Страж Империи / Guardian of the Empire: Глава 9

Chapter 9
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Camrad_RIP 30.09.25 в 19:00

Sighing, I rolled the accompanying papers into a tube and trudged towards the exit. What could I do? There was no way out of this assignment... And even if I dug my heels in and refused to go with any escort, nothing good would come of it. In a dozen days, everyone would know about my help to a wanted criminal. I'd bet a hundred gold pieces that Covan wouldn't let my brazen deception slide... They wouldn't send me to the gallows for it, but I'd definitely get five years of hard labour.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:39

//‘Listen, maybe we should... do something and run away?’ suggested the imp, clearly uninspired by the prospect I had outlined of spending who knows how long in the dungeons of the Secret Service.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:40

//‘We'll see. We'll see what happens,’ I said, not immediately rejecting the offer. One way or another, something had to be done. You can't just leave things as they are when the situation promises such major trouble.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:45

After leaving the office, Covan sent me into the hall to see his subordinates while he went to fetch the prisoner. I was glad of that. I didn't want to see poor Angel in the squalid conditions of the underground cellars. They weren't palace chambers, mind you, but more like ours and the interrogators' — a small cell, about three by three feet wide, without any amenities. You could only sleep there hunched over on the floor, and even then, for very little time, as the cold stone instantly sucked all the warmth out of your body.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 10:07

Spotting me as I descended the stairs, the guards let out a unanimous cry of joy and relief. Apparently, they weren't happy standing at attention and listening to the rantings of some grey-uniformed man who'd decided to line them up and lecture them on the hows and whys of loitering around the police station and dumping junk wherever they could.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 10:14

"So, this must be the foreman who leads this team of slackers," the grey-uniformed man noticed me, his face reddened during his angry speech denouncing all the vices of the guards lined up before him. And he asked sternly: "Why are you not in uniform?!"

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:47

"It's just not clear what to do now," I explained, feigning confusion. "After all, how does it work out – now I serve both in the guard and in the secret service... So I don't know what to do now. Should I ruin two sets of uniforms and sew them anew so that, for example, the left side is grey fabric and the right side is chain mail? Or what?"

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:49

"What?!" Following the cackling of my subordinates, the officer, puffed up like a turkey, cried out. "I'll get you! You won't get out! You'll be joking around there!"

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:51

"Alas, that's unlikely," I said, spreading my hands with feigned regret. "I was busy."

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:58

The grey uniformed man even bulged his eyes, marvelling at such insolence. How he hadn't been struck yet... Apparently, such performances were not often staged for him. But it was simply impossible to restrain himself. When else would he have the chance to get even with any of these high-ranking formalists! Instead of doing their job, they nitpick over every little thing. It's a pity, of course, that this isn't the same bureaucrat who came in the spring to check on the city guard and forced everyone on leave to march in the city square for almost a decade. He didn't like the way the patrols moved around the city, you see. That one got away in time... At least someone from their tribe got away with revenge.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 19:59

"I'll show you, sergeant," hissed the officer, trembling with rage, and began to look around, wanting to call for backup to drag the insolent guard into the punishment cell.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 08:52

"Just let Covan know first, in case he doesn't appreciate your enthusiasm," I advised with a nasty smile, and, completely ignoring the confused bureaucrat, turned to Burim: "What about the weapons? Have you sorted out who gets what?"

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 08:24

"Thomas, Gert, and Nick expressed their desire to take crossbows because they were confident in their ability to use them," reported Burim, the squad leader, cheerfully, after only a moment's hesitation. "The rest decided to make do with crossbows."

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 09:12

"Fine," I nodded, ignoring the grey-coated man who had decided to quietly retreat. "Then start loading the magazines for the bolt throwers." And, approaching the boxes standing against the wall, I began to examine them. "Tier Covan said we were supposed to be given guns with a magical component."

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 09:13

"Yes, that's right," Burim confirmed. "For some reason, they didn't give us any regular ones... The centurion also ordered Olaf to assign us a dozen bolts with Frost Strike." He cautiously inquired, "What do the authorities say about our convoy? Could we really get into serious trouble?"

