The story Drazik\'and (Gothic 2)

I'll start.

King Robar was alone in his throne room, looking up thoughtfully at the piece of ore lying in front of him. Fascinated, he studied the many purple streaks, which gave this piece of stone its magical aura.

"My Empire was built on the strength of this ore, without ore I am very soon going to lose her. Storm surge of chaos will flood the Kingdom. Farmers raise rebellion across the country, refusing to pay the established fees. And there's nothing I can do about it. Too many battles had been lost, too many soldiers gave their lives. My army, once powerful, has now become a small, too small to confront the orcs. Without new supplies of ore from Horinisa, I'm afraid we will not survive their next assault."

He got up and went to the window. An ominous silence enveloped the tower. The only audible sound remained distant and monotonous battle orkowski drums.

The king's eye, passed through the city towards the harbour and caught the pathetic trading ship "Esmeralda" — all that remains of the once impressive fleet, now resting on the seabed, broken and sunk the powerful galleys of the orcs.

He averted his eyes away from this dismal spectacle and looked at the massive furnace tubes. Their fire was not burning for two weeks. Covered with soot, they stood pitifully, like a skeleton of the Kingdom, who once was mighty.

Without ore, the Royal army suffered defeats one after the other. The arsenals were empty, and no ore was impossible to change the situation.

Whatever decision found Robar, he still needed the ore!

"I have to make a decision. The ring of besieging forces will soon cover the entire country, but it's not too late: while. Outing may be the answer, but I will not do that no people, no weapons: no. It's no use. I need ore".

Staring at the capital of his Kingdom, he made a bold and desperate plan.

"If this plan fails, all is lost. Then my Empire will be in ruins, and it may be, will be remembered only by historians. But I can't give up. If I have time."

He tore himself from lethargy, to give instructions to the Valet:

— Call up Lord Hagen to me. I need it to perform specific tasks.

Soon the throne room was composed of the soldier, wearied by the battles. Like most other soldiers, he did not sleep a wink for several days, but the iron discipline still held him on his feet.

— You summoned me, my king?

— Lord Hagen, you have to perform an important mission. Our survival and the fate of the Kingdom is now in your hands. You must not fail!

My life doesn't matter, my king. I will do my duty, even if it is curse my destiny.

— "Esmeralda" at your disposal. Take a hundred of your best warriors and go to Khorinis. You don't have to return until the holds of the ship filled with ore. We can't waste any time, leave immediately.

Author: Drazik



01.

I was in the water. It was wet and cold. Consciousness has been stirred. The memory came back reluctantly. I remember playing Gothic and, like, I was asleep... I had a dream about Gothic, I smelled the orcs sharp sword... what's next... don't remember... Fragments of sleep and waking confused in my head. Jaw ached incredibly. Here. Remembered I got hit in the jaw from a Hoosier. I just don't remember for what. Lying in the water was cold, and I got on all fours. This simple movement increased the pain in the head. Thoughts flew under the skull remained only pain. After standing for some time and sykousis with pain, I was able to look around. In the water, not far from me, lay a man. Judging by the loud Mat — man. He was dressed exactly as the character at the beginning of Gothic. It was like a dream, but the pain in my head was all too real. Still cursing, the man too got on all fours and looked at me.

— ...your mother! — with feeling he said.

— Do not understand — I looked at him without any interest, I was more interested in whether I unaided to his feet.

— Who are you? — the man stretched out in my direction finger. Reliance on three points proved to be insufficient, and the man fell into the water.

I'm still confused, so I blurted out my online nick:

Drazic.

Drazic???? the man has again become steady. He was clearly surprised by my name. I didn't even try to understand why. Attempting to stand up, I concentrated on it all attention. Finally, I managed to get up. The man was on all fours and staring up at me. What a mug.

I think I said it out loud.

— Look at yourself — immediately responded to the man and added a few choice expletives.

In fact, I looked at my reflection in the water and saw exactly such a face as that of my interlocutor. I learned this face — it looks like the main character of the Gothic. Yeah, so, I'm still asleep. It is strange that I realize that. Usually in the dream I do not know that sleep. Well, okay. I began to wonder. To Wake up I didn't want, because what I understood the illusory nature of the dream, has opened my eyes to new possibilities. Only the pain in my head prevented me to fully enjoy this wonderful dream. I decided not to pay pain attention. In the end, I too can only dream of.

— Who are you? I asked my wet companion-twin.

— I? the twin tried to get up. — I Roche! proudly finished it, lost his balance and boomed in the water.

The dream was becoming more interesting. Roche. Sir Roche. How did he get in my dream? This is a joke of the subconscious. When you Wake up, you have this interesting dream to write, and then forget it...

Sir Roche, meanwhile, has risen again. He looked around and, seemingly, a little that understood. And at this moment we heard a cough. We Roche synchronously turned at the sound. Standing on the shore of Diego.

02.

My name is Diego, well — modulated voice told the Ghost of the Old Camp.

— Uh... — began sir Roche, but Diego interrupted him:

I don't want to know who you are.

I think Diego was acting rude. Could at least say Hello.

— Hey, Diego, ' I said. — How's life?

— You just got here, replied Diego. Strange, but in the dream, not everything is logical.

Okay, I'll take that for the answer to the question "how are you?".

Sir Roche decided to participate in the conversation:

Is nothing that the two of us? — with noticeable malice in his voice asked my double.

I've been looking out for newcomers, Diego continued to bend the line. — If you want to live a little longer, you have to talk to me.

It sounded like a threat. Roche immediately picked up and firmly stood on his feet. The expression became angry. Closed into fists. I thought it was time to intervene, but now a new headache skewing the reality around me.

— Are you threatening me? Roche stepped to Diego. — Who are you, generally, want to threaten me?

— Of course, I'm not going to stop you to commit suicide, face Diego not flinch a muscle. He continued to speak calmly.

— I'm not going to die, ' said sir Roche, jumping to the Ghost close.

Let go of the pain my poor head, and I realized that I need to intervene immediately. I jumped to Rauch and began to pull him away from Diego...

— Who is he to threaten me — oral Roche. — I'll show him who's ahead of us will die.

— Shh, calm down... I barely dragged his twin to a safe distance.

— What do you think? — asked Diego. To whom of us he was talking, I did not understand.

— And you would not go, uncle! — rudely replied sir Roche.

— It is your decision. Nice to meet you. The Ghost turned its back on us and walked away.

Rosh looked after him with hatred.

Let me che clung, my twin came out. I thought he was going to rush after Diego, and prepared to grab him again. But Roche continued to stand still. Then he looked at me:

— Hey, Drazic. Che then I do not understand. Where are we?

Here's your time. Interesting dream, it gets better. Just would not Wake up.

Roche. You're in my dream, I decided to tell the truth. Well, see what happens. Interestingly, as the product of a dream will react to the statement that it is — a dream.

— You mean you dreamt of me? Roche suddenly amused. — Hey, Drazic, no offence, but this dream's mine. It's you I dream about. Understand?

In like! I looked at merry double and did not understand. In the dream it does not happen. In my opinion. Or is it? How do you know that a dream? Need to Wake up. I honestly tried to Wake up... And nothing happened. Roche evidently understood what I'm trying to do and asked:

— Th, Drazic, Wake up want? — my twin ugly giggled. I could have punched in the face!

Okay, let me try again:

Roche, Hey, don't laugh! Nitsche funny. If this is your dream, then you Wake up.

