The next morning, everyone on board was awakened by the sudden cry of the galley commander, Raya, Sisu, Namari, Tong, Boun, Little Noi, Tuk Tuk, Amba, Lao Bin, Nitor Hazin, and Krun Win, to be awakened by Irhabar until they finally looked at the sight of welcomed them, the great city of Buelion, not far from the Nolan River,
- this, this is Buelion. She asked Raya as she pulled her round hat off her head.
- that's exactly how I remember him on my few visits, but something has changed. Lao Bin said, looking at what was different today.
As it turned out, Buelion was a city mostly and built of fired bricks, but until recently it was devoid of any fortifications or defensive walls, but at the present time, extensive works were carried out from the excavation located near the river and a brick burner, and the entire city was now surrounded by a wall made of burnt bricks, even Nitor Hazin was surprised by the speed and progress of the work, because the workers were putting up new floors and the city itself was practically surrounded by low fortifications.
- man how this city has changed since my last time here. Nitor Hazin said as he shifted his bag on his back.
- they do it because they are preparing for war. Tong said scratching his chin.
- because they are afraid. Namaari said, observing both the mining and the brick burner, the great mound and the city where the sudden work was going on.
- exactly when we heard about the destruction of Konudun, when the few refugees managed to reach our city, Szan-Ka-Ran immediately decided to prepare Buelion for the attack, but do not tell anyone about it, what it does is just a temporary attempt. Irhabar said seriously, Irhanar looked at the bottom of the deck with his brown eyes.
- you are right, if the Empress has such a power as a movable fortress, there is probably no way to stop her with just a wall. Pengu said, looking at the city then at the reflection of the water and his own face of the green water dragon.
- or actually what the situation is, you know something specific about the movements of enemy troops. Amba asked, looking hopefully at a gray man in a brown fur coat.
- me and my squad spied on one of the groups, I know one in the area between the ruins of Konudun, with the former Reigun mine, which is now a crater, probably no major enemy movements have been noticed, and the city itself is still standing still. Irhabar said, again showing only sadness and anger, answering the pink-blue dragonflies.
- apparently the enemy knows that we are here, but if he knows why, probably not. Sisu said as she looked at the working laborers carrying the molded bricks into the furnace.
- we can only hope they don't know, besides our presence should confuse them. Said Boun turning his attention to a certain pile of wasteland and what suddenly flashed before his eyes.
At the same time, only one person remained silent all the time and watched the leading man, Little Noi all the time looking for what others could not see, until Irhabar showed a slightly visible smile in the corners of his mouth, something that she also saw while looking in the mirror and when the ship stopped and everyone started disembarking the wooden gangway, her gaze seemed to gain strength, all caused by Boun and the two workers trying to pour out the barrel with something shiny.
- then for three, and we are pouring out the wasteland.
- to stand, are you crazy, it's after all!. Boun shouted, stopping two workers and taking small luminous stones from the barrel.
- people, are you crazy, they are, they are, this is wealth. Said Boun, showing everyone a handful full of shining stones.
- oh not the same again, our entrepreneur probably found capital for his future life. Said Raya shaking her head, not more for workers, because she also knew the value of the glistening stones.
- and I am not surprised there, we dragons do not treat it on such a great value because there are things in life that cannot be bought. Sisu said, avoiding even glancing at the glistening stones, knowing full well what temptations they might cause in the hearts of weak people.
- and you really throw it away. Tong asked, even though he was more rational even his eyes showed a certain flame and at the same time appreciation for the inhabitants of Buelion, at the same time the workers laughed Moose leaving a fascinated Boun and a barrel of campaigns.
Irhabar also smiled, he even laughed loudly, no wonder, but the little schemer dressed in a yellow suit saw something strange in Irhabar's face again.
- yes, we must be crazy true, if we throw away something that has no value.
- and I really understand you in every way possible, they have no value. Pengu said as he too took one of the stones in his dragon paws and his lime green eyes saw what an ordinary man needed a focused magnifying glass.
- zircons are worthless, if they were diamonds it would be a completely different matter, but there is too much of this rubbish here. Irhabar said throwing a handful of zircons into the river.
- it's worth nothing. Asked Boun, looking at the zircons in his handful.
