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Chapter 3
Michael lived in a respectable white-stone mansion, hide in
depths of the park, away from the road. At the first sight
this well made massive structure impressed the
roof. Her skates under the most improbable angles converged
in intricate geometric designs, topped
glass dome. To the mansion led shady oak avenue.
She crossed the wide lawn and deepened in the park,
broken in simple, classic style.
Reigned throughout the symmetry. Were filled with flower beds
unseasonably bright colors. Autumn colors can be such
grow only in greenhouses. Richard decided that gardeners
dropped them on the beds specifically dedicated to the solemn
event. Leisurely strolled through the park
elegantly dressed guests. Richard keenly aware of their own
irrelevance. He appeared on the holiday right out of the woods,
in battle dress, all ragged and filthy.
But the time to go home and freshen up
was no more. However, Richard's little concern
the opinions of others. Was too heavy on his mind,
to take care of secular conventions. Nonsense it.
There are more important problems. Kahlan, dressed in exquisite
white dress, did not stand out against the background of the guests.
Nobody even thought could not come, that this elegant
lady just come a long way and experienced
many dangers. Richard remembered the deadly
Scramble on Mount Stupid. He was surprised so much blood
spilled, and the white robes of his companion did not
there was not spotless. Kahlan noticed
Richard how bothered her words about border
and she tactfully avoided conversations on this topic:
Richard took the time to understand and consider
heard. In the meantime, the girl with a keen interest questioned
a new friend of Westland, on the local customs of the people
and, of course, himself. Richard said that the lives
one, in a small house, away from the city. that he
often have to accompany the travelers through the Deer Forest.
— Do you have a fireplace at home? — She asked.
— Yes. — Did you make a fire?
— Of course. Whenever I prepare food. And what? — Surprised
Richard. She shrugged and looked away
eyes. — Oh, nothing. Just me
have not ever sit by the fire. That's all.
After today's adventure Richard felt
frazzled. For several weeks he would not let go
the pain of loss, but the conversation with Kahlan brought joy.
It does not matter if it is at times assume an air of mystery.
Anyway. — Your invitation? — called
it someone behind husky bass.
Invitation? Richard turned around, wanting to see who
asks him these questions, and stumbled upon a mischievous
view Chase. Richard grinned happily. he firmly
shrugged his old friend 's hand.
Tall, broad-shouldered, with a fluffy mop of light-brown
Hair, Chase, although he was the same age as his father Richard, looked
younger than his years. Light gray at the temples are not old
Chase, but only gave a special charm of its appearance.
On the occasion of the celebration he was not even too lazy to shave,
that he did not often. From under his thick bushy
eyebrows gazed brown eyes. For many years
Service at the border guards in the habit of
constantly ransacking gaze neighborhood, do not change
him even when speaking, because of what the interlocutor
could get the impression that he inattentive listener.
And in vain. From hearing Chase, as well as by sight, without
nothing escaped. Richard knew that, for all
apparent heaviness of his friend could, if necessary,
manifest miracles of dexterity and agility. Timing Chase
from one side adorned pair of daggers, and at the other
— Mace with six sharp blades. Short sword,
crossbow and a quiver full of arrows fighting with steel
serrated tips, completed the outfit.
— Looks like you're going to fight to break through to the banquet
table? Richard quipped, slightly raised eyebrow.
Chase frowned. — I'm not here on a visit. — he
looked at Kahlan. Richard felt awkward.
He took her by the arm and led her to the Chase.
In contrast to her companion, she felt at ease.
— Meet Chase. This Kahlan. She — my friend. — Richard
smiled. And this is — Dell Brendston all call him Chase. we
known for many years. With him we are in complete safety.
— He turned to Chase. — You too can trust
her. Kahlan looked up at
Chase nodded and smiled graciously.
Sentinel border said a friendly nod. he implicitly
relied on the advice of Richard. Chase slid
look at the crowd, checking does not cause their trio
increased interest in any of the guests.
Precaution 's sake, he proposed to move
with sun-drenched steps in a safe place,
away from prying eyes.
— Your brother has caused all the border guards. — He paused,
looks around the neighborhood. — As a bodyguard.
