Gaselirot: The investigation - part 11 (2)

Ivan stood and looked at the boys, who were crying for a dog lying in a corner of a dilapidated barn. The dog was no longer moving, and even the dog's chest was no longer rising. A piece of moldy meat lay in front of her, and there were sobs that smelled of rot. A terrible combination. Ivan wanted to Wake up at home this very minute and cry, thinking that all this was not real, just a dream. But the reality, alas, was not so. All this was happening right before his eyes. The knight standing behind Ivan was stony-faced and finally spoke.

"Don't worry so much about it...

"What?" the blond man screamed.

"What did you just say..." the dark-haired boy whispered, turning around and crying at the same time.

"I'm saying you don't have to cry about it.

"You fucking insensitive bastard!" the blond man got to his feet.

-This is too much, Sagok... - Turned Ivan into the side of a knight with a furrowed look, as well as filleter on his shoulder.

Despite all the stares directed at him, the knight went to the dog and knelt down on one knee.

"Don't touch her!" the blond man yelled.

-Nukes! Leave her alone, " the dark-haired man said.

But the knight went on, and he put his hand on his belt and began to pull something out. Ivan was about to stop him, but suddenly saw that he took out a flask with a red liquid inside.

"That's nothing... Ivan said.

"This is a healing potion, master Ivan, I was going to use it on this dog. replied Sagok.

"But where did you get the potion?" Wasn't it supposed to be in the doctor's office?

"Master Duzei gave me a couple of phials for your protection. Forgive my arbitrariness, for such use of it... - the knight lowered his head low.

"No, no, you're doing the right thing, and now get her well!" Ivan answered without hesitation.

"Sure, but I'm not sure it'll work on a dog... Never try.

The knight held the flask to the mouth of the dog in the corner and poured the contents down its throat. But body never jerked Sagok shook his head and rose to his feet.

"I'm sorry... - said the knight and stood behind the drooping Ivan.

"How could this happen?".. She couldn't have died like that. I same so and not... - brown hair could not accept this and already began in full force to roar.

However...

"Wait! Look, it's moving! She's breathing again! She's alive! Nyuki, you're alive! - noticed the blond and rushed to hug the dog.

The dog snorted a little and finally opened its eyes. Her eyes darted from side to side and finally she whined. "It seems that it is much smarter than other animals that I have met here." The children started playing with the dog. They petted her and cried constantly. But now they were tears of joy. Ivan, who was looking at all this from the side, also came closer and sat down in front of them. He reached out to the dog and stroked it. The dog immediately twitched and looked at Ivan, and then at Barsik, it seemed unable to recognize the person in front of it and became alarmed. Ivan got up and walked away, deciding not to disturb the creature that had already miraculously escaped from certain death. "It seems I'm not needed here..."

"He saved you, Nuki... The knight behind him is a great doctor! They, they are the ones who cured you... " the brown-haired man spoke through tears.

The dog looked into the brown-haired man's face with its tired eyes and then turned to Ivan, who in turn slowly stretched out his hand and she licked his palm. "It seems that we have reached an agreement... She's a really smart person..."

-I think you still deserve the trust... - barely audible whispered the blond - But you do not relax too much, I am still suspect.

-Heh - heh-scratched his head Ivan.

- By the way, and you who exactly such... - suddenly asked blond.

-Er, something completely slipped my mind with all these events ... Well, I'm Ivan... Legs. - awkwardly introduced myself to Ivan.

"I am a knight of the Eruon trade Union and am currently on a mission to escort master Ivan. - fully and without hesitation had Sagok

-A name you're not called... - quipped Ivan.

"Er... I'm a Novice.".. I'm just not used to divulging my name... privacy and all that... the knight drooped and began to mumble something under his breath.

"Ha, ha." Ivan laughed.

"I'm Kada, and thank you again for saving me." "brown hair," he said.

"Well, I'm Hien, and this ..." the blond man also gave his name, beginning to call the black-haired boy's name.

- Muren. - short and dry rapped his cold voice bezdenegnaya the boy, interrupting the previous one.

-Clearly... Ivan shuddered again at Muren's words and the way they were uttered by Him, his face completely devoid of any emotion.

"He's so creepy... If he suddenly jumps out from behind me, I'm going to fucking fall back! You have to be careful with it, that's for sure..." Ivan, more and more convinced of his doubts at the expense of Mörön.

"Oh, right! I promised to take you to the slums! Come on! Kada suddenly smiled as he went out into the street.

"Wouldn't it be better not to move after such a beating?" You don't look like the best candidate for a guide. - Ivan decided to take care of the boy's condition.

"Don't worry, I'm healing like a dog, and I'm used to feeling pain all the time. - again the boy smiled ingenuously, which made Ivan shudder again.

