Chapter 20 Chapter 6

Anton stopped drinking at noon. Despite alcohol's extraordinary ability to spark the imagination, he and Igor stopped bingeing on vodka.I'm sick of coffee too, and I don't even want to drink the excellent Czech beer. Igor was standing by the window with a glass of light Dannon fruit yoghurt, shaking his head at Anton's suggestion to have some more fruit yoghurt. "No, what are you talking about. I can't be a dragon fighter! Don't we seem to have ruled out the clues about Fafnir?" "What if?" "It's the same anyway, this is a battle of magic, not some flame-breathing monster..." Igor sneered, and added shamelessly, "Besides, when Fafnir, the dragon of the twilight world, fought against a few modern fighters... I'll provide the helicopter for the helicopter engagement. Don't guess, Anton. We can't find anything."

"But Igor, you are the key to open the door after all." "Is there any way? People never tell the key which door will be opened. Anton, I am the most ordinary other. Only Zaburon knows my importance...what is it. Maybe, and Gesar I know. Now he's coming upstairs to see us, and we'll argue then." Anton glanced through the twilight world, and said a little jealously: "Really? It's next to us, but I can't feel him..." "I didn't feel it either, I saw them go into the hotel from the window." Someone knocked lightly on the door.Due courtesy, that's all - the guests entered the room through the twilight world in an instant.Gesar, his silent shadow—Alisher and Svetlana.It was two magicians who brought Svetlana to the Twilight Realm.It wasn't until the moment when the troika walked out of the twilight world and came to the human world that Svetlana saw Anton.She smiled, and spread her hands with a little shame: "Look, what I have become." At this time, Anton was once again controlled by a gentle and sad sense of guilt.It was mixed with shame and hatred for myself.You must know that at that time there was no other way out than allowing the mirror to take power from Svetlana... And the most important thing is - in the end Svetlana survived... Is there any way to get rid of the loss due to the loss? What about the damn feeling from one game?

Did Igor experience something similar when thinking of Alyssa?Similar, but somehow more bitter feeling? All that's left is to be surprised and happy that he's alive. "Good day, guys..." Gesar greeted softly. He was wearing an inexpensive, plain suit and tie.He is such a businessman who wears "Marks & Spencer" brand suits and often sends simple gifts to employees before Christmas, but he is not extravagant.At this moment before Christmas, Gesar considers himself the best gift... "Good day, Boris Ignatievich," said Anton.He didn't want to move his tongue on what he called a day of peace. "Hello, Alisher."

He and Sveta just looked at each other again, and he took her hand and led her to the armchair, like leading a patient... Yes, what's going on... "Good day, boss," Igor said quietly. "Nice to meet you. Hello, Sveta. Hello, Alisher." Alisher is the bodyguard (of course, if the third-level magician is really regarded as the bodyguard of the great magician), more precisely, Gesar's orderly, he was born to a woman of a weird man and a human Son, he silently nodded to the two magicians and retreated to the corner of the room.He stood there motionless—hands folded across his chest, partly into the Twilight Plane.Anton felt that the boss seemed to have artificially strengthened Alisher's ability to observe in the twilight world.He also noticed that the young magician tried not to look at Igor.There is also an extremely intricate knot here-Alisher's father was killed by Alyssa Tonikova, even if he was not a human being or someone else... It is even difficult to define: what is a weird person, what is a great person? The magician's assistant.Weird people don't accomplish feats by themselves.He serves only heroes, removing small obstacles from their path.And it strengthens family ties...promotes the birth of great heroes...

Anton was out of breath. Children of shapeshifters often inherit the ability to change.It is very rare for a magician's child to become the other.So what about the genetics of weird people? Who was Alisher—just a magician, or was he an oddity like his father who had been Gesar's assistant in Central Asia for centuries? Why does the boss need a magician from Uzbekistan?Gesar sent him to the Moscow patrol simply out of sentimentality and obligation, to keep him close to him? "Anton!" He glanced at Svetlana, and only then did he realize that he was holding her hand too tightly.

"Sorry……" Gesar stood in front of Igor, staring into his eyes.Staring silently for a long time.Then sighed, arched his back, softened, and walked away from him to the armchair.He sat down and buried his face in his palms. "Boris Ignatievich," said Igor, "please forgive me." "No!" Gesar growled, "I can't forgive you! You fell in love with a witch? I don't blame you for that—it's fate. But you cross yourself—for that you don't count on me forgive!" Igor was clearly uncomfortable.Anton looked at him, as if he suddenly realized that his goal had been achieved.Certainly not so straight-forward - trying to trick a proven magician into regaining his will to live with simple binge-watching and talking about friends with him is foolish.It would be even more foolish to convince him that his love was nothing but an ugly act of meanness and greed.

But their long late-night talks, their attempts to understand what happened, their attempts to figure out the next round of warfare between the patrols—all played their part.He is free from the pain of sorrow.Igor felt himself in the team again. Did Gesar also think of this? It turned out that all his actions at that time, including this scene, were well planned and considered! But the boss is right, Igor is just insane... "Gesar, there is something that even you have no right to ask for!" Igor said suddenly.It was said sharply, with a sense of sobriety.The voice is full of life.

"Yes, of course, Captain Igor Deplov," Gesar's voice was icy cold, "I have no right! Who in November 1942 had the right to ask you to go down the Dnieper under a hail of bullets?" What about you? Who has the right to..." "That's another matter." "Why?" Gesar stood up and approached Igor.This skinny little man with one head short of Igor stopped in front of Igor again, not at all heroic. "Shall I explain to you, Deplov, what does war demand? It demands not the sacrifice of the body, but the sacrifice of the soul! In the glorious city of Berlin, you bayoneted the hapless soldier of Hitler's army , When asking him to confess his friends...you understand this!"

