Gaselirot: Spark - part 9

When Ivan woke up, as he had dressed last time, he took Barsik and went down to the dining room, along with the rest of the students, including Tuliy and Resh. Sitting at the table with them and Barsik, right after Dusiey pronounced his hetarin, he began to enjoy pickles and delicacies. Ivan and Tuliy had a friendly conversation, while from time to time some people approached them who wanted to get to know Ivan better. And now another magical apprentice of the shop came up to Ivan. His bright red hair was cropped short and slightly disheveled, his face was pale and nervous, and his brown eyes were clearly irritated. His eyes, with arrogance, stared at Ivan.

-Are you Ivan?

-Yes...

-I heard that you are studying the magical laws of the element of fire and even became a personal student of Dusiey.

-Well yes...

- Aren't you too much, you think about yourself a lot? I, too, study the magical laws of the element of fire, and although I only have the highest predisposition to them, I am still probably much stronger than you! And what if you are a personal student of the master? Now I will show you the difference between us!

Suddenly Dusiey put his hand on the shoulder of this violent guy. Everyone around him stared in surprise in his direction, no one expected that Dusiey would appear here, and even intervene in someone's squabble, personally.

-What are you doing, Kryon? Master Dusiei's heavy voice made this red-haired guy pour out sweat.

Kryon angrily looked at Ivan, after which, with an arrogant chuckle, he turned around and left. Ivan followed Kryon with his gaze and, in the end, transferred him to Dusiey.

- Do you need me for something?

-Ah, yes, I have to tell you something.

-And what?

- Recently a messenger from Mr. Nero came to me and gave me this letter. - Dusiey took out an envelope with a red seal from under his robes and handed it to Ivan.

Ivan accepted the envelope and opened it. Taking out a piece of paper from there, he looked at the symbols incomprehensible to him, Dusiei, did not understand Ivan's confusion, and therefore asked him:

-What's the matter, did something happen?

-Yes, I have one problem ...

-Can I help you?

-Yes, could we go to your office ...

- Um, of course ... - Dusiey answered in perplexity.

Dusiey and Ivan went out into the corridor and went to the fourth floor, straight to Dusiei's office. Inside, left alone, Ivan finally began to explain:

-In fact, I do not know your writing and cannot read this letter ...

-What?!

-Sorry...

-Ha-ha ... So that's why you needed to discuss, it is away from everyone.

-Can you read this for me?

-Of course, come here.

Ivan handed the letter back to Dusiey and the latter began reading it:

-Ivan, it's me, Nero, I have some business, I won't be coming soon. This afternoon, several knights of my trade union Eruon will arrive for you, they will accompany you everywhere until my arrival. I will return to the city only in a few weeks, and if something happens, I will wait at our hotel. Try not to get yourself in trouble.

"Yes, he's just like mommy ... And why does he care about me so much? It's nice, of course, but ..." Ivan was on his guard, but thoughts about that funny and teasing Nero did not let him get hung up on this. "Indeed, he would never have done me wrong. After all, he's just a rich womanizer, ha ha." Thinking about how Nero helped him and constantly flirted with Leah, he could not help but laugh. Dusiey gave the letter to Ivan. Putting the envelope into a bag on his belt, Ivan turned his face to Dusiey again.

- Apparently nothing special. - said Dusiey, grinning a little.

-Yes, nothing like that, I don't really need his help now.

- I think it's time for us to start training, the rest have already gone to the backyard.

Ivan has almost forgotten about training.

- Come on, there's nothing to stand here.

-Yes...

Leaving the building and following the already learned route, they reached the backyard, where all the other students were already training, this time, almost no one paid attention to Ivan. Standing up against one of the scarecrows, Ivan was preparing to finally carry out his first spell, within the framework of the magical laws of the element of fire.

-Now, like last time, we will repeat the release of mana, the element of fire.

-Yeah!

-Stand up and extend your hand as you did last time.

Ivan stood up with an outstretched hand. Dusiei came up from behind and put his palm on it, again pouring mana, the element of fire, into Ivan.

-Enter a meditative state, and then you yourself know what to do.

-But I will have to warm up my hand again ... This is not a very pleasant feeling ...

