История Королевы Эльфов / The story of the Elf Queen: 14. Непредвиденная командировка агента королевы эльфов

An unforeseen business trip for an agent of the elf queen.
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Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 09:35

With a curse, Darendil waved his hand briefly, activating one of the amulets. At the same instant, Vinatir, bound to the chair, twitched and fell asleep as he opened his mouth again. Closing the door of the interrogation room, the elves rushed to the roof of the Vicious Rose. Meanwhile, the tolling of the tolling bell was supplemented by the tolling of the bells of a couple of the city's temples. There were several very loud explosions. A couple of them were unpleasantly close. Luaval jumped onto the roof and instantly activated the amulets enchanting his magical vision. The darkness of the night, multiplied by the pouring rain, dissipated, and the world around him turned black and white. A second later, Darendil ran out onto the roof, his eyes burning with magical fire. Two of his subordinates were already there. For a few moments, the elves gazed at the night city, growing more and more gloomy. Then Dusk briefly expressed his general opinion, in a not-at-all all elvishly straightforward manner:

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 17:40

"Crap."

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 17:40

Under the cover of night and rain, two dozen ships of various sizes approached Morgrave Bay. In front of them all was a giant, a behemoth whose top deck was as tall as the coastal walls of the fortified promontories that made up the city's bay. Its central mast towered above most of the houses of the Upper City, just short of the top of the magical tower. It was impossible not to recognize this masterpiece of shipbuilding, the likes of which had not been built for half a thousand years, especially for the elves who had been living for centuries. "Conqueror of the Seas." The only survivor of the ten similar giant ships built by the masters of the Island Empire, which made up its "Great Armada". Each of these ships was built from the wood of the whole Tree of Life, for which the islanders earned in their time a particularly fierce hatred from the light elves and a considerable part of humans.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 17:42

Thanks to this sacrilege, each of these ships was in many ways like a living creature itself. Its wood knew no rot or deterioration, its holes and damage healed themselves over time. It could sail over the waves without wind in any direction at a speed unimaginable for such a huge ship. The draft of such a ship was ridiculously shallow, allowing it to enter the shallowest waters. In terms of total magical power, it was not inferior to a full-fledged fortress, reinforced by more than one magical tower, and even standing on a source of energy. It is clear the rulers of the Island Empire could not allow such power to fall into the wrong hands, so each of the ten ships was intentionally tied to the blood of the ruling dynasty through a variety of rituals and rites. No one but they could control them and fully utilize the power of these colossi. But such things came at a price.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:16

The future captain of a ship was obliged to be born on the ship, and could not go ashore from it until he was sixteen years old. After his majority, he could set foot on land, but for every day on shore, he was obliged to spend at least three days on the ship during each year. After his kinsman died, however, and he took the captain's place, the ratio changed to one to eleven. One month ashore, eleven aboard. It's not an easy burden. But the captain of such a ship was almost impossible to kill as long as he was on the ship and the ship itself was intact. Almost any wounds would heal, and the spells. and curses would wear off. At the very least, the ship was capable of literally reviving its captain. The wood of the Tree of Life allowed for many things. In Luaval's memory, who had seen the foundation, rise, and fall of the Island Empire, there had been no more than three cases of captains of similar ships dying on board. And in one case there was a documented direct intervention of the Lord of the Seas herself, the goddess who had been patronizing the islanders for centuries. In the second case, there was an internal dynastic dispute between the rulers of the Island Empire. In the third case, everything was very murky, and the elves were not able to find out how exactly the captain was killed, or who was exactly on his ship at the time of death.

Camrad_RIP 05.03.24 в 10:59

So when the Conqueror of the Seas was seen, it wasn't hard to figure out who had decided to pay an armed friendly visit to Morgrave tonight.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:17

"That's why the King of the Isles decided to come here today," Twilight exhaled tiredly, looking at the approaching fleet of islanders.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:26

"Be optimistic, it could have been a lot worse. Like Erdoras, for example, when the Baulrung visited and burned it to the ground."

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:26

"Have you been there?"

