Рамиль Латыпов "Flooded city"

«Who are they?» The hairy guard said. His beard hung down to his navel. How can he just live with her? It showed traces of a recent breakfast of a sandwich with dried lamb and kvass.

«We are travelers from faraway places. We want to go to the guild. Maybe we’ll become adventurers. – Said the cheerful Sophia making eyes at both guards. Apparently, she did this more than once, there is experience.

«Skip the cute kitty.» She won’t hurt us anyway. I’ll look at the kid myself.“ The second guard said. Without a beard and clearly the oldest in the shift. He looked me over casually. I saw the magician’s gloves and asked a question. I nodded. „I don’t like your tribe. All of you wield staffs. No, to pick up swords or axes like normal warriors. Ugh. «Where’s your staff?» Did you drink it?

«I lost it,» I said, even though I’d never owned a staff. I already have a lot of magic with my magic gloves, a family heirloom from my heroic grandfather the dragon War hero about a hundred years ago. A merchant wanted to buy it from me, even offering me a hundred gold pieces, but I refused. Family honor is more precious. And in them, the magic turns out to be strong, but it spends little mana.

«You mages are always a problem. He spat nastily. – Are you going to file a missing person’s report?» The thing was probably expensive. Judging by your clothes. You are a mid-level mage at least.

– No, there will be no application. I dropped it in the river. And I will be known to you as a magician of the highest level.

В«Even an imperial one. Pay gold and come in. The bearded man said. He must have been bored with the conversation.

«Three silvers?» The thief said. My friend is kind and affectionate.

«Five silver and come in.» The guard without a beard said.

I reached out and handed over the money from the void. They won’t even let you into the city without money. Although officially everyone is allowed to enter the city without paying. But I wouldn’t argue with the guards. I don’t want to go to prison for resisting.

Even though the guards had ruined my mood, the city had lifted it. The beautiful ladies were so giddy. And after passing the local brothel, IВ indulged inВ memories, but IВ was quickly cooled down byВ Sofia with aВ blow toВ the head and we wentВ on.

Here’s the guild. Just as I remember it. But they wouldn’t let me in last time. Admission is only for those under the age of eighteen. These are stupid rules. But today I logged in without any problems. The guard at the gate only looked at us disdainfully, not saying a word. There’s always a lot of rabble hanging around. Inside, as always in such places, it was crowded. Some drank dark kvass, others played dice or cards. About twenty people were standing near the wall with their assignments. Three reception desks. I went to the most beautiful lady who was free. It turned out to be a nice lady cyclops. She smiled when she saw me. But noticing the thief next to me, the ardor subsided. You should at least draw a sign for this kitty that she’s not my lady. Otherwise, I will have problems with my personal life.

«Hello, the most beautiful creature in the world. I said, smiling. The lady immediately blushed. – I’m with my partner, we’re not dating. – I emphasized, noticing the interest of not only the receptionist but also the ladies at the next table. Good. – We want to register in the guild. I also have things for sale. Skins and bodies.

– Yes, we do not meet with him, I’m on the ladies. Sophia smiled at Cyclops. «Little buds like you.»

«Oh. I’m so happy about that. The guild always needs new people. I’m your handler, Baya—" «Here, fill out these forms. Goods will be accepted in the yard after the documents are submitted.

IВ took the form and started filling it out. Filled it out quickly. Noticing that my companion does not fill it out, but only turns it inВ her hand, not understanding.

«You can’t write?» I asked quietly.

– Read too. Who will teach me the local language in the bandit camp? And my native language is not used here.

IВ nodded, took the form from her, and asked questions and wrote answers. Slightly editing the content. She turned out toВ be aВ bad mouth. IВ handed over the forms. Cyclops examined them carefully. She took out aВ large stone ofВ В«TruthВ» and we put our hands together. The receptionist compared the form with the inscription on the stone.

В«So this is Mikhail Underwear. The whole town was talking about you aВ yearВ ago.

«It’s me. – And what to deny.

«How interesting that is. You can tell me, too. – Said the cheerful Sophia, apparently she was interested in this story.

– I was walking with the wife of the local baron Anna Yutu. And ran away at night. I didn’t have much time to take out of my clothes. That’s the whole story. I turned to the curator. – How’s the bald chubby guy?»

