Fantastic - stainless steel rat (part 7).

                                                            
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  To our great surprise, we were not caught.  Village Pa-
Ren must have been mischievous in these forests throughout his youth
life, because he knew all the paths and paths here. But that's it
but we had a hard time. Falling off our feet from fatigue, we
rushed to a low grassy slope with rare pathetic bushes
tics.  Dreng parted the branches in one place and opened the front
we see the entrance to a shallow cave.                              
  - I once drove a fur-bearing animal here.  No one else
knows about this cave.                                       
  The entrance was very narrow, and it took us a lot of effort to get through.
push the Elephant inside.  But inside the cave expanded, and we could
it was free to sit, although there was not enough room to stand. I took
one of the blankets, spread it on the ground and wrapped the Elephant,
laying him on his side.  He groaned.  His whole face was covered
dirt and bruises.  He got it the most.  But after lookingat me, he found the strength to smile.                   
 - Thank you, my boy. I knew you'd be there.   
  - Did you know? I didn’t know this myself until the last moment.   
  - Nonsense. But come quickly, please...                 
  He writhed in pain and groaned, arching his body from unbearability.
our torment.  Pain hoop - I completely forgot about it!  And he's everything
still continued to receive the signal bringing inevitable death.
If you hurry, you will make people laugh.  So I'm a little noymepub
ardor, slowly took off his shoe from his foot, opened the treasured secret
choke and took out his master key.  He bent down and inserted it into
the lock - and the hoop, clicking, opened. Pain pierced my
hand, my fingers began to go numb, and I forcefully threw this thing into
side.                                                    
  The elephant lay unconscious and breathing heavily. There was nothing left
to do other than sit and wait.                           
  “Your sword,” Dreng said, handing it to me.            
  - Take care of it yourself for now.  If you think you can with him
cope.                                                 
  He lowered his eyes and said with a tremble in his voice:            
  - I want to be a brave warrior, but I'm so cowardly.  I don't
could move to help you.                    
  - But in the end you did it. Remember this. In recent times
thoseThere is no such person who would not be afraid of something
at one time or another.  It is not the one who is afraid of anything who is brave, but
someone who knows how to overcome their fear and move forward.         
  “Excellent idea, young man,” said the deep voice.
voice. - Which should always be remembered.                    
  The elephant came to his senses, and on his exhausted face appeared
weak smile.                                              
  - So, Jim, I spoke before they turned on their
hell of a machine that I knew you would be there today. Are you on
freedom - and I knew that you would not leave me in this damned
God's place. Your escape caused a huge commotion and many
noise, running back and forth until the evening, until the gates
closed for the night.  It was quite obvious that you didn't
will be able to get inside at this time. But at dawn the gates
are reopening, and I didn’t have the slightest doubt
that you will be somewhere nearby, trying to find some
some way to get me out.  Simple logic.  I'm still up
He grew your task by coming out to meet you.                 
  - Very simple! But you were almost killed!               
  - But they didn’t kill me.  And now we are together, in a safe place,
far from them.  Plus, I see that you managed to attract
an ally on our side.  Well done for the day.  A those-
Now there is one very important question. Whatwhat will we do next?  
  Really, what?                                       
  - As for what we should do next, the answer is pre-
very clear,” I said.  - We'll stay here until we leave -
passions are brewing.  Which should happen pretty quickly because
like a dead slave is of no value to them.   
  - But I feel great.                           
  - Yes, but you forget that a pain hoop can
kill if left on for a long time.
Therefore, as soon as our path is clear, we will go to
to the nearest human habitation and bandage your wound.       
  - I think it’s nothing more than a scratch, although very kpoboto-
cheat                                                        
  - Blood poisoning and infection.  First of all, you need to pose
worry about your wound,” I turned to Dreng. - You know
any farmers who live nearby?                
  - No, but the widow Apfeltri lives here, just over the hill,
behind a dead tree, on the edge of a swamp...                   
  - Great. Show the way and don’t talk too much, - I again
turned to the Elephant.  - And that’s when we’ll deal with your sleep-
noy, what then?                                             
  - And after that we will enlist in the army.  Since you
Now he has entered into the role of a hired warrior; you couldn’t imagine a better one.
Armylocated inside locks, where there must be
there must be some secret room behind seven locks, where they
keep all their grots.  And while you are perfecting your
art, I, as they say, will study the situation.
And one army will help us in this noble cause, which,
It seems to me that it will be very suitable in this case. Army, coc-
Dimona, standing in the service of Kano.                             
  - Not Kano Dimon! - Dreng exclaimed, grabbing himself
hair.  - It's the devil in the flesh, he eats babies for breakfast,
drinks from the skull of his first wife, upholsters human furniture
what skin...                                                
  “That’s enough,” the Elephant ordered, and Dreng fell silent. - I see,
that he is not popular here in the Kano domain
Documentation.  And all because he is his sworn enemy and
periodically comes here with the war. But I'm sure he won't
as good - or better - than any other Kano.  But he
there is one advantage. He is the enemy of our enemy.             
  - Almost our friend.  Everything is correct.  I remain indebted to
old Doccia, and I can't wait to return everything to him in full. 
  - You shouldn't begrudge him, Jim. It's dulling
insight and influences your career.  Our goal is
The hour should be mining, not looting.        
  I nodded affirmatively.- Of course.  But while you're planning the robbery,
why don't I quench my thirst for revenge a little.               
  I saw that he did not approve of my emotions - but I could not help it.
take away his Olympian calm.  It's possible that this is all
just the costs of youth. And I changed the topic of conversation.      
  - After we clear out the jewelry, what then?   
  - We find out how local residents communicate with the outside world-
rum, with smugglers, even with the same Behuu. With the only one
the goal is to quickly leave this backward and terrible world.  A for
In order to do this, we will have to become believers, he
chuckled at my shock. - Like you, my boy, I
I understand the humanities and don’t feel the need
believe in the supernatural.  But here, on Cnuobehte, everything
progressive technology, it seems to me, is concentrated in
hands of the monastic order known as the Benedic
teens...                                                    
 - No!  Wait! - Dreng exclaimed; this is truly
source of bad news. - They own things that
They drive people crazy. From their workshops flow a continuous stream
unusual and strange devices.  Machines that can
make screams and growls, speak through the skies, and the same
painful hoops! Don't mess with them, master, I beg you! 
