darted on both sides so quickly they were impossible to count. Sunlight flashed repeatedly between the trees, and the leaves of small bushes rustled as they were jostled. Grandfather Omnicius, perched just behind the hare's head, held his ear with one hand and held his hat with the other. He also glanced sideways at Adiar riding along the road. He remembered well that the knight intended to ride east, so as soon as he sent the tabby tomcat to Jagoda, he immediately ran into the forest to wake his hare friend, and they set off along the road. An animal as large as Adiar's horse wouldn't be able to quickly break through such thicket, but the little hare easily avoided the trunks and ferns. Finally, when the sun rose above the trees and Grandfather Omnicius began to wonder if Adiar had accidentally turned off somewhere along the way, they caught up with him. However, since the dwarf didn't particularly enjoy jumping on a galloping steed, they continued along the road, waiting for the right opportunity.
Adiar slowed a little from time to time, but he still rode too fast. Who knows how far they would have gone if not for a fork in the road that appeared between the trees. The sandy road, which until now had meandered alone, intersected at most by forest paths, now split into two. But the worst part was that both led further east; one a little further south, the other a little further north. Adiar stopped at the fork and looked around, searching for some sign.
"The eastward track. But which one?" he asked himself. "Well, my brave steed, which path goes further east?"
The horse, as usual, only responded with a snort. The knight stood a moment longer, looking around.
"Well, since both lead east, I guess it doesn't matter whether we take the southern or northern one."
And with that, he set off along the southern trail.
By this time, Grandpa Omnicius had already climbed onto his mount by the tail and settled himself between the saddle and the bag tied to it. He rang the bell to make sure which bag Darmir was in, and when he heard the answer, he quickly slid onto it. He didn't have to worry that Adiar would hear him, as humans couldn't hear the magical dwarven bells. Then, with some difficulty, he unbuckled the strap fastening the bag and peered inside.
At that very moment, the horse began to move again, and Grandpa Omnicius, seeing no other option, jumped in. He jumped straight into the arms of the delighted Darmir. The young dwarf, though still frightened, was beside himself with joy.
"Grandpa, grandpa," he shouted, hugging the Omnicius.
"Well, all right. Calm down. Nothing's happened to you. We have to get out of here, and then we can celebrate."
"True, but if the bag is open, it won't be difficult to get out," Darmir replied, and added after a moment, "We just have to wait, because at such a gallop we might break all our bones."
"Well, you see, I hope he doesn't lock us in here together now, because then I don't know who will free us."
Saying this, Grandpa Omnicius climbed to the edge of the bag and peered out from under the flap. Darmir's head poked out beside him.
From there, all they could see were trees fleeing in the distance, horses' hooves beating the sand on the road, and the bag's strap fluttering in the air. And it was this strap that caught Grandpa Omnicius's attention.
"Look," he said to Darmir, "there's the bag right in front of us, and in it are those three hundred gold coins."
"And how will that make our escape easier?" Darmir asked.
"It won't make it easier, but that's not the point. Since we have to wait for the right moment anyway, we can do some good deed in the meantime.
" "But what?"
"Just look," the dwarves slid back to the bottom of the bag, "if this knight, called Adiar, is a righteous, just, and noble man, then he probably intends to use this money for some noble purpose. If, on the other hand, he is a treacherous villain, then he probably came into possession of it unlawfully.
" "That's understandable," Darmir agreed, listening carefully to every word.
"So," Grandfather Omnicius continued, "if he somehow left it in the forest, then whether he is righteous or not, justice will be done.
" "How so?" Darmir asked, surprised.
"Oh, just look. Who would find this money in the forest if not some poor people gathering brushwood, berries, and mushrooms? And giving to someone in need is a very noble act. Right?
" "True," Darmir agreed.
"So if he loses it in the forest, it would be just as noble as if he himself gave it to the poor." If he's a bad man and has illegally acquired the bag of gold, then justice will only be served if he loses it along the way. Right?
" "True," Darmir nodded again. "But what role do we have in this
?" "Obvious, my dear," smiled Grandpa Omnicius. "We just need to help him lose the gold. And in this way, whether he's a bad man or a good man, we'll have done a good deed.
" "Aha," Darmir nodded approvingly, though he didn't quite understand Grandpa Omnicius's intention. "But how are we supposed to deprive him of the gold?
