Глава 14

It is sorrow. Amiya recognizes it instantly.

She has felt sorrow countless times since the war began, sometimes from an enemy, but mostly... from her companions.

Driver.

Your Highness.

When did it happen? Was it while we were fighting the Nachzehrer?

Yes.

When we left the skeleton, I brought along a rock that the Military Commission had ordered us to transport.

I thought since it made us stronger before, it might come in handy in a battle.

It really did help, right?

I never dared to imagine that I could fight alongside you and defeat that strange enemy.

You used a blood crystal left behind by a Vampire.

Did you pierce your body with it? No, that wouldn't have induced such a drastic change.

You swallowed some fragments.

You willingly accepted Duq'arael's blood and Arts.

I've always had the Vampire bloodline, even though it's pretty faint by now... But I could still sense the Sanguinarch's call, even if it felt nothing more like a whisper.

I've seen those worms crawl out of Sarkaz corpses before, so there's no need to pity me for not knowing the consequences.

Instead of dying in the gutter like a real worm without so much as a yelp, I rather accept this power and die on the battlefield. Like a real Sarkaz.

This isn't a spur-of-the-moment decision. A few months ago, while driving aimlessly through the wilderness, I heard a broadcast about what was happening in Londinium...

And somehow, I just drove all the way here.

Shopkeep says I read too many stories about knights... That's rubbish. Everyone knows that Kazdel doesn't need knights.

I just wanted to know if there was a real path in life that I could follow, one with a proper end. If I could give some meaning to my life without just wasting it.

And then I met you. 'The path of the King of Sarkaz is the path for me.' We—gah—We fought alongside each other on this path. Like you said, we're in this together.

And now, the fighting's stopped. At least, for now. My buddies are still alive.

Your Highness, you can deal with me as you see fit.

D-Deal with you? What are you all talking about?

Driver, why've you become like... like...?

Real scary, aren't I?

Your Highness, please, I beg of you, help her! A-And, Lord Banshee, sire, I humbly return this coin to you. It is the only thing of worth I have.

Witchcraft is the trigger to her condition, not the cause.

There is nothing I, Amiya, and even Dr. Kal'tsit could do to reverse the changes.

Then what are you going to do? Don't tell me you're going to kill her like you killed those red worms?

Stand aside, Shopkeep. This was my decision.

Your Highness, I heard that... in the past, the greatest warriors of the Sarkaz, right before they died, could request that the King grant them a vision.

I don't know if *cough* if I count or not.

Amiya raises her hand.

Black Arts coalesce at her fingertips.

A desperate smile emerges on the Driver's face as she unconsciously looks at the top of the Cautus's head, searching for the legendary Black Crown.

My... King...

What will I see? I just hope... it won't be me driving that piece of junk around Kazdel, haha.

Driver, can you tell me your name? Your real one.

Is this part of the ceremony too?

Well... If I knew your name, it would be a lot easier.

...Maryla. A common name.

(Kazimierzian) Maryla.

Sorry, I never stayed in Kazimierz for long, so my pronunciation might be off.

No, it's good. It's been so long since anyone called my name so gently, ever since my mother died.

Maryla, I refuse your request.

You won't grant me a vision? I suppose... I was never a warrior to begin with.

No, that's not it. I refuse to let you die here, by my hand, Maryla.

You have not become the Vampire's creation.

Your looks have changed, but I don't sense you becoming any more evil or bloodthirsty.

And even if you are showing a bit more of your ancient bloodline, you're still you.

You do not deserve punishment, nor should I be the one to give you your honor.

But you are the King of Sarkaz...

Please, call me Amiya.

Miss Maryla, I've had my share of worries because your team, er, isn't comprised of Rhodes Island operators.

I was thinking earlier about how we could get along with you three. But in truth, it wasn't a problem at all.

If you wish to fight alongside us for our common goal, then I welcome you with open arms.

The young Cautus keeps her arms outstretched, her blue eyes blinking.

The Sarkaz woman grasps her slender fingers.

Despite not feeling much sorrow, two rows of scarlet tears still flow down her cheeks.

Were you watching Amiya?

She's changed a lot these past few years.

She's become more mature.;She's always been a good leader.

The core of the Vampire's ritual has changed.

It is no longer just a tool to amplify the strength of the Sarkaz, nor a simple collector of energy.

It is deepening the Sarkaz bloodlines' bond with Originium... with Amnannam.

The Blood of Teekaz is playing a role in this somehow.

The strength of the Sarkaz bloodlines acts as a direct catalyst to the Originium’s spread. In turn, the information within Originium empowers the bloodlines, changing their powers and other traits.

The effect of these Arts seems familiar.

Didn't Salus merge a lot of bloodlines?;Confessarii are skilled at bringing out the power in bloodlines.

We must be ready.

The threat that Amnannam represents... may very well be far greater than anything we expected.