История Королевы Эльфов / The story of the Elf Queen: 16. Тяжёлый день агента королевы эльфов

Rough day for the agent of the Elf Queen.

Camrad_RIP 09.03.24 в 12:43

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Camrad_RIP 09.03.24 в 12:43

From the crow's nest atop the center mast of the Conqueror of the Seas, the view of the surrounding sea and the approaching island was breathtaking. The weather during the voyage was beautiful. It seems by the grace of the Lady of the Seas. There was not a single cloud in the sky, it was warm, and a fair wind was blowing. As the squadron approached the island, the city on the coast became more and more visible. Kuordemar, the Heart of the Sea, the capital of what was once the Empire and now the Kingdom of the Islands, was located in the center of the southern coast of the island of the same name, the largest of the archipelago. Even from afar, it was an incredibly beautiful and very unusual city by the standards of the continent's inhabitants. Despite the transformation of the Island Empire into the Island Kingdom, Kuordemar retained much of its former grandeur and imperial splendor.

Camrad_RIP 09.03.24 в 12:51

During the heyday of the Island Empire, the city center, built on the site of a very ancient settlement founded by the first human colonists, was completely rebuilt by the then Emperor. The old buildings and streets, built mostly chaotically and without a single plan, were razed to the ground, despite the discontent of many of the inhabitants. The best craftsmen and architects from all corners of the Island Empire were invited to renovate the capital. All new houses were built of white marble, imported from the continent in squadrons. Strictly at right angles, clear and even. Each house was, without exaggeration or false modesty a masterpiece of architecture. New streets were laid wide and strictly at right angles so the inhabitants could move around the capital of the Empire. The whole city and the facades of buildings were decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs, of course, predominantly nautical themes. The average height of the houses was five stories, which in those days, and even now, was not a small number.

Camrad_RIP 09.03.24 в 12:55

At the same time, the seaport of Kuordemar was almost completely rebuilt. New wide and comfortable wharves were built, capable of accommodating any ships, including the colossi of the Great Armada, which were built at the world-famous Great Shipyard, located here. Nowadays, no one can build ships like the Conqueror of the Seas. All other types of ships can still be made by the masters of the Islands. Their quality has not decreased since the Imperial times. The center of the city, or as the islanders themselves call it, the Imperial City, was surrounded by a high and wide wall reinforced with towers. Part of the wall went straight into the sea, built on the tops of two ridges of huge rocks that formed the border of a huge bay. They were additionally strengthened and in some places increased to be able to bear the weight of the fortifications. And it was these rocks that formed a very comfortable and spacious bay, because of which the settlement was founded here. It was four times larger than the one in Morgrave.

Camrad_RIP 13.03.24 в 14:28

In front of the rocks of the bay, on which the protective wall stood, several rows of breakwater walls were poured from huge stones into the sea. They additionally protected the city from bad weather and possible enemy invasion, leaving only one corridor for entering the bay and preventing large ships from approaching the walls. Also on these stone walls, newts and mermaids grew huge colonies of mollusks, both food and pearl-bearing. In the bay itself and in the sea around the island there were always a variety of different ships. Mostly they were small fishing vessels, fishing with the sea creatures. But there were also a lot of big-bellied merchant ships, as well as predatory military ships. There were even a few ships flying the flags of cities that were part of the Confederacy, with which the Islands had always had very uneasy relations. As, indeed, with most of the inhabitants of the coast of the Middle Sea, which at one time belonged entirely to the Island Empire. But, as they say in the Confederation - nothing personal, just business.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:30

Right in the center of the embankment was the entrance to a deep and wide canal that led deep into the city, right to the Imperial Palace, now the Royal Palace, in front of which was a small artificial lake dug right in the city. On its shore, adjacent to the palace, stood the main land temple of the Lady of the Seas, which had a water and land entrance. The canal was large enough for even a colossus ship to enter. Behind the strong walls of the city were more simple houses, mostly built after the fall of the Island Empire. There was none of the crispness and straightforwardness of the Imperial City. The buildings were closely clustered together and gradually evolved into frankly simple peasant huts. To the north, almost immediately beyond the city, there was a ridge of gentle hills, partly forested and partly devoted to agricultural terraces. This ridge crested across the island from east to west, dividing it into northern and southern parts. Above the city, on the highest hill, was a huge lighthouse that towered over the capital and the rest of the island, pointing the way for ships at night.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:32

The northern part of the island was less populated, and the hills approaching the coast on that side were rocky and precipitous. There were almost no beaches, only scatterings of deadly cliffs that prevented foreign ships from approaching the shore and landing troops. Where they could, there were observation posts and towers ready to raise the alarm. The southern part of the island was noticeably more gentle, with fertile land fields and fruit trees grown there. And its coastline abounded in convenient bays, on the shores of which stood fishing villages and towns of various sizes. The coastal waters were full of coral atolls, inhabited by newts and mermaids. The coastal waters were full of coral atolls, home to newts and mermaids.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:34

