The Way of the Clan 4 (World of Valdira)

by Dem Mikhaylov

Probably from the fatigue. I was being hunted like a rabid beast, lured in like a wolf… and I had nowhere to turn for help.

  The Baroness had behaved professionally, had spoken softly and correctly, said smart things, but this changed nothing— they were after me. The whacked boar was ready to collapse at the feet of the conquerors. And they would put a foot on my carcass and snap a photograph as the winners, pointing the lens at their sparking smiles.

  No… I wasn’t hurt, but again and again and again—

  I had no one to turn to. I did not have such friends. I didn’t have a clan.

  And that was the whole thing.

  It’s more like— I had many powerful clans, which would move mountains for me, begin and end wars, help me, do the possible and the impossible for me. But all this for the sake of Ros the Navigator.

  And for Ros the “ordinary player” nobody would lift a finger. No one needs me without the unique spell. This is infuriating. No matter where I look— selfish motives, policies and strategies, and it only means one thing— I can have no faith in such allies.

  And in such a case, I wouldn’t rock the boat by trying to escape the claws of the Sleepless Clan. What for? This is silly. Besides, the Sleepless are offering a silver lining, and there is no reason to decline it.

  And since everything is so sad and hopeless, I now have to forget the excess and focus on the essentials.

  On the safety of my own friends and relatives.

  The list is short. That is, my family, myself and Trouble.

  - Ros? Are you going to spend the night on the balcony? – a voice came slowly out of the room. Turning around, I looked and saw Trouble, having climbed on the sofa with her legs. Smiling shortly, I asked:

  - Give me a couple of minutes, alright? I’m thinking about something very important.

  - Is it more important than me?

  - It’s about you— I chuckled.

  - Oh… years later, you finally decide to propose?

  - Kira!

  - That’s it. I’m silent. Think.

  - Thank you.

  - And you’ll tell me later?

  - Kira!

  - I’m quiet!

  - Then stay quiet!

  - Right, but what if while I’m here being silent like a fool, you’re thinking of the right way to tell me that we’re breaking up?

  - Nothing of the like.

  - Then I’m silent and calm! – Kira snorted, and reached for the remote control.

  - She’s silent— I muttered in a barely audible voice, under my breath, and returned to my contemplation of the night sky. No worse than the thinking wall.

  Security.

  Again, this is all that it came down to. Before you start selling something, you need to protect that thing, plus hide it and get rid of all the ways and keys with which one might be able to get to it.

  This important thing— myself.

  Rostislav Grohotov. Navigator.

  The keys— the people close to me.

  Hence, a simple conclusion— tomorrow morning I call my father and warn him seriously about the current events. My father is a military man. Clever. He will understand. Mom will be safe. Though dad will take my soul out of my body, he will still find out all of the details. One can’t get rid of him that easy. But there is nothing to do about this.

  Right now— I’ll talk with Kira. Let her go somewhere far. For a while. And tell no one where she went

  I myself… damn. Where to hide myself I had truly no idea. The only reliable option— to return home. To my native city. Upon arrival, to talk with my father, equip the shelter, stock up on food and dive into Valdira feeling protected. At least I would be sure that, as I reclined in the “sarcophagus”, no one would knock on the lid.

  Shit! That’s what it is! I am like an archaic vampire who, in an embrace with his beloved coffin, suddenly found himself in a contemporary spy thriller! Looking frantically for a place to sleep… and not noticing as, right behind me, loom several people in black suits. Bullshit completely!

  And my loose imagination breaks and paranoia continues to build momentum, drawing more and more picture of the future’s terrible events. If I do not solve this problem soon, then I won’t even be able to play. I will have to emerge out of the cocoon every half hour and run to the window to check for the enemy.

  And who’s to blame? The Baroness! It was after my conversation with her that I realized the scope of the upcoming trip.

  If before my imagination presented me a few ships sailing with fun colors to the horizon and the lost continent… now I saw thousands of warships, ready to reach the target at any price.