" "You see," Grandpa Omnicius frowned again and looked thoughtful. "The entrance to the bag is almost next to our bag. So we have to jump in, untie the bag of gold, and cut open the bottom. And the gold will find its way to the forest on its own."
"Aha," Darmir smiled, amazed at Grandpa Omnicius's idea. "Indeed. The coins will fall like a string onto the road. Very well. But Grandpa... do you want to get to the bag in such a hurry?"
Grandpa Omnicius adjusted his chin and nodded. Finally he said,
"You're right, this isn't the expedition for me. I'm old and maybe not fit enough for such trips. It's good that you care so much for me, Darmirk. So I'll give you my foxtooth knife and do what needs to be done."
Darmir's eyes instantly grew as wide as pigeon eggs.
"But Grandpa...
" "Well, stop whining. If necessary, necessary. That's the fate of a dwarf. Here's the knife, and off you go. You don't need to hurry, I guess, because he probably won't stop anytime soon. And if he does stop, jump out and run into the forest. I'll do the same."
Darmir, with a not-so-happy expression, took the foxtooth knife and tucked it into his belt.
"I'm going then," he said.
They climbed back to the edge of the bag and watched the road rushing by.
"We'll wait a moment until it slows down a bit," advised Grandpa Omnicius. "Then you grab the strap and climb into the bag. You'll be fine there."
Darmir merely nodded and watched the road rushing by below them. Finally, when Grandpa Omnicius seemed to be slowing down a bit, the younger elf leaped forward and grabbed the strap fluttering in front of him. The end of the bag, tightened with it, was tight enough to prevent anything from falling out, but loose enough for the little elf to squeeze through. So in a moment, Darmir was inside. He himself, however, wasn't sure if it was safer here or floating in the air, hanging by the strap. Every now and then, something in the sack, bouncing on the horse's back, would fall from one side to the other. And every now and then, Darmir would bump into something, thumping painfully. Finally, he reached the leather saddlebag at the very bottom. Although foxtooth knives are very sharp, making a hole in the bottom of the sack wasn't easy. The bag containing the gold was constantly pressing down on him, and he had to be careful not to fall out himself. Eventually, he managed to make a large cut. He climbed back into the bag, and after a moment's struggle with the unruly strap, the gold had a clear path into the forest.
He watched for a moment as the first coin, bouncing and turning, made its way from the bag into the hole in the bottom of the sack, and then he set off on his return journey.
Having added to his collection of bruises on his back, arms, and legs, he finally reached the bag where Grandpa Omnicius was impatiently waiting.
"So? Did you make it?
" "Of course you did. Why wouldn't you? But I think I broke every bone in the process. I need to catch my breath for a moment."
"Well, all right," Grandfather Omnicius patted him on the shoulder. "You've done well. Now we'll wait for the right moment to get out of here and then we'll return home peacefully."
After Darmir had rested a moment, they climbed back to the edge of the bag and tried to watch for the falling coins. Sometimes they thought they could even see them glinting in the sun. Grandfather Omnicius briefly considered lighting his pipe, but decided against it. All that remained was to wait for an opportunity to safely exit the bag.
Meanwhile, the oblivious Adiar rode on, pondering what he'd heard from the innkeeper. Serving in the King's Guard seemed safer than fighting on the battlefield, and it paid handsomely too. Sometimes they'd probably have to face enemies, slay a dragon, or prove their valor in a tournament. But these were trivial matters compared to the constant fighting. He also thought about the princess, who, despite the age at which heirs to the throne usually raise children, was still unmarried. Furthermore, the innkeeper claimed that no knights had visited the area for some time. The maiden's beauty couldn't be so extraordinary, nor her temperament so intrusive, that there wasn't a nobleman willing to court her. Ultimately, however, Adiar decided it was none of his business. Some are born for the sword, others for the crown. A true warrior shouldn't waste his time tending to unruly maidens.
He stopped his thoughts there, as a rather large clearing emerged from the trees. A forest stream flowed through the other end, its murmur audible through the trees for some time now.
"I think it's high time for a rest," Adiar said. He dismounted and led his horse to the bank. When the animal dipped its muzzle in the cool waters of the stream, he dropped his sack and the cloak he had removed during the ride. Then he crouched down and scooped some water into his hands to wash his face. He pulled out another piece of dried meat and, chewing, lay down on the grass.
