This is a fan translation of The Treasure of the Kapitana (Сокровище «Капудании») by the Russian science fiction and fantasy author Vladimir Vasilyev.

I claim no rights to the contents herein.

Chapter 26

Alexander Selinium, Ralph Kingfisher, pilgrims, Pantikapaion, fall of 865 (one year later)

Two modestly dressed pilgrims came down from the shelia Tuzla onto a Pantikapaion pier on a quiet fall day of the month of Levante. It was starting to get dark; the sun was hanging just to the side of the brown cone of Mount Mithridat, and the air was so clear that the distant Taman shores could be vaguely seen on the horizon.

The pilgrims confidently walked along the quay and turned onto Pantikapaion's main street, Taurican Strip. It indicated that at least one of them had been to Pantikapaion before.

After walking down the Strip, the pilgrims turned again, this time onto a small but clean and cared for side alley, where they paused in front of the office of a well-known shipbuilder and antiquities connoisseur named Sirhan Günüç. They didn't even have to knock on the door or ring the bell, as the door opened on its own, even though they couldn't see any doorkeepers or other servants. The pilgrims entered, and the door shut itself behind them.

There was no one in the entrance hall; the pilgrims sat down onto a bench by the wall and started to wait. Soon a modestly dressed young woman entered the hall.

"Oh," one of the pilgrims said, pulling his hood back. "You're already here, Almea! Well then, it is good to see you. And trust me, this isn't just me being polite, I really am glad to see you! Especially since I'm supposed to pass on the warmest regards of your sister."

The other pilgrim also pulled back his hood and nodded without a word.

"Hello, Alexander!" the girl replied. "Hello, Ralph! I'm also very happy to see you! To be honest, we've been expecting you earlier. And thank you for passing on the regards. How is little Amrita?"

Alexander smiled, "Little? When this little girl appeared, every single Albionian beauty was ready to burst from envy, and no one shines at royal balls as brightly as Amrita of Taurica!"

Almea nodded in understanding, "Of course! My sister has had a strong grip since she was little. I'm happy for her. But you're clearly not in Pantikapaion just to pass on regards from my sister. The master isn't here right now, but he told me to hear you out and give you advice."

"We came to Pantikapaion to honorable Sirhan Günüç to request to become his apprentices," Alexander said patiently, even though it was obvious to him that Almea had known exactly what he was going to say.

Almea peered into his eyes.

"I'm sure you've heard that a mage typically only has one apprentice," Almea said in an apologetic tone.

Alexander and Ralph tensed involuntarily and exchanged concerned glances.

"Meaning…" Alexander drawled in disappointment. "You got here first. I see."

"But," Almea went on as if he hadn't said anything, "at the moment Master Sirhan doesn't have any apprentices. Just a girl for a student. Besides…" Almea gave the pilgrims a sly look. "The whole thing about a single apprentice is nonsense!" And burst into laughter.

Moments later, Alexander and Ralph joined in her mirth. After having his fill of laughter, Almea leapt to her feet and dragged the pilgrims by their hands to the staircase that led to the upper floors.

"Come on, I'll show you to your rooms! Then come down to the dining room. It's over there, on the right, the dinner is just about ready!"

Sirhan Günüç returned only at nightfall, and the light in the dining room remained on for quite a while. The slamming of the wine cellar doors that could be easily heard in the night kept resounding from the open windows, but none of the neighbors seemed to be bothered by that.

Then rumors started spreading that Sirhan had decided to sell off his ship workshops but was going to open a bookshop instead. Then again, he'd been eagerly purchasing old books, paintings, and other antiquities even before.

As if anyone cared about antiquity…