It is strictly forbidden to one's fellow man.
It is strictly forbidden to ascend to any of the high places of Hydropolis.
Sickness is strictly forbidden.
Love is absolutely and completely under any circumstances – the most important pillar.
These four bizarre laws must be followed by every respectable citizen of Hydropolis and every tourist (if he was allowed to enter an isolated country in exceptional cases) if he did not want to be expelled from the country or have trouble with the local authorities. The last law prohibiting love seemed to the inhabitants of Hydropolis and Evan with his team especially funny and incomprehensible. The whole atmosphere and architecture of the capital, washed by incredible crystal blue water, the purity of which was supported by the secret magic of Hydropolis, and the whole country as if created for romance and love. Even every street, every square, a peacefully elevated, graceful rhythm of movements, work, life of the inhabitants of the maritime state were fulfilled by a romantic dream. Everyone who came to the country became infected with this mood and began to languish in heart, craving for unanimity and spiritual fire, but was forced to forget about crazy dreams that could lead to law enforcement and serious consequences. The law on the prohibition of love with the country, personifying Hydropolis, seemed to Evan and his companion incompatible with the city.
But, fortunately, thanks to the heroic feat of Evan and the team that freed Queen Nerea from the power of an obsession with darkness, these laws were repealed, and the country will begin to exist freely. Although probably not for long...
Roland stood on the very edge of the pier, zigzagging several meters above the blue crystal water and looking into the sea distance, that has no end. His face was slightly tense, he held his hand on his chest. He took his breath after pacifying another kingmaker who had escaped from control, into the results of the loss of the divine thread with Queen Nereid that this strange man in dark armor had stolen, whose face could not be seen behind his helmet - Doloran. It was the thought of the latter that caused Roland's tense expression. He was glad for the next successful expedition with Evan, Tani and Batu and the happy resolution of their task - another country entered into the indestructible alliance of Ferdinand, but his thoughts about this strange Doloran, who steals divine threads, tormented him. Even during the operation to save Goldpaw, when a man in dark armor in the form of an iron snake first appeared and took the divine thread with the kingmaker of the city, Roland saw an unpleasant dark aura emanating from Doloran. Evan, Tani and Batu also caught it, but Roland felt something that his friends did not feel: a sharp pain flared up in his chest and at the same time there was a feeling of indescribable inner words of desolation and longing; his throat was constricted, he felt nauseous and dizzy. And this time, with the second appearance of Doloran at the bottom of the bottomless pool, he felt the same burning pain in his chest and devastation, as if a soul had been pumped out of it, but this time the pain was even worse. Although the battle was behind and Doloran with divine thread disappeared, Roland still felt an unpleasant tingling in his chest and a feeling of inexplicable anxiety, which still did not want to leave from the very moment they had finished the operation to pacify the holy protector. Prior to this, after the first state victory and the conclusion of peace relationship with Galpaw, he did not feel anything like this: Doloran then disappeared - and the pain stopped.
"Maybe this is the same wound in the depths of my soul that Aranella had warned me about in a dream a long time ago? Maybe, in fact, darkness takes hold of my heart? Roland thought longingly, wincing at the next tingling in his chest. "Apparently, not everything is so simple with my journey to a parallel world. Everything is much more complicated: it will be necessary to fight not only with external enemies ... The threat is coming from within."
"Roland? Are you okay?" Roland did not notice how Evan and Tani came up to him, and Lofty was rolling around after them, waving funny little slender arms. Evan looked worriedly at Roland.
"Evan, Tani, don't worry, everything is all right," Roland replied, breathing a sigh of relief, as he felt that the burning sensation in his chest gradually receded, and it made it easier to breathe. He turned back toward the sea, arms crossed over his chest. "This country is amazingly beautiful. Hydropolis is very reminiscent of Venice - a country from my world from which I came, only much more mysterious, magical and ... cleaner ... Hydropolis is just a hotbed of inspiration and elevated feelings. It is only a pity that the country is doomed to disappear once and for all completely under water, forever ... Such is the price of freedom and love. Now it's clear why this strange law prohibiting love was needed. Now Hydropolis still pleases in the splendor of beauty and romance, and the happy wedding day of Leander and Nerea - the day of love and life - will be the last day of the life of a beautiful country.
