This thorny path rolled through the lives of heroes, especially Roland, with a lightning-fast ribbon. A whirlwind of heroic events, battles, adventures, secrets, amazing places, magic. This world was full of dangers and beauty, colors, bold fantasies at the same time, that only a twelve-year-old teenager can dream of, reading adventure books, imagining himself a knight, a captain of a ship, a king, a conqueror of the elements. It became a charming reality for Roland, who wore a solid age and the destroyed native world behind his back baggage. In this world, his inner, physical potential was fully revealed, which he did not even suspect about in his native world. Energy poured out of him. He never lived to his fullest as now.

Roland stood at the window of his chambers in the new kingdom of Evermore. He enjoyed the bright green of the meadows, fields, gardens of the kingdom, stretching outside the window and the sky above it – light-blue, clear, sunny and cloudless. The kingdom is still small, modest, just beginning its journey, but it seemed so pure, untouched, not stained with the blood of greedy conquests and forcible submission, as well as the idea underlying the creation of the kingdom. This is the idea of a kingdom where people will live happily ever after, in peace, harmony, love, friendship, where everyone will smile - an idea bequeathed by Aranella.

"Roland, help Evan to become a king."

He remembered the image of Aranella. And in the hopeless image in which Roland carried her in his arms, light, fragile, radiating good and light, but rudely and mercilessly trampled by evil, and in the image of either an angel or a ghost, her eyes of early spring grass color and life, staring at him imploringly.

Roland had never seen Aranella in his life before meeting with Evan, he met her only once, but her bright image echoed in his memory as a kind of life symbol, as the personification of the Evermore emblem, the soul of a young kingdom blossoming in the light of the gentle sun rays on fertile soil.

At first, although Roland made a strong agreement and promise to help Evan fulfill his calling, which will change the history of the whole world, he himself was not very trusting of such ideas. He hasn't got rid of the cordial inertness of the world from which he came, where the ideas of the realm of goodness, friendship and justice are skeptical. In his world, even if kingdoms and countries are created under such slogans, they are established in a rude, banal and perverted form, giving rise to utopias alone. And the death of the whole world is a clear example of another unsuccessful attempt to build a world where "everyone will be happy." But the more Roland entered into new obligations, helped Evan, saw him, though a bit naive, but firm, sincere and genuine faith, his kindness, the more he began to convince himself that goodness was the true cornerstone of the pursuit and overcoming difficulties. And not just goodness, but goodness, in which you believe in spite of everything and everyone, of different circumstances, to the very end. It was the goodness that burned in the heart that helped and helps them defeat the forces that appear invincible. Evermore, which seemed like a fantasy of a madman, became a reality and will become a great kingdom. Now Roland was firmly convinced of this.

On the windowsill was a sword - the very first sword of Roland, which he had taken from the rat-guard in his first essentially heroic battle. Roland went to the window and lovingly took the weapon in his hands. Since then, many types of weapons have changed, with the development of mastery of the sword, in which Roland was second to none, apart from Evan, who tried to imitate the strength of his older friend. Roland knew that with the development of physical strength, age and practice, Evan would catch up with him one day and was proud of the stubbornness of his younger student.

Roland turned the steel of the sword left and right, admiring the way it sparkled under the rays of the sun penetrating through the window. Yes, his strength, enthusiasm, determination returned to him, but this is not only due to a wonderful event that transferred him to a magical world that you can only dream about, and primarily because Roland sensed a change in worldview. He not only accepted the power of good, driving Evan's motives in creating a happy kingdom, but became convinced that this is the only true and reliable way. In practice, this is a victory over oneself daily and hourly, helping people and patience with respect to their various, sometimes even petty, requests and whims.

