История Королевы Эльфов / The story of the Elf Queen: 42. Слишком солнечный день для агентов королевы эльфов

Too sunny a day for the Agents of the Elf Queen.

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 13:37

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Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 13:37

The meeting room, which at the same time served as an operational headquarters, was bustling with activity. Someone was calculating the possibility of certain actions, someone was urgently raising or requesting archival reports, reports, and summaries. The simplest way to characterize the whole meaning of the movements of the gathered elves was to search for an answer to one of the fundamental questions of the universe: “What to do?” And the question was not an idle one. Sivila and Third stood frozen in front of a very detailed and elaborate map of Iyastar. And also the portrait of a somewhat well-fed man, with dark, slightly curly hair slicked back and oiled, a well-groomed short beard, and a keen gaze in his dark eyes. All in all, quite a good-looking man, looking about thirty-five years old. But his real age was three times that. The head of a large and successful trading house could afford high-quality rejuvenating alchemy, as well as skillful mage healers. And, as of late, this man had been receiving the closest attention from the Forest Secret Guard.
Кто виноват и что делать - два главных вопроса русской культуры.

Camrad_RIP 07.09.24 в 20:57

Dormian Le Faler. The current head of the Le Faler Trading House, who had been in his position for almost half a century. And a very successful one at that. The House of Le Faler was not one of the ten richest Houses in the Confederation, but it was in the middle fifty, with branches in many cities along the Mid-Sea, including Sahib-Nere. Under its current head, it managed to open a branch in Iyastar as well, somehow managing to trade successfully with the sun-worshippers while avoiding their religious influence. The House of Le Faler did not deal directly with the Forest, although they had contacts with the elves. Most of the contacts went through the Forest's representative office in Iyastar. The official reason why House Le Faler did not establish closer ties with the Forest was that Dormian did not want to meddle in foreign territory, because due to geography, the main trade contractors of the elves were the Houses whose main branches were located in Morgrave. The House of Le Faler was not represented in the Duke of Mont Ros's fiefdom and was of no particular interest to the Forest. Until not too long ago.

Camrad_RIP 07.09.24 в 21:19

The information the demoness had given them made them look at the honorable merchant and negociant in a whole new light. As well as recent events related to his activities in Iyastar and beyond. Folding her hands on her unpleasantly sensitive chest, Sivila stared intently into the merchant's eyes and said slowly:

Camrad_RIP 07.09.24 в 21:14

"An interesting picture emerges if your assumption is correct."

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:57

The Head of the Secret Guard, always unperturbed, answered in a calm voice:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:58

"Given what we've learned, events are beginning to make new sense. A successful attack by raiders from the Ice Islands on the Northern Border Monastery of the Theocracy has made it into our bulletins. This is not an ordinary event. After all, the Theocracy fortifies its border monasteries well, and they are more fortresses than monasteries. And they've rarely been ravaged, especially in a raid. But we didn't pay much attention to it, writing it off to the luck and talent of Arstein the Raider, who had earned his nickname for a reason. The more so because it was far away from us, and, as always, we had other things to do."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:36

Pausing for a second to answer someone on the personal communication amulet, Third continued:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:58

"Now Arstein's good fortune appears in a very different light. As well as his death at the hands of two Daughters of the Reverend Mother, one of whom is guaranteed to be a puppet of the Master, and the other, if not “structured”, then definitely processed."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:37

"And all this effort was so that Dormian could ransom a considerable portion of the prisoners captured by the raiders and bring them to Iyastar? Why?"

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:58

"Officially, it is for trade preferences, which seems quite understandable. In the long run, it pays for the cost of ransoming the prisoners and bringing them home. But given what we have learned about him... Such a generous gift will not go unnoticed by the High Hierarchs of the Theocracy. He will surely be honored with a personal meeting. Especially, since Dormian is already in relatively good standing with them for a non-believer. And here is such an occasion... In addition, I am sure that among the rescued prisoners, some already believe in something other than the cause of the Eternal Sun. The journey to Iyastar was long, and they had plenty of time to process."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:38

Third was silent for a few seconds, looking at the map of Iyastar and the portraits of humans and nonhumans around it. The queen pressed her lips together and forced herself to ignore the tingling nipples and clit that were literally demanding Fiorel's skillful tongue. In her mind, she wished Master all the best, but aloud Sivila asked:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:40

"But we still don't know what they're planning. Speculation?"