"Yes, it's a pity that often you often have to pay with something very valuable for love," Evan thought, sighing. "But what can you do. Hydropolis could not hold out longer, frozen in time, hanging in space. In the end, Leander correctly noted: a new and beautiful country will arise in the place of the old country. How amazing! Even countries could die..."
"But it's so great that, contrary to Batu's doubts, we won the second time and Hydropolis became our ally!" We are great, right?" Lofty danced, translating the topic of conversation. "We did a great job!"
"And, you must agree, Evan and I contributed to the achievement of the goal by perfectly playing the scene of the marriage proposal? Evan and I came out as a natural couple? In my opinion, all citizens of Hydropolis are delighted with us! The role of lovers was a success, isn't it?" Tani giggled. "And, Lofty, you're the perfect director!"
"I won't deny it, I'm really a director of all trades," Lofty agreed, taking out his black glasses and putting on his eyes, not depressing himself with excessive modesty. "And you fellows, an excellent role! Just… Evan, when will you make a proposal to Tani in the future again, do not be so shy and timid. Otherwise you will ruin the whole process.
"What?" Evan and Tani cried at the same time, glancing at each other and blushing deeply.
"Yes, yes, our mission to receive an audience from Her Highness Queen Nerea could fail because of Evan's lack of acting confidence," Lofty went on, as if not noticing embarrassment on Evan and Tani's faces. "But it's good that I am with you"
"Perhaps, Lofty. What would we do without you!" Evan agreed, still puzzled by Lofty's remark with an obvious hint.
Roland grinned at the second confusion of the children.
"Yes, it was even very romantic. Evan in a suit, like a gentleman, I'm in a dress, like a real lady. Although I'm not a supporter of all these sentimental girlish habits and style, I'm used to behaving like a pirate, but for a moment I liked being a lady." Tani admitted. "But perhaps walking in such a beautiful dress is pretty impractical. Roland, have you ever made an offer to a girl? How did all this go?" Tani suddenly turned to Roland.
Roland did not expect such a question and was even taken aback.
"I ... Actually, yes..." Roland was noticeably embarrassed.
"Did she accept the marriage proposal?" Lofty asked with bated breath.
Roland nodded.
"It's so interesting!" Tani rubbed her hands in pleasure. "Roland, tell us about her, please. Who was she? (It's hard to imagine that Roland could be in love and married. He is always so independent and serious!)," Tani giggled.
"Well," Roland turned to face the sea, "She was treating people..." Roland paused. "All that perished came to life in her hands. She gave hope of life others, not sparing herself. She was much kinder and more courageous than me, she simply showed these qualities in a different way."
"And what is the matter with her now?"
"She died..."
"Together with your world and family the day you magically appeared in Ding Dond Dell?" Evan asked, peering sympathetically at Roland's face, on which a familiar shadow lay.
"No, much earlier, when she was quite young..."
Roland did not turn to face his friends, so no one saw his face distorted with an expression of pain and bitterness, he hardly suppressed them in himself. Although Evan, Tani, and Lofty did not see the face, they understood what was happening to their beloved senior friend, mentor, and protector.
A joking expression suddenly left Tani's face; it became unusually serious. She took Roland's hand, squeezing lightly."
"I want to be the same as this beautiful young woman. I want from the bottom of my heart. To serve the kingdom and the people, to do good without sparing myself. This is what can truly be called a worthy and meaningful life - to bring others hope, joy, light, peace."
Roland looked at Tani warmly.
"Your goal is worthy, Tani. You are purposeful, and I believe that you will definitely be able to achieve the intended goal," said Roland.