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:26

"Not far away. I watched from afar. With black dragons, it's the best."

Camrad_RIP 04.03.24 в 20:40

At that moment, a blindingly bright bolt of lightning exploded from the bow of the Conqueror of the Seas and struck Morgrave's magical tower with a deafening roar. Or rather, the magical shield surrounding it, which was visible to normal sight. The shielding held, absorbing most of the impact, but several lightning bolts bounced into neighboring buildings. One had a wall breached, another had its roof caved in. Cursing, Darendil grabbed the binding amulet.

Camrad_RIP 04.03.24 в 20:40

"Rustle! I need a connection to the Palace! Immediately."

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:27

"I'm on it. I'm setting up a shared network. It's done!"

Camrad_RIP 04.03.24 в 20:41

Touching his linking amulet, Luaval activated it, joining the general network of Twilight agents. His consciousness immediately sensed the presence of the other elves on the floor below. An agent Darendil sat at the table with the mirrors, frantically awakening them one by one. After a moment, images of the Queen and the Head of the Secret Guard were added to the images of the agents. Sivila was tense but collected, a luxurious waterfall of platinum hair quite simply gathered into a ponytail. It was obvious that she had been pulled out of bed. The head of the Secret Guard was as unflappable and in full parade as ever. Which means, in his gray clothes. Barely plugged in, they spoke at the same time.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 07:08

"I'm listening."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 07:08

"I'm listening."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 07:08

"We have an unforeseen problem. Morgrave is under attack," Darendil began his report.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:28

Touching the communication amulet, he synchronized it with his tiara so those in the Palace could see what he saw. For a second, the Palace looked at the approaching armada.

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:28

"Level of threat? Is the defense chain up?"

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:29

"Preliminary Hurricane threat level. Chains are up, they can't get into the bay yet. King of the Isles ships are approaching the city, likely to attempt a landing to seize the watchtowers and open the passageway. The garrison is already on alert..."

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:33

At that moment, three fireballs roared from the spire of the magical tower and from the tops of the watchtowers that flanked the promontories that formed Morgrave's sea bay and struck the raiders' flagship. But as they approached the ship, moments before impact, the rainwater pouring down from the sky in front of the Conqueror of the Seas rapidly gathered into a dense wall, absorbing all three projectiles. With a rumble that could be heard throughout the city, all three fireballs exploded in all directions with liquid fire, vaporizing the sea and rainwater with a hiss. But not a single spark touched the ship. Almost simultaneously, from the top of the magic tower of the city, as well as from the towers of the ducal castle, several glowing orbs flew into the sky, bursting with bright sunlight, dispelling the darkness of the night. Immediately, it became bright, almost like daylight.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:10

Silently, the elves standing on the roof of the Vicious Rose began to blink, adjusting their magical vision to daylight. And almost immediately a very unpleasant point became clear. A massacre was already simmering in Morgrave Bay and the waters of Dantra. Almost half of the ships and small boats in the bay had already been captured by the serpent folk, a subspecies of their race that had adapted to life in the water and had inhabited the Middle Sea Islands for thousands of years. They differed from their land-based relatives in having flat tail tips and noticeably stronger venom. Their relations with the humans who inhabited the islands were not easy, but for centuries they had been united against the land-dwellers. In no small measure, this alliance was facilitated by the fact the Lady of the Seas patronized them. And now the islanders' allies had successfully penetrated the bay by swimming underwater and bypassing all defenses.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:12

And engaged in a brutal massacre. Or rather, a hunt. Because, as far as Luaval can see, the Tailed Ones were not killing, but capturing, using trap nets. And a paralyzing poison, to be sure. Tritons and mermaids, which could not leave the water but were quite skillful in throwing their harpoons and nets, dragging the people on the ships into the water. They were not drowned there but rather quickly tied up and transferred to the captured ships, which was understandable. The slave trade was one of the islanders' favorite trades, one in which they competed with the same Southerners and a couple of Confederate cities. Seeing this, Darendil spoke up:

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:20

"Threat Reassessment. Threat level - Storm. Requesting backup."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:21