"This fucking world has definitely gone crazy... Such terrible words and such a soft smile should not be present together at all! This is crazy!" The melancholy Ivan, the Knight, and the children, with their newly released dog, went deep into the dark and God-forsaken slums.

There were shouts and drunken swearing from all sides, and the dog sniffed at the acrid smell of one or another of the garbage heaps. Once, in the gap between the houses, a figure ran quickly along the side of the group, disappearing into the ominous gloom of this otherworldly world... And now, near one of the turns, the boy Kada stopped and abruptly turned to face Ivan.

-We are already close, right around this bend we will come to an interesting place, I often stay there...

They went around the corner and they had a view of the hidden, behind all these dilapidated houses, an old and dilapidated opening, where apparently once there should have been an entrance door, leading inside a certain tower. The group headed straight for it and finally reached it. The upper beam of the opening, which had been reduced to dust by age, with rusty nails sticking out in all directions, had once collapsed under its own weight and now blocked the way of visitors to the tower. It lay diagonally across the floor, leaving only one way to get inside by crouching. And Kada, squatting down, began to crawl under this wooden barrier. After a while, there was a scuffle from inside, and soon the beam finally collapsed to the floor, raising clouds of dust in the air. The figure of a small and shabby boy appeared in the darkness.

"Let's go inside." Kada called and started up the stairs.

At the end of the stairs, they saw a dark room filled with things from the surrounding streets. Right in the middle of one of the walls was a huge hole, giving an ugly view from above of all the slums that stretched along the city walls. "Probably at night you can see a beautiful picture from here with a few twinkling lights on the streets of the slums... I'd like to see it... However, the fucking smell of the rancid spoils the whole raspberries..." And while viewing one of the sites, Ivan noticed how a group of robed individuals gathered together, and among them was one person dressed in ordinary, local rags, it was dragged by two persons dressed like the rest of the pile, they covered their faces with dark hoods. The man was thrown to the ground and rolled right into the center of this gathering of strange individuals. It was at this moment that one of the figures took something from under its black robe and moved closer to the individual lying on the flagstone. With a sharp movement, she thrust what was in her hand into it. A red pool of blood covered the pavement. Ivan was horrified by what was happening on the streets of this city. "Right in the middle of the street in the daytime, they killed someone! They just stabbed a man in an open square... Looks like I'm lucky I didn't meet these guys... But this one... However, it is too late, and I would not be able to help him with the current forces..."

"Did you see that?" - asked the knight patting Ivan on the shoulder and pointing in the direction of the square.

-Yes... A terrible case... - answered Ivan, lowering his head and looking at the floor of this room. - Badger on Ivan's shoulder for some reason was alarmed and now just looked warily in the direction of that strange gathering.

-Judging by the actions of this group, this is a recently announced criminal group. They are called "Levion" on their account for more than thirty residents of the city "Redir"... These people are dealing with important figures for the economy in this city... Because of them, the entire Redir has been on its toes lately. The local economy is collapsing and only our trade Union "Eruon" still continues to hold major ties here, only thanks to us Redir has not collapsed yet...

"So they're known bandits... Are they so dangerous to the state?

-Because of the collapse of the economy, the people will lose respect for the Lord, the nobles will become helpless and then the group will immediately take power, well, or just run back to their base in another city, I do not understand much about this, with such questions You should contact Mr. Nero.

"What are we going to do with these freaks?"

"We could track this group and even get information about their movements. - suggested Sagok.

-Um... Good idea, let's go after them, but here's how to get to them... - Ivan wondered.

-I know how fast to get to that place! the blond man held up his hand, pronouncing his sentence.

- Then lead us, please-said Ivan.

-Now, follow me, I know every route here like the back of my hand!

"Can you count?" the knight laughed.

-Well... Hien hesitated and immediately ran down the stairs, trying to get away from the conversation on this topic.

-He doesn't like to talk about his past and family especially... Please don't blame him. - verbally defended his comrade Kada.

-Clearly... I shouldn't have asked...

"You will need to apologize to him... And how could I have so carelessly asked about such a thing, I should have thought earlier..."

After descending, they began to make their way along the route that Hien had indicated to them to that ill-fated square and finally reached it. A group of suspicious individuals, in black robes with hoods, were still in the same place. The figure that had stabbed the poor wretch, who was now senseless and lying thoughtlessly on the cold stone tiles, was now standing in the middle of his companions, talking about something, still holding the murder weapon in his hand, so that it was easy to identify him.

"Well, that was the last one for today, so we'd better get out of here, or they might suspect us." the knife-wielding killer said.

-Yes, soon our man will be replaced with a strained one and then we will have to come up with excuses. "that's right," said someone in the crowd.

