«Fate or Chance?»

***

”…— Many years ago, there was a ”Bloody War” between the four kingdoms. And at that moment, a hundred years later, there were countless victims. After many disputes, the Kings and their Generals decided to end it. On the ”Decisive Day”, all the armies led by Kings and Crown Princes entered the battlefield, who decided to defeat their enemies themselves. When the wars bared their swords, and the Rulers and Generals opened their mouths to give orders, various Monsters and Dark Creatures that had been hiding deep in forests, mountains and lakes up to that time, and were afraid of incurring trouble from People and Magicians, suddenly flew from all sides. But suddenly, for some reason, they began to jump out from all sides, and drive their number of armies into one cave nearby. No matter how much the enemies hated and despised each other, they were afraid of Intelligent Monsters and Evil Spirits, the number of which was hundreds of times greater than their own. As soon as the armies gathered in one place, the Monsters and Monsters stood at attention, and later parted, letting one silhouette pass forward… A tall man appeared before the army of Monsters and Evil Spirits, whose body was hidden by a black cloak with a deep hood, his hands were hidden by dark scarlet gloves, his face was a silver mask depicting an evil grin. He was wearing a scarlet skull-shaped pendant and a black crown made as if from volcanic glass. In his hands he clutched a black sword, the work of a talented Master. Behind his back hung a bow, Elven work. And next to him was an unprecedented monster, of enormous size. Around the man, twelve Supreme Monsters stood in a semicircle, guarding him… The Kings ings boldly stepped forward and menacingly asked who was in front of them, to which the silhouette replied in a hoarse demonic voice that he was the new ruler over these lands and now they were obliged to stop the war and kneel so as not to provoke his anger. People burst into wild laughter, deciding that he was too self-confident and stupid, since he decided to declare such a thing to the True Rulers of the North. But the silhouette, only grinning, raised his hand, and created a terrible curse, at the same moment turning four armies into marble statues. With a wave of his hand, he smashed them into small pieces, and took away their symbols of power. They recognized him as their master… The war ended, the creepy dark magician was nicknamed the Lord of Darkness and he went into the woods to build his creepy Evil empire. He became the sole ruler of all the Northern Lands, plunging the entire settlement into darkness and horror by his actions. 50 years have passed since that moment, and…” — And what does this evil wizard look like?! — the little girl exclaimed, looking at the guy who was telling this story, — Many people say that he must be very handsome, since he hides his face… — And I heard that he has a face like an orc, which is why he wears his stupid cloak and mask! — said the boy standing next to him, — Since he is evil, he must be a freak! — No, he does not have to be a freak, it’s all stupid stories! — screamed another girl who sided with her friend, — Suddenly he is so beautiful that he is afraid to dazzle all his beauty?! — And how many Masters* does he have?! — Another boy wrote. — It is logical that a lot! — The other answered him, shoving the boy in the shoulder, — I’m more interested in Who these Supreme Monsters are?! — It doesn’t matter! What does he look like?! Is He Handsome or Scary?! — The girl who initially interrupted the narrator, gagged the others, shouted her question to the whole square. — But no one saw his face… Why put forward stupid theories, without grounds for them.?.. — said a quiet voice, the children turned to this question or statement, and saw a young guy in a maroon raincoat, who stood with a basket in his hands and listened to the story of a beggar who retold a legend for children, adjusting his glasses he continued. — I think that the appearance of this man is ordinary, and he wears a cloak and mask so that no one starts mocking him because of her… — And it’s like you saw him up close, huh? — the narrator cheekily asked looking at this unexpected listener, — You know, bespectacled, if you want to show off, then do it in front of your mom, not here, okay? — Yes… The young guy adjusted his glasses once again and, bowing his head, walked down a crowded alley, not paying attention to anyone. The market street was busy and noisy. People talked, argued, haggled and laughed. The guy just winced. He hated noise. He hated large gatherings of people in one place. But it was only necessary to buy food and medicines, so I had to endure it… He stopped and looked back. The beggar told legends very loudly, and when the children asked if he had seen these creatures or participants in his stories, he proudly lied that he had seen. The young guy broke into a sweet smile and turned around. Tonight the narrator will participate in one of his stories, that’s for sure…