— What? Yes, it's meaningless! — Richard did not believe
his ears. — At his disposal the whole army
and policing. Why cause more and detention
border? Chase put his hand on
dagger. — Really, what?
— His face did not reflect any emotion.
He had long since learned to control himself. — Perhaps we need
him for greater pomp. Guardians of the border in
feared. Since then, as they killed your father, you
all wander through the forests. I do not want to say that your
place would have behaved differently. I say this only to ensure
that you have not appeared in the city. And here are created
strange things. Every night your brother secretly come
some types. Michael calls them '' concerned citizens.''
Carries nonsense about conspiracies against the legitimate government.
Ponastavil guards on every corner.
Richard looked around, but no one of the guards saw. he
knew that it does not mean anything. If the border guard
wish to go unnoticed, it can stand in your
leg, and you did not see. Chase drummed his fingers
on the hilt of a dagger. — Believe in the word, my boys
not here. — Okay. And why do you think
Michael is wrong? After his father was killed as first counselor.
Chase view expressed clear doubts about the usefulness of mental
other. — I'm here every geek
I know. There is no conspiracy. Whether that is true here,
maybe it would be fun began. Only I am afraid that now
I play the role of the court bogey. Michael told me to
keep in sight. — Look Chase became
tough. — As for the *** of your father...
We went to George Cypher long way when you
still did not exist. Long before any of the border.
He was a good man, I was proud of his friendship.
— In the eyes of Chase flashed anger. — I have a lot of twisted
hands, talking with all the riffraff. — He shifted his
leg, habitually glanced around and
turned to Richard. His face contorted rage.
— As can be unscrewed. Believe me, this
*** had a very hard time. If they ever
knew something, they would have laid his own father, only
would quickly end our pleasant conversation.
No, Richard. All to no avail. Nobody knows anything. with
me this has not happened. I went out to hunt and could not
take track. No odor smell. Chase folded his arms
and Richard looked from head to toe. His eyes flashed
grin. — Speaking of ***. that
happened to you? You're like two peas similar to
any of my players. Richard quickly exchanged
glance with his companion and looked at Chase.
— We were at the top, at the Hunting Forest. — He was whispering.
— We were attacked by the four bandits.
Chase raised an eyebrow.
— Does anyone of my friends?
Richard shook his head.
Chase frowned. — Where did they go after
meeting with you? — Do you know the path by Dumb
Mountain? — Of course.
— They're out there. Below, on the rocks. We had a talk with them.
Chase threw up his hands and stared at Kahlan and Richard.
— I'll go, I will look. — His eyebrows came together at the nose. — How to
did you do it? Richard glanced again
with Kahlan. — I think we defended good
perfume. Sentinel boundaries are not trying to
hide distrust. — Well, so be it. only
I do not advise this bike to tell Michael.
I'm afraid he does not believe in good spirits.
Chase for a long time and stared at them.
— If you want, you can stay at my house. There you will not
dare to touch. Richard would like to accept
invitation to a friend, but I thought about the children Chase. To anything
incur the risk of them. Did not want to argue, so
He nodded his thanks and talked about something else.
— Perhaps it's time. Michael certainly noticed
that I still have not. — Wait, — stopped him
Chase. — You searched for Zedd. Did you tell him why something urgently
needed. He 's great is concerned. Says it
is very important. Richard looked at the sky
and again saw a cloud that looked like a snake.
— I also would not hurt to talk to him.
He was headed for the house, but Chase had not finished.
— Richard! — The views of others burned through the youth through.
— Tell me, what is it you are lost in the Upper Hunter's woods?
— Same as you. I tried to sniff trace — quietly
Richard said. Chase glance softened
it appeared the usual sarcasm.
— And how? Scented? Richard nodded and showed
Stung by hand. — It biting.
Goodbye to Chase, Richard and Kahlan joined
the general flow of the guests and went through the front door
the marble staircase in luxurious reception hall.
Richard always more attracted to the warmth of wood, but Brother
argued that to build a wooden house — is simple enough.