-Maybe it's better to negotiate with him? another man in the crowd suggested.

-Too risky. "Yes," said the first.

"But then we can get this over with faster."

-Or immediately give yourself away, literally revealing information about your location and our intentions.

-Well...

-We need to hit straight on the main post of the market! We must quickly and thoroughly undermine the city's economy, which will hurt the Lord the most! another man from the crowd shouted.

"What do you suggest?" "what is it?" the first asked.

"Since the Lord has decided to expect us to fail, we must take advantage of his hesitation to attack the Central chamber of the trade Union.

-Offer to go against the trade Union "Arwon"?! But then how do we restore the city's economy? We will have no communication with the outside world! Would you suggest contacting the ambassadors of other cities? What if they decide to get rid of the weak link?

"No, I'm not that stupid! I suggest that we destroy the Lord's politicians who are responsible for the deals and agreements with the Eruon trade Union, and then we can replace them with our own allies.

-Good idea... But how will the Union itself react to this?.. They will also lose the source of gold and other resources. the first asked again.

"But they can quickly replace all those small fry with new ones, so we can only overthrow the Lord in our dreams." We need to be more determined and take more risks!

"You may be right, but... a man from the crowd began to speak.

"Well, I think we should discuss this in a meeting, not in the middle of the street. the first one broke off the conversation.

"Yes, we were delayed.

"I think it's time to go."

The robed men began to leave and eventually spread out across the various streets of the slums. Ivan decided to trace the one who had held the bloody knife in his hand. The man walked between dilapidated buildings and every time he stopped, Ivan's group tried to hide behind some object, because the mountains of garbage were always nearby. After a while, they all came out to the shopping area and there they began to walk towards the gate to the residential area. "Soon we will know the house where one of them lives..." On the way, the man went into one of the shops and soon came out with several scrolls in his hands. When the group reached the gate, the man removed his hood. Ivan was very much surprised by the face that opened, it was Deshis. The same mage who was hired by the city's soldiers to search those entering and leaving. "So he is connected with these actions... Who would have thought that such a wealthy student of the magic Academy would rebel against the Lord... And what does he want? Power?" They went through the gate and followed Deshis to the stone house.

-Well, we know where one of the members of this group lives. It seems they are going to attack the main politicians of the city... This is serious action...

"Mr. Ivan, I understand that this is beyond a simple request, but I would like to ask You to accompany me to the head of the Eruon trade Union and provide all the information we have received to him personally. - asked Sagok, bowing to Ivan.

-Uh, of course, but I do not know the way to the headquarters of Arwana...

-Please, follow me.

"M-can I come with you, please?" Kada asked, looking at Ivan.

Ivan turned in the direction of the knight, and seeing him shake his head negatively, refused.

"No, unfortunately, you can't come with us. Ivan forbade it.

When they reached the gate on the rich floor, they went to the trade Union "Erwan". In front of Ivan stood a huge building 5 stories in height. Decorated with a high fence of black metal shimmered beautifully in the sun. Two knights in silver armor with gold inserts that were nothing compared to the battered half-leather armor on Zagok or Tomen stood near the beautiful wide gate. Noticing unexpected visitors, they blocked the passage with their broadswords.

Who are You and what brings you to the trade Union "Arwon"?

-I am a knight of the Euron trade Union, sent on a mission to accompany and protect Mr. Ivan, who is standing behind me and we have important information for the head of the Union.

"Your sign?"

"Of course. - said Sagok, taking from his bosom the tablet of the trade Union "Erwan".

After checking their identities, the guard missed a group of Ivan inside of the luxurious court of Arwana. Stately nobles, servants, and knights were everywhere. It was easy to see that the people who lived on this estate were very high-ranking. Ivan followed SAOCOM and as a Lord on his shoulder, constantly turned his head, considering the particular picturesque "painting" of the garden. The red flowers, with a bell hanging down at the end, looked like a liquid Apple on the branch of a tall tree. One of the maids who went in the garden was cutting the bushes with her garden scissors, it seems that they made a statue of some stately man. "Now a Golden Palace inside a tree, then huge gardens in front of a huge estate... This world has too rich inhabitants..." When they reached the end of the garden path, they came to a huge double door. They were opened, as befits rich men, by two gentlemen in formal attire. Inside, the interior was as breathtaking as the garden outside. The exquisite design and grotesque figures on the clippings created a majestic atmosphere. Sagok approached the man behind the bar at the middle of the hall.

"Hello, I am Zagok, a knight of the Eruon trade Union on a mission to accompany master Ivan, who is standing behind me. the knight introduced himself.

- Clear, please sign and arrival destination. the man demanded.

Sagok took the tablet and gave it to the man in front of him, then continued.

-Mr. Ivan and I have important information for our head.