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:40

"Based on what we know about Master and his assistants, we can assume with a high degree of certainty that their goal is to take control of one of the High Hierarchs of the Theocracy. Or maybe all of them."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:41

Turning to Third, Sivila frowned incredulously, then looked at the portraits of the said Hierarchs pinned in a row and shook her head incredulously:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:42

"Is that even possible?"

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:42

The head of the Secret Guard allowed himself a tired sigh:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:42

"After all that we've witnessed, I can't say for sure what we can and can't expect from this Master. Besides, if your assumption is correct, and this is indeed an empowered Soulcatcher or Soulweaver, then in theory he is quite capable of doing such a thing. Even if all our chronicles about the adepts of this magic are half true."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:43

Pressing her lips together, Sivila still said incredulously:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:45

"In my opinion, it's still too unlikely. A Soulcatcher or Soulweaver could really pull something like this off, especially if he's strong enough. Except for one thing! We're talking about God's servants and the highest. Their souls are in the palm of his hand. Souls, not minds or subtle bodies, although they're there too. And all the time. Specifically with the Highest Hierarchs to work discreetly using magic that affects the soul... and even in the walls of the First Temple, where the power and influence of the Sun-face is maximum... I doubt it."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:45

Barely refraining from starting to massage her breasts right through the fabric of her tracksuit, the queen continued:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:44

"I can still imagine that they might try to quickly subdue one of the High Hierarchs of the Theocracy, using the more familiar mind-affecting schools of magic. Let's say even Arnuil himself, or him and another of the High Hierarchs, the same Aurora, Mayer, or Dragn. But the question still remained. How to hide such influence from their patron? Even taking into account the solar eclipse, the Sun Face would notice such traces on the first of his servants as soon as it stopped. Because the speed of processing would not allow it to be done surreptitiously. This is the basics of such magical manipulation if we are talking about such strong and well-protected targets. Either quickly and harshly, breaking through all the defenses and barriers, leaving many visible traces in thin bodies, or slowly, gradually, carefully selecting the keys to the defense or bypassing it, but without being noticed."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:48

After thinking for a few seconds, the queen added grimly:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:49

"If we're really dealing with a Soulcatcher or Soulweaver, and he's reached such power that he can pull off such a subjugation of the first of God's servants without their patron noticing... Then we should sound the alarm, declare a general mobilization, and put the Forest under siege. And start preparing a new Exodus in case we can't handle it."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:52

After these words, everyone in the office froze, turning to Sivila in amazement, sincerely hoping that the queen was exaggerating. But Third only nodded grimly and said:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:53

"If it does turn out to be a Soulcatcher or Soulweaver that has achieved such power, then that's what we'll do. Though, if it were, I think it would be too late for us to sound the alarm. Therefore, I suggest we leave the preparation for the Exodus to the very last resort. Even if we set aside all the innumerable problems associated with it, we must take into account that this world will be very difficult to leave because of its peculiarities. In fact, that's why it was chosen for resettlement at one time. So, for now, I suggest not to draw too radical conclusions."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:55

Turning to the still incredulous magic masters looking at him and the queen, the Head of the Secret Guard asked:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:56

"How, at least in theory, could they quickly take control of someone of the Sun-Face's High Hierarchy? Any scenario."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:57

Ziandar scratched his chin and said thoughtfully:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:03

"Perhaps the most likely option would be a Branding Artifact. If we are talking about a really good and strong artifact, the level of work of an archmagister... and if it is well prepared, matching it to a particular victim and his defense... calculating all the subtle bodies and the right point of influence... Then in theory, yes, it is possible. But that kind of branding would be impossible to hide. At least, I don't see how it could be. Any branding is a major invasion of the victim's subtle body. In fact, the School of Branding is not designed for subtle influences. Or rather, subtle influences,” Ziandar corrected quickly.

