Lazily paddling through the murky waters, the Sweet Sunrise made my way to her deck. Compared to a steamboat, this ship is quite small, although it is not inferior in momentum. The novelty of the experience hasn't gone away yet, and I'm enjoying it.

As long as a barn, the white wings are freshly painted, the railings, chimneys are clean and shining. The flat bottom and wide hull made her look like a fat lady trudging downstream at a calm pace. As I walk leisurely, I do my best to enjoy the scenery, sometimes stopping to capture a moment that I might paint later. My notebook will soon be full of sketches of the riverbank, sailors and merchants, officers and passengers. Time slowed down and I was thinking in a meditative state.

We changed our course, I don't know why, and I didn't have any influence on our route. I wasn't part of the plan at all. Aisha received an order, and the knight squad changed course on the spot, and all previous plans were abandoned. When I asked the reason for the delay, Jime

A gave me an apologetic look and promised that the current crisis had nothing to do with me. The knights will go wherever they are needed, whether their captives follow them or not.

I only hope that the person who sent them away will order Jimena to bring me back herself. It's common sense, and in these areas, this resource seems to be in short supply.

I have nothing to do. I will definitely be under their surveillance as I am now, arranging the trip, deciding on safety, and planning the next move outside of my sensitive ears. My only task is to stay where I am and follow the rules. Even now, I could feel Alaric, their dagger-wielding flanks, staring at me curiously. Someone was always staring at me.

I have no control over my own destiny.

I hate feelings of powerlessness. We use a trustworthy captain with a security guard that a king would find adequate, and it doesn't matter. As dawn fell in my mind, I walked into Jimena's safety sarcophagus, thinking to myself that I was at the mercy of people I didn't know and couldn't trust. It went against my nature, but I didn't do anything. It would be unwise to act, so I waited for the moment. If I were to be discovered, any steps I could take now to restore my independence would be detrimental to my situation. I can only trust Ximena, that's the only thing I can do.

With a final sigh, I finished a simple rendition of a withered tree trunk that bent over the water, branches caressing the flowing river, and slammed the book shut. I turned to the cabin where the helmsman was at the helm and decided on a whim to join him. It was too inappropriate for me to go to the engine room, and I didn't want soot to get on the three clean clothes I brought. The helmsman of this ship is just fine.

I deftly climbed the ladder, ignoring Alaric's gaze at my back and lower back.

The box is small and has windows that allow a clear view of the surroundings. A serious man sat in the driver's seat, smoking a cigar and taking a closer look at the land around him. He wears a comfortable-looking, well-cut shirt with gray marks on his black beard.

"I'm sorry, sir."

The man turned, frowning. I could feel his temper rising from his heartbeat and breathing, but the insults and whinings on his lips disappeared in my demure demeanor and pleasant smile. I am not Mrs. Moore, but I have never been critical of my eyes, and few mortals can resist such benevolent attention as I have.

"What can I do for you, miss?" You're one of those who got on board today, right? What is unexpected?"

"Definitely. We were going to Boston, but were stopped. ”

He nodded in understanding and immediately turned his attention to the water in front of him. I didn't see any danger, but he frowned at something I hadn't noticed and lightly touched it a few times, adjusting our course.

"My name is Scottby, sir, and I am one of the two pilots of the famous 'Sweet Sunrise'. We're glad you joined us. What is the wind that blows your uninvited guest?"

A group of vampires aboard a ship called Sweet Su

ise), this ironic episode did not escape my eyes, nor did the wary tone of the navigator. It seems that I have broken into his sanctuary, and no amount of passive magic can weaken his offended pride. I decided to ask about the difference between a helmsman and a pilot later.

"It was my first time on a steamboat and I couldn't help but praise it. Gee, I've never seen anything grander in my life!" I exclaimed.

That's a lie. I witnessed a thousand-year-old witch sipping potions and spitting witticisms while reshaping the fabric of reality. Nothing beats that. I still continue to shamelessly flatter, with thick praise and a little manipulation to please this old grumpy man and make him confide in his heart.

Simile.

