–Things are good! Where are we?

“We're going north,” he said quietly. You are hungry?

– Damn!

– That is great! I also need a little rest. It is very difficult to move in the rain at night.

They turned from a forest path to a small edge, in the center of which a centuries-old tree spread its branches.

“I think this is a great place,” he said with a slight smile. Then he jumped off his horse and helped Una down. Athanasius walked over to the second horse, which was tied behind. He took off a couple of sacks and went with them to the tree. Putting them down, he noticed that Una did not move from her place and guiltily stood there where he had just put her. He exhaled heavily, took a waterskin out of the bag, and walked over to her. – I bet you are thirsty, hold! holding it out to Unya. She took and hugged him to her chest.

– Forgive me! She said.

– For what?

“For telling them where are you?

– Listen, Tan began, if you were silent, they would continue to cut off your body parts. And in the end, you would still tell them everything. Sooner or later, everyone tells. This is the point, just some people do not have enough intelligence to understand this at the very beginning. But from the way you looked, I can conclude that you held yourself with dignity. He came closer to her. – Trust me, I told a lot. I saw huge and stern men who broke like chips. You are great and you have nothing to apologize for.

She burst into tears as she hugged him. He in turn tried to comfort her and gently ran his hand through her hair.

– And thanks for coming for me!

– Well, that's enough! We don't have much time! I suppose they have already gone after us. Although, we were lucky with the weather and they will not be able to attack the trail. They will have to send many people in different directions to find us. Therefore, we can afford a little rest. So, let's see what the server gate guard so kindly lent us.

Athanasius gathered everything in a hurry, knowing that he would hardly be able to acquire provisions along the way. In addition, he understood that in order to hide his tracks, he would have to go throughout the night. But he still managed to take something useful. From the bag he took out: a piece of bacon, blood sausage, crackers, some vegetables, and a bottle of wine.

To dry his clothes a little and keep warm, Tan decided to light a fire! He collected the fallen dry branches, took out from his bosom a small leather bag, in which lay: a chair, a little flint and dry rags. And after a very short time, they were enjoying the warmth emitted by the burning tree.

– And what is this order? What did you call him? He asked, simultaneously thrusting his dagger into the fire.

– Children of the Midnight Star. It has been calculating since ancient times and is intended for one purpose only.

– What is it?

She looked at him closely. “I have vowed never to divulge ancient knowledge. The only person who can reveal it to you is the master of the order.

– What is his name?

– His name is hidden from outsiders!

“Actually, I was hoping that during these days on the road, you would enlighten me, what the hell is going on here?

– Sorry but no!

– And if I don't want to?

– What don't you want?

“Maybe I don’t want to know anything! Maybe I don't need all this!

– Do you want the truth? Raising her voice in irritation, Una asked.

– This is what I want from you!

– Then listen to Athanasius Mirra! I have followed Prince Argos for years. He often demonstrates his superiority. I saw dozens of tournaments in which he participated. Not a single person before you could hold out against him. He destroyed anyone who dared to challenge him in seconds. And then I saw your battle and I couldn't believe my eyes. You were in no way inferior to him, despite his secret!

– What secret?

– His superhuman strength and speed. But as I said, the master will tell you about everything, if you want to.

– Pfff, Tan snorted, picking his dagger in the fire.

– You are special Athanasius!

– Okay, let's take a look at your Master. But before we go, we need to do something.

– What? Una asked in surprise.

Tan took out a red-hot dagger from the fire, – "We must cauterize the wound!"

***

It was getting dark and on the horizon the lights of the native village already appeared. Rare houses with brown clay roofs stretch across a small lake along the shore. Oil lamps burned in the windows, and smoke from chimneys spread along the slope of the wooded mountains. She smiled involuntarily. But suddenly she realized that her heart was out of place. During these days she became very used to Athanasius. It was calm and reliable with him as with anyone. She enjoyed spending time with Tan. She did not know why the master needed a conversation with him, and this worried her very much.

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