Igor twitched, as if being hit in the face. "Conscience...love...honor..." Gesar said these thoughtfully, "No one has the right to force others to act against their conscience. No one has the right to force others to betray love. No one has the right to force others to betray honor .No one has that right. You are right. But we do this too! According to the dictates of our own hearts. On one side of the scale is our love, conscience, honor, and on the other side are millions of people who love each other, have People of conscience and honor. We are not angels, this is not for us, and I understand your pain, please believe! Look at Alisher! Try to understand his pain! Ask Anton, what does he think of you Beloved! Ask Svetlana!"

"I can't blame Igor," Svetlana said softly, "forgive me, boss. And you, Alisher, please forgive me. Maybe I'm a fool . .Only I can understand you all." When she said this, her voice was very low, without any descriptive language, Gesar fell silent, and suddenly stopped, he left Igor, and spread his hands to express regret. "Don't I understand..." A heavy and oppressive silence hung in the room. "Gesar, when the duty ordered me, I carried out the order," Igor said suddenly, "and faithfully carried out to the end. Although I have... my own thoughts and my own regrets, I have fulfilled my duty, thoroughly finished."

"No. You're wrong, Igor," Gesar took a few steps around the room and took out a cigarette from his pocket.He looked at the cigarette, frowned, walked back again, took a regular "Bell Meyer" from the pack, took a drag, waved ruefully... "The Patrol needs you. We all need you. I need you." "Svetlana needs me..." Igor said casually. "Svetlana, Alisher, Ilya, Semyon, Bear—all of us need you!" Gesar said quickly, "Of course!" "Long time?" "Twenty years at most." Gesar said very calmly, as if he had expected such a problem. "Gesar, do you want me to use this time to stop loving Alyssa?" Igor asked. "That's right," Gesar admitted, "but the patrol team needs you right now, these last few years." "What do you need me for, Gesar?" "Don't get in our way, Igor! We're trying to drag you out, we'll get you out—please believe me, if you don't get in the way...and best of all—help a little." Igor thought for a moment.Then say: "I'm not going to sue Alyssa Donikova for witchcraft on me. That's not true." "But can you hypothesize that your encounter was planned by a patrol of the Moscow Sun Watch?" "I can," Igor nodded, "it is very likely that this is the case." "Okay," Gesar spread his hands, "I don't ask you anything else." He does look satisfied. Anton coughed, waiting for Gesar to take a look at him.Then he said: "Boris Ignatievich, I would also like to ask you to do me a favor by explaining what place Igor occupies in our new plot." "Is it just Igor?" "Yes. Why you need Svetlana, me and Alisher the Stranger—it's already clear." The Uzbek magician, motionless in the corner, shuddered. "A very good generation has grown up..." Gesar said wearily, "a suspicious generation, but at the same time a little stupid..." He slowed down his speech, glanced at the people present, and then shook his head.Anton could feel the power spreading around him, the whole room was filled with warmth, and something was squeezing the house like an elastic wall... "I can't say," Gesar admitted unexpectedly, "for one simple reason..." "And what about our refusal to cooperate?" Anton said sharply. Gesar shook his head. "No. On the contrary. I swear by the light that what happened will have no evil consequences for any of you. Neither in the magical nor in the human nature... On the contrary, you will in real, Sincere and enthusiastic cooperation. But..." He weighed every word now. "Indeed, what is going on now is the last operation of the Moscow Night's Watch. Sadly, it is also the last operation of the Day's Watch. Too much depends...on the actions of everyone here, as well It also depends on the actions of our opponents. Both we and our enemies are taking their own steps. They may be wrong, unsuccessful, wrong, but victory belongs to the one who takes the right step!" "The victor is not blamed," agreed Anton, "while the pieces on the chess board are given the right to act independently." "The progress of any of you, Zaburon, can be estimated without any effort!" Gesar shouted loudly, "Don't lose your way, Anton, your collision with the mirror