  Previously I saw bunches of gold strewn along the coastal mud of Zar’graad and considered this a treasure… now, before me, heaved a whole mountain range of gold— ready to become the prize of the discovering clan.

  Damn… the Baroness opened my eyes. Forced me to look at everything more seriously. And I didn’t like what I had seen, though I was impressed.

  I really did have to gather my necessities, pack to cocoon, rent a car, and move under the safe wing of my formidable father. To play and be afraid… that I didn’t want. I needed silence.

  Hmm…

  Abruptly turning, I went back into the room and, looking at the troublesome miracle before me, pronounced with a sigh:

  - Kira.

  - Hm-m? – questioned the girl, not taking her eyes off the screen.

  - I’ll probably leave tomorrow.

  - Hu-u-u-uh?! – jumped Trouble— Hell of a thing you came up with on the balcony! I knew I shouldn’t have kept silent! Ros!

  - Yes, wait! Let me explain!

  - I don’t want such explanations! What do you mean “I’m leaving”?! Where? Why?! That’s it… I’m going to cry…

  - Don’t cry! – I was startled, because Trouble’s eyes were really already wet— I’m not leaving forever! Not for long.

  - But why?

  - Because there are too many people who know who the character Rosgard belongs to in the “real” world— I sighed, speaking the truth— And some who know where I live. I don’t need to explain to you how all this ends. Have you forgotten about the syringe?

  - How could I forget… Ros, but… And so what? SO they know. They might know me too. Then, when I ran around as a cool paladin and now, when I am not so cool anymore. So what? Because of this, you’ll move to a different city? Wait! Is it something you’ve done in the game? We can solve it. I’ll talk to Vlas and his buddies. They will help.

  - I can talk to them myself— I snapped, offended— I actually know them longer than you! You’ll speak! Ha! Negotiator! Damn Trouble!

  - Don’t call me that! Or I will start to call you Katana! And Vlas— a dumpling!

  - Call him what you like! – I waved— A dumpling or a pasty! It would’ve been so simple if I could talk to him— I would have done it myself, Kira.

  - So what happened? You’re starting to scare me now. Tell me!

  - Phew… you don’t need it, Kira. You know the saying. The less you know the better. But I do have a huge favor to ask of you.

  - I’ll never be silent again when you’re standing on the balcony! Ros! Tell me now! And what is the request?

  - First the question— I said seriously, sitting by her side— Does anyone know, about us and…

  - They know! – Trouble immediately interrupted— I told Gosha. And he told Baldy. And he told Vlas. And then Inga called and I …

  - E-e-e-ehhh! Kir-r-ra!

  - Even told the brother.

  - And why did you do that?!

  - Well he’s been kinda sad recently, so I decided to cheer him up.

  - So? Was he cheered?

  - No— frowned Kira— He paused for a moment and then said— poor man… I won’t forget this!

  - Well damn…

  - And also my mother and Lena! It’s better to report to her right away. Or there will be problems later…

  - And what did she say?

  - Im
mediately began to inquire— she shrugged— I told her everything. In an outline. That you are good, kind, that we are serious and all that stuff. And that you are unemployed now, and your dad is an admiral.

  - And?

  - And she says— it happens sometimes, that from a massive powerful oak an acorn falls and from it grows a crooked marsh weed, and…

  - Yes, I got it! Eehhh…

  - I’ll remember that one, too! – Trouble reassured me— She will cook dinner, and I will try it, and say it doesn’t taste good!

  - In short— the whole town knows that we’re together, right?

  - Almost. Mom and dad do not know yet.

  - Oh, Kira…

  - And why did I have to hide it?

  - Hmm… -- I couldn’t find an answer— You’re right…

  - Ros— a soft hand fell on my shoulder— Tell me. Maybe we can think of something. I do not want you to go. Even for a short time.

  - Well… -- I said— The fact is, that I

  Ding-dong!

  A long ring came from the hallway, and I immediately jumped as though from an electric shock.

  The doorbell. We had guests.

  - Did you invite someone? – I asked in a low voice.

  - Nah— carelessly replied Kira— And you?