- it depends, if you are attached to it, they have their value, but at the fair you will not get a broken coin for them, but rumors say that the Black Empress has a real treasure full of diamonds in her fortress, or so they say. Irhabar said while waiting for the reactions of the young entrepreneur, and was not disappointed to see flames in the entrepreneur's eyes.
- he's kind of weird, too similar to me. Little Noi thought, still morbidly keeping an eye on the recon commander.
- Come, I will take you to our leader, follow me. Irhabar said.
All, led by the recon commander, crossed the unfinished city gates to personally see the extraordinary city, full of stone houses and accompanying greenery, everywhere you could see some trees, gardens, now covered with a slightly emerging shadow due to the coming autumn.
The stares of the newcomers were very focused on what usually failed to unite, the city and the garden, crawling close to Krun Win, seeing the tree with chestnuts, immediately took advantage of the situation by devouring many chestnuts in its entirety, the Armadillo Tuk Tuk walking next to it raised its head at the sight of chestnuts, only slightly squeaking at the sight of chestnuts , Krun Win seeing his friend interested in chestnuts quickly pulled him a dozen chestnuts by sharing with his new friend.
- it's nice to see that you can see a bit of normality despite everything. Irhabar stated.
- yes, and it's nice to see my friend get along very well with yours. Raya said as she walked past Lao Bin again.
Everyone finally reached the city center where, on the great square in front of the only building with a large dome instead of a roof, it was here that people from the eastern lands of the Tunalos valley trained under the supervision of soldiers.
Szan-Ka-Ran, dressed in silver lamella armor, black hair with a long black beard, the chief stretched successive arrows on the string of his bow and with remarkable precision hitting the target up to two hundred meters, the arrows rushed through the air like a thunderbolt and hit the target, prepared puppets from wood, at the end Szan-Ka-Ran turned his bow and shot the last fixed which flew over several buildings hitting the targets on the belfry behind four houses.
- gosh it was amazing, how was he. Namaari asked herself, unable to believe what she saw.
- that's where my dad can hit the target even on the other side of town, wait, dragons ?. Said the blond-haired girl in a green dress passing all of a sudden, who saw the three dragons until she stopped in front of the green Pengu dragon.
- it is Lana Wina, our chief's daughter, it can be said that by loving the world of nature, she has changed our city a lot, without her most of the trees would certainly have been felled, and now come denounce you to my chief. said Irhabar until Szan-Ka-Ran himself saw what focused his and his daughter's eyes focused on the three dragons.
- what is it, water dragons? So it's true, and now in the dark hour, I greet you, Irhabar, who are our visitors? Szan-Ka-Ran asked, giving his bow to the accompanying soldier.
- ladies, dragons and the visitors except Lao Bin, Nitor Hasin and this millipede come from the south from the land of Kumandra. Irhabar said.
- Kumandra, I thought this land was lost to Druun. Szan-Ka-Ran said, looking at the nine newcomers.
- no, sir, we managed to overcome this plague, our union chased this plague away forever. Raya said before everyone else.
- I am Raya and these are my companions, Namari, Tong, Boun, Little Noi, Tuk Tuk and my dragon friends Sisu, Amba and Pengu. Raya said, and each one bowed their heads, even the bronze armadillo.
- and we are from here, from Konudun city, I am Lao Bin, this is my companion Nitor Hazin and our faithful friend Krun Win. Lao Bin said as he bowed his head as well.
- so you are here to help us, so new hopes are lighting up for all of us. Szan-Ka-Ran said, shaking hands with everyone until he stopped in front of the three dragons and their uncertain gaze.
- in fact, we are here to help you, but our more important task is to stop the Black Empress from realizing the terrible prophecy, the doom of the Golden Dragon, if she does not stop her. Pengu said, and his words may have broken some hopes at first, but when both Szan-Ka-Ran, Lana Wina and Irhabar had finished, and the twenty soldiers around them, they retreated back.
- prophecies, so it is true that the Empress bombed the lake near Konudun. Said Szan-Ka-Ran.
- so it's true, the prophecies exist, these are not fairy tales told by our ancestors and our grandparents, it's true, but what you want to do, you want to find one of the prophecies. Lana Win asked, only the green eyes of Pengu look into the eyes, at which the olive dragon stuttered a little.