-Ah, yes, at first it will be quite painful for you, for this I have a few things. - Dusiey took out a pair of red gloves from under his robes and handed them to Ivan.

- Are these gloves?

-Yes, they will allow you to worry less about the heat, for a start, these are very good magic items.

-And you give them to me?

-Ha-ha! To me, these are just trinkets, worth almost nothing!

- Thank you so much, Master Dusiey! - Ivan took gloves and immediately pulled them on his hands.

-And now try to remove the mana of the element of fire from the body through this glove.

-Yes sir! - Ivan shouted.

After which Ivan immediately returned to his stance with an outstretched hand and, closing his eyes, entered a meditative state. Again darkness, silence and complete concentration. Ivan could again feel a slightly reddish liquid. He collected this liquid into a ball and transferred it to the area of ​​the hand, after which he tore off a small piece and sent it outside the palm, in the direction of the stuffed animal. The air around the palm began to bend due to the high temperature, but Ivan felt only a slight warmth. He opened his amazed eyes and stared at Dusiey.

-Ha-ha, I said they would help.

- These are really amazing gloves ...

- Only weak magic items. Better to talk about your training.

-Yes.

-Your control of the mana of the elements is amazing, no one has ever learned the magical laws of the elements so quickly. Under normal circumstances, at the moment, I would still expect the student to sink into a meditative state, or in special cases, already managing mana and forming mana, but you are too amazing. Now I will teach you to enter a meditative state while remaining conscious.

- Conscious? But then. how can I be focused?

- Now we will check if you can stay focused. Stand up straight and without closing your eyes, focus on yourself. - Taught by Dusiey

-Yes ... - Ivan said uncertainly.

Ivan got up and, focusing his gaze on the scarecrow, began to delve into his thoughts. From the side it seemed that Ivan was just staring at the scarecrow, at one point. After some time, Ivan finally turned his gaze and looked at Dusiey.

-I could, I did it!

-So fast?! Have I really met a true genius ... Okay, try it in a meditative state. with open eyes. release the mana of the element of fire from the hand.

Ivan stood in a pose with an outstretched hand and his gaze focused on the stuffed animal. Within his mind, he controlled the movement of mana and finally released a small chunk outward. The temperature around his arm rose again.

-Excellent, excellent, but not enough for a full-fledged attack. You need to increase the amount of mana released and its speed.

-Number and speed ... I can't ...

-And who said that you will be alone?

-Master Dusiey?

Dusiey again came up behind Ivan and put his hand on his back. It seemed to Ivan that his concentration had increased and he was instantly able to enter a meditative state. This time he was able to manage with ease. with an even larger chunk of mana for the element of fire and released it at a higher speed. through the palm. Twisted air immediately appeared around his palm, followed by a hiss. A tiny fireball shot out of his hand and, having overcome a short distance, disappeared into the air.

-Great, now you need to practice this technique, until about this level, when your mana of the element of fire can fly that distance.

-Yes!

After these words, Dusiey retired back to his magic shop, and Ivan continued to train within the framework of the magical laws of the element of fire. Ivan, after several attempts, finally managed to create a spark of fire, but that was all. Suddenly, in the middle of training, Ivan stopped the noise at the entrance to the backyard. Several knights were surrounded by a crowd of students.

-Why are you here? Who you are? By what order are you here? Who did you come for? - Sounds from the crowd reached Ivan.

-We are the knights of the Eruon trade union, please, all make way and come forward to Mr. Ivan. - said one of the knights, standing surrounded by all this crowd of magical students of the shop.

-Ivan? Is it behind him? Does he have anything to do with the Eruon trade union? How is he ... - The crowd was once again torn apart by surprised shouts and disbelieving exclamations.

A lot of students stared at Ivan, eyes full of bewilderment. The knights approached Ivan and bowed.

-We are the knights of the Eruon trade union, ready to serve and accompany you, Mr. Ivan, on the orders of our young Mr. Nero Leos!

- Eh ... Uh ... Please stand ... I'm not that important ... You don't have to act like that around me ...

-This is the order of Mr. Nero! From now on, we are your subordinates!

-Okay ... Then, probably, nothing can be done ... Well, since you are already accompanying me, then ... Perhaps it is worth going back to the shopping area ...