"I'm sure you've seen a lot and heard a lot of incredible stories! Would you mind splitting a few pieces with me to pass the time?"

His caution melted like snow under the fire spell, and his chest was too bulging, and I feared he might hit the button. It was too late and I realized my mistake. The guy's tongue was untied and the dam was breached! A flurry of words slipped out of his mouth, with a southern accent, and I realized I had missed it.

"I've been on this boat for a whole year, really, by the way, I have to say she's one of the best old ladies who grace the river. I know what I'm talking about. I've been in this business for 20 years, and what I've seen and done, you could write a book. There's no better pilot in Jackson's area than I am, and I have the eyes of a cat and the mind of a fox, really. There's nothing shallow or black water that would disorient Andrew Scholesby, no one!"

He didn't even glance at me once. His gaze is always forward, guiding us forward.

"We pilots have to remember all the islands, reefs, sandbars and bends, yes ma'am, they are always changing!" We must understand the shape of the river as we know the shape of our wives, excuse me, even better! It's like it's night now. Here we are lucky because the stars and the moon show us the way, but when it's dark like a black man's poop hole, forgive me, it's another story entirely! All the lines look straight and all the shadows look like obstacles. You think they'll treat you like a scorned lover, but no, it's just shadows and growls. That bend looks pretty good, but would have shoved a stone into the old woman's ass, excuse me, and would have caused 50 lives and a $250,000 steamboat, really. It's just a natural danger to us. Tell me, ma'am, do you believe...... Supernatural things?"

He feigned a mystery, or at least tried to pretend to be mysterious.

"I try to keep an open mind," I replied coldly.

"Then listen to me, the prey on board is not just the unpredictable waters, there are many more. I heard a story from my cousin who was on the boat at the time. Just as a reminder, he's a mechanic. He was only 18 years old. I estimate that the name of that ship was the Louisa, and it could comfortably carry 150 people.

At one point, they were on their way to the Kellogg Plantation Docks. It was a pitch black night, even darker than today! There is a mist on the river, there is silence on the land, and you can hear the first mate farting from the cabin, excuse me.

"My cousin is off work and he loves watching pilots work. There were two people on the Luisa like this one. An old guy named Knudsen and a new playboy named Lannis. At the helm was Lannis. He looked out of the cabin, frowning. Sometimes, he would mumble to himself and then turn to look at my cousin who swore to look exactly like the crooked! He must have been nervous, for soon a small group of people was standing in front, muttering under his breath. My cousin got impatient, so she went to Lannis and asked what was bothering him with this poor fellow?

"Oh my God," replied the pilot, "something went wrong with the river tonight." "Be a good boy and call old Knudsen, either I've got something wrong with my brain, or some evil force is at work!"

The pilot was not heated, completely immersed in his story. He gestured frantically, pointing at imaginary objects and people with one hand, and still holding the lever firmly in the other. Even as he spoke, his attention never left the river in front of him.

The boy was scared in disbelief. Fear gripped his heart, but he did as he was told, and woke up the old whiner, who at first complained about him, but when he heard the words of the junior pilot, he frowned and climbed the bridge, like a group of savages following him.

"Rannis's old fellow," he yelled, "where the hell have you taken us?!" Knudsen, old bastard," Lannis replied, "We were next to Wallis Manor an hour ago, and now only God knows where we are!"

The old man, pale, climbed into the cab and muttered angrily. He came over to Lannis and looked around. Then, taking a deep breath, he took a step back and announced: Lannis, my friend, you can't get us into trouble no matter what happens, do you hear? We must get through this!

Hearing his words, all those who were in front were startled, and they looked around at the shore, but saw nothing but mist, reeds, and knotted trees whose roots protruded into the water like witches' fingers.

Lannis, led by Knudsen Sr., continued on until they came to a sharp bend on the right side of the river, which looked really shallow. There was a moment of silence as the navigator sailed the ship towards the harbor. He reached into his tube and called to the engine room, telling them to walk slowly and steadily.

He slowly turned the boat to starboard, and the measurement of the depth of the water was like the ringing of a midnight bell. Thirteen feet, they say, Mark Twain, eleven feet, ten feet! People clung to the railings in despair, because they had never seen old pilots afraid, and they knew in their hearts that if they were trapped here, a cruel fate would befall them. Nine feet, they heard, eight and a half feet!"