Since childhood, Roland had a passion for reading. He was especially interested in historical books about famous political, scientific, cultural figures of his world and the development of history as a whole. Once he read about an ancient Chinese court sage, who gave valuable advice and instructions to his king, in particular, he emphasized the need not only to wait until the people begin to declare their needs and pray for the king's help, but the king himself must go to the people, serve him, listen to him, live the interests of each person. Roland warmly supported this idea of serving people, but in his practice of governing the state, it turned out to be an impossible task. Nonetheless, Evan did a great job. The idea of goodness led him. The kindness in the boy's heart helped to maintain and show patience to any person who needs help, no matter how petty and funny this help may seem. Evan's modesty and kindness did not even allow him to recall his high title and noble origin to the baker, who forced him to deliver food throughout Goldpaw, mistaking the king for a boy messenger.

So now they were going on their next trip to Goldpaw for searching of courtiers for Evermore. Those who want to become residents of the young state, by tradition, are preparing entire lists of special wishes or the provision of assistance that requires considerable effort, and even the need to risk their lives.

"Roland, are you here?" Evan looked into the room. "Are you ready?"

Roland turned to the side and nodded in the affirmative.

"Ready, Your Highness. Let's hit the road?"

"Roland, wait a minute," Evan thought for a moment, and then fixed his eyes on the sword that Roland was holding in his hands. "You so gloriously own the sword." In the world from which you came, you also have to (or rather had to) fight a lot with the sword?

Roland laughed restrainedly.

"No, in our world there is no longer any need to master the technique of handling a sword. In ancient times, the sword was used in battle, and now fencing has become just a kinds a sport. Most of the weapons that are used in this world in my world are long gone. True, traditional weapons have replaced weapons much worse and more dangerous" Roland remembered a rocket resembling a star that destroyed all life.

"Then where did you learn how to wield a sword so well?" asked Evan.

"I love fencing since childhood. I studied hard with wooden toy swords since a young age until I succeed one day. My father taught me fencing when I was about your age or even younger.

Evan looked with undisguised admiration and adoration at his older friend. He literally admired everything Roland did or said, and he sincerely strove to imitate him in everything. Roland became for him the embodiment of wisdom, tact, restraint, courage, strength, endurance. And his father's cares, attentiveness, which he was deprived of for a long time ... Evan discovered that Roland became what Aranella had become for him in his time, and tried to do everything possible to look worthy in Roland's eyes so that Roland could be proud of him.

Evan discovered that Roland became who Aranella had become for him at the time, and tried to do his best to look worthy in Roland's eyes so that Roland could be proud of him.

"Roland, could you train me a little?"

"Of course, Evan, with pleasure," Roland smiled, giving the boy a second sword for training. "It would not hurt us to warm up a little before the next feats, and hone our skills.

Evan took the sword and took a fighting stance. How he wanted Roland to appreciate his efforts — more than anyone else in the world! Except for his father...

"So," Roland gave the command: "Start!"

The points of two swords sparkled in the air - and the combat training began. Roland, knowing about his physical advantages over Evan, nevertheless tried not to greatly facilitate the task of his student, so that he would develop and hone his skills, overcome difficulties and become stronger. And Evan did it very well. Roland, in turn, received great pleasure from training with Evan, not only because Evan was a worthy student, but he felt something else ... Now he understood Aranella, who attached to Evan like to own son. Evan resembled Roland his own son, and he also attached to Evan like a son. He constantly wanted to protect Evan, intercede for him, protect him from dangers, he felt the indescribable pride that only a father can have for his child when Evan was successful. Roland tried his best and wanted to do everything possible so that Evan would keep his good heart, increase his wealth and not turn off this path and in every way supported the good aspirations of the boy, as Aranella bequeathed.

Then, in the midst of training, the doors swung open and a thin little girl burst into the room. She was a little younger than Evan and has thick pink or bronze pigtails, the ends of which curly developed in all directions with each of her movement. It was the daughter of air pirates or a pirate princess. She was dressed in a dress sewn from green leaves with a road cloak in the form of a large same green leaf of a tree by the Guardian of the Niall's Forest. Her sweet face with delicate outlines reflected the enthusiasm and indomitable thirst for adventure, life, and movement forward. All her movements were light, silent and free, and resembled the flight of a spring breeze or butterfly. Tani seemed to be the personification of carelessness, and fun.

"Evan, what are you doing here? We need to go," but the girl jumped when she saw the training battle. What? Are you fighting?" she exclaimed, and then made a pretense of a touchy grimace. And you didn't invite me?" I also want to!