"I have been practicing for quite a long time, I should visit Lui, suddenly I find something interesting ... Uru-Sha is probably still in the hotel, so there is no need to rush anywhere, I look like the city, though these knights ... The guards are a little annoying. ... "

-Yes, sir! - Synchronous, loud exclamation of the knights tore Ivan out of his thoughts.

-Then let's move out.

Ivan, accompanied by two knights, left the backyard of the magic shop and moved along the paved roads to the gate to the residential area. Finally, in front of Ivan's group, a decorated, closed gate with guards already familiar to him, on each side, rose up. One of those who guarded the gate came forward to Ivan and carefully looked at everyone who surrounded him. The two knights accompanying Ivan looked like elite warriors, some rich nobleman. Having studied Ivan's escort a little, he finally came to the conclusion that the person who appeared before his gaze was someone who had a huge influence and reputation, but had never, before that, appeared in this city and even such an exotic pet as a filletar, on his shoulder, reinforced the knight's theory.

-Hello, Mr. Ivan. - The knight made a small bow towards Ivan.

-Hello. - Ivan answered a little timidly.

-Are you going to leave the wealthy area? - The knight asked.

-Yes, I'm going to go back to the shopping district. - Slightly hesitated, Ivan informed.

- Then, excuse me, but I will have to ask you to check your pass. - The Knight hesitated.

-Pass?

-Yes, maybe it was not accepted in your city, but by order, I cannot let anyone in without a pass, if, for any reason, you do not have a pass, then you must pay a certain fee, for passing through the gates of a wealthy area.

One of the knights who accompanied Ivan came forward and took out something from his belt, it was a small, bluish-gray plate with all sorts of patterns. Seeing this tablet, the knights were still for some time in a stupor.

-Oh, I ask you to wait while we open the gate, Mr. Ivan.

The knight turned towards the one who was standing at the gate and shouted at him to hurry up and start opening the gate to the residential area.

-Farewell, Mr. Ivan - Again the gate guard bowed.

- Goodbye - Ivan said goodbye to him and headed through the gate towards the residential area.

Walking along the streets, between different types of houses and passing by the endless inhabitants of this quarter, they came out into an alley with shops and merchants on the sides, with a staircase at the end. Descending into the shopping area, he leisurely walked towards the armory shop, Lui's father. Ivan examined the goods on the way, but now, just to pass the time, he didn't really need all these goods now. He wanted to see Lui and chat about everything there was to talk about. Finally, having completed his walk through the shopping district, he got to the same gun shop. Noticing Lui, Ivan hurried to approach her.

-Hi Lui! - With a smile on his face and waving his hand, he called out to a girl standing at the entrance to the shop and cleaning a battered shield.

-Oh! Ivan, I didn't expect you to visit me so soon! And who are these two, next to you?

-And this ... - Ivan was going to explain.

-We are knights serving the Eruon trade union and are currently under the direct control of Mr. Ivan.

"Oh ..." Lui let out a surprised sigh.

- I hope they don't interfere too much ...

-Oh! No, nothing like that! In fact, it would even help me a little ...

-Hmm? Is there anything I can help you with?

-Yes, I will need to go to a collection point near the city to get some materials.

-One one?

-No, usually my father enlisted the support of hired workers and we spent a large amount on their services ... But now I have you! Could you accompany me on this trip? - Having asked a question, the girl goggled her charming eyes directly at Ivan.

- Eh ... - Ivan, in turn, could not parry such a blow and was struck by the critical damage of emotion.

-Something is wrong?

-Ah-ah ... Yes! Everything is fine! I am ready to help you! When do we leave?

-Now, I will finish cleaning the equipment and we will move forward, unless of course you mind.

-Of course I do not mind!

-It's good! - A bewitching smile stretched out on Lui's face and she tilted her head slightly to the side, covering her delightful eyes.