The largest atoll was just around and partially inside Kuordemar Bay, which was essentially the underwater part of the city. The clear and transparent water made it possible to see whole flocks and individual sea creatures engaged in various kinds of labor. Some were driving schools of fish into the nets of human fishermen, some were patrolling the coastal waters with tame marine predators, some were cheerfully cleaning the bottoms of ships from algae and sea ducks, and some were keeping an eye on plantations of pearl and food mollusks or thickets of forage algae. The entire western shore and bottom of the bay, adjacent to the city's waterfront, was paved with huge slabs, forming a flat, semi-submerged area. The depth there was shallow, reaching the waist of a grown man at high tide and just above the knee at low tide. This allowed land dwellers and sea dwellers to stay there relatively comfortably, facilitating communication. The main trade in caught fish, pearls, shells, and other riches of the sea, which were much easier for the underwater inhabitants to obtain, took place there.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:43

On the eastern shore of the bay were the dwellings of the snake folk, which occupied the whole quarter and had their peculiarities of architecture. Their inhabitants and inhabitants, though they were adapted to swimming quite well, did not possess gills, and could not live permanently in the water. Although, sometimes they spent most of the day there. They were doing about the same things as newts and mermaids, except periodically each of the snake people had to rise to the surface to take a breath of air. Or to bask in the hot sun, though the waters around the Islands were warm all year round.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:16

In the very center of the bay, on a huge round pedestal made of marble brought from the continent, stood a gigantic statue of the Lady of the Seas. Considering she was honored from ancient times by various peoples whose lives were somehow connected with the sea, and they differed from each other in appearance, a lot of spears were broken around the canonical image of the Goddess. As well as jaws, ribs, and skulls. According to legend, back in pre-imperial times, these disputes between followers finally bored the Goddess, and she personally appeared to her high priestesses, holding a clarifying conversation with them. The extent of the scolding of her subordinates varied from version to version. As well as her appearance. And in general, the credibility of this legend is questioned by some learned minds. But, be that as it may, since those ancient times, the Lady of the Seas has always been depicted as a woman standing waist-deep in water, usually with a trident in her hands. Facial features, jewelry, hairstyle, and figure (in particular the size of the breasts) could vary quite a lot, but being waist-deep in water, so that the lower part of the body was not visible, was an obligatory canon. In order not to cause another holy war, on the subject: legs, fish, or snake tail.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:24

In this respect, the statue of Calisto in Kuordemar Bay was canonical. The lower part of the statue was a huge block of granite, tightly fitted together and worked as if it were the waves of the sea surging in all directions. Above them towered a female figure of snow-white marble, with a splendid waterfall of thick hair, which in two streams fell on her high and large breasts, hiding it. On the woman's head was a crown, entirely cast from pure gold and stylized as a huge shell of one of the mollusks, characterized by incredible beauty and deadly poison. In her right hand, the woman held a huge trident made of enchanted bronze, decorated with precious stones and gilding, which with its base went deep into the granite waves. The woman's left hand rested at her side. Her stern but beautiful face was turned towards the city she was looking after. According to legend, in the event of a threat to Kuordemar, the Lady of the Seas would turn her gaze and wrath toward the sea and punish those who encroached upon her domain.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:28

All this Alekhar told Amalia, standing beside him, with her eyes wide with admiration as she gazed at the approaching city. The wind fluttered her long hair, making the priestess look even more enchanting. The squadron of the King of the Isles was still moving in the same wedge, precisely into the passage between the breakwaters. It was not the open sea, but it had slowed down considerably. It was evident the Captain's story had impressed the Priestess of Gaia. That's the one! This is not Morgrave, who calls itself the Pearl of the Middle Sea for some unknown reason. This is the true Heart of the Sea! Alekhar put his arm around the priestess's waist and said politely:

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:30

"It's time for us to get ready for the meeting, we'll be arriving soon. I will be very busy in the next few days, but later, I will show you all the beauties of the Islands."

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:31

"I'll be looking forward to your... Alekhar."