- Er, yeah, the prophecy is true. Pengu said and he stepped back slightly to give his sister the floor.
- the dragon of knowledge and vision of the future, the golden dragon made many prophecies, if someone reads them and starts to implement what is written on them, he will start a process that cannot be stopped, so we have to find the prophecy and it. Amba said before Szan-Ka-Ran cut her off.
- you want to destroy the prophecy. Said Szan-Ka-Ran.
- Dad wait, remember what your grandfather told you, supposedly prophecies cannot be destroyed, just as you cannot change the future. Said Lana Wina stepping closer to the surprised dragon again.
- yes, you cannot destroy what is to come, you can only delay it and that is our main goal. Sisu said.
- this is why we came to the Tunalos valley, to your home, because the prophecy, the other part of it, is right here. Tong said, clutching his fists tightly.
- me and my companion Lao Bin, we learned the truth, the plan of the Black Empress, and knowing that we would need water dragons, we brought three of them. Nitor Hazin said.
- so another prophecy is in the ocean?. Lana Wina asked, turning her courage away from the lime dragon, giving him a breath.
- not in the ocean, but in the great Reigun mine. Namaari said.
- and even worse, it has its guardian in the form of the red fire dragon. Boun said hurriedly.
- I already understand everything, I understand why the enemy is leading a patrol between the destroyed city and the crater, follow me, he will show you the map and maybe we'll work out something together, but I need to know one thing for sure. Said Szan-Ka-Ran directing his words to the visitors.
- please tell me, when the Empress's success leaves my lands, it will leave us forever. Asked Szan-Ka-Ran looking at the newcomers as intensely as his daughter Lana Wina and the twenty soldiers listening to the conversation.
- The Empress came here for a specific purpose, she wants to fulfill the prophecies, for this she needs a prophecy, but if she loses it forever, she should give up further conquest. Lao Bin said.
- I know this type of people, they are ready for anything, but when they fail, the rest will be meaningless to them and they should let go. Little Noi said before the chief and his daughter.
- so small and yet so knowing, child, you'd better come home. Said Szan-Ka-Ran.
- Mr. Szan-Ka-Ran, our friend has deceived many, it's like a small child is actually a very clever personality, and more than one will eat here for dinner. Boun said.
- Besides, baby, I was about two years ago. Little Noi added.
- all right, then, follow me, and most importantly, Irhabar, order me to be served to the table, our visitors must be hungry.
- I'll take care of it immediately. Inhabar said and in his eyes the flame shone as if it did not escape the attention of only the little child.
Szan-Ka-Ran with his daughter and soldiers led the newcomers to his residence, a great building with a round vault, a great corridor led to various side passages and rooms, but the commander of the city of Buelion led everyone to the end of the corridor and by opening the door to everyone he showed the great chamber where every word was perfectly heard and spread around, both the dragons and the people and the armadillo and millipede accompanying them opened their mouths for a moment, staring at the enormity of the chamber.
- this is amazing. Namaari said looking around at the great vault and the stained glass windows through which the sun entered, giving an unusual image of the reflections of the lights.
- yes, it's my home, now let me, because we don't have much time. Said Szan-Ka-Ran leading everyone to the center of the chamber where there were many tables, including the largest octagonal one.
Here on the octagonal table was the map of Tunalos with a marked point on the city of Konudun where the great mobile fortress of the Black Empress was currently stationed, and second points showing the enemy's movements between Konudun and the Reigun mine and the designated areas of the Gan-Ju forest.
- this is where the enemies patrol the area day and night, all the time they go from the ruins to the crater of the former mine, the time between patrols is half an hour, and this is your chance, you can also get to the crater from the woods, but it is not sure if there are no minor patrols there. Unfortunately, the rest of the reconnaissance has not yet returned. Szan-Ka-Ran said explaining the operation of enemy patrols.
- There's no other way. She asked Raya, looking at the map, looking for at least one possibility.
- if you could fly, yes, but there is no chance of it. Szan-Ka-Ran said, folding his hands in front of him, intensely thinking about the next plan.
- so far we have too little knowledge, we can only wait for our scouts to return, at least until tomorrow. Szan-Ka-Ran added.
- So we have to wait again when maybe I'll find my revenge somewhere. Said Namaari as she slammed her fist against the stole.
