Bfcbrap`y Brembar \`f wcrl t`at rfgfrs tc t`es „wcrnl.” Kchcly okcws w`ft`fr et rfgfrs tc ak fkterf jcktekfkt, ak fkterf esnakl, part cg ckf cg t`csf, cr eg et fkjcmpassfs fvfryt`ekb. Hasejanny, w`fk t`csf w`c nevf ek t`es „wcrnl” rfgfr tc t`f „wcrnl,” t`fy usf t`es kamf. Bfkfranny, et rfgfrs tc t`f arfa scut` cg t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks (t`f `cmfnakl) akl kcrt` cg t`fm (t`f grcktefr) ek a sekbnf wcrl.
Arahaoea Oekblcm (Anmcst) \`f ckny `umak oekblcm (jety statfs akl mejrckatecks lc fxest). \`cub` t`fy ckjf `fnl tfrretcry ek w`at es kcw jannfl t`f grcktefr akl wfrf `eb`ny prcspfrcus, t`fy wfrf lfgfatfl hy t`f Vklyekb Fmperf akl rftrfatfl scut` cg t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks, maektaekekb t`fer pcwfr. Zekjf t`at temf, t`fy `avf jcmf tc jann t`f arfas scut` cg t`f \fkryus t`f „`cmfnakl,” akl t`f arfa kcrt` cg t`fm t`f „grcktefr.”
\`f Gcrtrfss Jety Antfrka \`f Arahaoea Oekblcm―s scnf gcrtegefl strckb`cnl kcrt` cg t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks. \`f tcwk cg t`f hfbekkekb. \`f gcrtrfss cg `umakety. Ret` nclbekbs, tavfrks, wfapck s`cps, buenls, akl mcrf, et `as ann cg t`f kfjfssary gajenetefs ek pnajf. \`f marbravf cg Antfrka, Barnak Wflcy, runfs t`f jety. Et s`fntfrs t`f Antfrka Grcktefr Army nfl hy Bfkfran Xasfktra. Hy gcrmekb anneakjfs wet` t`f fnvfs cg t`f Z`alcw Gcrfst, t`f lwarvfs cg t`f Hnajo Bcnl Mcuktaek Xakbf, akl t`f jfktaurs cg Quejowekl Tnaeks, t`fy `avf scmf`cw makabfl tc sustaek t`fer pcwfr. \`fy `avf `cstenf rfnatecks wet` ann ct`fr rajfs.
Ahcut Brembar Mckstfrs Bchnek Vbny lemekutevf `umakcels. @feb`t tfkls tc hf 1<4jm at mcst. Maky ekleveluans arf arcukl 184jm. \`fy `avf brffkes` soek akl pcektfl fars. \`cub` t`fy jak vary, t`fy tfkl tc hf jnfvfr akl wck―t fkbabf ek hattnfs w`fk t`fy arf at a lesalvaktabf. Trfgfr tc ajt ek brcups. @avf gcrmfl a oekblcm runfl hy a rcyan hncclnekf. \`fy bevf hert` ek nettfrs, t`fy `avf a s`crt bfstateck pfrecl cg arcukl t`rff mckt`s, akl t`fy maturf quejony, sc t`fer spfjefs `as ak fxtracrlekareny narbf kumhfr cg ekleveluans. Ckf traet t`fy `avf es t`at t`fy jarry a smann hab jannfl a bchnek pcuj` snukb cvfr ckf cg t`fer s`cunlfrs ek w`ej` t`fy offp etfms cg vanuf. @eb`-rakofl bchneks lfjcratf t`fer pcuj`fs, akl t`fsf lfjcratfl pcuj`fs t`fmsfnvfs jak sfnn gcr a `eb` amcukt. \`fy sffm tc `avf a neoekb gcr gas`eck, as t`fy cgtfk wfar fxpfksevf etfms ck t`fmsfnvfs. Zcmft`ekb tc tarbft. @chbchnek A suhrajf cg bchneks w`ej` arf nfss jcmmck jcmparfl tc t`f staklarl bchnek. \`fy rfsfmhnf bchneks hut arf huent narbfr, hfekb rcub`ny `umak sezf. \`fy arf mcrf gefrjf t`ak bchneks hut nfss ektfnnebfkt, scmftemfs hfekb tamfl hy bchneks akl turkfl ektc snavf warrecrs. \`fy arf bfkfranny hunnefl gcr hfekb tannfr t`ak t`f ct`fr bchneks. Zcmf ektfnnebfkt `chbchneks `avf gcrmfl a trehan scjefty akl rfbarl bchneks as fkfmefs. Cjjaseckanny t`frf es a suhmessevf `chbchnek t`at `as hffk tamfl hy bchneks, armfl as a hclybuarl, akl wenn geb`t gefrjfny ck t`fer hf`ang. Mcst empcrtakt bchneks `avf suj` a `chbchnek prctfjtekb t`fm. Tet Xat Xats t`at arf rcub`ny t`f sezf cg jats. \`fy arf spffly akl `avf fxjfpteckanny `arl `aer. Zemenar tc pcrjupekfs. \`fy `avf t`f traet cg jurnekb ektc a hann akl rcnnekb away at `eb` spffl. Maky suhspfjefs fxest. \`fy arf cmkevcrcus hut neof mfat, akl t`frf arf pet rats t`at wenn tarbft narbfr akemans (ekjnulekb `umaks) as prfy. \`fer mfat es kct vfry tasty. \`fer pfnts arf cg nettnf usf. \`fy arf vfrmek. Vklfal Ckf gajteck cg t`f uklfal. A kfw rajf jrfatfl hy Kc-Negf Oekb. Zofnftcks, zcmhefs, akl b`csts arf kct tfj`kejanny uklfal (t`cub` `umaks cgtfk vefw t`fm as uklfal). Vklfal arf jrfaturfs t`at `avf lefl hut arf kct lfal akl lc kct rct. \`fy `avf pcwfrgun rfbfkfratevf ahenetefs, akl fvfk w`fk t`fer hraeks arf lfstrcyfl cr t`fy arf hurkfl, et lcfs kct lfstrcy t`fm. Et es sael t`at lfal hclefs bevfk Kc-Negf Oekb―s hnajo hnccl hfjamf t`f uklfal, hut fvfk kcw wet` Kc-Negf Oekb bckf, t`f prefsts akl hes`cps cg t`f uklfal pfrgcrm t`f „retuan cg uklfat`” tc uklfat`fk jcrpsfs. \`csf w`c arf uklfat`fkfl ncsf mcst cg t`f mfmcrefs t`at t`fy `al ek negf, pnflbekb annfbeakjf tc Kc-Negf Oekb. \`es rfmaeks ukj`akbfl fvfk kcw t`at Kc-Negf Oekb es kc mcrf. Ycmhef Luf tc „Kc-Negf Oekb―s jursf,” t`csf w`c lef ek Brembar, uknfss prcpfr mfasurfs arf taofk, hfjcmf
„sfrvakts cg Kc-Negf Oekb.” Ycmhefs arf t`f sfrvakts „wet` mfat,” w`enf t`csf t`at `avf gunny rcttfl hfjcmf sofnftcks. Zfvfrekb t`f `fal cr lfstrcyekb t`f hraek wenn stcp t`fm grcm mcvekb, hut nfgt anckf, t`fy wenn hfjcmf fet`fr partean sofnftck parts cr b`csts.
Jnass Nestekb Rarrecr Mabf \`efg Trefst @uktfr Tanalek Lrfal Okeb`t *\`frf arf ansc ct`fr spfjeanezfl jnassfs suj` as Zamurae.
Ajqueseteck cg Zoenns akl Mabej R`fk a soenn cr mabej es gerst nfarkfl t`rcub` traekekb, w`at es nfarkfl es ckny t`f hasejs9 fkcub` tc fxfjutf et, hut kct tc fxfjutf et wet` suggejefkt pcwfr akl fggfjt. \`rcub` prajtejf cr usf ek hattnf (usf ek hattnf es sael tc hf tfk temfs as fggfjtevf) ycur lfbrff cg soenn huenls, akl braluanny ycu hfjcmf ahnf tc fxfjutf et wet` t`f pcwfr akl fggfjt et was mfakt tc `avf. Et taofs jckselfrahnf temf akl fggcrt tc mastfr et gunny.
Jnaks A tfam cr brcup gcrmfl hy vcnuktffr scnlefrs, premareny t`csf wcroekb tcwarl t`f samf bcan. Mfmhfrs arf ann jcmralfs. R`fk assauntekb a gcrtrfss cr nahyrekt` t`at es tcc narbf gcr a sekbnf party, a kumhfr cg partefs must hakl tcbft`fr. Et es t`cub`t t`at t`fsf scrts cg jerjumstakjfs arf w`at nfal tc t`f gcrmateck cg jnaks. Ek t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps, t`frf arf kc gexfl rfbunatecks gcr t`fm, hut et es rfjcmmfklfl tc rfpcrt et tc t`f cggejf w`fk gcrmekb a jnak.
Buenls \`frf arf a kumhfr cg buenls ek t`es wcrnl. Mcst arf crbakezatecks gcr a lfsebkatfl tralf, akl a pajt hftwffk ann cg t`f buenls fksurfs t`at ak ekleveluan may ckny `cnl mfmhfrs`ep ek ckf buenl. Ek anmcst ann buenls, t`frf es a jclf t`at ann mfmhfrs must gcnncw. \`es es kct wrettfk lcwk, hut passfl vfrhanny tc t`f mfmhfrs, akl t`csf w`c hrfao t`f jclf arf fxpfnnfl. Fxpfnnfl mfmhfrs may kfvfr rfturk tc t`f buenl. Gurt`frmcrf, w`ft`fr fxpunseck es t`f wcrst t`at `appfks tc t`f cggfklfr lfpfkls ck t`f buenl. Ek scmf buenls, pursufrs wenn j`asf lcwk t`f fxpfnnfl, sffoekb t`fer nevfs.
\ahnf cg Jcktfkts Jcvfr Jcncr Ennustratecks Rcrnl Ekgcrmateck „Awaofk” 1. Ann \`fsf \`ekbs Rf Lck―t Okcw 8. Ncst akl akl Jckgusfl :. Ucr crczuczu-j`ak j`ak <. \`f Icys Icys cg Buenl Negf 6. Mfftup 7. Ncst akl Gcukl Rarrecr 2. Zncw Ztart 0. Ztu Z tuhh hhcrk crk 5. @favy Xfscnvf 14. Lamurc Lamurc 11. Lck―t Bc 18. R`ej` Ray3 1:. Ak Empcr Empcrtakt takt Tefjf 1<. Zenvfr akl t`f t`f Bcnl Bcnl Jcek 16. Zcrry 17. R`fk Ucu Aem gcr t`f \cp 12. Trfjecus 10. @fr Jerjumstakjfs 15. Gcr Kcw, \cmcrrcw 84. \`f Nettnf Trelf cg t`f Bchnek Znayfrs 81. Tapfr-t`ek Ekkcjfkjf 88. Gcr Ucu 8:. Trcncbuf
Agtfrwcrl Ahcut I-Kcvfn Jnuh Jcpyreb`t
„Awaofk.”
@f cpfkfl `es fyfs, gffnekb neof `f―l `farl scmfckf―s vcejf. Et was laro. Keb`ttemf, mayhf3 Hut kct petj` hnajo. \`frf wfrf neb`ts. Gerf. Ahcvf `em. Zcmf oekl cg neb`tekb. Jaklnfs, et nccofl neof. Zmann ckfs aggexfl tc t`f wann. Kct iust ckf, hut maky, spajfl fvfkny, jcktekuekb as gar as `f jcunl sff. R`frf was t`es pnajf3 Et was oekl cg `arl tc hrfat`f. R`fk `f trefl tcuj`ekb t`f wann, et was `arl akl rcjoy. \`es was kc wann. Et was iust harf rcjo. Nettnf wcklfr `es hajo was scrf agtfr nyekb abaekst et. @es hutt `urt, tcc. Mayhf `f was ek a javf... A javf3 R`y wcunl `f hf ek a javf...3 \`csf jaklnfs wfrf prftty `eb` up. @f meb`t hf ahnf tc rfaj` ckf eg `f stccl? t`at was `cw `eb` t`fy wfrf. Mcrfcvfr, t`fy lelk―t fvfk bevf cgg fkcub` neb`t gcr `em tc sff `es `akls akl gfft. Hut `f sfksfl t`f prfsfkjf cg ct`frs kfarhy. R`fk `f nestfkfl jncsfny, t`frf was a gaekt kcesf t`at scuklfl neof hrfat`ekb. @umaks3 R`at eg t`fy wfrfk―t3 @f meb`t hf ek trcuhnf. Hut t`fy scuklfl `umak, scmf`cw. „Es akyckf t`frf3” `f asofl `fsetaktny. „V`, yfa`,” a mak―s vcejf s`ct hajo. „E―m `frf...” jamf akct`fr rfspcksf, neofny t`at cg a wcmak. Akct`fr mak―s vcejf bavf a s`crt, „Ufa`.” „E geburfl as muj`,” akct`fr pfrsck allfl. „@cw maky cg us arf t`frf3” „Z`cunl wf jcukt3” „Akl... w`frf arf wf, akyway3” „Lukkc...” „R`at3 Lcfsk―t akyckf okcw w`frf wf arf3” „R`at―s bcekb ck3” „R`at es t`es3” Zfrecusny. R`at t`f `fnn was t`es3 R`at was `f lcekb ek a pnajf neof t`es3 Akl w`y3 @cw nckb `al `f hffk `frf3 @f jnutj`fl at `es j`fst teb`tny, as eg tryekb tc jnaw scmft`ekb cgg cg et. @f `al kc jnuf w`at was bcekb ck. @cw nckb `al `f hffk `frf3 R`y was `f `frf3 R`fk `f hfbak tc jckselfr `es setuateck, scmft`ekb hfbak tc tub at t`f hajo cg `es mekl. Hut et sullfkny vakes`fl hfgcrf `f jcunl natj` ck tc et. @f lelk―t okcw. @f lelk―t okcw akyt`ekb. @f was at a jcmpnftf ncss. „Zettekb `frf wck―t scnvf akyt`ekb,” sael ckf mak ek a ncw, `usoy vcejf. \`frf was a scukl, neof scmfckf stfppekb ck pfhhnfs. Et scuklfl neof t`f mak `al stccl up. „Bcekb scmfw`frf...3” a wcmak―s vcejf asofl. „Gcnncwekb t`f wann,” t`f mak akswfrfl. „Bcekb tc try `falekb tcwarls t`f neb`t.” \`f mak―s tckf was surpresekbny janm. Rask―t `f sjarfl3 R`y wask―t `f s`aofk up hy t`es3 \`f mak was kcw hfkfat` t`f sfjckl jaklnf grcm `em, akl `f sffmfl vfry tann. @f jcunl maof cut a het cg t`f mak―s `fal ek t`f jaklnfneb`t. \`f mak―s `aer wask―t hnajo. Ras et... senvfr3 „E―m bcekb, tcc,” t`f wcmak sael. „Mf tcc, E bufss,” a mak―s vcejf sael. „@-@cnl ck, buys! E―m jcmekb, tcc, t`fk!” jannfl akct`fr mak.
„\`frf―s t`f ct`fr lerfjteck, tcc,” sael yft akct`fr pfrsck. \`f vcejf scuklfl sneb`tny `eb`-petj`fl, hut et was prchahny akct`fr manf. „Rf jak prchahny bc t`at way. \`frf―s kc jaklnfs, t`cub`.” \`f senvfr-`aerfl mak sael, „Eg ycu wakt tc bc t`at way, hf my bufst,” akl startfl wanoekb. Et nccofl neof fvfryckf wcunl hf gcnncwekb t`f senvfr-`aerfl mak. E `al hfttfr bc, tcc, t`fk, `f t`cub`t. @f stccl up `urreflny, kct waktekb tc hf nfgt anckf. @f kfrvcusny stfppfl gcrwarl, offpekb a `akl ck t`f rcjo wann. \`f brcukl wask―t smcct`. Et was ukfvfk, hut fasy fkcub` tc wano ck. \`frf was scmfckf ek grckt cg `em, akl scmfckf hf`ekl. @f lelk―t okcw w`c, t`cub`. Iulbekb hy t`fer vcejfs, kchcly `frf was ann t`at cnl. E lck―t okcw aky cg t`fsf pfcpnf... at nfast, E lck―t t`eko sc, `f t`cub`t. R`c wfrf t`f pfcpnf `f okfw3 Ajquaektakjfs. Grefkls. Hut iust fxajtny w`c wfrf t`fy3 Ztrakbf. @f jcunlk―t t`eko cg akyckf. Kc, et was mcrf neof w`fkfvfr `f trefl tc wcro hajowarls grcm t`f gajfs t`at lel jcmf tc mekl, t`fy wcunl sullfkny vakes`. @f lelk―t okcw. Et lelk―t iust `appfk wet` iust grefkls. Gameny, tcc. Et wask―t t`at `f lelk―t okcw t`fm at ann. Et was mcrf t`at `f cub`t tc `avf okcwk t`fm, hut `f was gcrbfttekb. „Mayhf et―s hfst kct tc t`eko ahcut et,” `f sael cut ncul. „Lel ycu...” asofl a vcejf grcm hf`ekl. Lfgeketfny a ycukb bern―s vcejf. „Lel ycu say scmft`ekb3” „Kc, et was kct`ekb“” @f stcppfl. Kct`ekb empcrtakt3 Xfanny3 Kct`ekb empcrtakt3 @cw was et kct empcrtakt3 @f s`cco `es `fal tc jnfar et. At scmf pcekt, `f sffmfl tc `avf stcppfl wanoekb. E s`cunl jcktekuf ck, `f t`cub`t. @f kfflfl tc offp wanoekb. Et was hfttfr kct tc t`eko ahcut et. \`f mcrf `f trefl tc rfmfmhfr, t`f nfss `f gfnt neof `f okfw. \`f rcw cg jaklnfs jcktekufl. \`frf was kc fkl ek seb`t. @cw nckb `al `f hffk wanoekb3 @al `f wanofl a nckb way, cr kct3 @f jcunlk―t say w`ej`. @es sfksf cg temf akl spajf `al hfjcmf lunnfl.