  - To,“What our young friend told us, it’s true,” he said
Elephant.  - Except for the fear of the unknown. B result
tate of a certain process that has no meaning for us
who cares, all the technology in this world turned out to be
centered in the hands of this Benedictine order.  I don't have
not the slightest idea what religion they belong to,
if they relate to any at all, but they supply oc-
steel machines that we saw. This gives them the opportunity
be under constant patronage.  If one of
Kano decides to attack them, others will immediately rush to
assistance to ensure constant access to the fruits of
the latest technology. Only thanks to them will we be able to bring
to our salvation and exodus from this world.                
  - I support the proposal, and it was adopted unanimously.
We join the army, grab as many rpoytob as possible, tie-
we meet with smugglers - and buy a ticket for the return trip
gu.                                                         
  Dreng opened his mouth wide in amazement, listening to our long -
speech. It was clear that he understood little of what had happened
said.  His element was action.  He silently went out to
reconnaissance and returned even more quietly.  There's no one around
it was, the path was clear. The elephant could now with our insignificant
help to move independently,and there was a widow's house
not that far.  Even despite Dreng's assurances, the widow
shook with fear, letting us inside her monastery.     
  - Guns and swords. Murder and death. I'm doomed, doomed.  
  Ignoring the lamentations coming from the toothless
out of the old man's mouth, we got down to business.  Old lady listening
my instructions, I hung the pot of water on the fire. I'm disgusted
rolled out a long strip of blanket, boiled it and washed the wound
Elephant.  She was shallow, but serious. We forced the widow
share their supplies of moonshine, and the Elephant shuddered,
when I poured it into the wound.  I hope that it contains
enough alcohol to act like ahtucentuk. Remaining
I used the fluffy part of the boiled blanket to bandage
to close the wound - and that was all I could do in this situation -
ations.                                                       
  “Great, James, great,” he said, carefully putting on
on the shoulders of your jacket. - The years you spent as a teenager -
in the Club of Young Pathfinders, were not in vain. Now let's
Let us thank the kind widow and leave her hospitable home,
since, apparently, our presence greatly upset her
et.                                                         
  So we did, and walked away along the open, well-
well-trodden road, with every step further and further from the glory
nogo KanoDocumentation. Dreng turned out to be a good guide, then for-
taking us to the orchard, then plucking edible ones as we went
tubers in the fields through which we walked, right before their eyes
horse owners, who immediately put their hand to their foreheads,
barely seeing my weapons. In this vile world only
The bandits, who were dressed to the teeth, enjoyed honor and respect.
For the first time in my life I began to appreciate the morals and morals that exist...
living among the worlds of the Galactic League.                         
  The day was approaching evening when walls loomed ahead
castle  There was more flavor in his outline than in
possessions of Kano Doccia, or so it seemed at least
distance.  The castle was located on an island in the middle of the lake.  C
its shore was connected by an embankment dam and a drawbridge. Drain-
Ha again shook with fear, and he was glad to stay with the Elephant
on the shore when I bravely went to the castle to meet the dangerous
ness.  I marched militantly along the stone dam and stepped onto
bridge  Two guards looked at me with all their eyes and openly
perceived suspicion.                                   
  “Good morning, brothers,” I called cheerfully, the gun on my shoulder,
sword in hand, stomach back, chest forward. - This is Kano's domain
Dimona, known far and wide throughout the area for its goodness
company and force of arms?                                       
  -Who’s asking?- I'm asking.  Armed and full of strength and energy soldier,
who wishes to enlist in the service of your noble
knight.                                                     
  “Your business, brother, your business,” said one of them gloomily.
them.  - Through the gate, then across the entire yard, the third door
to the right, ask Papa Shrank.  - He leaned over and whispered-
tal: - For three rpoyta I will give you a little advice.            
  - It's coming.                                                   
  - Then pay.                                            
  - A little later. Now I'm naked as a falcon.                
 - It’s obvious - since you came to be hired for such a job.
Well, okay, then five in five days,” I nodded.  - He
will offer you very little, but don’t settle for less,
than two rpoyta per day.                                      
  - Thank you for your trust. I will return the favor.                   
  I strutted past the gate and found the one I needed.
door.  It was open and dimly lit by the setting sun,
and a fat man with a bald head was scribbling something on some
pieces of paper. He looked up when my shadow fell on his desk.
  “Get out of here,” he shouted, shaking his head so violently,
that the fountain of dandruff that fell from her sparkled in the sunny
rays  - I told you all that until the day after tomorrow morning
norpoytob.                                            
  - I have not yet entered your service - and I will not do so -
It's a shame if you pay your troops this way.             
  - Sorry, good stranger, the sun is right in your eyes. Come in,
come in.  Do you want to join the service? Of course. Gun and sword
- and what other equipment?                                   
  - There is something.                                           
  “Great,” he rubbed his hands until they crackled. -Pa-
ek for you and your squire and one rpoyt per day.        
 - Two a day and replacement of all our equipment.            
  He frowned - then shrugged and scribbled something on
paper, handed it to me.                                    
  - One-year contract, full payment at the end of the term.  Since
you don’t know how to read and write, I think you’ll try and scribble-
Put your illegible cross here.                 
  - I can read, so well that I can see the number four here,
which I will correct before I sign, which is what I did,
having signed Judge Nixon on the line, knowing full well that
I will leave this place before my term of service ends.
would. - I’ll go call my squire, who is waiting behind the
companies together with my elderly father.                     
  - No extra food for poor relatives! By-
share yours.“I agree,” I said. - You are kindness itself.                
  I walked up to the gate and waved to my comrades.       
  “You owe me,” said the guard.                       
  - I will give it back as soon as this golden toad pays me.  
  He grunted approvingly.                                  
  - If it seems to you that he is not very good, wait your time -
she meets with Kano Dimon.  I wouldn't hang around this girl
nothing like a dump, if not for the bonus of war trophies.          
  They slowly approached us, the Elephant was almost forcibly dragging
the stubborn Dreng.                                        
  - War trophies? Will they be issued soon?                    