This sympathetic gesture made Ivan's heart beat faster again. The blood rushed to his face, spreading blush and he could no longer connect words normally, it's good that this conversation came to its logical end. Ivan decided to join the work and now, he and Lui were cleaning equipment for sale. Soon after they finished cleaning the shop's merchandise, they harnessed the horse in the backyard to the cart. Lui sat in front and took hold of the reins, while Ivan and the knights sat in the cart behind. Having safely reached the exit from Redir, they were stopped by the guards of the city. The man took Ivan and Lui to the same room where they had been, upon arrival through the gate and inspecting their belongings, the knights of Eruon remained in the cart. This time, a man with short, black hair, tall, elongated ears and brown eyes was sitting at the table.

-Hello. - A black-haired man greeted Ivan.

-Hello.

-Hmm ... This filletar, on your shoulder ... - Indistinctly muttered the man at the table.

-I'm sorry, what?

- Oh, no, nothing.

-Okay...

-Are you going to leave our city?

-Yes, we need to leave the city of Redir indefinitely. - answered Lui.

-What, for what reason, are you going to go beyond Redir?

-We are traders and we have a deal, not far from the forest of Nyurde.

-Well, then provide a trade pass or pay a fee to use the city gate of Redir.

-Yes of course.

Lui pulled out another plaque from her shoulder pouch. "And where do they get all these signs ... They don't get tired of using them every time?" The regular use of the tablets was already beginning to bite into Ivan's subconscious. At that moment, a knight entered the room to check the wagon.

-The carriage is safe, there are only a couple of empty bags, hay, and provisions from the cargo. - The knight who just came in dictated.

-Clearly, call the mage, let him check their inventory for spells and what else he checks there. - Having finished, the man waved his hand.

-Yes sir! - The knight immediately ran out of this room.

- Well, I think you already know, but I will remind you. A magic school caster, bound by a contract with the protection of the city of Redir, will now appear here.

-I see. - Ivan answered.

After some time, two people entered the room: a knight already known to us and a man in a mantle.

-You?! - Ivan and the magician exclaimed at the same time.

It was Deshis. The same spellcaster who dislikes Ivan so much.

-Oh, do you already know each other? - The man turned towards Deshis.

-This is Ivan, we already checked him at the entrance to the city ...

-Ivan ?! This is the one who saved Zhiler!

-Ah? - Deshis was very surprised.

-Ivan! Ha ha! Gyler told us about how you saved him!

- Um, I ... - Ivan was trying to start making excuses, but he was immediately stopped by the solemn exclamation of a man at the table.

-I think that now there will be no point in your checking, you can go, be sure to come back, if you come in, we will properly receive you next time!

-Uh ... thanks ...

-It's my pleasure! By the way, I'm Hever! - Hever held out his hand towards Ivan.

-Nice to meet you. - Ivan shook the outstretched hand.

-Maybe you still stay in the city for a while?

-No, we need to leave. Lui said.

- Yes, for a while ... - Added Ivan.

- Well, enjoy your journey, and come back as soon as possible!

-Yes, we will try. - Ivan said goodbye.

- Goodbye - Lui said goodbye.

Finally leaving the room, they returned to the wagon. The knights were already inside and Ivan with Barsik on his shoulder joined them. Lui sat down in the driver's seat. The wagon set off again and hit the road. Once again, the same golden fields of wheat ears appeared before Ivan's eyes. The wind plowed through this yellowish field, creating the appearance of a sprawling, sparkling lake. Ivan's enjoyment of the views of this landscape was stopped by Lui's sudden questions:

-Ivan, and when did you manage to make friends with the guards of the city?

-I don't know myself ...

- He also saved this Gilera.

- I just saw the same thief that tried to rob you, over there in the shopping area.

- The same robber?

-And then I lost my temper ...

-I-i see ... - The girl said embarrassedly.

Lui turned back a little blushing, her ears twitching slightly. Soon they noticed huge and mighty tree crowns on the horizon. Their group entered the forest. Ivan scrutinized everything around: thick and strong tree trunks, long and wide roots, dense bushes and tall grasses.

-Will we arrive soon? - Ivan asked, distracted from viewing the surrounding forest.

-We should be met, on the other side of the forest of Nyurde. - answered Lui and pointed forward.

