Chapter 18.

- Stand up! Soldiers, thank you for your service! - The colonel was as solemn and serious as ever.

- A-a-a-a! A-a-a-a! A-a-a-a-a! - the soldiers of the corps shouted three times, causing the birds that had settled on the garbage dump behind the utility block to scream frantically and fly away, furiously flapping their wings. Apparently, they decided that their last hour of life had come. Several thousand throats that shouted "Glory!" roared so terribly, menacingly and in unison, as if a many-legged and many-armed beast had somehow miraculously wandered onto the military parade ground.

Heverad looked at the corps lined up in a square, and his heart warmed – his brainchild. His corps. No matter what happened in the world, the corps was the most combat-ready unit in the kingdom. And all this was the result of his work, too. To be able to put the right people in key positions – for this you need to have a smart head like his. To notice the right, efficient person, to elevate him and not make a mistake – isn't that an art?

Here, for example, is the latest find – Ned the Black. The boy was a country bumpkin, uneducated, naive and ignorant, like the last driver in a seaside town, but look at him now – an eagle! His helmet is shining, his chain mail is on fire, a picture, not a soldier! And his company – is shining, shining, and not a single remark was made at the inspection! And this is despite the fact that his company is nothing but rabble, unwittingly not caught by the city guards of various cities, criminal types, vagrants and just dull guys. After all, he could! He did not disgrace the commander's trust!

Heverad glanced sideways at General Burtos standing next to him, turned sharply, so that his heels clicked, raised his hand in a military salute, and reported:

- Mister General! The Marine Corps is formed! Ready to receive comments! This is the Corps Commander, Colonel Heverad reporting!

- Congratulations, Colonel, the corps is magnificent. You are, as always, at your best, and I will report this to our king. - The general's face, flushed from the sun and the wine he had drunk the night before, expressed complete satisfaction with what he had seen.

The general had spent a great night with two young whores, and by morning he was so drunk that they barely got him up to form up. He would have been glad to finish the official part as soon as possible, and therefore he had no time to inspect the lined-up regiments.

Heverad noted with a smile the presence of black bags under the general's eyes and quietly, barely audibly, suggested:

- Eras, perhaps I should send you a doctor? How are you feeling?

- To be honest, not very good. I had too much to drink last night. Nulan, please order some light wine, preferably white. And cold. And some well water, ice-cold, to dilute. Is there a place to sit? You're going to have a competition now, right?

- Of course, Eras, there's a place ready for you, over there, under the awning. Everything you like is there - cold light wine, snacks, everything you need. The competition is about to begin. Will you bet?

- Hmm... stakes? You know, I'm a little short...

- Don't worry! You'll be given a credit of a thousand gold pieces, so don't worry about the money. If you win, you win. And if you lose, no one will demand a refund from you.

- Excellent! - the general sighed with relief. - You are excellent in this too. I love coming to you - there is always order, always goodwill and clear organization of affairs! It is not for nothing that His Majesty the King values ​​you so much. By the way, he recently asked - isn't it time for you to transfer to the ministry, isn't it enough for you to meet enemy arrows with your chest? Think about it - the post of Deputy Minister of Land Forces will soon become available, so...

"I'll think about it, General." Heverad closed his eyes gratefully for a moment. The offer was indeed very good - it was one thing to have a hand in the cash flows that filled the corps' treasury, and another - ground forces numbering tens of thousands of people. And everyone needed to eat, drink, wear shoes, and dress - this opened up wonderful prospects.

- Exactly, think about it, - the general nodded. - There are not many combative, efficient and smart officers in our department. We need to raise people like you, giving them the opportunity to prove themselves at the state level, and not in individual units. Especially in these sad times...

"Bastards! " the colonel thought with a furious grin. " You shit yourself at the front and now you're pulling out those who can actually fight? And what about your relatives who've taken over the military department? Are they pulling shit out of their pants? Stupid creatures! All you can do is drink and chase women at balls! How many of you have had my whore wife? The whole staff? They probably giggled, like, a combat colonel, and your wife… Isfir put the squeeze on you? Well, it would be stupid of me not to take advantage of this situation. It's time to go to the capital… It's just a shame to abandon the corps. A real shame. But you can control it from the capital…"

- Are things that bad? What's going on at the front?