  - Immediately after the battle. We're performing tomorrow.              
  - Against Kano Doccia?                                     
  - Hardly. They say that he is full of all kinds of jewelry
and gold rpoytob, and all sorts of other things.  It would be great
collect such a catch. But not this time. All we know is
that you will have to go north. We must completely unexpectedly
given to attack someone, maybe even some of our
th ally, so they don't want any of our
let it slip.  Not a bad idea. Take them by surprise when
the drawbridge is lowered, and it can be considered that half of the battle
nia won.                                               
  Ipondered this little military stratagem as he walked at the head of
of his small gang in the indicated direction.  Soldiers-
some barracks, although you wouldn’t put them in a colorful book-
years for tourists, still much nicer than the ckotckoro paddock
for slaves. Wooden bunks for fighters with straw mattresses -
we have some straw next to the bunks for the weapons. To me, on-
that's right, it was worth taking care of the Elephant's structure.  But I was
I'm sure a little nagging will do the trick. We sat down
together with him on the bunk, and Dreng went to look for the kitchen. 
  - How's your back? - I asked.                                 
  - It hurts, but just a little.  I'll rest a little and then
npumycb for researching the site plan...                  
  - In the morning you will have enough time for this.  Should
I might have to go away for a couple of days.                 
  - I think so too. And here is our squire with provisions!  
  It was a hot vegetable stew with floating on the surface
pieces of some nameless bird.  Surely birds - so
like bird feathers sticking out of the meat.  We divided the stew into three
equal portions and greedily attacked the food.  Fresh air
the spirit and the long walk awakened a beastly appetite in us.  B
the diet also included a mug of sour wine, but neither my stomach,
neither the Elephant's stomach accepted it.  What couldn't be said
o Drenge, who drained both in one gulpour portions. Then check
He curled up under the bunk and snored sweetly.               
  “I’ll go look around a little,” I said.  -Are you still from-
sleep on my bed until I return...                 
  I was interrupted by the loud and false roar of a signal trumpet.  I
he looked up and saw that a trumpeter was standing in the doorway,
looking around the barracks maliciously.  Then he pulled out from his tool
menta is another completely non-musical sound.  I was ready
grab him by the throat if he tries to blow on him again
once, but he stepped aside and bowed. And took his place
a thin figure in a blue uniform.  All the soldiers watching
after this, they bowed their heads slightly and shook their weapons, saluting
to the one who came in, and I did the same. It was none other
as Kano Dimon himself. He was so skinny that
it seemed as if his stomach had grown to his back. Moreover, y is not
perhaps his blood circulation was impaired or he was born c
such blue skin.  Little red eyes intently
looked out from the deep blue cavities, while the fingers
transparent as the sky, they carefully felt the sharp jaw.    
  He looked around the barracks suspiciously and spoke;  despite
all his thinness, his voice was strong and thick.            
  - My warriors, I have good news for you.  Get ready
yourself and prepare sri we are performing today in p            
night.  This will be a forced march, we need to reach dawn before
Pinetta Woods. Only soldiers will go - and lightly. Your weapons
The staff will stay here and look after your things.  We are for
we will lie down in the forest for the day, and in the darkness we will move on. At night we
Let's meet our allies at dawn with joint efforts
let's hit the enemy.                                            
  “One question, Kano,” one of the soldiers called out to him. Ube-
gray-haired and covered in scars, he must have been in
many alterations. - Who are we up against?              
  - You will find out about this before the attack itself. We can achieve-
victory only thanks to a surprise attack.           
  There was dissatisfied muttering all around as the veteran
stepped forward again.                                      
  - Let our enemy remain a secret - but at least
tell me who our allies are.                                   
  Kano Dimon didn't like the question.  He rubbed his cheek thoughtfully
and began to twirl the hilt of the sword in his hands, while
Ditoria waited silently.  It goes without saying that he needs
was our voluntary and conscious participation in this matter,
so he finally spoke.                        
  - You will be very pleased to hear that our allies are about-
They have enormous will and strength. They havealso available on boopy-
a machine capable of breaking through city walls.  With them
With our help, we can take any castle, defeat any army.
We are happy to fight on their side, - he pursed his lips, fighting
with a reluctance to continue further and at the same time realizing
that he should do this.  - Victory is guaranteed to us, so
as our allies, none other than... monks from the Order of Be-
non-dictines.                                                
  There was a long silence, everyone was so shocked
heard, - which was immediately followed by indignant
screams.  I didn't fully understand what it all meant.
the only thing I knew for sure was that nothing was good
there is no need to wait.                                   
  As soon as Kano Dimon said his last words, he deleted
and the door slammed behind him with a loud thud.  From everyone
there were angry and indignant exclamations from both sides - but one
The catcher was indignant and shouted louder than anyone else.  It was wounded
veteran. He jumped up on the table and silenced everyone.      
  - Everyone here knows me, they know old Tackepa. I cut my
fishing at a time when most of you were still put on the mountain
shock.  Therefore, I will speak now, and you will serve me.
hang around, and maybe later I’ll give you a chance to say something-
be the answer. Is there anyone here who disagrees with this?
  Heclenched his huge fist and put it in front of him, haxmy-
rushing and angrily looking around the silent audience. Somewhere else
there was a dissatisfied muttering, but not so loud,
so that it can be taken for disagreement.                 
  - Fine.  Then listen. I know these fagots in black
cassocks and I don’t believe them.  They don't think about anything else except
like about their own skins.  If they want us
fought on their side, which means they found themselves in very difficult
poor position and prefer to see us dead, and
not their brothers. I don't like this at all.         
  “I don’t like this at all either,” shouted another
soldier. - But do we have any choice?           
  “Nothing,” Tackep growled angrily. - And that's exactly what it is
what I was going to tell you. I think we're tied together
rope,” he pulled out his sword and shook it above his head.  -
All the weapons we have, especially the new guns and pistols,
you, we get from them, the Benedictines.  If they didn't
supplied us with weapons, we would have nothing with which to fight, but since we
there would be nothing to fight with, we would all die in the first battle or
returned back to their farms.  This is not for me. I think that
This doesn't suit you very well.  We are all one family.  And we will
Everyone fights, or no one will fight. And if we do
fight andsome of you will decide to sneak away from the battlefield before
the beginning of an attack, my sword will always find him and pierce him right through
his liver.                                                
  He waved his sparkling blade over his head, and everyone froze,
staring at him with wide eyes.                           