By then, Grandfather Omnicius and Darmir had already jumped out of the saddlebag and jogged a short distance along the edge of the clearing.
"Well, that's all over," said the older elf. "We can go back now.
" "Perhaps we should eat a little before we return?" suggested Darmir. "There's probably a few forest sorrel leaves here somewhere. And there's no shortage of mushrooms in the area.
" "Ha, probably. A snack never hurts."
And the two set off in search of something tasty. They found five sorrel leaves, three strawberries, wild dill, wild parsley, seven blackberries, and a blueberry. Then Grandfather Omnicius smiled and said,
"It's high time to go home."
When they had eaten everything, Darmir spotted a young mushroom in the grass and shouted with joy:
- Well, our meal was a success.
He ran to her, embraced her, kissed her cap, and tried to pull her away. And then the clatter of horses' hooves echoed from the direction of the road they had come down. Quiet at first, pulsing, barely perceptible, it grew louder with each passing moment. Adiar heard it too. He rose from the ground and touched his sword with his hand, as if to check if it was where it should be. He had just time to think about throwing his sack and cloak onto his horse when four riders rode into the clearing. As soon as they spotted Adiar, they slowed and turned toward him. The first of them wore a plate breastplate, tousled hair, a chubby face, and large, round, eyebrowless eyes. The others wore only light chainmail, sour expressions, and swords hanging from their belts.
"Welcome, welcome, good sir knight," said the one who appeared to be the leader as they stopped, attempting a polite smile.
"Greetings, gentlemen.
" "May I ask whom we have the honor of greeting?" continued the eyebrowless rider.
"Adiar da Gerve. Knight and knight of the noble da Gerve family.
" "Please, please. We are honored to welcome a very noble person to our forests.
" "Could I have the honor of meeting the king himself in such unusual circumstances?" asked Adiar, though from their appearance, faces, and the circumstances of the meeting, he couldn't have had any serious doubts about the newcomers' professions.
"No, not at all. Where did that idea come from?
" "Because these are royal forests.
" "True. Royal. But what's the matter, sir knight? I am Vergo da Malantes, a knight no less noble than you. So, the king doesn't set foot outside the castle, and we have come to live here. So, the royal forests are by grant, and ours by possession. Especially since we are the ones who maintain law and order here. We make sure no one disturbs travelers, scares game, or causes any disturbance."
"So you, gentlemen, are forest guards? A highly respectable position in the king's service," Adiar nodded with feigned appreciation, pondering how to painlessly leave this unexpected company.
"True, respectable. Although not necessarily in the king's service. It's more of a personal initiative." Here Vergo paused for a moment and looked at his companions. "And so, it's a bit of a hassle. No one pays you, and you won't get free food and lodging anywhere.
" "It's a great injustice," he admits. "Permit me, when I reach the king's presence, to mention you to him and ask for some support in this matter."
"Indeed, you are a truly noble man, good sir knight. But the king is far away, and our hungry stomachs are here. We would be glad if you would deign to support us with a donation now."
Vergo's face took on such a sorrowful expression that it was only by a miracle that Adiar didn't burst into tears of grief and compassion. Instead, he painfully declared:
"I would be very glad to extend this kindness to you. However, I have nothing I could give you.
" "It seems so to me, good sir knight, though I would prefer to be sure."
This time Vergo smiled even more broadly than before, sincerely, mockingly, and malevolently. He reached for his belt and tossed an old, worn bag at Adiar's feet, spilling gold coins onto the grass.
"Do you recognize these, sir knight?"
Adiar no longer had to feign surprise. He stared at the gold coins for a moment. Then he looked at the bag lying nearby, which had held them that morning. He turned it with the toe of his boot until he saw a slit in the bottom. He stamped on it lightly to make sure nothing was inside.
"Who would have thought such wonders could be found on a forest path?" Vergo continued. "So we collected them one by one, hoping that this golden path would lead us to the owner." And it did, I think.
"It's very noble of you to save me from ruin. I'd be a damned ungrateful man if I didn't reward you for it," Adiar ventured.
"Indeed, damned. But we didn't follow you for the reward," Vergo replied, and stopped smiling. "We don't intend to return the gold we found. However, you will do us a great favor by adding the change that didn't manage to fall out.