Scholesby was now screaming with excitement. I hope that other passengers do not think that I may be violating him.

Suddenly, Knudsen screamed: Quick! Lannis grabbed the horn and shouted loudly, all in, damn it, full speed ahead! The chimney belched puffs of smoke, and the paddle wheels beat violently against the water. They all heard the sound of sand scraping against the keel, but in a few moments, the ship sank!

The audience burst into applause, and the pair was praised for their skill and admirable calmness. Soon, the fog cleared, and everyone could see a lantern to their right. Kellogg Pier was in front of me, and a man sat on a chaise longue and stood up at the sight of them, waving his hat like waving a flag. Everyone started to relax and talk about that strange thing, what happened to the river? All of them were, except for the two pilots.

"Full speed ahead," Knudsen screamed, "don't stop!"

My cousin was very surprised and asked the old man what had happened! Due to the pressure, his teeth chattered and the hair on his beard fell out. Lannis wasn't much better. Cold sweat kept his jacket clinging to his lanky frame.

The "Luisa" continued under the watchful eyes of the passengers, and when it became clear that the ship was not going to stop, the man on the dock angrily threw down his hat. His eyes were as black as the heart of a devil, not only the iris, but also the whole eye! The people on board were terrible. They were so frightened that they almost choked, and some even lost consciousness.

"Fool," Knudsen said, "we're not done yet!" So the pilots continued to fly, and soon, the coast returned to normal, and they landed safely later.

My cousin asked them how they knew it wasn't Kellogg Manor, and Lannis replied. The marina was right, he said, and the man was right, but the coast was wrong. Then Knudsen Sr. came to the restaurant with his companion, my cousin, and a bottle of whiskey, and told the legend of a bad guy who lived on an island in the middle of the river and made his fortune stealing passing boats.

One night, the river overflowed, drowning the entire island. The devil took his soul and will only let him go if he can bring enough death to offset the weight of his sin. Miss, that's why navigators are so important and why we need to know the river completely. ”

I wish we could meet this interesting character. I bet he's going to be delicious.

"Thank you, sir. Now that I know we are being taken care of so well, I feel safer. ”

"You're right, Mom, you're right."

How I wish I could stay and hear more of those weird stories. Maybe there will be more time after I answer this call I just felt. The Mississippi River is long and my destination is unknown.

"Thank you for your time, Mr. Scholesby. I won't bother you with your work anymore. ”

It's a delightful pastime. Unfortunately, I had to shorten it. With a final smile, I stepped down the ladder to answer the call of the smiling jailer.

The ability to perceive one's own essence is a huge advantage for my abilities. It was so helpful, I don't know how I would have spent without it.

I have more control over my aura, it's noticeably stronger now, and I'm confident that I can hide it almost completely for a year. Treatments can now be directed at specific wounds, rather than just happening. I can move faster, easier, and for a longer period of time.

Everything I do makes me less tired, and I wake up early every day. I also noticed, Cha

m works by sending very thin essence tendrils to the target person or their aura, which means I no longer need to imagine a rope and no real eye contact, although that helps.

I can't explain why eye contact helps. This strange logic always makes me feel conflicted. Rational, I believe in science and enlightenment, and I think it's all weird. I would even say it's nonsense. Deep down my heart I understand it in a way that no words can express.

It remembers fairy tales and ghost stories, remembers the strange rules of dusk, midnight and dawn. The power of vows and faith. I'm part of this field and I know how to play the game, although it's hard for me to explain exactly how it works. It's all weird.

One side effect of the Tuning Essence is that one can use it to "pull" another vampire. A signal, if you will. I believe that Alaric poked me like this, if not rude, then arrogant. His familiarity upset me.