"I agree with Roland. You are already on the way, and together we will try to fulfill the vocation assigned to us. The main thing is to go this way at all costs, to go to the end," Evan resolutely supported."
"Hey Evan, Tani, Roland!" Batu called friends from the shore. He headed down the wooden pier to the team along with Leander, the new adviser and consul of Evermore: Queen Nerea ordered Leander to serve the new kingdom and help Evan in gratitude for helping Evan to free Hydropolis, before the wedding day, so that Roland had a partner -colleague. The boards under Batu's weight bent dangerously as he headed along the wooden pier to Evan, Tani and Roland.
"Well, dad, did you manage to get around all the local taverns?" Tani asked maliciously, when she noticed that the main pirate was a little tipsy and staggered.
Batu burst out laughing.
"Of course, I wanted to see the local taverns, but I found only luxurious restaurants serving delicious overseas dishes with wine.I went into one of them and ordered all the dishes Hydropolis is famous for." Batu began to list, bending his fingers, Tani rolled into her eyes, and Evan stood with his mouth open in surprise, Roland and Leander laughed. "Pasta with white fish, pasta with tomato and seafood…"
"And you ate everything?" Evan horrified
"Ha-ha, of course. Such yummy needs to be absorbed completely," Batu replied, patting his huge belly, incredibly pleased with himself. I just wanted something normal to drink and it could not be found. Among strong drinks there was only wine. I had to order a jug of wine - I drank it in one gulp".
"You, boss, in your repertoire," Tani grunted, shaking her head.
"I'm glad you appreciated the culinary traditions of Hydropolis," Leander commented meticulously. "Well, are we going on a journey to the country of Evermore, or do you want to stay with us in Hydropolis for some more time? What do you say, Your Majesty, Evan?"
"We should not relax now, since, on the one hand, it is necessary to plan the following route and strategy for an allied visit to the new Broadleaf state on the map, and, on the other hand, a significant amount of state affairs has accumulated during our mission in Hydropolis. So I would advise, Your Majesty, not to hesitate and go home, "advised Roland to Evan.
Evan nodded.
"Yes, Roland, you're right. We really should return to Evermore and begin further work, " Evan said.
"Tell me, Your Majesty," Leander bowed. "Know that Hydropolis is now always open, and Queen Nerea and I are at your service. Welcome anytime."
"Thank you, Leander, we will certainly come here. This is the most romantic country I have ever seen, "said Evan with a smile."
"Let's hit the road! To Evermore!" Tani announced loudly and joyfully.
And a friendly company, replenished with a new ally - Leander - boarded the ship and sailed along the blue waves to sunny Evermore cheerfully.
Almost everything was ready for the trip to the Broadleaf: Roland collected all the possible information from the Goldpaw library about the country, the uniqueness of which was that it was all located in a huge golden tree; the population comprises engineers who performed technological miracles, created unique inventions that struck the minds of even those who perfectly knew magic. In addition, Roland read the hypothesis that these engineers came from another world, when there was a closer connection between the two dimensions, and brought technological progress to parallel world. But for the technological progress, the population of Broadleaf has to pay with an environmental catastrophe: due to the massive clogging of the territory incapable of decomposing with technical waste, emissions of heavy metals and fumes as a result of the immense operation of a nuclear station, air and water become more and more polluted, and the earth is depleted and stops to be fertile.
Leander, in turn, became a workmate to Roland. The latter was pleased with good service, subtle intelligence, quick wit and dexterity of the second consul. In addition to the obligations of the consul, Leander received the post of Archmage in Evermore and developed the Center for Magical Arts. He cast a spell on the royal ship, which allowed it to fly through a deep sea trench that estranged Evermore from other lands, including those on which the Broadleaf was located.
There were many other government affairs that had accumulated during the mission in Hydropolis, which had to be completed before embarking on a new journey.
Evan, Roland, Leander and the Minister of Finance conducted of public affairs in the throne room.