was an unexpected step! Yes, a successful step ! Yes, a small step made of ashes! But even this step is awaited. By Zaburon...and by me." He took a breath, calmed down, and continued: "Guys...you are not pieces on a chessboard to me. Believe me, you are not tools either." "But one of us," Svetlana sneered, realizing that her words were ridiculous among men, "is a machine tool for making tools." Anton didn't ask her when she understood this.Perhaps, she had drawn the diagram too—hiding it from him?Or had she already felt something in time when the power was still upon her? Gesar fell silent, looking depressed.He seemed to be thinking... and Anton understood at the same time that the protective cocoon around him reinforced the boundaries of the truly uncanny.Where is the limit of the great magician's power?Is there any limit to their power? "Okay," Gesar nodded, "Svetlana, you are right...but only partly right...but light and darkness!" He sat on the armchair, still took out his cigarette and started smoking.After taking a breath or two, he spoke again: "Svetlana, you are a great sorcerer. The kind of sorcerer that only appears once in hundreds of years. Potentially you may be stronger than Ollie...but your value to the Lightbringer - I mean not only Our Patrol, but Lightbringer as a whole—in that you can be the mother of the Savior." "Ever since Olga rewrote the book of my destiny," Svetlana said. "No. Not after this. It is impossible to rewrite the fate of others as easily as the fate of man, it was decided in the first place. We just corrected some details, the smallest details, with you, with the future... will provide irrelevant details of the child." "What details?" Svetlana's voice finally began to show anger, and the anger that had been suppressed for a long time, now Anton couldn't help but want to shout - her fingers plunged into his palm. "Only the date!" No, Gesar did not intend to give in to Svetlana on the offensive, "Aside from the date, there is nothing else. The 2,000th anniversary of Jesus' birth is the peak of mankind's belief in the savior!" "Thank you so much," Svetlana yelled angrily with a beastly voice, "then it has been decided, when and with whom will I give birth to you?" "First, why 'he'?" Gesar asked with interest. Anton just wanted to interject, mainly to confirm the question of 'who' Svetlana had with, but he was choked up by the prepared question.Svetlana's hands also went limp. “Some are decided by Mom and Dad, others — by the drunken midwife doctor, still others — by an extra shot of vodka,” Gesar said gloomily, noting that the “second” was no longer It is necessary, "Svetlana, child! It is dangerous to play with such a power, with such a destiny! Even I do not want to try! It is predetermined that you can give birth to a child who will become in the battle of light and darkness." Daughter of the greatest! Her words will change the world, her words will force the guilty to repent, and the greatest dark magician will fall to his knees at the sight of her!" "It's just a possibility..." Svetlana whispered, "it might as well be..." "Did you see holy images long ago?" Gesar asked. "Look at Maria's eyes and think about it. Why are they always sad?" There was silence. "I've already told you more than I have the right to say," Gesar spread his hands out in acknowledgment, "I have said it, and one foot has crossed the allowed line. You decide for yourself. Think about it." , who are the pawns on the chessboard, and who are... who are the brains capable of getting past a well-planned humiliation!" "Elaborate?" Svetlana asked bitterly. “Another person explaining to you the need to wash your hands after playing the sandbox or tie a knot in your braid—that’s interference with your fate, too,” Gesar said, “and I think—a very legitimate interference.” "You are not my father, Boris Ignatievich," said Svetlana. "Yes, of course. But to me, you are all my children..." Gesar sighed, "I will wait for you in the hall...more precisely, Alisher and I will wait. Come here Come—come here." He went out, and the strange man followed him like a shadow. Igor was the first to speak: "The saddest part is that he was right about some things." "If anyone tells you that you should bear the Messiah, I'll tell you the truth!" Svetlana said sharply. "This is simply...a difficult thing for me..." Igor said in embarrassment. Anton was the