Roche stopped giggling. On its face, in other word, showed traces of mental strain. It was my turn to have fun:

— Well, and? Rosh, Wake up! Trumpet calls! Well, what are you? Come on, Wake up!

Rosh turned red, probably from strong mental stress. He began pinching himself, and then sunk his teeth into the palm of his hand. It was funny. Honestly. It was very funny. And I laughed.

Roche, you want me too bite — through laughter I groaned. Roche released his hand and rushed at me. I could not resist on legs, and we fell into the water. In my head flashed the star of pain. Very very hot and bright star. The world around faded.

03.

We went ashore, wet and angry. Rosh me pretty angry and I calmed down. The cold wind cut to the bone. Too real for a dream. I began to beat the chills, Roche close, too, teeth chattering. Apparently, the thought of excessive reality dream, too, came into his head:

Drazic, and it is certainly a dream? Roche was very serious. — Well, I mean, are you sure this is a dream?

That's what I call "the right question". After his words I suddenly clearly realized that the world around us is too real and logical. In the dream it does not happen. Like. In the dream, there is always some illogical, just that she was in a dream and inconspicuous. Only when you Wake up, you realize that logic was not enough. How else would Wake up.

Roche, what are you remember how you got here?

Have you ever played Gothic. I fell asleep, like, right behind the computer. Woke up here, in the water. And then there's Diego pinned, — said my double, almost without thinking.

Very interesting. Just the story of my life.

— Rosh, ' I began carefully, I once read in one book how one man got inside the game.

— In which book? Roche didn't seem to understand. What is up with Drazic. Th for a book?

Yes no matter what of the book. The important thing is that he got in the game. Also sat in the evening in front of the monitor...and again! He found himself in the game. Alive. Maybe you and me... Huh?

— Well, how did he get out, man this? Roche didn't believe me. And did not hide it.

— How-how. Took the game to the end. And woke up near my computer, I saw that Roche, I do not believe, but I was sure that all it is. What we got with Roche in the game. And this idea I was not pleased. Hell, I was afraid. Arms and legs and the like so it was cold, but then all at once the ice began. And, I see, has changed. Because Rosh immediately believed me. Also serious was, all his malice disappeared:

— What do we do, Drazic? I can't stay, I have cases of throat.

— Play sir Roche. To pass the game to the end, other ways I just don't know.

04.

Then I had to tell Roche that book. Three times. He demanded that all the new details, and it's beginning to piss me off. I was very cold, his head ached incredibly, and I wanted to have. And I wanted to celebrate natural need. Very.

— If I'm here to take a leak, it will not offend anyone's religious feelings?

What? — stunned staring at me double.

— It was a rhetorical question. I need to pee, I went to a rock and cast. Fortunately, in the game it was a possibility. And lighter I felt!

Roche in silence watching me. Taking advantage of a pause, I said:

— Well, went to blow up the Dome?

Wait, Roche was not going to stand up. — You how many days the Gothic has passed? How many game days?

— I don't remember exactly... I think for 27 days.

— I — 20. And this is at maximum speed. Per ahead, not being distracted by secondary quests.

— Well, and? — I did not understand, at what here it? Who cares how many game days, because in Gothic time runs faster than in the real world. Much faster. — What's the difference, Rosh? Something I do not understand. In real life it took me 36 hours of pure time. Because of this, and we must proceed. Two of us, so we can beat the game in 14 hours, I think.

— 14 hours?! — howled Roche. You Drazic kidding me? I at 9 a.m. need to be in one important place, I can't do 14 hours to play.

Roche was desperate. Looks really important was waiting for him at 9 am. I tried to PEP:

— Garbage will go fast, only the main quests. All we divide in half to get faster. For example, I'm in the Old Camp quests to do, and you, at this time, the New. Quickly manage.

To be honest. I don't really believe. Roche came to life:

Drazic, and experience? Experience too for two to share will be? Crap out then. Did you think about that? When would I have time to think about it? Of course, not thought.

— You know, Rosh. Let's go on the road will think, — I didn't want to answer his question, I decided to change the subject. And all. How much can you talk?

— I had Diego to give the face a couple of times — thoughtfully said my double, rising to his feet. And the weapons pick up...

— Something you yourself understand what he said? Diego 999 level. And he is immortal. How do you imagine it?

— And we but two. One held him and the second slapped on turnips. Would have coped...

It seems that with this approach to life in Rocha will Bo-about-olshie problems.

05.

From the outside it looked like probably funny. Two absolutely identical people, loud arguing, went on the road to the Old Camp.

Roche, you're wrong. He would have us beat. That I, as a doctor, I say.

Yeah guys, Drazic. You would have had it, and I'd had a bow and a sword robbed.

— You must understand that I used it did not hold. I have the strength of 10, and Diego... it is awful.

We passed the Roche gate with two guards at the top. Luckily, Rosh was so passionate about our dispute, I didn't pay any attention to them. About abandoned mines double my crushed leg meat beetle, sat down and began to dig in the remains of the nasty creatures.

— What are you doing this? — with alarm I have asked. Childhood do not like insects. Br-R-R.

Drazic, there is 4 units of health. And the food can be used.

— Fig! Yourself eat. Gross... makes Me puke, I really began to feel really sick. Head started to hurt again. The pain was dull, throbbing.

Roche, meanwhile, picked the bug and pulled out a piece of slimy meat. I turned my back.

Drazic, and where to put?

Quite a rude answer flashed in my head but aloud I said:

— Put it in your inventory.

— So no inventory. Are you kidding me? — the voice of Roche sounded offended.

Really. Where is the inventory? No. Even no pockets. Where the property to add? It is not clear.

— Come on, Rosh, this stuff. Still no place to put. Drop it, and I now will turn inside out — I was serious.

My twin unfortunately left a nasty jelly-like piece of a beetle on the ground and wiped his hands on his pants. And immediately began to open the old trunk that stood at the entrance to the abandoned mine. I went a little farther and picked up a pickaxe. What no, but still a weapon. There before me in all growth there was a question about how this pick to carry. Well, not to keep it all the time in the hands.

— Listen, you have a piece of rope no? In the trunk?

What? Roche broke away from the scrutiny of the insides of the chest.

— Well, of the rope nope? I need a pick once on the back to tie. Here, kirk had found — I showed his discovery.

— Kirk, nose Rosha grimaced. Apparently, he is the neglect showed. And maybe even something. I still grimace poorly understood. I know where a good sword is.

My twin jumped up and ran up the hill. To the rickety bridge that was built over the road to the Camp. I remembered that there, at the top, there really is a rusty sword.

— A-Ah! — a wild cry of sir Rocha multiplied echo. — A beast! Bitch! Die!

Then — a solid Mat. I rushed upstairs, feeling that something was wrong.

When I got there, everything was over. Sitting on the ground the Rosh and kept two hands on the leg. From under fingers blood exuded. Nearby lay the dead crookrise. Filthy animal meat even more disgusting beetle.

— He bit me, sir Roche was breathing very often. The blood from his, clutching the wound on his leg, continued to flow. How much human blood...

Here's the thing. It is necessary to bandage the wound. Unfortunately, there are no bandages, no iodine, no hydrogen peroxide. Nothing at all. I panicked.

06.

Rosh took his hand away from the wound. She looked terrible: the legs were just ripped a piece, the blood flowed freely. I realized that the need operating. Well, if artery...

