Рамиль Латыпов - Flooded city

«I’m sorry for what I said. Come on, we still have to guard the merchants.

She just nodded, and we left the tavern and went to the merchants. They were waiting for us. The Seven dwarfs. All of them were bearded and cheerful, loading crates into carts. Whatever it was, I didn’t care.

– I’m Mikhail this is Sofia we came to work from the guild. – I gave the card to the biggest dwarf.

«I’m Mateo. And these are my brothers. Only I can speak your language. Half of the payment upon arrival at Magma Dwarf Capital. Then we load another product and drive back. We’ll stop in the capital for an hour. Don’t get lost there. When you return, you will receive the full amount. Agreed.

– OK. – Why did he tell us that?» Everything was on the sign. I decided that since we are newbies, we need to chew everything. Well, at least it looks easy. They’re strong guys who could handle it on their own. But the merchant guild requires cargo security. So I had to hire people. But they didn’t want to pay much. And we need a good job to start with. Not dusty and the money is not bad. And I’ll take a look at the dwarf capital. I haven’t been there yet. Maybe I’ll visit the dwarf ladies. An hour is enough.

«Is your lady mute?» It’s just silent.

«No, I’m not mute. You little bumpkin. We’re going to do some work, or you’re going to stare at me.» Maybe I’ll undress so you can get a better look at me.“„She was furious. It’s a good thing this rage isn’t directed at me.

I don’t say anything. Here’s the best place for you as a lady. He pointed to a bench in the cart with a pillow and a blanket on it. – We knew there was a lady in the squad, so we bought it for you. I’d better keep uploading. You can sit up and go to bed, and we’ll be leaving in an hour.

The dwarf ran off to join the others. The thief sat up, but her anger didn’t go away. I sat down across from her, but then I lay down and fell asleep. We need to gain strength. The road is long.

I haven’t slept so sweetly in a long time. I woke up to the jolt of a cart. It was already morning. The sun rose. The dwarf brothers were arguing in a language I didn’t recognize. Although I studied a lot of them at the academy. Sophia was sleeping next to him. Her sleep was troubled. She tossed and turned and twitched her arms. I remembered my life in captivity apparently. She’d been through a lot. Now I’m always ready to attack. We need to change. I’ll be gentle with her. She’s my servant, my life’s debtor. Our fates are linked.

«Michael’s awake,» Mateo’s familiar voice said. He rode beside us on a two-meter-tall lizard that stood on both legs. Here they were called «reptiles».

– Yes, the dream was sweet. I can’t believe it myself.

– You obviously had a lot of problems. So they broke out. I needed some rest.» He’s a good guy, even if he’s a dwarf.

– Everyone has problems. How much further to go?

«Seven hours, maybe eight. Roads can be crowded. Especially the bridge on the river Irig. Customs officers are standing there shaking money. Scoundrels. He spat. – Who will restore order here?

– A strong warrior who will bring everything back in ten years. – Said the awakened Sophia. – In my country, it was the same in Malawi.

«It may well be. The dwarf said sadly. «And good morning, young lady.» You want to eat. I made tea and sandwiches. Or you need a rest stop. Wash up there and – " He paused meaningfully, alluding to the bushes. – Go to the bushes. The slaughterer can do anything. I know about you. I’ve heard rumors.

– Yes, I can. – I didn’t try to dispel his misconceptions. A mage’s honor is more precious. I’ll be patient.

We stopped. While the lady went into the bushes, the dwarves quickly set up tables and chairs. A couple of minutes later, I saw two tables filled with cups of tea and sandwiches. I waited for my companion, and we ate. She never spoke to me. It may calm down over time. I never understood these ladies. They will be offended and sulk. No, just to talk.

Then they cleaned up just as quickly and drove on. Dwarves are a jolly lot. They sang songs. We distributed dark kvass to everyone. After a couple of mugs, I started singing along, even though I didn’t understand the words.

We passed the border calmly. The dwarves clawed at the grimy guard and rode on. So we ended up in a no-man’s-land between states.

Several hours passed. The dwarves in my cart started shouting loudly. I realized this was not good. I took a closer look. Oh, the horror. A crowd of magical beasts is coming at us. My companion didn’t know what to do either, so she just snuggled up to me. He looks at me with cute eyes. How not to protect it. He began to recite spells.

«What are you thinking?» That’s what we came here for. Mateo said proudly. I looked at the other dwarves. They weren’t afraid, on the contrary, they were exultant. – We’re animal hunters, lad. Sit still in the cart and we’ll do it ourselves.

The dwarves pulled the wagons to the side of the road. We got up with nets along the road. The crowd of beasts was rushing towards them. Here the first of them began to approach. They caught them with nets. And stunned with crossbow bolts. Although they were small and no more than five feet tall, they were agile. By the time the herd of magical beasts left, they had captured fifty magical beasts. Mostly big birds. But there were five magus wolves and a behemoth among them.

– They have migration now. It’s time for a hunt. Mateo said, sweating profusely. He looked pleased with himself. «We’ve caught some of the prettiest of them. And in no man’s land. Taxes do not have to be paid for trapping, only for import. Profitably. Hooray guys.

All the dwarves cheered. It was a good day for them. Sophia pulled away from me with a snort of disdain. I knew I had to get this over with.

«Hit me and we’ll forget about that conversation.» – I thought she’d say something and start a conversation.» But the blow came quickly. In the jaw. To my most precious place on the face.

«We’re done here. She continued, apparently reassured. «So the dwarf brothers are smugglers. They steal animals during migration, then sell them at home. With the proceeds, they buy various goods in Magma and sell them in the country of Otis people. Wise. And the main thing is almost legal. Dwarves border guards humanly read poorly and documents are easily forged.

«That’s right, sister. The jolly dwarf said as he built a cage on the second cart. – You adventurers will have to change to a reptile. We need carts like cages.

«Come on, Michael. I get seasick on them, so I’ll sit in the back. I don’t like animals at all. She said as she helped me up from the floor of the cart. She’s got a good punch.

The animal we got is old, but calm. The thief didn’t like him, though. She stopped dead in front of him. She’s shaking all over. Beat it.

«Are you afraid of reptiles?» They are kind. I tamed a lot of them at the academy. I said and sat on it deftly. Then he patted the green head. So they become kinder.

«No, I’m not afraid of them,» said Sofya, all trembling. And when the beast began to sniff at him, he fell to the ground, closing his eyes. The dwarves, to their credit, did not laugh at her, but continued to build their cages in silence.

«Sit behind me and close your eyes.» He won’t bite, I promise.

– OK. But if you cheat and he bites me. She showed me her small fist. Although I already knew its power.

«I promise.»

I got off the reptile. He made her lie down on the ground. Her companion struggled to sit on it. I ordered the beast to stand up. He stood up in a flash. The lady began to tremble.