Nothing, absolutely nothing in the village could have prepared Kairu for city banquets, let alone banquets held in honor of the elite, paid for by the elite, and attended exclusively by the elite. That evening, he practiced hard to appear quietly amazed while maintaining an air of someone who always moved in such circles. Yet he didn't manage it well, from the very first moment, as the five of them, Yuf arm-in-arm with Rita, approached the tall doors of an enormous, ornate building with many turrets, walkways, balconies, and surrounded by gardens—the Mages' Guild of Petista.

  Outside, only a muffled hum could be heard, while in the courtyard and beyond the high gates stood crowds of people who hadn't been invited in, yet still longed to take part in the celebration. Coachmen in long livery coats, hunched against the cold and mostly resembling vultures, sat on their carriages parked in the square, from which gentlemen and their ladies leisurely made their way up to the Guild. New carriages and carts arrived every minute, blocking the way for ordinary people. Kairu, Viggo, Remiz, Yuf, and Rita came on foot, climbing the stairs while casting compassionate glances at the shouting footmen fighting for the best spot for their masters' cars.

  Inside, in the spacious hall, there were few people. Several servants checked their invitation cards and then led them to massive doors with gold inlays, which opened on their own to admit the guests. Brisk music and the voices of several hundred people struck Kairu’s ears at once.

  The hall was square-shaped, with tables covered in tablecloths and laden with food visible behind colonnades along the walls. In the center, a constant flow of men and women moved in the most varied but equally expensive outfits—sables, foxes, and ermines around their necks, fashionable high collars, and an abundance of jewelry glittering with sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and pearls. Servants glided silently through the crowd with trays and wine, occasionally emerging from the throng. Some guests nodded coldly in greeting, mostly to Yuf and occasionally to Rita. No one knew Kairu, Viggo, or Remiz.

  Someone called to them, and out of the crowd emerged the governor, with slicked-back hair, wearing what seemed to Kairu the most expensive suit in the room, and wearing a surprisingly cheerful expression. If Kairu hadn't seen him that morning, grim and cold, he wouldn’t have noticed the falseness behind the smile.

  "You've arrived already, Lainter? Good. You were the only ones I was waiting for. I assume this is your first banquet of this kind?"

  "For my friends, this is correct," Yuf agreed. "For myself… Although I know some people here, it would help if you introduced us to a few guests beforehand..."

  "Which I fully intended to do. Please, let’s go to the table. I'm sure you’d prefer to dine first. I heard Professor Nubel invested quite a bit of money in organizing the evening?"

  "Yes, I had to run around to different banks paying his bills… Still, in many ways, this event is in our honor. The expedition was a great success, we earned it."

  "This way, dinner has already been ordered for you."

  They ascended a platform at the far end of the hall, where a long table was being set. The governor sat first, nodded to Yuf, inviting him to the seat on his right, the others arranged themselves nearby, looking out over the swaying sea of human heads from above.

  "I’ll introduce a few people to you," the governor said quietly, pointing into the crowd at a tall man with a clean-shaven chin, a silver mane of hair, in an old-fashioned red coat, talking to a woman in a dazzling dress with artistically tousled jet-black curls. "I assume you know this man’s name, but are seeing his face for the first time. Archmage of Aktida, a man whose power rivals royalty—Romenford of Sonfrie. Head of all Mages' Guilds and the Supreme Council, and also head of the Mainor Institute of Magic. Next to him is Elen Fioral, head of the Petista Mages' Guild. The archmage's winter residence is located in our city. And that," he pointed to a thin woman with a wrinkled face and tightly pulled-back silver hair in a blue dress, "is Madame Fransoric, representative of the Academy of Sciences and professor of alchemy."

  "And those, I assume, are politicians?" Yuf indicated a group of men in gleaming armor and purple togas, speaking quietly in a corner.

  "Correct. The tall one with gray hair and a sword is General Geonar, Minister of Defense, a brilliant commander famed for his role in the latest major wars. He’s in Petista just in passing, and will leave for Vaimar right after the banquet. That Kald over there is Edervius, ambassador of Vaimar. And over there are the gentlemen from the capital, please take note. That’s Lord Garamant, owner of iron mines in the Northern Province and a major science investor. And that official from the Royal Intelligence is, I believe, Mr. Ordevix. He works under Siegfried Maclevirr."