Green meadows and open meadows appeared ahead. As they drove out of the forest, they saw a camp in a meadow. Four tents, boxes and barrels with different types of cargo and goods. There were four in the camp: three menacing-looking men and one woman. From their equipment, it could be assumed that they were definitely not newbies. Loose and light, but at the same time strong armor, allowing both to defend against a blow and to dodge. She didn't hold back, which was a good criterion. The weapon was balanced. One had a long two-handed sword on his back. The second had a pair of short blades. The third had a bow and a quiver of arrows behind him. The girl had a sheath on her belt with a sword inside and several potions of different colors. She went to the cart and looked closely at Ivan and the knights.

- Luis, did you hire other mercenaries this time? Has something happened to the old ones?

-And no, this is my good friend, Ivan - Lui pointed her hand towards Ivan.

-And they?

-We are the personal soldiers of the Eruon trade union, which are now under the command of Mr. Ivan. - As it should be according to the charter, the knight answered.

-E-eruon !? Since when did you start doing business with the great trade union ?! Oh! How can I behave so disrespectfully in the presence of Mr. Ivan! - the woman immediately bowed.

- Eh ... Please, don't be like that ... Stand up, I don't have such a high status and I'm not even a nobleman ...

-How the one who commands the personal knights of the trade union of Eruon cannot be a noble? Maybe you are one of their personal traders ?! Are you here on a special mission ?!

-Um ... No, I ...

-Oh, how can I ask you about this, and what if it is classified ... Please do not tell them to execute me! - Once again she bowed.

-No, I just helped Lui, with the arrival at this place, at her request. I didn't even think to trade with anyone here ... In general, I'm here for her.

-Thank you, oh generous Mr. Ivan. But I dare to ask ... - The girl looked closely at Ivan and turned her gaze to Lui, who now had red cheeks and her animal ears twitched slightly.

- Ask ... - Ivan said uncertainly.

-And in what relationship are you, Mr. Ivan and Lui?

-Ah?! - At the same time, Ivan and Lui screamed out of surprise.

- Hee-hee-hee ... - The knights giggled quietly, but as soon as Ivan turned in their direction, they immediately fell silent and, as if not in business, turned away. The girl smiled in response to such a reaction.

- Well, it seems to me now clear why the knights of the trade union of Eruon are here ... - The girl turned towards the men and shouted - Hey you! Well, let's load everything into the cart! And be careful, there are flammable materials in there!

- Combustible materials? - Ivan asked, watching as the men loaded their cart.

-Yes, every time we order some vegetable oil for lamps and igniters. This time we ordered more to stock up for the winter and cold weather.

"Winter? Of course I remember that on the day I got into this world it was autumn, but here it looked more and more like summer ... Why does she talk about winter during summer? Maybe the climate here is different and it's much warmer here in autumn? Yes." and I have never seen snow here ... It hasn't rained either ... All this obviously does not fit with my world ... Somehow it's even better ... Wait a minute ... And what , if a..."

-Look, I'm sorry, but can I ask one stupid question?

-M? Yes of course.

-And how many seasons are there?

-Ah? Lui exclaimed, discouraged.

-Sorry for such a stupid question, and what am I thinking ...

-Two...

-Eh?

-Summer and winter ...

-Summer ... Winter ... - Ivan unconsciously uttered these words in a whisper.

"Summer and winter? Summer and winter! They have no concept of spring and autumn! She hasn't missed autumn and the climate has nothing to do with it! They just haven't divided them into four seasons yet! But that's not something to be happy about ..."

-Ivan?

-Sorry, I'm just thinking a little ...

-Probably where you are from, not like ours ...

-Yes, everything is a little different with us ...

-By the way, where are you from?

-E ... - "This is exactly what I would definitely not want to hear! I can't tell all that nonsense now! Maybe Nero and Uru-Sha believed me, of course, but Lui definitely shouldn't be fooled by this story , and outsiders strain a little ... It's better to keep this story a secret, but then what can I answer her ?! "

-I ... uh ...

- Well, if you don't want it, then don't. Don't bother telling you what you don't want.

-Sorry...

-Maybe it's something personal, I should apologize. Sorry, Ivan. - With a sad look, the driver bent her head and her ears fell down.

-Oh, not worth it! I just don't want to talk about it. Let's go.

-Oh! I already forgot about it! Yes, it's time for us to move back. - Lui again took up the reins.