"You want to talk to the chief?" How important is your information? - a little surprised asked the man.

Immediately after, Zagok raised his right hand and showed 4 fingers.

"I'll ask You to follow me." Ezi, borrow for me! the man turned and gave an order to the girl standing against the wall.

The man took Ivan and Zagok to a luxurious door on the 5th floor of the building. On a Golden plaque read: "the Head of Erwan" that showed the affiliation of the room. The man knocked on the door.

-Enter. a dry voice came from inside.

The man opened the door and went inside, followed Ivan SAOCOM and Whiskers. Inside were bookcases, an expensive-looking table and chair, and a tall silhouette standing at the window outside. When he turned around, Ivan saw a slightly stubbly face with short gray hair and long ears. He was wearing a dark green jacket with crystal inserts and a gold line at the collar.

"What brings You to my office?"

-Please forgive us, but these people claim to have level 4 information and I brought them here.

-4 levels? I haven't heard of such cases in a long time... Who Are You? - the head began to scratch his chin.

"I am one of the knights of your Alliance, Zagok, and I have been sent on a mission to accompany master Ivan, who is now behind me.

- Oh, Ivan? Isn't this the Ivan who befriended my son?

"Your son?" Ivan asked

"Nero, my only son and rightful heir!"

- Nero... Yes, he is my friend!

Mr. Erwan, we have information about the group "Levion" - butted in the conversation Sagok

-"Levion"? It is interesting... And what do You know about them?

-We saw a strange group of people on the streets of the slums that killed guzelimian in broad daylight.

Stabbing guzelimian? But what is the ratio of this case has to "Leviano"?

"Haselrieder? Who's that? Some kind of nobleman? Wait a minute... Or is it a substitute for the word "people" in this world? Replacing the common name of the races... you Will need to find out later."

"Even though the man was dressed in tattered rags, I noticed a tattoo of a lion on His neck and he was stabbed by a man in a black robe with a dark-bladed knife.

"Lieni's Tattoo?" So it was missing Diner... - frowned Erwan.

"Lieni's Tattoo?" Ivan asked.

"These are tattoos that are given to members of the Lleni merchant clan.

"We were able to track down the residence of one of the members of this organization by following him to his very doorstep. - told the situation Sagok

-You know where he lives? This is amazing! I will definitely reward You later!

- This was Deshis... mage... - added Ivan.

"You also know his name?" You've made my job easier, but you're a magician...

"Is there a problem with that?" Ivan asked.

"The Union doesn't have any problems, but the Lord will... He will have to get rid of an important military unit...

"Get rid of it?"

"Yes, most likely he will get information through this same Deshis and execute all the members of the organization, as a warning to others..."

"Do we have to kill them?"

"Do you want them to resume their actions and overthrow the Lord?" I'm not happy with this arrangement.

- But...

"What if there is another option..."

"It is decided that we will soon go to the house of lords and report on this situation.

"Should we go with You?" Ivan asked.

"Of course, I think You, as chief speakers, are worthy of telling Lord Redir with me.

-The keynote speakers? Are there others?

"Naturally, you think I would believe in the first person I met and go straight to the Lord?"

- Er...

-I have my own information networks in the city and not only... Harlots, tradesmen, even impudent slum pigs under my control. You just put the final nail in the coffin of my doubts about this.

-Clear...

"It seems I underestimated the head of Arwana... He's a sly Fox, not a harmless lamb... Nero was obviously lucky to have such a father."

"Prepare a room for our esteemed guests on the fourth floor and treat them as special nobles.

"Yes, chief!" the man immediately turned and ran out into the corridor.

"Are we going to sleep here?" Ivan was confused.

"How else?" Get a good night's sleep, and we'll have to leave early tomorrow for Lord Redir's estate.

-Well... Ivan agreed.

At that moment, the man returned.

"All ready, please follow me back to Your quarters."

-Of course... - Ivan finally agreed and moved in the direction of the fourth floor along with Zaharom and Whiskers, who at this moment sat on Ivanov's shoulder.

Soon Ivan was standing in front of the door to his room with the key in his hands.

"I'll leave you at that, Mr. Ivan.

"Yes, you can go."..

Ivan went to his temporary home and it looked even more luxurious than in a hotel in a rich quarter. "It's not even a Suite anymore... The presidential apartments will even envy this beautiful room... " Perfectly selected interior colors and a lot of subtle details on each element of the decoration. "Here even a simple bed leg is a work of art! It seems to me that I am completely superfluous and incomplete here..." With these thoughts, Ivan undressed and collapsed on the wide bed. Barsik took advantage of this moment and immediately jumped on Ivan's chest, which was slowly rising to the ceiling. In such a peaceful environment, this busy day ended.

So ended the tour of the slums for Ivan.