"Good evening, Ariana, I see you've found entertainment in this dreary place."

yes, until I was interrupted. I would have found more amusement, shoved my paws into his entrails, pulling his entrails inch by inch, but, alas, he might object. So, I smiled toothlessly and maintained a pleasant tone. I just need to get to Boston to get rid of those clowns until the turn of the next century, or wait until someone mistakes their ornate wagon for a bank convoy and blows it to smithereens. Either way, I'm happy because they're going to have Jimena lead the team in the end. Even the most corrupt imbecile will end up with no incompetent person to be promoted to a leadership position.

Right?

"Good evening, Alarik. Do you need anything?"

"Don't ask what you can do for your knight, but what you can do for you," he said with a smile, "after all, we're some kind of servants." ”

It was my first real conversation with him because so far I was only with Gimena and she protected me very well. I'm grateful for my own sister's efforts, but I doubt Alaric has anything to do with me.

"Okay then, what can you do for me?"

"I think I can help you pass the time. We haven't officially introduced it yet. I'm Alaric of Roland, the shadow of the team, at your disposal. ”

Alaric has a mellow and cultured voice, with a hint of a British accent even when speaking Akkadian. He bowed to me like a dancer after the show.

"I'm Ariana from Nelari. I don't think I need to introduce myself. ”

"I dare say you know. I've seen the report, but I've never seen the woman. The only time we had in the past had had been too brief and a little too intense for me. ”

"How about stringing your hearts together?"

He pretended to be a dying man, holding a wounded heart, then returned to normal and continued our conversation as if nothing had happened.

"Exactly. When it comes to honor and responsibility, Lord Suarez is a tricky man. He often supported the knights when they acted on his territory. His denunciation was so unexpected that it could be said to be too crude. ”

"You should be grateful. My father will make an example of you. ”

Alaric leaned against the railing, a disarmed smile.

"Thankfully, Anatoly didn't commit suicide entirely. Tell me, how does it feel to be a castle lord? Take care of your flock, one spell at a time?"

"It's varied and interesting. What does it feel like to be a shadow?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"Do you know what a shadow is?"

"I don't know." I'll admit, I'm a little annoyed.

"Alright then, let me enlighten you."

Alaric stood more straight. In an instant, he went from being an amateur to a calm professor. Even his voice changed.

"Knights need to face all kinds of situations and be trained accordingly. The formation of the group allows us to develop a higher level of specialization, and while we are good at everything, we are experts in several key disciplines, divided by role.

"The Vanguard is a soldier and an assassin, a trained weapons expert capable of killing targets, whoever they are, wherever they are. The Shadow is a scout and tracker that leads the team forward. The god of the Vesta is a thinker, strategist, and expert in magic. Finally, the voice is the ambassador and infiltrator of the team. ”

"Isn't there a sound from your squad?"

Shadow had a look of disapproval, which I thought was the attitude of a mentor as his student asked a question to which he should have known the answer.

"The role is clearly Anatoly."

I will not comment. When your ambassador lets your entire squad be torn apart by an angry battle lord, maybe it's time to ask for a reassignment. Alaric saw my silence as a denunciation of him, but instead of defending his leader, he smiled knowingly and approached him. His attitude had changed again, and I was now wondering if he wasn't supposed to be the infiltrator. He changed roles like a shirt.

"If you want to join us, I'm sure Shimena can vouch for you, but maybe you should think twice before you do. You have never entered our world as an equal. There are so many things waiting to be discovered, so many new experiences waiting to be experienced.

"You should look at the balls organized by the masked people, with their Byzantine codes and elaborate games. You can join a group of witches, live in one of our cities, and be a glorious part of hunting down dangerous thieves or the new wolves we see. There are plays that only we can create, some music that only we can play, and of course many more. ”

He's so close to me now that I can smell his perfume, similar to mine, but not quite. The cold spice of a vampire, seductive and dangerous. With a touch of vanilla and ethereal trickery. I find it tempting.

"Where mortals have passion, we have patience and dedication. Who else but us can wait ten years to complete a sculpture? Who can create a garden that will bloom in half a century? Who can learn like we do?"

"Who holds a grudge?"