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 08:31

Smiling, the King of the Isles pressed the unresisting priestess against him and moved with her to the upper deck, where her charges, Calisto's priestesses and the officers of his crew, were waiting for them. They were all in the full parade for the big day. An hour later, the Conqueror of the Seas was the first to enter her home harbor, leading the trophy ships behind her. The other ships of the squadron followed, in strict order. On the shore and in the water, the squadron was already waiting. Hundreds and thousands of citizens welcomed the return of their King from the campaign. The air was filled with universal jubilation. The bay was full of newts, mermaids, and serpent folk, who were the first to hear the news from their friends and relatives who had accompanied the ships underwater. Slowly and carefully, the flagship approached the King's Wharf, where the top brass of the city and the kingdom had already gathered, along with their entourage of retainers. As the ship came to a standstill at the wharf without the need for mooring ropes, a wide and comfortable gangway lowered itself from its upper deck. Then a magnificent red and blue carpet, embroidered with invariably nautical designs, unfolded across it. When it was fully unfolded, those waiting ashore boarded the ship one by one, in strict order.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:09

The first was a tall woman with long and completely gray hair but still very thick. She was dressed in red and blue closed silk garments embroidered with gold. She wore a magnificent pearl necklace around her neck and gorgeous gold earrings in her ears. The woman's posture, despite her age, was perfectly straight. She was followed by several people of different ages, ranging from grown elderly men to a couple of young children. The youngest child, two years old, was held in her arms by her mother. They were all dressed in the manner of the Islands, and lavishly adorned with gold, each of their clothes were red and blue. The colors of the dynasty ruling the Islands. Following them were several more women, dressed in blue and gold robes and carrying staffs adorned with pearls in their hands. Along with them slid one snake-maiden, a priestess of Calisto like Shassa, but with scales of bright yellow with black stripes and dark hair braided into a long braid over her shoulder. Following the priestesses of Calisto were the representatives of the most noble families of the Islands, the highest aristocracy, from whose ranks came almost all the captains of the main ships of the Island Kingdom. In their company were a couple of very pretty and shapely women dressed in green and gold robes.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:14

On the upper deck of the Conqueror of the Seas, they were all greeted by the officers of the crew and the senior sailors, who were all lined up in two lines, forming a living corridor, with Alekhar standing at the end. Behind him stood his priestesses, including the new one. Behind her were her wards, all dressed in island fashions. Many of them were nervous, but they held themselves with dignity. Still, Faona and Shassa had prepared them for the upcoming welcoming ceremony. All the sailors were dressed in ceremonial uniforms, bright red and blue. When the gray-haired woman who walked first stepped aboard, the first of the sailors immediately bent one knee and bowed their heads before her. As she moved at a leisurely pace the crew members one by one echoed their gestures. As she approached Alekhar, behind his back the priestesses and his guests performed curtsies. The approaching woman froze for a brief moment, sliding her gaze over them before meeting the captain's eyes. A faint smile touched her face, and she said:

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:31

"Welcome back, my son."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:04

Smiling back, the King of the Isles put his arms around her, pulling her close.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:04

"It's good to see you in good health, Mom."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:05

Behind the woman's back, all the others who had boarded the Conqueror of the Seas simultaneously dropped to one knee, bowed or curtsied. Then they said in unison:

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:05

"Welcome back, King of the Isles!"

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:06

Releasing the Queen Dowager from her embrace, Alekhar looked around at those who had come with her and said with dignity:

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:07

"Arise, honored sons and daughters of the Islands, and my guests."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:07

The boarders and the honor guard rose to their feet one by one. Following the queen-mother, the rest of his relatives came to Alekhar, greeting the returning king and congratulating him on his successful campaign. The exchange of courtesies inevitably dragged on, but there was nothing to be done - etiquette. Then it was the turn of the representatives of the noble families, including the Supreme Treasurer, the Supreme Shipbuilder, the Mayor of Kuordemar, and other high officials. Two women dressed in green and gold robes were the last to greet and honor him. The older of the two was a native islander with brown eyes, wavy brown hair, and tanned skin. The second was a tribeswoman of Faona's, with the same almost black skin. Both women had lush figures, wide hips, and large breasts. Alekhar smiled at the sight of them and gestured to his lovely guest, who was standing with her charges and at whom the boarders were casting interested glances:

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:19

"My charming Amalia, may I present the Mother Superior of our Gaia temple and her first assistant. +++++Feardorah and Maora, from this day forward, they are at your complete disposal."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:36

Both women immediately bowed deeply at the sight of the high priestess. Amalia, visibly embarrassed, did the same.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:37

"We are happy to welcome you to our city, honorable Amalia. We have already been told of your grief, and are deeply sorry that you have suffered such a misfortune. We will do everything in our power, to help you find a new home in the Heart of the Sea."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:41

"I thank you for your sympathy and offer of help, Sisters. But Alekhar has already done so much for me and my wards that ask more....."

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:35

Hearing the priestess of Gaia address the King of the Isles by name, many of those on board raised eyebrows, most notably the King's mother. When she saw her son's unperturbed face and his barely perceptible nod, she glanced at Amalia, assessed the priestess's figure and appearance, made up her mind, sighed, and then her gaze warmed a little.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:35

"... would have been completely over the top on my part...."