  “A compelling argument,” whispered the Elephant. - Iron logic. It's a pity
only that all this is wasted for such base prices
lei.  You and your comrades have no choice but
just agree.                                         
  The elephant was right. They shouted and argued a little more, but
In the end they agreed with the proposed plan of action. They
will side with the Benedictines.  But none of them, including
myself, was not particularly happy about this.  They
they could have been indignant and argued until the night, but I was so tired,
that I decided to spend the remaining hours doing a little
take a nap.  The elephant went to wander and collect some information
formation, and I curled up on the bunk and plunged into an anxious
dream.                                                        
  Loud okpuku woke me up and I felt still
more tired than before bed.  No one has experienced great
joy in connection with the night march or with our combat
comrades; I was surrounded everywhere by gloomy glances and
swearing.  They even said the followingcurses that
I have never heard them in my life, I liked them so much,
that I decided to remember them so that I could use them in the future. I
went outside to a primitive washbasin and sprayed cold water
splash water on your face.  I thought this helped a little.
When I returned, the Elephant was sitting on my bed. He raised and
pulled his huge hand towards me.                            
  - You have to take care of yourself, Jim.  It's very cruel and
deadly world, everything is against you here. Remember this.     
  - This is my lifestyle - so don't worry about me.   
  “But I’m worried,” he sighed heavily. - I don't have any-
what other than contempt for all these prejudices?
kam, astrologers and xupomahtam, so you will understand why I
I feel disgusted with myself for the gloomy despondency that oxba-
tipped me.  But I see nothing ahead but hopelessness
emptiness. Our friendship doesn't last long, and I didn't want to
I wish it would end so soon.  And yet, forgive me
forgive me if you can, but I am not able to overcome it in myself
feeling of danger and despair.                               
  “There are good reasons for this,” I shouted, trying to
give your words at least a little enthusiasm.  - You were torn away
from a quiet, calm lifestyle, sent to prison, ocbo-
bodyed, helped escape, hid, put on a diet, again
helpedescape, forced to give bribes, then tricked, beaten
or sold into slavery, wounded - and you still wonder why
Are you depressed?                                   
  A faint smile touched his lips again, and he took my hand.
into your hand.                                                
  - You're right, Jim, of course you're right. Toxins appeared in the blood,
and stagnation occurred in the cerebral cortex. Take care of your rear and
come back alive.  Well, while you're at it, I'll find out
how can we gut out some rpoytob from our Kano.       
  He looked a little older than his age - for the first time since then...
the moment we met. Leaving the barracks, I saw
as he tiredly stretched out on his bunk. He must feel
better when I get back.  Dreng will bring him food and
npucmotput behind it.  And I have to concentrate completely
on staying alive so I can get back to-
ass                                                        
  It was a terribly dreary and exhausting forced march. Day
was hot, and the night was no cooler. We could barely drag-
legs, sweating and fighting off midges that flew out
towards us from the darkness.  We walked along a broken road, and
Dirt and dust filled our nostrils.  But we moved on
and further, barely keeping up with the rumbling and whistling
a strange cart leading ournightmare night sex
vie. One of the antediluvian steam engines pulled a camp wagon
Dimon's Kano, in which he placed relatively comfortably -
together with his officers.  We stepped forward, and with each
step curses and indignant exclamations in our ranks became
they were getting quieter and quieter.  When did we finally take refuge under
under the trees of Pinetta Woods, we were so exhausted that
We simply did not have words for indignation. I did the same
mine, like most of the others, fell exhausted under a tree,
on the soft and pleasantly smelling bed from xbou, and groaned from
pleasure. At this time, glorious warriors, led by antiquity
Tackepom, clung to the mug of sour wine he placed,
before lying down to rest.  I closed my eyes, once again deeply
sighed and fell into a deep sleep.                             
  We spent the whole day here, enjoying the opportunity to relax
no.  By noon we were finally given packed rations. Warm stench-
I smell water in which some stones needed to be soaked
pieces, apparently considered by them to be bread crumbs.  After
That's why I managed to sleep a little more, until dusk,
when we lined up again and continued our nightly
noah forced march.                                            
  A few hours later we came to a crossroads and
returned to the right. A dissatisfied murmur swept through the ranks,
acceptedthose who obviously knew these places well.       
  - What are they saying?  - I asked the one walking next to me and
the hitherto silent warrior.                                
  - Kano Dinobli.  That's who we're going against.  No one else
it can't be. There are no more locks in this direction,
which can be reached in one or two days.                 
  - Do you know anything about him?                             
  He chuckled and didn’t answer for a long time, but someone behind him said,
hall:                                                        
  - I served with him, though for a long time. An old man, and besides
blue, now and even more so an ancient ruin. Just one more
Kano.                                                       
  With every step I felt more and more unbearable
no.  By noon we were finally given packed rations. Warm stench-
I smell water in which some stones needed to be soaked
last campaign. As soon as we return, me and the Elephant will steal
they have all their treasures and we will run away, taking with us so much
as much as we can carry.  Great idea.  I'm almost on-
bumped into the person walking in front of me, but stopped in time
updated.  We made a halt at the place where the road adjoined
kala edge of the forest. Even more stood out against the dark background of trees.
more dark shadows.  I tried to see what it was, but
here one of the officers walked down the ranks.“I need volunteers,” he whispered. - You, you, you, you
and you.                                                       
  He touched my hand, and I turned out to be one of the good
Voltsev. There were about twenty of us, pulled out of the ranks
gi, we were driven somewhere towards the forest. Clear the sky
the clouds cleared, and the light of the stars was enough for us to clear up
it seems that the black hulks are something other than some
strange devices on wheels.  I heard a whistle -
steam rushing out.  A dark figure came out to meet us and oc-
tanned us.                                               
  - Listen to me, I will tell you what you will have to do,
- he said.                                                
  As he spoke, the door of the car closest to us opened.
tsa.  A bright flash of fire burst out of it - this is into the firebox under-
grew firewood. In this fleeting flickering light I was able to unravel
look at the speaker.  He was dressed in a black robe, his head was
covered with a hood that hid his face. He pointed to the car
well.                                                         
  - This thing needs to be dragged through the forest - in complete silence. I
I’ll stick a knife in the side of any of you who makes at least one sound.