"Evan, Your Majesty, the kingdom is developing, all the necessary institutions and organizations have been built, and the most important thing is limping -medicine. The welfare of the whole country depends on the level of ability to provide professional medical care to any resident of Evermore," Roland put forward his proposal. Individual citizens, who, on a happy occasion, have been trained in this earlier, provide assistance, but this is very unreliable help if special conditions, institutions, laboratories are not created. It is necessary to create hospitals so that our military, citizens and all the inhabitants of the kingdom can be treated in them.
"Roland proposed a great idea, Your Majesty," Roland was supported by Leander. "Medicine is perhaps the most significant industry, which should be given due attention. It is at the highest level in Hydropolis".
"Yes, we've noticed that. Perhaps one of your previous laws forbidding the inhabitants of Hydropolis to be sick, although it sounds rather rhetorical, is characteristic of such a country. Hygiene and medicine are industries that need to be developed in Evermore, learning from you, " said Roland.
"Roland, I fully support your idea. This is indeed a very important issue," Ewan agreed thoughtfully. "But we do not have enough specialists in this field."
"Your Majesty, there are enough of them in Hydropolis, you can search them there. I think there are specialists in Hydropolis who want to start a career or change the plave, who will be happy to move to Evermore. So the inhabitants of Hydropolis are at your service," said Leander politely.
"Thank you, Leander," Evan said.
"Ahem, ahem, Your Majesty," Minister of Finance asked the king, "Excuse me, please, I fully share your enthusiasm and consider the work on the construction of hospitals and medical institutes to be excellent, but there is a significant problem - finances."
"Finances?" Evan looked puzzled at the Minister of Finance.
"Yes," the minister nodded. "Our kingdom is developing rapidly, but so far it is at the initial stages of development, the population and, accordingly, the income reaching the royal treasury are not large enough to cover the costs of this project."
"That's how it is," Evan visibly darkened. "But we really need medical centers, and as soon as possible. Almost every day, residents and employees of Evermore need medical care."
"Your Majesty, I think we can speed up the solution to this problem by increasing taxes, "the Minister of Finance suggested.
"No," Evan snapped decisively and persistently. "We will not charge people more than they should pay. Evermore will not go through the oppression of their own citizens."
"Well done, Evan, right," Roland supported, putting his hand on his shoulder.
"We must use what we have. I think it's not necessary to direct funds to this project as a whole. We can start with something small. For example, at least from small hospitals, small buildings, and then with the development of the kingdom, the increase in revenue to the treasury, to develop and increase the structure of the medical project. But we need to start without fail, we cannot postpone it," said Evan. His face was very serious. He did not notice how Roland was watching him intently with interest and pride. "Please, design a small hospital in accordance with the available funds in the treasury, do this," Evan ordered.
"I'm listening, Your Majesty, it is a great honor for us," the Minister of Finance bowed deeply respectfully and left.
As soon as the finance minister came out, the chief builder of Evermore entered the throne room.
"Your Majesty, I hasten to gladly report to you that the Aranella Square, which you commissioned us to build, is almost completely ready. Now builders, gardeners, sculptors and artists are carrying out final and verification work, but the square will be ready by tomorrow.
Evan's face suddenly became excited, but at the same time enthusiastic. He jumped to his feet from the throne.
"Mr. Mayr, this is just great news! I have been so looking forward to the day of completion of work on Aranella Square! I can't wait to look at it!" Evan exclaimed, and then added, lowering his voice. "I so wanted and waited for the moment when I can honor the memory of Nella, thanks to which we built our sunny kingdom of Evermore.
The chief builder Mayr expressed sincere joy.
"We really believe and hope you enjoy it. Builders put their heart and soul into the work. Tomorrow you will be able to look at it ready-made, Your Majesty!" Mayr announced solemnly. Tell me, on what day to order a grand opening?"
"On tomorrow! I do not want to postpone this event!" Evan replied excitedly, his voice trembling a little under the influence of a variety of feelings that played out in the soul. "The grand opening of Aranella Square and the veneration of her memory will take place tomorrow. Announce it to all residents and citizens of Evermore, please."