"Bad," the general answered quietly, glancing sideways at the corps officers standing a little further away and carefully not listening to the conversation of the senior commanders. "Worse than many think. The Isfirians have already advanced a hundred and fifty li into Zamara's territory. They are leaving garrisons in the cities, fortifying themselves. This is not a border skirmish, this is a full-scale war. And things are getting worse and worse. Think about my proposal, think hard about it. Otherwise… there will be no time and no one to think. I hope you don't want Sholokar to rule the kingdom? That's it…"

- Let's return to this conversation after the competition. And you need to rest after the review, and I need to assess the situation. Of course, I will not leave my king without help, after all, I am a loyal subject of the crown. By the way, how is His Royal Majesty feeling?

- Not very. Shortness of breath, doctors never leave his chambers, they treat His Majesty - he worries about the fate of the country, he doesn't sleep, he's worried. All in business.

"You need to eat less! And drink more wine! And your deeds, you filthy bitches, are well known - to get drunk and roll around with women! And let someone stick their ass out for you at the front! You see, he doesn't sleep at night! Which mistress hasn't he slept with? He's screwed the whole yard, the fat hog," thought the colonel, not outwardly betraying his feelings.

- It's a pity. I wish His Majesty a speedy recovery, and I will not abandon him in my support. I assure you with all responsibility.

- Excellent. We knew we could rely on you, - the general nodded contentedly. - Will you see me out?

- Of course. Now I'll order Zaid to give the command, and we'll settle in under the awning. By the way, were you comfortable last night? Not hot? Did everything suit you?

"That's it," the general grinned, "thank you. Let's go."

- Colonel Zaid, give the order to end the inspection and start the competition. Let the commanders make sure that the equipment is neatly stored. And set up guards at the barracks and weapons rooms - there are a lot of strangers today, you never know...

* * *

– Finally! And we've been waiting here for a long time! – Zadara, sitting on the bench, was animated, her eyes were shining, and her cheeks were flushed like a young woman's. – Did you have time to take a shower? Yeah, good. After your iron armor, you warriors stink like goats. Sometimes, my husband would come home from maneuvers and the smell of sweat would knock me off my feet! I wouldn't let him near me until he washed up. Tiraz, why aren't you eating? Eat, eat more – you've lost so much weight. And he was such a plump little boy! When my husband brought him in the saddle, I got out and looked – the boy was so pink, so plump! And where did everything go? Look, poke him in the side – you'll knock your fist off! He's made of iron!

Zadara gently patted the imperturbable Tiraz on the cheek, and he quietly made a cute face at Ned and Sanda while the old woman wasn't looking.

- I see, I see how you're making faces there! What a restless boy! Always running around with my kids, coming home with bruises! They would wander around town and fight with street kids. That's where he got those bad thoughts into his head - to become a soldier. He was so quick! So restless! Always getting into fights. But I have to give him credit - he never lost or gave up. It's a shame your husband can't see how you've grown up, Gozar... what a shame.

"Yes, I feel sorry for my father," Tiraz nodded and, realizing it, glanced sideways at the surprised Ned and Sanda. Then he turned away and pretended to be busy looking at the soldiers setting up the fences of the competition area.

- Yes, yes... don't be surprised. He is the son of my late husband, - smiled Zadara, - from his mistress. Cedar brought him to me and said: "Do what you want - beat me, cut me, kill me, but I will not abandon him. This is my son. She died, and he has no relatives. Forgive me if you can. And if you can't - go to the demons!" So I... punched him in the face, he then walked around with a bruise for more than a week. He told everyone that he ran into a branch in the forest. And I took the child and raised him with her children. After all, he is their brother. And he is a good boy, I love him like my own. Come here, Gozarchik, let me kiss you... There, a good boy! Asana, pour him something to drink, look, the boy's throat is dry! And cut him some fresh ham! He is so skinny!

- Yes, he has more, he hasn't eaten it! - boomed the black "tower" in a colorful bright dress that made your eyes dazzle.

- It doesn't matter what we have! Give me something fresh! What, will my arms wither away or something?! What a lazy woman, huh?! You guys, eat up too, eat up! Ned needs to have a proper meal too, he's going to be jumping around with the iron now! He needs to gain strength.

- Now do you understand why I don't visit my mother often? - Tiraz whispered conspiratorially. - She'll smother you with her motherly love! How are you, haven't you howled yet from all this attention?