  "I wouldn't mind meeting him," said Yuf. "After dinner. Would you introduce us?"

  "With pleasure! Hoping to make connections with the Royal Intelligence, Lainter? Why not, a brilliant idea for your future career. Though I thought your interests lay in archaeology? There are plenty of scholars here, the discovery of a new shrine has stirred the academic world, as you can imagine. You may receive quite a few lucrative contract offers tonight."

  "Oh no, thank you kindly," Yuf said lazily. "For now, Nubel's salary suits me well enough, and there’s plenty of work. And you caught me: I am indeed considering a future career in Mainor."

  "Of course, Lainter!" the governor laughed. "I wasn't talking about you. But these young archaeologists," he nodded toward Viggo, Kairu, and Remiz, "are a tempting catch for many institutions. You've made a name for yourselves, expect generous job offers... Attention!" The governor rose, and the hall instantly fell silent. "A moment of your attention, gentlemen. Dinner is now served, so please take your seats at the table."

  People quickly dispersed, clearing the dance floor.

  "Ladies and gentlemen!" the governor began his speech with a resounding, well-trained voice. "I’m delighted to welcome you to a celebratory banquet in honor of an important discovery, of the kind that happens only rarely... Thanks to Professor Nubel and the Mages' Guild for organizing this banquet, and most importantly, thank you to the members of the expedition, who, despite hardship and danger, succeeded in finding the long-lost shrine of the ancient Nocturns..."

  Yuf nudged Kairu, who awkwardly stood up, along with Viggo and Remiz.

  "Kairu Kenai, Viggo of Arctarium, and Remiz of Orinde!"

  Kairu gave a restrained bow, shifting his shoulders uncomfortably under the gaze of dozens of eyes.

  "Ladies and gentlemen! You are all, in one way or another, connected to the affairs and concerns of the Academy of Sciences and know how difficult it is to find capable young people who can carry on the work of elder scholars and make even more astounding discoveries. Thanks to Professor Nubel’s initiative to support the new generation in its endeavors, these individuals have proven to the world their ability to stand alongside the great pioneers, without whom our world would still be as dark as it was in primitive times. I hope you will also gladly welcome them into our society and help raise them from unknown newcomers to the ranks of the scientific elite."

  The hall burst into applause. Yuf tugged at Kairu’s pant leg, and he dropped down heavily, at least managing to hide behind a massive jar of wine. Forks clattered, and people simultaneously sank their teeth into huge chunks of roasted meat and bread. Somewhere directly above Kairu, music started playing, and the orchestra struck up another waltz.

  The dance floor gradually began to fill with whirling couples. Kairu cautiously straightened up, hoping that no one was looking at him now, and immediately locked eyes with a Nocturn girl in the crowd who was smiling directly at him. She was wearing a shimmering blue dress and a ruby necklace, and her black hair fell to her shoulders in small curls.

  Catching his gaze, the girl nodded at him as if they were old acquaintances.

  The next second, the image before his eyes changed.

  He mentally flew through a dark whirlwind, and from this whirlwind suddenly emerged a dark sky above the canopies of unfamiliar tropical trees… The girl with the curly black hair was beside him. She was holding his hand, and for some reason, he felt a burning sense of shame and guilt. He had wronged her somehow. But how?

  Another whirlwind, and a new image. This time, snowy mountains.

  The snow was stained with blood.

  The girl with black curls smiled and looked at the sky with dead eyes.

  Kairu came to. The vision had lasted only a few seconds, and it seemed that no one at the table had noticed his absence. He shuddered, shook his head, rubbed his eyes, trying to feel grounded in the real world again, and then looked up at the crowd in the ballroom before him.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  It took him a few more minutes to be completely sure that there wasn’t a single Nocturn girl in a blue dress, ruby necklace, and with curly black hair in the hall.

  "What a splendid dinner, governor!" declared Yuf; to Kairu, he seemed to be overacting his enthusiasm. "But the music is even more splendid. I wouldn’t want to miss this moment, so please excuse me. Rita?" He stood up, took her gloved hand, and led her into the crowd.

  "Where are they off to?" Kairu followed them with his eyes.