  - I am not home, so I can’t call visitors. So… now we have to… now we have to…

  - It’s necessary to ask “who’s there!” – didactically noticed Trouble, getting up off of the couch and walking to the door.

  Done and done. As I was trying to figure out something, I heard Kira’s resounding question:

  - Who’s there?

  - Us! Open up!

  - Us at this time sit in Valdira… oh… Mama Lena?!

  - And who else? Open quick, I said! Phone is off! It’s night out! Open the door!

  - Ros! – hissed Kira, bouncing off of the door as though stung.

  - Huh?

  - Put your pants on! And take off that stupid robe!

  Wow… having gotten out of the shower, I put on a gown of pink silk and a black dragon on the back. The robe was a bit short, so I looked a little frivolous.

  - Where are my jeans? – I darted around the apartment.

  - How should I know where you left them!

  - Kira! Open the door immediately!

  - Yes— hopelessly said Kira, unlocking the door— Damn…

  The door swung open and there was a woman unknown to me in the doorway— of a mature age, and extremely harsh. Piercing eyes stared at my chest, covered in pink silk. My chest sank and turned cold. This is not someone with which I wanted to enter into a conflict— my intuition literally screamed it.

  - Good morning— I smiled helplessly, knowing that I had no time to put on the jeans— Mama Lena?

  - She herself— growled the woman, stepping over the threshold— And who are you? That one and only?

  - Yeah— I nodded— The crooked marsh tree. From my father’s acorn. Shall we have some tea? Hm?

  In the apartment hung a resounding silence, broken only by a soft rustle— Kira slowly and furtively trying to pull on some jeans. Mine. For some reason. Shit…

  The situation is stupid. We are adults. Responsible for ourselves. And, despite all these facts, I felt myself like a naughty boy. Kira was worse— she seemed paralyzed.

  - Hmm… -- thoughtfully uttered Lena, not paying any attention to her friend, but starting straight at me— Not drunk. Not stoned. No tablets and no needles. Already good.

  - Mama Lena! – squeaked Kira.

  - You be quiet! – cut the housekeeper— Just like your mother! Always something to say! So! Young man!

  - Listening— I said instantly, trying in vain the lower the edge of the robe.

  - It was you who brought her in last time I hear— said the housekeeper— In a taxi with a driver of Caucasian appearance. In a deranged state. But in one piece.

  - Yeah. I delivered her— I nodded mechanically— How do you know, what the driver looked like?

  - I just know— snorted Lena— Okay. You know the address. You brought her last time— and you’ll do it again. Will return her in the morning. Clear?

  - Yes ma’am!

  - And dictate to me the number of your cell, my dear.

  - Right this second! – I said, and rushed into the room where my new cellphone lay.

  From the hallway, protesting could be heard:

  - Mama Lena! In an adult!

  - You’ll be an adult when I tell you! Did you use protection at least?

  - Mama Lena! We weren’t actually doing anything of the sort …

  - Quiet. Nothing of the sort! Ha! Just decided to run naked through the apartment! And the hickey appeared on your neck just on its own! Lord, god forbid, that your son or daughter is like you…

  - Mama Lena!

  - In the morning make sure the house is spic and span! Polished! And your mint sharp! We’ll talk. With both you and Michael!

  - Why with him? What’s he to do with it?

  - He’s also getting lost! In that Valdira of yours! – Lena’s voice shifted from the kitchen— The third day he isn’t sticking his nose out of the drawer! He stopped training! Put a nail right through his education! I’ll arrange an intervention for you as a family!

  - Not box, but gaming cocoon! Generally speaking!

  - Hmm… tastes good— said Lena in surprise— At least he can cook… that way you won’t be able to break the eggs!

  - I’ll be able to!

  - Don’t you dare cook him breakfast. Or it’ll be your last meeting. After your cooking I’d change my phone number and leave for an indefinite trip!

  - Mama Lena!

  - That’s the number! – I flew like a meteor down the hall— The phone is enabled! And if you call— I’ll answer! And report in detail!

  - Of course you will— Lena nodded, turning to the door— Next time don’t add so many spices to the meat. And careful with paprika.