Evan stopped, out of breath.

"Tani, I'm sorry, I just asked Roland to train me a bit before going to Golden Paw. Wait just a minute before Roland and I finish."

Tani pulled on the role of an obedient schoolgirl and began to watch the continuation of the battle.

But the continuation of the training was not crowned with such success as the beginning. With the apparition of Tani Evan was constantly distracted and stumbled. Roland caught a short, barely noticeable glance of Evan in the direction where the pirate stood modestly, and smiled to himself.

"Okay, Evan, that's all for today. We really need to go. You're doing fine. I have to notice, that with every workout you are getting stronger and stronger. A little more, and your abilities will be equal to the abilities of an experienced warrior." Roland patted Evan on the shoulder approvingly. Well, now on the road!"

"And what about me? Tani exclaimed. "Aren't you taking me with you? By the way, I'm a girl, but don't forget that I'm a pirate and I can stand up for myself and even for everyone.

"Sorry, please, but today we're off on the road with Roland," Evan said embarrassed.

"Tani, we would love to take you with us, but today we really need your special help at the mine," Roland added. "Do not be offended, please, we will definitely take you next time."

Tani turned away, taking a closed pose with her arms crossed on her chest, mimicking Roland. Roland laughed.

"Come on, don't pout, Tani."

Tani's face changed expression immediately, a touchy face gave way to laughter.

"Evan, and let us dump all state affairs on Roland, and I and you will go on adventures?!"

Tani was suddenly attacked again by unbridled joy.

"Okay, I have reconciled. But someone will have to pay. Evan, come on, let's give a bashing to this dummy.

Tani flew up and hung on Roland's back, clutching his neck like a monkey.

"Evan, help me give him a lesson! Tickle him, while I paralyzed his movements."

Roland tried to get angry, but inside he did not feel angry for some reason at all. On the contrary, he felt so free, easy and carefree, so full of strength and enthusiasm that he was ready to raise Tani and Evan at the same time.

"Well, stop fooling around," he forcibly freed himself from the tenacious hands of the little pirate, "we don't have time at all," Roland took a serious expression on his face, and then with a slight laugh made a suggestion to Tani: "Tani, we leave Evermore under your supervision. Take care, but just do not create hurricanes here and do not smash the country into ashes.

"Yes, da-a-a-a-ddy!" Tani said, and her eyes sparkled again with perky sparks.

Exploring the Goldpaw streets in search of potential courtiers for the new kingdom, Roland and Evan met a tired mother and a completely drooping and frightened son of four to five years.

- What is it? Something happened? Evan asked the boy sympathetically.

"This is King Evan! Mom, let's ask him!"

"You can't say such nonsense! If we tolerate a little, everything will end" the mother of the child looked confused and embarrassed by the requests of her son.

"Perhaps we can help you with something?" asked Evan. "I would like to hear your story, please."

The boy's mom gave up.

"Well, actually ... there's one monster on the way to Capstan-upon-Hull." He attacks the weak and children ... But never touch those who are strong enough. And when we asked the soldier to drive him away, the monster disappeared somewhere, and they called me a liar, "the woman sighed heavily.

"Apparently, this is a very smart creature," Roland remarked thoughtfully.

The boy clenched his fists in despair.

"Everyone is greatly tormented by this evil monster ..." he complained. "But no one can do anything, and he continues to commit atrocities!"

"Yes? And then what do you do when you need to get to Capstan-upon-Hull?" Roland asked.

"We have a little boat," the woman explained further, "and we are sailing around. It takes a lot of time, because we need to cross the sea…".

"But it does bring you a lot of inconvenience?"

"Well, probably this monster will go somewhere in a few years. You just need to tolerate a little, and everything will be fine..." mother summed up meekly.

"You can't! .." Roland snapped decisively and uncompromisingly. "What are you saying ..."

"Roland?"