During the day a clearing was cut here and a path was laid out, so
it won't be difficult to do.  Line up and do it
whatthey will tell you.                                 
  Several more people in black robes gave us faith
roars and put us in a chain.  At the signal, we began to pull
no.  The thing rolled along the path quite easily, and we
walked with a firm step through the forest, increasing speed and following
barely audible instructions from our guides until we reached
to the opposite end of the thicket, where they stopped.  After
That's why we threw the ropes and, straining with all our strength and
sweating profusely, they pulled and pushed this huge thing until our
the bosses were not satisfied. This was followed by a long re-
whispering about setting up the sight and determining the distance
to the goal, and I could not understand what the conversation was actually about.
They forgot about us for a while, and I took advantage of the moment
to slowly slip away and through the thickets of kyctaphu-
to gaze at the landscape opening ahead. Very interesting.  The cereal field stretched down the hillside to
the castle itself, in the clear light of the stars its
dark towers.  Their silhouettes were reflected in the shimmering waters of the pond
at the foot of the wall, which protected the castle from sudden
attacks. I stood there until the sky began to lighten from the first
rays of the rising sun, and then returned to inspect
to understand the subject of our nightly labors. Although out of the darkness it is now clear-
but his silhouette loomed, I stilldidn't have the slightest
ideas of what it is. Fire and steam, its thin white
the trickle was clearly visible in the twilight light.  A on the roof tor-
some strange arrow began to shoot.  Everyone could hear the whistling of steam
louder, and one of the black monks began to regulate the
some devices. I came closer to look at the metal
facial cuff - and my curiosity was rewarded by
that I was involved in moving a huge stone on the
his rightful place.  Together we rolled him to the car, but we
it took the help of two more guys to lift him up
cuff. Riddle after riddle. I left with everyone from before
horns, because Kano Dimon appeared, accompanied by a tall
a man in the same black cassock as the rest.           
  - Will this thing work, Brother Favel? - asked Dimon. -
I haven't heard anything about such machines.                      
  - But I know, Kano, you'll see. My car will destroy
company will be smashed to pieces.                                   
  - Can she really do this?!  These walls are so high
- and our losses will be just as huge if we don’t
there is no way to break through the gate.                    
  Brother Favel turned his back to him and gave some instructions...
force to the operator.  More wood was added to the firebox, and the steam whistled
intensified.  It became quite light. On the spread out ahead of us
field notthere was not a soul, everything was quiet and calm.  But behind
An army and war machines lurked in the forest. Obviously
the battle was supposed to begin at the very moment when they lowered
bridge                                                       
  We were ordered to lie down so that no one would notice us. And so
the sun had already risen high above the horizon - and nothing
happened as before. I quietly crept up to the car itself.
no, closer to the operator watching the instruments in front of
a real hood.                                            
 - The bridge does not lower!  - Brother Favel suddenly shouted.  - A
I should have done it a long time ago, they always open the gates at this time.
Something must have happened.                                 
  - Can’t they find out that we’re here? - asked Kano Di-
mon.                                                        
  - YES!  - thundered an incredibly loud voice from somewhere
tree tops.  - WE KNOW YOU ARE HERE. YOUR NATURE-
IT IS DOOMED TO FAILURE - JUST AS YOU ARE! GET READY
MEET YOUR DEATH!                                      
  The voice that roared in the silence of the forest was so amazing
I was so surprised that I jumped up in fright.  And not
just me alone.  The monk watching the instruments seemed
I got even more scared.  His hand itself reached out to the lever of the up-
direction, and a terrifyingroar Arrow on the roof
soared into the sky, describing a huge arc in the air, then c
slammed the lid of the car loudly, so that the whole thing shook
from the impact and returned to its original position. The arrow fell silent
in its place - but the stone placed in the cuff continued
its flight, soaring higher and higher into the sky. I rushed forward
watch the stone fall straight with a loud splash
in front of a closed drawbridge.  Great shot - he, without
no doubt would have destroyed the bridge if it had been lowered.
Suddenly everything around me came into unimaginable excitement. Brother
Favel knocked the operator from his place behind the instruments with one blow and
beat him, growling and howling with anger. They were drawn from their scabbards
swords, the soldiers ran around in a daze, Kano Dimon handed out
orders left and right, which few people listened to and carried out.
nyal. I leaned my back against the tree and prepared to attack.
But there was no attack.  Instead, enhanced reproduction
rum's voice loudly declared:                               
  - GET OUT OF HERE. GO WHERE YOU CAME FROM OR YOU WILL
LOSS. I'M TALKING TO YOU, KAPO DIMON. YOU'VE GOT A MISTAKE -
KU.  THE BENEDICTINES USED YOU. YOU WILL BE WASTED. BOZB-
GO TO YOUR CASTLE, BECAUSE ONLY DEATH IS WAITING FOR YOU HERE!
  - She's over there, I see her! - Brother Favel shouted, pointing
to the treetops. He spun around and noticed me,
grabbed minehand, squeezing it painfully, and again pointed to the child.
revya. - There, on that branch, sits this devilish thing-
wine. Make her shut up!                                 
  Why not.  I also saw her clearly now and could even
guess the loudspeaker in it.  I fired the gun and it
hit me with force on my shoulder. I fired again, rpomkorobopu-
the body shattered, and a rain of plastic rained down on me.
wrought iron fragments.                                             
  “What a thing,” Brother Favel shouted, trampling into the ground
what's left of him. - Start the offensive - send
their soldiers forward.  And my death throwers will support you.
They will break through the wall for you.                                  
  Kano had no other choice.  He chewed his lips, but then
called the bugler to him.  He signaled three times, and the brass
the sounds of the trumpet were picked up by other rophuctamu from both flanks
gov and in the rear. When the first ranks appeared from behind the trees,
he raised his sword and ordered us to follow him.  C great
With the greatest reluctance I stepped forward. Our offensive could not be-
can hardly be called rapid.  It was more like a stroll
ku.  We advanced a little across the field and stopped to
wait until the throwing machines take an advantageous position.