— Rosh, we need a tourniquet to the leg to impose. Right now I look for something suitable.

— You th, Drazic, crazy. What harness? We're in the game. Cut me out of crookrise a piece of meat. Is 10 units of health, should be enough... And yet, look, here have a bottle of schnapps lying around, I remember. Need the pain to dull...

Rosh was right. We were in the game, and had to act accordingly. I took a rusty sword at his counterpart and began to cut back crookrise a piece of meat. The skin of this vile animal was strong, and I sweated considerably, while carving any piece. Wearing it on the tip of the sword, I handed it to Roche. With a piece of meat dripping blood. I was sick.

— Here. I leave, I can't see you raw meat to eat.

— Yes che no appetite, he said Roche. — Hey, Drazic, fuck all of it is meat. Nasobiral me to be a better blueberry, we passed by, I saw. At the mine. Blueberries — 10 units of life. And give me schnapps, much the foot hurts.

I picked up a bottle of schnapps and handed it to Roche. He ripped open the tube and pressed against the neck. At the same moment he spat it on the ground and went into a coughing...

— What are you, Rosh? — I thought the snaps were too strong.

It's...it's...Ki...Ki... Drazic, there is vinegar! — my twin barely uttered through a cough.

I took the bottle and sniffed. Do vinegar. You see, the bottle has been here too long, and schnapps is fermented in vinegar.

I ran to collect blueberries, found 4 big berries and ran back. Rosh was lying on the ground, his eyes were wide open.

Roche!!! — I shouted.

— You th yelling, Drazic? Roche stood up and turned to me. Did you get it?

I gave him the berries, he greedily stuffed them into his mouth. I looked at the wound on his leg — the blood had already coagulated, but the wound had produced a terrible impression. In my eyes it began to heal. With each berry eaten by Rosu getting better, and the wound is almost healed. Eating the last blueberry, and my DoppelgangeR got to his feet. He looked completely healthy, even a scar left. Just ripped a piece of fabric out of his pants testified to the struggle with cataclysm.

— Well, Drazic live! Roche happily jumped on the spot. — Went to the property to collect!

07.

After some time, the two twins walked down the mountain road to the Old Camp. The straps are cut from the skins of crookrise, hung weapon — a rusted sword and pickaxe. Behind one of the twins hung a knapsack, made clear from what. Obviously, the skin of crookrise amiss here. Out of a duffle bag sticking out of the tail of several arrows and the bottle of beer.

— Give beer — one twin whined. — My throat is dry I'm bleeding...

— Do not give, without any emotion replied the second, — not a Fig! It will be useful for another, and you're interrupted. Guys all the blueberries eaten? Would leave me one berry. Maybe my headache helped.

— You are a pig, Drazic. Greedy pig, worse Onar, Roche again started swearing.

— Get off me, you drunk fucking. Have you tried schnapps, enough with you.

— There was schnapps and vinegar... Oh, what is it?

From behind a tree SOMETHING happened. Most of all, it looked like a dinosaur from a horror movie. A small blue dinosaur. A cross between a pterodactyl with the ostrich. On the head and the ridge stretched bone growths. Heavy legs ended in vicious claws. The creature was making odd noises and was set up very unfriendly.

— It's a scavenger, and Roche. Are you a scavenger does?

Why is he blue?

— And what should it be, do you think?

— Well, not blue... Like brown...

— And I have it blue! You have the video settings configured?

Drazic, be careful!!!!

The creature rushed at me, thinking that I was the easiest prey. Bickering with Roche about the color scavenger, I got so carried away that didn't even get a pick. My DoppelgangeR rushed to the rescue, brandishing a rusty sword, but the vile creature had already struck me with his strong beak in the stomach. I fell backwards. If you say that hurt, it will not be true. Pain can not be called... My eyes was shrouded in a bloody film. Through a red haze I vaguely distinguished as sir Rosh pounding a rusty piece of iron scavenger in the head. Consciousness was ready to slip away from me, I even stopped feeling the pain...

— Scribe kitten! — the cry of the sir Rocha brought me back from oblivion. I got up on one elbow and looked down at what until recently was my stomach. Do not understand why I was still alive. I think I had to die instantly.

Drazic, I am right now... have Patience... Roche frantically searched for something among the trees.

I closed my eyes. Death, in fact, inevitable. Sooner or later. Thoughts were confused...

— Here, eat! — my DoppelgangeR literally forced me to eat blueberries. Then another one.

It became easier for me. Consciousness dawned, the pain is completely gone. I raised my head. Around me was blood. My blood. A lot. Sir Roche was holding in the palm of another berry blueberry:

— Here, Drazic. Eat. I found a lot. And the bird I killed, do not worry...

08.

The second SCAV we killed together pretty quickly. I got an old sword, pickaxe had to quit. Roche offered to make a cache and hide the pick in there, but I said it was pointless. First, it picks another Stannaries Valley lying to the guys, and secondly, no it will not take. And will lie there where we left her. Rosh, on reflection, agreed. We continued down the road to the Old Camp as Rosh suddenly asked:

Drazic, and right now, time?

— What? Are you stunned? Where do I watch?

— Well, at least approximately.

— I don't know, leave me alone. Day see light. Why would you?

— Up to 12 at night and I have to catch in the Castle of the Old Camp to get something wondering in my mind, said Roche.

— On a Fig?

— Have you forgotten? Velia to swim will be. And then I... Roche dreamily closed his eyes. No, I told him exactly in the face, nearly. No strength to endure this mess. Sex maniac! We have here 10 times can kill, and it's about Velie dreams. I was pretty pissed.

— You fucking watch it. And on the sides. And then live up to the Old Camp wouldn't make it.

— You, what, Drazic, Roche resentfully opened his eyes.

— And anything! — the evil I said. — I have seen you fight with a sword. With a stick they were waving. Swordsman fucking!

— I'm a magician! Roche lifted her nose up. — And we, the mages, not stuck with all sorts of swords to swing. Wait'll you get to fire mages — you'll see. I'll show you what the power. I Drasik, a show...

My hands just itched. Give a turnip to a novice magician — it's not even a sin. It's even the contrary — a noble deed. For educational purposes. To increase the level of respect for the soldiers and other mere mortals. I've even swung, and then Rosh yelled:

— The Old Camp!

09.

Kaleidoscope is such a children's toy. I had this in my childhood. Look in the small hole at one end of the cardboard tube and see how the will of the mirrors of colored pieces of glass formed a magical pattern. Each turn of the kaleidoscope gave birth to a new pattern.

And now before my eyes circled colorful pieces, but the overall picture they were not.

Blue. Rosh yells:

— The Old Camp!

Red. The red tiled roofs of the Old Camp. Tower.

Blue. For camping in the blue haze of the mountain with the remnants of an ancient fortress on top.

— This Fort on the red Hill, says Rosh authoritative. — Chimera I have read about it.

Red. I gather blueberries. Weird, but the blueberry in the world of Gothic is red.

Green. On my way healing herb. I remembered her name — Serapis. Rosh yells:

— You guys collect the weeds?

Blue. River. On the island in the middle of wandering terrible monsters.

Roche again shouts with joy:

Drazic, right now, we're a great clothes get! — he rushes down the road, brandishing a sword.

Wait! — I yell, but too late. My double immediately swooped on two hunters New Camp and beats one of them, Retford, flat sword. Hunters pull guns, shouting:

Get this damn weapon!

