the foreign magic with the icy flame that emanated from her mouth.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:01

It took the last of her strength, and when a sharp jerk pulled her out of her trance, she couldn't keep from falling. Her crystal-clear mind watched the body fall with detached curiosity, wondering if she would break something. The eyes fixed the picture clearly: six bloodless bodies to the right of the bowl, frightened, wide-open eyes of Zervan, bringing in another victim, hurriedly, but in strictly calibrated order extinguishing candles Hustin. Latham, as expected, had already departed.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:06

And then the hunger came over her. A gut-wrenching, mind-killing hunger.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:07

"Where?" she barely managed to wheeze out a question before she clutched at the obliging, delicious-smelling throat.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:08

The dark mage extinguished the last candle, erased a few lines on the floor, and came closer, peering into Celesta's face. Zervan moved slightly away. Just a little, barely noticeable, but still. What had frightened him so?

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:08

"Corner of Plum and Bald Coppersmith streets," has made sure that the Mistress was already adequate, Hustin answered. "It's close by, they'll make it in time."

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:10

"There are four in the group. I couldn't find the others," Celesta stepped away from her food for a moment.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:11

"That's all right, we'll get to them, too." Judging by his tone, the warlock was very pleased. "They're probably either in the shelter or on the other side of town. Next time will be easier."

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:12

Zervan stepped back again, now without hiding. He looked at the helpless victim, who had finally stopped moving, and went out of the hall - for another. Hastin smiled, crouched beside her on the dirt floor, and whispered in her ear, chuckling softly:

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:16

"You should have seen yourself a minute ago. The face was white, bloodless, the eyes black, huge, your whispering made the ears bleed. Us, not you. You drained people, very fast! That speed made Zervan shudder, I suppose he thought it would be our turn, too."

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:18

Hustin, too, judging by his feverishly rapid speech, was in withdrawal, for he could not stop, even when the cursing Zervan returned. Celesta tossed the drained man aside, took the next - an old man dressed in beggar's tatters with eyes that looked white - and pointed the bandit helper toward the sorcerer. He, too, need some refreshment, and there was still food to eat. Men would have to be killed anyway. Usually, the risens would not drain a mortal to death, but now they would not leave any witnesses behind. That's why they caught the ones that weren't worth it.

Camrad_RIP 23.05.22 в 08:38

When she had finished with the mortal, the Mistress sat for a while, calming herself down and coming to her senses. She was glad she was wearing a black jacket and pants today - no blood could be seen in the dark, and she could wash off the stained face and hands. She waited until the sorcerer's euphoria had worn off and he became sane again.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.22 в 19:21

She rose swiftly to her feet.

Camrad_RIP 29.05.22 в 19:22

"You said corner of Plum and Bald Coppersmith streets?"

Camrad_RIP 29.05.22 в 19:23

"I don't think Latham will need our help," Hustin also got up from the floor. "How are you feeling?"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:09

"I'm good. And when the blood is completely assimilated, that is, in fifteen minutes, I'll be just fine. Zervan!"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:09

"Yes, Mistress?"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:10

"Tell Vital to clean this place up," Celesta ordered the frowning sidekick. "Then catch up with us."

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:16

It was still dangerous to go to the surface, so the risen now moved through the city in the catacombs. Even on the best of days, mortals avoided the lower levels, justifiably afraid of stumbling into one of the many traps or simply getting lost in the complex labyrinth of false nooks, dead ends, deep shafts, and wells. Perhaps the strangers were lurking somewhere underground, too, but they were unlikely to risk straying far from their hiding place.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:17

The recoil from the complex sorcery passed quickly, overwhelmed by the generous flow of power sucked from mortals, and Celesta quickened her pace. It wasn't that she was worried about the Guardsmen; she just wanted to know the results of the encounter as soon as possible. But despite her haste, she was delayed at the exit to the surface, waiting for the slightly belated Zerwan. He caught up with his congeners by smell, and at one point lost his way. The sewers...

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:21

The old vampires were sober about their options, and they didn't like to take chances. Caution, caution, and caution again! Every step must be measured and considered, it is not strong who survive - it is the clever and calculating who survive, those who can wait out the enemy. That is why even the elders followed their Mistress's orders and did not go through the city alone. The exception was Zervan's reckless goons, who had already lost four of their brethren but had not abandoned their usual style of behavior. In short, when Celesta sensed the approach of a lone risen, she involuntarily became wary. Especially since the pattern of his thoughts was familiar and belonged to one of Latham's subordinates. Did something happen?

