Chasing the bird

Clear Moons. Anxious dreams. However, not Cornelia. Her Moons are hidden by clouds, and her dreams do not cloud her mind. She will come today and again will ask her for an answer. Conspiracies, conspiracies, conspiracies... Witches are useful in such things. But why do they need another, another magician? At times it seemed to her that the guild knew more than the words of the messenger, who did not even reveal her name during the month and a half of meetings under the cover of darkness. When will the cards speed up? When will the stranger leave her? And since they already know what will happen next, why is it still not calming down, not understanding that Cornelia did not agree? Why, why do they need her? She does not have superpowers by the standards of sorcerers, influence or power! Rustle behind me. She appeared. -Have you already decided everything, honey? -No, sorry...those...Can you tell me in more detail? - Cornelia squeaked. -For what? What more reason would there be to eventually kill you if you don't live up to our hopes? -I am the most ordinary witch! There are thousands of them in your ranks - why do you need another one? “Witches are not ordinary,” said the messenger. - Especially you. You have what we really, really need. -I can give it to you! -I'm afraid this is not the only reason. - This is treason - if I get caught, I won’t live! -If you don’t join us, you’ll die even faster,” said the woman in the cloak. Trust me, I won't let them hurt you. You will be showered with all the blessings of this world by our leaders. By me. -I beg you!.. -This is for a good purpose. -Usurpations and regicides! -This way we will isolate those unworthy from power. -And who deserves it? -Make up your mind. -Tell me more. Maybe I'll agree. -Where is more already? What else do you want to know? -Who are you, why do you need power and why can I become a big shot? How do you know this? -OK then. I'll answer your questions. I am Laketa, I am a member of the Order of the Moons. We strive to unite Erkastra, Tsurin, Koi and other small independent cities, Langerzia, the territories of the hill tribes. These places were powerful, and my lords seek to restore that power to them. Our Oracles say that you will become a spy.strive to return this power to them. Our oracles say that you will be suitable as a spy in the palace. Cornelia stared at Laketa in shock. For the first time she heard so many names and titles, her role in this underground. -But how will I get there? -Soon they will need a new court magician. -Will you kill Taren? How? -Just like they killed all the king’s cousins ​​all these years. Agree, our killers are good. -A... -Now answer my question: yes or no? -I will think... Laketa let out an exasperated sigh and handed her a business card.Laketa let out an exasperated sigh and handed her a business card. Her interlocutor faces a long night alone with thoughts about what will happen if she refuses, and what if she agrees. *** It had been pouring since dawn, and the crowd of onlookers made faces, splashing from the reflections. Neither rain nor snow would stop them, citizens from all corners of the Sun. Perhaps today they will see such a spectacle for the first and last time. The square in front of the palace was filled with wandering merchants offering the spectators rolls, apples, and bread. There was anxiety and anticipation in the air. Please, the king and the prince who challenged him were the most worried. They will have to fight to the death. The defeated will lose his life and the throne, and the survivor will gain everything he can. Which one will deal the final blow?Please, the king and the prince who challenged him were the most worried. They will have to fight to the death. The defeated will lose his life and the throne, and the survivor will gain everything he can. Which one will deal the final blow? Liaki must win. He must. The prince had prophetic dreams before - a bit of the magic he inherited from his great-grandmother. Taran couldn't be more wrong. All his interpretations turned out to be correct; the young man would not survive if this was not so. Literally. In a vision, he saw his severed head and crown lying on the grave. The tombstone read: "King Kmen Favonius Hazel" and today's date. Without breakfast, Liaki ran into the chambers of the forecourt magician, although the stars were still shining in the sky. Fortunately, with age, people lose the ability to sleep normally and magicians are no exception. Green cat eyes, as always, greeted him with a peaceful expression, asking what the rush was. The Crown Prince hurriedly told him about his dream, and his great-great-grandfather continued look at one point. Sometimes a young man doesn’t only it seemed to him that he had died, too he looked like death, withered skinlook at one point. At times it seemed to the young man, and not only to him, that he had died, he looked too much like a dead man. Withered skin, a balding head, a long beard as white as snow and an absurdly wise expression on his face. -Did you sleep well? -What does this have to do with it? Yes fine! -Did you fall asleep quickly? What nonsense? What does foresight have to do with it? -No. With difficulties. “Yesterday there was a full red moon,” he recalled. The old man took out his dream book - an old book covered in rats, written before he was born. He trusted ancient manuscripts many times more than the scientific works of his contemporaries. The pages rustled, and despite the fact that they were re-read almost daily by Liaki I sneezed from the dust that tickled my nose. -Your dream says that you will challenge today you will condemn your father to the grave, - said Tauren After some time. - And you will gain power. -Your dream says that if you challenge today, you will doom your father to the grave,” Tauren said after a while. - And you will gain power... He looked at his great-grandfather with a amazed look. Challenge the king? He was barely seventeen, and his father was still in his prime! Nevertheless, some people decided to duel at sixteen - adulthood - and ran away, right? -Or maybe, on the contrary, the father will decide to oppose? -Your head is on his grave. You died later, having won,” the old man grinned his yellow rotten teeth. - In addition, full moons give everyone who was born on their days good luck - and prophecies. And not only on double moons. The Crown Prince drilled his great-grandfather with a piercing glance. His whole life is endless race - faster, higher, stronger. Stronger than father and brother and sister. His whole life is waiting for the moment when he becomes better than the king - and cut his throat. Them no less despite the fact that this is a tournament for speed, no need to rush. In any case, even if he is on the edge. In any case, even if he is on the verge, he can always choose a quiet, peaceful life far from the fight for the throne. Of course, this won't happen. This is a shame, and death is many times better. Especially considering the removal from the inheritance of the dynasty. Or now, with the help of magic... Or never... - I choose now. Edit part