— Put the gun down, man.

But Roche, like mad, waving his sword and hits Retford again and again. I'm close, now I'll drag Rocha to the side, now...

...Again red. Red color everywhere. I suddenly realize that it's blood. I lay in a puddle of blood. I wonder, who is so much blood dripped? This idea slowly swell in my head and fades. Actually to me it's not interesting. I'm more interested in the other whose hand is laying right in front of my face. I tried the fingers in front of my face moved. So is my hand. Logical. Where did so much blood?

I sat up and saw sir Rocha. Or rather, the body of sir Rocha. Almost dead. Almost, because the one unity of life in it still flickered. As, however, and in me. Two almost dead. I laughed. Still, the game creators did something clever by half, well, not one person so much blood to flow. Even two can't.

My DoppelgangeR is poorly stirred. Alive, I mean. Well.

I reached into the knapsack and pulled out an orcish sheet. 26 units of health. Of my 40. More than half. The taste of the grass was bitter, with a noticeable taste of dust. Anyway.

Munching medicinal plant, I felt life return to me. I was still shitty, but I at least was able to climb. I was shaking like a sailor during a storm, but I bent over Roche.

Roche, eat the grass. This is Serapis.

Drazic, leave me alone. I don't want weeds to eat, — a weak voice whispered twin. — Give me blueberries, but the weeds myself eat.

So, we are still resisting humanitarian aid?! I slightly kicked Roche in the side.

— For what?! — roared the future of MAG. Surprisingly, one unit of health, and roars like a healthy.

For! — I mimicked his words. — Good-at-th clothes randalu-u-uedem... Freak!

I again kicked him in the side. Not much. Only with educational purpose. Forces at the Roche remained, apparently, he put it all into a roar, so the twin whispered:

— Sorry, Drazic...

After these words, all my anger at the Roche completely gone. I fed him the remains of the blueberry. From Serafina he flatly refused. We rose to his feet and, supporting each other, walked to the bridge over the river near the North gate of the Old Camp. In any case, I took Rocha to the sword. Away from sin.

Behind us two of the hunter, the Rutherford and Drax, as if nothing had happened, continued his conversation:

— It's not exactly my problem...

I doubt anything will change...

10.

We stood at the gate of the Old Camp. Had to get past the guards.

Roche, if you're some thing will chip, I will fucking kill you myself. And I'm not kidding, I tried to put into his voice all seriousness.

— Come on, Drazic...let's get me to the magicians of fire.

— Swear that you will keep quiet until we're past the guards can't get through!

— You th, Drazic, brain-damaged. It's weed you freaking out. Okay, I'll be quiet... let's go already!

Roche, swear. We will not make any further step until you swear to stay silent.

— Well and figs with you, one will go. As you've already got their tediousness. Let go of me, you're nobody. Dude! Roche turned back to me and took a couple of steps to the gate. Suddenly, his knees buckled, and he fell in the dust. Reeling, I went to the future MAG. The guards at the gate watched us without interest. Apparently, 've seen any.

— Come on, MAG unfinished. Go together. Together got involved in this story together and get going. I promise you not to get, I gave the twin a hand.

— Go away, I don't need. Himself alone, lying nose in the dust, muttered Roche.

— Rosh, good to be manufactured. And then again kick! — I started to get angry. I felt like a clown at the circus. Two clowns in front of the Old Camp. The circus has left, clowns remained.

— Only kicking and know how, ' muttered the twins, leaning on my hand.

We moved to the gate. Roche continued to grumble:

— I thought — you're normal, you're an interloper. And the fighter you're not. How'd I get together with you to be here? Why me? My mother told me, don't play, son on the computer. It will not end well. Better go to serve in the army — and fun, and lucrative and nearly safe...

— She really said that? incredulous, I asked.

— Yes, — calmly answered Rosh. Any mother wants her children well settled in life.

I'm envious sigh, even in such a desperate situation, sir Roche has not lost sense of humor. Here's what I need: a little bit of humor in the view of our troubles.

11.

And so when we got to the gate, a sense of humor in me erupted. The guard asked:

— Where you going? — he was talking only to me, ignoring my twin.

— In Camp.

— You won't get in trouble, right? the guard looked at me with a kind fatherly smile. And then I have suffered:

— I actually came to blow us up to hell, — I blurted out. At that moment, I seemed to myself terribly witty. Rosh stared at me with horror.

— Hey, you're a funny guy, — the guard stopped smiling, — I don't like funny guys.

Both guards drew their swords and rushed at me. One hit was enough for me. A red haze clouded the world around me. Such frequent bleeding will do me good — this idea was the last one. I heard the guard said

— One more time, and you'll regret it.

At this point I lost consciousness...

Fortunately, the guards did not touch Roche. I woke up because mage dropout Lil on my face some abomination. Seeing that I came to, he slipped under the nose of blueberry. Not too many blueberries in one day? And diarrhea near.

A couple of berries brought me back to life. It turned out, Roche poured on me the entire emergency stash of beer. But I couldn't get mad at him, that was entirely my fault. Never mess with armed men. Especially if they are in the performance of official duties. They have at this moment a sense of humor is missing.

We passed the gate, the guards never showed us any interest.

Drazic, of course, I sometimes act like a jerk, but you're acting like a jerk all the time! Roche was able to find the right words. Comforted! I couldn't even ask him anything to argue. So I just said nothing.

And then we ran up the boy in the clothes of a miner. He literally threw me on the neck:

— Hey, kid, you're new? I've not seen here. I'll go a little with you. I'm sure you needed a friend.

I recognized it, it was mad — the local fool. Roche also recognized the boy and began to mock me:

— Of course, Drazica needed a friend. It is now a difficult period. He weeds poisoned. On his head is the problem. And without a friend to him — in any way — the future of MAG from the soul rejoiced. I'm itching fists.

— Hey, Drazic, give me the sword. Don't worry, I more I will not fight. He's like a pass, Roche reached out to arms. What kind of pass? My head was spinning. I understood that nothing is understood. These two, Roche and mad, confuse me with their chatter. Absolutely without thinking, I gave his counterpart a rusty sword.

— You guys, have fun. And I went. I have important business... Roche moved to the entrance of the Castle.

Wait, where are you going?

To The Magicians Of Fire. And you Mud to talk to. I'm sure you will not be bored, twin decided to leave me at the mercy of the village idiot.

— You're my best friend, mud looked at me with adoration. — The rest only think about how to get rid of me. I'm very grateful.

Why me? Why all the crazies choose me? Mud, Rosh. While there, Rocha can not be called a psycho. But still, for what? For what sins???

— Piss off, ' I said Madu, skorchev brutal face.

— You're not in the mood today — he was upset of mad. But I'll go with you.

God. Innocent, hear my prayer. I'm not going to kick Rocha, only deliver me from this fool Mada.

— Don't mind me, I'll always be with you. Don't worry, the fool decided to drive me to the grave with his chatter. He spluttered without stopping:

— Many people here think I'm an idiot. But you wouldn't have to have anything to do with him. Really? They see us together and realize what was wrong.

— I think so too! — Of course I meant that too, consider him a jerk. But mud has interpreted my words differently and again muttered:

— Where are you from? I'm from Horinisa. Have you been there? However, it doesn't matter.

In this moment I am resigned to his fate. I even almost forgave Rocha because he left me alone with this idiot. I realized that humility is the best that I can to oppose the grimaces of their own destiny. At the moment my destiny was mad.