- Aunt Zadara is a fine fellow, - Ned answered evasively, winking at Sanda, - but I only see her in the evening; besides, we lock ourselves in… She scratches, screams near the window and leaves. But you can't go out, otherwise she immediately bursts in and starts giving orders. And you can't leave the doors unlocked - she can burst in in the middle of the night at the most intimate moment and scream: "Little one, the way you're lying is uncomfortable for the boy!"

- What, really? - the master laughed, looking at the grinning Ned and the giggling, blushing Sanda. - Was it really like that?

- It's the absolute truth! - the girl nodded, having finished laughing. - I almost started to straighten my leg! I almost died of shame! Horrible!

- Hey, what are you whispering about? - the old woman shouted suspiciously. - Are you discussing me? What rascals! Taking advantage of the fact that I have become slightly deaf! There is no point in discussing me! Better look at the guests - do you see the man over there? He used to flirt with me. Cedar broke his nose. And such a handsome man, this Hagar... An officer, in a word! They fought a duel over me. By the way, I was told rumors that Cedar was having an affair with his wife. I interrogated Cedar, but he never confessed. And what kind of officer is hugging her?

"Hmm… this is actually my immediate commander," Ned frowned. "I didn't know he was from here."

"Her son, it seems…" Zadara said slowly, deliberately, looking intently at the stranger with faded, old eyes.

The old woman darkened and demonstratively turned away, putting a candied nut in her mouth. She somehow immediately fell silent and went into her thoughts, and the interlocutors looked at each other, shrugging their shoulders. Apparently, she remembered something from the past.

- Today we will see how prepared you are for sword combat, - Tiraz grinned. - Do not disgrace your teacher. And one more thing - do not spare your opponents. Hit as hard as you can. Even if this is not a duel, they will hit hard here.

- How will it all happen? I have never been to a competition.

- Now they will split everyone into pairs, start calling out, and you will go out onto the platform, choosing a sword from that pile of iron. A sword and a dagger. Well, and fight until the colonel stops the fight. Or until one of the opponents refuses or is unable to continue. That's all. Simple.

"Are kicks, punches, and other body parts allowed?" Ned asked just in case.

- Hmm... Actually, they're not prohibited, but... it won't look nice, - the master smiled. - This is a fencing tournament, not a hand-to-hand combat tournament. By the way, who did you put up for hand-to-hand combat?

- Oydara, a corporal from my company. My comrade. We enlisted together, slept on adjacent bunks in the barracks. And then fate threw us a little apart - I became a sergeant, and he was my subordinate. We are on good terms, but... I am an officer, and he is a corporal.

- Yes, I know that, - the master nodded. - When you have to send today's friend to his death tomorrow, naturally, the thought comes to mind that it's better... not to be a friend. Then everything is simpler. It's better to be friends outside of service. With those who have nothing to do with the army.

"With me, for example," Sanda smiled seductively and kissed Ned on the cheek.

The girl looked simply charming. The dress of thin silk, given to her by her mother as part of her dowry, hugged her hips, outlining their beautiful shape.

The fabric, brought from somewhere on the southern continent, shimmered sometimes golden, sometimes bluish-white, and was slightly transparent, outlining the beautiful breasts on which Sanda never wore a bra - even without a bra they stuck out forward, as if made of hard wood.

Ned, when he first saw Sanda in the pastry shop, paid attention to her breasts, and only then did he examine everything else. However, he was not at all original in this, as thousands of men throughout history would have confirmed.

The girl's feet were shod in woven leather sandals, which served not as footwear but as an adornment for her slender, smooth legs. When Sanda walked, it seemed as if she were dancing, and not just walking down the road.

The moist eyes of a doe, the velvety clean skin, the shiny hair – the girl exuded freshness, beauty and such passion that the officers and especially the "hungry" soldiers of the corps twisted their necks, secretly and openly examining the girl's charms sticking out from under her dress. Fortunately, the neckline was quite daring – at Zadara's suggestion, they lowered it… a little. Just three sa. Or four…

The breeze from the mountains was fresh and slightly cool, so Sanda's nipples almost pierced the thin fabric. "Death to men!" - that's how one could describe her outfit.

Zadara, when she examined her charge from head to toe at home, was satisfied with the result and said that if she were a man, she would follow her to the ends of the earth. And Ned would be a fool if he did not appreciate his wife's attire as he should.

