Raven's Soul. Volume 2 - стр. 4
– What's the matter? – She squinted her eyes.
– I'm sorry… You have a very unusual appearance. I didn't know you could have stones implanted in your skin before… And your outfit… Aren't you afraid that someone will attack your honor? – I said involuntarily.
Once again my curiosity played against me: Astrid gloomed and shifted her eyebrows to the bridge of her nose; I must have hit a sore spot. But as Astrid herself had been looking at me with all her eyes until a few minutes ago, I didn't feel sorry for her.
– As you've heard, I'm a half-breed. My father is a mage from an ancient magical family that draws its powers from gemstones. The more gems implanted in our bodies, the greater the power. Members of our kind prefer to stay in the shadows, afraid that one day they will be killed for profit. I usually hide my hands under my cloak. My father refused to admit I was his daughter, and my mother died in childbirth. No one wants people like me. I have to make a living, so I have to sell my body. I hope I've answered all your questions.
– I'm sorry. I didn't know you had such a sad fate," I hurried to justify myself, but the girl remained silent and only gave me a contemptuous look.
– Ladies, don't fight, please! – Evans raised his voice. – Help each other in such a tough time, and maybe this will be your chance to find a happy future!
– Astrid, if we survive, I'll help you be a little happier," I said quietly, taking the girl's palm gently in mine. – You and I are alike. Both abandoned, both unloved. I can give you anything you want! Money, power, recognition, an advantageous position. If you want, I'll be your friend and walk you down the aisle to the man of your heart! You don't have to come with us on this journey, I can't ask you to risk your life for a man you despise, but I won't refuse to help you if you change your mind.
– I don't like being in debt. I'll go with you, but I hope that when the time comes, you won't forget what you said today," Astrid said with an incredulous smile, but she squeezed my palm tightly in return.
Soon we were saddling up the horses and heading into town. As it turned out, Evans's friend was the owner of an elderly but sturdy gray horse, which was good for our journey. When we reached the winding pass in the mountains that was the only way into the city, I turned back, driven by a strange feeling. The fog that still hung over the ground made it hard to see anything, so I just shrugged and continued on my way. The passage was narrow enough that we had to dismount and lead the horses. The path was strewn with many large stones, so our four-legged friends were stubborn. My feet were also slipping and were beginning to ache.
We had been walking for about two hours. The fog suddenly cleared and the sun came out, which shone directly in our faces and so brightly that we had to cover our eyes with the palm of our hands. After passing through the gorge, we walked down the loose sand and decided to rest for a while. Settling down on the sand, I enjoyed stretching out my tired legs. My body was wracked with weakness after the arduous journey, and I hoped that some black bread and a piece of cheese would give me back my strength. I was so hot that I impatiently threw off my fur cloak, but I didn't feel any better. My head and eyelids suddenly felt heavy, and in a moment I was swallowed up by darkness.