Is able to do any beggar. But in order to build
building of marble, requires the labor of tens, if not hundreds,
idlers, contentment wooden huts. Richard
remember the time when my mother was still alive, and they were busy
with his brother in the dust, and built entire cities and reliable
fortress of sticks. Then Michael helped him. How would
he wanted and now he could count on
help brother! Rare acquaintances of the number
Guests were greeted by Richard blank stretched
smile or a hasty handshake. Kahlan was
stranger. Therefore, Richard is not too
surprised by the calm confidence with which she held
in a secular society. He has already occurred to
that his new friend belongs to the noble
old. Hired killers do not hunt for ordinary people.
Richard noticed how hard it is to smile at him an old acquaintance.
If the rumors of monsters emerging from abroad,
confirmed, Westland threaten many dangers.
Residents of border villages are no longer at risk at night
to leave their homes. Rumor has it, though recently near
boundaries began to find gnawed human
remains. Until now, he believed that these people died a natural
death, and then their bodies have become the prey of wild
animals. This always happened,
and nothing frightening it is not found. Richard argued
that this time it is not about wild beasts and monsters that
coming down from the sky. He just laughed at
such superstitions. Until today.
A young man overcome by a feeling of loneliness. around partied
idle secular audience, and he was confused and depressed
and could not help myself. Who to contact
for advice? Is that to Kahlan? it is at once
and drew Richard, and afraid of it. worth to remember
battle on Mount Dumb and immediately unpleasant chill
rose from somewhere at the bottom of the soul. He wanted to go
here and take away with them Kahlan.
Maybe Zedd knows what to do. In those days, when the boundaries
did not exist, Zedd lived in the Midlands.
The old man very few people talked about this. Richard tormented
strange feeling close to certainty
that everything that happens at the border has some
with the *** of his father and his father's death, in turn,
somehow connected to his own secret.
The secret that his father entrusted him alone. Him alone and
no one else. Kahlan put her hand on his
on hand. — Sorry, I did not know about your...
father. I'm sorry. The horrific events of the day for a short while
overshadowed by the thought of his father, but a conversation with Chase again
reopen the wound. Richard just shrugged.
— Thank you. He waited until past them
not marched another guest, flat in expensive
blue silk, decorated with white lace. Richard
deliberately lowered his eyes, wanting to avoid the secular
smiles and small talk. — It happened three weeks
ago. He told in terse words
Kahlan of those terrible events. Her eyes shone with sympathy.
— I'm sorry, Richard. Maybe you should stay
one? He barely managed a smile.
— No, it's okay. I spent enough time alone.
When close friend with whom you can talk to, it's just
helps. Kahlan said, barely noticeable
smile, and they began to move forward through the crowd of guests.
Richard wondered where could escape brother. It is strange that it to
still not clear. Do boys really had no appetite,
but he remembered that Kahlan for two days did not eat anything.
However, she gazed at the table laden with victuals,
with such indifference that Richard admired her enviable
composure. He heard seductive
smells of delicacies, and Richard realized that he is not averse
refreshment. — Hungry? — quietly
he asked. — Very much so.
He led her to a long table, lomivshemusya viands.
Then there just was not there! Steaming hot, hot
potatoes, smoked fish, chicken, turkey, various
salads, vegetables, meat and onion soups, loaves of bread,
cheese, cakes, fresh fruit, pastries, a variety of
wine, ale. Around the table quickly scurrying servants,
instantly filling emptying dishes.
Kahlan looked around with interest the servant girls.
— I see some of the workers wearing long hair. Do
you is not banned? — No, — surprised Richard
— We have everyone is free to choose her hairstyle to taste.
Here, look! — And he silently pointed to a lively conversation
well-dressed ladies. — This counselor. You see, some have long
hair, others shorter. How someone like that. — He looked
on Kahlan. — And you are told to cut their hair?
Her eyebrows shot up. — Told to? Nobody has the right
even ask me about it. Just in my homeland length
Hair is strictly regulated by the position in the society.
— So, you are a very noble person? — He softened the question
playful smile. — Unless, of course, to judge by your
luxurious long hair. She smiled sadly.
— Some people think so. No wonder you thought about it after
morning events. We can only be those who are
actually. No more and no less.