"Hah! You will find that this is not the case. Sometimes, today's enemy is tomorrow's friend. I think only the Roland family will have a feud that will last for centuries. ”

"Like Anatoly and you?" It's just that I'm out of luck. ”

"I have no grudge against you. I swore to follow the rules, and I'm sure you'll be free again when you get to Boston. Who knows, will the old animosity disappear and be replaced by a more ...... Pleasant arrangement. ”

"I guess that's what you just mentioned, right?"

"Music? Of course. ”

The smile of the shadow is playful and handsome. I'm sure he thinks so highly of himself that some people might pass out in front of him.

"You're good at...... Music, Alarik?"

"You'll find that my reputation is better than mine."

He's close now. I could lean over and kiss him.

"I also have the reputation of surviving."

"Well deserved."

"That's because I know who I can trust," I said, putting a finger to his lips. I'm not done yet. "You follow a man who wants me to die, and he has forced me to isolate myself from the world for twenty years. I'm going to the prom, I'm going to hear the singing, maybe we'll meet again when I'm done......"

I smiled and bared my eight fangs, just to remind him of who he was talking to.

“…… Share the Hunter you mentioned. ”

The knight's smile froze, then bloomed again. He looked almost impressed.

"I'm looking forward to it."

At this moment, our boat stopped, and the moment passed. We parted ways and watched the Sweet Sunrise dock at a small dock with goods and people coming in and out. Alaric watched intently, and I felt the need to break the silence.

Five minutes later, a little boy ran over and stopped when he saw the two of us. Before his rational mind silenced his instincts, I could smell a hint of fear in the air. He approached, swallowed hard, and stood upright.

"Really?" I asked briefly.

"I'm sorry, ma'am, are you Ariana Nelali?"

How curious.

"I am."

"Here's the thing...... he licked his lips nervously, "there's an Indian out there who says he knows you." He said he knew you were going to be passing by and that the two of you should talk. I should...... Should I reprimand him?"

An Indian who knows where I'm going to pass? Could it be......

"Did he tell you his name?"

"Yes, ma'am. He said his name was Nashoba. ”

Nashoba, so you've always been alive. Unbelievable. I have to talk to him, I probably won't have a second chance

"I'll go see him right away. Where is he?"

"At the docks, ma'am."

I pulled a coin out of my pocket and threw it at the urchin. The little fool was paid twice as much, because it seems to me that Nashoba also bribed him to bring the news. I kind of expected Alaric to stop me, like Anatoly did. Instead, he followed me, to my right, as if he were an escort rather than a guard. I'm grateful, but I suspect he's being controlled by curiosity.

My steps carried me down the now empty plank, and I accepted my old friend. We didn't keep in touch, although he could contact me in his dreams. I wondered if he was dead, and now I realize, maybe, that he just doesn't have the strength.

Nashoba is dying.

He's still handsome, a bit like a lost artist. He still has liquid-brown eyes and is wearing mismatched clothing, revealing his skin. His hair has gone gray and his hairline has receded a bit, but if not for other reasons, it only makes him look smarter. His skin is grayish and yellowish. It clings tightly to his skeleton, and his posture is a little bent, like a person who is in constant pain. He smiled before turning to me, and I was surprised again when I realized he was coming alone.

“Nashoba.”

"We meet again, daughter of thorns and hunger."

Behind me, Alaric heard Akkadian's tongue hiss softly as it came out of a mortal's mouth. He reacted no further, and I decided it was safe to speak now.

"I don't know if you're still there. I met ...... Some of the tribesmen who died in action. ”

"Yes, they went north, didn't they?" The whites took over our last piece of land and set us on the path of tears and death, and we left in waves. One of the waves disappears into the swamp, and you know the rest. My new home is now on the west side of here. We've just settled down. ”

"I heard you were exiled, but ......"

"We are. You have to remember that for us mortals, vows are only binding on equal people. ”

"Oh, I'll never forget that lesson again."

He bowed his head slightly and gave me a sad smile.

"Yes. Dalton's death must be heavy for a person who does not grow old. My apologies. ”

"Nothing, my friend. Now, I guess that's not a courtesy, right?"

My tone may have been a little more abrupt than I thought, Nashoba noticed.

"No, really. Are you upset to see me?"

