# Lik and Amy vs the dark Circle. Part 1

Аноним Горный-Цветок

Arrival at the healer village of Aleroth. Mardenius is old.

Chapter 1

Amy

So, I took my brother to the healers.

"Go take a walk around the village, maybe talk to the other doctors."

After chasing away the strange white cat that has followed us in the forest, I leave the healer's house at the crossroads. When I returned with the healer who was collecting herbs in the forest to my brother, a white cat was sitting next to him and mewing plaintively.

"Be careful, there is an evil dwarf in the north.

Lanilor"

After examining the inscription on the mailbox, I walk along the path to the house of the dwarf described above. By the way, I remember him, he fixed my ankle on my last visit to the village and cursed like a cobbler. As I approach the door, a puffing dwarf runs out of the house and looks at me from under his brows.

"Hey, what is that mosquito squeak? Ah, the human has come."

He's grumbling again, even though I haven't done anything yet. Is he always like this, or are his visitors annoying?

"You must be a distinguished physician?"

"Ha. You bet. You've heard of the dwarves' medicinal art, haven't you, little girl? We are equally skilled with stone and flesh. This is Otto Palaseander, the humble servant of an inexhaustible source, although his inexhaustibility is now questionable..."

At the last sentence, the dwarf, who had struck a proud pose, visibly turned sour and hung his head.

"The source, what is it?"

"It is a spatial inexhaustible energy field from which we healers draw healing power to heal the sick. Although his "inexhaustibility" is now questionable."

"What's wrong with the source?"

"Demon Bauxites, there's nothing wrong with him at all! At first I thought I'd had too much of what Gemme calls ale, that I couldn't find the source, but the others hadn't drunk it and couldn't either. Now two of the wounded are doomed to die, and we can't do anything without a source."

"So you can't heal without the energy of the source?"

"Yes. There are two soldiers in Aleroth. They miraculously survived a clash with the orcs, and now they are dying in front of our eyes. Neither herbs nor potions help them. Only the power of the source will help them. Gemme's source could help them, but it's depleted. And we just sit and watch them die.

"Does Gemme have some kind of healing spring?"

"Yes, it is a well connected with the healing spring of Aleroth. He creates healing stones. We use them only when there are many sufferers, because communication with the source takes a lot of energy. But without connection to the source, the well stopped making stones. We have only one left for the two mortally wounded. There's only one demon egg that can be cured."

Yeah, you're still thinking they're both going to bend.

"I have to go."

I have a magic mirror, pick up the crystal and find a place where I can make a copy of the healing stone.

From Mardenius' notes:

"Magic mirrors are one of the most common items created by wizards. Once upon a time, mirrors were enchanted by young wizards to join the circle of magicians, or to enroll in a school of magic.

Mirrors are very useful if you need to create a copy of a magic crystal. Unfortunately, after this procedure, the mirror is destroyed.

So, my pesky student, do you already want to know how to use a mirror? Find a natural body of water deep enough to put a mirror in it. If, immersed in water, the mirror seems to dissolve, do not be afraid, this is one of its properties. When the mirror disappears completely, throw the crystal into the same pond and the ritual will be completed.

A copy of the crystal will have the same properties as the original. Use mirrors wisely. I have to warn you that the world is full of fake magic mirrors right now, so be careful."

"Hello traveler, my name is Gemme. How can I help you?"

Oh, damn it. If my brother were in my place, he would have punched this lizard in the forehead. What was this swamp dweller doing in the healers' village?!

"I want to learn the art of healing."

"Woe-s-s to us all, woe-s-s to us. Our magical powers have left us. The source has been desecrated, and even evil has entered my sanctuary."

And how does this filth of yours manifest itself?

"The source, I've already heard about it, but I can't understand what you're talking about."

"The source is a stream of pure magic, yes-s-s. In order to heal a serious wound, the healer's mind must leave the body and merge with the flow of healing power."

"And now that the source is defiled, you can't heal anyone?" Lik was treated by Horam, in the forest still.

"No s-s-s. We are healers, we have skills and abilities. S-s-s. We can heal. But we can't stop serious wounds, epidemics, curses, and so on."

"What sanctuary are you talking about?"

"There I loaded healing stones for the sick, but I can't do that anymore s-s-s. There's only enough power left for one stone."

"It's clear. Good luck."

I leave the house and go to the spring in the grove. There is a small pond in the middle of the trees with a stone dragon standing in the middle. As soon as I get closer to him. To examine it, the statue begins to speak.

"Greetings seeker. I am the keeper of the healing spring. Are you looking for healing?"

"Yes, that would be very helpful."

A huge crystal appears next to the dragon's paws, shining with blue light.

"This is my last healing stone. Use it wisely."

I pick up a pebble and go to look for a large pond. This one will do, perhaps. I throw a mirror at him and, after waiting, lower the stone. Oops, here's a copy of the crystal. Well, let's go treat our sick people.Oops, here's a copy of the crystal. Well, let's go treat our sick people.