"Copy that. Two task units will be ready in fifteen minutes, and two more in an hour. Can you receive them covertly?" The Head of the Secret Guard clarified.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:22

"Intake is possible, confirmed. Let's start preparing the portal."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:23

"The Forest Guard duty company is already on alert. The Third and Second will be ready within half an hour. We're contacting August now. We need him to give the go-ahead and help us set up the city portal," the queen said.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:24

At that, in Luaval's mind, her eyes darted back and forth, it was obvious that Sivila was not only keeping in touch with them but with someone else as well.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:26

"Good. Awaiting the arrival of..."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:26

"Eternal Darkness, what are he doing?!"

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:32

The elves turned their attention back to the islanders' flagship. It was speeding, driven by the sea wind, straight into Morgrave's bay. A chain of enchanted metal stretched between the two watchtowers. Darendil raised his eyebrows in surprise:

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:27

"What the hell is he doing? Is he crazy? Not even his ship could..."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:33

"No. He's not insane," Luaval said grimly, sensing that the night would be very difficult.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:29

"He fucked us. The water's rising!"

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:28

"What?!"

Camrad_RIP 03.03.24 в 18:33

As the Secret Guard agents took a closer look, they silently cursed in disbelief at the burnt forests and rotted trees. The queen in the distant palace followed suit. Only the Head of the Secret Guard remained unperturbed. Only his eyes became even more cold and focused. And with good reason. The sea that the Conqueror of the Seas was traveling on began to rapidly rise upwards. And with it rose the ship, as if on the crest of a wave. A wave that was heading straight for the city.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:34

"Did he personally lick Calisto for this?!"

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:34

"Don't mention her in vain, she'll hear it! He must have a full clergy of her priestesses on board for that."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:35

"At least the Supreme and a dozen Seniors. Most likely, no less than two relics of the First Order, - said one of Twilight's agents through the communication network."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:36

"Overestimating the threat level," Darendil hissed in a grim voice.

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:30

"Hazard level - Forest Fire. Request authorization to prepare for evacuation of the squad. And the most valuable agents."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:30

There was silence for a few seconds, then with a quiet curse the queen spoke:

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:31

"Authorizing evacuation preparations. Luaval?"

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:31

Understanding Sivila without words, the dark elf let out a tired curse and spoke:

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:37

"I'll do my best. But I can't guarantee anything. And I'm gonna need all the support I can get."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:37

"We'll do our best."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:38

"Let's work."

Camrad_RIP 06.03.24 в 11:38

At that moment, the wall of water coming at the city struck the protective capes, surging upward and showering the walls and towers on them. It washed away the defenders who had not had time to take cover and, more dangerously, most of the magical defenses. The Conqueror of the Seas, riding on the crest of the wave, flew in through the passage of the cove, not noticing the chain hidden beneath the water. When he was exactly in the middle of it, the watchtowers were struck at point-blank range by two powerful lightning bolts. Their defenses, weakened by the miracle of the sea goddess, could not withstand the impact of the magic and the pressure of the water. The left one collapsed and its upper floors were washed away. The right one held, but a torrent of water rushed through the hole in the wall, knocking out the defenders inside. The islanders' flagship, which flew into the center of the bay, immediately fired another volley. The main blow came on the magic tower of the city, but the Duke's castle was also hit. However, the Conqueror of the Seas' defenses held the attacks without much difficulty. Meanwhile, the rest of the ships began to level the weakened fortifications. They were doing very well.

Camrad_RIP 05.03.24 в 21:31

The wave swept across the bay and splashed onto the quay of the Middle City. The ships that were not anchored were blown away, some of them badly damaged. Riverboats were tossed upstream of Dantra, piling up in a heap that made a monstrous pileup at the first bridge. But Luaval, who was rushing across the rooftops, did not care. The alchemy was boiling in his blood again, the renewed set of amulets was activated and ready for use. It was the second time in one day, which was not good. It would take a long time to clean up afterward. But there was no other way.

Camrad_RIP 04.03.24 в 20:43