***

The crowns of the trees creaked in the wind and swayed, lulling the black crows sitting on them. Wolves, lynxes and huge predators ran among the dense bushes in the shade of the forest, and waited for stupid prey to run into their forest. A huge black stone structure was hidden among the trees. It was creepy and as if destroyed. But only from afar, as many were afraid to even come closer than 500 meters. A short silhouette made its way among the centuries-old trees, and cleared the road. It’s overgrown, and if you don’t clean it, next time he’ll wake up here, trying to get through the thicket. Kicking the nearest snag, and breaking it, the guy just grunted with displeasure. The gardeners obviously decided to score on this part of the castle, since that one rarely goes, why? Well, well, rarely… And they certainly didn’t think about servants who have to go roundabout ways. Bastards. The dark building was getting closer, and it became clear that only because of the location and the entourage, inspired by the reputation of the owner, it seemed creepy and destroyed. In fact, the castle was quite ordinary. The black stone that was common in the Northern Lands shone in the sun, with many windows, with various shades of stained glass, doors and gates made of Dark Spruce, a very rare tree. That’s just it grew like a weed on the Battlefields of the Northern Lands. Dark green grass, and shrubs. The usual kind of lock. If you do not take into account those who lived in it… Going to the small side door that led to the kitchen, the guy rubbed his eyes sore from lack of sleep, and quickly entered it. After a couple of turns, the kitchen appeared. Huge and lively. People and Dark Creatures were running around it, cooking a lot of dishes, washing dishes, as well as making blanks. Wrinkling his nose in displeasure, the guy walked briskly to the washstand, and put his left palm on the shoulder of one of the maids. She turned, twitching. It turned out to be a young werewolf girl, with brown hair naturally lightened at the ends, with a rounded face, bright yellow eyes and funny ears sticking out of her hair. The girl looked warily at the man in front of her. The guy, in turn, only exhaled softly, handed her the basket, saying: — Good Afternoon, Carla. This is what you asked me to buy at the market. The medicine is downstairs. I wrote you instructions on how to properly give them to children… — Oh, Sire! I didn’t recognize you! This is for luck! — The wolf said this in a melodious voice, carefully taking the basket out of her hands, — I am so grateful to you! Thank you very much! I just didn’t have the time or the knowledge to acquire it… — straightening her bangs, the girl continued in one breath, — Sami, so unexpectedly fell ill, and my mother is hunting now, I didn’t even know what to do… If it wasn’t for you, then I… — Quiet… Please… — rubbing his forehead, the guy put his hand on Carla’s shoulder, — I did it just because you were in trouble, don’t thank me… Okay? The girl actively nodded her head, agreeing, outwardly, with the above. The guy, adjusting his glasses on his nose, said goodbye and quickly slipped out of the kitchen, through another side door. The dark corridor swerved, a lot of doors, tapestries, paintings, torches and statues quickly flashed from two sides. Another turn, a black arch covered with a thick curtain, and finally the main hall. A huge room, reaching 300 meters in length, with 25 stained glass windows, black walls, ceiling and floor, with crimson curtains and carpet. All this created an entourage, but the main detail of this room was the throne. Four meters tall, made of black metal, decorated with black diamonds. He was on a pedestal decorated with skulls. There was a silhouette sitting on the throne. Almost four meters tall, black as night, straight hair fell in waves from his shoulders, bright blue eyes sparkled behind a silver mask, a dark cloak and crown only complemented the image. The silhouette was bored watching the servants who were running around like ants, wanting to clean up. Taking a deeper breath, the guy adjusted his glasses, and turning on small heels, turned into one of the corridors. After two turns, he stopped in front of an inconspicuous little door, with a rotten flower standing next to it. — I asked them to water them… — the guy snorted with displeasure, squeezing a leaf of the plant with his fingers. A light flash, and the flower bloomed again. The guy smiled slightly, and went into the room. The furnishings were Spartan: a single four-poster bed standing near the window. A desk, a bookshelf, a mirror and a wardrobe, a carpet and a few flowers on the windowsill. Only three details did not fit into the interior: a huge cat house near the bed, a naked wooden mannequin for clothes and a forged black chest near the table. Without looking around much, the guy went to the bed, and taking off his glasses, fell on her face. He was very tired during the three days that he was not here. And he wants to sleep. He’ll sort it out later. And now — to sleep!