" "It's robbery," Adiar said without agitation or vehemence, for this had been obvious almost from the beginning of the meeting.
Vergo smiled proudly.
"It's more like a tax," he said. "You will give us the rest of the gold that remains in your bag, and we will spare your life and health.
" "And if everything has already fallen out?
" "It would be better if something remained. Although your mount is also of a fine color, so we will keep it for the balance.
" "Forgive me, good gentlemen, but you will keep neither the gold nor the mount, as I need them for my journey."
With that, Adiar drew his sword and rested its tip on the ground, just behind the saddlebag lying in front of him. Vergo stopped smiling completely, flushed, raised his head, and widened his round eyes.
"Do not anger me, Sir Knight, for I am a violent man, and some tragedy may happen in this forest today. I appreciate your courage, for I myself am a knight. I swear on my honor that if you leave here immediately, no harm will come to you. But you have no way of taking the gold and the horse with you.
" "You don't need knightly honor to rob, but perhaps you have enough to stand on your sword?" Adiar ventured for the second time.
Vergo straightened in the saddle, looked at his companions, and smiled.
"Do you hear that? That's a rascal. So, Sir Knight, I'm accustomed to giving my enemies the choice between an easy death by beheading or a duel. And so, there's no one among the living who would even wound me, even though there are a few in the barrows. Doesn't that discourage you a bit?
" "Stand, Sir Knight, or ride away. We enjoy our conversation, but time is pressing."
Adiar decided he had a better chance against one opponent than against four. He took Vergo's words as boasting and an attempt to intimidate. And he was right. Vergo really wanted to scare him and win the gold without a fight. But he also loved duels and didn't lie about them a single word. With a wave of his hand, he ordered the other riders to remain in their saddles, and he himself jumped to the ground.
"It will be as you wish. Whether you are brave or have lost your mind, Vergo da Malantes will cross swords with you." Remember in this hour that you are not my enemy, but only an obstacle. So let first blood decide victory. You wound me—you will ride free with the gold. On the honor of the da Malantes family.
It was a disturbingly swift agreement, but now Adiar had no time to hesitate or back down. So he replied,
"So be it. And if my blood flows today, I will give you the gold and the mount without a word. On the honor of the da Gerve family."
Hearing this, Vergo smiled again and widened his eyes.
"Then stand," he said, drawing his sword.
Adiar raised his blade and slowly, with small steps, they moved toward the center of the clearing. They stood for a moment, looking into each other's eyes. Suddenly, the swords whirled and clashed, slicing the air with a loud clang.
Vergo might be a cutthroat who robbed travelers with impunity on the forest paths, but he was also skilled with a sword. Only now did Adiar realize that one was possible because of the other. After just the first few attacks, he realized he'd encountered a formidable opponent. And with each passing moment, something inside him whispered louder and louder that all his battle experience might not be enough to win. So he concentrated on defense, buying himself time to devise an escape route or spot even the slightest flaw in Verg's slow, methodical attacks. Retreating, he quickly reached the edge of the clearing and felt the resistance of the branches of the trees and bushes growing there against his back. A grimace that could be mistaken for a smile of triumph spread across Verg's proud face. He attacked again. Adiar parried the blow and leaped to the side. One of the branches bent behind his back whistled through the air and swayed back into place.
And silence reigned. The stream continued to murmur, the birds continued to sing, the leaves continued to rustle softly in the wind, and yet a silence reigned, so cruel, so absolute, so solemn, as if nothing existed except that swaying branch.
Vergo was the first to move. He lowered his sword blade to the ground and touched his face with his left hand. When he pulled it away, he saw red marks on his fingers. A thin line of blood ran down his cheek, where a branch had cut it.
"I think this ends our duel, Mr. Vergo," Adiar said.
Vergo's face swelled purple, and his eyes grew so large and round they seemed about to fall out. His lips twisted in pure, unbridled anger.
"A murderer," he gritted through his teeth. "A cunning, false, vile, treacherous, lying, a brazen cheater. No one can deceive me with impunity. Take him!"
And indeed, that ended the duel. Adiar could have suggested continuing the fight, fleeing, or defending himself as the three horsemen surrounded him. But he didn't have time. Something hard struck his head, everything turned red, then black. And then he thought of nothing.
"Is it bad?" "Darmir asked.
"Not good," confirmed Grandpa Omnicius.
