Black Ice

Aurora managed to save the innkeeper's daughter, who was on the highest – the third – floor of the inn. The girl's mother also managed to leave the burning building in time, but her husband, due to his rather stout physique, did not have time and burned to death. Everyone (including Mark and Andy), except for Theohar, stood next to the Grand Magister and the First Guardian against the backdrop of the burning building. From the looks on their faces, it was clear that they were extremely displeased with the king's actions, so it was surprising how much restraint they were showing. Vaironis surveyed the group of Watchers. "What an interesting zoo, Richard. As always, your order recruits people of the most diverse nations and races." When his gaze met the female members of the group, a charming smile spread across his face, but then his face expressed disappointment. "An angel, too fragile. You would look quite good in my castle, but, unfortunately, I already have a representative of your people, who is currently in a cage that I prepared specifically for her. Imagine, this woman deliberately flew here to fight me, to 'end the suffering of the inhabitants of this state and free them from the tyrant.' In the end, she lay with broken wings at my feet. Oh, how beautifully she flew." His gaze shifted to Ner'gai. "Your people undoubtedly possess unparalleled strength and courage, but they are clearly not known for their beauty. And you all look the same, both men and women." Finally, he looked at Mariette. "Ah, the Chosen of the Moon, how beautifully these words sound. I must admit, I expected more from a representative of the people of the woman who managed to bring the old soldier of King Heligkight back into service. I don't even know if I should be proud that the women of Vaironia are much more beautiful than foreigners, or if I should be sad that there are fewer beautiful things abroad." In any case, the king returned to his conversation with the Grand Magister. "Richard, why are you recruiting so many girls into the order?" And again, he turned his gaze to the girls. "You are young and moderately attractive, so many ships, large and small, beautiful and not so beautiful, are waiting for the opportunity to dock at your harbors, so many swords are waiting for the touch of your delicate hands, and yet you are rushing to seek your death by completing the tasks of the Black Ice."