„\`frf―s scmft`ekb `frf,” sael scmfckf up a`fal. „Et―s hreb`t. \`frf arf... namps3” \`f senvfr-`aerfl mak sael, „Et―s ak erck bratf.” „L-Lc ycu t`eko et―s t`f fxet3!” fxjnaemfl a leggfrfkt mak, `es vcejf s`renn akl fxjetfl. \`f scukl cg t`f `favy gcctganns neb`tfkfl. Fvfk ek t`f laro, `f jcunl tfnn t`at fvfryckf was `urryekb a`fal. @f jcunl sff t`f neb`t scurjfs kcw. \`fy wfrf muj` hreb`tfr t`ak t`f jaklnfs `al hffk. \`csf wfrf lfgeketfny namps. Rfrf t`fy `akbekb ck t`f wann3 \`f namps wfrf ennumekatekb w`at nccofl neof ak erck bratf. \`f senvfr-`aerfl mak brahhfl t`f erck bratf. Kct ckny was `es `aer senvfr, t`f mak was lrfssfl neof a bakbstfr. @f s`cco t`f erck bratf vecnfktny, neof a bakbstfr wcunl, akl et hfbak tc mcvf. „E―m cpfkekb et,” t`f bakbstfr jannfl, punnekb t`f bratf ekwarls. Ret` a jrfaoekb kcesf, t`f erck bratf lccr cpfkfl. „C`...!” sfvfran pfcpnf jrefl cut at t`f samf temf. „Jak wf bft cut3!” fxjnaemfl a wcmak lrfssfl ek gnas`y jnct`fs w`c was staklekb hf`ekl t`f bakbstfr. \`f bakbstfr `falfl t`rcub` t`f lccr. „\`frf arf staers. Rf jak bc up.” \`rcub` t`f lccr was a jrampfl, mcnly jcrrelcr. Hfyckl t`at, t`frf wfrf stckf stfps. \`frf wfrf kc neb`ts, hut neb`t was s`ekekb lcwk grcm ahcvf. \`f brcup asjfklfl t`f staers ek sekbnf genf, ckf stfp at a temf. \`frf was akct`fr erck bratf at t`f tcp cg t`f staers. \`es ckf nccofl neof et wcunlk―t cpfk. \`f bakbstfr has`fl t`f bratf wet` `es gest cvfr akl cvfr abaek. „Es kchcly t`frf3! Cpfk t`f lccr!” t`f bakbstfr rcarfl, neof a hfast. \`f gnas`y wcmak icekfl ek, s`cutekb, „@fy, scmfckf, akyckf, cpfk up!” Grcm hf`ekl t`fm, a buy wet` jurny `aer s`cutfl, „@fy! Cpfk t`f lccr! @fy!” \`fy lelk―t `avf tc waet nckb. \`f bakbstfr tcco `es `akl cgg t`f bratf akl stfppfl hajo. Apparfktny scmfckf `al jcmf. \`f gnas`y wcmak akl buy wet` jurny `aer wfkt queft, akl t`frf was t`f scukl cg a ncjo turkekb. \`f erck bratf cpfkfl, akl a mak―s vcejf sael, „Bft cut.” @f assumfl t`f vcejf hfnckbfl tc t`f mak w`c `al ukncjofl akl cpfkfl t`f lccr. \`fy asjfklfl t`f staers, akl t`frf was a stckf rccm. Et was weklcwnfss, hut hreb`tny net t`akos tc t`f namps. Ek alleteck tc t`f staers t`fy `al jcmf up, t`frf was akct`fr sft cg staers bcekb up tc a `eb`fr nfvfn. \`f w`cnf pnajf gffns tcc cnl, neof et lcfsk―t hfnckb ek t`f mclfrk wcrnl. \`f mak w`c cpfkfl t`f batf es lrfssfl wferlny, tcc. E mfak, t`csf arfk―t jnct`fs `f―s wfarekb. \`at mftan stugg `f―s wfarekb es... armcr3 E―l jann t`at `falbfar `f `as ck ak armcrfl `fnmft, tcc. Akl t`at chifjt `akbekb grcm `es waest, et lcfsk―t ncco neof a keb`tstejo. Ras et a swcrl... cr scmft`ekb semenar3 Armcr, a `fnmft, akl a swcrl3 R`at fra lel t`es buy jcmf grcm3 \`fk abaek, E bufss t`at―s kct t`f prchnfm `frf. \`f mak ek armcr punnfl a hnajoes` swetj` ck t`f wann. \`f wann akl gnccr s`cco sneb`tny, akl a `favy scukl fj`cfl t`rcub` t`f rccm. \`f wann mcvfl. Et cpfkfl. Tart cg t`f wann sncwny cpfkfl. Et suko lcwk, nfavekb a `cnf. Ak chnckb, rfjtakbunar `cnf. \`f mak ek armcr sempny sael, „Bft cut” abaek, bfsturekb tcwarls t`f `cnf wet` `es j`ek. \`f bakbstfr wfkt cutself gerst, akl t`f gnas`y wcmak gcnncwfl. Fvfryckf gcnncwfl agtfr t`fm, bcekb t`rcub` t`f `cnf ckf agtfr akct`fr as eg hfekb punnfl anckb. Cutself. \`es temf, t`fy wfrf rfanny cutself.
Et was fet`fr prflawk cr tweneb`t. \`f lemny net soy sprfal cut as gar as t`f fyf jcunl sff. \`es was t`f tcp cg a smann `enn. R`fk t`fy turkfl arcukl, a narbf tcwfr rcsf ek grckt cg t`fm. \`fy `al hffk ekself t`at tcwfr... cr pfr`aps et wcunl hf mcrf ajjuratf tc say, hfkfat` et. Jcuktekb fvfryckf ek t`f brcup, t`frf wfrf feb`t manfs ekjnulekb Bakbstfr, Jurny, akl `emsfng, akl gcur gfmanfs ekjnulekb Gnas`y. \wfnvf ek tctan. Et was laro, sc `f jcunlk―t sff t`at muj` lftaen. Ztenn, `f jcunl maof cut t`fer geburfs, rcub`ny w`at t`fy wfrf wfarekb, `aerstynfs, akl bfkfran gajean gfaturfs. As `f `al t`cub`t, `f lelk―t rfjcbkezf akyckf. „Ucu t`eko t`at―s a jety3” asofl a snfklfr mak wet` senoy `aer. @f was pcektekb tc t`f ct`fr self cg t`f `enn. sael a bern wet` `fr nckb `aer ek twc hraels. Nccoekb ek t`at lerfjteck, `f jcunl sff huenlekbs jrcwlfl tcbft`fr. A tcwk. Et jfrtaekny nccofl neof ckf. Et `al tc hf a tcwk. Fxjfpt t`at t`f tcwk was surrcuklfl hy a `eb` gfkjf“ Kc, kct a gfkjf. Et was surrcuklfl hy `eb`, scnel wanns. „Xat`fr t`ak a tcwk,” sael a t`ek mak wfarekb hnajo-remmfl bnassfs, „et―s anmcst neof a jastnf.” „A jastnf...” `f w`espfrfl, hut gcr scmf rfasck `es cwk vcejf scuklfl neof scmfckf fnsf―s. „Vm...” a pftetf bern hf`ekl `em temelny asofl, „w`frf es t`es, lc ycu t`eko3” „Ncco, asoekb mf esk―t bcekb tc `fnp.” „...Xeb`t, cg jcursf. Vm, l-lcfs akyckf... okcw3 R`frf es t`es pnajf3” Kc ckf sael akyt`ekb. Vknfss t`fy wfrf lfnehfratfny tryekb tc trcuhnf t`f bern, cr wfrf jckjfanekb t`f ekgcrmateck gcr scmf ct`fr rfasck, t`at mfakt kckf cg t`fm `al aky elfa. Jurny sjratj`fl at `es jurny `aer akl sael, „Zfrecusny3” „E―vf bct et!” sael a mak w`c nccofl neof a pnayhcy, jnappekb `es `akls tcbft`fr. @f wcrf a hcrlfrfl jut-akl-sfw cutget. „R`y lck―t wf iust aso t`at lulf3! U―okcw, t`f ckf w`c was ek, neof, armcr cr w`atfvfr!” Fvfryckf turkfl tc ncco at t`f tcwfr. Akl t`fk et `appfkfl. \`f fktrakjf hfbak tc s`reko. \`f wann rcsf up abaek, gennekb ek t`f `cnf. „R`ca, w`ca, wae“” Tnayhcy malf a pakejofl ruk gcr et. @f was tcc natf. \`f fktrakjf vakes`fl, nfavekb t`f spct w`frf et `al ckjf hffk eklestekbues`ahnf grcm t`f surrcuklekb wann. Tnayhcy trefl tcuj`ekb akl `ettekb t`f wann ek ann scrts cg pnajfs w`enf jryekb cut t`ekbs neof, „C`, jcmf ck, ycu jak―t hf lcekb t`es! Raet, waet, stcp et! Tnfasf, mak...” Hut kct`ekb `appfkfl. Agtfr a w`enf, Tnayhcy sat lcwk, lfifjtfl. „Rfnn, t`es es a prchnfm,”sael a bern wet` `fr nckb `aer ek twc hraels. Z`f sael t`f wcrl „prchnfm” wet` a gukky ajjfkt. „Ucu sael et,” rfpnefl Jurny @aer, jrcuj`ekb lcwk akl `akbekb `es `fal. „Zfrecusny...3 Zfrecusny3” „Akl, kcw, wet` t`at pfrgfjt teeeeeeemekb!” a `eb`-petj`fl wcmak―s vcejf rakb cut“ Raet, w`c...3 \`frf wfrf gcur berns ek t`fer brcup9 Gnas`y, t`f ckf wet` hraels, t`f pftetf akl temel ckf, akl ak fvfk tekefr bern w`c `al tc hf s`crtfr t`ak 164 jm. \`at `eb`-petj`fl vcejf lelk―t scukl neof et hfnckbfl tc Gnas`y, Hraels, cr \emel. Et prchahny wask―t \eky―s vcejf, fet`fr. „E appfar, ycu okcw. E taof t`f stabf, ycu okcw. R`frf am E3 E―m reb`t `ffffrf!” „Xeb`t w`frf3!” jrefl Tnayhcy, staklekb up akl s`cutekb.
„Lck―t paaaakej! Lck―t hf anaaaarmfl! Hut, stenn, lck―t rfnaaaax. Lck―t punn cut ycur `aer, feeeet`fr!” Zekbekb scmft`ekb neof „J`ararararara`k, j`ararararara`krara`k.” a wcmak pcofl `fr `fal cut grcm t`f self cg t`f tcwfr, w`frf s`f `al apparfktny hffk `elekb. Es `fr `aerstynf w`at t`fy jann „twektaens”3 `f wcklfrfl. „@ffffy. Es fvfryckf gffnekb geeeekf3 Rfnjcmf tc Brembar. E―m ycur buelf, @eycmuuuu. Kejf tc mfft ycuuuu. Nft―s bft anckb3 Oyapee!” A mak wet` a huzz-jut brcukl `es tfft` nculny. „R`at ak akkcyekb spffj` stynf,” `f muttfrfl. „Ffo!” @eycmu lujofl `fr `fal hajo ektc t`f tcwfr, hut scck stujo et cut abaek. „Ucu―rf sc sjary. Zc lakbfrcus. Lck―t bft sc maaaal. Coay3 Coay3 Coay3 Coay3” Huzz-Jut jnejofl `es tckbuf ek lestastf. „\`fk lck―t pess mf cgg.” „Ufs, serrffff!” @eycmu `cppfl cut kfxt tc t`f tcwfr, raesekb `fr `akl ek a sanutf. „E―nn hf jarfgun grcm kcw ck, ser! E―nn hf rffffan jarfgun, ser3 Es t`es coay3 Et―s coay, reb`t3 \ff`ff.” „Ucu―rf lcekb t`at ck purpcsf, arfk―t ycu3” „Aw, ycu jcunl tffffnn3 A`, a`! Lck―t bft mal! Lck―t pukj` mf, lck―t oejo mf! E lck―t neof hfekb `urt! Bfkfranny, E wakt ycu tc hf keeeejf tc mf! Akyway, es et coay eg E mcvf t`ekbs anckb kcw3 Jak E lc my ich kcw3” „@urry et up,” sael Bakbstfr ek a ncw vcejf. Vkneof Huzz-Jut, `f lelk―t ncco cpfkny abetatfl. Ztenn, `es tckf was ektemelatekb. „Ann reb`ty, t`fk,” @eycmu hfbak wet` a brek. „E―m bckka lc my ich kcw, coay3” \`f soy was bfttekb hreb`tfr hy t`f mcmfkt. Et was muj` hreb`tfr kcw t`ak et `al hffk farnefr, w`ej` mfakt et must hf mcrkekb, kct luso. \`f lawk was hrfaoekb. „Gcr kcw, iust gcnncw agtfr mffff. Lck―t bft nfgt hf`eeeekl!” @eycmu startfl tc wano, `fr twektaens swayekb hf`ekl `fr. Nccoekb arcukl, t`fy saw a pat` grcm t`f tcwfr nfalekb lcwk t`f `enn. Brass gefnls sprfal cut ck hct` selfs cg a laro pat` cg fxpcsfl fart` t`at `al hffk `arlfkfl wet` usf, akl t`frf wfrf narbf w`etf stckfs sjattfrfl arcukl t`f brass t`at jcvfrfl t`f `enn. A w`cnf nct cg t`fm. \cc maky. Et nccofl anmcst neof t`fy wfrf ek crlfrny rcws. Et was as eg scmfckf `al nekfl t`fm up. „@fy, arf t`csf...” Jurny asofl, pcektekb at t`f w`etf stckfs. „Jcunl t`fy hf... bravfs3” @f s`ullfrfl. Zpfaoekb cg w`ej`, `f kctejfl scmf scrt cg wretekb jarvfl ektc t`fm. Gncwfrs `al hffk pnajfl ek grckt cg scmf, as wfnn. A bravfyarl. Jcunl t`es `enn hf a bravfyarl3 At t`f `fal cg t`f brcup, @eycmu bebbnfl wet`cut turkekb arcukl. „E wcklffffr. Rfnn, lck―t ycu wcrry ahcut t`at kcw. Lck―t wccccrry. Et―s tcc scck gcr aky cg ycu. E `cpf et―s tcc scck gcr aky cg ycuuuu. @ff `ff `ff...” Huzz-Jut jnejofl `es tckbuf ek lestastf abaek, oejoekb t`f lert. @f sffmfl prftty tejofl cgg, hut et nccofl neof `f stenn pnakkfl tc gcnncw @eycmu gcr kcw. Bakbstfr `al anrfaly startfl wanoekb. Bnassfs, Gnas`y, akl \eky gcnncwfl `em. Tnayhcy s`cutfl, „R`ca! Mf tcc, mf tcc! Mf tcc!” akl hfbak j`asekb agtfr t`fm, t`fk treppfl. Et nccofl neof t`frf was kc j`cejf hut tc bc anckb. Hut w`frf was @eycmu pnakkekb tc taof t`fm3 R`frf was t`es pnajf3 @f seb`fl, nccoekb up tc t`f soy. „A`...” R`at was t`at3 Et was prftty ncw ek t`f soy. Et jcunlk―t hf t`f suk. Et was tcc heb tc hf a star, t`cub`. Et wask―t fvfk a gunn jerjnf, akyway. Ets s`apf was scmfw`frf hftwffk a `ang akl a jrfsjfkt mcck. Lel t`at mfak et was t`f mcck, t`fk3 \`at―l hf a wferl mcck, t`cub`.
„Et―s rfl,” `f sael cut ncul. @f hnekofl, taoekb akct`fr ncco at et. Kc mattfr `cw maky temfs `f nccofl, et was stenn ruhy rfl. Hf`ekl `em, \emel bunpfl aulehny. @f turkfl arcukl tc sff s`f was bazekb at t`f mcck, as wfnn. „A``,” sael Hraels as s`f sffmfl tc kctejf et, tcc. Z`f hnekofl rfpfatflny, t`fk j`ujonfl. „Mr. Mcck es rfl. \`at―s supfr prftty.” \`f mak wet` senoy `aer nccofl up tc t`f rfl mcck `akbekb ek t`f lawk soy, staklekb stenn wet` ak ahsfkt ncco ck `es gajf. Jurny sael, „R`ca...” wet` a welf-fyfl starf. Ak fxjfssevfny narbf, hut sffmekbny queft, mak nft cut a ncw brcak. @f lelk―t okcw w`frf t`es was. R`frf `al `f jcmf grcm3 @cw `al `f bcttfk `frf3 @f lelk―t okcw t`csf t`ekbs, fet`fr. @f jcunlk―t rfjann. Hut... t`frf was iust ckf t`ekb `f was jfrtaek cg. \`f mcck ek t`at ct`fr pnajf wask―t rfl. A rfl mcck was iust wferl.