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:36

"My dear Amalia, what are you talking about?"

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:36

Hugging the priestess around the waist, which caused another portion of surprise at the relatives and the top of the kingdom, Alekhar continued in a good-natured voice:

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:37

"What I have done for you is but a small part. And it is not enough to make up for the grief that you have suffered at the hands of scoundrels blinded by their stupidity and greed, unworthy to be called sons of the Islands."

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:42

At these words, the faces of several of the guests aboard the ship twitched visibly. They were Aldamar's relatives, who had already heard the news of their relative's offense and the consequences of it.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:33

"So don't be so timid. Although I must say that this embarrassed blush is very..."

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:32

Boom!

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:16

A loud explosion and shrill screams caused Alekhar to break off at half a word, instantly merging with the ship, clutching Amalia's squealing body and preparing to fend off the sudden attack. Everyone on the deck of the Conqueror of the Seas stirred, the guards grabbed their weapons, and a bubble of water instantly formed around the king's kin, covering them all together. It looked thin but could withstand a powerful attack, especially aboard a flagship. A similar bubble formed around Alekhar himself and the priestess he hugged. But almost immediately it was clear that there was no attack on the flagship. There was a problem. When he saw the source of the problem, the King of the Isles could barely contain himself from shouting with rage.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 11:38

One of the cargo ships loaded with the loot from Morgrave, which had already been docked in the bay, waiting to be unloaded, was now on fire. Huge tongues of flame burst from its portholes and the cargo hatches led to the lower decks, rapidly engulfing the entire ship. A thick column of greasy, black smoke rose into the air from the blazing ship. The sails and tackle burst into flames, and the crew members rushed overboard in panic and shouted, trying to get as far away from the flaming ship as possible. Because the fire was not going to let go of its victims. From the lower portholes of the blazing ship liquid flame was pouring out, which did not extinguish in the water, but spread rapidly over the water surface, catching up with people who had not had time to swim far enough away.

Camrad_RIP 22.03.24 в 12:21

"The spawn of the deep and their minions! This is the Lucky Charms! It was loaded with fire oil! Phaon! The Water Wall, hurry! Or the whole bay will go up in flames!"

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 15:15

The High Priestess Calisto needed no prompting, already whispering prayers to her mistress with her companions. Given who was praying and where they got the answer almost instantly, Alekhar still gingerly let go of Amalia, who remained protected by the water barrier and ran up to his second priestess and mistress. With one arm he wrapped around her waist from the back and with the other he clutched her priestly staff, giving her access to the Conqueror of the Seas' reserves. With such strength and support from the Lady of the Seas, in a moment the water around the flaming ship rose sharply vertically upwards, forming a bowl and preventing the flaming oil spewing out of the burning ship from spreading over the water. The tritons and mermaids in the water rushed toward it from all sides, grabbing the surviving crew members and dragging them swiftly to shore or other ships.

Camrad_RIP 21.03.24 в 16:59

"A water sphere, quicker, a ship is still possible...."

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:20

Boom!

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:20

With a loud explosion, the ship literally fell to pieces, the upper decks shattered into tiny splinters, and the masts snapped and began to fall. Burning wood flew in all directions and streams of liquid fire rushed in. But at the same time, the wall of water surrounding the ship surged upward and took most of the impact. A few moments later, the flaming remains of the ship were swallowed whole by a huge sphere of water, extinguishing the flames. Then it slowly headed towards the shore, towards the shipyards, carrying the remains of the lost ship with it. Alekhar let go of Faona, regaining his calm and confident demeanor. Mentally, the furious King of the Isles promised himself to find the brainless fool who had been careless with fire on a ship filled with barrels of fire oil. On a ship where he had forbidden any fire for the duration of the voyage! No, some idiot found a ship in the bay, in front of the whole town. On the day of his triumph! And at the same time, lost a valuable cargo worth a great deal of money! Whoever you are, you crooked idiot, it's better for you if you burned up with the ship.

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:23

"My King, the trouble!"

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:20

Turning abruptly to the other side, Alekhar saw the neighboring wharf and couldn't hold back a swear word.

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:21

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Camrad_RIP 13.03.24 в 13:55

A few days before.

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:23

Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Closing his eyes, Luaval waited for his heart to calm and his breathing to even out. Then he slowly re-read the neat lines in the small artifact journal. Once again, he had the urge to kill someone. Or fuck someone hard. You could do both. One at a time, or both. There were plenty of candidates for both. After that, the only thing left to do was kill himself. Since there's nowhere to run in the middle of the Middle Sea. So the dark elf took out a special enchanted stylus and carefully wrote a single word in response to the message he received:

Camrad_RIP 20.03.24 в 20:26