first to laugh.He glanced at Svetlana and said: "Listen... I remember how you resented the injustice of fate - the other usually gave birth to ordinary children..." "This is abstract indignation..." Svetlana raised her hands and clapped her hands lightly, expressing surprise... "But we, you don't seem to smoke here..." Igor silently offered her a cigarette. "Why is everyone like this, behind your back?" Svetlana complained, puffing on a cigarette, "Yeah, what am I (how can I be)... Mother of the Saviors! And a female savior!" "Savior—that's just the right term," Igor said, "please relax." "I'm not a virgin!" Svetlana announced gloomily, "and I don't always think of myself as an example of virtue..." "Don't make redundant analogies." Strangely enough, Igor seemed to quiet down.Really quiet and even ready. "Anton, why don't you just say something!" Svetlana couldn't bear it anymore, and looked at him, "Isn't this all about you?" "I'd love to have a direct relationship," Anton replied, "and I think we should go to Gesar. He doesn't feel good there either—sit and wait." "He already knows everything... in advance." Svetlana turned around. "No. Don't know. If we're not pawns, he doesn't know." The strings of the guitar tinkled faintly.Igor leaned his arms on the wall and held the instrument in his hand.He began to sing, in such a low voice that both Svetlana and Anton fell silent. Igor put the guitar aside and carefully placed it on the armchair.Instruments are usually left in this way when people believe they will return soon. "Well, shall we go?" As usual, Edgar became the first of the dark emissaries to enter the hall of the Inquisition.Just at the same time as Anton came in from the opposite door.They both nodded politely and greeted each other.Edgar felt no hostility towards the Lightbringer, he expected some sort of corresponding emotional response. Yes, compared to the barren little rooms of Moscow University, this hall is impressive!Anyway, it's Europe! Stone arches - heavy and oppressive, while giving people a sense of security and tranquility.A simple metal chandelier—but one or two hundred candles.Edgar can guarantee that they have been burning for no less than a hundred years.The Berne branch of the Inquisition is housed in an ultra-modern building, while the Prague branch is the opposite, in an old building. Edgar preferred the latter. The rotunda is divided into two parts: one is inlaid with colorful marble and the other is inlaid with dark marble.There is something naive and sublime at the same time fused in this unmistakable simplicity that showcases both powers.In the center were small tall, sloping tables, the dock, surrounded by circular bars that hid dark holes in the floor. A gray marble triangle almost divides the hall in half.This is the seat of the Inquisition judges, and of course they are already in their places.There are seven in total.In general, the Inquisition is not regarded as a force comparable to the power of the Patrol, but among the seven judges, as far as Edgar knows, there are hidden two great magicians-the Darkbringer and the Lightbringer.Perhaps, if the European Court allows it, they can compete with Gesar and Zaburon on an equal footing. It's a lot of fun. Immediately behind Anton came three Moscow Lightbringers.Gesar... Hey, of course, they can't go anywhere without Gesar!Svetlana...that doesn't need to be explained.And this Uzbek, Gesar's secretary or clerk next to the boss. The dark emissaries behind Edgar were already in the corridor.Zaburon... Edgar felt the boss approaching, and he turned involuntarily—he saw the Dark Emissary of Moscow nodding in a friendly way.Hey-hey...smile, Judas...yeah, you're worse than Judas, he's betraying a mentor, and you're betraying a student!Two more came in behind Zawulong.If Edgar had been prepared to see Anna Remensheva here, Yura, Yura who was winking at him mockingly, Yura who had warned him of Zaburon's tricks in time, he did not think of it anyway! Edgar forced himself to turn away from his colleague and just look straight ahead. Igor was brought to court last.Two lay judges of the Inquisition walked alongside him and silently escorted him to a three-meter-diameter fence in the center of the hall.Yeah, the mechanism that once allowed someone who jumped over a fence to be thrown down a deep basement well gave the impression of being rusted and unused.But the