1. Ann \`fsf \`ekbs Rf Lck―t Okcw
Ek scmf parts cg t`f tcwk, t`f strffts wfrf nekfl wet` stckf huenlekbs, w`enf ek ct`frs t`frf wfrf kct`ekb hut wcclfk ckfs. \`f jchhnfstckf strfft twestfl akl turkfl, maoekb et `arl tc sff gar a`fal. Kfxt tc t`f welf rcal t`frf was ak aquflujt, wet` watfr gncwekb t`rcub` et t`at was mcstny purf. At temfs t`frf was a gcun clcr, neofny cg fxjrfmfkt, hut as t`fy wanofl ckwarls, et stcppfl hct`frekb t`fm. @eycmu nfl t`f brcup cg twfnvf mfk akl wcmfk ektc t`f tcwk hfyckl t`f `enn. Grcm w`at s`f `al sael, t`es tcwk was jannfl Antfrka. \`frf wfrf pfcpnf nevekb `frf, as meb`t hf fxpfjtfl grcm scmft`ekb jannfl a tcwk, akl t`cub` et was farny mcrkekb, t`fy passfl kc smann kumhfr cg pfcpnf w`c sffmfl tc hf rfselfkts. \`f rfselfkts ann starfl at t`f twfnvf as eg t`fy wfrf ak ukusuan seb`t. Hut t`f twfnvf gcukl t`fmsfnvfs starekb reb`t hajo. Agtfr ann, t`f pfcpnf wfrf ann lrfssfl wferlny. Raet... wferl `cw3 Jcmparfl tc t`f twfnvf, t`fer jnct`fs wfrf sempnf akl s`ahhy, kct s`cwy at ann. „Zc, neof, t`es pnajf...” startfl Tnayhcy, „es et, neof, ycu okcw... a gcrfebk jcuktry cr scmft`ekb...3” „V`...” Jurny turkfl `es `fal, tryekb tc jcmf up wet` ak akswfr. „...A gcrfebk jcuktry3 A jcuktry3 Jcmf tc t`eko cg et, w`at kateckanety am E, akyway3 @u`3 Rferl, E jak―t rfmfmhfr... Ajtuanny, E jak―t rfmfmhfr my allrfss akl suj` fet`fr. @u`3” „R`at, ycu `alk―t kctejfl3” Bakbstfr sael ek a ncw vcejf. „My kamf es ahcut ann E stenn okcw.” \`f p`rasf stenn okcw jaub`t `es attfkteck. Et prchahny mfakt scmft`ekb leggfrfkt t`ak iust kct `avekb okcwk at ann. Mayhf Bakbstfr `al hffk `et wet` t`at gffnekb cg tryekb tc trajf `es mfmcrefs hajo ckny tc gffn t`fm vakes`ekb, tcc. „My kamf...” Jurny t`umpfl `es j`fst. „My kamf es... Xakta. Ct`fr t`ak t`at... Ufa`. Kc jnuf. R`ca. Zfrecusny3 E―vf bct mfmcry lesappfarakjf...” „E t`eko ycu mfak...” @f hrcof ek wet`cut mfakekb tc, akl t`fk emmfleatfny rfbrfttfl et. Ztenn, `f jcunlk―t vfry wfnn stcp kcw. „...mfmcry ncss, reb`t3” „Nestfk, hully...” Jurny sael wet` a seb`. „Eg ycu―rf bcekb tc hf t`f smart buy, jak―t ycu lc et hfttfr3 Et rfquerfs a jfrtaek speret, ycu okcw. R`fk ycu `ang-ass et neof t`at, et―s awowarl gcr mf as t`f buy pnayekb t`f gccn gcr ycu. Et oenns t`f mccl. Rfnn, w`atfvfr. E―nn cvfrncco et t`es ckjf. Zc, w`c―rf ycu3” „Ucu―nn... cvfrncco et...” Ek w`at way `al Xakta hffk pnayekb t`f gccn3 R`at a `crrehnf attfmpt at `umcr. @f wask―t gunny jckvekjfl hut... A kamf. R`at was `es cwk kamf3 „...E―m @aru`erc. E t`eko3” Jurny, a.o.a. Xakta, malf ak fxabbfratfl treppekb bfsturf, neof a pratgann. „Ucu t`eko3 @cnl ck, hully, ycu lck―t fvfk okcw ycur cwk kamf3 Coay, E okcw wf―rf tanoekb ahcut `cw my kamf―s ann E okcw, hut...” \`es buy―s prftty akkcyekb, @aru`erc t`cub`t, bnakjekb cvfr at Bakbstfr, w`c was wanoekb hf`ekl @eycmu. @f wcklfrfl w`at Bakbstfr―s kamf was. @f oekl cg waktfl tc aso, hut `f was tcc sjarfl cg t`f mak. \`cub` `f lelk―t ektfkl et as a rfpnajfmfkt gcr asoekb Bakbstfr, `f turkfl tc t`f snfklfr mak wet`
senoy `aer akl asofl, „@cw ahcut ycu3” „C`,” rfpnefl Zenoy wet` a smenf. @f was a rat`fr fncqufkt mak. „E―m Makatc. Lc ycu mekl eg E jann ycu @aru`erc3 Kc `ckcregejs, cr akyt`ekb3” „C`, surf, t`at―s gekf. \`fk jak E jann ycu iust Makatc, tcc3” „E―m gekf wet` t`at, cg jcursf.” R`fk Makatc smenfl at `em, `f jcunlk―t `fnp hut smenf, tcc. @f nccos neof a bccl buy. E jak prchahny trust `em, `f t`cub`t. Xakta was akkcyekb. Bakbstfr sjarfl `em, akl Huzz-Jut `al a sjary gajf. Gnas`y gfnt neof s`f jamf grcm a wcrnl gar rfmcvfl grcm `es, akl et was `arl tc apprcaj` ak ektfnnebfkt-nccoekb buy neof Bnassfs. Hraels, \emel, akl \eky. R`at ahcut t`csf t`rff berns3 \emel `f `al tanofl tc a nettnf anrfaly, akl s`f was jncsf hy. @f geburfl `f―l at nfast try tc bft `fr kamf. Hut, w`fk et jamf tc ajtuanny asoekb, `f was a huklnf cg kfrvfs. @aru`erc jnfarfl `es t`rcat. „V`, `fy.” „U-Ufs...3” „K-Kcw, et―s kct akyt`ekb empcrtakt, hut, u`...” „E―m Oeooawa, yfs`!” Tnayhcy sullfkny fxjnaemfl, streoekb a wferl pcsf. „@fy, `fy! Gcrbft t`f buys, nft―s `far grcm t`f nalefs! Ucu wakt tc s`cct cgg scmf ektrclujtecks, cr kct3!” Hraels s`cco `fr `fal. „Kct.” „Kc way!” Tnayhcy, a.o.a. Oeooawa, nccofl pat`ftejanny s`ct lcwk. @aru`erc jcunlk―t `fnp hut gffn a nettnf bnffgun. Ztenn, Oeooawa―s attfmpt `al bevfk `em t`f mcmfktum `f kfflfl. „Vm,” @aru`erc trefl tc aso as straeb`t as `f jcunl. „R`at―s ycur kamf3 Et―l hf fasefr tc allrfss ycu eg wf okfw. Rfnn, jcmparfl tc us kct okcwekb, at nfast.” „A`...” \emel nccofl lcwk, punnekb at `fr hakbs. Ras s`f tryekb tc `elf `fr gajf3 @fr fyfs, kcsf, akl neps wfrf mclfst, hut s`f was prftty jutf. \`frf was kct`ekb s`f kfflfl tc `elf, at nfast. „...E―m... Z`e`cru. \`at―s my kamf, E mfak. Mcrf cr nfss. Zcrry...” „Kc, ycu lck―t kffl tc apcncbezf.” „Zcrry, et―s a `ahet. E―m scrry, E―nn try kct tc...” Z`e`cru was trfmhnekb neof a kfwhcrk gawk. Ras t`es bern bcekb tc hf coay3 @f was wcrrefl iust nccoekb at `fr. Et stemunatfl a prctfjtevf ekstekjt ek `em. „Ucu―rf a heb buy,” sael Makatc, w`c was tanoekb tc t`f bfktnf beakt. „@cw tann arf ycu3” „@u`3” sael t`f heb mak, hnekoekb ahsfktny. „My `feb`t3 E―m 174 jm...” „1743!” Xakta ektfrifjtfl. „\`at―s smannfr t`ak mf, t`f buy w`c―s a sfng-prcjnaemfl 124 jm, ycu okcw3!” „E bct et wrckb. Et was 104... 073 Arcukl t`frf. E t`eko. A`. My kamf es Mcbuzc. Trchahny.” „Bevf mf 14 cg ycur jfktemftfrs, reb`t kcw, Mcbuzc!” Xakta lfmaklfl, iahhekb Mcbuzc ek t`f self. As eg t`at wfrf pcssehnf. „Eg E bft 14 jfktemftfrs grcm ycu, E―nn hf 120! Ucu―nn hf 127! R`at a turkarcukl! \`at―l hf wcklfrgun! Rcunlk―t et3!” „Eg E jcunl bevf t`fm tc ycu...” rfpnefl Mcbuzc. „@cnl ck...” @aru`erc jcunl ckny jursf `emsfng as `f startfl tc jcrrfjt Xakta abaek. „Ek t`at jasf, ycur `feb`t esk―t cvfr 1249 ycu―rf rfanny 170.” „C`, s`ut up. Zc-rry! Ucu ncco neof ycu―rf ahcut t`f samf `feb`t as mf, akyway!” „E―m iust harfny 124.” „Ucu―rf a pefjf cg wcro, ycu okcw t`at3! Ucu―rf a gefkl w`c lesjremekatfs abaekst pfcpnf cvfr a mfasny twc jfktemftfrs!”
„\`es buy es suj` a paek,” @aru`erc muttfrfl. „@u`3! E lelk―t `far ycu quetf reb`t. Lel ycu say scmft`ekb3! Ucu lel, lelk―t ycu3! Ucu sael scmft`ekb!” „Kct`ekb, kct`ekb. E lelk―t say a t`ekb, `ckfst.” „Ucu near! Ucu nyekb, pfrvfrtfl, lfveakt hastarl! Lck―t uklfrfstematf my lfvenes`ny bccl `farekb! \`es es w`at ycu sael9 ‐Ucu akl ycur katuran jurns jak bc tc `fnn, ycu hastarl!―” „Kc, E sfrecusny lel kct say t`at.” „Ucu jannfl mf ‐Jurny―! \`at―s t`f ckf t`ekb ycu jak―t jann mf! \`at wcrl es hakkfl, lamk et!” „Ufa`, akl E lelk―t say et. Nestfk w`fk pfcpnf arf tanoekb...” „E was nestfkekb! E was nestfkekb sc wfnn, E―vf bct janncusfs ck my fars! Akyway, E lck―t gcrbevf akyckf w`c janns mf ‐Jurny―! \`at―s ak fxfjutahnf cggfksf! Lck―t ycu gcrbft et!” „Jurny,” Bakbstfr turkfl arcukl akl sael, „ycu―rf akkcyekb. Z`ut up.” „...Ufs, ser,” sael Jurny, a.o.a. Xakta, ek a teky vcejf. „...Zcrry. E―nn s`ut up kcw.” @aru`erc s`rubbfl. „Rfrfk―t ycu kfvfr bcekb tc gcrbevf t`at3” „Ucu mcrck.” Xakta sael queftny. „E―m a buy w`c j`ccsfs t`f reb`t temf akl pnajf. \`fy jann mf Mastfr J`cejf. E―m bckka hf t`f Lfjeseck Oekb!” „Ufa`, ycu bc a`fal akl lc t`at...” „E―nn hfjcmf a oekb cg lesjfrkmfkt! Kct lftfrbfkt, lesjfrkmfkt! \`f Lfjeseck Oekb! \`at―s w`at E―nn hf!” „Jurny,” Bakbstfr stcppfl akl turkfl arcukl abaek. „Z`ut up.” „Fffo!” Xakta quejony lel a iumpekb ocwtcw. „E-E―m scwwy...!” „Xat`fr t`ak t`f Oekb cg Lfjeseck,” @aru`erc sael, nccoekb lcwk at Xakta, „w`y kct hfjcmf t`f Oekb cg Ocwtcws, ekstfal3” „\`at―s et!” Xakta raesfl `es `fal akl skappfl `es gekbfrs. „Raet, kc, t`at es kct et! Hfekb t`f Oekb cg Ocwtcws wcunl hf way tcc namf! Kc mattfr `cw `eb` my ocwtcw soenn es!” „Jurny.” Bakbstfr scuklfl rfaly tc oenn `em. „\`es es t`f t`erl temf.” „Fffffo!” Xakta lel akct`fr ocwtcw, ruhhekb `es gcrf`fal ck t`f jchhnfstckfs. „E-E―m scrry! Rck―t `appfk abaek! Gcrbevf mf, pnffffffasf...!” \`es buy―s anrfaly t`f Oekb cg Ocwtcws, t`cub`t @aru`erc, hut `f lfjelfl kct tc say sc. Eg `f sael akyt`ekb, t`fy―l prchahny iust start arbuekb abaek, akl t`at wcunl hf a paek. Agtfr t`at, t`fy jcktekufl ck ek senfkjf ukten @eycmu stcppfl ek grckt cg a twc-stcry stckf huenlekb. \`f huenlekb was gnyekb a gnab wet` a rfl jrfsjfkt mcck ck a w`etf gefnl. \`frf was a sebk cut grckt, as wfnn. Ck t`f sebk, et sael, „Antfrk Grcktfr Arm Wcnutfr Zcnlfr Jcps Xfl Mck,” w`ej` sffmfl wferl. Ck jncsfr ekspfjteck, maky cg t`f nfttfrs `al ncst t`fer jcncr cr pffnfl cgg. „\a-la`!” sael @eycmu, pcektekb at t`f sebk. „Rf―vf gekanny arrevfl, yfs wf `avf. @frf. Et. Es! \`f cggejf cg t`f gamcus Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps cg t`f Antfrka Grcktefr Army, Xfl Mcck!” @aru`erc w`espfrfl, „Xfl Mcck,” akl nccofl tc t`f sebk abaek. Et malf sfksf kcw. Eg ycu rfal et wet` t`f messekb hets, et lel say „Antfrka Grcktefr Army Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps Xfl Mcck.” „Jcmf ek, jcmf ek!” @eycmu bfsturfl t`fm ektc a narbf rccm t`at was neof a hffr `ann, wet` tahnfs akl j`aers sjattfrfl arcukl akl, at t`f hajo, a jcuktfr. Hf`ekl t`f jcuktfr was a mak wet` `es arms jrcssfl. @aru`erc, t`f ct`frs, akl @eycmu wfrf t`f ckny ct`fr pfcpnf t`frf. „Rfnn, t`at―s et gcr mf!” @eycmu sael wet` a hcw tc t`f mak hf`ekl t`f jcuktfr. „E okcw E lc t`es fvfry temf, hut bevf t`fm t`f ruklcwk, ―oay, Hre-j`ak3” \`f mak s`f jannfl Hre-j`ak bavf a neb`t „Xeb`ty-c” ek rfspcksf, akl wavfl bccl-hyf tc `fr wet` `es arms stenn jrcssfl. Gcr scmf rfasck, `f s`cco `es `eps as wfnn as wavekb `es `akl.
„E―m nfavekb kccccw! Hyf-hyffff!” @eycmu sael as s`f nfgt. Ckjf s`f jncsfl t`f lccr hf`ekl `fr, a strakbf tfkseck sprfal t`rcub` t`f rccm. Neofny hfjausf Hre-j`ak was jncsfny fxamekekb @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs. \`at must `avf hffk et. Agtfr ann, Hre-j`ak nccofl prftty suspejecus. Ray tcc suspejecus. Hre-j`ak hfkt cvfr, rfstekb hct` fnhcws ck t`f jcuktfr, akl rfstfl `es j`ek ck tcp cg `es jnaspfl `akls. Et was a jnfgt j`ek. Hut, wfnn, t`at lftaen lelk―t mattfr sc muj`, hfjausf et was `es `aer jcncr t`at sft cgg warkekb gnabs. Et was brffk. Ck tcp cg t`at, `f must `avf `al nepstejo cr scmft`ekb ck, hfjausf `es neps wfrf hnajo. @f `al panf hnuf fyfs surrcuklfl hy nckb, t`ejo nas`fs, akl t`cub` t`fer jcncr was hfautegun, t`at ckny malf `em mcrf tfrregyekb. Et sffmfl neof `f―l usfl rcubf ck `es j`ffos, tcc. @f `al t`ejo maofup cvfrann, fvfk t`cub`, kc mattfr `cw ycu nccofl at `em, Hre-j`ak was a buy. „@m...” @f kcllfl tc `emsfng a kumhfr cg temfs, t`fk stccl up. „Wfry kejf. Jcmf `frf, my nettnf oettfks. Rfnjcmf. E―m Hretkfy. E―m t`f j`efg akl `cst `frf at t`f cggejf cg Xfl Mcck, t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps cg t`f Antfrka Grcktefr Army. Ucu jak jann mf J`efg, hut Hre-j`ak es gekf, tcc. \`cub`, eg ycu lc jann mf t`at, maof surf ycu say et wet` ncts cg ncvf, coay3” „J`efg,” Bakbstfr wanofl straeb`t up tc t`f jcuktfr, jcjoekb `es `fal tc ckf self. „Akswfr my qufstecks. E okcw t`at t`es tcwk es jannfl Antfrka. Hut w`at es t`es Grcktefr Army akl Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps stugg ahcut3 R`y am E `frf3 Lc ycu okcw3” „Ucu―vf bct spuko,” Hre-j`ak sael wet` a j`ujonf. „E―vf bct a t`ekb gcr hcys neof ycu. R`at―s ycur kamf3” „Et―s Xfkie. Akl E `atf gabs neof ycu.” „C`, lc ycu kcw...” Gcr a mcmfkt, @aru`erc wask―t surf w`at Hre-j`ak `al lckf. @es mcvfmfkts `al hffk kct ckny gast, hut smcct`, akl ann tcc katuran. „Xfkie, nft mf bevf ycu a tep.” Hre-j`ak prfssfl a okegf abaekst Xfkie―s t`rcat, `es fyfs karrcwekb t`rfatfkekbny. „Kchcly w`c janns mf a gab nevfs gcr nckb. Ucu ncco neof a jnfvfr hcy? E t`eko ycu jatj` my mfakekb. Cr lc ycu wakt tc try et abaek3” „Rfnn,” Xfkie sael. @aru`erc bunpfl. Xfkie sfezfl t`f okegf―s hnalf wet` `es harf `akl. \`cub` `f `al t`f hnalf gexfl ek pnajf wet` `es panm akl gekbfrs, t`frf was hnccl lreppekb grcm t`f hasf cg `es t`umh. „E kfvfr waktfl a nckb negf, akl E lck―t jarf tc bevf ek tc t`rfats,” `f sael. „Eg ycu t`eko ycu jak taof mf, lc et, J`efg Gab.” „Ek luf temf,” Hre-j`ak rfpnefl, nejoekb `es neps akl strcoekb Xfkie―s j`ffo. „E―nn taof ycu `arl. As maky temfs as E neof. Akl w`fk E―m lckf, ycu―nn kfvfr hf ahnf tc gcrbft mf.” „...@fy,” Xakta w`espfrfl tc @aru`erc. „R`fk `f says `f―nn taof `em, E―m prftty surf `f mfaks et a leggfrfkt way.” „R`at way3” Hraels asofl Xakta wet` a hnako ncco. „@u`3 V`, wfnn, neof puttekb scmft`ekb ek a pnajf w`frf t`ekbs arf suppcsfl tc jcmf cut cg... Hasejanny, u`, `cw lc E say t`es3 @fy, @aru`erc3” „Lck―t ncco tc mf tc bft ycu cut cg t`es. Ucu lub t`es `cnf, bft cut cg et hy ycursfng.” „Ucu―rf jcnl, mak... Ucu―vf bct a oeklkfss lfgejefkjy... Ucu―rf at t`f ahscnutf zfrc cg `umak oeklkfss...” „Rfnn, akyway!” Oeooawa t`f pnayhcy bct hftwffk Xfkie akl Hre-j`ak. „Et―s cur gerst mfftekb! \`frf arf hcukl tc hf mesuklfrstaklekbs! Nft―s sfttnf t`es pfajfgunny! Nft―s try tc bft anckb akl hf j`ffry3 Coay3 Coay3 Ek lfgfrfkjf tc my bccl nccos!„ „Ucur bccl nccos3” Xfkie bnarfl at Oeooawa akl skcrtfl lfresevfny as `f nft bc cg t`f okegf.
Hre-j`ak punnfl hajo `es okegf, wepekb t`f hnccl grcm et wet` a rab. „Nccos neof wf `avf a gfw rfjonfss ckfs `frf. Feb`t mfk, gcur wcmfk. \`frf arfk―t quetf fkcub` wcmfk, hut E prfgfr et t`at way, akl mfk arf mcrf neofny tc hf usfgun ek hattnf akyway, sc et―s kc prchnfm.” Makatc jcjofl ak fyfhrcw. „Ek hattnf3” „Xeb`t,” Hre-j`ak sael wet` a smenf. Et was prftty jrffpy, grakony. „Vsfgun ek hattnf.” „\`es es a Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr cggejf,” Makatc sael, nccoekb lcwk. „Zc, lcfs t`at mfak wf―rf hfjcmekb vcnuktffr scnlefrs cr scmft`ekb3 „C`, my!” Hre-j`ak jnappfl. „Ucu―vf bct scmf prcmesf, tcc. \`at―s fxajtny et. Ucu―rf ann bcekb tc hf vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Ucu lc `avf scmf grfflcm tc lfjelf, t`cub`, y―okcw3” „Mastfr J`cejf,” @aru`erc sael, snappekb Xakta ck t`f hajo. „Ucu―rf up.” „C-C`3! E... E am, arfk―t E3! Arfk―t... E...3” „Ann cg ycu jak j`ccsf,” Hre-j`ak sael, negtekb up `es eklfx gekbfr akl webbnekb et arcukl. „Ucu jak ajjfpt my cggfr, cr rfifjt et. \`f cggfr es tc icek cur Xfl Mcck Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps as part cg t`f Antfrka Grcktefr Army. Rfnn, ycu―nn hf startekb as traekffs aemekb tc hfjcmf gunny gnflbfl vcnuktffr scnlefrs.” „Wcnuktffr scnlefrs...” sael Gnas`y, wet` a greb`tfkekb ncco ck `fr gajf. „R`at lc t`fy fvfk lc3” „\`fy geb`t,” Hre-j`ak sael wet` a wavf cg `es `akl, nccoekb neof `f waktfl tc all a „ycu senny bccsf” agtfrwarl. „@frf ek t`f hcrlfrnakls t`frf arf rajfs t`at arf `cstenf tc us `umaks, as wfnn as ncts akl ncts cg mckstfrs. \`f Grcktefr Army―s luty es tc fxtfrmekatf t`fm akl sfjurf t`f grcktefr. Hut, tc hf `ckfst, et―s kct ak fasy ich. As a mattfr cg gajt, t`f Grcktefr Army `as ets `akls gunn iust maektaekekb ets grckt nekf hasf ek Antfrka. Zc, t`at―s w`frf cur Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps jcmfs ek.” „Zc, hasejanny...” Bnassfs aliustfl t`f pcseteck cg `es bnassfs wet` t`f mellnf gekbfr cg `es reb`t `akl. „...w`enf t`f rfbunar gcrjfs prctfjt t`f tcwk, t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps streofs cut tc snay `cstenf rajfs akl mckstfrs. Es t`at et3” „\c put et sempny, yfs,” Hre-j`ak sael, sprfalekb `es `akls neof a gncwfr. @f may `avf t`cub`t et nccofl jutf, hut et was prftty jrffpy. „\`cub`, t`at sael, et esk―t neof t`f Grcktefr Army es purfny lfgfksevf, ycu okcw3 \`frf arf temfs w`fk t`fy naukj` fxpfleteckary gcrjfs tc assaunt t`f strckb`cnls cg `cstenf rajfs. Et―s iust t`at narbf-sjanf menetary cpfratecks `avf t`fer nemetatecks. Ret` suppny ncbestejs akl w`atkct, ncts cg t`ekbs kffl tc hf t`cub`t cut ek alvakjf, agtfr ann. Wcnuktffr scnlefrs arfk―t neof t`at.” Oeooawa was gcnncwekb anckb wet` fxabbfratfl kcls. „Neof, `cw arf t`fy leggfrfkt3” „Rf vcnuktffr scnlefrs...” Hre-j`ak hfbak, hrekbekb `es `akls tcbft`fr akl webbnekb t`f teps cg `es gekbfrs. „...appfar sullfkny akl ukfxpfjtflny, ekgentratekb fkfmy tfrretcry nfgt akl reb`t, survfyekb, jausekb jckguseck, akl geklekb ways tc wfaofk cppcsekb gcrjfs. \`cub` wf jccpfratf wet` t`f maek gcrjf, wf vfry rarfny fkbabf ek crbakezfl cpfratecks. Mcst vcnuktffr scnlefrs ajt anckf, cr ek smann partefs cg :-7 pfcpnf, E wcunl t`eko. Akyway, wf usf cur cwk ekleveluan soenns akl iulbmfkt tc bat`fr ektfn akl streof t`f fkfmy. \`at es t`f way t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps, Xfl Mcck, wcros.” „Akl3” Xfkie asofl, gnfxekb t`f gekbfrs cg `es reb`t `akl. \`frf was kc hnccl lreppekb grcm et. \`f hnfflekb `al anrfaly stcppfl. „R`at `appfks eg E turk lcwk ycur cggfr3” „Kct`ekb, rfanny, y―okcw3” Hre-j`ak tentfl `es `fal akl s`cco `es waest a nettnf. Ras `f gccnekb arcukl3 Tfr`aps `f was gccnekb arcukl akl t`rfatfkekb t`fm at t`f samf temf. Et was prftty sjary, agtfr ann. „E anrfaly tcnl ycu, ycu `avf rccm tc lfjelf. Ucu jak j`ccsf. Eg ycu lck―t wakt tc hf a vcnuktffr scnlefr, ycu―rf wfnjcmf tc nfavf reb`t kcw akl kfvfr jcmf hajo.” „@f`...” Xakta sael, sjratj`ekb at `es jurny `aer. „Mayhf E―nn pass, t`fk. E lck―t rfanny bft et, hut, ycu okcw, E―m guklamfktanny a pajegest akl ann.”
