Story 18. Trust.
"I must have a secret of this gunpowder, - Ashka said fiddling with the last small bottle, - tell me, do these things always act this way?" – She looked at the mess around her.
"Apparently, - Gryvon mumbled, shocked, removing the dry leaves from Ashka's hair, - sorry again. So I go now?"
"Wait, - the woman stopped him, still looking at the gunpowder, - we'd better be careful with it".
"You think Paul won't tell?"
"I don't know, Gryvon! He doesn't look like a fool".
The young man stood still.
"So what do we do?"
Ashka tossed up the bottle.
"We have to improvise. Do you pretend well, Gryvon?"
"What do you mean? – Bewildered, the Apprentice looked at the Spellbinder. - And what does it have to do with our plan?"
"Don't be a fool! – The woman exclaimed. - Who had been in Paul's cell? That Zander! We have no idea what he could tell the boy".
"During so little time?" – Gryvon was surprised.
"It doesn't matter, - Ashka continued, - of course, Paul is in a mood to talk, but we need to protect ourselves. That is why I repeat my question – can you pretend well?"
She looked at the young man, examining, as if she tried to find some hidden potential.
"I don't know, - he shrugged, - and what do I need to show?"
"You are rude, small-minded, straightforward and impulsive, - the Spellbinder smiled, like she was rewarding her companion with exquisite compliments, - remember these features, Gryvon. And do your best. Paul should't find the catch".
"Why do you need all this? – the young man was confused. - It will give only the opposite effect".
Ashka patted on his shoulder mockingly.
"Seems like you're getting into the role? We need this, Gryvon, - suddenly she became absolutely serious, - because right after you I will follow – a wise and just mentor who can protect Paul from your impulsiveness and straightforwardness. Don't you understand he's scared?"
Her thin eyebrows curved a little. A cunning smile touched her lips. Gryvon understood. Smiling to her, he went into the dungeons, where the cells were located. He'll do it, he'll do his best. Ashka had always known what to do, and he just had to pretend.
It went without a hitch. And later, when Paul, so happy that he had left the cell, was enjoying the bath full of lather, Ashka disclosed her plan. Indeed, what could be more pleasant than the fact that somebody takes your side and believes the most incredible story this country has ever heard? Inspired and trusting, Paul will definitely tell everything they need…