person standing in the middle of the fence looks uncomfortable. Actually, Igor didn't pay attention to this.He stands in the center of the circle, crossing his arms across his chest. "In the name of the peace treaty..." The only one among the Inquisitors who did not wear a gray cloak stepped out.Senior vampire Vijslav. "We are—others. Our allegiance is to a different power..." Edgar repeated the peace treaty mechanically, trying to figure out where Vijslav would start.How does he get out of trouble now... "Today the European Tribunal of the Inquisition should hear the Moscow Night Watch Patrol Team (Russia) and the prosecution of the Moscow City Day Watch Patrol Team (Russia)." The prosecution of the People's Patrol was included in the trial. The subject of the trial was the duel between the light magician Igor Deplov and the dark magician Alisa Donikova..." For the time being, everything was going smoothly... Edgar felt his grip on the cold, dark wood of the sloped high table.He tried to force himself to be quiet.He was, after all, an experienced jurist.How do human courts differ from other courts? Is it a judgment form... "However, there was a slight change in the proceedings," Videslav said, "and the court had to resolve two issues related to the basic prosecution. The first issue was related to the raid on the Inquisition safe and the theft of Kokci Favnir. Guilty dark emissaries in Bio-Apocalypse, claiming to be affiliated with the sect of the Brothers Legien, who embargoed Fafnir's Bio-Apocalypse to Russia against the Moscow Night Watch Patrol. Take accused to court." Two more young Inquisitors entered with four Finns.There were relaxed smiles on the faces of all the others—after all, none were more comical than these four. "Perhaps there is no need to repeat the sad state of affairs," said the vampire. "All those present have been acquainted with the material the Inquisition has collected on the event. What the Inquisition has to do is—to pass its verdict. Justice. fair, impartial, and solemn sentence." It can be understood from the expressions of the four defendants that they did not expect to be lenient towards them. "The most serious crimes, such as assaulting an Inquisition judge and stealing the most dangerous biological artifacts from a safe, are unconditionally punishable by cessation of existence," said the Vampire.He paused and added: "Let the four Finns look up, but ... but the defendant was not directly involved in the Berne affair. It is known from the case materials that the leader of the sect, sadly the leader who died at the time of the capture , forced four young magicians to act as messengers. The Inquisition therefore regarded their actions only as acts of embargo and rebellion against the patrols of the Moscow Night Watch. The mitigating circumstances also include: the defendant's deep and sincere repentance, Assisting in the investigation after being arrested, and their youth, have never violated the regulations in the past. If the Moscow Night Watch Patrol can also take some mitigating actions, canceling the individual prosecution against the dark magician-then the Inquisition has the right to a lenient sentence .” Gesar on the Lightbringer's side stood up and said: "The Moscow Night Watch Patrol has no personal opinion on the accused... and we believe that the crimes committed by the Legion Brothers' sect were instigated by some... some unknown dark magician." "There's no evidence for that," Videslav said. "It's just that the personal information of the instigator has not yet been determined," Gesar said with a slight smile. "He exists, and this fact cannot be doubted." Videslav nodded.He turned to his six colleagues.In a split second there was a wordless exchange of thoughts among the judges of the Inquisition.Then Videslav turned to the four transfixed Finns and said: "In the name of the peace treaty. Considering the tolerance of the night watchman patrol team, considering that no serious consequences have been caused, and other easing situations, the religious court provides you with the right to choose to be punished. The first option-you are sentenced to pass the non-violation Hanging disfranchises citizens..." The powerful black man sighed heavily, and the Chinese grabbed his arm and supported him. "The second option—from now until your end, the use of magic is prohibited. You have the right to live