-Farewell! And Mr. Ivan, please, take care of her! Don't let her do something rash! - The girl waved her hand after the departing carriage.

At this goodbye, embarrassment appeared on Lui's face again. Ivan also blushed a little. So they took the goods and went towards the city of Redir. Here the company entered the Nurde forest again. Suddenly, with a whistle, something flew past Ivan's face, straight towards one of the knights. It stuck right into the knight's shoulder and he screamed in pain. It was an arrow. That knight immediately broke off its rod and threw it out. The cart stopped because another arrow hit the horse's head. Lui screeched and ducked, covering her head with her hands. Ivan immediately turned in the direction from which the arrows were flying and saw four men in dark cloaks and leather armor emerge from the bushes. One of them held a bow, the other two blades, and the third a sword, and finally the fourth with a mace and a shield. The man with the sword moved towards the wagon. A bandit with blades came in from the opposite side, and armed with a mace and a shield, he guarded the archer. Ivan could not believe what was happening now. Shock enveloped him. The knights immediately got up and jumped out, Ivan followed them.

-Hey you! Give everything that you have and do not resist!

- Damn ... - Ivan filtered through his teeth.

-And you may not even dream of salvation! - The bandit with the sword pointed in the direction of Ivan.

"What?!"

-You will definitely die today!

-Ah? What?!

-Just don't resist and die!

The man slashed in the direction of Ivan with a sword, but he managed to put the blade in front of him and received only a small scratch on his hand. Ivan was distorted and he fell to the ground. The knights immediately stood in front of Ivan and, having teamed up, attacked the enemy. They held back the bandits with blades and swords. Ivan looked at the battle spread out in front of him and sincerely admired this battle. But then he noticed an arrow flying in his direction. He immediately jerked back and she only scratched his nose. "Damn! Damn! Damn! Why the hell did they attack us!"

-We only wanted to kill this guy, and take your cargo, but now we will kill everyone! - The bandit shouted in fury, sword in hand.

-We won't let you do that, don't even hope! - answered the knight and immediately attacked.

Ivan turned towards the archer. The bandit with the mace was already heading towards him. "This brute is running right here! He's coming after me!" Ivan immediately jumped to his feet and, trying to dodge the blow, jumped to the left, Barsik jumped off his shoulder to the right. The mace hit the ground with a resounding sound, and cracks went through it. The dust rose into the air and began to swirl, at that moment Barsik jumped on the enemy and grabbed his face, not allowing him to see anything. Ivan tried to think over his further actions and then his attention was attracted by the fact that one of the bandits was thrown to the barrels of oil. He collapsed right on one of them and the barrel fell from the cart, deformed, thereby allowing the oil to flow out. The black liquid spilled over and soaked the soil. Then a truly insidious plan ripened in Ivan's head. "Highly flammable oil! Flammable liquid! What I need right now is the most!" Ivan immediately stretched out his hand towards the leaked oil and released the mana of the element of fire. A small spark flew out and ignited it. The entire area soaked in oil immediately ignited. Crimson flames raged before the eyes of everyone present, terrifying and instilling fear. The bandits looked in the direction of Ivan with disbelief and did not understand why among their victims there could be someone capable of creating such a powerful fire.

-Why, where from! You could still understand the knights, but where did you get such a powerful magician! Let's go quickly, guys! This is not something that could be done with our capabilities, this spellcaster is finished! - The enraged bandit roared, sword in hand and rushed towards the forest, hiding in the bushes, the rest of his gang followed him.

But the knights from Ivan's side managed to catch up with one of them, it was a man with two short blades in his hands. He tried to fight back and slip out of their surroundings, but nothing came of it. The knights neutralized the enemy and he fell to the ground exhausted. The fire had already burned out by this moment. Due to the fact that the barrel rolled away from the wagon when it fell, it was not damaged by fire and all the rest of the goods were safe and sound. The knights dragged the rendered harmless bandit into a cart and tied his hands behind his back with a rope found nearby. Ivan went up to Lui and patted on the shoulder. She jerked and slowly turned to face him. Tears welling up in her eyes.

-Ivan! - Lui rushed to him and buried her face in his chest, burst into tears.

-Everything is good, we fought back ... - Ivan whispered quietly, himself disbelieving in everything that is happening now.