- our friend is still angry with a man named Pelona. Tong said.
- I do not hold such a strong grudge against this samurai, I sympathize with him more, he is only a slave.
- you just said Pelona !, the assassin in the service of the Empress? Szan-Ka-Ran said and his words boiled the blood in Namaari's veins.
- there must be a way, because there are no invincible people!, there aren't!. Namaari growled until her own anger gave way to the sudden outburst of Pengu who suddenly jumped up and looked in shock at Lan Win holding the dark green dragon mane in his hand.
- I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself, this is amazing, you are scaly creatures and yet your hair is so soft and pleasant to the touch, it is amazing. Lana Wina said.
- for what you did it for. Asked Pengu, stroking his back for a slight loss of hair.
- I'm sorry for my daughter, she always has to research everything related to nature, Lana, you really had to, huh?. Szan-Ka-Ran asked.
- I, no matter, but, look, I have a little request, I could take my dragon friends for a while, I want to show them something special if it's not a problem, please, please, please, I will show them my sketches, my garden, please. Lana Wina said.
- but we are here, gosh, all right, and dragons, I mean.
- Sisu, my sister Amba and brother Pengu, I agree, since we are to wait until tomorrow for the return of the scouts, nothing stands in the way, I will gladly get to know your daughter's world, and you how you go. She asked Sisu to which Amba and Pengu nodded their heads in agreement.
- I do not want to interfere, but I am also for, you know what for. Irhabar said entering the chamber.
- agree, Lana you can take our dragon friends for a while.
- thank you dad, follow me. Lana Wina shouted as she led the three dragons, including the most insecure Peng hiding behind her sisters walking between him and the chief's daughter.
- sorry for my daughter, she always wanted to meet the dragon and now she has three. Said Szan-Ka-Ran scratching his long black beard.
- no problem, since we are to wait until tomorrow, but I personally would go today, if the Black Empress decides to hit the crater of the former mine with her fortress, shoot her from a distance, nothing will stop her. Said Raya, holding her hat in both hands looking at the chief, then at the map.
- fortunately, the fortress is currently stationary, I spoke to one of the scouts and he informed me that the fortress was standing still. Irhabar said.
- So one problem solved, but if the scouts hadn't come back by tomorrow, what then. Asked Boun.
- then we will not wait any longer, we go there hidden in the shade of the forest. Namaari said come her doggedness more dictated by a desire to duel once more with Pelona.
- before you leave, tomorrow or today, I ordered the cook to prepare suppers for our guests, but first you will try the traditional infusion on Hornin leaves with a drop of milk. Irhabar said, at the same moment three servants entered the chamber, laying a mug of traditional infusion for each.
Everyone from the south first felt the unusual scent that they had never felt before, and after it hit everyone the unusual color of the drink, distinguished by dark brown mixed with a light hint of milk, which in the human world is called Tea.
- man what is it, it smells amazing. Boun said as he inhaled deeply the vapor of the infusion.
- and this is our traditional infusion of Hornin leaves, you brew the leaves and then add the infusion to warm water and finally add drops of milk, Irhabar, I can see that I was not disappointed with you again.
- this is not the end, my lord, your pet can also eat, I told the gardener to bring a wheelbarrow with nuts to the garden, if you have nothing wrong, I can personally show your armadillo and millipede the way outside. Irhabar said, and again, as before, revealed only a small gesture of a smile hiding in the corner of his mouth, which was again noticed by Little Noi and her mind was deciphering more and more suspicious behavior. Irhabar still watched everything around waiting for what had already been properly prepared and designed.
Meanwhile, both Tuk Tuk and Krun Win looked at Raya and Lao Bin and their stomachs rumbled loudly again.
- okay no problem. Raya said.
- come on, go hungry, ech millipedes usually don't need so much food, but when they have a chance to eat, nothing will stop them. Lao Bin said.
- then come on. Irhabar said first, leaving his mug with the infusion as he led the millipede and the armadillo into the gardens and the scattered chestnuts used mainly for decoration.
- this is how we try this unusual infusion. Asked Boun.
- no, no, not yet, first we'll wait until Irhabar comes back, because in our tradition, drinking ours when even one of the drinkers is missing is strictly forbidden, it's such a tradition. Said Szan-Ka-Ran.