your ordinary life, you cannot use magic to prolong it, and you cannot use magic to improve the quality of this life." The Finns stared at the Inquisitor in a daze.Zawulong smiled lightly, but immediately put on a serious look. "The second... the second!" said Juha Mstayjoki in a low voice.The others nodded. "Anyone here have any objections?" asked Videslav. Gesar stood up again.He sighed and said: "As a small gesture of goodwill...we think it is permissible for the accused to use magic...a small...magic on inanimate matter." Every word Gesar utters feels like he's straining, and he's forcing himself to show kindness. "Like, find lost things... small... say keys, or small coins... get the flies out of the room...flies are considered inanimate by regulation, aren't they? carburetor..." A little surprise appeared on the vampire's face. "I don't understand!" thought Edgar. "The Inquisition has no objection..." said the vampire at last, "to stamp the accused!" The two Inquisitors held up their hands—handing the four defendants a shining thread.The seal was firmly branded on, leaving the defendant with only a weak degree of magic.Perhaps the Inquisitor did not understand that Gesar's unexpected kindness only intensified the punishment.It's one thing to be a human being who has lost all magic and gradually merged with human existence.It's another thing to feel like a cripple who doesn't have much magic power all day long, and to be obsessed with the abilities of the past. However, the four Finns did not consider these for the time being.Dazed by happiness, they were led out of the court hall. Juha finally broke free and started to shake hands with everyone, but the vigilant guard bumped him with the most ordinary force and pushed him lightly. far away. Edgar shook his head.All in all, it was a joy to be saved by the Darkbringer Brothers.But at such a price... Maybe in his case, he would be more inclined to die immediately. "The second agenda item of the meeting will not be announced," said Videslav. "The Inquisition asked the leader of the Moscow night watch patrol, the well-known Gesar, to come to the dock..." Zaburon smiled triumphantly. "And the well-known Zaburon, leader of the Moscow Sun Watch." Edgar was amused by the look of panic on Zaburon's face.It's just...how much of it is fake? "The first question that the Inquisition wanted to ask the great magician Gesar was," Videslav said now politely, but firmly, "Gesar, do you agree to make the great magician Gesar present The female magician Svetlana Nazarova became the mother of the savior of light and acted on her book of fate?" The hall was silent. "Please be precise, Videslav," Gesar demanded directly, "otherwise I will be angry." The vampire grinned, baring his teeth. "Please answer the substantive question, great magician Gesar." "Okay," Gesar nodded, "I didn't expect to be accused like this, but... I'll explain it to the court." You figured it out, thought Edgar, you've figured it out, old and cunning schemer . . . "A similar role is impossible in principle, even for me," Gesar said modestly. Videslav looked panicked: "Gesar, the Light Mage, but Svetlana Nazarova's Book of Destiny..." "Pointing out that she will be the greatest mother of the Lightbringer Sorceresses, in poetic terms—the savior of the Light," Gesar smiled happily, "this is a good thing for the Moscow Night Watch Patrol What a great honor... yes we - dedicated to all the Lightbringers! But the venerable Inquisition should understand - you can't write such a thing in the book of fate, in any case, it is impossible. In any way Impossible, even with the biological artifacts you are familiar with, those of the Night's Watch." "But the effect on Svetlana Nazarova's Book of Fate happened." The vampire continued. "Yes," Gesar nodded, "It's well known...or almost everyone knows...it's okay to make new records in the Book of Destiny, but this directly involves the balance of light and darkness. In ordinary people's It is quite easy to make small changes in the fate of others, but it is much more difficult to make even insignificant changes in the fate of others. The stronger the other, the more intense the changes, and the more wrath the light and the dark bear. You Consider, honorable member of the court, what would be the effect of adding to the book of fate of the great sorceress that she would be the mother of the