Vergo and his companions tied Adiar's hands and feet. They also wanted to capture his mount, but it ran off into the trees when the duel began and was nowhere to be seen.
"Well, the steed is smarter than the rider," they said, and threw the knight onto one of their horses. They also took his bag, sword, and satchel of gold and set off.
"And what happens now, Grandpa?" asked Darmir.
"What can we do? We'll deal with these bandits and rescue this good-for-nothing. The gold was supposed to go to the poor, not some forest scoundrels. And when Grandpa Omnicius decides to do a good deed, he'll do a good deed, and no one can stop him!" And here the older elf assumed a stern expression and stroked his beard to emphasize the gravity of his words. "We'll go after them immediately."
Anyone who's ever ridden a hedgehog knows it's not difficult to persuade one to take a ride. You just have to give it a treat. They also know it's not difficult to mount. But unfortunately, it can be very difficult to dismount. Darmir wasn't happy that this was happening to him. He didn't like the prickly thorns, he didn't like the hedgehogs' growls, and most of all, he hated having to give up his entire mushroom in exchange for the ride. But Grandpa Omnicius had such a stern expression that there was no room for protest. So they mounted the beast's back and, clinging to the thorns, set off in pursuit.
Over time, Darmir had to admit that Grandpa Omnicius had made the right choice of transport, as the hedgehog turned out to be a former resident of the area and knew all the paths, lanes, and shortcuts very well. Most importantly, he knew where the bandits' quarters were. So he trotted along slowly, sometimes along the road, sometimes through the trees. He purred frequently as he did so, as befits a true hedgehog, and sniffed the grassy thickets. Finally, he turned into the forest, ran between ferns and birches, and stopped at the edge of the trees, near the rocky road.
They stood there for a while, until Darmir grew impatient. Before he could ask Grandpa Omnicius the reason for this stop, he heard distant voices.
Riders appeared on the road. One rode a horse, his back straight and proud. The others walked, leading their mounts. As they approached, the dwarves noticed Adiar tied up and slung over the back of one of the horses. Vergo, the only one still in the saddle, no longer had a trace of blood on his cheek. He was still angry, however. He kept shouting about the shameful act Adiar had committed and the tortures he would inflict on him. And there were many of them, and almost all of them were cruel.
"How will we save him now, Grandpa?" Darmir dared to ask, as the hedgehog continued on his way.
"We will save him, and that's it!" Grandpa Omnicius replied briefly and decisively. And he said it in such a tone that it was scary to ask further.
Darmir had already stopped enjoying adventures when he had to hand over the mushroom. But now he was becoming increasingly convinced that he should suppress his curiosity and not check what the strange travelers were carrying with them in the future.
Meanwhile, Hedgehog slowly trudged along the trail of the bandits' march. He didn't have to exert himself too much, as the road now led so steeply uphill that even Vergo dismounted and marched on foot, constantly planning the cruel torture he intended to inflict on Adiar.
The sun had already wandered very close to the western edge of the sky when they reached the pass, and for a change, they set off down the stone trail. As it turned out, this was almost the end of their journey, for after passing several large rocks on the slope, a small forest, and a small stream, they reached a cave hidden behind the trees, which housed the bandits' quarters.
"Chain them to the wall, revive them, and prepare some food and drink. We will celebrate today," Vergo ordered.
"And what do we do now?" asked Darmir.
"We wait," replied Grandfather Omnicius.
"What do you mean, we wait? They will torture him soon.
" "They won't, my dear. They've been walking for almost half a day and will probably be happy to grab a bite to eat beforehand. And it wouldn't hurt to eat something before going to bed because I'll tell you that it's hard to come up with a good idea on an empty stomach.
Darmir didn't even think of arguing with them. So they set off to search. Water was easy to find, but unfortunately, they couldn't find any mushrooms, only a few small forest boletes. Fortunately, there were some sorrel, chives, and roots. It wasn't a feast, but the dwarves ate their fill, watching the sun sink behind the forest.
Grandfather Omnicius recalled the previous evening in the garden behind the inn, remembered Berry, and said,
"Well, time for us. We're saving this scoundrel and going home."
So they returned to the clearing by the bandit's cave. There, a fire was already burning, over which large pieces of meat were roasting, suspended on sticks stuck in the ground. Verg's companions were drinking from clay goblets, while he himself, also drinking, stood near the cave entrance, staring at Adiar, chained to the rock wall.