I'm going to Otton's cabin first. I'm going to Otton's cabin first. I go inside and go to the wounded soldier's bed.

"No! Not with ticks! I'll tell you everything!"

Hm. Was he tortured by the Orcs? But why was he left alive then?

"I've brought you a healing stone."

I give him one of the two stones. As soon as the stone touches the wounded man, it flares up and the soldier's wounds disappear right before his eyes.

"You saved my life, the wounds healed without a trace." The man says, looking at his chest in disbelief. Then he tries to get out of bed.

"I'll stay here until my strength recovers. If you're in Veredist, you should definitely come visit."

"Necessarily."

Okay, and now the lizard's patient.

"Oh gods, I'm burning, I'm burning."

"Tell me what happened."

"An ambush. The Orcs are surrounded... I was hit by a poisoned arrow. They left, and I was left here to die."

"This stone will cure you." I hand him the remaining crystal.

"You've done a miracle, the fever's gone. Thank you, sweet girl."

After finishing my conversation with Simon, I go over to Gemme to make him happy.

"I've cured both of your patients."

"This news is truly wonderful. An unbearable mountain has been lifted from our shoulders. As a reward, let me teach you the art of healing."

Well, that's great. While my brother is being treated, I've found something to do.

"It happens that you fall asleep before your head has touched the pillow. But sometimes sleep doesn't work, even if you count the sheep. Take this collection! One hundred and one fascinating, but extremely drowsy stories will help you overcome the most severe insomnia. The words in these tales are chosen so artfully that the reader falls asleep without having mastered even a couple of lines. Let's start with the first fairy tale: Darius and Parisatida had two sons. The elder Artaxerxes and the younger Cyrus. When Darius fell ill and felt death approaching, he demanded both his sons. His eldest son was with him, and Darius sent for Cyrus to the region over which he had appointed him satrap. The place of all his troops was a valley... There was a valley..."

(Lik)

Oh, my head. And my body aches and turns. The last thing I remember is the orcs that my sister and I are killing, and the lightning that struck me. Where am I by the way? Some kind of basement, the sister is not visible. I lit a candle on the table and picked it up.

"Hey, is anyone there?"

Hmm, they seem to be making noise upstairs. I put on my sandals and, grabbing the dagger from the barrel, climb the ladder to the first floor of the house. Holding onto the wall, I walk towards the source of the noise.

"I see the patient has woken up. How are you feeling?"

"Oh. Who are you? What is this place?"

"I'm Horam. A healer, like most of the community's residents. And your appearance deserves a separate story... Three days ago, I was looking for medicinal herbs at the edge of our forest when a girl ran up to me and called for help. Following her, I bumped into you. Together we dragged you to my house. You're very lucky that we got you before the orcs did.

The doctor. So, the place seems to have been sorted out. It remains to find my sister.

"Thank you for saving my life. No matter how bitter it is... I owe you a lot."

"Do not mention it. You were incredibly lucky that you guided me to that forest back then. We doctors have a proverb: as long as you breathe, rejoice."

"And where is the girl who called you?"

"shi"s moved into the late Martha's old house until you get better."

"What is this place?"

"You're in my house in Aleroth. This is a peaceful community of healers. There used to be a lot of life here, but on the eve of the war the village was completely deserted."

"Well, if there are fewer residents, then do you have fewer worries?"

"Apart from the orcs, which are becoming more numerous in the area, and the unfortunate fact that the healers have lost touch with the source? Oh, just nothing. Mardenius the old, our teacher and inspiration, so to speak... I lost my mind."

"Has Mardenius gone mad?"

"Yes, perhaps this is the most correct definition. He constantly mumbles about dark dungeons and evil spirits, and sees everyone as a servant of the dark forces."

I hope my sister hasn't talked to him yet. Oh, she'll definitely go underground.

"I would assume that he was possessed by some kind of demon. But, of course, this is impossible. This has not happened for several centuries."

Demon possession or the appearance of demons themselves? if the latter, then you are very mistaken. We still have to nail him down before his sister gets into the wrong place.

"Evil spirits, gloomy dungeons. A sure sign that Mardenius was possessed by a demon. Look, I owe you a lot. Do you want me to ease his suffering?"

"I don't understand what you're talking about... Oh gods, are you suggesting we kill Mardenius?"

Sorry. Okay, maybe it'll get through. By the way, maybe he just went crazy in his old age?

"I want to take a look at it first. Where did you say he lives?"

"Go south from my house, then turn west. There's a big apiary there, so you can't go wrong. And don't stray too far from the village yet. Your body hasn't recovered from what happened yet."

"I'll keep that in mind, thanks again for your help. I'm going to look for my sister."

"By the way, come to George's shop. It doesn't have a rich assortment, of course, but you'll find the most necessary things there."

"Thanks, I'll definitely drop by."

from the book herbalism:

"Herbalism is the science of using seeds, berries, roots, and leaves of plants for medicinal purposes. It is the plants that allow the inner layers of the herbalist to open up to the fullest. Of course, plants can also be used to season food.