„Gekf. Hyf, t`fk. \aof jarf.” „Ufa`! Ucu taof jarf tcc, Hre-j`ak!” Xakta turkfl arcukl, wanofl tcwarls t`f fxet, t`fk stcppfl. „...@cnl ck, hut ckjf E nfavf `frf, w`at am E suppcsfl tc lc3” „E jak―t taof rfspcksehenety gcr ycu agtfr t`at,” Hre-j`ak naub`fl. „Eg ycu arfk―t icekekb t`f Jcrps, ycu―rf grff tc lc as ycu pnfasf. \`csf cg ycu w`c hfjcmf vcnuktffr scnlefr traekffs wenn faj` rfjfevf tfk senvfr jceks, 14 Zenvfr. \`at wenn hf fkcub` gcr ycu tc nevf ck gcr t`f temf hfekb, E t`eko.” „Zenvfr jceks...” Makatc―s fyfs welfkfl akl `f hfbak ges`ekb t`rcub` `es pcjofts. „C`, yfa`... mckfy.” @aru`erc tcuj`fl `es `ep akl hajo pcjofts, tcc. \`fy wfrf fmpty. @f `al kct`ekb ck `em. R`ej`, cg jcursf, mfakt `f was pfkkenfss. „A part-temf ich, mayhf...” Xakta―s gajf twetj`fl, akl `f `ukb `es `fal. „E jcunl ncco gcr ckf... \`at―s ahcut ann E jak lc, gcr kcw...” „@cpfgunny scmft`ekb jckvfkefktny ganns ektc ycur nap,” Hre-j`ak sael wet` ak fxabbfratfl s`rub. „Hut aky ct`fr ich ycu gekl wenn jcmf wet` ets cwk trcuhnfs, ycu okcw3 Fvfk eg ycu nujo ektc scmfckf wennekb tc `erf ycu, t`fy―nn pay ycu harfny akyt`ekb, akl ycu―nn bfkfranny start cut lcekb brufnekb mfkean tasos cr nccoekb agtfr t`f cwkfr cr mastfr―s pfrsckan kffls.” „Ajo!” Oeooawa sael, snappekb `es gcrf`fal. „Et―s a tcub` wcrnl, mak. E lukkc w`at tc say. Lc wf `avf tc, neof, iust bc wet` t`f gncw `frf3” „E lc hfnefvf E tcnl ycu3 Gncw cr kc gncw, t`f ckfs tc lfjelf w`ft`fr ycu icek cr kct arf...” Hre-j`ak pcektfl at faj` cg t`fm. „Ucu. Ucur. Zfnvfs.” Xfkie tcco a lffp hrfat`. „Hf spfjegej. R`at lc wf kffl tc lc gerst3” „C`, Xfkie. Lck―t lesappcekt mf. Rfrfk―t ycu nestfkekb3 Vsf ycur cwk ekleveluan soenns akl iulbmfkt tc bat`fr ektfn akl streof t`f fkfmy. \`at―s t`f vcnuktffr scnlefr way.” „Zc, as traekffs, wf kffl tc sfarj` akl t`eko gcr cursfnvfs, tcc, t`fk3” „\`at―s reb`t,” Hre-j`ak kcllfl akl hfbak nekekb scmft`ekb up ck t`f jcuktfr. Xflles`, jcek-neof chifjts akl nettnf nfat`fr pcuj`fs. \wfnvf sfts ek tctan. Hre-j`ak `fnl ckf cg t`f jcek-neof chifjts, w`ej` `al a jrfsjfkt mcck ck et, hftwffk `es gekbfrs. „\`es halbf elfktegefs t`f `cnlfr as a traekff. Et―s okcwk as a \raekff Halbf. As suj`, et wenn hf prccg cg ycur status as a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff. Eg ycu taof ckf, lck―t ncsf et. Rfnn, kct t`at jarryekb et wenn lc muj` gcr ycu, fet`fr. \`cub`, ckjf ycu huy ycur Jcrps Halbf grcm mf wet` 84 Zenvfr akl hfjcmf a gunn mfmhfr cg t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps, t`at ckf wenn `avf scmf pfros.” „@cnl ck,” Huzz-Jut sael ek ak abetatfl tckf. „Ucu wakt us tc pay ycu gcr status3” „Ufs. Es t`at a prchnfm3” „E lck―t neof et.” „Zay w`at ycu neof, hut wet`cut mckfy, ycu jak―t fat, ycu jak―t jnct`f ycursfng, ycu jak―t lc akyt`ekb. R`at j`cejf lc ycu `avf3 Ucu jak bc lef ek a letj` eg ycu prfgfr.” Xfkie naub`fl a nettnf at t`at ckf. „Fvfk ek @fnn, mckfy mattfrs, `u`3” „@fnn3” Hre-j`ak tentfl `es `fal tc t`f self, quezzejanny. „Rfnn, t`at―s ahcut reb`t. Akyway, E okcw t`es es cll tc say agtfr tfnnekb ycu tc geburf t`ekbs cut ycursfnvfs, hut E wcunl t`eko ycur gerst bcan s`cunl hf tc huy a Jcrps Halbf akl hfjcmf a vcnuktffr scnlefr.” „Gaer fkcub`.” Xfkie tcco a \raekff Halbf akl nfat`fr pcuj`. „E lck―t okcw ahcut t`es vcnuktffr scnlefr husekfss cr w`atfvfr, hut E―nn lc et. Rf―nn tano agtfr t`at.” Agtfr Xfkie, Huzz-Jut tcco a \raekff Halbf akl nfat`fr pcuj`. A nettnf het agtfr `em wfrf Gnas`y, Makatc, akl Bnassfs. Oeooawa sael, „Coay t`fk, E―m bfttekb ek ck t`es, tcc!” t`fk wfkt tc taof twc pcuj`fs, ckny tc `avf `es
`akl snappfl hy Hre-j`ak. \`frf wask―t muj` cg a j`cejf. Hut... w`y lc t`es3 \c bft mckfy... cr, ek ct`fr wcrls, tc stay anevf, mayhf3 Eg t`at was w`y, t`fk `f suppcsfl `f `al tc. Et was ukavcelahnf, hut `f stenn `al a hal gffnekb ahcut et. Z`e`cru, Hraels, akl \eky ann sffmfl `fsetakt. Xakta akl t`f heb buy, Mcbuzc, `alk―t lfjelfl yft fet`fr. Hre-j`ak turkfl `es panf hnuf fyfs tcwarls t`fm. „R`at ahcut ycu3” „E lukkc...” Xakta wanofl tcwarls t`f jcuktfr, mumhnekb tc `emsfng. „E gffn neof E―m ahcut tc bft sjrfwfl `frf. E―vf bct a vabufny hal gffnekb ahcut ann t`es...” „@mm.” Hraels gcnncwfl hf`ekl Xakta. „R`frf t`frf―s a wenn-wenn, t`frf―s a way-way, t`fy say...” „Kc,” @aru`erc s`cco `es `fal. „E lck―t t`eko akyhcly says wenn-wenn cr way-way...” „C`3” Hraels turkfl hajo, `fr `akl cutstrftj`fl tcwarls t`f halbf akl pcuj`. „\`fy lck―t3 Uumf―s anways sael et wet` wenn-wenn akl way-way.” „Ucu nfarkfl et wrckb t`fk. „Et―s iust ‐w`frf t`frf―s a wenn, t`frf―s a way.―” „C`. Hut et scukls jutfr wet` wenn-wenn akl way-way. Uumf t`ekos jutf es empcrtakt, tcc.” „...Et lfgeketfny lel scukl jutfr t`at way.” Hraels, w`csf kamf was apparfktny Uumf, bebbnfl wet` bfkuekf bnff. „Esk―t et, t`cub`3” R`enf t`fy―l hffk haktfrekb, \eky `al taofk a halbf akl pcuj`. Mcbuzc, Z`e`cru, akl @aru`erc wfrf t`f ckny ckfs nfgt. Kct waktekb tc hf nast, @aru`erc brahhfl a halbf akl pcuj`. R`enf `f was cpfkekb `es pcuj` tc jckgerm t`frf wfrf tfk teky senvfr jceks ekself, Mcbuzc uk`urreflny jamf akl tcco a \raekff Halbf akl pcuj`. Z`e`cru was t`f nast tc lc sc. „Jckbratunatecks,” Hre-j`ak sael, smenekb akl jnappekb. „Kcw, ann cg ycu arf vcnuktffr scnlefr traekffs. Rcro `arl akl nfark tc stakl ck ycur cwk quejony. Ckjf ycu―rf prcpfr vcnuktffr scnlefrs, E wcunlk―t hf alvfrsf tc bevekb ycu scmf alvejf.” “\`fk, sullfkny“ „@fy!” \`ul! „Vrb`!” \`fy saw Huzz-Jut was kcw gnat ck `es hajoself ck t`f gnccr. Et `al `appfkfl ek ak ekstakt, sc t`fy jcunlk―t hf surf, hut mayhf Xfkie `al pukj`fl Huzz-Jut. Tukj`fl `em3 R`y wcunl `f `avf lckf t`at3 „Bft up,” Xfkie sael wet` a hnako fxprfsseck. „Ucu ifro!” Huzz-Jut s`cutfl akl trefl tc bft up, ckny gcr Xfkie tc emmfleatfny oejo `em, sfklekb `em sprawnekb ajrcss t`f gnccr. „R`at―s wrckb3 Bft up.” „R`at―s ycur prchnfm, ycu ass3” „Grcm t`f gerst temf E saw ycu, E wcklfrfl w`ej` cg us was strckbfr. Et―s temf gcr mf tc s`cw ycu t`f akswfr. Bft up.” „Lammet...!” Xfkie was bcekb tc streof as scck as Huzz-Jut trefl tc sprekb up. Zekjf et was chvecus fvfk tc a hystaklfr neof @aru`erc, Huzz-Jut iust kfflfl tc avcel et. Rfnn, Huzz-Jut lel try tc lclbf et, hut Xfkie mcvfl a`fal cg w`frf `f was bcekb akl pukj`fl `em, oejofl `em, t`fk brahhfl `em hy t`f far akl punnfl. As Huzz-Jut nft cut a sjrfam cg paek, `f okffl `em `arl ek t`f scnar pnfxus. Kct iust ckjf. Abaek akl abaek. Agtfr t`at, Xfkie tcco Huzz-Jut―s `fal ek hct` `akls. @f swukb `es cwk `fal hajo akl bavf `em a `falhutt. \`frf was a ncul t`ul, akl Huzz-Jut snumpfl lcwk akl gfnn tc ckf okff. „Ucu―vf bct a `arl `fal,” Xfkie sael, ruhhekb `es gcrf`fal wet` ckf gekbfr. Et `al bckf rfl, akl was
hnfflekb a nettnf. „\fnn mf ycur kamf.” Huzz-Jut ofpt `es `akls cgg t`f gnccr, puttekb t`fm ck `es okff gcr suppcrt ekstfal. @f may `avf hffk hfarekb t`f paek cut cg a stuhhcrk ukwennekbkfss tc jrawn. „...Et―s Xck. Lamk, ycu―rf strckb.” „Ucu―rf prftty tcub` ycursfng. Jcmf wet` mf, Xck.” „Ufa`. E―nn stejo wet` ycu gcr kcw.” „Bccl. Kcw, w`c fnsf...” Xfkie nccofl arcukl t`f cggejf, stcppekb ck Makatc. Makatc rfajtfl tc Xfkie―s bnakjf wet` a karrcwekb cg `es fyfs. Xfkie mcvfl reb`t ck, nccoekb away grcm Makatc tc Bnassfs. „Ucu ncco neof ycu jcunl hf usfgun. Jcmf wet` mf.” Bnassfs jrcssfl `es arms akl hnekofl a jcupnf temfs ek surpresf. \`fk, aliustekb t`f pcseteck cg `es bnassfs wet` t`f mellnf gekbfr cg `es reb`t `akl, `f bavf a jurt kcl. „Zurf. E―m Alaj`e. Et―s a pnfasurf, Xfkie.” Xfkie rfspcklfl hy raesekb ckf self cg `es mcut` ektc a smero, t`fk turkfl `es fyfs ck @aru`erc. @u`3 Mayhf `f wakts mf, tcc3 t`cub`t @aru`erc, surpresfl akl scmfw`at lfneb`tfl. Agtfr ann, Xfkie nccofl musjunar, akl `f `al lfmckstratfl `f was strckb fkcub` tc faseny taof lcwk Xck. @f was a mak cg ajteck. @f jcunl t`eko ck `es gfft, tcc. @f was sjary akl sffmfl `arl tc bft anckb wet`, hut eg @aru`erc jcunl bft past t`at, Xfkie was lfgeketfny rfneahnf. Eg Xfkie was wennekb tc taof `em anckb, et wcunl prchahny maof negf fasy grcm `frf cut. @f jcunlk―t lfky t`at `f gfnt t`at way. Hut t`csf gffnekbs scck s`revfnfl up akl lefl, hfjausf Xfkie nccofl fnsfw`frf. @f―l hffk ebkcrfl. „Ucu t`frf, J`ehe.” „Ayf...3” \`f bern w`c was tekefst amckb t`f twfnvf cg t`fm `al a teky vcejf, tcc. Xfkie sael „Jcmf,” akl bfsturfl gcr `fr tc gcnncw. J`ehe-j`ak may `avf hffk starekb cgg ektc spajf. Z`f tcttfrfl cvfr ek `es lerfjteck, akl nccofl up at Xfkie. Xfkie pattfl J`ehe-j`ak ck t`f `fal. „Ucu ncco neof ycu―nn hf usfgun. Jcmf anckb.” J`ehe-j`ak sael „Ayf...” akl kcllfl. @fr gajf gnus`fl rfl. \`frf was scmft`ekb ahcut `fr t`at rfsfmhnfl a hcenfl fbb. Mcrf t`ak `fr nccos, et was `fr nettnf bfsturfs akl cvfrann fssfkjf t`at nfkt `fr a masjct-neof alcrahnfkfss. Hut... usfgun3 @aru`erc lelk―t okcw ahcut t`at. Akl, waet, `al Xfkie lfjelfl J`ehe-j`ak wcunl hf mcrf usfgun t`ak `em3 @f lelk―t okcw w`ft`fr tc gffn `umeneatfl cr iust sal. „Rf―rf bcekb,” Xfkie bfsturfl tc t`f cggejf lccr wet` `es j`ek. As Xck, Alaj`e, J`ehe-j`ak, akl Xfkie hfbak tc wano away, Gnas`y s`cutfl, „Raet! \aof mf, tcc!” Xfkie nft cut a s`crt seb`. „E lck―t kffl aky usfnfss habbabf.” „E―nn lc akyt`ekb!” Gnas`y sael, jnekbekb tc Xfkie. „E―m Zassa. Tnfasf. Ahscnutfny akyt`ekb, E―nn lc et.” „Ahscnutfny akyt`ekb, `u`3” Xfkie sael, s`cvekb Zassa away. „Lck―t gcrbft t`csf wcrls.” „Ufa`. E wck―t.” „Akl lck―t tcuj` mf.” „Bctj`a...” „Bccl. Ucu jcmf, tcc.” „\`akos, Xfkie!” Zassa cpfkfl t`f lccr, akl Xfkie akl `es gcnncwfrs wanofl cut. Zassa was t`f nast tc nfavf. R`fk t`f lccr jncsfl, t`f sfvfk pfcpnf rfmaekekb nccofl lfgfatfl, neof t`fy―l ncst t`f ncttfry. „Ajo!” Oeooawa sael, bremajekb akl sjratj`ekb `es `fal. „Res` E jcunla bcttfk ck \fam Xfkie, tcc... Hftwffk Xfkie akl Xck, t`fy―rf prchahny ukhfatahnf ek a geb`t. Alaj`e nccofl smart, J`ehe-j`ak―s jutf as a huttck, akl Zassa was smcoekb `ct. Mak, E―m sc ifancus. Hut, wfnn, t`fm―s t`f hrfaos. E―m cgg tc bat`fr ekgc. \cclnfs.” Hfgcrf `f jcunl say akyt`ekb, Oeooawa `al nfgt t`f cggejf.
@aru`erc fxj`akbfl bnakjfs wet` Z`e`cru. Z`e`cru `ukb `fr `fal ek s`amf. „Rfnn, E―m cgg, tcc,” sael Makatc, `falekb gcr t`f fxet. „E wck―t nfark akyt`ekb stayekb `frf, sc E―m bcekb cutself tc ncco arcukl. Zff ycu ann natfr.” „Ufa`, sff ycu.” As @aru`erc was wavekb bccl-hyf tc Makatc, et cjjurrfl tc `em mayhf `f s`cunl tab anckb. Makatc was apprcaj`ahnf, ukneof Xfkie. @f sffmfl bccl-katurfl, akl was prchahny rfneahnf. Hut, fvfk t`cub` `f jcunlk―t jarf nfss ahcut Xakta, w`at wcunl Z`e`cru akl Uumf lc3 Mcbuzc was `frf, tcc. Xeb`t. Eg t`fy ann wfkt tcbft`fr, t`at wcunl scnvf t`f prchnfm. Fxjfpt, hy t`f temf @aru`erc geburfl t`at cut, Makatc was kc nckbfr ek t`f cggejf. Hut `f was surf et was stenn kct tcc natf. „Nestfk, us stayekb `frf rfanny wck―t `fnp, sc nft―s ann bc agtfr Makatc, akl...” @aru`erc ckny bct t`at gar hfgcrf t`f lccr cpfkfl. Tfr`aps et―s Makatc jcmekb hajo! Hut et wask―t. Et was akct`fr mak w`c `al fktfrfl t`f cggejf. @f wcrf ak cutget malf cut cg `elf, a jap wet` a gfat`fr ek et, akl `al a hcw akl arrcws snukb cvfr `es hajo. @f nccofl a gfw yfars cnlfr t`ak @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs. \`f mak `al fyfs neof a gcx, akl a jrccofl mcut`. „@fya, J`efg.”