«I met Eleanor Yuta a month ago. And don’t you dare insult him, we loved him here. Angry Baya said. But then she changed her face, became nice again, and continued. «We are ruled by his wife, Anna Yutu.

В«IВ need toВ go over and say hello toВ her.В»

– She rules with her new husband Yegor Yutu, the nephew of the last baron. So I’ll forgive you if you want to work in the guild, don’t create any problems for us.

«Got it.» I nodded. It’s a pity the Baroness has good memories.

«Because of the paperwork. Are we suitable for your guild? My partner asked, grabbing the curator’s arm.

– Yes, come here. Here are your cards. She placed two square cards on the table. Our names flashed on them. – Will you create a clan?

«Come on.» Let it be «The Magician and his friends». I said, looking at the thief’s displeased face.

В«There is already such aВ clan. We need aВ different name.

«Let’s call it Malawi.» So my homeland nazavaetsya it in the east. «I don’t know,» said Sophia, evidently meaning a great deal to her. I didn’t argue. He just nodded in approval, getting a big grin from her. She’s cute when she smiles.

– How interesting about this country I have not heard. «The curator checked the records. – The name is free. Fine. Your iron rank is the lowest. But you can take any tasks no higher than two ranks above your own. There are iron rank and so on, steel, bronze, silver and gold. The greatest adventurers get a platinum rank. But this rank is given personally by the king or guild head for special merits.

– As you may remember, I have skins and my friend wants to put money in the account. I turned to the disgruntled thief. «Really?»

Reluctantly, she placed six gold pieces on the table. The curator took them and registered them to our shared account. Then she went outside with us, where I took the skins and carcasses out of the void. Earned three gold coins. Many. The guild doesn’t skimp on rewards. They put everything on the bill. Then she came with us and helped us choose the first task. We took on a mission to guard a merchant caravan. It’s a simple job, going out in the evening and paying for the hotel is not necessary.

The two of us left the guild together. Oddly enough, we don’t have any regulars pestering us. Maybe they have a rule not to bully newbies. After all, there were fewer and fewer people coming to adventurers over time. All go to bards, artisans, or merchants. There are more jobs and better pay. Being an adventurer doesn’t earn you much money. And if war breaks out, they will be called up as an ordinary soldier.

«It went well. Sorry for the money, of course, gave to the account. And it’s so nice when they warm your wallet. Her stomach rumbled with treachery at that. How much will fit in there. We ate in the morning. Although she has a different metabolism, she is also a half-human.

«Let’s go to the tavern and gather some rumors. This is the most important thing in our business. I said, smiling. Then he added hush. – Let’s eat fish with light kvass.

Hearing about the fish, its ears began toВ move, and IВ rejected the temptation toВ stroke them. We must respect her choice.

Tavrena was right next door, three doors down. The city is small. How it keeps afloat. What makes it stand out? The Tavrena building didn’t stand out in any way, an ordinary log house of two floors. With a nondescript sign for me «Tavrena Stary sturgeon». But she was delighted with my companion. How she wants to eat. Inside, the usual smell of strong kvass and dumplings was waiting for us in these establishments. I love these places. In them, my teacher on «Rare Species» Matvey Theorit found five new species of pubic fleas. So I immediately covered myself with a light veil of poison. We sat down at the first available table. It was crowded. People like to go for a walk here. Someone was celebrating a wedding. The bride and groom and about twenty guests. On the other hand, there was a wake. The black-robed people were grieving. That’s what life is like here. Everyone else went out and had fun for no reason.

«I can get you something.» – Said a young busty elf. I examined her through the spell. Yes, the old lady has seen a lot.

«Grandma, we’ll have some dumplings and light kvass.» And a bigger and fresher fish for the lady. I said as politely as possible. Old people should be respected.

«Cheeky. Always with you magicians so. Others take me for a girl and tip me well. And you all see the bastards. I’ll get you some food. The waitress snorted and left.

«How did you know she was a grandmother?» Sophia’s curiosity was piqued when the waitress left.

«I’m a mage, and I can read all the data from everyone. Here it is. I pointed to a strong warrior surrounded by strong men like him. They were celebrating loudly. My partner turned to get a better look at him. Naked to the waist, he inspired respect and fear. – I used to be a lady, and I gave birth to two children. I wouldn’t have believed it myself.

– yes. Your abilities amaze me. You magicians are so wonderful. What about me?