Evan looked at his older friend and did not recognize him. It seems that Roland never violently expressed his emotions and tried to keep them in any case to himself, but now it was noticeable that Roland lost his temper. His face became very strict, serious and decisive. Outwardly, he remained restrained, but a storm of protest was reflected in his eyes and expression.

Outwardly, he remained restrained, but a storm of protest was reflected in his eyes and expression

"No need to bend under the villains! You much fight them!" He exclaimed.

"But..."

"We will defeat this monster," Roland said firmly. "He settled on the way to Capstan-upon-Hull?"

"Yeah," the boy nodded joyfully. "You, men, are not a soldier, so he will crawl out, will not be afraid of you, and will come out!"

"Well, that's in our hands. Come on, Evan."

"Okay!"

And Roland turned decisively, luring a young friend behind him, into another heroic adventure, but it had special significance for Roland...

Evan and Roland stood in the middle of an endless green field, dotted with airy flowers near snow-covered hills. Adventurers rested after the battle with the arrogant monster, which they managed to teach a lesson successfully. Roland, taking the usual closed pose with his arms folded across his chest, looked into the distance, lost in his thoughts.

"Now the way to Capstan-upon-Hull is safe. And this woman with the child from Goldpaw will be able to go direct way," Roland broke the silence when Evan approached him, but Roland's face was extremely severe and serious.

Finally Roland turned his gaze from the horizon and looked at Evan: Evan looked at him in surprise, not understanding what was happening to his eternally unperturbed older friend.

"M? .. What is it, Evan?" Roland asked, seeing Evan's face.

"Hm ... I remembered how we talked with them. I was a little surprised when you got angry. You are always so calm ... What pissed you off?"

"Well ... I could not stand it, seeing the humility with which they said that "you just need to be patient a little"… Roland paused for a moment, thoughtfully, and continued: "I remember, I was like you now. One neighbor bully mocked me"

"You? Evan shuddered, with wide eyes looking at Roland. Evan did not believe it if someone had told him that Roland could ever give himself an insult and that they could mock him, especially the boys. Roland always seemed to Evan an invincible fearless hero, even in childhood.

"Yes," Roland nodded. "I was small and frail, so I decided that I could not defeat this brawler, and all the time endured."

Roland spoke, again directing off into the distance, into the sky. As he spoke, episodes of his childhood flashed before his inner gaze like a film.

He once lived with his parents in a picturesque village on the outskirts of the city, where an endless field was opened, similar to that field in the middle of which he and Evan were standing now. The field was buried in reeds, like the flowing hair of a beautiful girl, fluttering in the wind. As a child, Roland did not like to return home from school not on his way through the yards, but through this field, drowning in tall grass, lingering along the way to admire the tall awesome sky and the sparkling wave that the wind let through the grass. The boy's gaze captured the greatness of natural harmony. He could lie on the grass and watch for hours over the circular flights of seagulls or over fussing insects in the grass. He loved everything full of life and soul, peace and harmony, loved solitude with nature more than the crowd and vanity. After the walk, inspired, Roland shared his joy with his mother at the dinner awaiting him. Mom listened to her son in silence, without interrupting, but her eyes, filled with ardent love, spoke much more than any words.

But Roland's harmonious existence was disrupted with the appearance of a new neighbor - a boy whose father moved from the city center and settled with his family in a neighboring house. It was a big sassy red-haired sturdy boy Ollie Neumann, two or three years older than Roland. He quickly subjugated other village children with his strength, some of which obediently obeyed under the influence of his authority, and part simply because of cowardice, afraid to fall under his hot hand, because he was able to humiliate and beat mercilessly. He especially tasted, mocking those who were weak and could not stand up for themselves. Roland did not fall into either the first or second category. He just tried his best not to interfere with the brawler.

Once, Roland went out of school into the yard and saw Ollie with his friends who surrounded some junior high school student.

"Kiddy, look what kind of candy wrapper I have, rare, with the heroes of the last season of the movie," Ollie pulled a wrinkled candy wrapper from his pocket and showed it to the boy. The boy became interested and wanted to take.

"Hey-hey, kid, without fanaticism. A wrapper is too valuable, therefore I propose a deal: you give your book, and I will wrapper for you, is it coming?