"No," I added regretfully, "I just wish it had sooner." ”

I had just exposed my friendship with Nashoba in front of Alarik, and I admit that I missed him. This is a mistake. I was careless again.

"Forgive me, I used all my strength to delay the inevitable, and then, control it. This is the most terrible test my people have ever faced. I don't have time for myself, and I don't have time for my friends. Now, I have to apologize to you, because you have guessed that I am here to ask you for a favor. ”

There's nothing I can do right now, but maybe I can do something.

"Tell me."

"I want you to help me die."

Ha?

"What did you say?"

Nashoba smiled again, his posture conveying so much vulnerability that even my instincts were silenced. There is no Hunt there. He was weak and defenseless like a child.

"You've noticed that my health is deteriorating. I've been in pain. I hope you will help me on my final journey. Please. ”

"What's going on?" A voice said, tightening my chest. Anatoly came, Shimena was not there. It's the worst thing that can happen.

"Who is this man?"

"He's a supplicant, and he's come here to ask for the last gift," Alaric replied, "and he wants her name." They know each other. ”

"And now?" Barbarian, do you speak English?"

"Probably better than you, impostor." Nashoba replied sharply.

Anatoly's face was first a mask of terror, then contorted into a look of deep hatred. His aura overflowed, and I trembled at the cruelty I was aware of underneath. I don't know what's going on, I just know I can't let Nashoba suffer the next damage.

"If you want a final gift, I'll be happy to give it to you," Anatoly said with an evil smile.

Intruders. Thief.

"Do you dare? The last gift is sacred, you philistine!" I booed.

"I'll decide what you eat, little thing."

Kill him. No, wait, no, I'm going to beat him with words, but how? Think Ariana, think about it. What can I exchange?

Ah, yes, his pride. I need to play well. I remember Mrs. Moore and her demeanor, her composure and haughty expression, which made anyone feel like an insect polluting her air. I tried my best to imitate, and although I knew I wasn't doing enough, the coldness in my voice surprised even myself.

"I didn't expect a squad leader to degenerate to the point of stealing the leftovers of a captive and not giving her food. What's next, oh great? Can you borrow my spare boots too?"

My aura is cold. It covers the pier like an ice blanket.

Anatole frowned. Taking Nashoba now violates his oath to feed me and to general courtesy. Alaric squinted at his captain, arms crossed, in a slight display of displeasure that his team had avoided so far. I hope that's enough. I wish my own sister was here instead of staying in the cabin with Elsa and Alec the Axeman.

"If you must do this, I allow you to draw nourishment from his sick soul. Of course, we will be vigilant. Don't try anything. ”

Oh, this ...... Brute!" The Last Gift "is sacred, is he going to oversee it?" I clamped my jaw before I could say anything I might regret. It would be unwise for Nashoba to provoke the demon, though I know why he did it despite the danger. My friend was scared. Fear, pain.

I wish I could have had more time to talk to him. I could tell the burden was heavy on his shoulders. In a way, death is a kind of mercy.

I held the shaman in my arms. He cowered in pain until our eyes met. Gently, I use magic to dispel pain. I suffocated it and stuffed it backstage so that it could be ignored. Nashoba took a trembling breath and almost collapsed to the ground. Tears of relief flowed down his pale cheeks.

"Are you ready?" I asked softly.

"I was ready before I came, you know, because I ......"

"I can see the future," I said with a laugh. I gently grabbed him by the neck and he slowly tilted his head back. I took a bite.

I tied the rope around my neck. I dropped my shirt and other stuff on a rock. That way, they'll know what I've done, and maybe the little sister can get a spare shirt. I'm weird. Others don't like it. They call me Yuntou. Now they also bully the little sister because she is my sister. I'm dead now, and everybody will be fine. Me too. I hope. I picked up the stone and walked forward, but something hit me. I looked down. There is a large tortoise. She banged my leg with her little head.

"Hello." I say.

The vision in the dream was so clear that I was now a shaman, bound to the turtle spirit. She has a lot of stamina and is smart, although she is also slow. She values foresight and planning because it takes a long time to go wherever you go, and you can't afford two trips.

