LITMIR.BIZ

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of her sword against his torso, causing another stream of blood.

      “I should kill you and everyone you told because my life depends on it… But I can’t.”

      Rein sighed, holding her by the neck.

      “My name is Rein! That’s all you need to know. Forget it!”

      After these words, he released her.

      – I’m sorry! Those whom I told… they won’t tell anyone. I vouch for them. I had to protect myself so that, upon learning that I know everything, you wouldn’t kill me alone. I’m not your enemy – I’m a friend. Even if you can be quite rough at times.

      – Where is my friend Iziro? – asked the still angry Rain.

      – Your friend is fine; he’s with that boy – his name is Wel – at the evening campfire – that’s where we rest. I’m sure they fed him, and he’s in good health now.

      – You say I’m your friend… Does that mean you’ll let me go? I can’t continue to stay here, waiting for those you vouch for to sell information about me to my enemies and come after me.

      – Yes, you can go, but…

      – What – but? – asked Rain.

      – You’ll leave tomorrow, wherever you plan to go, I can even provide you with escorts, but only if you give me what I want.

      – What is it? – asked Rain with a serious face.

      – You see… those knights didn’t come here for no reason today. And they will come again. I went against the kingdoms because I couldn’t stand watching my people being exploited. Before, they would come to take the majority of people to their death in the battle against the Raidarians. That was the last straw for me. We work for them, pay taxes, and even our lives are needed by them. This couldn’t just continue. I rebelled against Lord Rinfoll, and now there is only one path for me and the people who chose me. This path involves fighting the kingdoms for power. Most likely, Rinfoll will soon fall under the pressure of the Raidarian legions. But Santris… they won’t just leave us alone. So the only way for us is to fight. To fight against Santris and hope that when the Raidarians come, they will be merciful to us. I consider myself a warrior, just like you. And I will probably die in my pursuit of battles, but I don’t want to die without leaving someone behind. Do you understand me?

      – Maybe. But if I understood you correctly, you should know that I’m not the best choice. If you’ve been to Raidaria, you must know that the offspring of a human and a Raidarian often dies, and women often die during the… process of such birth.

      Idia approached Rain closely and hugged him, looking straight into his eyes.

      – I have my own opinion on this matter. And even if you are telling the truth, I believe this risk is justified. I would like to have a child who is strong in both spirit and body. I have a strong spirit, and the body… It’s unlikely that there is anyone in the world stronger physically than a Raidarian, especially one with your blood.

      Rain looked at her and was about to kiss her, but then she said:

      – But first, please take a bath. It’s over there!

      Meanwhile, Iziro was trying his best to figure out where Rain had gone. He could only hope that everything was okay with him. Suddenly, Wel appeared out of nowhere.

      – You won’t find him here! – he said. – Idia took him. She’s probably having fun with him, like with the others.

      – What is she doing with him? – Iziro asked threateningly, approaching Wel. – Where can I find them, kid?

      – Don’t be angry, he’s fine. I told you: “She’s having fun with him.”

      – Having fun? – Iziro asked in surprise.

      – Yeah, having fun. She likes guys like your friend.

      – Oh… And how long will they be… having fun there?

      – I don’t know, – the boy said and laughed.

      Wel ignited a fire in the palm of his hand and began to examine it.

      – Aren’t you too young to know what they’re doing there?

      – Am I too young to kill people? – Wel asked Iziro in surprise.

      A day passed. The next morning, Idia was lying in her bed, and Rain was putting on his armor and new clothes that Idia’s people brought him.

      – It suits you, – Idia said to Rain.

      – I think white looks a bit too flashy. Especially considering that for me, every day is a battle, – Rain replied.

      – If you’re really going to Aeris to meet the local king, dressing nicely is not the worst idea.

      – Maybe you’re right.

      – Just try not to provoke conflicts, – Idia said with a smile.

      – My talent for provoking them will get in the way, – Rain replied with a slight dissatisfaction.

      – Well, I did promise to provide an escort… My people and I control everything here, including smuggling into and out of the empire, so you’ll go through the Rabbit Hole with the local smugglers who owe me.

      – Perhaps, going with smugglers might not be the best idea, don’t you think? – Rain asked in surprise.

      – It’s your only chance. They won’t know anything about you. I’ll introduce you as their escort.

      Rain pondered.

      – But if you don’t want to leave, I’ll be happy to see you here. In the upcoming battles, I wouldn’t mind having your help.

      – Hm, – Rain said, thinking. – Just a couple of days ago, I would have told you a definite “yes,” as I had no goal or aspirations, but now… Something has changed in me. It’s as if my crazy idea is tempering my anger and sorrow that haunted me all the years of my exile, or even more. The feeling that I can’t help but go there, as foolish as it may seem. Do you understand?

      – Stronger than you think, – Idia replied.

      Rain fastened the belt on the final part of his armor and looked at Idia.

      – Well, then… Until we meet again… Idia. You’re not mad that I’m leaving you just like that after what happened between us?

      – No, – said Idia, smiling and blushing. – You were only needed for one thing – and I got that. Now you’re free to go wherever you want, as we agreed.

      Rain approached his sword, took it, and sheathed it behind his back.

      This time, it was a completely different Rain. The same sword and Raidarian armor he had stolen once, but a different gaze, different fabrics over and under the armor, a clean and neat appearance not so characteristic of him due to his previous lifestyle. His white attire with golden trimmings on the fabric contours, worn over the armor, especially stood out. It was a sleeveless cloak with a hood and a wedge-shaped cut in the middle.

      – It really suits you.

      – It’s been a long time since I wore such clean clothes, – Rain replied to Idia.

      Rain looked at Idia as if for the last time, and they looked at him the same way. They both smiled at each other, and Rain said:

      – If I survive this, I’ll repay you. Hear me. I’ll do everything in my power.

      But Idia just smiled, deep down understanding that she herself is unlikely to survive the turmoil she created. And even if she does, the Raidarians might still finish what the people of King Alec Ford and his lords couldn’t accomplish.

      And

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