— Okay. When I asked what should not be, you can
just give me a kick. Familiar half-smile lit
her face. Quite the same as then, on the mountain. Smile accomplice.
Richard grinned. He turned to the table and found a favorite
delicacy — pork ribs under the spicy sauce. put
on the white plate and handed Kahlan.
— First try this. You will not regret.
Girl holding a plate at arm's length and suspicious
stared at the contents. — What is it cooked?
— Pork — surprise Richard said. — Well, you know,
meat pigs. Try it, do not worry. Honestly,
nothing more delicious you will not find here.
She calmed down, put her plate and began to close
for food. He is more than a half-dozen umyal ribs, with
In undertaking a relentless appetite for each subsequent
piece. Having dealt with the ribs,
Richard put on a few plates of sausages.
— Now try this.
To Kahlan returned erstwhile suspicion.
— What they are prepared? — Pork, beef, all sorts of
spices, I do not know exactly what. And what? You do not eat something
specific? — So, it does not matter — evasively
she said, beginning to sausage. Can I ask
some hot soup? — Of course.
He poured the soup into a bowl with a thin white gold band
and handed it to Kahlan in exchange for an empty plate.
Sipping a sip, she smiled happily.
— What a delight! Just just like the one that I prepared
Housing. I do not think that our countries were very different
apart. Richard perk.
While his girlfriend was finishing his soup, he built a sandwich
with pieces of chicken and handed it to her, taking the empty
bowl. Kahlan took a sandwich,
took a bite and went to the other end of the hall.
Richard hurried after her, from time to time in response
greetings. Familiar cast surprised looks
it unsuitable for dirty clothes. Kahlan stopped
with marble columns and turned to the satellite.
— Be so kind as to bring me a piece of cheese.
— With pleasure. Which do you prefer?
— At your discretion. — She slowly looks around
gathered. Richard began to break
through the crowd to the table with refreshments. He chose two slices of cheese,
one of which is eaten with pleasure on the way to Kahlan.
The girl took a piece of stretched, but there is not.
Her fingers loosened, and the cheese fell to the floor.
— What 's wrong? — I hate cheese, — detached
Kahlan said, peering hard into the opposite
end of the hall. — Why have you asked him
bring? — Richard frowned. His voice appeared
notes irritation. — Keep looking for
me — Kahlan said. — Behind you, in the end of the hall, there are
two men. They are watching us. I wanted to find out
exactly who they are interested in you or me. When you go
for cheese, they have to watch you, not paying
I have absolutely no attention. After you watch!
Richard put his arm around her shoulders and slowly turned, wanting
imperceptibly to see those two. He glanced
over their heads to the far end of the hall.
— It's okay. These are the people Michael. They know me.
Probably scratching their heads, how did I come to this
indecent kind. — He looked into her eyes and spoke in a low voice.
— All right, Kahlan, relax. Your pursuers dead.
You are in no danger. She shook her head.
— Then it will be worse. I should not stay with you.
I do not want to inflict on you trouble. You've already risked
life for me. You — my friend.
— No kvod you no longer hunt down. It is impossible,
because you are in the Heartland. Richard said with a full
confidence. He knew enough about the surveillance, to respond to
for his words. Kahlan fingertip teased
gate of his shirt and pulled him over.
Green eyes flashed with anger.
— When I left the Midlands, — whispered hoarsely
she barely tsedya words — five magicians imposed on
my footprints strongest spell. No one was supposed to know,
where I went. No one could go after him. When I left,
all five of them killed themselves, so that no one forced them to give
the mystery! Kahlan gritted her teeth in front of her were
tears ran over the body cramp.
Wizards! Richard was dumbfounded. When he was able to recover
from the shock, he gently pried her fingers clutching at the collar,
took her hand in his hands and said quietly:
— I'm sorry. — Richard, I 'm afraid! I was dead
scared! — She shivered. — Do not be you... You're not even
can not imagine what they would have done to me.
Death would seem to me the best outcome. Oh, Richard,
you do not know about them. You do not know what kind of
people. — She shook her head, all in the grip of a nightmare.
Richard goose bumps on the skin. He took her by the column,
away from prying eyes.