They were delivered to the line by steam engines and installed
opposite the city wall and here they were finallyput into action.
The stones whistled over our heads, hitting the powerful wall and
bouncing off her like peas. Sometimes they flew over the top and
fell in the castle courtyard.                           
  - Forward!  - Dimon commanded Kano, again waving his
sword as soon as the return fire began.                   
  Suddenly, silver balls flew out from behind the city wall,
rose high into the sky, describing a huge arc above us,
fell to the ground and broke with a crash.  One of them lands
poured very close, and I saw that it was a small container,
filled with some kind of liquid, which, evaporating in the air,
heh, turned into gas. Poisonous gas! I stepped aside
and ran, trying not to breathe. But the silver balls were lying around
now everywhere, and the air was filled with vapors o strong
smell. I ran, feeling a pricking sensation in my chest.
ku, I had to sigh, and I couldn’t stand it any longer. How
As soon as air entered my lungs, I fell face down on the ground
down, and a thick black haze immediately fell on me. I'm le-
pressed on the ground, I felt it, but I didn’t feel my body,
because a wild headache completely took over me. Ed-
I turned my head, the fiery hoops pressed with force
my whiskey. When I barely opened one eyelid, into my eyes
There was a bright flash of red light.  I groaned and heard
like my moanechoed throughout the area.  It was unbearable
severe, all-consuming, inhuman headache, before
which made all previous headaches pale.  I remembered about
those headaches that I experienced before, and I felt
funny. What kind of headaches are these! This one was a real go-
catching pain.  Someone moaned next to me, and I, like everyone else,
the others groaned sympathetically in response.  But little by little
the pain subsided and I was finally able to open one eye slightly, then
another. Above me there was the same blue sky, and around me the world
but the grain field rustled in the wind.  After hesitating a little,
I propped myself up on my elbow and looked around the battlefield.  All over the field
The prostrate bodies of the soldiers were scattered in disarray.  Not-
which of them sat with their hands clutching their heads, while
some are probably the strongest - or the most brainless -
tried to rise to unsteady feet.  Nearby lay the
ribbed fragments of an exploding shell that looked
pretty harmless now. Blood was pulsating in my head,
but I didn't pay attention to it.  We were alive.  Gas didn't kill
us - apparently it was intended to get us out
out of order.  Powerful stuff.  I looked at my shadow without taking any chances
look at the sun; and saw that it had noticeably shortened.
It was approaching noon. We slept for several hours. So why
weren't we dead?  Why Kano peopleDinobles didn't attack
on us and didn't cut our throats? Or at least don’t disarm-
are we?  The gun lay next to me, I broke it and saw
make sure the cartridges are in place. Riddles, riddles. And suddenly he distributed
There was a heartbreaking scream - I jumped up in fright and immediately
I regretted it, because a hundred trumpets were buzzing in my head.
I tried to sit up and look around.  Interesting.  It was
none other than Brother Favel himself, who
screamed and cursed and tore out his hair. It was not at all
usually.  I've never seen anything like this before.  I hesitantly agree
stood up on his feet to see why he killed so much.
is happening. Yes, of course, I could understand his condition. He stood
behind one of his throwing machines, which, apparently,
destruction has come. It was smashed to pieces, and there were
Torn-off smoking fragments were flying.  The long arrow breaks
fell into three parts, and even the wheels were torn off from the body.
The car turned into a pile of rubbish that defied any
repair. Brother Favel ran around her, shouting loudly.
treachery, and the hair he tore out of his head flew away
downwind. The rest of the monks also screamed and moaned from the bosom
or when Brother Favel, stumbling, approached them and the seated
on the land of Kano to Dimon.                                       
  - They are destroyed, all destroyed!  - the Benedictines roared, and
Kano Dimon tightly covered his ears with his hands.  - Our many years of work
destroyed, broken, destroyed.  All our throwing machines,
steam boilers and hydraulic rams - everything was lost.  And this
he did, Kano Dinobli. Gather people, attack his castle, he
he himself must pay for the terrible crime that
he committed.                                                
  Kano turned and looked at the enemy’s castle, he
lay exactly the same as at dawn, quiet and calm -
the bridge was raised, as if the townspeople had not had any daytime
ny worries.  Dimon looked again at Brother Favel, his face
stood tall and was coldly polite.                          
  - No. I will not lead my people against these walls. It's self-
murder, but we did not agree on suicide. This is your do-
water, but not mine.  I agreed to help you take the castle.  you
they had to break through the entrance to the city using their cars.
Only then would I attack. These conditions are not met. 
  -You can't take back your word...                  
  - I don’t take it.  Break through the wall and I'll go on the offensive.
This is what you promised. Let's go ahead.                    
  Brother Favel blushed with anger, clenched his fists and leaned over
forward.  But Kano stood his ground - but just in case he raised
sword and put it forward.                                  
  -Look here,” he said.  - I have a weapon with me - and
all my warriors are armed.  I understood what this could mean.
Dinobli's people could easily have taken all our swords and guns and
cut our throats while we were lying here. But they don't
done.  This means they don’t want to fight with me. Yes and I wouldn't
began to fight with them.  It’s you who are at war with them, so you fight them, -
he kicked the regimental bugler lying next to him on the ground.
- Trumpet the collection.                                               
  We were very glad to leave the Benedictines there, in the middle of
la, where they collected the remains of broken cars and hopes. According to
good news flashed across the ladies, and suffering grimaces
the faces of the soldiers were replaced by cheerful smiles, and the terrible heads
No pain - sighs of relief. There will be no battle, no
lose  The Benedictines started this whole mess - even if they
unwinding. I myself smiled from ear to ear, because y me-
Nya there was good news for the Elephant.  I now knew how
we need to disappear from this disgusting planet called
by name Cnuobehte.  Looking back into the past and thinking about it -
mi, I finally understood what happened last night. Promote
The movement of our troops in the darkness was noticed.  Pay attention to us
closely observed.  With the help of some new devices.
The observers hidden behind the trees could not help but notice and
clearing and a path built into the thicketfor throwing machines,
How could they not understand what all these preparations meant?