Ned appreciated it. At first he raised his eyebrows, then frowned and said that Sanda looked like an expensive whore. To which he received a stern rebuke from Zadara and a pouty face from Sanda. Then he shrugged and said that if she liked walking around in such an outfit, he didn't mind. The main thing is that she wasn't naked, and that was fine. Although… it would be better if she was naked. It wouldn't look so provocative.

By the way, no underwear was found on the girl when she was felt. Zadara explained that one does not wear panties with dresses like the one his wife is wearing. It is too thin for that. But he should not worry – the dress is still opaque… almost opaque. And who knows whether she is wearing anything or not? She will not allow anyone to check it.

To which Ned said he hoped so. He wouldn't want to chop off anyone's ears or strangle his wife in public.

To which Zadara replied that he was a boor, an egotist and a country bumpkin who didn't understand anything about fashion or how a real woman should present herself. And if he wanted his wife to sit in the barn and never go out, he should have married a cow - her skin was thick, and no one would pay attention to her udder, which meant there was no need to be jealous. Then Ned gave in.

And so Sanda became the queen of the current gathering. The men whistled enviously, and the women snorted angrily, burning with the desire to rip off "that bitch's" shameful dress and drag the reptile out in the mud so that their faithful would not drop his stupid jaw, devouring this whore with his shameless eyes.

Ned pulled away from his wife slightly, patting her hand affectionately, and said:

- I'll go see Oydar and check how he is.

"Can I go with you?" Tiraz suggested, glancing sideways at Zadara, who at that very moment was distracted by yet another rebuke to her second hanger-on, who had served her the wrong pie.

"Of course," Ned smiled, "let's go."

- And me?! - squealed Sanda. - Are you going to leave me here?

"Keep an eye on Aunt Zadara," Ned said seriously, "or the birds will carry her off. See what a shiny hat she's wearing? And birds love shiny things!"

- Eh-h-h! Robber! - Zadara chuckled and laughed. - Always making fun of grandma! Go away, you rascals! Sandochka, leave them alone - they are either going to the toilet or discussing us women. However, they usually combine these two pleasant activities. Men are such gossips! Listen, I'll tell you a story...

- Let's go, let's go quickly! - The Master grabbed Ned by the arm and dragged him away. - Mama Zadar is a wonderful woman, but in large doses she can be unbearable. It's better to take her love in portions, as well as her chatter. You must forgive me for shoving you to live with her. However, everything turned out rather well, didn't it? And the house was cheap, and I even got a beautiful wife. By the way, keep an eye on her. Later, everyone will get drunk - there might be no problems... She is such a bright girl that everyone stares at her. Maybe you should dress a little more modestly? Forgive me for butting in where it's none of my business...

"It's all Zadara!" Ned grimaced with annoyance as he passed a group of soldiers who were discussing upcoming duels. "It's her job. I just gave up on it. Let them dress however they want."

- Zadara... you should have seen her when she was in her prime! What a beauty she was! When my father died, she just went dark... They were always fighting, arguing, feathers flying! My mother is a sharp, strong woman, no matter how fragile she is! She'll hit you so hard you'll feel terrible!

"I already know," Ned grinned, "she smashed the detective's nose before he even had time to blink."

- Exactly. So, she is young and dresses Sandu. And, by the way, it seems that father died because of Zadara's mother. No one knows who killed him. But... many wanted to get him out of their way by marrying the widow. Or at least by getting her into their bed. After his death, she didn't get along with anyone. She locked herself in the house and sat there until everyone forgot about her...

- And what did your biological mother die of? Sorry if I touched on a sore spot...

- No... nothing to worry about. I barely remember her... They say she got sick and died. I tried to find her grave, to find out who she was, how it all happened, but my father was no longer alive, and there was no one else to ask. Maybe my mother Zadara. But she was silent. Just silent, that's all. She never told me anything. She really did treat me like a family member, especially when my father died. After all, I look a lot like him, a lot. Especially that humped nose, and the hair, and that dimple on my chin. For some reason, her real sons don't look like him so much, more like her, but I'm the spitting image of my father.

Ned nodded and wondered: where else had he seen that nose, that dimple… where had he seen a man so similar to Tiraz?

He still didn't remember, then he shook his head, driving away the obsession, and slightly quickened his pace, seeing Oydar with a group of colleagues.

Oydar was warming up, doing exercises and absorbing the Force. He did not see Ned until he came and stood to the side, and when he did, he smiled happily:

- Hello! Thank you for entering me into the competition! A hundred gold pieces would be very useful to me!