  - Thanks for your advice! I’ll be careful!

  - And make sure that she sleeps! Oh… you’ll drive me crazy, little kiddies, oh how you will! Alright… I’ll go now. The car is already here probably. Rostislav!

  - At your service!

  - You’re in charge of Kira! She’s your responsibility!

  You won’t have to ask! I’ll deliver her in the morning! If she doesn’t want— I’ll roll her in a carpet and bring her by force!

  - Ros! – said the woman, outraged.

  - Hm… -- finally uttered the housekeeper, crossing the threshold majestically— Well well…

  The heavy door closed, and we were alone again.

  - What do you mean “by force?” – Kira hissed angrily, stepping towards me— Whose side are you on anyway?!

  - Mama Lena’s! Praise her name! Phew… I need some tranquilizers…

  - Today she wasn’t so bad— Kira sighed, grabbing my sleeve and pulling me into the room— Where were we?

  Seems like a perfectly ordinary woman. Just showing concern for Kira. Making sure everything is in order. That’s all.

  And I was shaking… it was so intense…

  My first thought— if Lena would meet with my domineering father, who knows who would dominate. If my father was an inveterate bear, Lena was like a wolfhound in a soft sheepskin. Or a black panther watching her kittens. The kind that would tear you apart without thinking twice. But she isn’t an investigator, not an employee of a government agency, but a simple housekeeper— she washes floors, prepares dinner, does interventions…

  In short, I felt the same as a carefree swimmer seeing, for a moment, a shark’s fin show out of the water beside him. Showing for a short time, but making a lifelong impression. Maybe, before becoming a housekeeper, Mama Lena had worked in some other area?

  Flopping onto the sofa, I sighed with relief and immediately jumped— the phone rang. My mobile. An unknown number.

  - Hello?

  - Communications test— informed the voice of Lena— That’s it
, test over.

  - Thanks for checking— I said hoarsely, and the connection was lost.

  - Who was there?

  - Mama Lena— I said, putting down the phone— She really loves you. Worries about you.

  -It’s my mother after all— Kira shrugged in astonishment— But don’t be distracted! What is it you said a moment ago? “I’ll probably go away?” Speak up. Or should I ask Mama Lena to come back?

  - Anything but that! – I started, and again saw the fin of a shark flash before my eyes.

  - Then speak!

  - Hmm… I do not even know where to start— I confessed— It’s all so strange.

  - Start from the beginning! And boldly! Nothing can surprise me after Lena’s visit.

  - Yeah? Well, fine then— I smiled, clutching the girl— You’re very serious. Wait a second. Let me gather my thoughts.

  To tell? About the Navigator? Yes. That doesn’t interfere with my plans. I’m not endowed with any special insight, but I can already see Kira’s reaction. Even if she betrays me… No one of her clan knows where I live now. I will have enough time to pack up the cocoon and depart safely to the homeland. And a lot will be revealed about our relationship.

  - You say nothing can surprise you?— I asked.

  - Yeah! Nothing at all.

  - I am the Navigator— I said in melancholy, looking at the swaying curtain. I gave my main secret and was silent.

  - Huh? What Navigator… stop! You’re talking about Valdira? Heh! Ros, damn it, stop joking already! Half of Valdira repeats the same joke in pubs and restaurants! – turning, Kira slipped from my hands and looked me in the eyes— Hey… come on, let’s be serious! You…

  I don’t know what she saw in my eyes, but she broke off in mid-sentence and froze like a statue. An elegant and attractive statue. With slowly increasing amazement and wide eyes. Her mouth half open, her hair not quite dry after a shower and disheveled. To be admired and admired.

  The silence lasted a full minute.

  -Ros?

  - Hmm? – I said, barely distracted from my admiration.

  - You’re joking right now, right? About being the Navigator?

  - No, love— I sighed— I’m not kidding. I am the Navigator. Well, that twisted bog tree which will lead a ship to the lost continent of Zar’graad. And I’m absolutely serious.

  - A-a-a-ah! – screamed Kira piercingly, pressing her hands to her face.