The loudspeaker was installed on the tree directly
under the site for the infernal machine - and was launched with the help of ra-
dio.  The gas that knocked us off our feet apparently had a complex composition
and was launched at us with amazing accuracy. All this is in no way
did not fit in with the way of existence on this abandoned
to the dark planet.  This could only mean one thing. At Kano Castle
Dinobli were aliens present.  They used
shared influence and were probably planning something.  And this
something caused the rage of the Benedictines, so much so that they re-
They hoped for a similar attack, which they completely lost.
Fine.  Another enemy of my enemy.  The monks took over
hands on all the more or less advanced technology existing on
Cnuobehte - and, as far as I could see, all this technology
gia concerned military equipment and weapons.  I strained my brain-
gi, trying to remember Elephant's long lectures on economics and
geopolitics. And a thought just flashed through my head, I decide...
explaining all our problems, when in the front rows we heard
wild screams. I leaned forward, like many others, and saw
an exhausted messenger stretched out on the grass by the road.  Kano
Dimon stood over him and shook the air with his fists in rage.   
  - Attack - behind my back - on our castle!  And he did it
no oneother than this creeping snake, the stinking bastard, Dos-
Siya, that's who! Back, in a forced march, home!     
  It was a transition I don't want to remember
never in my life.  We stopped to rest only then,
when our strength left us and we fell exhausted to the ground
liu.  We took a sip of water, stood up on unsteady legs and
moved on.  There was no need to customize
us, since we were all interested in a speedy return
grooming.  Kano's family, his wealth, all this remained in custody.
ke.  Guarded only by a small group of soldiers. We are worried
talked about this no less than he himself, since our few
their belongings also remained there.  They were looked after
our squires.  Dreng, whom I barely knew, is very otbetc-
took his responsibilities seriously.  A Elephant?  If the castle
captured, what could happen to him? It's okay, he's old, b-
a mean person who does no harm to anyone. I knew perfectly well
that it's not true, even if I tried my best to convince
yourself in reverse.  He was a slave, and not just a slave, but an escaped
shim.  And I knew what they were doing here on Cnuobehte, co
reaping slaves.  A little more water, hard crackers at sunset
and further, further into the night.  At dawn I saw that our
the army stretched for many miles, moving forward in full
disorder. I was young and strong andfound himself in the front row.
Therefore, now I could lie down to rest and at least a little re-
lead the spirit  But then right along the road I saw two people,
jumped out from behind the bushes and hid behind the top of the hill.   
  - Over there! - I shouted. - Observers - they saw us!  
  Kano jumped out of his van and ran up to me.  He
pointed his finger at the bushes.                                      
  - Two people. We were hiding here. They ran in the direction
to the castle.                                                
  He ground his teeth madly in rage.                   
  - We won’t catch them anymore, under our conditions. Docsia bu-
The child is warned and has time to escape.                           
  He looked back at the disorderly army and
called the officers.                                            
  - You, Barky, will stay here with the others, wait-
Children, when the rear arrives, you will follow us. And I take
with those who are already here, and we move on. They can
take turns riding in my van.                            
  I climbed onto the roof of the van and it rolled forward.  By
Soldiers ran to both sides, holding on to the cart.  Steam
the car puffed and threw out clouds of smoke, climbing up the
slope and thundering and clanking iron.  Towers appeared in the distance
castle shrouded in smoke. Having rounded kocorop, we noticed a small
I'm talkingcolumn quickly moving away along the road, firing as it went
guns.  This didn't stop us.  The steam engine screamed
turn, and we roared back, rushing to attack.  But
the enemy managed to escape. It was just the trailing column.
We saw them get into their rowing boats and sail away
away from us.  When we stepped onto the dam, we saw a completely
a completely lifeless picture. The castle gate is broken, and above it
smoke curled up.  I followed Kano, not lagging behind a single step.
Long planks lay in place of the bridge, and the bridge itself was half-
We were raised and hung on chains, broken in several months -
tah. One of the warriors appeared in the gap, raising his sword and
greeting us with a labored salute.                            
  “We stopped them, Kano,” he said and came out to us through
wooden fragments of the bridge.  - They broke into the inner
yard, but we detained them at the tower.  They have already begun to set fire
to kick the front door when they had to quickly retreat.  
  - Lady Dimon, children?..                                     
  - Safe and sound. The treasures have not been touched.                 
  But the soldiers' barracks were behind the courtyard
and certainly not in the tower.  I rushed there along with the rest
we, who also understood this, climbing over the rubble of broken
gate In the yard lay the bodies of the dead, there were many of them. Unarmed
great squires, chopped up inattack time. Defenders one by one
Nomu were leaving the tower - Dreng was among them, slowly rising
walking around the yard.  His clothes were soaked in blood, there was blood and
on the cekupe, which he held in his hands, but he was alive and, ka-
he's not even wounded.  I looked at his face and read in
there is deep sorrow. I understood everything without words. His Voice seemed
distant and alien to me.                                        
  - I'm sorry. I couldn't stop them. He's dead, our old man
rick. Dead.                                                 
  He lay on the bunk with his eyes closed and seemed to be sleeping. But
he was dead.  Dreng pulled my blanket over him, right up to the
chin, combed his hair and washed his face.                    
  “I couldn’t drag him when the offensive began,”
said Dreng. “He was so heavy, so sick.” Wound on
his back was simply terrible, black, hot skin. He said
told me to leave him, that he would die anyway.
He said that if not them, then the “faction” would kill him. But that's it
they shouldn’t have attacked the defenseless...           
  My friend and teacher. Killed by these animals. It cost more
than half the total population of this terrible world. Dreng took
my hand, but I angrily pushed him away. He handed me
small package.                                            
  “I stole a piece of paper for him,” Dreng said.  -  HeI wanted to write you something. And I stole.                     
  What could I say. I unwrapped the package, and out of it came out onto the floor.
A key carved from wood fell.  I picked it up and took a look
on paper.  It was an underground plan of the castle, with an arrow indicating
looking at the room, neatly labeled "PANTRY". Beneath him
there was a short note and I read what was written on
sheet in small, neat handwriting.                           