«We need to look carefully. I said feigningly. I examined it carefully this morning. «You’ve seen a lot of evil. I see you’re in pain. But you don’t say anything about them. I put my hand to her stomach. She didn’t pull it back. – Complete healing. A wave of green light went from my hand to her stomach and spread all over her body. She began to smile. You can see that the pain is going away. «The pain will go away, but it will come back. I can only take them off for a while. You need drugs to get better. They are expensive. But maybe we can make some money and buy them. You can have children after them.

I shouldn’t have said that, "fury crossed her face. I got slapped in the face. And what I wanted. The waitress brought the food and took the money, still snorting at me. They ate in silence. She refused to talk to me. We stayed until the evening. I listened to the conversations, but I didn’t hear any useful information. Everyone praised the Baroness for her new laws. They scolded the king for his stupidity. In short, everything is the same as before. It’s time to go to work.

«I’m sorry for what I said. Come on, we still have to guard the merchants.

She just nodded, and we left the tavern and went to the merchants. They were waiting for us. The Seven dwarfs. All of them were bearded and cheerful, loading crates into carts. Whatever it was, I didn’t care.

– I’m Mikhail this is Sofia we came to work from the guild. – I gave the card to the biggest dwarf.

«I’m Mateo. And these are my brothers. Only I can speak your language. Half of the payment upon arrival at Magma Dwarf Capital. Then we load another product and drive back. We’ll stop in the capital for an hour. Don’t get lost there. When you return, you will receive the full amount. Agreed.

– OK. – Why did he tell us that?» Everything was on the sign. I decided that since we are newbies, we need to chew everything. Well, at least it looks easy. They’re strong guys who could handle it on their own. But the merchant guild requires cargo security. So I had to hire people. But they didn’t want to pay much. And we need a good job to start with. Not dusty and the money is not bad. And I’ll take a look at the dwarf capital. I haven’t been there yet. Maybe I’ll visit the dwarf ladies. An hour is enough.

«Is your lady mute?» It’s just silent.

«No, I’m not mute. You little bumpkin. We’re going to do some work, or you’re going to stare at me.» Maybe I’ll undress so you can get a better look at me.“„She was furious. It’s a good thing this rage isn’t directed at me.

I don’t say anything. Here’s the best place for you as a lady. He pointed to a bench in the cart with a pillow and a blanket on it. – We knew there was a lady in the squad, so we bought it for you. I’d better keep uploading. You can sit up and go to bed, and we’ll be leaving in an hour.

The dwarf ran off to join the others. The thief sat up, but her anger didn’t go away. I sat down across from her, but then I lay down and fell asleep. We need to gain strength. The road is long.

Chapter 3В Bandits and merchants

I haven’t slept so sweetly in a long time. I woke up to the jolt of a cart. It was already morning. The sun rose. The dwarf brothers were arguing in a language I didn’t recognize. Although I studied a lot of them at the academy. Sophia was sleeping next to him. Her sleep was troubled. She tossed and turned and twitched her arms. I remembered my life in captivity apparently. She’d been through a lot. Now I’m always ready to attack. We need to change. I’ll be gentle with her. She’s my servant, my life’s debtor. Our fates are linked.

«Michael’s awake,» Mateo’s familiar voice said. He rode beside us on a two-meter-tall lizard that stood on both legs. Here they were called «reptiles».

– Yes, the dream was sweet. I can’t believe it myself.

– You obviously had a lot of problems. So they broke out. I needed some rest.» He’s a good guy, even if he’s a dwarf.

– Everyone has problems. How much further to go?

«Seven hours, maybe eight. Roads can be crowded. Especially the bridge on the river Irig. Customs officers are standing there shaking money. Scoundrels. He spat. – Who will restore order here?

– A strong warrior who will bring everything back in ten years. – Said the awakened Sophia. – In my country, it was the same in Malawi.

«It may well be. The dwarf said sadly. «And good morning, young lady.» You want to eat. I made tea and sandwiches. Or you need a rest stop. Wash up there and – " He paused meaningfully, alluding to the bushes. – Go to the bushes. The slaughterer can do anything. I know about you. I’ve heard rumors.

– Yes, I can. – I didn’t try to dispel his misconceptions. A mage’s honor is more precious. I’ll be patient.