- everyone has their own traditions, dragons, for example, love to tell stories from the past when the sky is full of stars. Said Raya knowing recently learned dragon stories.
- so we will wait, as we do until tomorrow for the scouts' return.
In the meantime, Irhabar, after leading the millipede and armadillo to the heart of the garden surrounded by hedges and tall trees, Irhabar watched for a second as the armadillo and millipede eat chestnuts with great verve, knowing that it would take them a long time to eat, Irhabar decided to implement his plan, his whole smile what he had before disappeared altogether, only his determination and duty, Irhabar made his way quickly through the garden to an out-of-the-way building with an open roof that looked like an observatory. It was here, in front of the ajar door, Irhabar stopped listening to the conversation between the three dragons and Lana Wina.
- it is simply amazing, I always looked at the stars, but to see specific constellations in them, I always saw only geometric figures, but constellations resembling shapes, figures, never! She said Lana Win with a raised voice.
- it depends on the interpretation, everyone sees it differently, we see them in a uniform way, although some of our kinsmen also see the sky in a slightly different way, sometimes what the stars show us in the form of a dragon shows them something else. Amba said, and listening to the conversation, Irhabar looked inside the building as Sisu and Amba showed Lana Wina their interpretations of the stars that were sketched on the paper by Lana, while Pengu was still standing more to the side and staring cautiously at the chief's daughter and the open roof that could at any moment be closed by a reel attached to the wall.
Irhabar, seeing the three dragons and the chief's daughter in a green dress, first looked behind him as if he was looking for someone or was checking if no one was following him, and finally he rushed into the observation building and his sudden intrusion was not left without the green dragon's reaction. Pengu immediately stood ready to fight but with whom.
- something happened. Sisu asked.
- we don't have much time, we're being watched, the citadel to be exact. Irhabar said.
- watched by whom, what is happening. Amba asked, looking into Irhabar's focused brown eyes.
- and it happened that after the fall of Konudun, many exiles came to our city, but among them there are also spies of the Black Empress, for this we do not have time and we need to act quickly, in a moment you will leave the city, get into the prepared hay cart, I will take you out out of town and we'll sail out of town, you'll do it when I leave you. Irhabar said.
- No, I won't leave my friends here. Sisu said. Hitting the stone floor with the front paws.
- but wait, Irhabar we are really being followed, is it possible?. Lana Wina asked.
- yes, and most importantly, your father knows about it, that's why he appointed me to this task today, when I handed him a Kufem with our infusion, he gave me a specific order, I should evacuate you, and your friends, don't be afraid, they will be safe, in an hour and I will evacuate them, but when this begins the enemy will certainly not stand with his arms folded, please just trust me, if we succeed, our five in the shadow of Gan-Ju will get to the great crater today before sunset, but we must not delay. Irhabar said, sounding equally confident and sincere.
It was a moment of reflection, a moment of silence and exchange of short glances until finally Sisu was the first to speak, come I didn't like her idea to split up was the only way to surprise the enemy.
- consent, since this is the only way, the enemy will not expect our division, forgive me Raya, sometimes you have to act separately. Sisu said.
- I, I am with you, maybe this is how I will find the last answer to my dreams. Said Amba.
- I'm also going with you, the enemy will never come, that the chief's daughter will run away from the city, let them think that I am here. Lana Wina said standing between Amba and Pengu.
- I cannot leave my sisters alone, Irhabar, I agree. Pengu said.
- so remember, when I leave, you have half a minute to escape to hide in the hay cart, there should be enough space for you there, now attention. Irhabar said looking through the ajar door.
Irhabar raised his hand and suddenly he opened his clenched fist, Irhabar walked calmly out of the building with the sliding roof and a few seconds later Lana Wina came out first.
- it's clean quickly, behind me. Lana Wina whispered, leading the three dragons beyond the gardens where the hay cart stood in front of the first buildings, as Irhabar had promised them.
Lana Wina waved to the three dragons, then she jumped into the wagon hiding in her self, Sisu jumped in second, Amba jumped behind her, and at the very end, probably only to be farthest from the chief's curious daughter, Pengu jumped, so four refugees from the city waited for the return of Irhabar as he himself promised and promised.