Elves use herbs to make various aromatic oils, soaps, and perfumes. Which are very popular among the dwarf and human aristocracy..."

"Mardenius, my old friend, why did you leave the house?"

"What? Who! And you're Lanilor... Oh no, he's coming the whole world is in danger."

"Sheloy. You're delusional, Mardenius. Come on, I'll take you home."

"Retribution is coming. What did you say to Lanilor? To sleep. Yes, I'll try to sleep if the voice in my head calms down and lets me rest."

The elf healer leads the trembling old grandfather away by the arm. Damn, it looks like Grandpa is really obsessed. But by whom?

from the work of lizard Tass:

"A scientist and visionary from the lizard race, Tass Daishin was the first historian to divide the modern history of Rivelon into four centuries, each from four to six hundred years long. This classification was as follows: the age of treason, the age of the damned, the age of rebirth and the age of chaos. Tass also predicted that after the age of chaos (in which we live now), a time of upheaval for all seven great races. He called this time a century of lies..."

"Mardenius, my friend, did you drink the herbal infusion that I prepared for you?"

"Oh look, they're coming. Get out, you filthy creature!"

I'm not dirty! And anyway, what kind of reaction?

"Oh, the gods... Come on, Mardenius, I'll give you a potion."

"Death and destruction... What, you're Feleron Hashnitor, lord of death and destruction, a demon from the dark..."

"No, I'm Lanilor. Come with me, Mardenius, and I'll give you a healing potion."

I carefully step away from this psycho.

"I won't drink your stinking liquor Feleron, you won't fool me."

Mardenius throws up his hands and throws a freeze at the elf.

"No Mardenius, I am Lanilor!"

But the old man runs into the house and does not hear him anymore. Constantly glancing at the closed door, I cautiously approach the elf.

"Hey, set me free. It's unbearably cold in here."

How interesting. Even my sister can't do that.

"How can I help you?"

"Only Mardenius can remove such a powerful spell. Convince him to undo the spell. I need to go to his house and convince him to save me."

"You're going to freeze up so soon. Wait, I'll see what I can do."

I rattle the door and return to the frozen elf.

"Do you know if there's any other way to get into the house?"

"Yes, there is a passage in the well to his storeroom."

"Hold on, I'm going."

Tethered to the well's log cabin, I climb down the rope. And he's settled in pretty well here, although if their well is dry, where do they get the water?

Holding on to the walls, I go into the old man's pantry. I wonder when he last looked in here. Ugh, what a stink! This cabbage should be thrown out already. I hope he doesn't kill me.

I go upstairs and see Mardenius.

"Stop. Do we know each other? What are you doing in my house?"

"No, you don't know me. I came to you through the underground, it stinks terribly of sauerkraut. Lanilor asked me to tell you to unfreeze him, because he's already blue all over."

"Sauerkraut... Oh the sweet taste... So Feleron the fearless sent you? I will kill you, spawn of darkness! That's how this spell begins..."

Or maybe he's just crazy...

"No, no, no, La-ni-lor. Your elf buddy. Well, he's so pointy-eared, do you think? You've frozen him, but he's really asking you to defrost him back."

"What kind of smell is that? What are you talking about? Lanilor? Where is Lanilor? Answer me. I have battle magic, and I can kill you with a single word. It smells like cabbage..."

"Yes, yes, calm down. He's standing outside the door, on the street."

Thank the seven gods, he finally went to the door. After defrosting Lanilor, Mardenius goes back into the house. I approach the frozen elf.

"Thank you. I thought I'd never get out of there. I still can't feel my legs. Great gods, even my fingers turned blue. We need to grind them...

While the doctor cleans himself up, I look around. There is a statue next to the well, surrounded by four baby dragons. I'll have to take a closer look at her, or better yet, call my sister.

"Oh, it hurts. Well, the blood has flowed and you can continue to communicate. How can I thank you, my savior?"

"Tell me about Alerot."

"Mardenius founded a community of healers here. He wanted to bring together healers of all races here so that we could share our experiences in peace and harmony."

"I will go to investigate, if there are any questions for you, I will come back."

I go into Mardenius' house. Maybe at least he'll explain why he's so angry.

"Oh, tear off the veils of eternal sleep... no. Don't leave me! My physical body is hidden in the abode of shadows. I dream of seeing the light again."

"How can I help you?"

I'd rather go in there than my sister alone.

"Save me from the prison where the shadows are swarming."

How to get there is something. And who am I talking to now, by the way?

"What's the matter with you, sir? And who do I have the honor to talk to?"

"Somewhere out there, I'll be alone, all alone. The silence deafens me."

"Yeah, everything is completely neglected."

"The air is saturated with the smell of decay. The disembodied lands lie on the other side of life. There is no sun or light here, oh tell me, why am I here?"

"Stay here for now, I'll come to you soon."

"I will be waiting for you in the house of shadows."

I run out of Mardenia's house and go to look for my sister.