She was tall, though Mark didn't even get the shoulder. She was dark and thin, with black hair right under her shoulders. The whiskey was silver-gray, which the woman didn't think was necessary to hide the magic. The cold gaze of dark eyes, the curved eyebrows from a high arch, the elongated oval face with a sharp chin - that's how wicked witches attracted in children's tales. It was as if the woman had come down from the pages of the book.
She looked like forty years old. Mark is not older than 35 years. In fact, he was more than three hundred years old, and the woman - less than two hundred. It's just that he was such a strong magician that his aging stopped earlier than most other magicians. Normally all long-lived magicians looked forty to forty-five years old.
Mark suppressed the growing irritation and quietly confirmed it:
- I'm getting old, Orshava. Find a replacement. A few more attacks from Doramon and Tesso cannot be saved.
- We can put an end to that. - Orshava said a few words. - Create a reservoir from your return. To gather strength. And to finish Doramon once and for all. All you need is the right tank.
Orshava played with the fire. But I have to understand that in this state it is more dangerous than ever. Is he deliberately trying to get him to break out?
Mark collected all the famous self-control of Grandmaster Randu with an iron fist. He answered as quietly and calmly as possible:
- We discussed that. The chances are minimal and the risk too high. A suitable reservoir is the word behind which the priceless life of a religious stands.
- Mark, every woman in Randu is happy to take a chance if there is even a minimal chance to get rid of Doramon to save the order! Any, and not one! From Beginner to Senior Masters. Even me.
Through the passion and enthusiasm in her voice, the notes of lust erupted. Mark saw the feelings behind her devotion. Willingness to sacrifice oneself, to endure the agony of sacrifice in order to survive intimacy with him. Also this: through calculation, through pain.
Anger, anger, irritation withdrew into the shadows. Their place was taken by condescending compassion for Orshava. And the ego of a man, content that even the women who would never be desired wanted him.
In daily life Mark never allowed himself such thoughts and feelings for the magicians of the Order. But the magical return in the Grand Master showed typical male weaknesses. This made him vulnerable as a human being.
- My faithful Orshava. I am sorry. I will not accept such a sacrifice from you.
- You just don't see me as a woman," Orshava went without fear and embarrassment.
Self-control and control have reasserted themselves. Mark received a decent, respectful answer.
- You are a reliable friend and companion. A strong magician. You are the last person in Randu to take a risk.
- Choose someone who is not so valuable and desirable for you! To hell with the risk. The goal justifies the means!
- Enough, Orshava! - Mark raised his voice. - My decision is unchangeable. I will not endanger any woman of the Order. Find yourself a new girl. Like Tesso. Simple, not a magical gift. Who will feel the pain of my sacrifice, but not accumulate it and risk painful death at any moment. Which will easily recover as soon as it is removed from me. Find a girl like this and bring Tesso back to her parents in the village.
- Whatever you say, Mark, Orshava said and bowed her head.
She could argue with him, insist on herself, but would never obey his orders. No man in the magical order of Randu could not disobey the Grand Master. Mark Arelato had absolute power and could use it.
As he was leaving the hallway, Orshava dared to call him:
- Mark. There is another way out.
The Grand Master turned around. This time he had to make incredible efforts to stay calm. Orshava, to put it simply, took it out. He finally wanted to stay alone, in his magically isolated rooms. Destroy a few large objects. or no objects at all to finally expel the remains of the recoil.
He kept his last strength and forced himself to listen to his faithful companion. His policy towards his subordinates is never to deprive them of the opportunity to express ideas.
- Speak louder.
- Do you know the Remidian Fairies?
Mark is bent.
- Immortal virgins, eternally young, eternally beautiful? I've heard of it.
- Those are not the only qualities of fairies. They have magical powers - even if magic is not taught. And they are super stable. No matter how much you give back to a fairy, it won't kill her. This is a chance without risk. И. Fairies are always sought after by men.
- Amazing, Arelato sniffed skeptically. - A party without a hangover. But we are on Mercan, not on Remidei. We have no fairies.