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 13:58

"But the School of Silk Thread,” Ziltraen picked up the discussion, ”allows it. A fine enough web, woven of threads similar to those that entangled the Queen's pussy and breasts...."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:02

At these words, Sivila's eyes sparkled and the tips of her ears twitched slightly.

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:03

" ...is quite capable of doing this. If the web is properly cast on the victim, entangling key areas of the subtle bodies, it can work. Particularly if the victim's defenses and subtle bodies are keyed in advance. But I must say that to weave such a net-web... It is very difficult and will require a lot of time and resources. Even for an Archmagister. But, given all that I have learned about this Master of yours... I would guess that he might have such a web. Perhaps even more than one, though I doubt that very much."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:03

After listening to the master of the Silk Thread School, Third thoughtfully said:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:02

"This option seems the most plausible. Are there any other options?"

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:02

After a few seconds of hesitation, one of the summoned masters of magic suggested:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:02

"In theory, a sufficiently well-prepared artifact puppet, maximally attuned to the victim.... something like this could work, too. Only the doll would have to be really well-tuned and saturated with the victim's energy. To create such a puppet you will need, at the very least, hair, blood, and even better a detailed mold of thin bodies imprinted in a crystal or amulet. It is true that personal contact is not necessary to use such a doll. The whole point of the Puppet School is to influence the victim without personal, and even more so without direct contact with the victim."

Camrad_RIP 07.09.24 в 21:17

"Hmm... In that case, the silk web is the most likely option for now,” concluded Third.

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:12

Turning back to the city map, he asked thoughtfully:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:00

"But the big question is: how should we respond? And should we respond at all?"

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 20:00

A thoughtful silence fell over the conference room again.

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:59

* * *

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:59

"We are in complete order, Your Eminence... Complete!"

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:13

The leader of the small band of adventurers, who had been drinking heavily, was standing in the doorway only because of a pair of inn maids. A couple of the prettiest of the inn maids were dressed in nothing but shirts that barely covered their privates. Not without effort, they held him upright on both sides. The leader of the adventurers was also dressed in an undershirt and could hardly focus his eyes on the sudden guests. Behind him, he could see the living quarters, with clothes scattered everywhere and the remains of dinner on the table. Among which stood out were a couple of jugs of fine wine. The High Priest of the Sun, a middle-aged man in immaculate white and gold robes, leaning on a white wood staff with an amber head, squinted. His gray eyes literally glowed with sunlight, as did the staff's shaft. The eyes of the priest's companion, a pair of paladins of the Order of the Light, wearing full armor and holding their weapons at the ready, glowed with the same light.

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:26

The sunlight illuminated a drunken foreigner who could barely stand on his feet and a couple of embarrassed maids who were blushing. They were also a little tipsy. It wasn't hard to guess what the three were doing when they were interrupted by a demanding knock at the door. Of course, it was outrageous, but as long as it was going on behind closed doors and bringing in money for the good of the Eternal Sun's cause, they could turn a blind eye to it. The more so because the innkeeper spoke positively about his wintering guests. They paid well and had no problems. All wintering guests should be like that. Having once again scrutinized the drunken fortune-seeker with glowing eyes, without seeing or sensing anything red, the priest nodded briefly to his companions and said:

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:27

"Eternal Sun and a good winter to you."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:28

With considerable difficulty, the adventurer tried to assume a strictly vertical position and, with a slurred voice, said:

Camrad_RIP 06.09.24 в 19:48

"And the same to you, Your Eminence..."

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:28

Then, in the company of giggling maids, he hurried out the door and returned to his pleasant pastime. The priest and his companions moved on. A full inspection of the inn revealed nothing suspicious. Not the slightest trace of infernal magic or the wanted demoness' servant and her accomplices. After a few words with the manager, he and the paladins left the inn and moved on. There were still many places to check in this sector, and even though everyone they could find had been involved in the search, there were still not enough people. Because they couldn't send just anyone against the demoness's servants, and the terrible deaths of the unfortunate brothers and sisters were the best proof of that.

Camrad_RIP 08.09.24 в 14:30