We stopped. While the lady went into the bushes, the dwarves quickly set up tables and chairs. AВ couple ofВ minutes later, IВ saw two tables filled with cups ofВ tea and sandwiches. IВ waited for my companion, and we ate. She never spoke toВ me. It may calm down over time. IВ never understood these ladies. They will be offended and sulk. No, just toВ talk.

Then they cleaned up just as quickly and drove on. Dwarves are a jolly lot. They sang songs. We distributed dark kvass to everyone. After a couple of mugs, I started singing along, even though I didn’t understand the words.

We passed the border calmly. The dwarves clawed at the grimy guard and rode on. So we ended up in a no-man’s-land between states.

Several hours passed. The dwarves in my cart started shouting loudly. I realized this was not good. I took a closer look. Oh, the horror. A crowd of magical beasts is coming at us. My companion didn’t know what to do either, so she just snuggled up to me. He looks at me with cute eyes. How not to protect it. He began to recite spells.

«What are you thinking?» That’s what we came here for. Mateo said proudly. I looked at the other dwarves. They weren’t afraid, on the contrary, they were exultant. – We’re animal hunters, lad. Sit still in the cart and we’ll do it ourselves.

The dwarves pulled the wagons toВ the side ofВ the road. We got up with nets along the road. The crowd ofВ beasts was rushing towards them. Here the first ofВ them began toВ approach. They caught them with nets. And stunned with crossbow bolts. Although they were small and no more than five feet tall, they were agile. ByВ the time the herd ofВ magical beasts left, they had captured fifty magical beasts. Mostly big birds. But there were five magus wolves and aВ behemoth among them.

– They have migration now. It’s time for a hunt. Mateo said, sweating profusely. He looked pleased with himself. «We’ve caught some of the prettiest of them. And in no man’s land. Taxes do not have to be paid for trapping, only for import. Profitably. Hooray guys.

All the dwarves cheered. It was aВ good day for them. Sophia pulled away from me with aВ snort ofВ disdain. IВ knew IВ had toВ get this over with.

«Hit me and we’ll forget about that conversation.» – I thought she’d say something and start a conversation.» But the blow came quickly. In the jaw. To my most precious place on the face.

«We’re done here. She continued, apparently reassured. «So the dwarf brothers are smugglers. They steal animals during migration, then sell them at home. With the proceeds, they buy various goods in Magma and sell them in the country of Otis people. Wise. And the main thing is almost legal. Dwarves border guards humanly read poorly and documents are easily forged.

«That’s right, sister. The jolly dwarf said as he built a cage on the second cart. – You adventurers will have to change to a reptile. We need carts like cages.

«Come on, Michael. I get seasick on them, so I’ll sit in the back. I don’t like animals at all. She said as she helped me up from the floor of the cart. She’s got a good punch.

The animal we got is old, but calm. The thief didn’t like him, though. She stopped dead in front of him. She’s shaking all over. Beat it.

«Are you afraid of reptiles?» They are kind. I tamed a lot of them at the academy. I said and sat on it deftly. Then he patted the green head. So they become kinder.

«No, I’m not afraid of them,» said Sofya, all trembling. And when the beast began to sniff at him, he fell to the ground, closing his eyes. The dwarves, to their credit, did not laugh at her, but continued to build their cages in silence.

«Sit behind me and close your eyes.» He won’t bite, I promise.

– OK. But if you cheat and he bites me. She showed me her small fist. Although I already knew its power.

В«IВ promise.В»

IВ got off the reptile. He made her lie down on the ground. Her companion struggled toВ sit on it. IВ ordered the beast toВ stand up. He stood up inВ aВ flash. The lady began toВ tremble.

«Close your eyes and don’t open them.

She closed it. I can see she’s starting to trust me. I sat on the beast. He took the lady’s hands and placed them on his waist. She couldn’t resist and clung to me. She has strong hands. Deft fingers.

В«That the dwarf brothers are going toВ Magma.

– yes. Hooray for the lady on the reptile. The dwarf said. Everyone else started cheering. Apparently they are kind guys.

Ten minutes later, we continued on our way. Cages full of bound animals. Gnomes singing funny songs. And the lady behind me who cursed all the reptiles in this sinful world. That’s the song they sang. The senior dwarf translated it for me.

В«On the road ofВ stone we go home, weВ go

On the road from the boards we go home,В go

On the road from the rubble we go home,В go

Off-road we go home,В go

We don’t care about the road. We only care about one thing.

That we’re going home, we’re going