  "To have fun," Viggo grumbled. "Where all normal people are going. Haven’t you realized yet that you’ve become the most popular person in Petista tonight?"

  "Well, to hell with that. I’ll have my fun by eating everything I can find on this table. Then I’ll go back to the hotel. I don’t like noisy gatherings."

  ***

  Everyone was speaking at once, trying to shout over the monotonous hum of voices and music. The orchestra played somewhere above, on a balcony beneath the ceiling, but the sound, bouncing off magical walls, surrounded them and allowed people to dance rhythmically without noticing the voices around them. Yuf was silent, pacing his steps and afraid to breathe; Rita, resting her hands on his shoulders and nearly touching his cheek, looked out into the crowd.

  "What next, Yuffilis?" she asked suddenly.

  "Nothing yet. Everything is going according to plan. Enjoy the wealth and the peaceful life."

  "How long will this peace last?"

  "I don’t know, Rita."

  "What will happen to them?"

  "To Viggo and Remiz? Nothing special. After Nubel settles with them, each will go home and start a new life. Worldwide fame, contracts, collaboration offers, career growth…"

  "And Kairu?"

  "Nubel needs him. I don’t know why yet. But don’t worry, he’ll be fine. I’ll keep an eye on him as much as I can."

  "And you?"

  "I’ll stay with Nubel. Until the news comes… you know, from whom. I’ll consider it a vacation."

  "You know, I think I’ve already paid my debt to him," Rita said after a pause. "I’m tired of waiting, and tired of the half-truths. I feel like he’s going to bring trouble down on us. Yuffilis… Sometimes I think that… that my parents’ death is somehow connected to him."

  The dance ended. A new, louder piece struck up, and the couples twirled more energetically. Yuf led Rita out of the crowd, and they slowly moved along the colonnade to a small hallway leading to the backyard.

  "He’s done a lot for us," Yuf said quietly once the crowd was behind them. "And I trust him like I would my own father. I’d give my life for him. I think, Rita, when the time comes, he’ll tell us everything. And you’ll learn the whole truth about your parents."

  "The truth about my parents is the main reason I agreed to help him at all."

  "Mr. Lainter?"

  They had already entered a small hallway leading through a gallery to a side wing. The sounds from the hall barely reached them here. Yuf turned and saw a short nocturn in a black suit with a white pattern, with sparse gray hair.

  "Ah! You must be Mr. Garamant!" Yuf said, recalling. "Very pleased to meet you!"

  "And I you, Mr. Lainter, very pleased indeed!" Garamant said with a smile. "Miss Rita, my regards. I just wanted to offer you my heartfelt congratulations. This is truly a great day for archaeology."

  "Thank you, thank you very much!" Yuf put on a sugary smile as he and Garamant shook hands. "But I’m really not the one to congratulate. That honor goes to Mr. Kairu, Viggo, and Remiz, and of course Professor Nubel for organizing the event."

  "Indeed, absolutely!" Garamant beamed. "It’s truly a major breakthrough. Nubel is a brilliant scientist, I’ve always followed his research closely. He’s one of those rare people in our dark and ignorant world who keep progress moving forward. Don’t you agree? Just think: thirty years ago, the Lake of Aktida was considered a myth, such was the official scientific opinion. And now, look, it’s surfacing! Can you believe it?"

  "Yes, it’s a major event in the world of history and archaeology," Yuf nodded. "I completely agree. I see you have a deep interest in history? You’re involved in iron mining, I believe?"

  "Exactly, Mr. Lainter. I run a large business, and business can’t survive without staying attuned to the latest scientific developments. And I think you understand that the Lake of Aktida is of enormous interest not only from a historical perspective but also for the technologies that may become accessible through it. As I understand, the energy of that diamond was at the core of all the ancient Nocturns’ technical knowledge…"

  "Which, admittedly, didn’t help them against the overseas invaders two thousand years ago," Yuf inserted.

  "Oh, Mr. Lainter! The past is cloaked in the veil of our ignorance, and everything we know is based on attempts to read circles written with pitchforks on water. The remnants of ancient manuscripts, nearly all destroyed by time, weather-worn inscriptions on stone, and skeletons—that’s all we have left. Less than a fraction of a percent of the ancient libraries’ wealth survives, and nearly all cultural heritage has crumbled to dust or been buried underground… We weren’t there two thousand years ago, and we don’t truly know how the conquest happened," Garamant’s eyes suddenly gleamed in a peculiar way, and Yuf noticed he had grown very serious.