"Master, this is Oydar," Ned smiled, "he is a master of watsu, he has a tark."

- Hmm... a promising young man, - Tiraz nodded, carefully watching Oydar's movements. - At such an age, to receive a tark... And who examined you for a tark? Can you name the masters?

- I... that is... - Oydar blushed deeply. - In short, I failed the exam. Didn't have time. But my teacher said that I was definitely at the level of a tarka.

- I see, - Tiraz nodded, - you are not bad. But after a long absence of training, a certain sloppiness and fuzziness appeared in your movements. However, this can be easily eliminated. I could work with you and take you on as a senior student if you wanted. Of course, when you finish your contract service. "And if you live to see it," the master mentally finished.

"You… are a master?" Oydar asked, stunned, and bowed his head respectfully, pressing his right hand to his heart.

- Yes. I have my own school in this city, - Tiraz nodded his head, - so I invite you when you are free. And now look - this exercise should be done a little differently. Here! - He smoothly squatted, moving his arms forward and to the sides. - Repeat! Look - your cankers open more fully, and the Force flows into your body more freely... like this, like this... You catch on quickly, boy. You have a great future. I will wait for you. The main thing is - don't let yourself get killed.

The Master winked and stepped aside, watching Oydar continue to warm up. Ned looked and whispered quietly, trying not to distract Oydar:

- I'll step away for a moment. I need to check something.

Glancing at his friends, who were busy training, Ned turned and walked over to where Lieutenant Shusard and his family were standing. They were talking, looking around, and did not notice Ned.

Ned walked slowly up to the group and stood a step away from them, looking at the older man, whose bearing remained that of an officer - a little flabby, gray-haired, he looked haughtily at the preparations for the competition grounds and frowned, as if remembering his bygone youth. Then he noticed Ned, his eyebrows rose, and the man said with disgust:

- Anton, is this sergeant not yours?

Shusard looked around in bewilderment, saw Ned and said irritably:

- What do you want, country bumpkin? Are you looking for me?

"No, not you," Ned said calmly and nodded his head at the older man: "Him!"

- What do you have to do with my father? - the lieutenant frowned. - Get out of here! It's not enough that you stand in front of me on the parade ground all day, but you also bother me here!

"Wait, Anton," the old man stopped him and asked warily, "What do you want, Sergeant?"

"Why did you kill him?" Ned asked suddenly, looking into the man's blue eyes. He had once been a handsome man. Even now he was handsome, as well-groomed, well-groomed "pedigree" old men are.

- Who? - the old man shuddered slightly, glancing at Ned's face. - I've killed many people in my life. In battle and in duels.

- Colonel Cedar Ivarron. It was you who killed him, I know!

"From where?! What does he know?! Where did he come from?! No, it can't be. No one knows. And I cut Jasson's throat, so that's it. The old bitch probably sent me, she suspects, but can't prove it. Creature! I would cut your throat without thinking! Anton? What good are children if they can't cut the throat of your offender? Even if these children are not yours..."

- Anton, what kind of nonsense is this sergeant talking about? Is he crazy? Or did he just decide to insult me? And you just watch this calmly?

- Get out, Black! I already told you! - hissed Shusard Jr. - Or should I give you a kick?! How dare you bother my father?! Creature!

"He is not your father," Ned said coldly. "Your real father is Cedar Ivarron. Your mother was the Colonel's mistress and got pregnant by him. And your supposed father coveted Ivarron's wife, Zadara. And hired a man named Jasson to kill the Colonel. And he killed Ivarron. And then Shusard cut Jasson's throat and threw his body into the sea. He was pursuing two goals at once: revenge for Ivarron sleeping with his wife, and getting Zadara, the first beauty of the corps and even the city, into his bed. He succeeded in the first task, but the second… failed, did he, Major? The Colonel's widow refused to sleep with you anymore? Even though she always suspected you of her husband's death, but she could not prove it.

- Ah-h-h! - ​​The woman standing nearby, the lieutenant's mother, grabbed her head, staggered and fell into the retired major's arms - she lost consciousness. The lieutenant, speechless with amazement and frozen like a pillar, suddenly hit Ned in the face with all his might:

- Creature! You dare insult my father?! Duel! To the death!