— I'm sorry, I did not know. I do not understand. you,
at least, at least something is known, and if I wander
in the dark. I 'm scared, too. Today on the mountain... Never
in life so do not fear! Not so much I have done for
our salvation. — Its weakness gave him courage.
It was necessary to reassure and encourage her.
— You've done enough to turn the tide,
— She could hardly speak a word. — Enough to
save us. You say that your credit is not high.
It does not matter. If not for you... One thing that I have come
here with you, already can bring misfortune upon you.
I do not want this, Richard. — It will not happen. — he
has tightened his grip on her hand. — I have a friend, his name is
Zedd. Maybe he will teach us what to do to
you was safe. He has a reputation for eccentric, but I
never met anyone smarter and smarter. If anyone
know what to do, so it's Zedd. You're afraid that they
always find you, so nowhere to run and no reason.
Let me take you to Zedd. Once Michael
finished his speech, we go to my place.
Take a break, sit by the fire, and in the morning go to Zedd.
— He suddenly smiled and nodded at the window. — Look!
She turned to the tall lancet window saw
Chase. Sentinel border looked back winked
and, grinning, continued to inspect the neighborhood.
— Chase kvod would look like a lot of fun. He also told
to you a couple of anecdotes, while to deal with them. we have it
warned, and now he will take care of our
security. Her face lit up with a passing
smile and once again became sad. — That's not all. I do not doubt,
that if I get to Westland, I find myself
in complete safety. So it should be.
Richard, I managed to cross the border only with the help of
magic. — She was shaking all over, but the other little confidence
instilled in her hope. — I do not know how these people have been.
It's impossible! They did not even have to know what
I left the middle of the Earth. So, for some reason
the rules have changed. Now you can wait for something
anything. — Tomorrow will try to understand.
And now you're safe. Next kvodu need
a few days to get to Westland. Is not it?
So, we still have time. Think of something.
She nodded. — Thank you, Richard Cypher.
Thank you, friend. Just know that if I feel that I can
bring upon you trouble, I'll be gone, without having to wait
you something happens. — She took his hand and brushed
tears. — I do not gorged. Let's get something else.
Can I? — Of course, — smiled
Richard — and what would you like? — A little bit of your favorite
goodies. They returned to the table and
began to eat while waiting for Michael. Richard was a little
easier. Despite all the nightmares, which told
Kahlan, he now at least knew something. Furthermore, he succeeded
calm a little girl. He will find a solution, he finds out
what is happening to the border. If the answer would be scary
intimidating, it must know it.
Murmur swept through the crowd, and all eyes turned
at the far end of the hall on the long-awaited culprit
celebration. Richard took Kahlan 's hand and began to squeeze
through the crowd, making his way closer to his brother.
Michael came to the podium, and Richard realized the reason
his delay. Brother waited for the moment when the sun
rays illumine the platform. Michael appeared delighted gaze
all wrapped in lights. His thick hair broke
in the sun, resembling a halo. Michael had a low
growth, overweight and bloated beyond his years. above the upper
lip adorned with tendrils. On the occasion of the celebration, he
dressed in white, free cut suit, intercepted
at the waist a golden girdle. Frozen motionless on
elevation in a stream of sunlight, Michael, like the carved image
of expensive marble, exuded a ghostly glow ice.
At that moment it seemed like a bas-relief carved
in a dark lump. Richard raised his hand, trying to
to get his attention. Michael said his brother, smiled
and looked at the audience. — Ladies and gentlemen! Today
I step into the position of First Counselor Westland. — Hall
was filled with cries of welcome. Michael some
Time stood still, and then suddenly raised his hand,
for silence. He waited until the last cry froze.
— Advisors throughout Westland honored me high
honor, electing as its head in our hard times. they
did it, because they know that I have the courage
and vision necessary to bring all of us, our
Westland home in the new era. We have for too long
lived with an eye to the dark past. We looked around back
instead bravely face the future. we too
long chasing the ghosts of bygone times and remained
deaf to the dictates of time. We have listened too long
the speeches of those who willingly sucked us into bloodshed
and did not pay attention to the words of people who wanted
lead us to the path of peace! The crowd went wild.