-I ... I ... I was so scared! Ivan! - The girl continued to sob.

-It's all over, they won't come anymore ... - The guy did not stop calming her down.

- I thought that you ... - Not having time to finish, her voice broke and she sobbed even harder.

-But I'm fine, and right now I'm standing in front of you. - Ivan hugged the girl.

-Ivan ...

- Calm down, we'll be home soon ...

-Thank you ... - Barely audible the girl whispered.

After a while a knight approached them. The second was guarding the bound bandit.

-We need to set up camp, it is already getting dark and it would be better to rest.

-Hmm ... Spend the night in the forest ... And the animals?

- One of us will stay on duty.

-Then I...

-Not worth it, we knights are used to staying awake at night, we will replace each other at night. You can rest easy.

-Many thanks...

-It's not worth it, it's our job.

-You do it perfectly ...

-First, we need to get some brushwood and light a fire, and we also need food.

-I can help with food, I know how to handle onions a little ...

- Well, then I will go for brushwood, will Mrs. Lui stay here?

-N-no, I'll go with Ivan ...

- Wait, you can't come with me! It can be dangerous, you just experienced this ...

-Not! I will go with you! I do not want you to leave! - The girl grabbed the guy and did not let go.

-Lui?

- Don't make me be alone again ... - Lui whispered so that Ivan would not hear.

-What?

-I will go with you. - persistently continued the girl.

- Eh ... Okay, there's nothing you can do about it, then you go hunting.

- Y-yes, I guess ... But I need a bow.

-Oh, there is one copy in the cart! I'll bring it now! The girl jumped inside the cart and took out a long bow with a small quiver.

-Luy, are you sure you'll come with me?

-Yes!

- Eh ... - Ivan held out and took a bow with a quiver in his hands.

-Now I will not leave you, not a step. Lui said.

- Okay, let's go. - Ivan said to the knight and went deep into the forest.

Lui held Ivan's hand and they moved forward, stepping carefully so as not to frighten off possible game. They walked slowly through the forest, bending over, looking around and listening. At some point, Ivan froze in place and let go of the girl's hand. He reached for the arrow. He drew his bowstring back and prepared to fire, straightening slightly. At a distance of 15 - 17 meters from them, a small wolf occasionally snoozed while lying on the ground and closed its eyes. An arrow with a whistle cut the air and bit the wolf right into the chest, from which he howled long and with anger in his eyes turned towards the alleged offender, he immediately rushed from his place to him. Ivan with perfected movements took out the second arrow and pulled the bowstring. Again a shot and an arrow pierced the throat of the beast, he took a few more steps by inertia and fell to the ground. Blood flowed from the wolf's wounds. The barely audible wheezing finally subsided. Ivan walked over to the corpse and lifted him onto his shoulder. It was a little hard for him to carry such a carcass, because he is not an athlete in any way and he rarely performed even the simplest loads. Swaying slightly, he walked towards Lui.

-Are you okay? Lui asked with fear on her face.

-I'm fine. - Ivan smiled.

-You shoot so well ... I certainly would not have been able to hit him, at such a distance ...

- Yes, I just shot a little earlier ... - Ivan said, not forgetting to mentally thank Uru-Sha for archery lessons.

-Trader, hunter ...

- Okay, it's time for us to get back.

-Ah, yes!

-Eh and heavy beast ...

-Did you say something?

-No, nothing.

Returning to the camp, Ivan noticed an already kindled fire and the knights sitting next to it, and the bound bandit was in the cart. The stars could already be seen in the sky. Ivan threw off the prey near the fire. The knight got up and went to Ivan.

-Ho ho, and you filled up a healthy creature.

- It's just the only animal that we could meet today.

- I was counting on some kind of deer or other herbivore, but that you would overwhelm such a predator ...

- It's just a wolf.

-You are really a difficult merchant ... - said the knight and squatted down, taking out a knife.

The knight unhurriedly cut the carcass and skinned it, began to sand the sticks. Soon they were already holding sticks with pieces of meat planted on them over the fire. They stuffed their bellies with delicious fried meat that night. All but one knight went to bed.

So Ivan fought off the bandits' ambush.