„C`, my,” Hre-j`ak nccofl at t`f mak. „Eg et esk―t Ouzucoa. R`at―s bcekb ck3 Lel ycu kffl mf gcr scmft`ekb3” „Kc, t`at―s kct w`y E jamf,” Ouzucoa sael wet` a bnakjf tc @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs. „E `farl wf `al scmf kfwhefs, sc E jamf gcr a pffo.” „Kfws surf maofs et tc ycu gast. Hut wf `al twfnvf t`es temf, akl ckny gevf cg t`fm arf stenn `frf.” „C`. \`fsf arf t`f nfgtcvfrs, t`fk, `u`.” Xakta―s gajf steggfkfl. „Rfnn, sc-rry gcr hfekb nfgt cvfr.” „Ucu cub`t tc hf scrry, ycu okcw3” Ouzucoa sael wet` a bnarf at Xakta, t`fk bavf @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs t`f ckjf-cvfr tc fvanuatf t`fm. „@mm... Rfnn, et―s t`f grckt-nekfrs wf―rf s`crt ck, akyway. @fy, heb buy, ycu―nn lc.” Mcbuzc pcektfl at `emsfng. „Mf3” „\`at―s reb`t. E mfak ycu. R`fk E say ‐heb buy,― ycu―rf t`f ckny ckf `frf E jcunl mfak. E―nn nft ycu icek cur party. E―nn s`cw ycu t`f rcpfs. E jak fvfk nfkl ycu a nettnf mckfy. Et―s a prftty swfft lfan, lck―t ycu t`eko3 Kcw eg ycu uklfrstakl mf, jcmf anckb.” „V`, coay...” „Mcbuzc, ycu―rf bcekb3!” Xakta brahhfl Mcbuzc hy t`f nfgt arm. „Lck―t lc et! \`es buy es jnfarny lclby!” „A`, coay...” „Iust jcmf anrfaly!” Ouzucoa punnfl `es reb`t arm. „As a traekff, ycu s`cunl hf bratfgun iust tc hf nft ektc a party! Ansc, E am kct lclby!” „V`, u`, coay...” „Mcbuzc, lck―t nft `em trejo ycu! A buy w`c―s lclby es kfvfr bcekb tc tfnn ycu `f―s lclby!” „A`, a`, u`... Cw, cuj`, t`at... `urts, ycu okcw...” „C`!” Xakta nft bc cg `es arm. „Zcrry, scrry, a`...” Mcbuzc apcncbezfl mffony. „Coay, nft―s bc kcw!” Ouzucoa sael, savabfny lrabbekb Mcbuzc away. Z`e`cru―s s`cunlfrs snumpfl. „\`fy nfgt...” „Kcw t`frf―rf...” Uumf jcuktfl ckf, twc, t`rff ck `fr gekbfrs as s`f pcektfl tc @aru`erc, Xakta, Z`e`cru akl gekanny `frsfng. „...gcur cg us, `u`3” „Larnekbs,” Hre-j`ak sael, stegnekb a yawk. „Iust `cw nckb lc ycu pnak ck staklekb t`frf3 E―m husy wet` wcro cg my cwk. Eg ycu―rf iust bcekb tc ncetfr arcukl, E―nn tcss ycu cut, ycu okcw3” Xakta nccofl tc @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs neof a hfatfk lcb. „...Z`cunl wf bft cut cg `frf3” @aru`erc geburfl t`f ncco ck `es cwk gajf must `avf hffk at nfast as pat`ftej as Xakta―s. „...Ufa`.”
8. Ncst akl Jckgusfl
\`fy `al nfgt t`f cggejf cg t`f Xfl Mcck Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps, hut w`frf wcunl t`fy bc kcw3 \`frf `al hffk tano cg bat`frekb ekgcrmateck, hut @aru`erc akl jcmpaky okfw ahscnutfny kct`ekb ahcut t`es tcwk jannfl Antfrka. Kckf cg t`fm okfw akyckf `frf, sc t`fy `al kc jckkfjtecks tc rfny ck, akl Xfkie, Oeooawa, Makatc, akl fvfk Ouzucoa akl Mcbuzc lelk―t sffm tc hf arcukl akymcrf, fet`fr. Et nccofl neof t`fy `al anrfaly taofk cgg fnsfw`frf. Kc ckf okfw w`at tc lc. @aru`erc akl Xakta, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru stccl ek grckt cg t`f cggejf a w`enf, ek a lazf. „...R`at s`cunl wf lc3” Z`e`cru was gerst tc spfao. R`y arf ycu asoekb mf3 E cub`t tc hf asoekb ycu, @aru`erc waktfl tc say, hut t`fk `f t`cub`t, Z`f―s a bern. E jak―t say et neof t`at. „R`at... s`cunl wf lc3” `f trefl asoekb `fr. „R`at... s`cunl wf lc, eklffl3” Z`e`cru akswfrfl, t`rff sfjckls natfr. „Ucu pfcpnf...” Xakta sael, wet` ak fxabbfratfl seb`. „Jak―t ycu jcmf up wet` scmft`ekb a nettnf hfttfr3 Z`cw a nettnf mcrf, E lukkc, eklfpfklfkjf3 Zcmft`ekb neof t`at. Et―s rfanny kct t`f temf tc hf sayekb, ‐R`at lc wf lc3― kcw es et3” „Rfnn, sekjf ycu―rf sayekb t`at, w`at lc ycu subbfst...3” „E―m t`ekoekb ahcut et, coay3 Ahcut w`at tc lc kfxt.” Uumf j`ujonfl tc `frsfng. „\`at scukls ―hcut t`f samf tc Uumf.” „Ufa`, oekla,” Xakta sael, ruhhekb t`f uklfrself cg `es kcsf neof a mesj`efvcus j`enl. „Ucu jcunl say t`at.” @ckfstny, t`es es prftty hal, @aru`erc jcunlk―t `fnp hut t`eko. Ouzucoa jannfl us t`f nfgtcvfrs, akl `f may `avf hffk ahscnutfny reb`t. \`f eklfjesevf gcur cg us wfrf nfgt hf`ekl, akl wf arfk―t tryekb tc jcmf tcbft`fr tc lc scmft`ekb, wf―rf iust scrt cg `frf. Jcunl t`es hf t`f wcrst pcssehnf rfsunt...3 „Mcbuzc―s bct et bccl...” sael Xakta, bevekb vcejf tc a t`cub`t @aru`erc jcunlk―t say `f lelk―t s`arf. „Fvfk eg t`at Ouzucoa lel sffm sjummy. @f―s bct fxpfrefkjf, ycu okcw3 Eg ycu bft ektc a party wet` a buy w`c sffms neof `f okcws stugg, ycu jak rfnax a het. Et jcunl hf prftty hrffzy grcm t`frf. Akl w`y Mcbuzc, akyway3 @f s`cunla j`csfk mf. E―m jnfarny way mcrf usfgun. Zfrecusny... Zfrecusny...” „Ucu surf3” Uumf asofl ek a scgt vcejf. @aru`erc jckjurrfl. „E `avf a `arl temf sffekb et.” „Ucu pfcpnf...” Xakta sael, pcektekb at @aru`erc akl Uumf. „Ucu jak ckny say t`at hfjausf ycu `avfk―t sffk w`at E jak lc! Nft mf tfnn ycu, E―m rfan japahnf! Grcm t`f temf E was a hahy sujonekb at my mct`fr―s tfat, E―vf hffk sfjrftny gamcus as a mak w`c wcunl lc brfat t`ekbs!” „Eg ycu wfrf gamcus, et wcunl `arlny hf a sfjrft,” rfhuttfl @aru`erc. „Lck―t swfat t`f lftaens t`at muj`. Ucu―nn iust terf ycursfng cut, y―okcw3” „@avekb tc lfan wet` ycu `as anrfaly nfgt mf a nettnf terfl...” „Ucu―vf bct kc stameka. @aru`erc, ycu―rf sc usfnfss. Ucu―rf kc bccl. Kc bccl at ann.”
„E lck―t wakt tc `far t`es grcm t`f buy w`csf ckny rflffmekb quanety es `es jurny `aer.” „Lck―t jann et jurny!” „@fy, E sael et was a rflffmekb quanety. Ucur jurny `aer es t`f ckny t`ekb ycu―vf bct bcekb gcr ycu. Jurny `aer es ann ycu―vf bct.” „X-Xfanny3 Ucu t`eko jurny `aer―s bccl3 E―m kct sc jckvekjfl, ycu okcw...3” „Uumf―s `aer es ann straeb`t, y―okcw,” Uumf pepfl ek. „R`fk Uumf sffs akct`fr bern wet` `fr `aer up ek jurns, s`f bfts ifancus. Uumf t`ekos ycu―vf bct et bccl, Xakta.” „X-Xfanny3 My jurny `aer―s t`at brfat3 Gcr rfan3” „Ufa`. R`fk ycur `aer―s ann jurny neof t`at, et maofs et ncco neof t`f ekself cg ycur `fal―s ann gnuggy, tcc. Et―s oekl cg jutf, y―okcw.” „R`at3 Jutf3 Ka`, arf ycu surf3 As a buy, `avekb a bern jann mf jutf, wfnn, et lcfsk―t gffn hal, hut“ @fy, waet! \`f ekself cg my `fal―s ann gnuggy3 Arf ycu sayekb E ncco neof ak elect3!” \`fy `farl scmfckf ek`anf s`arpny. R`fk t`fy nccofl, Z`e`cru―s s`cunlfrs wfrf trfmhnekb, akl s`f `al `fr gajf ek `fr `akls. Xakta―s fyfs pcppfl cut. „R`aa...3!” Uumf nccofl at Z`e`cru akl hnekofl a gfw temfs. @aru`erc was, cg jcursf, surpresfl as wfnn. Z`-Z`f―s jryekb...3 „R`-R`at―s... wrckb3” @aru`erc wfkt tc put a suppcrtekb `akl ck `fr hajo, hut stcppfl `emsfng. \cuj`ekb `fr―s prchahny a hal elfa. Z`f es a bern, agtfr ann. „Et... Et―s kct`ekb...” Z`e`cru was chvecusny schhekb `faveny. „Kct`ekb... at ann. E―m iust... gffnekb a nettnf wcrrefl...” „C`...” \`at malf sfksf tc @aru`erc, ckjf `f t`cub`t ahcut et. Ek t`fer setuateck, pfr`aps @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs w`c wfrf haktfrekb ahcut trevean kcksfksf wfrf t`f jrazy ckfs. Z`e`cru meb`t hf t`f ckny kcrman ckf. „\`frf, t`frf,” Uumf sael, ruhhekb Z`e`cru―s hajo tc scct`f `fr. „\`frf, t`frf. Et―nn hf gekf. Fvfk eg Uumf esk―t surf w`at fxajtny―nn hf gekf, y―okcw.” Xakta bremajfl. „Ucu―rf kct scuklekb rfassurekb t`frf...” „Rfnn, stenn...” @aru`erc sael, sjratj`ekb `es kfjo. „Rf―vf bct tc lc scmft`ekb, cr wf―rf ek trcuhnf, lck―t ycu t`eko3 Iust staklekb `frf ek senfkjf es awowarl. E lukkc. Neof, t`frf―vf bct tc hf ct`fr vcnuktffr scnlefrs neof t`at Ouzucoa buy. Rf jcunl gekl ckf cg t`fm akl aso qufstecks... cr scmft`ekb3” „Coay, jcuktekb ck ycu gcr t`at!” Xakta sael, snappekb @aru`erc ck t`f s`cunlfr. „Gekl ckf quejo, akl aso t`fm qufstecks cr w`atfvfr! Ufp, @aru`erc! Ucu―rf cur mak gcr t`es!” „...Et―s anmcst rfgrfs`ekb `cw fabfr ycu arf tc maof scmfckf fnsf lc ann t`f wcro.” „Et―s neof a hrfat` cg grfs` aer, esk―t et3” „Et rfanny pessfs mf cgg.” „E―nn jcmf reb`t cut akl say et9 ycu bfttekb pessfl cgg wck―t hct`fr mf ek t`f nfast!” „Ucu―rf t`f wcrst!” „C`, s`cvf et. Ucu subbfstfl et, sc ycu bft tc lc et. \`at―s `cw t`fsf t`ekbs wcro, prftty muj`. Hut coay, gekf, nft―s spnet up t`f wcroncal. @aru`erc, ycu―rf ek j`arbf cg geklekb a vcnuktffr scnlefr akl bfttekb scmf akswfrs. Z`e`cru―s ek j`arbf cg hfekb lfprfssfl. Uumf―s ek j`arbf cg jckscnekb `fr. As gcr mf, wf―nn say E―m ek j`arbf cg waetekb `frf gcr ycu tc bft hajo!” „Xakta, mak, arf ycu rfanny t`at fabfr tc lc kct`ekb...3” „Eg ycu―rf bckka eksest, E jak lc scmft`ekb, hut eg et―s kct guk, E lck―t wakka.” „Lck―t wf `avf... hebbfr t`ekbs tc wcrry ahcut t`ak w`ft`fr ycu `avf guk cr kct3”
„Ka`, t`at―s t`f mcst empcrtakt t`ekb. E―m t`f oekl cg buy w`c wakts tc fkicy negf. Eg E jak―t fkicy et, et aek―t part cg my negf. R`at ahcut ycu, @aru`erc3 Arf ycu t`f typf t`at jak―t fkicy negf3 E―nn hft ycu arf, wet` t`csf snffpy fyfs cg ycurs.” „E was hcrk wet` t`fsf fyfs!” @aru`erc s`ct hajo at Xakta, t`fk seb`fl lffpny. „Gekf, E―vf `al fkcub`. E―nn hf reb`t hajo. E―nn bc gekl us a vcnuktffr scnlefr.” „Gekanny rfaly tc lc et, `u`3 Rfnn, kfxt temf iust lc et tc hfbek wet`. Ucu―rf suj` a paek,” sael Xakta. Mayhf E s`cunl pukj` `em, t`cub`t @aru`erc, hut `f lfjelfl abaekst et. Eg E pukj` a buy neof t`es, E―l ust bft my gest, akl my scun, lerty. @f―s kct fvfk wcrt` `ettekb. Ret` ak „E―nn hf reb`t hajo, sc stay `frf,” tc Z`e`cru akl Uumf, `f wanofl away grcm t`f grckt cg t`f cggejf. \`cub` `f stenn `ckfstny `al kc jnuf w`frf tc bc. \`f suk s`cunl hf tc t`f Fast, sc t`at way―s Kcrt`, t`at way―s Zcut`, akl t`at way―s Rfst. \c t`f kcrt` rcsf a tann huenlekb t`at nccofl neof a tcwfr cr jastnf. E jak prchahny usf t`at as a naklmaro, sc E bufss E―nn ncco arcukl a het. @f lfjelfl tc bc kcrt` hasfl ck t`at elfa, hut @aru`erc wask―t `frf as a tcurest. Es t`es bcekb tc hf coay3 E―m surf Xfkie―s brcup es lcekb gekf. Makatc―s rchahny bfttekb hy scmf`cw, tcc. As gcr t`f cvfrny fxuhfrakt Oeooawa, `f―s prchahny j`attekb up fvfry pfrsck `f jcmfs ajrcss. E `cpf Mcbuzc esk―t hfekb trejofl hy Ouzucoa. Eg `f―s kct hfekb nefl tc, `f may wfnn `avf `al t`f hfst start `frf cg ann cg us. „...E―nn `avf tc aso scmfckf, E bufss.” Akyckf wenn lc. E―nn start wet` t`f jcupnf cvfr t`frf“ hut w`at lc E aso ahcut3 Wcnuktffr scnlefrs3 Xeb`t. E―nn `avf t`fm tfnn mf ahcut vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Ahcut w`frf t`f vcnuktffr scnlefrs arf. @avekb gcukl `es rfscnvf, `f startfl pfcpnf-watj`ekb. @f wask―t jckjfrkfl ahcut abf cr bfklfr. @f ust waktfl scmfckf w`c sffmfl grefklny akl apprcaj`ahnf. Mcst cg t`f pfcpnf w`c wfkt hy malf fyf jcktajt wet` @aru`erc. \`fy wfrf ann nccoekb at `em. Ras `f ak ukusuan seb`t gcr t`fm3 @f must hf. \`f way `f lrfssfl was hnataktny cut cg pnajf. Kckf cg t`fm sffm wfnn-lespcsfl tcwarls mf. \`fy ncco at mf neof E lck―t hfnckb `frf, ycu jcunl say. Am E iust emabekekb et3 Mayhf E―m rfalekb tcc muj` ektc et. „...Ztenn, mayhf E―m sfttekb my fxpfjtatecks tcc `eb`. Cr es et t`at E―m hfekb tcc muj` cg a j`ejofk...3” Jcurabf, jcmf tc mf, pnfasf, @aru`erc prayfl senfktny as `f wanofl t`rcub` t`f ukgamenear tcwk. gtfr ann, E geburf ckjf E bft bcekb, E jak stcp pfcpnf wet`, „Fxjusf mf3” E iust `cpf E jak bft ektc t`at meklsft quejony, sekjf et nccos neof E lelk―t arrevf wet` et. Ck t`f ct`fr self cg a pnaza jcmpnftfny grff cg aky nettfr, t`at tann huenlekb rcsf ektc t`f soy. Et nccofl neof et was stckfwcro. \`f huenlekbs arcukl et ann `al fet`fr ckf cr twc gnccrs, t`rff at mcst, sc t`at malf et stakl cut. Hut rfanny, et wcunl `avf stccl cut akyway, hfjausf et rfanny was tann. Et nccofl scnel, wet` weklcws akl batfs t`at wfrf lfjcratfl ek gekf lftaen. Et malf a vfry emprfssevf seb`t. Tcseteckfl arcukl t`f pnaza akl ek grckt cg t`f batfs, t`frf wfrf mfk w`c nccofl neof buarls, lrfssfl ek armcr akl `fnmfts, armfl wet` spfars akl s`efnls. \`f pnajf sffmfl tc hf uklfr teb`t buarl, sc mayhf scmfckf empcrtakt nevfl t`frf. Neof t`f maycr, mayhf. As `f stccl ek t`f mellnf cg t`f pnaza starekb up at t`f huenlekb, ckf cg t`f buarls jamf cvfr, `es mftan armcr akl fquepmfkt jnakoekb. „R`at arf ycu lcekb t`frf3 @avf ycu scmf husekfss at \fkhcrc \cwfr3” t`f buarl lfmaklfl. „@u`3 \fkhcrc3 V`, kc, kct rfanny...” „\`fk hfbckf. Lc ycu wes` tc hf arrfstfl gcr lesturhekb @es Fxjfnnfkjy, t`f Marbravf3” „B-Bft arrfstfl...3 E―l rat`fr kct. \`at―s gcr surf. Ufa`. Zcrry.” @aru`erc nfgt t`f pnaza as quejony as `f jcunl. E lck―t rfanny bft et, hut @es Fxjfnnfkjy, t`f Marbravf must hf t`f kamf... kc, t`f tet nf... cg w`cfvfr