                                                            
  I'M NOT WELL AT ALL THIS TIME, SO I'M AFRAID THAT I WON'T
I WILL BE ABLE TO TRANSFER THIS TO YOU PERSONALLY.  MAKE A METAL COPY
KEY - WITH ITS HELP YOU WILL OPEN THE PANTRY.  GOOD LUCK TO YOU
JIM, IT WAS VERY NICE TO MEET YOU. BE GOOD
RAT.                                                     
                                                            
  Beneath it was his signature.  I read the name - then
one more time. Nothing like the Elephant or any other names
which he used throughout his life. He trusted me
something only I could appreciate. Its insistence
general name. I went out and sat in the sun outside, suddenly feeling...
Wow, I'm so tired. Dreng brought him a cup of water. I didn't understand
how thirsty I was;  I drained it in one gulp and sent it
Drenga for another one.  This is the end.  He had a presentiment
the end is approaching - but stillwas worried about me. thought about
me, when death was already on his heels and loomed on the horizon
umbrella.                                                      
  What's next? What should I do now?                     
  Exhausted, tired, torn by the pain of loss and remorse -
my conscience, I fell asleep with my back against the wall and no longer
wondering what I'm doing. When I woke up, the day was getting low
by evening.  Dreng folded his blanket and placed it under me
head, and he sat next to me.  There was nothing to talk about.
We put the Elephant on one of the small carts and rolled it
along the dam to the lake shore. We weren't the only ones who did the same
most.  There was a small slope near the road covered with trees
and grass, from which a magnificent view of the lake and
castle  We buried him there, compacting the earth well and not
leaving no identifying marks. But not to this answer-
good for the world. They took his body, that's enough. Ec-
Will I ever erect a monument to him, it will cost a lot
light years further from here.  One day I'll do something in
his honor when the moment is right.                
  - And now, Dreng, we need to take care of Kano Doccia and
his thugs. My best friend never approved of revenge, and
I don't approve either.  So we'll just call it fair
with delight.  They deserve to be impaled.  But howshould we do this?                                            
  - I can help you, master.  I can fight now.  I
I was afraid, but then I got angry and slashed with an axe.  Now I
ready to become the same brave warrior as you.             
  I shook my head. Clarity of thought returned to me.        
  - This is a completely unsuitable job for a farmer with a future. But
you must always remember that you came face to face with
fear and overcame it.  This will always help you
further life.  But Jim di Griz is used to paying his debts
- so you will return to your farm. How many rpoytob hundred-
it farm?                                                   
  He opened his mouth in surprise and began to intensely strain his
crush.                                                       
  - I never bought a farm.                             
  - I have no doubt about it.  But someone you know should
was to do it.                                            
  - Old man Kvetchi came back from the war and paid the widow Posleei
two hundred twelve rpoytob to share the popo farm with her
lam.                                                        
  - Fabulous. Taking into account inflation, we can say that the farm
now costs about five hundred rpoytob. Stick with me and you will-
You will become the rightful owner of your own farm. In the meantime, go
to the kitchen and bring some food,while I lead in
execution of point one of my plan.                        
  I played chess in my head again.  Clearly imagining
what the opening moves would be, I wondered what the
further game begins.  If everything goes my way, for the mit-
Telgame and endgame will be followed by a beautiful checkmate. I made a per-
new move.                                                    
 Kano Dimon sat on his throne and looked the same yc-
melting, like everyone else, holding a bottle of wine in his hand. I
broke through his officers and stood opposite the throne. He's ser-
Dito looked at me and clapped his hands.                  
  - Go away, soldier.  You will receive your trophies. You're nice
worked hard today, I saw it.  But leave us now, me
need to develop an action plan...                          
  - That's why I'm here, Kano.  I came to tell you
how can you defeat Kano Doccia.  I served with him and know him
secrets.                                                    
  - Speak!                                                 
  - Alone. Send everyone away from here.                            
  He thought for a minute, then waved his hand for everyone to leave.
Grumbling dissatisfiedly, the officers left the premises, and he took a sip.
wine and filtered it until the last one slammed shut
door.- What do you know? - he said. - Tell me quickly, huh?
then I'm just in a bad mood.                       
  - Like all of us.  What I wanted to tell you in private -
no, it doesn’t only apply to Kano Doccia. You fight him, I'm in
I'm sure of that. But in order for success to be guaranteed, I
I'm going to bring Kano Dinobli and his secrets to our side-
well.  I think that the offensive will be more successful if everyone
they will sleep inside when we pass through the city wall. 
  - Dinobli doesn't know any more about this than I do - so don't
lie to me.  He can barely stand on his feet and will go to his grave through
a year or two.                                                 
  “I know that,” I lied very convincingly. - But those who use
uses his castle for his own purposes and is forced
The Benedictines go to war against them, they are the ones who will help you. 
  He thought for a moment, and I noticed a faint look in his eyes.
uckopky.                                                    
  - Then go to them.  Promise them to split the loot in half
- and you will also get your share if you manage to do this.
Go on my behalf and promise them whatever you want.  Even before
at the end of the month Dossius's head will be roasted over my fire,
his body is torn into hot strips and...                  
  He continued in the same vein for a long time, but I didn’t like it.
interesting.  Debut started frompawns  Now I should
use larger figures.  I bowed and left
leaving him sitting on the throne, muttering something under his breath
and pouring wine from a bottle everywhere, so at the same time he desperately
yanno waved his arms.  These people have an extremely fast pace
rament.                                                     
  Dreng packed what little we had, and we immediately
left the castle. I showed the way and we walked for quite a long time,
until finally the castle towers loomed clearly in front of us. Then
We turned to a stream flowing nearby.  On its shore
there was a small grassy clearing, and I pointed my finger at it
cem.                                                        
  - We will stay here until the morning. I need to think about our plans
Well, it wouldn't hurt to rest.  I want my brain to be clear
was working when I knocked on the gate of old Kano Dinobli.     
  The night's rest cleared my head, and everything became perfect for me.
but it's clear.                                                    
  “Dreng,” I said. - You need to go to this business alone. I don't
I know how I will be received there, and it may turn out that I will be...
I'm just busy with my own affairs, that I won't have time -
nor take care of you.  So go back to the castle and wait
me there. ┌──────────────────────┐                  
 │ To be continued │