He awakened the Dark Army of Spirits again. The All-Powerful Element endowed him with a new talent he became the new Dark Lord, the embodiment of Evil and Horror in a human body. The gates had not yet been completely restored, and collapsed again under the onslaught of the rebels.
They say that Avinius personally killed the student when he had already raised the black staff cursed by the Darkness over Leonards head. Dell died, but his shadow wandered for many years: first, Leonard was found dead in his bedchamber with a hole in his chest. Then many others who participated in the persecution of the caster of Darkness died from unknown causes. They said it was the spirit of a black rebel.
***
Dell, Black Rebel! This cant be! Superstitious fear was visible in Khans eyes.
Dont believe me? with these words the guest grabbed the Advisors wrist. But the Head of Parliament did not feel anything. The hand went right through.
You really are a ghost! But this cannot be. I dream about you! The dead cannot meet the living!
«It turns out they can,» the ghosts face was adorned with a demonic smile that would make anyone tremble. An hour ago, members of my order performed a ritual, and here I am in front of you. But Ill disappear soon. I want to be alive again. There is one secret in the vault for making a Revitalizing Stone.
Im not a king. And even if I want to get into the First Level Security vault, I wont be able to.
«Thats why I came to you,» with these words an ominous smile appeared on the ghosts lips. Royal Advisor Khan. You have achieved the highest title a mere mortal could desire. But I see right through you! Even now you are missing something, although you dont know what exactly. And Ill give you a hint: the crown is missing.
You wont be able to give it! Khan didnt even deny that he wanted to wear the crown.
I no, of course. But I can help you achieve your goal. And in return I will get life. Sounds like a good exchange to me.
This is impossible.
Nothing is impossible. Half an hour ago you didnt believe in the existence of ghosts. But I stand before you as a living, or rather, non-living example of the opposite. Fate is always so unpredictable! You dont risk anything. If you do not become king, I will not be able to come to life, so there is no reason for me to deceive. Moreover, I have my own interest in the fall of Henrys crown!
What if, having become king, I deceive you?
You wont deceive me. So, do you agree? Dell asked.
«Yes,» Khan answered.
Hurry up. Create this sign on your left shoulder.
An image appeared in the air:
What is this?
Seal of fidelity. In case of betrayal, you will turn into ashes. Without her I will disappear. And this way I can feed on your energy to live and give advice. What did you want? Nothing appears out of nowhere and disappears without a trace. In order for me to appear before you, the Order had to sacrifice a child. And this is too much, even for a sect of dark magicians.
No one should know about our little secret. The Order of Vernikov will be at your personal disposal. I will warn Master Simon personally.
Simon, the head of the Royal Guard the leader of the sect of dark magicians?!!
Have you stopped being surprised? But what about the Advisor the future king? Will this news also surprise you? So, first, get rid of the Brotherhood of Defenders of the Crown. First of all, from Master Avinius. My mentor has not forgiven me, and will be an ardent opponent of revival. And he is a strong enemy! Maybe he, too, will decide to use the magic of Light to destroy the prison in which he will be put, and will go to kill the king, like I once did? I want to look at this!
If not for you, he, and not me, would have been the head of Parliament. This is the second time you have promoted me up the career ladder!
«You must also get my staff out of the Vault,» Dell said.
«Black staff» Khan whispered with awe in his voice.
Yes, the same staff that I tried to kill Leonard with before my death. Darkness-cursed staff. Only he can kill the king. Be careful to handle it with silk gloves. Otherwise the curse will kill you! Touch causes instant death. Many people think that Avinius killed me. Nonsense! I died by accident! I touched the staff. And for many years he found himself in a gloomy world of Darkness and Horror. Many people go crazy, but I turned out to be stronger than the Element under my control. But death became the beginning of a new life for me! And soon I will become even stronger, my king.
Ill kill Henry and end up behind bars! Khan exclaimed.
«Listen to me, and everything will be fine,» Dell said. The secret of reincarnation will help. Including in the fight against these Defenders of the Crown.
Dell handed Khan the book, and he began to read: «Once upon a time there were two sisters. One inherited the beauty of her mother, and young men came from all the principalities to see the land on which she walked. And the second was smart, like a mother, and she had no equal in magic. The sisters got along well with each other until they met the princely governor. Between two sisters, he chose one, whom he married. And his choice fell, of course, on the beauty. But the second girl cried sleepless nights until she came up with the right way to be with her beloved. She touched her sister, and immediately they swapped bodies. And now only one belonged to intelligence, beauty, and a beloved young man. And only the elder, who perfectly mastered the power of Light, could remove the spell.»
Only the primordial Elements can destroy the ancient curse! said Dell. Therefore, dear Khan, be careful with Avinius he can expose us!
***
Hundreds, no, thousands of politicians from all over the world promise a happy future. If everything was as they say, everyone would have lived just perfectly long ago. But people love money, without exception. Khan knew this very well. And now he called Tion, one of Avinius students, «for a conversation.» He also knew that Tion was getting married soon, but had no gold. He comes from a poor family.
Do something for me and Ill pay for your wedding. By the way, I wont offend you with the title either.
I cant do this, Advisor! said Tion.
You know, your father made a lot of mistakes in his youth. I think he should go to jail for them. I turned a blind eye to this for a long time. This item was found in his bedroom.
Khan handed a small piece of paper to Tion. «Kill Henry and you get 5 gold»
What a coincidence, the royal guard receives gold for betrayal!
You! Hatred lit up in Tions eyes.
«Youre so honest, its time for me to do my duties too.» Soon your father will turn out to be an enemy of the state, and you, as his son, will be treated with caution. There is no future for the people you become, all roads are closed! And you dont have to look with such hatred! Many people cant stand me. But I have the information! Khan looked into Tions eyes for a long time until he lowered his gaze.
«I agree,» he said quietly.
Correct solution! Khan burst into ominous laughter.
From birth, magicians are equal. Titles and positions are not inherited. The son of a magician can become a peasant, and the descendant of a craftsman can become a member of parliament if he shows talent for magic and wisdom.
All people, some from childhood, sign up to study at the University of Witchcraft. Until its completion and successful passing of the exams, no one has the right to use witchcraft.
Tion was soon to take Avinius exams. And he will officially be allowed to use magic. Otherwise death. Its name is the Illigulus spell.
Well, did you remember everything? said Khan. Repeat your lesson again!
Avinius gives me my legal right to magic. I use a transformation spell and take on the appearance of the master, and he becomes me. Then I have to shout for the guards to take the «imposter» away.