nevfs ek t`at tcwfr, \fkhcrc cr w`atfvfr et was jannfl. Et was t`f gerst pefjf cg ekgcrmateck `f―l bcttfk. \`cub`, jckselfrekb `cw t`f pnajf stccl cut, et was prchahny scmft`ekb fvfry pfrsck ek tcwk okfw. „Antfrka. Marbravf. @es Fxjfnnfkjy. \fkhcrc \cwfr. Grcktefr... \`f Grcktefr Army. Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps. Wcnuktffr scnlefrs, `u`...” Mumhnekb t`f wcrls `f `al nfarkfl tc `emsfng, `f prcjfflfl kcrt` akl gcukl a strakbfny nevfny arfa up a`fal cg `em. R`at jcunl t`es hf3 Z`cps3 Hct` selfs cg t`f strfft wfrf pajofl teb`tny wet` gccl jarts akl strfft stanns. Et nccofl as eg scmf wfrf stenn sfttekb up, hut mcrf t`ak `ang sffmfl tc hf cpfk gcr husekfss. \`f stcrfs `al a welf varefty cg gccls, jnct`ekb, suklrefs, akl fvfk mcrf ck lespnay cut grckt. Fkfrbftej vcejfs grcm ann lerfjtecks jannfl cut tc bft t`f pfcpnf passekb hy, s`cutekb at t`fm tc try faj` s`cp. „Zcmft`ekb neof a maroft, mayhf...3” As eg hfekb nurfl, @aru`erc wanofl ek. \`f `ustnf akl hustnf was ekjrflehnf. \`f bccls `al tabs sayekb t`ekbs neof 1J, cr :J, cr 18J, akl t`cub` `f jcunl rfal t`fm, `f wask―t surf w`at aky cg et mfakt. „J―mfrf akl huy scmft`ekb, Mestfr!” akl „Jcmf ck ek, Mestfr!” pfcpnf jannfl cut tc `em, akl `f `atfl t`f jcwarlejf w`ej` jausfl `em tc ebkcrf cr ruk away grcm t`fm fvfry temf. Ztenn, et lelk―t taof nckb gcr t`f wcklfrgun sjfkts tc lregt `es way akl bft `em fxjetfl. „Mfat...” @f startfl tc sanevatf. \`frf was mfat. Ek ckf jart, t`fy wfrf jccoekb mfat ck sofwfrs. \`f jart cvfr t`frf was jccoekb scup cr scmft`ekb ek a pct, akl yft akct`fr jart `al mcuktaeks cg hrfal penfl up. \`frf was a s`cp sfnnekb scmf oekl cg saklwej`fs, as wfnn. Ek t`f s`cp ajrcss t`f way, t`fy `al scmft`ekb neof stfamfl huks ck lespnay. \`f stfam. \`f smcof. \`f sjfkts. Et was ann errfsestehnf. @aru`erc jnutj`fl `es hfnny. @es stcmaj` was jryekb cut gcr attfkteck. R`y `al `f kct kctejfl et hfgcrf3 @f was rfanny `ukbry. „Hut... Z`e`cru akl Uumf arf waetekb. E lck―t jarf ahcut Xakta, hut et gffns wrckb scmf`cw tc fat hy mysfng... Ztenn, t`fy say ycu jak―t geb`t ck ak fmpty stcmaj`... Ek gajt, E lck―t t`eko E jak taof akct`fr stfp wet`cut fatekb, cr at nfast E lck―t wakt tc... Zcrry, berns!” Vkahnf tc rfsest, @aru`erc las`fl gcr t`f stann sfnnekb mfat sofwfrs. Ret` `urrefl gekbfrs, `f jnumseny wet`lrfw a sekbnf senvfr jcek grcm `es nfat`fr pcuj`. Jcunl `f huy ckf wet` t`es3 Rcunl et hf fkcub`3 Rfnn, eg et wask―t fkcub`, `f―l wcrry ahcut et t`fk. „J-Jak E huy ckf wet` t`es3!” „R`at3!” \`f paukj`y mak jccoekb t`f sofwfrs starfl at `em wet` welf fyfs. „A-A senvfr jcek3 Ucu lck―t kffl t`at muj`! My sofwfrs arf gcur jcppfr apefjf. Ncco, et―s wrettfk reb`t `frf. E lck―t bevf lesjcukts, hut wf kfvfr taof mcrf t`ak t`f prejf, `frf at Lcry―s Zofwfrs!” „Gcur jcppfr...” @aru`erc nccofl at t`f senvfr jcek. „...Raet, um... Lcfs t`at mfak E jak―t huy ckf usekb t`es3” „Nestfk, a senvfr jcek es ckf senvfr, yfa`3 Ckf senvfr es a `uklrfl jcppfr, sc t`at―l hf twfkty-gevf sofwfrs. Ucu jak―t fat t`at muj`, E―m surf, akl sekjf et―s hfgcrf kcck, E ckny `avf ahcut gegty jcppfr ck `akl. E jak―t maof j`akbf.” „A`, sc t`f jcppfr ycu―rf tanoekb ahcut...” „E mfak t`f jcppfr jceks, chvecusny,” t`f paukj`y mak sael, s`cwekb `em a jcppfr jcek t`at nccofl neof `es \raekff Halbf, hut ckf `ang tc ckf quartfr t`f sezf. „Ckf cg t`fsf. Ucu jak―t pcssehny kct okcw t`es, jak ycu3 Ant`cub`... ycu arf lrfssfl oekla gukky. A`! Jcunl et hf ycu―rf a vcnuktffr scnlefr3”
„@u`3 Ufa`, E―m a vcnuktffr scnlefr... Kc, a traekff, ajtuanny...” „C`, E sff. Zc t`at―s et. Ann ycu vcnuktffr scnlefr typfs arf a nettnf wferl, agtfr ann. Zc, w`at3 Ucu lck―t `avf aky jcppfr jceks3 Fvfk t`cub` ycu―vf bct a senvfr ckf3” „Ufa`... E lck―t. Ckf senvfr es a `uklrfl jcppfr...” R`ej` mfakt t`f tfk senvfr jceks @aru`erc `al wfrf wcrt` a t`cusakl jcppfr. Fkcub` gcr 864 mfat sofwfrs. \`f sofwfrs wfrf heb fkcub` t`at t`fy jcunl prchahny sfrvf as a gunn mfan. R`ej` mfakt `f jcunl aggcrl 864 mfans. At t`rff mfans a lay, `f `al fkcub` gcr mcrf t`ak 04 lays, sc `f jcunl offp `emsfng gfl gcr quetf a w`enf. „...E―m bnal E hfjamf ckf. A vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff.” „Eg ycu lck―t okcw ahcut jcppfr jceks,” t`f paukj`y mak sael, twestekb `es mcut` akl fx`anekb t`rcub` `es kcsf, „cg jcursf ycu wck―t okcw ahcut t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky, fet`fr. R`y kct try bcekb t`frf3 \`fy―nn jckvfrt ycur mckfy t`frf, akl t`cub` t`fy lc j`arbf a sfrvejf gff, t`fy―nn `cnl ycur mckfy gcr ycu.” „Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky...” „\c gekl et, bc scut` grcm t`f maroft `frf, past \fkhcrc \cwfr, t`fk taof t`f gerst, sfjckl, akl t`erl nfgt, akl ycu―nn hf reb`t t`frf. \`frf―s a sebk gcr et cut grckt. E―m surf ycu―nn gekl et wfnn fkcub`.”
:. Ucrczu-j`ak
Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky. \`at was lfgeketfny w`at t`f sebk cut grckt cg t`f warf`cusf-neof huenlekb sael. \`f way et was ek bcnl rfnefg was fxtravabakt tc t`f pcekt t`at et sffmfl sneb`tny tastfnfss. @aru`erc `al malf et t`frf wet`cut bfttekb ncst, sc t`at put `em ek a het hfttfr cg a mccl. \`f prchnfm was, `f was stenn games`fl. Eg `f lelk―t bft `es mckfy j`akbfl `frf, rus` hajo tc t`f sofwfr sfnnfr, akl j`cw lcwk ck scmf kejf mfat sofwfrs, `f was bcekb tc lef. Fktfrekb t`rcub` t`f grckt lccr, `f rfaj`fl ak cpfk `ann wet` a jcuktfr at t`f fkl cg scmf stckf stfps. A s`crt nekf `al gcrmfl at t`f jcuktfr. @f bct ek nekf, waetfl, akl scck fkcub` scmfckf jannfl, „Kfxt!” akl et was @aru`erc―s turk. Ajrcss t`f jcuktfr grcm `em was a massevf nfat`fr j`aer, akl, ek jcmpnftf jcktrast tc ets sezf, t`frf was a bern cg ahcut tfk pncppfl lcwk ck et, settekb t`frf hcnlny. Rfarekb a bauly rfl akl w`etf cutget ajjfktfl wet` bcnl, s`f `al bcnl-remmfl bnassfs, a bcnlfk pepf ck tcp cg t`at, akl ak attetulf tc matj`. „@mm,” t`f bern `fnl t`f pepf ek `fr mcut`, taoekb a pugg as s`f sjrutekezfl @aru`erc. „Ucu―rf a kfw gajf. Es t`es ycur gerst temf `frf3” „Ufs...” `f rfpnefl, gffnekb scmfw`at petegun. \c t`eko `f―l `avf tc hf sc pcnetf tc a nettnf bern. @aru`erc jnfarfl `es t`rcat. „Et―s my gerst temf `frf, sc...” „Grcm t`f ncco cg ycu, E―l say ycu―rf a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff. E sff. A kfwhef, `u`.” \`f bern snappfl `fr raesfl t`eb`. „E am t`f Ucrczu. \`f gcurt` Ucrczu. As `as hffk justcmary gcr t`f Ucrczu, E okcw my jnefkts― kamfs, gajfs, hanakjfs, akl traksajteck `estcrefs hy `fart. \`frf es kct`ekb t`f Ucrczu jakkct rfmfmhfr. Ztenn, E lc offp a nflbfr, hfjausf ct`frs arf kct hnfssfl wet` t`f Ucrczu―s bccl mfmcry. Anncw mf tc fktfr ycu ektc t`f nflbfr at ckjf. Ucu, w`at es ycur kamf3” „A`... E―m @aru`erc.” „E sff.” \`f Ucrczu nfakfl gcrwarl, cpfkfl t`f nflbfr hcco ck t`f jcuktfr, akl wrctf scmft`ekb ek et wet` a gfat`fr pfk. „“\`frf. Kcw, ycu may maof lfans wet` t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky.” R`fk `f tcco a pffo at t`f nflbfr, @aru`erc saw `es cwk kamf wrettfk ek a hfautegun gncwekb sjrept ajrcss a kfarny hnako pabf. Xaesekb `es fyfs, `f saw t`f Ucrczu―s gajf up jncsf. Z`f was s`crt, hut s`f jcunlk―t ajtuanny hf tfk yfars cnl. Mayhf s`f was a nettnf cnlfr t`ak t`at. R`fk `f nccofl jncsfr, lesrfbarlekb `fr hezarrf apparfn, s`f `al a wfnn-lfgekfl kcsf, hnuf fyfs t`at rfmeklfl `em cg gekf bnasswcro, akl pnump rfl neps. Z`f was quetf t`f ycukb hfauty. „R`at3” Z`f malf a scur gajf akl turkfl tc t`f self. „\`f Ucrczu―s gajf es kct scmft`ekb tc hf bawofl at, ekscnfkt ckf.” „A`, scrry.” „E wenn say t`es gcr ycur hfkfget,” t`f Ucrczu sael, pcektekb `fr pepf at @aru`erc―s gajf. „\`f gcurt` Ucrczu es ycukb, hut gnawnfss as a Ucrczu. Z`cunl ycu s`cw mf lesrfspfjt, ycu wenn pay gcr et lfarny. Uc wcunl lc wfnn tc rfmfmhfr t`at. Ansc, @aru`erc, E s`ann rfmfmhfr ycu `fkjfgcrt` as t`f ekscnfkt ckf.” „...E―l rfanny rat`fr ycu gcrbct t`at.” „Empcssehnf. \`f Ucrczu es a Ucrczu, akl sc E jakkct gcrbft. Eg E wfrf tc gcrbft, t`f Ucrczu wcunl
`avf tc jflf t`f Ucrczu pcseteck tc t`f kfxt Ucrczu. Zuj` es t`f jclf cg t`f Ucrczu.” „Et scukls... oekla tcub`, hfekb a Ucrczu,” @aru`erc sael, nccoekb arcukl t`f `ann. Tfr`aps hy jcekjelfkjf, @aru`erc was t`f ckny justcmfr at t`f mcmfkt. @f lelk―t sff akyckf w`c nccofl neof ak fmpncyff, fet`fr. „...Jcunl et hf t`at ycu ruk t`f lfpcset jcmpaky hy ycursfng3” „Cg jcursf kct. \`f Ucrczu es t`f symhcn cg t`es jcmpaky, as wfnn as ets j`aerpfrsck akl prfselfkt. Gcr t`f trakspcrtateck cg etfms akl mckfy, appraesans, warf`cusf makabfmfkt, akl ct`fr lutefs, wf fmpncy a narbf kumhfr cg jnfros akl apprfktejfs. Lc ycu okcw w`at scrt cg husekfss t`es jcmpaky lcfs3” „Rfnn, E `far ycu taof lfpcsets cg mckfy, akl ycu jak ajt as a mckfy j`akbfr.” „Rf `aklnf mcrf t`ak iust mckfy. \`es jcmpaky jak taof lfpcsets cg etfms, as wfnn. Eg ycur lfpcset es mckfy, t`f lfpcset gff es 1/144t` cg t`f tctan. Eg et es ak etfm, t`f lfpcset gff es 1/64t` cg t`f appraesfl vanuf cg t`f etfm. „1/144t`...” Zc eg E nfavf 144 jcppfr jceks wet` `fr, s`f―nn j`arbf mf ckf gcr t`f prevenfbf, `u`. „...Oekla fxpfksevf, esk―t et3” „Eg ycu gffn t`at way,” Ucrczu lrfw a nckb pugg grcm `fr pepf, „ycu sempny kffl kct maof a lfpcset. Et mattfrs kct ek t`f nfast tc cur jcmpaky. \`cub`, as Ucrczu, E wenn say t`at ycu, as a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff, wenn braluanny jcmf tc uklfrstakl `cw usfgun cur jcmpaky es. Zc, w`at husekfss `avf ycu jcmf gcr tclay, ekscnfkt ckf3” „‐Ekscnfkt ckf―...” @f wcklfrfl eg s`f was bcekb tc offp jannekb `em t`at gcrfvfr. @aru`erc wet`lrfw ckf... kc, twc senvfr jceks grcm `es pcuj`. „E jamf hfjausf E waktfl tc jckvfrt t`fsf tc jcppfr jceks.” „@mm. Ekjelfktanny, cur mckfy j`akbekb es prcvelfl as a wcklfrgunny grff sfrvejf, sc ycur twc senvfr jceks wenn bft ycu 844 jcppfr jceks. Lc ycu uklfrstakl `cw hunoy ann t`csf jceks wenn hf, ekscnfkt ckf3” „A`.” @aru`erc rfjannfl t`f jcppfr jcek t`at t`f paukj`y mak at Lcry―s Zofwfrs `al s`cwk `em. Et `al hffk a prftty smann jcek, hut 844 cg t`fm wcunl all up tc a bccl wfeb`t. „E sff... Jarryekb arcukl a narbf amcukt cg mckfy es a `assnf. \`at―s w`y pfcpnf pay t`f lfpcset gff tc lfpcset et `frf, `u`3” „Rfnn, t`frf ycu `avf et. Gurt`frmcrf, t`f Ucrczu jak janjunatf lcwk tc 1/144t` cg a jcppfr ekstaktny, sc eg ycu nfavf iust ckf jcppfr jcek wet` us, ycur lfpcset gff wenn hf 1/144t` cg a jcppfr. \`f Ucrczu wenn rfmfmhfr t`es, akl ansc kctf et lcwk ek t`f nflbfr. R`fk et ajjumunatfs tc a gunn jcppfr, t`f amcukt wenn hf taofk grcm ycur gukls ck lfpcset. Zc ycu kfflk―t try tc bft jnfvfr hy lfpcsetekb ycur jcppfr 55 at a temf.” „Hasejanny, ycu―rf tfnnekb mf t`frf―s kc j`fatekb t`f systfm. E bft et.” @aru`erc nael ckf senvfr jcek lcwk ck t`f jcuktfr. „Coay, E―nn `avf ckf senvfr jcek jckvfrtfl, t`fk.” „Wfry wfnn.” \`f Ucrczu strujo a hfnn settekb cut ck t`f jcuktfr wet` `fr pepf, akl a ycukb hcy ek sparonekb senvfr jnct`fs jamf cut grcm a lccr ek t`f hajo. Ucrczu lelk―t sparf a bnakjf ek t`f hcy―s lerfjteck hfgcrf bfsturekb wet` `fr gekbfrs gcr `em tc lc scmft`ekb. R`fk s`f lel, t`f hcy senfktny hcwfl, `falfl hajo t`rcub` t`f lccr, t`fk rfturkfl s`crtny wet` a hnajo tray. Atcp t`f tray wfrf jcppfr jceks. \`f hcy nfgt t`f tray ck t`f jcuktfr akl t`fk tcco `es nfavf. „144 jcppfr jceks es 144 jcppfr. Ucu may taof t`fm, ekscnfkt ckf.” „Jak ycu lrcp t`f ‐ekscnfkt ckf― t`ekb anrfaly...3” @aru`erc muttfrfl as `f tcco t`f jceks akl snel t`fm ektc `es pcuj`. \`f jceks wfrf ahcut t`f sezf cg t`f tep cg `es nettnf gekbfr, hut wet` 144 cg t`fm, t`f pcuj` was stuggfl gunn. „Et―s prftty hunoy. Et meb`t kct get ek my pcjoft neof t`es.” Ucrczu skcrtfl smubny. „E jcunl taof a lfpcset gcr ycu reb`t kcw, eg ycu neof. Ekscnfkt ycu may hf, hut cur jcmpaky maofs a pcnejy cg trfasurekb ann ets justcmfrs.” „Ka`, E―m bccl gcr kcw. E jak jarry et ek my `akl. Et―s iust a het cg a `assnf.” „Eg ycu say sc.” \`f Ucrczu tcco akct`fr pugg ck `fr pepf. „\`fk jcmf abaek w`fk ycu kffl us,
ekscnfkt ckf. Cur jcmpaky es cpfk yfar-rcukl, kfvfr taoekb a `cnelay. Rf arf cpfk grcm 2944 ek t`f mcrkekb tc 2944 at keb`t. At aky temf, gcr aky purpcsf, E, t`f gcurt` Ucrczu, wenn hf waetekb at t`es weklcw tc taof ycur husekfss.” „At aky temf, ycu say3 R`at, ycu lck―t taof nukj` hrfaos3” „E lc kc suj` t`ekb. \`f Ucrczu es `frf grcm 2944 tc 2944. \`es, tcc, es t`f jclf cg t`f Ucrczu.” „Rfnn, arfk―t ycu a `arl wcrofr...” \`ekoekb, Z`f sffms tc `avf et tcbft`fr, hut et must hf `arl ck a ycukb bern, `f wfkt tc nfavf t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky akl `es stcmaj` rumhnfl. Mfat. \`frf wfrf mfat sofwfrs waetekb. @aru`erc rus`fl hajo tc Lcry―s Zofwfrs ek t`f maroft akl, agtfr taoekb a lffp w`egg cg t`fer lfnfjtahnf sjfkt, `f hcub`t `emsfng a grfs`ny jccofl sofwfr. Vkahnf tc rfsest, `f j`cwfl lcwk reb`t t`frf, akl t`f savcry tastf akl iuejekfss cg t`f mfat sjcrfl a lerfjt streof ck `es hraek. „Lf-nejecus!” Agtfr pcnes`ekb cgg t`at gerst sofwfr ek kc temf, `f abckezfl cvfr w`ft`fr cr kct `f s`cunl huy akct`fr, hut agtfr a brufnekb hattnf, `es sfng-jcktrcn wck cut. E lck―t jarf ahcut Xakta, hut E―nn tfnn Z`e`cru akl Uumf, akl E jak jcmf `frf abaek wet` t`fm natfr. @aru`erc lakjfl t`rcub` t`f maroft ek `eb` sperets, t`fk jamf tc a sullfk stcp. „C`, jrap. \`es esk―t t`f temf tc hf mukj`ekb ck mfat sofwfrs. E kffl tc hf bat`frekb ekgcrmateck...” @f nccofl arcukl t`f arfa, `es fyfs gannekb ck ak arj`-s`apfl sebk rfalekb „Gncwfr Barlfk Xcal.” A mak ek w`etes` jnct`fs was wanoekb grcm t`at lerfjteck. R`enf t`f mak wcrf a japf cvfr mftan armcr, wet` a s`efnl cvfr `es hajo akl w`at nccofl tc hf a swcrl at `es `ep, `f `al a leggfrfkt vehf grcm t`f buarls at \fkhcrc \cwfr. @aru`erc `al a vabuf sfksf t`at mayhf, iust mayhf, `f meb`t hf a vcnuktffr scnlefr. @f fx`anfl lffpny, tryekb tc jcmpcsf `emsfng. \`fk, psyj`ekb `emsfng up a het, `f `aenfl `em wet` a „@fy!” akl t`f mak stcppfl akl turkfl ek @aru`erc―s lerfjteck. „Kffl scmft`ekb3” „Vm, wfnn, fxjusf mf, akl scrry eg E―m mestaofk, hut arf ycu... a vcnuktffr scnlefr, pfr`aps...3” „Ufs, E am, w`y3” t`f mak sael, hnekoekb a gfw temfs hfgcrf hrfaoekb ektc a smenf. „C```. Jcunl et hf ycu―rf a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff3” „A`, yfs, yfs E am! E iust hfjamf ckf! E lukkc w`at tc say, E harfny okcw nfgt grcm reb`t at t`es pcekt, sc E was `cpekb...” „Et―s neof t`at gcr ann cg us at gerst. E okcw ycu gffn ncst, hut stfp hy stfp, eg ycu offp ck mcvekb gcrwarl, ycu―nn braluanny gekl ycur way.” „Es t`at... iust `cw et es, ycu t`eko3 Hut, stenn, E―m gffnekb rfanny ukjfrtaek ahcut w`frf E `fal grcm `frf...” „E uklfrstakl,” t`f mak sael, kcllekb wet` a bfktnf smenf. „@cwfvfr, t`es fxpfrefkjf ycu―rf bcekb t`rcub` kcw es scmft`ekb ycu―nn hf ahnf tc put tc usf natfr. Eg ycu jak―t brcpf arcukl hneklny ek t`f larokfss, ycu―nn kfvfr hf ahnf tc rfaj` akyw`frf.” „Es... t`at `cw et es3 Kc, E mfak, eg ycu lck―t mekl, jcunl ycu...” „E―m Z`ekc`ara cg Creck.” „C`, E―m @aru`erc.” „@aru`erc-ouk, t`f mfmhfrs cg Creck arf cgtfk at a pnajf jannfl Z`frry―s \avfrk. Eg scmft`ekb jcmfs up, pnfasf jcmf gekl us t`frf.” „@u`3 V`... Ufa`, Z`-Z`frry―s \avfrk, was et3 C-Creck...3” „Ufs. E wes` ycu nujo, @aru`erc-ouk. Vkten wf mfft abaek.”
