Wandering Spark - Part 21
Serpanters were found by the sound. Kruchina silently hissed in response to Nila's call. Zhurbina snorted. In complete darkness Varan scrambled into his saddle.
He was shaking. Zhurbina, who did not like nervous people, made a sluggish attempt to throw off the rider.
Kruchina swam ahead. The rustle of water reflected from the walls, from the vaulted ceiling. The world around seemed voluminous, like a warm cloud. Serpaters remembered the way back; when Kruchina dived, Varan heard a muffled splash and managed to inhale air.
Zhurbin carried him through the darkness, through a dense mass of water. What will happen now, thought Varan, screwing up his eyes. How can I continue to live... without the Nila - in no way. I must marry her, that's what needs to be done. He, Varan is still young, but he can marry. Father will understand.
Zhurbina dived out. Varan shook the water from his hair and opened his eyes.
The darkness gave way to a semi-darkness. Through the water broke through the distant light. Nila was sitting on the back of Kruchina. She looked at Varan over her shoulder; he first saw her. For the first time in my life.
"Will you marry me?" he shouted hastily, as if afraid that she would go far away.
Nila was silent. Wet hair stuck to the head and seemed like a shiny helmet.
"I told the master that he should hire you," she confessed, looking into his eyes.
"Will you marry me?"
"If the master finds out what happened, he will fire you..."
"Will you?"
Nila closed her eyes. And so, without opening her eyes, she nodded.
And the season was in full swing.
Every day from around the sea ships arrived. Arrived flying ships, and air carts, and inflated with fire painted balls. Huge, majestic, snow-white wings paced along the wharves, as in the off-season - ordinary screamers. All the palaces and houses were occupied by visitors and their servants. Prices grew every day. Merchants daily moored at cargo piers - mainly suppliers of products for guests and food for their animals.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part 8
Part 9
Part 10
Part 11
Part 12
Part 13
Part 14
Part 15
Part 16
Part 17
Part 18
Part 19
Part 20
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