The boy stared at Ollie.

"No, I can not exchange the book for a candy wrapper. Parents will be very upset, especially mom. She gave it to me for my birthday, and the book is valuable to me," the boy replied perplexedly.

"You can not? So you have to be able to. If you don't give the book away - we will hang you by your school jacket in the wardrobe closet," Olli raised a threatening hand at the defenseless boy, who was cowering with fear. The boy, barely holding back tears, took out a colorful large adventure book from his briefcase and gave it to Ollie.

Ollie smiled brazenly, then grabbed the frustrated schoolboy by the scrubs and whispered in his ear:

"And don't dare to complain to me, you booger, otherwise you will regret it: I will find you anywhere."

But then he remembered that Ollie and his friends did not shun anything and mock the most defenseless and innocent of this world - ruining bird's nests, shooting slingshots at squirrels and seagulls. And Roland just recently picked up a chick that had fallen from the nest and sheltered in an old abandoned barn located at the beginning of the street and visited him every day, bringing food to the baby. Roland ran to the barn with all his legs in order to more reliably hide the chick. When he left, Ollie and his friends were right there. Roland tried to slip in unnoticed, but failed.

"Hey man, not so fast!" he heard a nasal voice and stopped. Ollie and his friends surrounded Roland. "Oh, and you and I are still unfamiliar, as I didn't notice you at once. Well, let's get to know each other. What's your name?

"Roland," the boy answered uncertainly, looking with his eyes for an opportunity to slip through, sensing a threat.

"Ah, so you are my neighbor, Roland. How did we just get to know each other! Well, join us."

Although Roland was afraid of this thug, but, remembering all those vile things that they did, he did not want to obey.

"N-no," Roland answered quietly.

Ollie's face turned red.

"What? What did you say, jerk? Repeat!"

Roland closed his eyes and, swallowing frantically, repeated, hesitating:

"No, I don't want to."

Roland cringed in fright.

"Guys, let's give this jerk a lesson:how to behave with your elders."

Ollie had already raised his hand over Roland, but the latter, in desperation, jerking with all his might, broke free and ran home in tears.

Once, he again accidentally came across an Ollie gang when he left home for school.

"Oh, our little Roland, look," Ollie burst out laughing, and he and his friends moved toward Roland. "A gift is waiting for you. We found your chick, look."

The friends held a box in which Roland arranged a nest for the chick.

"What? Where did you find him?" The boy exclaimed desperately, almost crying. "Do not touch, do not harm it. Do not dare!"

Roland wanted to rush to the box, but Ollie grabbed him tightly and did not let go. The friends lifted the box into the air and mercilessly shook the defenseless chick out of it, which, plaintively tweeted, disappeared somewhere in the grass.

"No!" Roland cried, breathing heavily and choking in tears.

Ollie and his friends beat hard him, and Roland could not fend for himself.

"But each time I returned home in tears and very upset my mother ... And most of all I was tormented not by my insignificance, but by my mother's sadness," Roland continued his story. "I decided it wasn't possible, and every day I started training with the sword. Taking my toy sword, I fought with this boy again."

Roland clenched his fist.

"You can not succumb to injustice and lose strength of mind. Anyone who is used to enduring is losing something very important ... I thought about it and could not remain calm..."concluded Roland. "I'm sorry I was so rude."

Evan listened to Roland's story with admiration. Roland opened up for Evan from a new side - this is a man who is not used to giving up, is ready for self-improvement and is implacable to injustice, evil, cruelty, especially in relation to those who are weaker than you. Roland became even more admired by Evan, and precisely because he was not always the embodiment of an ideal for him with a ready set of virtues, but went to this hard work, making efforts on himself, overcoming difficulties every day and became those, who was admired by Evan.

"No, that is OK," Evan answered. "It's good that I knew you a little better. Still, I was right in entrusting you with the position of chief consul."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Roland smiled.

"We need to tell the woman with the child that we defeated the monster! Let's go back Goldpaw!

Evan ran forward. Roland paused, looking after him.

"Hmm ... I think I already told this story to my son..."