- Kill him, son! - The former major stared at Ned's face with hatred and, unable to bear it, croaked in a choked voice: - Yes, yes! I killed that upstart! But you will never, ever prove it! Kill him, son! Damned Ivarrons! They ruined our whole lives! He took my place as regimental commander! Because of him, I didn't get what I should have received according to my origin, my position! And I fucked his wife! Yes! And more than once! She was a whore! And now she is the same whore, only now an old, decrepit whore! And it is she who is to blame for the death of her husband! If Zadara had not given me hope... What are you looking at, Anton? Well, yes, I was not always faithful to your mother, so what? Wake up, such is life! Kill that scoundrel, and let's close this topic!

"Shusard, you know I told the truth." Ned touched his cheek, which was burning from the blow. "Apologize, and let's leave it at that."

- In front of you? Apologize? You're still lying! Should I hit you again or will you finally decide to challenge me to a duel? - the lieutenant answered calmly, frowning and clearly thinking about something.

- Fine. A duel. I don't insist that it be to the death. To the first blood.

- No. I accept the duel, but it will be to the death. With swords. Here or somewhere else. Better here, during the competition duel. The rules allow, at the discretion of the duelists, to replace training swords with combat ones. Only death will stop us!

- Why, Shusard? - Ned shrugged his shoulders in bewilderment. - Why would you die for a lie, for a criminal, not even your father? He lied to you all his life, killed your real father - he's a scoundrel! You're not a fool not to understand that!

- I hate you. I hate people like you - upstarts, rootless creatures! And your words mean nothing. You, rootless cattle, are ready to do anything, just to humiliate noblemen to your level. And you need to be taught. And you will not be the first one whom I teach good manners. Or rather, I will wean you from bad manners forever. You will die. Get ready.

- That's right, son. Well done! - Shusard Sr. nodded his head with satisfaction. - Kill this creature. Peasants should know their place.

- I'll tell Hevarad about the duel, - Shusard nodded, - and you, Black, prepare to die. Go, say goodbye to your whore. After your death, the entire corps will fuck her. Tell her to take no less than gold for her services and not let the soldiers near her, or the price will go down...

Ned gave the lieutenant a quick, no-swinging punch in the face, splitting his lip. He wiped it off, licking off the red drops, and nodded.

- That's good. You're going to die. Now you definitely have to die.

Ned turned around and, ignoring the lieutenant, walked towards where his wife and Zadara were sitting. He didn't notice how the people around him were whispering and pointing at him and the lieutenant - the events between the two officers did not escape the eyes of those around them. Few people failed to notice the skirmish, and the last episode, when Ned hit his commander, was seen by almost everyone. Including Sanda.

The girl jumped up from her seat, ran up to Ned, whose face resembled a mask carved from stone, and asked anxiously:

- What?! What was that? You hit the lieutenant? For what? What happened? What will happen now?

"There will be a duel," Zadara nodded with satisfaction, squinting as if she had taken Ned's opponent into the crossbow's sights. "Your husband will kill the impudent fellow today. Ned, why did you go to them?"

"He said it was wrong to kill colonels," Ned said through gritted teeth, rage seething inside him, looking for an outlet. "You know who killed my husband, right?"

- I know. What can I do? - Zadara sighed wearily, her face dull. - It's my own fault. I shouldn't have gotten involved with Hagar. But Cedar is also to blame - why did he sleep with Shusard's wife? When I found out, I was completely furious... and took revenge. Yes, I slept with Hagar. But I broke up with him as soon as he did THIS. And how did you guess? Lieutenant? Yes, he's the spitting image of Cedar. Just like Goraz. Have you noticed how similar they are? Yes, you're smart. Few would have guessed, but you did. What did Hagar tell you?

- That you and your husband ruined his life.

- He ruined himself. He only flirted with other people's wives and didn't want to deal with official matters at all. That's why my husband stopped his career advancement.

- Hmm... how everything got mixed up, - Sanda drawled thoughtfully. - Did you all sleep with everyone here? And was that considered normal?