***

The golden sand pleasantly enveloped the bare feet of the legs. The sea wind gently blew over his face. There were no clouds in the sky, and the blue sea beautifully broke the waves on the shore. And in the sea, several teachers were floundering in agony, who at one time disliked Mikael and underestimated his grades. Perfect. The guy took a deep breath, enjoying the sea. — Masssterrr! — someone’s voice rang out unexpectedly, but Mikael just waved it away. It seemed — Masssterrr, Wake Up! — The voice came again. The guy frowned, and began to look around the sunny beach. Who’s talking? — The ownerrr, the bloodsssucker and the perrrvert have come to rrreport to you… Mikael turned his whole body, looking around. Who says that? There is no one here, apart from almost drowned people, except him! Where does it sound from?! Exhaling tensely, the guy turned around. Near the sea stood a huge silhouette with blue eyes and looked right into his eyes. — Fuck! — Mikael screamed in fright, and jumped up on the bed, — Lucifer, what the fuck?! You know that’s the shittiest way to wake up! “…I know… That’sss jussst you didn’t want to wake up… — Lucifer cheekily smiled. He did not open his mouth, but spoke mentally. It’s more convenient for him. Turning his head towards the door, he continued, — Withs thssessse two came two more thievesss that you hired..” — Not thieves, but observers. Finally, remember, — Mikael narrowed his eyes, trying to see who was comfortably sitting on his legs, — What is your speech? It’s like you’re biting your tongue… “…Ssso it’s more frrrightening… — Lucifer said maliciously, — Your ssserrrvantsss are more afrrraid…” — Stop… stretch the letter R to your heart’s content, I’m used to it. But don’t do that with other letters, understand? — Mikael reached out, grabbing Lucifer by the scruff of the neck and pulling him to himself. Lucifer was his only and dearly loved familiar, who adored taking the form of a cat. As at the moment, he turned into a huge black cat with blue eyes. — I never heard your answer, Lyutsyk… “…Yes, I underrrstand, I underrrstand… Let me go, or rrrather stroke me… I actually coverrred your ass forrr thrrree days… — the cat said with displeasure, at the same time yapping aloud, — This human forrrma prrretty exhausted me… I won’t be able to perrrform such a trick forrr anotherrr two months… In generrral, I can only supporrrt such an appearrrance… There arrre not enough forrrces forrr otherrrs… And all because of you…” — Sorry. But you know I had to get out to the city. Zombies raged there, and food had to be bought… — Mikael smiled weakly, stroking his pet on the back of the neck. He purred contentedly, snuggling closer to the owner, — You’re a great fellow for replacing me. And then the illusion or the golem would not have lasted long, and it was impossible to leave the castle for the servants… — picking up the cat under the front paws, Mikael pulled the cat to his face, — Did you change my clothes? — The cat nodded, — And also covered with a blanket? — The cat nodded again, — Did you get potions drunk yet? — The cat looked at the owner with a clear suspicion of inadequacy, but still nodded again, — And if you consider that I smell like caramel, and not sweat and dirt, then I also washed? — Lucifer actively nodded his head, hoping to charge this smart guy in the chin or nose, but did not get lucky — Thank you… Putting the cat down on the bed, he got up. Taking his glasses from the bedside table and putting them on his nose, Mikael went to the mirror, examining himself in it. — Lutz, can you replace me now? I don’t really want to drink those potions again and change clothes… — The guy looked at the cat hopefully, but catching a look full of skepticism and discontent, he sighed, — You don’t want to, do you? Me too, but I have to… Mikael turned to the mirror. He actively rubbed his face with his hands, trying to cheer himself up. He’s a lousy Lord of Darkness, especially outwardly. Lyutsyk, with his black hair, eternally dissatisfied pale muzzle and huge height, was more suitable for this role. Especially against the background of the short Mikael, with his golden curls and burnt face, the Lord of evil spirits, having disheveled his curls, snapped his fingers. A second later, instead of a silk shirt and cotton trousers, he is wearing elegant black armor and a black cloak with a deep hood. There is a pendant around his neck, a sword on his belt, gloves on his hands. A silver mask with an evil grin appeared in his hand. Mikael started activating runes so that he could see without glasses. Although seven times a great magician and ruler of the continent, but he could not restore his eyesight. And trying to look at something with his -5 is a stupid idea. Tried, tested, the experience is so-so. The runes shone with a beautiful golden light. Removing his glasses from his nose, the blond man fixed a mask on his face. A second later, taking two bottles out of the closet, he quickly tipped them into his mouth, ignoring the terrible taste. For so many years, he somehow got used to it. Stretching out 80 centimeters, Mikael threw back the flasks, and looked around. All his stuff was on him… Except for one. And it was found on the head of the familiar that was lying on his bed. Quickly approaching the cat, and pulling off his crown from his head, Mikael asked for the last time: — Are you sure you won’t replace it? — a hoarse demonic bass, greatly frightened the sleepy cat, jumping up on the bed, he stared at Mikael with incomprehension, — What? For half a century, I should have gotten used to it, but you’re still shooing… “…You’ll get used to it herrre with you…— the cat said discontentedly, — Yourrr voice is getting scarrrierrr everrry yearrr, I don’t have time to get used to it… I won’t rrreplace you, but I’ll go with you… I wonderrr what kind of news is so imporrrtant…” Mikael just nodded, putting a hood on his head and wearing a crown on top. Lucifer habitually jumped on his neck, and lay down, wrapping around her like a muff. Imagining how tedious the next 6 hours would be, the Ruler shuddered, but he still went ahead, trying not to think about it…