"I've devised tortures for you so terrible that I shudder to think of them. No one will cheat Vergo da Malantes with impunity. I know, I know. I know what you'd like to say, brave friend. The twig sprang back on its own, and you're not to blame. Ha! Perhaps I'm to blame for trying to defeat me in such a cunning and deceitful way? No. Vergo da Malantes fought honestly. And what happened to him in return? For entering a fair duel and giving you a chance? Now you will pay for your inability to lose with dignity. I will be cruel and ruthless, I will be terrible and vile. This night will make you regret ever challenging me to a duel. And if you're still alive at dawn, you'll regret it even more."
Despite regaining consciousness, Adiar was unable to respond because he was gagged. His arms were twisted behind his back and tied to a chain chained to a rock. The lump on the back of his head throbbed so violently that he alternately felt dizzy and nauseous.
"Shall we save him?" Darmir demanded.
"Shall we save him?
" "Won't it be easy?
" "Won't it be.
" "So how will we save him?"
Grandfather Omnicius stroked his beard and scratched his nose. Darmir stroked his beard and scratched his nose, and seeing that Grandfather was deep in thought, he said,
"I know. We'll go back to the stream and draw some water, which we'll then give to the ladybugs. There's probably a meadow nearby where ladybugs live. In exchange for not having to carry it drop by drop to their flowers, they'll tell us where the buds with the sweetest nectar are nearby. After all, ladybugs always know best where the sweetest nectar is." Then we'll find a tree stump where bees live and in exchange for information about the nectar we'll ask for some honey.
"And?" asked Grandpa Omnicius, somewhat astonished, when Darmir paused for a moment.
"It's simple, Grandpa. Now we just have to find a bear who will chase away those villains for honey, and Adiar will be saved.
" "Yes, simple," Grandpa Omnicius agreed, and looked at Darmir carefully. "It's a good thing there are no dragons in this forest, because I dread to think what we'd have to do if we needed the help of one. My dear Darmirek, the idea is very good, but ladybugs are so shy that it's difficult to talk to them, not to mention persuading them to reveal their secrets. Besides, butterflies know best where the sweetest nectar is. Bees... bees have stingers, and you can negotiate with a bear for years. Did you happen to peek into the pollen sac during dinner to help you sleep?
" "No way," Darmir said indignantly. "It's still quite full, because Jagoda made me a fresh batch just three days ago. And the idea is very good." The ladybugs might be persuaded, and instead of a bear, we could choose a marmot. He might look like a pretty tough animal by the fire. Only..."—here the young elf became seriously distressed—"only marmots don't eat honey."
"Forget about honey and marmots. Listen carefully. If pollen helps you sleep, it might help them too. So you'll go to that basket with the clay demijohn lying behind the fire, near the cave entrance, and pour out half a bagful. They're tired from the long journey, so sleep won't harm them, and it will give us time and opportunity to save this unfortunate man."
Darmir nodded for a moment, but he couldn't help but agree that Grandpa Omnicius's plan was slightly better and easier to execute than his.
"Your plan really is better, Grandpa.
" "Of course it is. Come on, let's not waste time. Run quickly, do what needs to be done, and come back immediately. Time is running out."
It was hard to tell whether there was much or little time, as Vergo's companions were more occupied with roasted meat and drink than with torture. Vergo himself, having already eaten, returned to his monologue, explaining to Adiar the terrible, painful, and cruel tortures that would soon await him. As his throat was parched, he also sipped from the clay goblet he held in his hand.
Without much difficulty, Darmir slipped through the darkness to the basket with the demijohn and, waiting for an opportunity, climbed onto it. He sprinkled some dust from his pouch once, twice, and a third time to be sure, then jumped to the ground and ran towards Grandfather Omnicius.
"It's done," he said as they stood together again in the shade of the trees, observing the figures by the fire. "If only it worked."
Grandfather Omnicius had never before seen a human take sleeping powder. However, he knew that elves were naturally reluctant to submit to spells. So if this magic dust could put a leprechaun to sleep, it should have even more effect on humans.
And indeed, the effects didn't take long to show. Vergo approached the fire and pulled out a long, burning piece of wood.