"Who is Aranella, after whom the new square is named?" asked Leander, correcting with a graceful gesture the glasses that had fallen over his nose.
"She was a teacher and educator, replaced Evan's mother when he was left an orphan, sacrificed her life for Evan and freedom. It was Aranella who bequeathed to Evan to build Evermore." Roland explained. "I met her on the last day of her life and witnessed the tragic sacrificial death."
"Heroic personality," said Leander. "And it turns out, you replaced Aranella for Evan."
"No," Roland shook his head. "I can never replace Aranella. But I am as attached to Evan as Aranella, and I try to take care of him like she did. In a way, she gave me her vocation
"I will gladly fulfill your order, Your Majesty!" Mayr bowed and left.
"If you'll excuse me, I will leave you too. State affairs await me," Leander apologized.
Roland and Evan were left alone in the throne room.
"Roland, it's not for nothing that you proposed the idea of a medical project with such persistence," Evan asked, looking Roland in the eye. "I guess the memories of whom inspired you to this idea."
Roland did not look away.
"Yes," he confirmed.
"I know that I may ask too much, but please tell us a little about her. I feel and I see through the eyes that you think about her, you want to share, but do not dare. Roland," Evan lightly shook the hand of an older friend. "I do not insist, but you can trust me. Maybe at least fragmentary memories of her."
"I trust you, Evan," Roland answered bluntly. He turned to the window. "I met her at the hospital. I was at the age at which I appear before you now. My younger sister, five years younger than me, fell ill with a severe form of pneumonia..."
Poisonous green chambers, crumbling petals of wilted lilies of the valley scattered across the table by the bed, draining the nasty-sweet smell. A fifteen-year-old girl with red curly hair scattered over the pillow lay on the bed, her face burned with a feverish blush, she lay unconscious. Roland sat next to him in a chair, bending over and hiding his face in his hands. He was unable to move from grief and fatigue.
A nurse entered the room.
"Young man, please go out for a while, have a rest. Your sister will be examined by our new doctor. She's about to come up when she finishes with a neighboring patient," the nurse asked politely.
"Yes, yes, of course," Roland answered absently. He got up and left the room.
Just as absent-mindedly, he looked around the corridor. Images of patients scurrying back and forth from one ward to another, transporting patients on a transportable stretcher, reflected in his foggy consciousness in the form of blurry, faceless shadows, and his voices became tangled and seemed like echo came from another world, another space.
"Mrs. Snow, did you like the walk?" in passing, some remarks were clearly recognized among the merged cacophony of sounds.
"Yes, my d-d-dear. The sea wind is v-very w-warm. It so p-p-ppity, it's t-t-time to get b-back to the w-w-ward.
"Unfortunately, you need to adhere to the schedule, for your own good. But we will definitely come here often, dear Mrs. Snow," the warm and soft voice answered.
The voices belonged to an old woman in a wheelchair, unable to not only move herself, but to perceive the world normally, talk and hear; her whole body, hands, her jaw were shaking, because of which the woman could barely make sounds. The second voice belonged to a young girl in a white medical coat, who was carrying a wheelchair. Despite the burden of worrying about her sister, who seemed to cut off Roland's mind, the girl in the dressing gown caught his distracted attention. Her emerald eyes were full of such sincere empathy, participation, when she looked at the woman, as if she carried the burden of others on her fragile shoulders herself, and her movements were full of warmth and tenderness.
"I r-r-really w-w-want you to go for a w-w-walk with me tom-m-m-morrow."
"Tomorrow?" the girl was suddenly confused. "But since today I still have a night shift, tomorrow afternoon I just won't be able to go out, I'm really sorry..."
"P-p-p-pl-leas, my dear!"
The girl dropped her head and felt guilty.
"But I... All right, dear Mrs. Snow. I will go to you, and we will definitely go for a walk," the girl answered and ran a soft hand over the woman's shoulder. "Do not worry. And now let's go to the ward - it's time to have a rest."