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:51

"Messena!" bowed to the guardsman. "Messen Latham sent me to tell you that it was a success. Two of the strangers have been destroyed, and two more captured. Vantal was badly wounded among us, the wounds of the others are not worth mentioning. There are no large mortal patrols nearby, so we'll clean up the scene a bit and come to you."

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:53

The vampiress felt the icy grip on her heart loosen.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 17:54

"Thanks for the good news, Reggie." Behind her back, Zervan spat defiantly, jealous of his rival's success, but Celesta was already planning what to do next. "Are the prisoners able to answer questions?"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:00

"One does, the other needs treatment."

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:02

"In that case, tell Messen Latham to go to the shelter under the cemetery of the Six Scarlet Righteous. It is nearer. I will wait for you there, so do not delay."

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:02

"I obey, Messena."

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:03

The knight's associate bowed again and ran off with the message. Mistress smiled, and everything was going great. Of course, it's too early to celebrate victory, but the first battle is won. Even the second, if you consider the pair sent for Calderan. And now they have prisoners who will surely answer the questions asked and spill everything they know. It won't be long before she finds out where Carlon's main lair is, whether the priest is really planning to bring the plague to the city, and there is now someone to charge the "spiders." What better proof of success than an alive and powerless enemy?

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:10

A beautiful night.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:10

Turning around, the small group of shadowy rulers of the city walked back, talking quietly. They were in no hurry. They didn't want to just sit and wait, so it was better for Latham's squad to catch up with them so they would reach the dungeon together. Especially since the cemetery is a little closer to the center, there are more frequent patrols, and it is better to go there in a large group. They could also go underground, but then it would take longer to get there.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:16

Fate likes to joke. Those who are used to making plans for the future should remember this.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:16

Both the Taleya risen and the invading outsiders were looking forward to a long hunt. They were preparing for nights in the catacombs and swift battles in the night streets, sitting in ambushes for twenty-four hours and fleeing for cover. They waited for a slow war, filled with the lingering anticipation of a final lightning fight. Events seemed to be unfolding precisely according to the set scenario. Only an accident, unpredictable and fatal, broke the ending.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:21

The leaders and their retinue ran into each other in a short alley, almost a narrow square between two people's courtyards. When she ran head-on into the priest, Mistress was taken aback for a moment, unable to believe that she was actually seeing an old enemy. For Carlon and his three companions, the encounter also came as a complete surprise. At any rate, they froze in stony stillness at the sight of the stunted Mistress, Zervan, and Hustin, peering hastily at their surroundings with their senses. Now, more than ever, the difference between vampires and living humans was apparent. Mortals in a dangerous situation would begin to shout, to act, to try to take a good position, to try to escape... The undead was frozen, waiting, preparing for a single deadly dash.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:23

"Truly the Lord is pleased with my plans!" With a resounding, well-pitched voice, the awake Carlon spoke. "His will has brought us into this nest of filth, and it shall be cleansed by his will. You, Celesta, the heart of vice, destroyer, will be the beginning of the end of the abomination gathered here!"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 18:28

"At last we met again. The circle has closed," his adversary hummed softly.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:34

Unfortunately, there was no one in the world to appreciate the reference, and the situation was not conducive to humor. Even without the numerical advantage, fighting the mad priest one-on-one was not an option. A duel was not part of Celesta's plan, particularly considering how the previous one had ended. She could only stall for time and wait for Latham and his team.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:34

/If I survive, I'll make Zervan and Latham reconcile. Or at least stop feuding so obviously, the vampiress vowed mentally. I didn't dare unite the squad because of them!

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:37

Oddly enough, she felt no fear or excitement. Not at all. As she gazed into the long-forgotten features of her first mentor, Celesta felt more disappointment than anything else. Dirty, with fanatically gleaming eyes, wearing a torn hulk and the marks of terrible wounds on his arms and neck, the priest evoked squeamishness and the desire to ask herself - this is what you were afraid of? What had he accomplished, what had he spent so much time on? To kill, to mock mortals! While you were building your own kingdom, learning magic, teaching your students, fighting the strongest creatures of the night, and doing a thousand other things you needed to do.

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:39

"I was the first one you met on your way," Carlon continued to spill. "It's my fault I didn't see your true nature right away! But it didn't take you long to hide your wicked intentions! You seduced our sister with enticements and promises, and stung on her outstretched hand like a creeper! I was weak in letting the heretics escape, and for my negligence, my Lord punished me severely but justly!"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:40

"Actually, Artak was the first," Celesta said dryly. "Or have you forgotten the name of your faithful servant? You don't like to remember used material?"

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:40

The priest hesitated for a few moments, but continued with renewed vigor:

Camrad_RIP 27.05.22 в 19:41