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 09:16

"Don't doubt it... We have a decent chance of getting ourselves into serious trouble with this assignment from the Security Service," I nodded in response and, crouching down next to the box I had brought, began to consider what to do with the remaining arrows from the bad old days. We were already well equipped, and it was unlikely that any of my companions would be pleased at the prospect of carrying a couple of extra magazines on my initiative.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 09:57

Moreover, as it immediately became clear, my subordinates did not waste any time. Without further ado, they equipped all their available magazines with bolts from the generosity of the Secret Service, without mixing them. Apparently, this was based on the simplicity of further use of the weapons. After all, to respond adequately to the threat, it would be enough to either use bolts with non-lethal spells ‘Paralysing Strike’ in the magazine attached to the crossbow, or quickly replace it with one of the other two in the pouch attached to the belt, which had completely different consequences for health, up to and including death. Those who were armed with crossbows had it even easier. The bolts had only two types of magical components and carried the ‘Sphere of Suppression’ and ‘Fading Life’ crystals in their tips.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 10:13

After thinking it over for a moment, I gave Burim, John, and Stan an extra magazine from my stash. And the remaining arrows with ‘Air Ram’ and ‘Air Impact Sphere.’ That worked out to two of the first and three of the second for each of them. We finished off the magazines, which held eight rounds, with bolts with ‘Frost Strike.’ And one was left over.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 11:08

It may be overkill, but what if the attack on the convoy happens somewhere in the inn, rather than on the road? And indoors, spells from the Air sphere will look very impressive. No one will suspect that the convoy is not fighting back seriously.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 11:12

I equipped myself with another clip of bolts with ‘Whirlwind of Water Blades’ and ‘Devouring Flame.’ Just in case. And to the incomplete clip of bolts with ‘Blades of Light,’ I added one more at the top, with ‘Flash of Light.’ Just the thing to stop a fight or delay attackers — non-lethal and very effective. And then we'll see what else needs to be done.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 11:13

"Well, the Security Service is on a rampage," Burim said almost inaudibly, looking behind me at the staircase at the back of the hall. "They've even started putting girls in chains."

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 12:20

"What?" I asked again and turned around. I froze when I saw Angel accompanied by Covan and another unremarkable Security Service employee walking slightly behind them.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 12:17

//‘Look, look how well the collar suits her!’ the imp exclaimed triumphantly, noticing the remarkable adornment around the girl’s neck. It resembled a strip of flowing mist with multicoloured sparks glimmering within it. Apparently, it was the very ring of the element of Air that Sir Roderick had created. Although perhaps the horned one had another piece of jewellery in mind — a gold necklace with three blue diamonds. That was exactly what Angel wore when she was the prize in the Big Game. If we ignore the fact that this expensive trinket with stones restrains the magical abilities of the wearer, then it is true to say that the Guard chose a lovely piece of jewellery for the girl's slender neck. Although one must assume that it is actually a collar and not a simple necklace, because Angel cannot remove it herself.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 12:20

Sensing something in my thoughts, the imp jumped onto my left shoulder and whispered conspiratorially: //“Have you ever considered trying to replay everything? Huh?”

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 10:15

//“What replay?” I looked askance at this scoundrel in bewilderment.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 13:55

//‘Surely there must be some law that can reverse all this,’ winked the horned one. ‘To, say, declare the freehold you signed over to this sweetheart invalid...’ And, breaking into a nasty giggle, he continued: ‘For example, on the grounds that you were incapable of thinking properly under the influence of drugs!’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:07

//‘There really is something like that in our laws!’ I perked up for a moment. But only for a moment. And in my frustration, I said, ‘You're as dumb as a brick, imp! Firstly, the Secret Service will never give us Angel, and secondly, even if we get everything back, I will be personally responsible for the murder of the city governor! And you too, for good measure!"

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:09

//‘You're a blockhead and a donkey!’ the imp exclaimed irritably, folding his arms across his chest. "No one needs your long-dead mayor! Go tell the most important of the grey ones that you know a way to quickly get the villainess to confess, that you can guarantee her obedience and loyalty. There will be no obstacles to your plan! And no one will remember the crime committed by your property! Because you can't bring back the dead, but the living can still bring in substantial profits. And a promising assassin mage will be useful not only to Aquitaine, but also to the Empire!"