Savior?" No one answered. "Each of us...yes, all others together will cease to exist in a similar attempt at shuffling the cards!" Gesar shouted, "will be ground to ashes! The world will fall! And you accuse me of such a crime!" "Lightbringer Gesar, what changes have you made to Svetlana Nazarova's Book of Destiny?" Gesar spread his hands: "Hey, it's all nonsense! Am I obliged to care about the team? Go to some health resort in Italy... go to a car school... what else... I can provide a detailed list if you want. No big deal , are some of the trivial pleasures of human life!" Vijslav would like to confirm further: "Where was the record added? Was it before or after the greatest Lightbringer?" "It seems to be before..." Gesar smiled. "In this way, you corrected the event in time," Videslav thought without asking, "establishing the greatest possibility that Svetlana's future daughter will become the savior of the light..." "It's possible," Gesar agreed, "so what? I'm just making life better for my female team members!" "But couldn't you have made life better for Svetlana Nazarova in other ways? Free vacation cards, monetary rewards, friendly advice?" Gesar looks genuinely annoyed now: "I made use of what I had. The Inquisition had the right to wonder why I used a microscope to drive nails, yes...but I can't be accused of doing so anyway!" The judges of the Inquisition exchanged glances.This time there was silence for nearly a minute.Edgar felt as if a stream of cold sweat was running down his back.What can start now?If the Inquisition accuses Gesar of ... terminating the existence of the great magician - it is not so simple to deal with the four Finns ... "This is not a matter of jurisdiction," Videslav finally said. "Great magician Gesar, after hearing your explanation, the Inquisition recognizes that you have not violated the letter of the peace treaty..." "Literally and spiritually!" Gesar firmly affirmed. “字面意义和精神实质！”吸血鬼带着一股爆发式的强烈不满认同他的说法：“但是您的行为仍然值得怀疑和具有危险性……” “不比莫斯科守日人巡查队在斯维特兰娜·纳扎洛娃被激发前消灭她的企图更危险，”格谢尔斩钉截铁地说，“还有什么与我有关的问题吗？” “没有，”维杰斯拉夫承认，“您可以回到自己的座位上了。” 在整个审理过程中扎武隆谦虚地站在栅栏最边沿的地方。谦虚的、灰色的、难以觉察的影子……让人觉得，对格谢尔的指责不成立，他一点也不感到伤心。而这使埃德加尔忧心忡忡。 “黑暗魔法师扎武隆，宗教法庭有问题问您，”维杰斯拉夫说，“列金兄弟宗派的袭击行动是您策划的吗？” “任何人都没有义务去做证来反对自己……”扎武隆低沉地说。 “这算是承认？”吸血鬼活跃起来。 “不，这是提示有关法规。您无权问类似的问题。所以我将不作答。” “好吧。反对成立。伟大的魔法师扎武隆，您有没有计划过为了反抗未来的光明救世主而使一千年前被抛到黄昏界中终止了其存在的伟大的魔法师法弗尼尔复活？” 扎武隆不停地使劲眨眼，用一种充满了诧异的声音喊道： “这种荒唐话从何而来？” “您反对斯维特兰娜·纳扎洛娃被激发，采取了反对她的行动？” “是的，在和约允许的范围内。”扎武隆迅速地说。 “那法弗尼尔呢？” “什么法弗尼尔？”扎武隆反问道。他看了看埃德加尔，朝他眨眨眼。 “您为什么派很适合于复活法弗尼尔的某位守日人巡查队员到布拉格来？” “我不明白您说什么！” “您是否计划进行以下类似的事件：法弗尼尔——反基督，列金兄弟宗派的四位成员——《启示录》的四匹马……” 扎武隆哈哈大笑起来。他笑了很久。高兴地，尖声地大笑。一旦铤而走险的，但非常令人愉快的中奖成功，只可能是那样笑了。他擦了擦笑出来的眼泪，已经平静了很多。 “宗教法庭代表们的幽默令我叹为观止。法弗尼尔是个疯狂的精神变态者，我甚至与他本人很熟悉，最不希望再见到他……但是他做黑暗的救世主无论如何也不够格！不够水平。至于除掉斯维特兰娜……”扎武隆笑了笑，“有可能。但是以此为代价……不会，你们都在说些什么呀。而至于那几位不合格的芬兰魔法师……怎么，您怎么说来着——《启示录》的马？” 埃德加尔觉得自己是个十足的傻瓜。他哀求地看了维杰斯拉夫一眼。但是那位还没有放弃。 “您为什么要实施下列行动：策划阿利莎·东尼科娃的死，这应该解释为作为复活的祭品，还有在莫斯科著名的画家那儿定制两张肖像画——黑暗魔法师埃德加尔和法弗尼尔的？” 扎武隆认真起来。 “阿利莎之死的情形我也想弄清楚！据我所了解，这是下一个审理的对象？至于那两张肖像……” 莫斯科黑暗使者的头儿把手放到西装外衣的翻领上，掏出两张小小的，约20×20厘米大小的镶在框子里的肖像画。在一张肖像上埃德加尔确实可怕地认出了自己。在另一张上——是一条痉挛着弯曲着身子的跳动的龙。 “这是给我的一位最优秀队员的圣诞礼物，请原谅我这个老头的感伤情怀……” 扎武隆说着这些话，迈出一步，把埃德加尔的肖像递给他：“挺不错的肖像，真是没得说！”扎武隆的低语使埃德加尔更加恐惧。 “聪明人……” 扎武隆回到被告席上。 “那第二张肖像呢？”维杰斯拉夫问。 “感伤情怀，”扎武隆重复了一句，“这几个列金兄弟触动了我灵魂的伤痛。想起了法弗尼尔……所以决定做一张他的肖像作纪念……” “您没打算复活他？”维杰斯拉夫再一次确认。这回扎武隆的回答十分严肃，看样子非常诚恳。 “一刻也没想过。要达到目的有更为平和的途径。” 宗教法庭法官们相互对视了一下。 “伟大的魔法师扎武隆，”维杰斯拉夫说，“宗教法庭对您没有什么意见了，您可以回到自己的座位上。然而我们要提醒的是，整体而言您的行为看起来模棱两可，而且十分危险……” “明白，明白，”扎武隆已经走出被告席，还嘟哝着说，“很快就未经允许都不能挖鼻孔了……” 埃德加尔看了格谢尔一眼。这个老阴谋家大概十分生气吧？ 不，格谢尔没有生气。也许，连他都带着一种诚挚的兴趣倾听扎武隆的话。也就是说完全相信黑暗使者的头儿灵活地脱身了，但是他饶有兴趣地听了细节。 他们对这一切早就了如指掌？ 埃德加尔绝望地收拢分散的思绪。那就是说……斯维特兰娜确实是要成为光明救世主之母……而且是一个女性救世主，这可是始料不及的！扎武隆反对此事，但是……但是根本不是用建立《启示录》化身的途径……这只是一种分散视线的手段，他这位不算愚蠢的黑暗魔法师在这一手段中表现得就像一个幼稚的小孩！ 那么究竟什么是最主要的呢？ “宗教法庭开始审理今天的主要问题，它对于光明和黑暗具有非常重要的意义，”维杰斯拉夫像是回答他那未说出口的问题一样说道，“莫斯科守夜人巡查队三级魔法师伊戈尔·杰普洛夫的案件。大家都熟悉案件的材料吧？” 没有任何人吱声。大家对此早已熟悉…… “指控方代表讲话。安东·戈罗杰茨基！” 站在埃德加尔对面的光明使者抬起头。简短地朝维杰斯拉夫点点头。 “我简单讲一讲。我们指控的实质很简单——在场的受人尊敬的魔法师扎武隆有意派阿利莎·东尼科娃去'阿尔台克'夏令营，因为他知道伊戈尔·杰普洛夫也去那儿恢复力量。大概扎武隆读了现实线，于是他明白在这种条件下伊戈尔和阿利莎之间不可避免地会产生……产生爱情。悲剧性的、无望的爱情，因为两位年轻人属于不同的力量。以决斗而告终的爱情，其结果是要么伊戈尔牺牲，要么阿利莎牺牲，而得以活下来的那位将受到宗教法庭的审判。我们起诉扎武隆蓄意地可耻地消除……试图消除，”他更正说，“莫斯科守夜人巡查队队员伊戈尔·杰普洛夫。因此我们请求宗教法庭取消对伊戈尔·杰普洛夫的指控，他被指控违反和约和谋杀阿利莎·东尼科娃。” “讲完了？”维杰斯拉夫沉默了片刻问道。 “没有。我们还请求审理决斗结果中一位不属于他者的年轻人的死亡问题。因为决斗是由扎武隆策划的……” “反对。”扎武隆吱吱呀呀地说。 “反对成立。”吸血鬼确认。 “因为我们认为决斗是由扎武隆策划的，年轻人的死亡也是他的罪过，不能视为伊戈尔·杰普洛夫的错。我说完了。” 