"It was such a time, girl," Zadara shrugged. "Back then, it was considered normal for a woman to have one or two lovers, in addition to her legal husband. And men – they weren't limited in their relationships at all. Especially in such cramped towns, where most were military. It was boring, nothing to do, the only entertainment was intrigues related to service and flirting. Cheating was encouraged – the king of that time, the father of the current one, was a follower of a sect at the temple of the goddess Selera. They preached the rejection of traditional family values, numerous affairs on the side and all sorts of exotic entertainment, in a group and without it. I didn't approve of this, my husband didn't either, but we couldn't be free from fashion either. Those who adhered to old family values ​​were ridiculed. When everyone around says that having a lover is normal, that those who remain faithful are hopelessly behind the times, that they are cattle and ignorant peasants – do you think that might leave its mark?" Willingly or nilly, he will. That's the result... cross-pollination, so to speak, - the old woman chuckled. - Now everything is stricter, the current king can't stand the priests of Selera and does not allow sectarians to come to him. However, this does not stop him from sleeping with all his court ladies. They say there is no escape from him, he drags everyone to bed. What can I say? He is his father's son... that's all.

"Ned, what happened?" Tiraz's voice was heard from behind, alarmed. "Everyone is talking about a duel between you and the lieutenant!"

"A duel. To the death," Ned explained briefly.

- The reason?

- He insulted my wife. And also... I told his father that I know he is the killer of Cedar Ivarron.

- Are you... sure? - Tiraz's voice suddenly became hoarse. - Perhaps this is just speculation? We always suspected that he was the one who did the murder, but it is one thing to guess, and another to know for sure.

- Exactly. I told him on purpose that I knew he was a murderer. And Shusard couldn't stand it. He started accusing the late colonel of having stopped his service. And also that the colonel had slept with his wife.

- What, did you say it yourself? In front of everyone?

- Of course not. The lieutenant heard, and his wife. And me, of course. No one else. And it seems that the younger Shusard knows. He knew that his father killed the colonel by hiring an assassin. And he is not at all against it. I don't understand – after all, Ivarron is his real father! How is that possible?

- It is not always the one who conceived, the father. But the one who brought up, who raised, who instilled intelligence. I don't remember my mother, and Zadar's mother became my mother. And in my mind, she is the mother, not the one who gave birth. Do you understand? Besides, who knows how he raised him and what he told him about my father. Until death, then... hmm... funny. As I knew. Here, take it, - Tiraz handed Ned a small oblong package that he took from the bench, - I wanted to give it to you after the competition, I was sure that you would win it. But now... let it be right away. Look what's in there!

Ned unwrapped the bundle – he already knew what was inside. The sight of the precious "left-handed sword" delighted him – the black lacquered scabbard released a matte blade covered with patterns with a quiet rustle, and in the middle golden runes glimmered: "I conjure you, give me strength, O Winged Terror!"

- I give it to you. As a keepsake of me. You already have one, and this is a pair for it. From master to master. Secretly, I think you have already reached the level of a sword master. I can't teach you anything else. Perhaps you have already outgrown me. I don't know the reasons for your rapid growth, but the fact is the fact. It's as if you were recalling what you went through earlier and now you have remembered everything. Own it.

Tiraz took the sword in both hands and presented it to Ned with a slight bow. Ned bowed just as ceremoniously, coughed awkwardly and asked quietly:

- Such an expensive gift... Can I repay you with something? No, no - don't think badly, I'm not offering money. If something unexpected happens in your life, you just have to turn to me, and I will always help. I swear.

"Thank you," the master answered seriously, "I know I can always count on you. And now – get ready. Colonel Heverad is literally running here. It's about to begin…"

- Ned! Explain to me what these duels are during the work of the commission? - The colonel was seriously angry. - What happened? Why is Lieutenant Shusard saying that he is going to cut off your head and nail it above the doors of the estate? What happened?

"I found out who killed Colonel Ivarron," Ned said firmly, "and Shusard is protecting his… father." The pause between Ned's words was barely noticeable, but the colonel still raised an eyebrow—he understood.

"There is no evidence," Heverad said in a low voice and, glancing to the left, chuckled in surprise: "Goraz?! You're here?! I haven't seen you for a long time… How did you end up here?"

- Look, I came to watch my student fight. And besides, my mother is here, I wanted to accompany her. Isn't that possible?

- Hmm... no, please. Are you aware of what Ned said?

- I know. As far as I know, the major himself confessed to the murder, right, Ned?

- Yes. The reason for the murder was love passions and official intrigues. That's all.

- That's all... - the colonel repeated thoughtfully. - That's it. And. That's all. Why did you bring up this story? So many years have passed... everything was so quiet, calm.

