Тимур Джафарович Агаев
The Universe of Nothing (collection)
Survive in the Branch
There was a resurgence in the wreckage of the scorched city. Meanwhile, rebel forces have gained a foothold in the city, and the last government shuttles have left. People were left alone, but they did not lose hope. There was a belief that a new ruler should be born in the Branch, who would kill Snowy. Meanwhile, Lord Snow made an address to the people of the Branch.
"We understand your indignation. It's hard for you, but we come in peace. We wish you peace and life. You are lucky to have finally escaped from the cruel Chariot government. We will grant you peace and prosperity, just accept our faith.
Meanwhile, word spread further and further along the Branch that even the orcs from other lands had already heard that a new kingdom was being formed in the Branch. No one believed it, because the rebel forces had sent their troops into the city and were firmly in position. It became clear that there would still be fighting in the city. People went into the desert and died there.
But hope is growing in the hearts of people. In secret meetings, under the light of burning torches, they discuss plans and strategies, risking their lives for freedom. Despite threats from Lord Snow, their spirit remains unwavering. Word of mouth filled them with a desire for recovery and freedom.
Soon, the legend of "Clear Wind", a mysterious warrior who is able to gather disparate forces and unite the people, begins to circulate among the rebels. His name becomes a symbol of hope, and many begin to believe that he will be the one to end the Lord's tyranny. Every evening, when the lights go out,ях people gather in the squares to hear stories about his exploits and поdream of future victories.
Clear Wind distributed food and bread to the people. Maria and Orcom came to one of these feasts. They were as different as day and night: Maria-bright and joyful, with an endless desire to help others, and Orc -sullen, thoughtful, prone to melancholy. Maria was filled with hope and faith in a new ruler, but the Orc was cold to this legend and said that he had already seen many of them in their lands. The Orc refused to answer why he had left the Orc lands.
When they arrived at the table filled with fragrant dishes, Maria couldn't help but smile. She handed out sandwiches to the children and shared candy with thosewho came for help. The orc, standing slightly to one side, looked at her in surprise. He had never understood how one could find joy in simple things. But on this day, he noticed how the happy faces of the people receiving the food filled the atmosphere with warmth.
"Why don't you join her?" – спросила The girl who came up to them asked, noticing OrcA's thoughtful look. He just shrugged, holding back his emotions.ердце зрелаAn overwhelming longing was brewing in his dream, but he didn't knowhow to break out of its shackles. Still, something inside me told me to open my soul, even for a moment, and let the light pass through my dark thoughts.
Lord Snow, realizing that his power has been shaken, intensifies the propaganda, stating again and again that only he can bring peace to the Branch. But every word he says is empty, and every day his defiance grows. The desert continues to take its victims, but a new force is born in the midst of suffering, and hope sparkles more and more in the eyes of people who are ready to become masters of their fate.
Hungry humans and an eye-catching Orc
Lord Snow summoned patrons from all over his newly formed Snow Republic to identify with them "the traitor of Clear Wind and bring him to trial and show execution."
In a hall dusted with glittering snow and lit by flickering lights, Lord Snow took his high chair, framed in ice patterns. This was his throne. His sparkling eyes, cold as a winter's morning, surveyed the crowd.
All around him were patrons, each of whom was dressed in magnificent robes decorated with snowflakes and crystals. The air was filled with the scents of winter and cold, creating an atmosphere of tension and expectation.
"We are gathered here,"–he said in a voice that echoed the winter storms –,"to kill the enemy of our people." You can see how the patrons began to look at each other and worry. The words echoed through the hall like the sound of a thunderstorm, stirring up fear.
Lord Snow raised his handand said, " Whoever this Clear Wind is, we will find him and bring him to justice, and then we will definitely execute him!" A discussion began, in which patrons began to find out who this "Pure Wind"was. Realizing that at some point in the discussion, the patrons simply started to push each other to deal with their competitors, Lord Snow stopped the discussion and kicked most of them out of the hall, leaving only the most loyal and helpful ones. It is noticeable what discord there is in the Snow Republic among their leaders.
"It was definitely that orc!" said one of the Branch representatives from the Snow Republic. "Orc, there was an orc among the humans! The Orcs are very treacherous and cruel, they decided to bring their agents here, lure the hungry and exhausted people after the war behind them and seize our Lands.
It was the only orc in the entire Snow Republic. He immediately attracted the attention of all the residents of the city and, undoubtedly, the attention of officials and managers. How he got here from the Land of the Orcs, alas, no one knew.
"Are you sure about that?" "Lord Snow had heard of orcs, and to be honest, he was somewhat afraid of them. They were known for their coolness and cruelty in human circles. Even the Human Chariot Police forces were talking about it. It was also believed that orcs hated humans and dreamed of exterminating them.
– yes! – this was stated by the majority of the remaining government representatives. The meeting came to an end, and the rebel forces were faced with the taskof killing the Orc.