— We're a team. We can edit the Old Camp. Barons we now not a hindrance. Now, I think of a plan.

After these words in my head, something clicked. To the grimace of fate, I was not ready. Humility is instantly replaced by rage. Two times almost killed me, I was lying in a pool of his blood, I was called Rosh, and now I have to listen to all this nonsense. Why?! I've read many times how other players killed Mada, and wondered why. Now I began to understand them. Mad insisted.

— I'm used to you. You make me feel good. And you? Oh, and where do you sleep? Can stay with me, no problem!

Well. At least the problem of a roof over his head we decided. I went to the house of Mada. My fists clenched and I began to think about murder. The brutal murder. Mad walked around and babbled:

— Tell me, where are we going? It will be a surprise? I love surprises.

At this point I realized, where are the bloody maniacs who kill innocent people in batches. It is like mud, can make anybody turn into a homicidal maniac. I was ready to kill. Start of course with Mada. And there as will go...

We approached the house of Mada, the rights of the owner of the fool entered first. From the doorway, he turned to me.

— I have a surprise for you. You'll love it. It is a magical writings. I think runes, mud said in a hissing whisper.

Runes? Where did the fool runes. He doesn't have any runes. I Gothic 6 times passed, all know by heart.

Show me your runes, — I ordered.

Is here on the wall, mud pushed the cloth aside. — Look!

On the wall with something sharp was scrawled Russian obscene word from three letters.

12.

The inhabitants of the world of Gothic cruelly wronged by fate that stingy to invest in their mouths a couple of dozen of the choicest swear words for all occasions. Of course, I was sure that sir Roche would spend the necessary educational work, but he just didn't have time for this. As soon as I saw that dirty word that is written in my native city on each fence, I realized that the time of our stay in the world of Gothic is inexorably coming to an end.

— What's that? Runes? — happily asked mud. Himself killed: — The runes are not very similar. Then what? Spell?

— You can say so, ' I replied. Where'd you get that?

— One of my friend wants to engrave the magic spells on the wall of my home, when I told him about how I got here. Do you love animals? Not everyone likes animals. That's why I got dumped here.

I began to slowly go crazy. What animals? That kind of nonsense?

— Mad, who wrote this? Who's your friend? Where is he now? I tried to speak slowly and sweetly like a little child.

— He's gone. My friend is gone. Said that he had very important business. He took me with him. I don't know why. After all, friends are everywhere and always should be together. You'll never leave me?

It was unbearable. On the one hand, I'm glad I didn't kill him. But on the other hand, I began to regret it.

Mud, what's the name of this friend? Does he have a name?

— He has a very complicated name. I don't remember.

In my head flashed all the swear words I knew. I thought I was already on the threshold of his home, but at that moment the door slammed shut.

— I wrote down his name. My friend's name. His name consists of magical symbols that I could not read one. I showed it to the ghosts and even Diego, but none of them could read.

How did you record this complicated name? He's lying, probably is lying. Maybe this mysterious friend he wrote his name?

— Show me, mud. I know different languages, I might be able to read.

Mud disappeared under the bed and began there something to rustle and beat I went through the Gothic 6 times, looked into the most remote corners of the world, but never thought to rummage around under the bed mud. Just did not occur.

The fool emerged from under the bed with a piece of Board in his hands.

— I wrote his name on the Board, î began mad — and then tore it from the wall and hid. I don't want a simple miners was staring at my friend's name.

Clear. What is there to understand. Very understandable. Wrote on the blackboard, and then ripped the Board from his home and hid under the bed. Logical!

— Give it to me! I couldn't wait any longer.

Mad handed me a Board, wrapped in some rags. With shaking hands, I unrolled the cloth and read:

"Bl@ckDembel".

13.

With Board in hand I rushed out into the street. Poor mud is left in his shack, he didn't even know what happened. I with all speed ran to the entrance of the Castle. I had to tell sir Roche.

Right at the gate we had encountered. Foreheads. Sir Roche flew in one direction, I in another. Board with the name of the Muster made a difficult pirouette and crashed onto the roof of the hootch Diego.

— Watch where you're going! — yelled Rosh. Ugh, how rude.

Roche, I, — I stammered. So much I wanted to say all at the same time that the words simply stuck in my throat. Apparently, it was the bottleneck.

Drazic!!!! — yelled my twin. Like met me after a long separation. But it took no more than an hour after he left me at the mercy of the mud. Drazic, I'm looking for you everywhere. Look what I found!

Sir Roche slipped under the nose pretty dusty book in red leather binding. On the cover was pushed out: "the Words of the Gods. Volume three".

— Why are you giving this to me? I read the third volume, know almost by heart. Look, Roche, I'm now such a thing is found — you will fall!

Drazik, you're a fool. Didn't want to tell you this, but it is the truth. You read it-read it, maybe wiser.

I decided to take offense. I fucking found a Board with the name of the Muster, and the MAG-taught me a fool call. Word won't tell him until you apologize. And his stupid book I will not read. And about the Board do not say anything.

— From the fool and hear! Get off my back with his book.

— No, you read it, Roche opened the book and shoved it in my nose. Ham and the villain. Sorry that I'm still in the face never went. Long ago I itching.

Drazic, I beg you, read the voice of Roche and really acquired a pleading tone. I immediately stopped him angry. Can not long be angry, especially if I have something please.

— Okay, let's read. Stop me a book in a face poke.

I took the book and began to read aloud:

"I want the Innocent, so that people could hear Him and speak with Him. And they began to hear and speak. Then He gave them the ability..."

— What are you reading? Roche jumped. — I f you have opened a page!

— What has opened, and read, — I snapped.

Page — twin just howled — the page turn.

I turned the page. On the flyleaf was written:

"Brethren, if you are reading this, you know — all the keys from Xardas".

At the bottom were the words: "Smart".

I felt that I was losing my mind.

14.

Till midnight we sat with Boris at the fire. I read the inscription in the book again and again, and my double was looking at the Board from the house of Mada. Dia sat next to us and was silent. Silent mad I liked more than talking. It is the head he promised for silence to give the magic scroll. It turned out that the mud had dreamed since childhood about magic. And in order to join something magical, was ready for anything. Even to be quiet.

— To Xardas we don't go, ' said Roche. I knew it. Three Golems of fire, ice and stone guarded the approaches to the tower of the necromancer. And was this tower in the middle of the lands of the orcs. But the orcs is die. As the Golem.

— Turn into a hornet and fly, said my double. As an idea?

That is not a good idea. As we back to the people become? Huh? Did you think about that?

Yeah, Drazic, had not thought of. No. - Any other suggestions?

What Bulgaru, suggestions. Do not go to us. No way. With our first level without armor. Without a weapon. She wanted to howl at the moon. The moon was full, which was very conducive to a howl.

— You know, sir Roche, ' I began carefully, — there's only one way.

— What's that? Che then I do not get it yet.

— Pass the game. Wobble. To complete quests. To armor, weapons, runes.

— Mad, is how much time it will take. And not pass us the game. I only now realized. Through the story you need yunitor in an abandoned monastery to pick up. There's a hole near the gate. Meat beetle to climb can. And we're Drasic, in the meat of the bug is absolutely impossible to turn. There'll be stuck. Do not pass us the game.