- You are quiet and calm, yes, Nulan? - Zadara said sharply and rose from her seat, clenching her fingers into fists. - You all knew that it was his fault! And what?! What did you do to punish the killer? Thanks to Ned - he made a fuss. For me. Let everyone know who the killer is. Let him! Let him sit out the last years of his life in his estate, afraid of people's eyes! And let him experience the pain of loss! Ned, kill his son! Let Hagar know how hard it is to lose loved ones!

"You are cruel, Zadara," the colonel said quietly, shaking his head. "You were kinder once."

- You taught me! You taught me well! - the old woman narrowed her eyes angrily. - How many tears I cried into my lonely bed! And did this creature live? How many times I wanted to kill him! And then I had a hard time stopping myself - and the children? You would have definitely sent me to the gallows for killing this beast! And now... now let him cry. Well done, Ned!

"Are you sure Ned will win?" the colonel chuckled. "I hope you don't have to cry again..."

- No. He will win! Goraz taught him. And Goraz will lay down your fighters in droves if necessary! Declare the start! Let Ned gut this puppy!

- As you say, Zadara, - the colonel grinned and softened his voice a little: - And you look good. Still as beautiful as before. By the way, who is that beauty next to you? Your daughter? She's just like you. You were the same. I remember how I used to stare at you as a boy...

- You know how to give compliments, Nulan! - the old woman smiled. - That's why women have always loved you. However, not only for that. They say you were always very good in bed too...

- Oh, come on... they're lying. I've always been simply magnificent! - the colonel laughed. - So who's that beauty there, would you like to introduce her?

- Let the husband introduce her, - Zadara winked, - this is Ned's wife. Remember that story about the attack on us by the Nitul couple with the support of the burgomaster? Well, this is her, that girl.

- Oh gods! Now I understand how she managed to lasso our rock-hard Ned! - Heverad smacked his lips. - Where have you been hiding, beauty? I would leave my wife for you and take her to the ends of the earth! Congratulations, Ned, a great choice.

- Quiet, quiet, Nulan, - Zadara giggled. - Girl, don't listen to him. He's a known ladies' man! Always trying to fool women! Come on, he's joking...

"No way… what a joke. Anyone would give… a lot to have a tumble with such a beauty, " thought the colonel. " And really, Ned had to snag such a beauty! Just look at her legs, her breasts, her face… If it weren't for Ned, I would… He'd probably cut my head off – he's a serious guy. And the way the girl shoots with her eyes… she loves men, worship. You'll cry a lot with her, man. My wife was like that too – young, beautiful, she shot with her eyes… and now she shoots, the bitch! Be careful, boy."

"Let's get back to our sad business." Heverad shook his head, driving away the obsession. "So, Ned, do you confirm the summons to Lieutenant Shusard?"

- I confirm.

- The reason for the duel?

- He insulted my wife and hit me in the face.

– Is reconciliation possible? Reconsideration of the duel conditions?

- Now it's impossible. Until he touched Sandu. Conditions? He insisted on a fatal one.

- I see, I see... - the colonel thought. - So, here's the deal: we'll hold the tournament as it should be - with blunt weapons. If you meet him at the tournament, you take live weapons. If one of you drops out of the tournament early, you meet right after the tournament, in the presence of witnesses. You have plenty of them - look how many! - The colonel nodded towards the parade ground. - You must write a will, which will be handed over to the corps office - just in case. Shusard will leave the same. It's necessary in any case. You didn't write down who should receive your salary in the event of your death in the war or as a result of an accident, did you? Well, then - you'll write it. Go to Major Stirt, he'll accept the paper and certify it with his seal. By the way - how do you rate your chances?

"The boy is not simple... just remember his previous duels. And Goraz is really good. His school is the best in the seaside region of the kingdom. If Tiraz prepared the boy properly, there is a chance to get a good jackpot. I'll put a thousand on Ned. And three hundred on Shusard. No - two hundred. Two hundred will be enough. Or maybe a hundred?

"Oh, the girl is beautiful... And her outfit... it made my blood rush... it's even embarrassing. Like a boy! No wonder all the officers twisted their necks for her. A free school. That's for sure. She also always walked around like the incarnate goddess of love! That's why there were always duels. And it's started again! All evil comes from women... but where would we be without them?!"

* * *

- First pair! Sergeant Black and Captain Aston! Practice weapons. Please proceed to the field. - The voice of the usher, Major Stirt, was cold and impersonal, and the entire crowd of spectators gasped: "Straight to Aston?! Got the guy... what bad luck!"