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:13

//‘Perhaps,’ I thought, agreeing with the imp on some points. ‘But who told you that Angel would confess and betray his accomplices among the foreign agents?’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:14

//‘Tsk!’ the imp waved his paw dismissively. "Don't mess around with this girl, just give her a good spanking, and she'll confess everything in no time. And, leaning close to his ear, he confided: ‘And if she's stubborn, I know more than a thousand methods of interrogating young beauties. Incredibly interesting and effective!’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:15

//‘There's one thing you haven't taken into account,’ I said coldly, deeply offended by this vile proposal. ‘I'm not tempted by the idea of cruelly tormenting girls!’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:15

//‘Well, too bad,’ said the filthy creature calmly, turning away. ‘It could have been very interesting...’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:21

//‘No,’ I couldn't help saying, ‘it will be interesting when I find a way to get to you, so to speak, alive, and execute you by drowning you in a vat of holy water!’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:22

//‘Oh, how scary!’ replied the tailed creature mockingly, adding peacefully, ‘I'm trying to help you... You'd better think about how much easier hunting dragons would be if you acquired a magessa as your personal property...’

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:22

//‘And here's what I think: I'll manage on my own, without any stupid advisors!’ I snapped, angry at the malicious devil. He only offers nasty things instead of something useful.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:30

And he turned his full attention to the approaching Angel, staring at her other decorations. No less interesting, but more familiar in appearance.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 15:02

Indeed, someone in the Third Department is a little out of their mind, to put it mildly. Not only did no one bother to get the noble girl any kind of headdress – she walked with her hair down – but they also put shackles on her! Both handcuffs and leg irons! Connected by a thin, long-linked chain, glistening with brand-new steel.

Camrad_RIP 07.10.25 в 13:31

I shook my head and struggled to refrain from shouting angrily, //‘Monsters! Why are you tormenting the poor girl like this?!’ But I overcame myself and remained silent, continuing to stare at Lady Angel.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:47

Surprisingly, the goldilocks girl lost none of her flawless beauty during her time in the underground dungeons. And those aren't furnished rooms with all the amenities and efficient staff. But still...

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 15:02

Upon closer inspection of Angel, I finally noticed small marks that suggested she'd been incarcerated. Her clothes were slightly rumpled — the kind you get when you fall asleep fully dressed. On the left sleeve of her long gray coat and the matching pant leg were carefully rubbed but not completely removed brown stains, resembling rust. And her hair wasn't styled, but rather remained in a refined disarray.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 15:00

But all these trifles were overshadowed by the young criminal's eyes... Large, mesmerising, beautiful... Perhaps they could rival the dark emeralds of the supernaturally beautiful eyes of that wicked relative of the demons of temptation – Caitlin. And yet the clear sapphires of Angel's eyes had lost none of their brightness and sparkle... Whatever befell the lady's fragile shoulders in the dungeons of the Secret Service, it did not break her will.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:46

When she saw me, Angel stumbled, and her face clearly showed surprise mixed with confusion. But the lady quickly pulled herself together. She realised that I was not a prisoner like her, since I had a weapon in my hands. Passing by, on her way to the administration doors, she just glanced in my direction and smiled a little sadly.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:44

"So, is everything sorted out here, Tier Steini?" Covan asked, entrusting his assistant with escorting the criminal.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 14:55

"Almost everything," I replied. And, unable to hide my indignation, I asked: "The only thing I don't understand is why on earth Lady Angel had to be put in chains? It would be one thing to chain up some beast-like brute to keep him from rampaging, but to do that to a girl?"

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:43

"You clearly underestimate our criminal's potential, Tier Steini," Covan smiled and said, holding out a small, shaped key on a short chain, "Here, take this. In case you need to remove the shackles." He chuckled cheerfully and added, "But it's best not to overuse it."

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 14:48

"And in what way am I mistaken about Lady Angel's abilities?" I inquired defiantly, taking the key so that I could free the girl from her chains at the first opportunity. For such precautions against a mage who cannot use her gift are utter nonsense.

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:42

"You, like everyone else, are mistaken in thinking that the criminal is an ordinary representative of the weaker sex, whose attack on a man would only leave him with a scratched face," the as-tarkh replied. "But that is absolutely not the case. Lady Angel is a well-trained, ruthless killer, and nothing less." And then, suddenly demanding, he asked, "Tell me, Tier Steini, would you send a helpless girl on such a serious mission as infiltrating a heavily guarded facility with the intent of killing the person inside?"

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 14:35

“No,” I shook my head.

Camrad_RIP 01.10.25 в 14:11

"That's right!" Covan raised his finger instructively. "And no one would have sent."

Camrad_RIP 06.10.25 в 20:42