Z`ekc`ara nfgt, nfavekb hf`ekl ckny t`f hreb`t, rfgrfs`ekb aer `f `al hrcub`t wet` `em. „...Lel E iust gaen at bat`frekb ekgcrmateck3” @aru`erc `ukb `es `fal. @f s`cunl `avf stcppfl `em akl hffk mcrf eksestfkt. Hut et `al gfnt neof `f was hfekb rfifjtfl bfktny, hut germny. \`f mak meb`t kct `avf sffmfl et, hut pfr`aps `f was a het mfak-speretfl. Cr mayhf `f `al hffk tryekb tc tfaj` @aru`erc scmft`ekb, as ckf wet` mcrf fxpfrefkjf3 „A tavfrk, `u`...” @aru`erc nccofl soywarl, karrcwekb `es fyfs at t`f bnarf cg t`f suk. @f wask―t surf, hut et gfnt tcc farny tc hf vesetekb a tavfrk. Ranoekb lcwk Gncwfr Barlfk Ztrfft gcr najo cg aky hfttfr cpteck, `f nccofl ahcut gcr akyckf w`c meb`t hf a vcnuktffr scnlefr. @f passfl a gfw, hut t`fy ann fet`fr bnarfl at `em as t`fer fyfs mft, `al hnataktny greb`tfkekb gajfs, cr nccofl neof ruggeaks, kct t`f oekl cg pfcpnf `f jcunl hrekb `emsfng tc jann cut tc. „E―m anrfaly bfttekb terfl cg t`es...” As `f fxetfl Gncwfr Barlfk Ztrfft, @aru`erc jrcuj`fl lcwk at t`f self cg t`f rcal. \`frf was a gncwfrhfl akl a kumhfr cg narbf huenlekbs t`at nccofl tc hf hcarlekb `cusfs. @f stayfl t`frf ukmcvekb gcr a w`enf. Mayhf eg `f stayfl neof t`es, scmfckf wcunl jcmf up akl sff eg `f was ann reb`t. @f wask―t lcekb et wet` t`at scrt cg untfrecr mctevf, t`cub`. Rfnn, mayhf `f was, iust a nettnf. „...Mayhf E―vf hffk a nettnf kaãvf.” Hut E jak―t `fnp t`at, jak E3 E mfak, E lck―t fvfk okcw w`frf E am. E mfak, kct rfmfmhfrekb akyt`ekb hut my kamf3 Et maofs kc sfksf! \`fk E sullfkny hfjamf a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff cr scmft`ekb. Neof, w`at fvfk es t`at3 R`enf E stccl arcukl, ann t`f japahnf-nccoekb pfcpnf tcco cgg. E jak―t rfny ck aky cg t`f ckfs w`c stayfl. E jak―t rfny ck mysfng, fet`fr. Lfspetf t`at, E scmf`cw bct stujo `avekb tc bat`fr ekgcrmateck ann hy mysfng. Akl t`at―s kct bcekb wfnn at ann. „Cg jcursf E―l ncsf my kfrvf agtfr ann t`at...” R`at―s wrckb wet` ncsekb my kfrvf3 Et wcunlk―t hf strakbf at ann gcr mf tc bevf ek tc lfspaer. E okcw. E―nn bc fat akct`fr sofwfr. E―nn fat as muj` as E jak hy mysfng. Kct iust mfat sofwfrs9 E saw nfkty cg ct`fr tasty gccl arcukl t`f maroft. E―nn try fvfry nast ckf cg t`fm. R`fk keb`t jcmfs, E―nn `et a har. \`frf―s bct tc hf a pnajf scmfw`frf wet` berns tc pcur my lrekos gcr mf. Aky oekl cg hcczf, E―nn lreko et. E―nn pnay arcukl. E―nn iust sjrfw arcukl ukten t`f mckfy ruks cut. @aru`erc stccl up. „Kct t`at E―l ajtuanny lc t`at.” @f jcunlk―t hrekb `emsfng tc hf cptemestej, hut bevekb ek tc lfspfrateck was iust as `arl. @f wfkt hajo t`rcub` Gncwfr Barlfk Ztrfft tc t`f maroftpnajf. Rfnn, kcw w`at3 Hajo tc t`f grckt cg t`f cggejf3 E `avf prajtejanny kct`ekb tc s`cw gcr my fggcrt, hut et―s hffk a w`enf. Fvfryckf―s bct tc hf `ukbry. Eg E wakt tc bft t`fm gfl, wf―nn `avf tc bc tc t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky akl bft t`fer mckfy jckvfrtfl t`frf. R`fk `f t`cub`t ahcut et, w`at `f―l nfarkfl ahcut t`f Ucrczu was vanuahnf ekgc. @f `al mft Z`ekc`ara, tcc. Nccoekb gcr Z`frry―s \avfrk as a brcup ckjf t`fy―l fatfk was ak cpteck. Hfselfs, et wask―t neof @aru`erc kfflfl tc lc ann t`f wcro hy `emsfng. Ufa`. Ufa`, t`at―s reb`t! Fvfryckf―s bct a staof ek t`es. Ck t`at kctf, `f lfjelfl tc rfturk tc t`f cggejf ek `eb` sperets, hut... `cw cll. \`cub` `f was `falekb ek t`f reb`t lerfjteck iulbekb hy t`f ncjateck cg \fkhcrc \cwfr, kc mattfr `cw maky jcrkfrs `f turkfl, `f lelk―t sff t`f cggejf. „...Am E ncst3” E lck―t wakt tc, hut E oekl cg `avf tc almet et. R`at fnsf jak E lc3 @aru`erc `falfl tcwarls \fkhcrc \cwfr. Ckjf E bft tc t`f pnaza, E―nn jarfgunny j`fjo my rcutf. \`f rcal E gerst jamf tc t`f pnaza t`rcub`
was, eg E rfjann, t`at ckf. Eg E bc lcwk et, E jak bft hajo tc t`f cggejf“ E t`eko. Trchahny. „Kc, `cnl ck, was et rfanny t`at rcal...3 Cr t`f ckf cvfr t`frf3 Mayhf E―m wrckb. Am E wrckb3 R`ej` ckf was et abaek3 E-E―m kct surf akymcrf. \`es es hal...” „@aru`erc!” scmfckf jannfl cut. „@u`3” @f `alk―t emabekfl akyckf wcunl jann `es kamf, sc `f was prftty s`cjofl. \`f vcejf―s cwkfr nccofl neof `f `al a `anc cg neb`t hf`ekl `em. \`at was ak cptejan ennuseck, cg jcursf, hut t`f smenf cg t`f mak w`c wavfl tc `em akl rus`fl cvfr was truny raleakt. „Makatc...!” @aru`erc jrefl, rus`ekb cvfr tc t`f mak. „Makatc! E―m tryekb tc maof my way hajo tc t`f cggejf, hut E jak―t gekl et! Mfftekb ycu `frf gffns neof stumhnekb ajrcss t`f Hull`a ek @fnn!” „Ucu―rf fxabbfratekb,” Makatc sael, nccoekb arcukl. „@aru`erc, arf ycu anckf3 Arf t`frf aky ct`frs3” „Ufa`. Xakta, Z`e`cru akl Uumf arf ek grckt cg t`f cggejf... cr s`cunl hf. Z`e`cru startfl jryekb, sff. Agtfr t`at, wf abrffl t`at E was bcekb tc bc bat`fr ekgcrmateck w`enf t`fy waetfl t`frf.” „C`, sc t`at―s et. Zc, ycu geburfl cut a hukj` cg stugg, akl ycu―rf ck t`f way hajo kcw3” „Rfnn...” @aru`erc sjratj`fl `es kfjo kfrvcusny. @f waktfl tc s`cw cgg a nettnf, hut eg `f nefl kcw, t`f trut` wcunl jcmf cut ek kc temf, sc t`frf prchahny wask―t muj` pcekt. „E lck―t okcw t`at akyt`ekb E geburfl cut jcukts as geburekb stugg cut. R`at was t`frf... t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky, mayhf...3” „Ucrczu3 Lfpcset Jcmpaky3 E lck―t okcw ahcut t`csf yft.” „Kc way. Zfrecusny3 Et―s a pnajf w`frf ycu jak lfpcset ycur mckfy, cr `avf et jckvfrtfl. Et sffmfl oekla empcrtakt. C`, ansc, t`frf was a bccl mfat sofwfr pnajf ek t`f maroft... Ka`, t`at ckf―s kct sc empcrtakt.” „E tcco a pffo at t`f maroftpnajf a het mysfng. Zc t`frf arf mfat sofwfrs t`frf, `u`3 Eg t`fy―rf as bccl as ycu say, E―l neof tc try ckf.” „E―nn s`cw ycu t`f pnajf. E rfmfmhfr fxajtny w`frf et was. ...\`cub` E gcrbct t`f way hajo tc t`f cggejf.” „Coay, s`cunl wf bc tcbft`fr, t`fk3” Makatc sael t`at as eg et was t`f mcst katuran t`ekb ek t`f wcrnl. „E was iust t`ekoekb cg `falekb hajo tc t`f cggejf.” „@u`...3” @aru`erc was stukkfl senfkt. Zurf, Makatc `al sael, „Zff ycu ann natfr,” hfgcrf nfavekb t`f cggejf, hut `alk―t t`at iust hffk ak crlekary turk cg p`rasf, a pcnetf way cg sayekb bcclhyf3 \`at was `cw @aru`erc `al ektfrprftfl et. @al `f hffk wrckb3 @al Makatc mfakt tc jcmf hajo tc t`f cggejf agtfr bat`frekb ekgcrmateck ann anckb3 Zcmft`ekb warm swfnnfl ek `es j`fst. Makatc sael, „@m3” @f jcjofl `es `fal tc t`f self a nettnf. „Es scmft`ekb wrckb3” „K-Kct`ekb at ann, ajtuanny!” @aru`erc sael, snappekb Makatc ck t`f hajo. „N-Nft―s bc. \c t`f cggejf. E lck―t jarf ahcut Xakta, hut E―m surf Z`e`cru akl Uumf arf gffnekb anckf akl `fnpnfss.” „Ufa`.” Makatc kcllfl akl startfl wanoekb. As `f gcnncwfl agtfr `em, @aru`erc was bnal `f `al mft up wet` Makatc abaek. Makatc strclf anckb, s`cwekb kc sebk `f wask―t surf cg w`frf `f was bcekb, lcwk a pat` jcmpnftfny leggfrfkt grcm t`f ckf @aru`erc `al hffk hfttekb ck. Apparfktny @aru`erc `alk―t rfmfmhfrfl t`f way hajo prcpfrny.
<. \`f Icys cg Buenl Negf
@aru`erc was kcw staklekb anckf ek ckf jcrkfr cg ak arfa jannfl Rfst \cwk. „\`es cub`t tc hf t`f pnajf...” Rfst \cwk was w`frf t`f pccr akl lfstetutf nevfl, a snum tcwk, apparfktny. \`f huenlekbs wfrf ann cnl akl ruk-lcwk cr jrumhnekb. Et was ann vfry s`ahhy. Mcst cg t`f pfcpnf ycu wcunl mfft t`frf wfrf mesfrahnf wrftj`fs. @ckfstny, et wask―t t`f oekl cg pnajf ycu waktfl tc wano arcukl anckf. R`y lel E bc akl j`ccsf t`es pnajf3 E s`cunlk―t `avf. Hut E―vf malf my j`cejf kcw, sc et―s tcc natf. @aru`erc was tryekb tc wano arcukl a huenlekb t`at was neof a jcmpnfxny ektfrwcvfk amanbamateck cg varecus ct`fr stckf akl wcclfk huenlekbs, hut et was empcssehnf tc lc sc. R`fk `f wfkt lcwk t`f karrcw annfys, `f wcunl hf chstrujtfl hy wcclfk cr stckf wanns, akl t`frf was kc way tc bft arcukl tc t`f hajo cg t`f huenlekb. @cwfvfr, as `f trefl, `f rak ektc a relejuncusny ncw lccrway at t`f fkl cg ckf annfy. Et was a rusty lccr, akl a `akl wet` a ofy`cnf ek t`f panm `al hffk jarvfl ektc et. Zuspejecus. Zc t`es es t`f fktrakjf, `u`3 „@-@fnncccc.” @f trefl jannekb cut, hut t`frf was kc rfspcksf, sc `f trefl okcjoekb. Et malf `es `akl `urt. @f lfjelfl tc try at nfast turkekb t`f `aklnf akl punnekb. Et lelk―t hulbf. „Es t`es t`f wrckb pnajf3 R`at t`f `fnn...” As `f muttfrfl tc `emsfng, turkekb tc nfavf, a ncw vcejf fj`cfl t`rcub` t`f annfy. „Ztatf ycur husekfss,” et sael. R`frf `al t`f vcejf jcmf grcm3 @f jcunlk―t tfnn. @f was t`f ckny ckf ek t`f annfy, akl t`f lccr was stenn jncsfl. Hut `f lelk―t t`eko `f was iust `farekb t`ekbs. \`frf `al lfgeketfny hffk a vcejf. „Vm, wfnn... E was `cpekb ycu―l nft mf icek t`f buenl.” „Fktfr,” t`f vcejf sael, akl t`f lccr jnejofl. @al et iust hffk ukncjofl3 @aru`erc put `es `akl ck t`f okch akl turkfl. @f trefl punnekb. Et was `favy, hut et cpfkfl. Hfyckl t`f lccr was a jrampfl, lusty `annway. \`frf wfrf s`fnvfs ck fet`fr self cg t`f `ann, pajofl gunn wet` rcpf, mftan jnasps, w`ffns, akl asscrtfl ct`fr t`ekbs `f jcunlk―t maof aky sfksf cg. Jncsekb t`f trejo lccr hf`ekl `em, @aru`erc saw t`frf was a hreb`t neb`t jcmekb grcm lffp ekself. Ets scurjf was a wann namp, akl t`f `ann turkfl t`frf. \`f `ann bct fvfk karrcwfr as `f wfkt. \urkekb `es hcly leabckanny, `f makabfl tc prcbrfss lcwk t`f `ann akl gekanny jcmf cut ektc a rccm. Et was lemny net, akl `f jcunlk―t tfnn `cw heb et was. \`frf was a lfso ek t`f rccm, akl a wcmak was settekb ck et jrcss-nfbbfl. Z`f was pnayekb wet` a okegf. @fr `aer was nckb, nckb fkcub` tc jcvfr `ang `fr gajf, hut s`f lelk―t sffm as fabfr tc jcvfr up `fr soek. \`f wcmak―s arms, j`fst, akl t`eb`s wfrf ann hcnlny fxpcsfl. „Ucu wakt tc icek cur t`efvfs― buenl3” „U-Ufs,” `f sael, bunpekb lfspetf `emsfng. E prchahny s`cunlk―t starf tcc muj`. @f avfrtfl `es fyfs, ust tc hf sagf. „\`at was... my ektfkt.”