维杰斯拉夫把目光投向扎武隆： “您可以就问题的实质作答吗？” “不会有答案，原因我已经解释了。”扎武隆冷冷地表示。 “辩护方代表发言。” 埃德加尔叹了口气，于是开始说： “我同行的所有思维趋向都极为引人入胜。我和你们观察到了为罪犯辩护解围的企图……” “反对。”安东迅速地说。 “袒护被告，”埃德加尔更正道，“伊戈尔·杰普洛夫在谋杀年轻的女巫阿利莎·东尼科娃的案件中有罪。而最可怕的是——他杀死了一心一意爱他的人！况且被自己狂躁的激情所控制，伊戈尔·杰普洛夫同时还杀死了一个小男孩马卡尔·卡涅夫斯基。杀死了一个小孩。人类的小孩，一个也有权利生存的小孩！况且，由于大量地从在'阿尔台克'夏令营休假的孩子身上吸取力量，七个孩子三个月内一直受到噩梦的困扰！发生了两起顽固性尿床！住在莫斯科的九岁的尤拉克·谢缅茨基，从'阿尔台克'夏令营回家后死于窒息，呛死在浴缸里。而且暂时还不清楚，这是否是光明魔法师伊戈尔·杰普洛夫行为所导致的后果……” 他看了被告一眼。伊戈尔的脸如磐石般僵硬，神秘莫测，怎么也看不透。 “光明使者尽可以提出众多无根据的指控，”埃德加尔说，“没有证据，甚至没有某种让人明白的解释——莫斯科守日人巡查队干吗要牺牲年轻而有前途的，受到领导一系列表扬的女队员，为了除掉一个总的来说平庸的三级光明魔法师？……这是他们良心的事。我们只请求宗教法庭公正地审理，惩办违反和约的罪犯。” 埃德加尔喘了口气，加上最后一句决定性的话： “我们听到不少光明魔法师犯下伦理上不合法的行为后，自行终止存在的事件，他们在耻辱的巨大压力下消失在黄昏界中……我们听得更多。但是，我，比方说，还没有看到这种情况。也许，伊戈尔·杰普洛夫认为杀死爱他的姑娘，就像无辜的人类的孩子所受的痛苦一样，是一种道德上无可指责的行为！” 他不再言语了。 宗教法庭的法官相互对视了一下。接着维杰斯拉夫说话了： “双方有证明他们正义的证据吗？” 格谢尔沉默不语。扎武隆惊讶地问： “对不起，我能有什么证据证明我不是骆驼？让胡说八道的人证明这些胡言好了！” “宗教法庭听取了双方的意见，”吸血鬼说，“被告，您想补充点什么吗？” 伊戈尔·杰普洛夫点点头： “是的，我承认，我的行为不完全是可以辩护的……而且为其后果感到悲痛。我……我非常……”他迷惘了，接着很快地讲起来，“我对阿利莎·东尼科娃非常好。但是她实际上是个黑暗女巫这一点使我情绪激动。我不请求宽容。我自己承担判决。但是……” 他猛地转向扎武隆： “凶手是你！你把阿利莎送向死亡！正因为如此我不得不活着……不得不，为了使你的可耻行径不给你带来任何好处！” 扎武隆只是摊开双手，沉重地叹了口气。 “您有证据吗？”吸血鬼问。 伊戈尔摇了摇头。 “法庭明白该案件的所有重要性，”维杰斯拉夫说，“尽管有一方没有提出证据，宗教法庭认为确定真正的罪人很重要。因此……” 埃德加尔突然看见扎武隆脸上起了变化。忧伤的微笑在半边脸上僵住不动了。 “因此宗教法庭继续询问证人。阿利莎·东尼科娃将会临时复活。” “我反对，”扎武隆站起来，“该事件没有重要到要惊动亡人的地步！” “反对不成立。宗教法庭请求按宗教法庭的指示来到此地的安娜·列缅舍娃到大厅中央来。她的身体将被临时作为阿利莎·东尼科娃的化身。” 列缅舍娃尖叫了一声。但是过了片刻，虚弱地勉强支撑着的她被两位年轻的宗教法庭押送员带到法庭中央。 “该过程的所有这一切能量消耗将由莫斯科守夜人巡查队承担，无论什么结果都不补偿，”维杰斯拉夫继续说，“伟大的魔法师格谢尔，您储存了所需的力量吗？” “是的，”格谢尔站起来，“我有。” 埃德加尔觉得完全失去了对事件的线索。这个伊戈尔·杰普洛夫身上究竟有什么重要的东西，使得扎武隆牺牲了所爱的女人，而格谢尔献出了巨大数目的力量？ “请进行复活，”维杰斯拉夫说，“任何一种反对的行为都将遭到马上并且彻底死亡的惩罚。” 有几位宗教法庭法官魔法师稍稍向前挪了挪，而格谢尔深深地吸了一口气，朝列缅舍娃迈了一步。她又叫了一声——接着就安静下来，呆滞的双眼看着光明魔法师。 接着埃德加尔不得不眯缝起眼睛。 大厅中央掀起了一股巨大的力量，他简直就不可能去看。他觉得宗教法庭的法官在格谢尔和列缅舍娃身边建立了一个又一个的魔法障碍，感觉到在不可思议的强大力量挤压下，障碍倒塌了。使一切四分五裂的黄昏界透过埃德加尔所熟知的一切空间，透过连他都未曾怀疑过的空间，在震颤。如果这是临时性的复活，那么长时间的复活会发生什么呢？ 风暴安静下来。格谢尔慢吞吞地往后退。 大厅中央只剩下三个人——宗教法庭法官维杰斯拉夫，光明使者伊戈尔·杰普洛夫和黑暗女巫阿利莎·东尼科娃。 阿利莎全身抽动着，咳着抓住喉咙。 埃德加尔哆嗦了一下。他不知道他者在那里，在黄昏界中会怎么样。不过，如果老实讲，他也不想知道。但是现在阿利莎以她的人类存在形式完毕的那一刻的样子回来了。带着一种令人心醉的痛楚的呼吸，还被呛了海水，绝望地试图从杰普洛夫投射给她的压力下冲出来。 “阿利莎·东尼科娃，”吸血鬼说，连他的声音也在颤抖，“临时复活是一种不常用的过程，完全不常用的……您现在被临时复活，处于布拉格的宗教法庭欧洲庭的建筑内。我的话您明白吗？” 阿利莎·东尼科娃挺直身子，已经控制住了嘶哑声，看着伊戈尔·杰普洛夫。只看着他。 “您明白我的话吗？”维杰斯拉夫又问了一次。 “为什么……在布拉格？”阿利莎问。她急促而沉沉地呼吸着，仿佛怎么也呼吸不够——哪怕是这些地下的潮湿的空气…… “这不重要，阿利莎·东尼科娃。您被作为证人叫到我们这个世界。许多事情取决于您所说的话。” “我……可以留在这里吗？重新？永远？”阿利莎问。 但是她只看着伊戈尔。 “不行。”宗教法庭法官诚实地回答她。“您自愿回答问题吗？” 阿利莎带着一种绝望而高傲的神情甩了甩头。 “是的。我自愿，法官。请问吧。” 但是她只看着伊戈尔。 “问题涉及您与在场的光明魔法师伊戈尔·杰普洛夫的决斗。您是按一切规矩被提出决斗的吗？” "yes." “有没有给您机会拒绝决斗，离开？” "Have." “请问，您因自己的死而起诉伊戈尔·杰普洛夫吗？” 阿利莎笑了笑。抬起手——没有转过身来，但是很准确地指着扎武隆说： "No." 她只看着伊戈尔。 “您对自己的……对手没有意见？” 她只是摇摇头。 “阿利莎·东尼科娃，您可以指责在场的人当中的某一位策划了那些导致您死亡的悲惨事件？” “扎武隆，”阿利莎完全冷漠地说，“这是他的行动。” “这个胆小的笨蛋！”扎武隆叫了起来，“你反正不会被复活！你在干吗啊，女巫！” “扎武隆，您没有忘记我叫你喝酒时你对我说了什么吧？” “愚蠢的复仇的笨蛋！”扎武隆平静了一些说。 “这与复仇有什么关系……爱情——这也是伟大的力量，扎武隆。” “宗教法庭再没有问题了，”维杰斯拉夫很快地说，“先生们……我认为再延长这一幕……与他者不相称。撤销对伊戈尔·杰普洛夫违反和约的起诉。阿利莎·东尼科娃可以……可以……返回去了。” 埃德加尔像是在梦里一样见到了起身的格谢尔。高兴的、胜利的格谢尔；还弓着背坐在椅子上的扎武隆……被战胜的扎武隆。 直到伟大的魔法师们的脸又在惊慌失措中颤抖时，他看了一眼大厅中央。 阿利莎·东尼科娃消失了。她的身体变化了、消融了，轻盈的、无形体的影子沉入黄昏界中。四肢倒地的列缅舍娃匆匆爬起来，爬到扎武隆的脚边。 可是伊戈尔·杰普洛夫也消失了。 消失在黄昏界中。 埃德加尔没有撒谎。他确实第一次看到光明魔法师是怎样终止存在的。自愿终止。没有任何搏斗、尖叫，没有力量的急流。 当伊戈尔·杰普洛夫已经几乎变成无形体的影子时，他转过身来看了自己的同伴们一眼，只看了一眼。似乎——他有罪似的。除此之外——他只看着阿利莎。 他消失了。 黄昏界合拢起来。大厅里空气寒冷，四面墙上满是毛刷般的白霜，像哀悼的花纹将房子绘出来。扎武隆的脸上渐渐恢复了胜利的微笑。格谢尔伤感而悲痛地看着空荡荡的用栅栏围住的被告席。 “哼？”扎武隆叫喊起来，“哼？又怎么样呢？你的教养者呢？那位惟一的有能力培育光明救世主的人在哪儿呢？” 他笑了起来，拍了拍跪在他面前的列缅舍娃的额头，对着宗教法庭说： “是的，这的确是守日人巡查队的行动，是没有超出和约范围的。两个等值的棋子的互换——阿利莎·东尼科娃换伊戈尔·杰普洛夫。对我们再没有意见了吧？” “宗教法庭方面对你们没有意见了……”吸血鬼缓慢地说，用手掌擦了擦脸，“考虑到所有的情况……宗教法庭审理有关提前恢复斯维特兰娜·纳扎洛娃力量的问题。但是这个……是以后的事。所有的人……所有的人可以离开大厅了。” 斯维特兰娜第一个从自己的座位上站起来。她走到扎武隆面前，站了片刻，盯着他的脸。埃德加尔突然明白了，他心脏紧缩。女魔法师这就要向魔法师发起进攻了。 但是她只是对他说了什么，转身迅速走了出去。 埃德加尔脚都弯不下去了。他离开了斜面桌，差点儿撞到格谢尔——若有所思的、压抑的、陷入沉思的格谢尔。这时安东推开他，跑到格谢尔跟前叫喊道： “怎么样……斯维特兰娜的女儿可能是他者，但是同时不会成长为光明的救世主？” Gesar nodded. “为什么？”安东笨头笨脑地问，“但要知道斯维特兰娜本人……” “做一个伟大的女魔法师和培养伟大的女魔法师——完全是不同的事……”格谢尔疲倦地说，“可惜，我……暂时还未看到与伊戈尔等量齐观的棋子。我……我不知道，他那么爱那个女巫！早知道我就寻找另一条途径了。” “这将会是谁的女儿？”安东突然问，“斯维特兰娜和……” 格谢尔突然气愤地看了安东一眼： “谁的？如果你不是像个傻瓜一样地站着，瞅着老白痴，而是去追上自己的女人——就是你的！” 安东无力地点点头，赶紧冲出大厅。埃德加尔也想给格谢尔提一两个问题……但是他抓住了光明使者的眼神，所以觉得最好还是别冒险。他转过身，走在灰色大理石的地板上，走在试图将大厅分为黑白两半的宗教法庭的窄小地段上。 宗教法庭法官已经解开了斗篷。其中一位随意地将自己的斗篷扔到维杰斯拉夫手上，打开正门入口——消失了。其他人则从正常通道——大门离开。 吸血鬼看了埃德加尔一眼。asked: “想试试吗？” “不知道这样合适不。”埃德加尔轻声回答。 “谁知道呢。但是值得一试。或许你打算回莫斯科？” 埃德加尔小心翼翼地从他手中接过揉成一团的灰色斗篷。不好意思地问： “对不起……斯维特兰娜对扎武隆说了什么？” “宗教法庭法官要有好听力，”吸血鬼的脸上出现了一丝讪笑，“几乎什么也没说。是我的话会把这称为诅咒，但是光明使者们连诅咒都不会……她说：'让任何人任何时候都不要爱上你。'” Edgar nodded.耸耸肩，然后说： “这个，他也不需要。” 书中引用了弗拉基米尔·维索茨基、尤里·布尔金、基别洛夫、“咏叹调”组合、“复活”组合和“纳乌季鲁斯·波比利乌斯”组合的歌曲片段。