behind him, immediately piercing his heart. Snatching a wooden key from the magician's neck, he took out a scroll, quickly read the spell which was written on it, and in a second disappeared.
***
– Explain to him everything. He must know how important this mission is. Let they move out immediately.
Tagrin nodded and headed for the exit. And as soon as he reached the stone doorway leading to the stairs, he met Ikru face to face who just run out from the stairs.
– Oh Tagrin you're here.
– Yes. Master called me.
– What`s the matter Ikru? – asked Tonnord, came closer to her.
– Have you sent the warriors in chase yet? – She asked, looked quickly from Tonnord to Tagrin and back again.
– We just spoke about it. I was going to do it right now, but you almost nearly knocked me down – he smiled.
– No, wait. Don`t. My Lord, – she looked at the Tonnord – Enilice contacted me. Alice fell into the trap of the Doppelganger, who took the appearance of the Oks. He gave her a drink “mune” and took the box with the key. Then he transforms as a human and moved to the west. Enilice is sure for ninety percent that Doppelganger is going to Pleepmorr to sell it or exchange for something. And I agree with him.
– Oh, in the name of Creator! – The elven lord raised his eyebrows – Well, now everything fell into place.
– According to Alice`s words, when the Doppelganger saw the key, he asked her “What is this key for?”, so I'm absolutely sure he has no idea what kind of thing fell into his hands. Enilice suggests do not to attract too much attention and to delay sending our soldiers for interception. He says he can track him down and neutralize him alone, without making too much noise.
– Will he really be able to? – Very seriously asked Tonnord.
– Oh, yes, brother. Enilice is one of the best trackers from our southern outpost. I remember him from the Academy. I taught him fencing lessons. A very intelligent young warrior. Also, he is an excellent bowman and knows some good spells. We can count on him.
– This is all very good, but we must count all possible options. If the key was discovered, he might be get trapped. Then he wouldn't be able to stand alone. We may lose not only him, but the keeper as well. And you guys perfectly know only the keeper can free Eraqel.
– Your suggestions?
– We'll be lucky if Enilice will be able to neutralize the Doppelganger before he enters the Pleepmorr. And if he didn't, they'd have to follow him. Once they enter the city, they may never get out alive. They will need appearance change spells – Tonnord looked from Tagrin to the Seer – So, Ikru you have to follow them. Try to get them before they reach the city. You're the strongest mage of Afleeakwein, in the Pleepmorr they will have a better chance with you than without you. And you, my brother Tagrin, – Tonnord moved his view again – make an order in the event of an emergency, our warriors at the southern and western outposts must be ready to move immediately.
Chapter 7
– Enilice, how long do we have to ride? I'm tired of the horse. Can we make a stop?
– Sorry, not right now.
The elf understood it was hard for her. And like that will be for a very long time. But he was following the magical track of the doppelganger, and he couldn't stop now. And there was no appropriate place. They rode across the Plains – there was an open space all around. However, they needed a break. They both hadn`t a rest since they left Izemburn and horse needed a rest as well. Enilice kept moving to the North-west. His hunch was correct – Doppelganger moved straight to Pleepmorr. It was a full day journey to that place. With a sensible assessment of the physical capabilities of his small squad he turned to the North-east. Alice of course noticed this immediately.
– Did you lose the track? Or have our plans changed? – She turned and looked at him straight in his eye in surprise.
– Neither. There's an abandoned village about half an hour from here. We'll make a stop there. As I expected, our thief moves straight to Pleepmorr. It`s still full day journey to that place. Alone, I would have been able to cover that distance and catch him up somewhere in the area of the city. But you need to rest. And the horse, too. I really didn't want. But it looks like we'll have to continue our chase of the key in Pleepmorr.
– What's so bad about this city?
– This is the city of the dregs of our world. Once upon a time, it was one of the trading cities. Very beautiful and rich. But after the capture of Eraqel and wars which was followed later, city was half-ruined and completely looted. Later on, bandits, assassins, thieves, illegal traders and “stooge” of dark magicians settled there. Those who renounced their native roots in the hope of unlimited power, which Dark Magicians promised them. But when the wars ends and Dark Mages went to find the key in other worlds, they just threw them away like garbage.
– I see. So the trade is still there?
– Yes, but this is not the same trade that was before. Now there are a lot of prohibited goods there.
– Like what?
– For example, forbidden alchemic ingredients, poisons, artifacts. In general, everything which is came to Araklia with arrival of the Naabs and remained after the wars with the dark magicians. We're almost got it. Alice, take a look – Enilice said, raising a hand to point ahead.
Half a mile away, buildings began to appear behind a small hill. They dismounted at the central gate, which had been destroyed long time ago. Alice was immediately struck by what she saw. The massive log gate was turned inward, though it opened and closed outward.
– How is that possible? – She asked her companion, pointing at the gate – You don't have any tanks or rocket launchers, do you?
Enilice looked at her in surprise.
– Honestly, I do not understand what you are talking about, but answering your question, I can say most likely it was one of the spells of the dark magicians. Okay, let's go find more or less good house to stay.
Alice said nothing, but followed the elf tiredly. They went into a small paved square which has three small streets in the left, right and straight direction. On the square, for the very first time in her life, she saw human skeletons felt terrible. Skeletons, bones, skulls, long-rusted swords, shields, spears. Involuntarily, she snuggled up to Enilice and took his hand.
– Don't be afraid. There's been no one here for a long time. The view is certainly gloomy, but there is nothing we can do about it.
The path along the main street was blocked by the stones of the destroyed tower, where once was a signal bell.
– Let's go to the right. That street looks better.
It was a medium-sized street with alternating one-and two-story buildings. Some of them were made of logs, rough-hewn round wood, dilapidated or burned almost to the ground, but most were of stone. They mostly survived. And even though Enilice said "better," Alice didn't think so at all. Also, there were parts of skeletons, rusty weapons, some torn rags, kitchen utensils, and a lot of other rubbish. Passing by another dilapidated wooden house with an open door, Alice noticed by the corner of her eye something shiny inside.