In the meantime, Irhanar hastily returned to the meeting, silently not responding to the words of his commander, he grabbed a mug of infusion and raised it high, chanting a toast and carrying out the next step of his plan.
- so let us drink to the success of our comrades, tomorrow we will end the invasion of the Black Empress. Irhabar said.
- yes, I mean exactly. Said Szan-Ka-Ran doing the same as Irhabar and all the gathered people from the south and the destroyed city.
Seconds passed and the mugs were emptied to the last, the taste of the brew was so wonderful for everyone that no one except Irhabar was able to resist, so Irhabar began to smile widely, ostentatiously and without hiding, and standing Lao Bin suddenly he began to sweat first, then clutching his eyes to finally look at everyone and land in Raya's hands.
Raya felt weird as well as everyone present, the world seemed to spin in their eyes, and their hands and feet suddenly began to tremble until everything seemed to slow down, when most of them did not realize the strange phenomenon, Szan-Ka-Ran fell to a standstill and glared at his smug servant.
- Irhabar, how could you. Szan-Ka-Ran said inaccurately.
- what is happening to us. Asked Tong before falling loudly to the stone floor of the citadel.
- this, it's Eerian, a heavy sedative. Nitor Hazin said incoherently before he fell to the ground and fell asleep.
Namaari, despite the loss of strength and the impending sleep, managed to rise to a standing position and grasp the sword with her right hand, slowly heading towards the firmly standing Irhabar.
- you, you amoeba. Namaari said before she fell to her knees.
- amoeba?, Well, please, and I thought that nothing would surprise me, nothing. Irhabar said contentedly with one finger pushing Namaari who fell to the stone floor and fell asleep.
Irhabar looked at his success and his work with satisfaction and personal pride, knowing full well that his dreams had achieved success, he deceived everyone again, the more content he had outsmarted even the leader of Szan-Ka-Ran.
- ha it was easier than I thought, yeah. Irhabar shouted when suddenly he was knocked to the ground by a wooden mug crashing against his head.
- what but how !, you ?. Irhabar asked, getting up from the ground and holding his crooked nose, looking at the child in yellow clothes.
- I think you were warned, I eat not people like you for dinner. Said Little Noi, picking up another mug from the table and her voice trying to summon scare whoever, but his attempts only amused another schemer.
- ha, you think that you will outsmart me, unfortunately not you, my little child, there are no guards here, I delegated them, you are alone here, and you did not manage to stop me, you lost today. Irhabar said backing to the door.
- You think so, so go ahead and run, but you won't stop me anyway. Said Little Noi coming down from the table and throwing her mug not at Irhabar but at one of the great stained glass windows.
The mug struck the stained glass window, such a great bang shook not only the chamber as Little Noi wanted it to, and Irhabar standing in front of the door to the chamber with his eyes wide open watched as the glass scattered around the chamber and the roar certainly alerted the guards.
- you?, Who are you child, you have great talent, really great, it is bad that you are on the wrong side. Irhabar said.
- I am on the side of my friends and what side are you on !. Little Noi shouted, throwing another mug at the next stained glass window.
Irhabar had no time for anything, he screamed loudly full of rage because he saw that he met someone on his way who did not let him be surprised and was close to defeat him, Irhabar closed the door and ran out of the chamber, running outside the garden.
During the escape, Irhbar saw the guards from the expensive side running to the citadel as well as the millipede and the Armadillo, and his time was running out faster and faster.
Moments later, Irhabar jumped on the wagon, grabbed the reins and struck once, urging two oxen leading the wagon from the city going straight to the port.
- Irhabar what is happening, I heard the sound of breaking glass.
- they are conspirators, they are already in the citadel, fortunately your father and your friends are in a safe place, now they are waiting for me to lead you out of the city, they will take a chase and the eyes of spies, be calm in a moment, I will take you out of the city. Irhabar said, sounding confident and calm again in complete composure.
A few moments later Irhabar, as he promised, introduced a small fool, paid a man in the port and sailed away on the Nolan River, leaving the city alarmed and a close defeat at the child's hand, even though Irhabar was successful, it was once again a victory and a defeat, because it was not managed to outsmart the little child.
L
How to cheat a traitor, a clever manipulator, is simple, you have to defeat him with your own weapon, be smarter than the enemy and, of course, be familiar with human nature, and sometimes accident is enough.