— Yes, we do not need the entire game to take place, we have only to Xardas to get. Demobilization and Smart were here and were able to escape. So — and we'll escape. See for yourself — to sleep we don't need is we don't need. To relax us, thank Innos, you don't need. The clock can quests to perform and animals in the forests to destroy.

— And the armor? The armor will in turn wear? — when Rosh started to be sarcastic, it was unbearable. I'm itching fists.

— Why — at a time? You will join the Old Camp, and I'll join New. That's all the matters.

Listen, Drasic, and you just Drazic? Maybe you're a product of the Game, such as Mada, Roche pointed to the poor bastard.

— I'll hit it hurts, straight in the face and you'll know that I'm not causing any. You just head off such thoughts come?

— Sorry, it seemed.

— Get out of here, I'm good now.

Rosh smiled. Mad looked at us without blinking, and I couldn't even breathe. In how the kid was hooked. Whether it's our intelligent conversations like, whether he was so much magic scroll wanted. Who cares. Silent and good.

— By the way, Roche, and where did you get the magic scroll?

It I mages of Fire was given. Because I them a letter from Pirokara gave.

Wait, what letter. I had no letters.

— I have been. Well, a letter in the beginning of the game gives him pirokar. For Archmage Of Fire.

— Yes, I remember, only I didn't have one. As of this writing.

— So they gave us one letter for two — judiciously said Roche.

"Wait," the terrible doubt crept into my soul, you in the face from a bullet received in the beginning?

— No.

And I got it.

— Well, in the face, then once for two, Roche just bloomed with happiness.

Such is life. Fate has two lists, one people — in one, others in another. One — everything, another — anything. One — letter Pirokara, and the other in the face. I, somehow, was not on that list.

— Oh, I swing with you, Roche jumped. — I need to get.

— Where are you going? — I'm just crazy from the surprise with which my DoppelgangeR was going to leave.

Where — where...To Velie, of course. You're not invited, you know. All, good luck, have fun guys. See you in the morning.

Rosh turned and briskly walked to the Castle.

I looked at Mada. When he was silent, I become like a normal person. This sort of heart-to-heart talk. Okay, I'm not proud, I can Mud the night to pass. As a cruel fate, one of Velia, others mud. And again I got the wrong list.

15.

The beginning of the game and Gothic just by definition. It must be such that newcomers have been drawn into the game, confidence in their own strength. The only reason we Roche is still alive. We haven't met truly terrible and strong opponents. But so long will not continue. Sooner or later we will stumble on mrakorisa or Troll. And this meeting is likely to be the last. What will happen to us if we really will die in the world of Gothic? I didn't know the answer to this question. Might just Wake up from dead monitors. Or die in the real world. Of a broken heart, for example. Or from bleeding in the brain. Thinking about it I was uncomfortable... And I tried to drive away the black thoughts, several times plunging in the cold night air into the lungs.

Night in the world of Gothic — the most wonderful time. I'm serious. Silence descends on Mining the Valley, only the wood crackling in the fire. The full moon slowly creeps across the sky. Sometimes the dark night clouds overshadow her light. Grace! If you do not think about what awaits us, possibly die, then we can consider ourselves on vacation. This thought made me laugh. What will open with the Roche travel Agency "Gothic Holiday". We offer standard tours: a week-long tour of the Old Camp, a two-week vacation at the bar of the New Camps are all-inclusive, and — new! the ten — day excursion to the Temple of the Sleeper. Funeral services are included in the price. I wonder how much to sell these extreme tours? I had this thought...

Your brother left and never gave me a magical scroll, I shuddered. I had completely forgotten about made, enjoying the silence. But the local fool has bothered to keep silent, and he decided to remind myself.

You're so lucky you have a brother — dia was silent for too long, the words literally escaped from him. — Can I consider you my big brother? I never had an older brother. And Junior was not there... When's your brother coming back? He promised me the scroll.

While the mud remained silent, he almost liked me.

The sudden appearance of sir Rocha saved Madhu's life. My twin materialized out of the darkness:

— Get up, Drazic, th sat. Went to mine the ore. — The future of the MAG without stopping, he dived again into the darkness. I didn't expect such a quick return, was confused and therefore silently followed Roche.

We walked toward the forge.

— Quiet, what are you stomping around like a Troll — whisper Rocha sounded in the silence very loud. Much louder than my steps. If Fletcher could see us or hear — all gone. Yes, be quiet!

I tried to tread as quietly as possible, completely focusing on this. And stumbled upon a Roche. It turns out that we're here. The forge was empty. Roche got the master key, which we found at an abandoned mine in the morning, and sat down at a chest in the corner of the forge.

— Left, left. Right, left. Right, right, muttering, the future magician, picking his lock pick the lock on the trunk. Yeah, that's how magicians do for fun at night. Stealing stuff from the coffers of honest workers. The spring snapped. Roche opened the lid and literally dived inside.

I leaned forward. The chest was full of steel billets for swords. On top were two brand new sword. My DoppelgangeR immediately took one. Greed is what is ruining beginning magicians. The question is, what's with him this sword. Still he to fight will — power is not enough. So no, the lack of all that is bad. Greed!

The second sword I of course took. So what that he was worth no more than Roche. It will come with time. We will increase strength — is simple enough. But good swords are nothing to sneeze at.

Roche took one steel billet and put it in the fire of the crucible. The steel became red-hot. Future the magician deftly threw a red-hot piece of metal on the anvil, and began pounding on it, which appeared from nowhere with a hammer. We did not have the hammer. Was not. I myself knapsack was Packed, remember. See sir Roche already had someone steal the hammer. Yeah, same here, in the smithy, probably, were stolen. No moral principles. Drags everything that is not nailed to the floor.

Midnight the blacksmith dipped the blade in a bucket of water and began to sharpen the future of the sword at the grindstone. Dashing! The impression that all his life he was a blacksmith.

— What, Rosh, mages are taught from childhood swords to forge? — I have Podkovyrov partner. Rather, by inertia.

— Reach billet — not responding to my attack, he dropped the sword ready to land.

By morning we have 20 forged swords. Rather, Rosh forged 20 swords, I only assisted him. Assistant blacksmith — as it sounds! While working I tried to find out the future of MAG, what happened in the Castle, and why is he back so soon. But Roche was silent, only occasionally condescending to very informative answers "leave me alone" and "leave me alone". Polite the future magician was not perfect.

16.

In the real world it is impossible to drag in a bunch of 20 one-handed sword. The hands come off. But here, in the world of Gothic, we are a little Shwarzenegger. I carried swords and Rosh silently walked in front. The darkest hour before dawn. And the cold. As we sat around the campfire, and then worked in the smithy, I froze. Now the cold chilled me to the bone.

Roche, I spoke in a whisper. I don't know why. To Wake people sleeping in the houses by which we passed, it was impossible. Rosh rumbled through the night in the forge, but nobody woke up. Even in the houses adjacent to the smithy. Sound sleep — a pledge of longevity. Although, on the other hand, Xardas never sleeps, and longevity from it — any will envy.

— Rosh, do you think it's summer or autumn?

— I don't know... in the summer... Roche did not turn to me.

— Then why you so cold?

— Leave me alone, I don't know, Roche stared forward. Where of houses the darkness deepened and moved. Moved? I grabbed an armful of swords in your left hand and your right hand pulled the weapon from the leather loop on the side.

Roche too stopped and reached for the sword on his belt.