The one I foresaw came, and she came! She was an English girl, and her heart was as cold as a winter night. She's lost, I can tell, just like me. She cautiously stepped outside and sniffed the air. Quickly, I will offer my offering, my blood. I hope we can be good friends.

Dalton died, and that part of my life was gone. Ariana, the daughter of thorns and hunger, left. It will take a long time for her to earn this nickname, but I believe that long after I am gone, she will one day. With the earrings I gave her, her enemy's weak tracking attempts would fail. I hope to see her one more time before we see each other for the last time, although I fear I don't have the energy to do a fantastic visit.

They invited us as dancing bunnies in Creek and some of us were looking forward to a party. I know what's going to happen next, but there's nothing I can do. The United States claims sovereignty over our land. In order to stay, we must be citizens. I see the fate of those who don't belong to their race, and while some of us will stay, they will only endure the pain for longer. Brexit remains the most pragmatic option.

I was sick and tired. The pain in my liver is now a constant pain that permeates everything I do. I'm coming to the end of my life, and my tribe will survive in Oklahoma, the land of the Indians. There is only one thing left to do before I can finally rest. I had to give her the keys so she could grow into someone who gave the world a chance. I had to strengthen her talent. Then, I was finally able to sleep. Finally...... I'm so tired......

It's done.

I pulled back the immovable shell of the cradle Nashoba. He's dead. We've known each other for thirty years, we haven't spoken for twenty years, and now the opportunity is gone. Time caught up with him, just as it caught up with my father and the others. I think... Very fragile. I can't find any other words to describe it. In addition to sadness, I was overwhelmed by a sense of vulnerability that did not affect my body, but my spirit. This is yet another anchor for the human part I have left behind.

I slowly placed the body on the ground.

Again, I wonder why someone would look at a corpse and think the person is asleep. The mouth is open and open, and the muscles lose their vitality. My friend died, and he was left with a scrawny puppet. It already gives off the stench of loose stool and will rot quickly. There is no dignity in death. My people were lucky enough to leave nothing but ashes.

I jumped in amazement when Anatoly grabbed the corpse by the ankle and began to drag it towards the boat.

"What are you doing?" I hissed angrily.

Anatoly turned to me triumphantly.

"Take out the trash."

He lazily swung his club and threw the body into the river.

"Nooooo! How dare you!"

Scorpion. I moved on, I had to recover the body, but something was holding me back. Alaric, I realized, grabbed my arm and lifted me up so my feet couldn't find anything.

"Why are you doing that?" He's my friend!"

"It's not surprising to me that a hillbilly like you would make friends with a barbarian."

"You dare!"

"Calm down, Ariane," a voice came from behind, "it's just a shell. ”

"It's not a matter of shells, it's about respect for the dead!" It's about us, it's about how much we value the deceased! How can you do that?"

Anatoly laughed. He was amused. Kill him, kill him now. Enough is enough, I'm fed up with those idiots! I'm going to ......

I'm not going to do anything like that.

I stopped struggling and let my coldest part suffocate my heart before it killed me. This is exactly what Anatoly wants, another trap that forces me to rebel against him. He knew the game was almost over. Now he has resorted to despicable means to execute me before the end of his journey.

I'm going to play that game too.

"Let me go." I asked Alaric softly, and he did. I glared at Anatoly, slowly, painfully, forcing myself to smile as well.

"Is the corpse filthy now, Anatoly?" You are a failed knight and leader. You're not a hero, you only look like a hero. Nashoba is right, you're just a pretender. ”

This sentence is much deeper than I thought. He took a step forward, his claw-pointed hands spread out in an animalistic rage. Oh yes, you hypocrite, I'll sting too.

"Take her back to the ship and lock her in the cabin." Anatoly said his voice was strained with anger.

I dodged Alaric's hand as I went upstairs. The shaman's body had disappeared in the current, and it was too late for me. Another debt is owed.

The future is uncertain. Retaliation is not. When I'm ready, I'll find this man and kill him with my own hands. I'm going to add his essence to my garden, and every night of the year, I pass by his kneeling statue and repeat the words that hurt his pride.

Violin playing.