"Well, sir knight, would you rather be burned first, or perhaps some other torture would appeal to you?" he asked. Knowing that Adiar couldn't answer anyway, he continued, "I guess it doesn't make much difference to you, and I really enjoy burning. Well, gentlemen, brothers in misery, what do you say to such a beginning?"
Here he turned toward the fire. His companions, however, were no longer listening. One of them was lying on his back on the grass, snoring louder and louder, while the other two watched him in surprise.
"What the hell!" Vergo shouted. "That can't be. Wake that scoundrel, or I might roast him a bit too.
" "Get up!" shouted the first of those sitting by the fire.
"Get up!" shouted the second.
An angry Vergo opened his mouth to scream, but instead yawned. His eyes widened and he wanted to say something again. And he yawned again.
"Maybe I'll take a nap too," he finally whispered on his third yawn, and, throwing the burning wood onto the fire, he lay down on the grass.
Adiar didn't bother to wonder why his four tormentors had suddenly fallen asleep like little children being told a bedtime story by a gnome. He couldn't imagine a better opportunity to escape. He began to tug and twist his body, trying to break the rope that tied his hands to a steel eyelet forged in the stone wall. The rope was strong and tight, and with each tug, the skin around his wrists hurt more and more, and the throbbing in his head intensified. When his vision darkened, he knelt down and paused. Then he stood up again and tugged again.
This time, the rope slipped painlessly from his wrists.
There was no time to waste. He ran across the clearing and into the trees. He yanked the gag from his mouth and ran through the darkness, trying to avoid branches and trees. He stumbled every now and then, but he got up and ran until he finally ran out of breath and had to stop. Only now did he think he should have taken his horse. Maybe he could have even recovered everything if he hadn't been in such a hurry. But returning was out of the question.
"Well, it's all over," said Darmir as he climbed down the stone wall and handed the foxtooth knife to Grandpa Omnicius. "The rope is gone like a leaf, Adiar is free; we can go home.
" "I missed Jagoda too, but we still have some business to attend to here. We'll probably meet an owl at this hour.
" "Owl?"
If someone wanted to persuade an owl to fly together during the day, they might as well invite a hundred-year-old oak tree for a spring walk. But at night, they don't even need to be encouraged. Just ask politely. Mrs. Owl readily agreed. She took the elves, grabbed the bag of gold coins that Grandpa Omnicius had painstakingly pulled from the robber's cave, and flew off into the night sky.
Many elves would envy such a ride, where one could snuggle up in owl fluff, gaze at the starry sky, admire the snow-whitened slopes and mountain peaks visible in the distance. The rustle of the wings reminded Darmir of a large windmill standing somewhere on the plain, spinning its arms. The owl soared through the air, dipping and rising alternately. The treetops appeared so close you could touch them with yellow shoes, then they fled downwards, disappearing into the darkness.
They glided in the silence of the night until the black surface of the lake emerged from between the trees, shimmering with countless white dots of moonlight breaking on the waves. Then Grandfather Omnicius whispered something in Owl's ear, and she released the bag of gold coins. The splash it made as it hit the water was no longer audible.
"Why did we throw away the gold?" Darmir asked.
"Much evil is born in people from it. At the bottom of the lake, it won't cause them or us any trouble. Now we have one more thing left. We'll check on Adiar, and as soon as he reaches a safe haven, we can return."
And Adiar, too, was no longer traveling alone. After a moment's rest, he suddenly straightened up and whistled. But no sound escaped him except a hiss. His tongue was still stiff from the gag. After a moment, he tried again, but this time without success. Only the third attempt could be considered successful. And the fourth, and the fifth, and the sixth. The seventh was unnecessary. Leaves rustled somewhere nearby, and a dark shape emerged from between the branches. If a stranger had seen it, they would probably have fainted from fear.
The steed snorted softly.
It was Adiar's mount. It had fled the clearing during the duel, but then followed its master's trail. Many times before, his devotion had saved Adiar from trouble. And this time, it did not disappoint. He mounted and set off through the forest without a backward glance. Just to meet the dawn as far away as possible.
They rode like that for quite some time along the forest path they had come across. He didn't look around, didn't turn, didn't consider the direction he was heading. Finally, he decided to check if any pursuers were following him. He rose in the saddle, trying to stop his horse. And then the blackness of the night flashed bright red. And then came a darkness even blacker and deeper.
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