Ahead the darkness thickened and took the contours of a person. Roche drew his blade. I was there throwing swords from his left hand to the ground. Are the guards? Or Fletcher, returning from a tour of the premises?

Something familiar seemed to me a dark figure. Yes, exactly! It's...

Roche, quietly. It — Mud.

— Ugh, — the future of MAG lowered the blade. — So the stutterer can become. What he's hiding?

I think he's waiting for him a scroll, you give... You give him the scroll, or just fucking kid?

— Certainly, will give, Roche moved forward to mud. Mud, Belgar you guys, come on, stop hiding.

Strange, I thought that Roche, as a future mage, had to choose a completely different award. I remember the firebenders offer a choice of several valuable items. Among them, the scrolls. And the scrolls — not the most valuable.

— Look, Roche, I have long wanted to ask: why are the scrolls took? Could the elixir for the enhancement of mana to take. Scrolls price — 5 pieces of ore on market day.

— You do not understand Drazic.

— What am I, stupid? — I decided to take offense on the future of MAG. What does he think he is?!

Mud came out of the shadows and walked over to Rauch. He looked into the eyes of my DoppelgangeR like a lovesick puppy. Except that the tail did not wag. And was silent. Wanted so badly to get a magic scroll. I picked up scattered on the ground swords — our gold reserves. Or, more correctly, an ore reserve.

Roche has removed from his pocket three scrolls and began to consider them in turn. What he saw there in the dark, I don't know. In my opinion, could not see anything. Exactly. Finally, my DoppelgangeR took one scroll and handed it to Madhu. Camp fool took the scroll with two hands and pressed it to his stomach. Apparently, he thought that there is in his heart. Although, who knows, who knows what is the anatomy of the inhabitants of the Gothic. The autopsy will show how he loved to say my friend who is a pathologist.

Mud, also silently, disappeared along with the scroll in the dark. Absolutely silent. Ninja!

And Roche moved on to the shopping area. To sell made us swords.

— Listen, and what scroll you gave him? Hopefully not a fireball? — I was curious. I could not imagine that future MAG could voluntarily part with a scroll of magic.

— Don't worry, Drazic, fires will not, Roche probably winked at these words. But in the darkness couldn't make out. — Soon in the Old Camp will appear a scavenger. I him a scroll, becoming a scavenger gave...

Roche laughed. And I imagined how suddenly appears in the Camp scavenger, as the guards tear him to pieces with sharp swords, and crossbow bolts sticking out of the dead carcass of a monster like the needles from the pads... And I felt sorry Mada. Roche continued to have fun. Yes, the humanism of the future magician was also intense.

17.

The night was on the wane. The sky lightened, the morning clouds turned pink and orange. Beautiful! Night silence, broken only by the crackle of cicadas and the occasional cries of night birds gave way to the hum of the awakening Camp. The miners and the ghosts came out of their huts, yawning and stretching. Around us we listen to the conversation:

— Believe in someone and the result you get in trouble!

— Every time the same story.

— There was a time when things were different...

— You have to watch what you say to people.

The miners have been a rare talkativeness. Speaking on the move, they went to the nearest well, where he began to dabble in the bucket. Morning hygienic procedures. Quite middle-aged Ghost walked over to the nearest wall and, no hesitate, celebrated on it natural need. Simple people, simple manners. I learned Mordraga thief of the New Camp, who was chatting with some surly man at the South gate. And wanted to approach him, but Roche had other plans:

Drazic, there is one chest there...in the ruined tower — the future the magician turned back.

We climbed into the ruins. Indeed, the chest was. Roche leaned over him, put the master key lock...and broke it. One wrong move, snap. Our one key is broken.

— ... — obscenely expressed his feelings Roche.

— Broke? just in case I asked, though, and so everything was clear.

Come back later, my DoppelgangeR went towards the fallen tower. Well, well... lock Picks break, it is an inseparable property of keys.

Pondering this thought, I followed Roche. So we arrived at the shopping area of the Old Camp. Around were familiar faces — Dexter, Idol Parvez, Fisk. Some ghosts and miners. A couple of guards. With the guards I decided not to have Affairs. They do not have a sense of humor. And they fight well...

Day inflamed.

Hey, Rosh, and we're here for a day. Round date. It is possible to note... a joke is sad. Fortunately, Roche did not pay my words any attention. He headed straight to the dealer Fisk.

Fisk rose to meet my DoppelgangeR from the bench on which he sat with an indifferent look, and says:

— Hey, man. I have a product for every taste and every budget. If you ever need anything call me.

The voice of the merchant was pleasant intonation politely. Well, let's haggle.

Rosh took my swords, what we have for trade, and began bargaining. Fisk was adamant, he gave swords, forged by Roche, only half the price. Emphasized the low demand for edged weapons. And indicated low quality. I thought that the next MAG'll cave in to the dealer in the face for saying this, but Rosh just nodded his head. They shook hands on it. Fisk took a dozen swords, Osipov for them two hundred pieces of ore. In addition to the ore he gave to my great twin blade "the Punishment of the Miner" — a short, light sword, sharp as a razor. And very beautiful. The blade was engraved patterns. I immediately put this blade eye. My, my MAG sword? The trader can even shifted in our knapsack, certain objects, under the supervision of Roche, but I'm not looking. I was looking at the Idol of Parvez. Colorful man: bald, with his face tattoos. In profile — the spitting image of Chingachgook. Idol smoked a joint out of the bog. The smell from the cigarettes was — Mama do not cry. Smelled of burnt autumn leaves and, for some reason, burnt paper. To try something, Bolotnikov? Or well it on figs? As if the addict does not become, because it is necessary to start — then stops. From these thoughts I tore the voice of Roche:

— Get out of here.

I flinched, turned around and saw the back of my twin, retreating towards the South gate.

I caught up with him only the ruined tower. Rosh turned out to be bought from Fisk a few spikes now and again picking the lock of an old chest.

One thought gave me no rest the night before, but only now I was able to Express it in words:

Hey Rosh, I can't understand why Smart is so little written. Some vague allusions to Xardas. Could it in detail to write. Huh?

— And it's not written Smart, twin picking the lock of the chest. Didn't even turn around.

— How "not Smart"? — I thought I misheard. — Something I am not thinking...

— Don't flatter yourself, Drazic. This is your normal state.

— What? — stupidly I asked.

— Clueless, Roche spoke without a shadow of a smile in his voice. Seriously said.

Okay, I get that. I'm talking about a Smart did not understand, I decided not to be offended is a pretty flat joke. What makes you think that she didn't write?

The handwriting is not hers. Roche continued to speak, turning his back on me.

— Writing? Wait, Rosh, I really had no idea. — How do you know what Smart writing?

I know...

— Where? — I began and stopped short. Here, then. They know each other. He knows what Smart writing. It is possible that they actually met in real life. — You have met? Well, you're Smart?

— None of your business, quite rudely replied Rosh, not turning around.

Here's how. How interesting... In fact, we know nothing about each other. Will meet only in the Network under assumed nicknames. I didn't even look like the Rosh and Smart in real life. But I had no idea that they are familiar actually.

— Assume cautiously I began, that this is not her handwriting. Then whose is it?

— I do not know, Roche finally opened the box. I think he broke a couple of keys before he did it. — Can be your Drazic?!

I almost fell from those words. Rosh turned to me with his whole body, his eyes did not Bode well.

18.