  "I won’t argue," Yuf said dryly. "We truly weren’t there."

  "So, the Lake of Aktida. Its energy can indeed be very valuable for a variety of technological applications, particularly in accelerating certain processes related to the extraction and processing of iron. It’s a highly promising direction, and as a businessman, I must take an interest in such things. I think we can expect some research into energy extraction from the diamond soon, don’t you think?" Garamant winked.

  "I’m afraid, Mr. Garamant, that even if I were aware of such research, I am not authorized to disclose that kind of information," Yuf replied, still smiling sweetly.

  "I completely understand, Mr. Lainter. I won’t press the matter. Everything in its time, right? We’ll find out soon enough, very soon. But to the point: I wanted to congratulate you on your brilliant results, and I wanted to ask—would you be interested in some work?" Garamant winked conspiratorially. "So to speak, on the side? I’ve heard only the best things about you, and I think I may have a few assignments for which I’d pay handsomely. Of course, only when you're free of Nubel’s tasks, and preferably... ahem, confidentially from him."

  "The best things? From whom?" Yuf tensed.

  "Rumors travel far," the Nocturn answered enigmatically.

  "Perhaps," said Yuf. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Garamant. I’m flattered to hear it. But I’m very busy with Nubel’s work at the moment. Rita, what do you say?" He glanced at her quickly, and in that glance, Rita read everything she needed to know.

  "Why not," she said slowly. "I’m always interested in work that pays well. If you need me, send a letter to the tavern ‘Under the Bear’s Head.’ I can’t promise I’ll be free immediately, but we can always meet to discuss business."

  "Absolutely!" Garamant replied cheerfully. "Well, I’m very glad we met. Here’s my card, please. And I hope this won’t be the last time I have the pleasure of meeting you both!" He gave them one last sickly-sweet smile and disappeared toward the hall. Yuf and Rita stared after him thoughtfully.

  "Weird guy," Rita muttered. "Are you going to tell… you know who… about him?"

  "I think so," Yuf said slowly. "Better to keep people like him close, so you know what they’re planning. And we need to check into him. Something doesn’t feel right. As if he knows something about the Lake of Aktida, something more than a simple science enthusiast should. Smart of you not to give him your personal address. And if you decide to meet him—be careful."

  "He almost slipped up," Rita nodded. "Rumors spreading… What kind of rumors, damn it? Rumors about me leading caravans through the pass? What about you? What could he know about you?"

  "I don’t know…" Yuf looked worried. A shadow crossed his face. "Could it be… You think he knows about the time I was in Petista before? When… But how…"

  "I don’t know. Maybe you slipped up. I have a bad feeling, Yuffilis. Call it intuition if you want. But he didn’t come up to us by chance. If he gets in touch, I’ll meet with him. I want to know more about him. You’re right, it’s better to keep him close. Forewarned is forearmed."

  They stepped into the courtyard. Snow was falling. It was dark, but the city glowed with thousands of lights that blurred into a dim glow at the horizon. The city still buzzed, wagons creaked, fish sellers shouted at the market.

  "Yuf, why won’t you stay?" Rita said suddenly.

  "You know I can’t. Not yet. But I’ll come back, I promise."

  "You can’t promise anything," she replied bitterly. "You’re like tumbleweed. Someone calls, and off you go to the ends of the world again. Though, Yuffilis, you’ve already paid your dues."

  "No, Rita. Not yet. Because there’s a beautiful new world ahead. I fight for that world. My mission ends when it begins."

  "You really believe that?"

  "I do," he said firmly. "I believe we’ll live to see it, and we must do everything we can to make it happen."

  "And how does that connect to Nubel? And the Lake of Aktida?"

  "I don’t know yet. But I’m sure there’s a connection. And we’ll find it soon."

  Rita shook her head. Yuf laughed. He hugged her, held her close.

  "Don’t think about it for now. Sleep well. Nothing will happen to you, I promise. And I won’t leave you. I’ll come back as soon as I can. Okay? And now… Forgive me, but I absolutely must speak with that Ordevix from the Royal Intelligence."