Richard wondered. What is he? What war? who
of vestlandtsev wants to draw them into the bloodshed?
Michael raised his hand again. This time he did not wait
silence. — I can not bear to see
how traitors plunge into a dark home Westland
abyss of misery! Michael's face was red.
The crowd roared, shaking his fists, and began to chant
his name. Richard and Kahlan looked at each other in surprise.
— Concerned citizens offered their fatherland
services. They did everything to reveal a coward,
betraying the homeland. In these moments, when we combine
heart in the name of a common goal, guard the border guard
our peace, and the army heroically catches conspirators
braiding dirty intrigues against the legally elected
government. Do not think that this is a pitiful handful of small
criminals. No, it's dear people who have the highest
powers! Among the guests swept murmur.
Richard was stunned. Is it true?
Conspiracy? Brother never would have done such a high
provisions that do not know it all, what's going on in the country. people
exercising superior authority. Now I understand why
Chase does not know anything. Michael stood in the column
sunlight. Murmur began to subside. when it is
spoke again, his voice appeared warm tone.
— But all the worst is behind us. Today we can safely look
in the future. I was born and lived his life here in the Heartland,
in the shadow of the border. And it is also one of the reasons why
namely, I was elected to such an important post.
Shadow boundary mar our existence. but times
changing. A new dawn rises over the world, the morning light
chases away the shadows of darkness, and we begin to understand
that all fears — just a figment of our imagination.
Michael's voice grew stronger: — We need to anticipate,
that one day, when the border will disappear, for nothing
not forever. And when that is done, we need to reach neighbors
the hand of friendship. World, not the sword, as some people would love
would. Sword only leads to the horrors of war, to unnecessary casualties.
Are we to squander the wealth of the country to prepare
the battle with the brotherly people? With people, with whom we
forcibly separated for years to come? With people
many of which have a common ancestor with us? Do
we must prepare for the battle with his brothers and sisters?
Why? Just because we do not know them? What a waste!
Look at the sides! Around us enough disasters
true disaster, and to overcome them are required
a lot of money. After a pause, he continued:
— When the day comes — I do not know whether we will live, but he
there will be — we will gladly accept the embrace of brothers
and sisters. Before us rise the great task — to reunite
No two countries, and all three! For in due time disappear
not only the dividing line between Westland and Median
Land, but the other — between the Heartland and D'Haroy.
And then all three countries will merge together. As long as the heart beats,
we can not lose hope in anticipation of the day when
will be able to share the joy of reunion with sister
peoples! The joy of this begins here and now. Today.
That's why I did everything in order to stop the traitors.
They dreamed to plunge into the abyss of discord homeland only because
that one great day all boundaries disappear. My
words do not mean a complete renunciation of the army. Who knows
with any real threats we face in the
the road to peace? But we do know that there is no need
invent mythical danger.
Michael waved his arm outstretched over their heads.
— The future — it's us. We are gathered here in this hall. Advisors
Westland! You bear the obligation to bear the entire
country the word of truth. Bring to all people of goodwill
our message to the world. They will see the truth in your hearts.
I ask you to help me. I want our children to
and grandchildren were able to partake of the fruits of what we sow.
I urge you to feel free to walk the road of peace forward to a brighter
future. The time will come when future generations
will be gratefully remembered us.
Michael bowed his head and pressed his hands to his chest. Sunny
light still streams flooded his figure. Students
silent emotion. The men appeared in front of
tears, women sobbed quietly. The eyes of the audience
were glued to the first counselor, congealed as
statue. It struck his brother Richard.
Michael had never spoken so eloquently and with conviction.
Must be in his words contain deep meaning.
In the end, he, Richard, standing next to a guest from
Midlands, which has become his friend.
But what about the four that tried to kill him? '' No,
— He thought it was not so. '' Wanted to kill her,
he just happened to be in their way. He in fact offered
leave on good terms, but he decided to stay and fight
with them. He was always afraid of those from abroad, and now
that's made friends with one of them. That's about it, and
said Michael. He saw his brother in a new light. words
Michael extraordinarily moved by all the participants. he called
for peace and friendship with other nations. What 's wrong with that.