The girl brought the patient into the next room and went to the room in which Roland's sister was lying. She took a quick step and, lost in thought, passed Roland without turning her head, and disappeared behind the doors of the chamber.
"So she is a doctor. She is so young… Looks like she is no more than eighteen," Roland flickered in his head.
Roland returned to his thoughts. In anticipation, he walked back and forth, glancing at the treasured door.
After about 15 minutes, the ward doors opened and a doctor and a nurse came out, talking to each other.
"What do you think? Is Miss Crane's condition hopeless?"
"Mrs. Ashley, what do you mean? We will fight for the life of the girl to the end. I personally will do my best. I will clutch at any straw that gives hope for healing."
"You are so kind, you..."
"Please don't," the girl said softly, frowning a little.
"What do we say to Mr. Crane?"
"Mr. Crane?"
"Ah, there he is! Mr. Crane," the nurse called Roland, "I want to introduce you to our doctor, our angel, miss..."
The doctor finally turned her attention to Roland. Roland was very surprised at the change in her expression. Either he thought, or she was excited at the sight of him.
"Roland?!" she exclaimed.
"Excuse me, do we know each other?" Roland asked, surprised that the doctor knew his name.
The girl's expression changed to the previous one again - she looked at Roland with a calm bright smile. She laughed a little.
"No, we don't. I heard your name somewhere. I remembered. I know the names of visitors to our patients. I was reported that Mr. Roland Crane on the waiting list to visit his sister. Mrs. Ashlyn, could you leave us alone?" the girl asked, and then turned to Roland. "And you, Mr. Crane, please come with me."
Young woman led Roland to a wide balcony on the ground floor, from which it was possible to go down the stairs directly to the seashore. The sea was seething with alarm and sending a swiftly strong wave, which hit the rocks with a loud splash and crumbled with heavy drops. It seemed that the sea was beating in some kind of despair and was pouring out its pain. The sky above him frowned sympathetically with black clouds against the background of a gray, gloomy, heavenly canvas. Roland looked at the waves with pain and saw the helpless in oblivion face and figure of his sister before his eyes.
"Life is a sea beating in despair in waves, which, having survived the storm, freezes in satisfactory calm and relief towards the morning. And then the storm again - and peace and light after that. While we breathe and exist, we survive the storms and the calm of the sun - we move, we live. Stop the storm - the sea will stop, and even in calm there will be no movement and life. There will be a damned infinity," the girl said.
"Roland," she turned to him, extending a hand to his hand and looking into his eyes, "the storm will end - and there will be light again."
Each of her words seemed to encrypt experience beyond the years of a wise person, it sounded figuratively, but was devoid of artificial rhetorical adornment, because personally experienced storms stood behind it. Her eyes were so close and shone with the light of life and fresh grass.
Every day, when Roland came to visit his sister, he met her. In breaks, when his sister fell asleep, he went to the seashore and looked at the rioting sea.
"M-m-my d-d-dear, b-b-bring me my d-d-d-daughter Amy, I b-b-beg you! I have to s-say g-goodbye to h-her before d-d-dying."
"Mrs. Snow, I cannot do this, I told you. You don't have daughter Amy," the young woman exclaimed in despair.
"I do have! My girl my joy!" muttered the old patient in the stroller, raising her hands to the sky with force.
"She is not there, I swear to you ... I cannot bring her to you."
Roland and a familiar doctor stood on a mountain elevation two meters high above the sandy shore. He looked up at young woman: he noticed how she turned away to hide the tears from the old woman, and made eye contact with Roland.
The storm gave way to a sunlit calm. No more wilted lilies and bittersweet, nasty smell of wilting. Only the freshness of the white petals opened in the morning. Her eyes illuminated by the joy of rebirth, though tired of the sleepless days and nights spent in the struggle for the girl's life, the gentle touch of her hand with which she urged to go after her and see, to make sure...
"Roland, she is alive! She will live."