***

The atmosphere of the throne room could be compared to the atmosphere of the cemetery of an ancient necromancer clan. Dim lighting, humid and musty air, a cool wind that came from nowhere indoors and a oppressive atmosphere. Mikael shivered on the throne. Despite the fact that they and the Council were counting on such an atmosphere, it’s not very pleasant to feel it on your own skin. Gripping the arms of the throne tighter, he quietly uttered incantations. The doors shone with a faded golden fire for a moment, but after a second they went out and opened with an ominous creak. Four silhouettes, previously waiting outside the door, quickly entered the hall, and bowing their heads, knelt 5 centimeters from the pedestal with the throne standing on it. Lucifer purred contentedly, from complacency, Mikael only mentally threatened his pet, and turning his gaze to the visitors, waved his left hand. Noticing this gesture, one of the guests slowly got up, and placing his right hand on his heart, straightened up. A faint smile played on a white face with blue lips. The bright red eyes narrowed slightly, and the sharp nose quickly sucked in air. Red hair in a long braid, in which a silver snake was hiding, was thrown over her shoulder, and lay neatly on her chest. An expensive hiking suit, with a long raincoat and gloves, emphasized a toned body. On his chest glittered an emblem depicting the coat of arms of the Northern Lands. The vampire smiled harder, baring his fangs, and spoke in a soft voice, stretching out sentences: — My respects to the Lord of Darkness… I was absent for two months, arriving at negotiations on the border with the Eastern Lands… And I was able to agree on successful deliveries of our metal to their territory… — Damon, get right to the point, don’t delay.— Mikael said calmly, scratching his muzzle with his “muff” — I don’t have much time, dear Adviser… Damon Bertan only snorted softly, at this “much respected” in his address, but still continued his report in a shorter form, trying not to get his Master too much…

***

— Good… Thank you for finding out everything, Cassidy, you can go… — Mikael waved two fingers, opening the huge doors. A slender, tanned man, with red curls arranged, bowed and quickly left the room. The Abyss Demon shifted the calm gaze of his green eyes. There were only two inconspicuous silhouettes left in the room, who had already straightened up and were waiting for their turn — I’m glad that you visited me today… Did you find out something important? Mikael leaned forward a little, looking at the two mercenary observers who were finding out information for him. He hired them about two years ago, not wanting to sit in a vacuum without external information. Especially Important. What if the Foggy Islands decide to start a war? Or did the Stone shores go under the water, thanks to their close neighbors? Well, or in extreme cases, has a new Reader or Master been found? You can’t miss this. Even with a reputation as a recluse and a psycho. One of the men stepped forward, and bowing his head lower, began in a low voice: — My Lord, we have very intriguing news. About a month ago, one of the princes of the South returned home from an expedition. And he returned with unusual news. In one of the caves located on the Misty Islands, he found the prophecy of the Reader. And not a simple one, Clare himself. And there it was said about the Chosen One. And also mentioned where to find weapons. — Just like Claire? — Mikael chuckled, scratching Lucifer’s neck with his finger, — All his predictions are either destroyed or well-known. And all the known ones have already come true. — These are predictions of a different kind. It was written about 200 years ago… — The second observer came forward, bowing his head, — It was clear because of the paper on which the predictions were written. Such a paper began to be created only 289 years ago… — And why is everyone sure that it was predicted by Claire himself? — The guy’s eyebrows jumped under the mask. — There have been many readers over these 300 years. And each of them could write this prediction… I believe this prediction is valid, but I’m wondering… Why Claire? — The scroll was signed by My Lord…— the two mercenaries said in unison, — And that was Claire’s signature. So it is essentially unique… — Okay.… The information is interesting, I do not argue… But just what is it for? If the Chosen One was mentioned there, then she will appear in any case. We just need to prevent him or her from finding out about his destiny…— Mikael exhaled calmly, adjusting his gloves, — But if he does find out about his peculiarity, then do not let her or him get a magic artifact.—… So I repeat, why such concern around this prediction? — Sir, we ourselves understand that concern would be superfluous, but… ahem, — the first observer coughed, but after a couple of moments continued, — The prediction has clear boundaries and a date. — And? What date? What are the consequences? Mikael’s lips tightened with tension. — In 3 years. The chosen one and her team will defeat the Invader of the Northern Lands. — The second mercenary continued for his comrade, — Now the prince is recruiting a team to go in search of the artifact. — A short time… But we have an advantage, the team has not been recruited yet, right? Both mercenaries nodded, —Good… We can send our man with them for observation. And here we will prepare properly, not in the first, really… Thank you for your service, guys… — We will look into the selection of a suitable spy, Sir…— Both mercenaries bowed deeply, —We will go if you allow… — Yes, yes, go… Show me suitable candidates later… — Mikael waved two fingers, and after a couple of minutes, exhaled, removing the mask, — Lucifer, this is getting more interesting, don’t you think? — The blond man smiled weakly, and the cat meowed in agreement, licking the owner on the cheek.

***