But that's why he was so ill at ease?
— And now I want to talk about something else — continued Michael.
— On the real suffering that surround us. While
our thoughts are occupied by imaginary dangers associated with
boundary around us suffered and died relatives, friends and
neighbors. Died tragically senseless, in a flame of fire.
Yes, you heard right, I'm talking about accidents,
occurred from careless handling of fire.
The guests began to exchange glances and whispers in bewilderment.
Michael has lost contact with the public, but, apparently,
that he was waiting for. He looked from one to the listener
on the other, only reinforcing the confusion. then dramatically
threw hand with pointing finger.
Finger pointed at Richard. — Here it is! — He exclaimed. All
as one stared at Richard. Looked at him
Hundreds eye. — Here it is, my dear brother! — Richard
wanted very much to evaporate or sink into the
ground. — My beloved brother, who for many years
bear with me — he struck his chest, — the bitterness
loss! Fire robbed us of a mother in those years when we
were children. We grew up without a mother's love and
care. We took the mother of the mythical foe due
border, and the real enemy — the fire! We had no one to
comfort when we were sick when crying long nights.
Michael cheeks tears rolled spectacularly gleaming
in the sun. — I did not want — sobbed
he — excuse me, my friends. He took from his pocket a large
handkerchief and dabbed at her tears.
— Just today, I heard about another fire that
claimed the lives of a young married couple. Their little daughter
now an orphan. Old pain awakened in my
soul, and I could not keep silent. Michael managed to change
mood of the crowd. The crowd listened sympathetically
his every word. No one tried to hold back tears,
and a lady hugged Richard 's shoulders and began to whisper
him words of comfort. Richard speechless.
— I think that many of you here are hiding
in the hearts of pain, similar to the one that we loved brother
carried through life. I request
to people who have lost friends and loved ones in a flame of fire:
raise your hands. Several single -hand
has shot up. In the crowd were heard wailing.
— You see, my friends? — Michael asked hoarsely, stretching
hands to the audience. — Suffering — here, among
us. Why go far? Suffering — in this hall.
Richard memories came flooding back. By the throat lump approached.
He again saw everything that happened on that terrible
evening. Came to his father one of the buyers, who considered
duped. In the heat of anger, he knocked standing
on a table lamp. The children slept in the next room. While
Guest fought with his father, pulled him into the yard, the mother made
children from a burning house. And then ran back.
No one ever found out why... She could not escape
flame fire. Her screams had fought sobered. And
father, and his guest were trying to save the unfortunate, but in vain.
When the culprit came to what he had done, he rushed
run, weeping and wailing. Father, repeated hundreds of times
children: '' See what happens when a man loses his head.''
Michael it just shrugged his shoulders, Richard words
father sank into the soul. Since then, he was afraid to give
way to anger, do not let him escape.
Brother wrong. Mother did not kill the fire. Killed her anger.
Michael sadly lowered his hands and bowed his head. he
spoke quietly and earnestly: — What can we do? as
protect our families from the enemy? — It is sad
shook his head. — I do not know, friends. But I had already started
to the formation of the commission on the fires and
I urge concerned citizens to make proposals.
My door is always open for you. together
we can handle any task. — And now, my friends, I ask
forgive me. I need to comfort his brother.
I'm afraid the public the story of a family tragedy upset
it. I have to bring my brother apology.
Michael jumped out of the stands. Guests parted, freeing
passage. some reverently
stretched out their hands, wanting to touch at least to
edge clothing new idol. Michael did not pay them
attention. Richard looked indignantly
to step to the younger brother. The crowd dispersed, near
with him there was only Kahlan. She lightly touched
fingers of his hand. Guests headed for the holiday
table and began excitedly discussing heard. About
Richard forgotten. He stood motionless, trying to cope
with growing anger. Michael went to his brother with
dazzling smile and patted him on the shoulder.
— Great question! — Happily he said. — What do you think?
Richard studied ornament, laid out on the floor of a multi-colored
marble. — Why have you dragged her
death? Why was it necessary to all and sundry is to tell?
You speculated on our mountain.