"The punishment of the Miner" — a very good sword for the start of the game. Easy — he can be driven hero entry-level. And very sharp — is causing serious damage, punching leather armor. With this sword, even the weakest hero is not afraid of carrion birds and hornets. And from wolf, you can fight back. From one. Only one they don't go. In short, the hero, armed with such a blade should be considered as a serious threat to the life of enemies.

Now the blade of this sword was pressed to my throat. And held the sword with two hands sir Roche. My DoppelgangeR and partner, who dreams of becoming a mage in world of Gothic. I knew that two shots of this blade for me is absolutely deadly, so try not to move. So as not to offend the Roche lobe even more.

— You know, Drazic, if you're really "Drazic" — the voice Rocha sounded very convincing. It is possible that such a convincing voice gave the naked steel that dug into my throat. I do not know. I had no time to think about it. I frantically tried to think of an answer to the accusations of sir Rocha. — I'll call you Drazica, if you don't mind. So...wrote This is not Smart. And in the house Mada has been Demobilized.

In like! Then who? It gets better... Although I wish Rosh removed the weapon from my throat. In this position, my thought process took place with great difficulty.

Roche, could you remove the sword, — my voice sounded strange, as if I heard it.

— Time, — my double increased pressure, the steel dug into my skin. In my opinion, even the blood made. What kind of sadistic games?! After all, torture is prohibited, we are civilized people.

— Are you furious?! It hurts!!!

— Tolerate — the future of MAG, it seems, were indifferent to others ' pain. So, we have to find out who did it. And why. Speak!

— What to say? — I thought with great difficulty. Such a sudden change in the plot was unexpected for me.

— You have written?

— Out of your mind?! Why would I? I'm with you here. Did you forget that?!

— Not forgotten. When I saw you, you were already. Maybe you were there earlier and was waiting for my arrival? How do I know. I'm not even sure that you Drazic.

— Yes, I Drasic! How to prove it to you?!

— What is the name of Robespierre in the real world? Roche has eased the pressure of steel on my throat.

— Peter!

— It proves nothing. This is all I know... my double was not going to let me go.

— Rosh, ask her what the phrase I deleted from your "the path of the Magician", and you demanded it back to enter. It's no one but you and me knows — I was finally able to give birth to sober thought.

— Well and what? — with suspicion in his voice asked Rosh.

I erased the phrase "the magician uses to achieve its goals of other people."

"Right," said my double. I thought I heard in his voice the doubt, but the weapon from my throat it was removed. I ran a hand through the space where she had just been steel. There was no blood. So — it seemed.

— Then who? Roche looked at me as the enemy. The sword he held two hands in front of him. Close to my face. Too close, in my opinion.

How do I know... I took a step back. I don't know, Rosh. For me it's all a mystery. I didn't know that Smart handwriting. And about Muster how did you know? Also the handwriting is recognized?

Sir Roche lowered the sword down, but not removed it, and continued to hold in your hand. Do not trust, so I thought.

— I handwriting Muster not know. I Muster you know, he is not able — obscene words on the walls scratching. He was certainly no angel. But on such a disgusting can not. I Drazik is telling you.

— Well, so be it. Then who?

— Someone else. Not Smart and not Demobilization. But someone who knows about them. Some of our. Roche looked me straight in the eye. I'm gonna find it whatever it cost me. Find and see what it's all about.

— It seems a trap now, when nothing threatened my life, my thoughts ran fast. Faster than I could Express.

Trap, ha! Roche laughed an evil laughter. I have already goosebumps on a back ran. Those with the size of my fist. — Don't have me in a trap, Drazic.

— Maybe it ain't you trap...

— Then who? — did not understand the Rosh.

— For me, that I thought was very unpleasant. But it was very similar to the truth.

— You??? — The Roche even jaw dropped. — Who needs you?

— So someone needs...

19.

Ore — the main wealth in the world of Gothic. It has magical properties. Weapons made from this ore, is also endowed with magic. Even if you use a very small amount of ore in the manufacture of normal steel weapons, such weapons will never blunt and will not break. It is a weapon required the king of Myrtana to defeat hordes of orcs. That is why ore is so appreciated. That's why we're here. Under The Dome. In prison. In prison, where the mined ore.

Roche examined the piece of ore, twirling it before his eyes. A thin ray of sunlight penetrated into the hole in the wall, a fallen tower, and in this beam, the ore broke out purple sparks. In my opinion, nothing interesting. Like a crystal of copper sulfate. A very large crystal. With purple streaks. And what is Rosh staring at?

— Listen, and not one piece of a drag, when are we gonna get back home — the voice of Roche was quiet.

— Rosh, I told you how many times explained. We're not here. That's all — I circled around with my hands — not present. It's A Game. And we are now — everyone at home sits. And the monitor is staring at you. It just seems to us that we're alive. This trick of the subconscious. We here, actually, no. And we take away nothing.

— Well, Yes... well, Yes, Roche nodded, not taking his eyes from the blue crystal. — You sure about this? Maybe you can steal? Small piece of ore...

— Not! Understand, finally. Nothing. And we're not here. And this ore not. — I started to get angry. In fact, as much as possible. I did it already several times explained everything. Chewed all laid out on shelves. But no — there he goes again.

Okay, it is impossible, said Rosh, however, one piece of ore stuck in his bosom. Thought I wouldn't notice. Well and figs with it. What would the child have anything he wants...

To be honest, the attraction Rocha magic ore I did not touch it. I was concerned with quite another — an unknown enemy who has prepared for us... or for me... a trap.

Roche, I think. If we are forced to go to Xardas, then there is a trap.

And? — The future of MAG hid the ore in a chest and didn't seem to grasp my point.

We're not allowed to Xardas to go! Do you understand that?

— Don't yell at me, Roche rose to his feet. — Where we have to go to Xardas?

Are you serious?

— More serious.

— It's certain death. Or worse, fear squeezed my heart.

— Don't worry, Drazic, Roche winked at me. The enemy, whoever he was, does not expect that we will have two. So we're going to win.

I was not sure. What do we know about the Enemy? Nothing. We don't know who he is. Don't know what he wants from us...that is, me. It is possible that in the Old Camp of the Enemy spies... And the Enemy already knows that the two of us. It is quite possible. This idea seemed to me very important... something important, something that I just didn't notice. Seen, but not noticed.

Wait, Roche. I have now flashed the thought... what if the Enemy has spies in the Old Camp? And the Enemy learns that the two of us?

— Who is the spy? — my twin didn't seem to believe it. Diego, what?

— No, not Diego. Spy is the one who thinks last. And Diego immediately catches the eye, pinned to the top level, so to talk to us. No, Diego disappears. And I do not believe that Diego will be a spy for someone.

— Then who? Roche was not going to strain your brains to find the answer to this question.

In fact, someone else. With whom we spoke in the Old Camp. The guards at the gate. Fisk. Idol saw us. Mordrag? Dexter? Not something... Someone, very discreet. Invisible, but omnipresent. The one who can move around the Camp without arousing suspicion. Someone who is not taken seriously.

And then it dawned on me:

Roche, — I shouted. — I understand. I understand who the mole is!

Why are you shouting? Future the magician looked at me indulgently. — What's your problem? Slowly you realize...

— Did you know? — I was unpleasantly surprised by this.

— Figured out a while ago.

— Well, who do you think? — I put into his words all the sarcasm, which was capable of.

Mud — simply said Roche.