— That's what I thought it would upset you. — Michael hugged
brother 's shoulders. — I'm sorry, but it should be. Have you seen
tears in their eyes? Everything I do is aimed
only to the common good. I want to Westland
to take its rightful position. I believe in my words: we must
without fear of the future. With excitement, but without fear.
— And what did you mean when you talk about the boundaries?
— Times change, Richard. I have to anticipate
event. Smile faded from his face. — That's all. border
do not last forever. I do not think that they have created for all. we
should be ready for the disappearance of borders.
Richard changed the subject. — Were you able to anything
find out regarding his father? How are your investigators that
they dug up? — When you finally become
adult, Richard? — Michael took his hand from his brother's shoulder.
— George did not even wiser in my old age. And remained
fool. He's always dragged into the house all sorts of things, not
thinking about who it belongs to. should
be the owner of another bauble was a man
testy. With a bad temper and a large knife.
— It is not true! You know yourself that it is not true! — In this
Richard hated the second brother. Intonation, which
he said his father's name, cut the ear.
Dirty hints wounded soul. — In all his life he had
never allowed himself to take what was not his.
Father was not a thief! — If you took something
remaining after the death of another person, it is still
does not make you the rightful owner. could find
people who want to get the thing back.
— How do you know all this? — Pounced on him Richard.
— What did you find out? — Nothing. I proceed from the general
considerations. The house was turned upside, there is clearly looking for something.
Could not find, but George refused to say where
he hides. He was killed. That's all. Detectives found no
no trace. Most likely, we'll never know
the name of the murderer. — Michael exasperated at his brother. — Will
better if you accept this fact.
Richard sighed. According to Michael were not meaningless.
Someone looking for something. You should not be angry with his brother, if he
was not able to find the killer. He tried. I wonder how
villains managed to leave no trace?
— I'm sorry, Michael. Perhaps you're right. — Suddenly it dawned on me.
— Look, it's nothing to do with the plot? that
if these people are chosen for you?
— No, no, no — dismissed Michael. — There is no connection. we
found. Not worry about me, I
safe. Richard nodded.
— Listen to me, brother, how could you come here in such
form? — Michael asked with annoyance. — Is it so difficult
was to freshen up? I invited you in advance.
Before he could answer, the conversation came Kahlan.
Richard had forgotten that she was still standing there.
— Excuse me, your brother. Not his fault
that he did not have time to change. He had to spend
me in the Heartland, and I'm late. Do not miss it because of me
your location. Michael gave her a slow
look. — Who are you?
She proudly straightened. — I Kahlan Amnell.
Michael tilted his head slightly and smiled faintly.
— So, I made a mistake, thinking that you're a good friend
brother? Come from afar? — From a small village.
It is located far from the Heartland.
I am sure that the name you will not say anything.
Michael did not insist on an answer. he turned
to his brother. — Will you stay the night?
— No. I have to see Zedd. He was looking for me.
Michael frowned. — You should look for
friends decently than this redneck.
Communication with Zedd anything good for you does not end.
He turned to Kahlan: — You, my dear, will
Tonight my guest. — I've got other plans — evasively
replied the girl. Michael spread his hands and
roughly pulled her to him. — Change them. — His smile
exuded chilling cold. — Get your hands off — tough
Kahlan said. Her voice was concealed threat.
She calmly watched Michael 's eyes.
Richard froze. He did not understand what was happening.
— Michael! Stop it! They stared at each
other at close range, without paying any attention to Richard.
Tension mounted. Richard felt helpless.
He knew that neither one nor the other of its desire to intervention
but did not see the possibility to continue to play the role of third-party
observer. — You are so sensual,
— Michael whispered. — I think I could fall in love in you.
— You have no idea what risk — coldly
she. — This minute clean hands.
Michael did not obey, and then the girl slowly pressed
sharp nail on his chest. Continuing to watch Michael
straight in the eye, she slowly, too slowly, with force
held nail down, tearing his skin. First on chest
Adviser drew blood. Moment he stood motionless,
but no longer able to endure the pain, dramatically loosened
hugs and recoiled. Kahlan, without turning around,
walked away. Richard ran after her,
goodbye bestowed brother glare.