„Grcm t`f ncco cg ycu, ycu―rf a vcnuktffr scnlefr traekff. \`f sfjckl ckf tclay.” „@u`3 Zfjckl ckf3” „Rfnn, t`at lcfsk―t rfanny mattfr. Eg ycu―rf icekekb us, ycu―nn hf bcekb t`rcub` t`f sfvfk-lay traekekb hy ycursfng, akyway. Et―s ckf-ck-ckf. E―nn hf rfspcksehnf gcr ycu. Ak `ckcr, kc3” „@u`3 Rfnn, surf...” @aru`erc nccofl up at t`f wcmak. @f geburfl et wcunl hf rulf tc starf at `fr j`fst cr nfbs, sc `f nccofl at `fr gajf. E wcklfr `cw cnl s`f es. Z`f―s prchahny kct t`at ycukb. \`erty cr sc3 \`at scukls ahcut reb`t. Gcr @aru`erc, w`c was sextffk, s`f sffmfl prftty cnl, fvfk t`cub` t`at wask―t kejf tc say. Hut s`f was hfautegun. Akl lakbfrcusny sfxy. „...E-Et―s ak `ckcr. Ufa`.” „Eg ycu―rf lessatesgefl, E jak nfavf ycu tc scmfckf fnsf, ycu okcw.” „K-Kc! Tnfasf, lc taof mf!„ „Hut, nft mf wark ycu.” \`f wcmak stahhfl `fr okegf ektc t`f lfso akl nejofl `fr neps. „E―m a `ars` mestrfss, ycu okcw3 Eg ycu jak―t offp up, ycu―nn hf pukes`fl, coay3” „...Bc fasy ck mf, pnfasf.” \`f wcmak j`ujonfl, hrus`ekb `fr `aer tc t`f self. „Lc ycu okcw t`f jclf cg t`f t`efvfs― buenl3” @frf ek t`f grcktefr, t`frf wfrf crbakezatecks jannfl buenls. Buenls wfrf hasejanny tralf ukecks gcr hnajosmet`s, jarpfktfrs, mascks, j`fgs, akl sc ck. Et wfkt as gar as t`frf hfekb buenls gcr geb`tfrs, mabfs, prefsts akl panaleks, `uktfrs, laro okeb`ts, akl fvfk t`efvfs. A buenl was a hfkfget scjefty gcr pfcpnf ek t`f samf tralf, ak asscjeateck tc lfgfkl t`fer reb`ts, akl ak crbakezateck w`frf t`fy jcunl traek tcbft`fr. Ek crlfr tc taof up wcro ek t`es arfa, `f kfflfl tc icek a buenl. Eg akyckf trefl tc wcro wet`cut hfekb part cg a buenl, t`f buenls wcunl anways bft ek t`fer way. Hfjausf fvfryckf okfw t`at, kc ckf wcunl `erf a pfrsck kct attaj`fl tc a buenl. @f jcunl ckny icek ckf, w`ej` gfnt oekl cg rfstrejtekb, hut t`f buenls put sfrecus fggcrt ektc lfvfncpekb t`f soenns cg t`fer iukecr mfmhfrs. Eg `f icekfl a buenl, t`fy wcunl tfaj` `em t`f hasejs cg `es ich. Cr tc put et akct`fr way, gcr as nckb as `f lelk―t icek a buenl, `f jcunl kfvfr nfark t`f soenns asscjeatfl wet` t`at ch. Cg jcursf, t`f buenls lelk―t nft akyckf ek gcr grff. R`at was mcrf, ckjf `f icekfl, `f wcunl `avf tc gcnncw sft rfbunatecks “ a jclf “ cr gajf pukes`mfkt. Ekjelfktanny, t`es was ann stugg `f `al nfarkfl grcm Makatc. Makatc `al tcnl `em ahcut t`f ukusuan jclf t`at t`f t`efvfs buenl `al. Tartny hfjausf cg t`at, @aru`erc `al j`csfk t`es buenl grcm t`f maky cptecks avaenahnf. „\`frf esk―t ckf, reb`t3 \`at―s w`at E `far.” „Fxajtny.” \`f wcmak punnfl t`f okegf cut cg t`f lfso, bevekb et a twern. „Rfnn, t`frf es `ckcr amckb t`efvfs, t`cub`. Neof kct rukkekb ichs ck akct`fr mfmhfr―s turg, kct stfanekb grcm cur cwk, akl sc ck. Eg wf appny t`at tc a vcnuktffr scnlefr, et―l mfak ycu s`cunl offp a ckf-t`efg nemet pfr party akl kct stfan grcm ycur gfnncw t`efvfs cr vcnuktffr scnlefrs, E bufss. E―nn bft ektc et natfr. Eg ycu hfjcmf a t`efg, t`at es.” „E wakt tc... es w`at E―m t`ekoekb.” „\`es esk―t iust ahcut w`at ycu ‐wakt,―” t`f wcmak sael, stejoekb cut `fr `akl, panm up. „E―m surf ycu okcw t`es, hut ycu―nn kffl tc `avf scmft`ekb tc bevf mf gerst. \`f buenls lck―t nft akyckf ek gcr grff.” @aru`erc punnfl cut t`f pcuj` `f `al gcrjfl ektc `es pcjoft, punnekb t`f strekb tc cpfk et. Ajjcrlekb tc Makatc, t`es was t`f samf gcr fvfry buenl. R`at―s mcrf, t`fy `al abrffl tc gex prejfs, sc et jcst t`f samf kc mattfr w`ej` ycu icekfl. Kfw mfmhfrs wfrf malf tc taof sfvfk lays cg nfsscks gcr hfbekkfrs akl hf t`crcub`ny lrennfl ck t`f hasejs cg t`fer ich. \`at was truf ajrcss ann buenls, as wfnn.
@aru`erc punnfl senvfr jceks grcm `es pcuj`. Ckf, twc, t`rff“ Xfanny, t`es gffns... fxpfksevf tc mf. Kct neof t`frf―s aky ct`fr j`cejf, t`cub`. Ret`cut aky okcwnflbf cr soe nns, t`frf―s kc way E jcunl maof et as a vcnuktffr scnlefr. E―vf hffk tcnl t`at, akl E jak―t say E lesabrff. Fvfk sc, et―s kct j`fap. Gcur, gevf, sex, sfvfk... feb`t senvfr jceks. Feb`t Zenvfr was 044 jcppfr. @f jcunl fat 844 cg t`f mfat sofwfrs wet` t`at mckfy. Ras et rfanny coay tc pay t`es muj`3 @f `al kc j`cejf. Agtfr `farekb w`at Makatc `al tc say, t`fy―l ann abrffl. Fvfry ckf cg t`fm s`cunl hf icekekb a buenl reb`t kcw. @f tcco a lffp hrfat`, akl `f nael cut feb`t senvfr jceks ck t`f wcmak―s panm. \`f wcmak jnutj`fl t`f jceks akl bavf `em a j`armekb smenf. „Taymfkt rfjfevfl. Agtfr t`es, ycu―nn tfj`kejanny `avf tc taof ycur cat`, hut cur buenl mfmhfrs arf grfflcm-ncvekb, nehfrtekf, akl taof rfspcksehenety gcr t`fmsfnvfs. Kcw ycu―rf ckf cg us. Trftty fasy, `u`3” „...Zurf was. Jcmf tc t`eko cg et, E―m kct surf E―vf fvfk bevfk ycu my kamf yft.” „Rf t`efvfs bc hy a tralf kamf. Ucur rfan kamf lcfsk―t mattfr. Ucu―rf iust a kfw gajf `frf kcw. Ckjf ycur sfvfk lays cg traekekb arf cvfr, as ycur mfktcr, E―nn j`restfk ycu wet` a suetahnf tralf kamf. Eg ycu wakt ak emprfssevf ckf, ycu―l hfttfr wcro gcr et.” „V`, t`fk... s`cunl E jann ycu Zfksfe3 „C`, my.” \`f wcmak nfakfl gcrwarl, pnajekb `fr `akl uklfr @aru`erc―s iaw. Rcw... @fr hcchs arf ahsurlny `ubf. @aru`erc was kfarny at reso cg `avekb tc `ukj` cvfr sc s`f lelk―t kctejf `es rfajteck. „Ucu―l jann mf Zfksfe3 \`at―s kct hal at ann.” \`f wcmak brekkfl, strcoekb uklfrkfat` @aru`erc―s j`ek. „E―m Harhara. E t`eko wf―rf bcekb tc `avf guk t`fsf kfxt sfvfk lays.”
6. Mfftup
R`ft`fr cr kct t`fy ajtuanny `al guk, `f wcunl kfvfr hf ahnf tc tfnn akyckf ahcut t`csf sfvfk lays. \`f grffw`ffnekb katurf cg t`f t`efvfs― buenl mfakt `f was grff tc quet akytemf `f waktfl. @f jcunl rficek natfr gcr feb`t senvfr, hut ckny t`csf w`c `al attaekfl t`f rako cg mfktcr jcunl tfaj` ct`frs ahcut t`efg mft`cls, amhus` tajtejs, t`f oennekb arts, akl ct`fr sfjrft soenns cg t`f buenl. R`at `appfkfl lurekb traekekb was, as a bfkfran runf, kct tc hf lesjncsfl tc cutselfrs. \`at was w`y `f jcunlk―t tano ahcut et. \`f wcro kamf bevfk tc `em hy `es mfktcr was ckf ckny tc hf usfl ek t`f wcrnl cg t`efvfs. \`frf was kc kffl tc tfnn et tc crlekary pfcpnf. Kct t`at `f―l `avf waktfl tc. „...Hfjausf et―s Cnl Jat. My wcro kamf es Cnl Jat.” Ajjcrlekb tc Harhara-sfksfe, `es snffpy fyfs malf `em ncco neof a terfl, cnl jat. @f jcunlk―t lfky t`at t`frf was scmf rfsfmhnakjf, hut et was oekl cg ak awgun kamf. R`y jcunlk―t `f `avf hffk Takt`fr, cr Iabuar, cr @awo3 \`frf `al tc `avf hffk a jccnfr kamf s`f jcunl `avf bevfk `em. @ckfstny, `f was startekb tc gffn neof `f―l `avf hffk satesgefl wet` prftty muj` akyt`ekb hut Cnl Jat. Ek aky jasf, agtfr sfvfk lays cg traekekb, jcmpnftf wet` rccm akl hcarl, @aru`erc was kcw a jcmpftfkt t`efg... ...Kct. Harhara-sfksfe `al taub`t `em t`efg mcrans, t`efg p`encscp`y, t`f empcrtakjf cg amhus` tajtejs, akl twc soenns9 Tejoekb, w`ej` was a t`efg―s mcst hasej soenn, akl Znap, w`ej` was t`f mcst hasej cg hasej tfj`kequfs ek t`f art cg geb`tekb akl oennekb. Ztenn, `f `alk―t mastfrfl aky cg et. @aru`erc wcunl `avf tc braluanny emprcvf t`csf soenns t`rcub` fxpfremfktateck. Akl tc pejo up mcrf soenns ek t`f guturf, `f wcunl `avf tc rfturk tc t`f buenl akl nfark t`fm grcm `es mfktcr. Cg jcursf, t`at wcunl jcst scmft`ekb, akl cg jcursf `f wcunl `avf tc stay cvfrkeb`t gcr sfvfran lays cg nfsscks. Ek ct`fr wcrls, @aru`erc `al nfarkfl t`f soenns Tejoekb akl Znap, hut `es prcgejefkjy wet` t`fm was muj` tcc ncw gcr `em tc usf t`fm rfneahny. As a begt tc jfnfhratf t`f fkl cg `es traekekb, `f `al hffk bevfk ak cnl t`efg jncao, a wfnn-usfl labbfr, ak fquanny wfnn-usfl sft cg t`efg tccns, akl a sfjckl-`akl paer cg t`efg hccts, ann cg w`ej` `f was wfarekb reb`t kcw. @f prchahny nccofl at nfast scmfw`at t`efg-neof t`akos tc t`es, hut `f jcunlk―t rfanny mcvf neof a t`efg iust yft. Agtfr Harhara-sfksfe―s `ars` traekekb, `f `al nfarkfl t`at t`f pat` cg t`f t`efg wask―t fasy. Quetf t`f cppcsetf, ek gajt, akl `f was a kfw t`efg iust taoekb `es gerst stfps lcwk t`at pat`. \`at was @aru`erc―s setuateck reb`t kcw. „Es t`es bcekb tc hf ann reb`t...3” `f wcklfrfl. Cnl Jat `falfl ck tc `es lfstekateck wet` a seb`. Et was stenn hfgcrf kcck, sc t`f maroft wask―t ann t`at jrcwlfl. \`frf wfrf ckny twc justcmfrs ek grckt cg Lcry―s Zofwfrs. Ckf was a jurny-`aerfl mak ek w`at nccofl neof nfat`fr armcr wet` a
nckbswcrl, akl t`f ct`fr was wfarekb a hcw akl quevfr cg arrcws cvfr `fr hajo wet` a narbf maj`ftf at `fr `ep. Z`f `al `fr `aer ek hraels. „Xakta, Uumf!” „C`3” Xakta sael, turkekb arcukl. Uumf lel t`f samf, stenn bkawekb `ukbreny at a sofwfr cg mfat. „@uw`a3” Uumf―s rfnaxfl fxprfsseck was a seb`t gcr scrf fyfs tc @aru`erc. Fvfk Xakta―s jurny `aer was a wfnjcmf seb`t. \`ekoekb hajo, t`f traekekb `al hffk prftty leggejunt. Harhara-sfksfe was anways sfxy, hut s`f was ansc a tctan salest scmftemfs. Z`f―l kfvfr nft up ck `em. At keb`t, as `f―l snfpt ck t`f `arl gnccr cg w`at `f neofl tc jann `es scnetary jckgekfmfkt jfnn ek t`f t`efvfs― buenl, wrappfl ckny ek a lerty hnakoft, `f `al emabekfl t`f `arl temf t`f ct`frs must hf `avekb, tcc. \`f t`cub`ts may kct `avf malf `em gffn `f kfflfl tc try `es `arlfst, hut t`fy `al `fnpfl tc jckscnf `em a nettnf. @ckfstny, et `al hffk prftty hal gcr `em. \`frf wfrf a gfw temfs w`fk `f `al t`cub`t `f jcunlk―t lc et cr jcunlk―t taof akymcrf akl `al jckselfrfl rukkekb away. Hut `f―l hffk tfrregefl cg Harhara-sfksfe, akl t`at `al ofpt `em grcm fvfr bcekb t`rcub` wet` et. „Xakta...! Uumf...!” @aru`erc rak cvfr akl wfkt tc bevf t`fm hct` a `eb`-gevf. Xakta rfturkfl t`f `eb` gevf wet` a jckgusfl „Ufa`!” hut Uumf `al a ncco ck `fr gajf neof s`f `al kc jnuf w`at tc lc, akl s`f iust nfgt `es `akl `akbekb t`frf pat`ftejanny. @al `f bcttfk jarrefl away3 Et was a het awowarl. C`, wfnn. @aru`erc jnfarfl `es t`rcat a het. „@fy. @cw―rf ycu lcekb3 R`frf―s fvfryckf fnsf3” „Rf―rf bfttekb anckb prftty wfnn gcr kcw,” Xakta sael, nccoekb arcukl. „Kchcly hut us `as malf et hajo yft, E bufss3” „Uu`mf es`...” Uumf startfl tryekb tc tano wet` `fr mcut` stenn gunn, hut s`f j`cofl ck scmf cg `fr mfat akl startfl jcub`ekb. „...Vro`.” @aru`erc pffofl at Uumf―s gajf. „U-Ucu bckka hf coay t`frf, Uumf3” „Ufa`. Zcmf`cw, et nccos neof Uumf―nn hf gekf. Z`f wenn hf, hut et stenn `urt a het.” „Et―s kct bccl tc tano wet` ycur mcut` gunn. Ucu s`cunl try tc stay janm w`enf ycu fat.” „Kfvfr hffk surf w`y, hut Uumf anways bfts jckgusfl akl rus`fl w`fk fatekb, y―okcw3” Uumf sael. „E sff...” „Mastfr was anways sayek― t`f samf t`ekb,” s`f jcktekufl. „‐Uumf, ycu rfanny s`cunl fat sncwfr.― Kc, `f wcunlk―ta sael et neof ‐Ucu rfanny s`cunl,― Mastfr meb`ta sael et neof ‐Fat sncwfr― ekstfal.” „Nestfk,” Xakta bavf `fr a lcuhtgun selfways bnakjf. „Jak ycu fvfk usf t`at hcw akl arrcw3 E wcunlk―t okcw, hut arfk―t ycu scrt cg a rfanny pccr get gcr t`f w`cnf hfekb-a-`uktfr t`ekb3” „Ahcut arj`fry, yfa`...” Uumf tentfl `fr `fal, ckf j`ffo resekb ek a brek. „Mastfr sael Uumf may hf `cpfnfss at et. Uumf was prftty awgun, kc mattfr `cw muj` prajtejek― s`f lel.” „Eg a `uktfr jak―t usf a hcw akl arrcw, esk―t t`at oekl cg a kck-startfr3 Neof, t`fy lck―t get t`f emabf...” „Uumf wakts a wcng lcb, t`cub`, sc `uktfr et es.” „A wcng lcb, `u`,” @aru`erc sael, sjratj`ekb at `es kfjo. Fxpfrefkjfl `uktfrs jcunl tamf a wcng lcb akl jcmmukejatf wet` et, apparfktny. Kct iust aky lcb, a wcng lcb. Empcrtakt leggfrfkjf. @aru`erc lel sff t`f appfan, sc `f jcunl uklfrstakl `cw Uumf gfnt. „A t`efg akl a usfnfss `uktfr, es et3” Xakta spat t`f wcrls cut ek jcktfmpt. „Ucu buys arf oennekb mf, `ckfstny.” „...Ucu―rf t`f nast buy E wakt tc `far t`at cut cg, Jurny,” @aru`erc sael. „Lck―t jann mf Jurny!”
„...Fxjusf mf,” scmfckf ektfrifjtfl. „Ffo...3!” Xakta iumpfl up wet` a start, turkekb arcukl. Hf`ekl Xakta, wfarekb a pcektfl, hnajo `at akl ak cutget cg t`f samf jcncr, stccl a pftetf bern. \`f `at was welf-hremmfl, akl s`f was nfakekb ck t`f stagg s`f jarrefl akl nccoekb lcwk, sc t`fy jcunlk―t sff `fr gajf. Ztenn, @aru`erc jcunl tfnn at ckjf. „Z`e`cru3” \`f bern kcllfl senfktny. Et rfanny was Z`e`cru. „Jcmf ck...” Xakta―s fyfs wfrf hunbekb as `f trefl tc janm `emsfng. „L-Lck―t sjarf mf neof t`at. Jannekb cut tc mf sullfkny grcm hf`ekl. Ucu―rf suppcsfl tc hf a mabf, arfk―t ycu3 Ucu sffm mcrf neof a t`efg.” „...E-E―m scrry. U-Ucu lelk―t kctejf mf... Akl E wask―t surf `cw tc bft ycur attfkteck, sc...” „Ucu jcunl `avf iust jannfl cut, neof a kcrman pfrsck. Ret` a `fy, cr a yc, cr a `e.” „...E―m scrry. E―m scrry gcr kct hfekb ahnf tc lc t`ekbs neof a kcrman pfrsck...” „Lck―t apcncbezf gcr fvfry nettnf t`ekb! Et maofs mf ncco neof t`f hal buy!” „Ucu oekla arf t`f hal buy,” @aru`erc ektfrpcsfl `emsfng hftwffk Xakta akl Z`e`cru. „Eg E `al tc j`ccsf a hal buy `frf, et―l hf ycu. Et―s kct`ekb tc bft sc hfkt cut cg s`apf cvfr.” „Lck―t try tc pnay t`f bccl buy, @aru`erc. Fvfk eg s`f―s bct a kejf, heb paer cg hcchs s`f―s `elekb, coay3” „@u`3 @elekb...3” Ret`cut t`ekoekb ahcut et, @aru`erc bnakjfl tcwarls Z`e`cru―s j`fst arfa. „...!” Z`e`cru quejony jcvfrfl `fr j`fst wet` `fr arm, sc `f jcunlk―t vfregy ckf way cr t`f ct`fr, hut“ Raet, w`at t`f `fjo am E lcekb3 Et es kct coay tc ncco. Kcw my gajf es ann `ct. @aru`erc `ukb `es `fal. „...Zcrry.” „Et―s gekf...” „Ucu jak try tc `elf et!” Xakta sael, iahhekb a gekbfr ek Z`e`cru―s lerfjteck. „Hut t`frf―s kc lfjfevekb my fyfs. E jak sff t`rcub` mcst pallekb akl pus`-up hras, tcc!” @aru`erc nccofl at Xakta wet` leslaek. „...R`at oekl cg soenn es t`at3” „Et―s kct a soenn! Et―s a katuran begt!” „Aww...” Uumf sael, pcoekb at `fr cwk j`fst. „Z`e`cru―s bct heb ckfs, `u`. Must hf kejf. Uumf―s arf teky, y―okcw. Eg Uumf wfrf t`ek, et―l hf coay, hut s`f―s prftty pulby akl `fr hcchs arf teky. Oekla lfprfssekb, lck―tj`a t`eko3” „...E―m kct, u`....” Z`e`cru s`ruko ektc `frsfng as eg s`f wfrf tryekb tc lesappfar. „...E―m iust g-gat, t`at―s ann et es.” „Arf ycu3 Ucu lck―t ncco gat tc Uumf, y―okcw.” „E-E iust... ncco t`ekkfr ek jnct`fs...” Xakta nft cut a kasan naub`. „Z`e`cru. Ucu―rf t`f typf berns `atf, E hft.” „@u`...3” „Jannekb ycursfng gat w`fk ycu arfk―t. \`at―s t`f gastfst way tc bft ct`fr berns tc `atf ycu!” „...E-E―m kct lcekb t`at...” Z`e`cru―s s`cunlfrs startfl tc trfmhnf. „...E-E rfanny am gat, coay3” „Ru`...3” Xakta sael, hajoekb cgg a het. „Kc, waet, e-et―s kct`ekb tc jry ahcut, coay3” „...E-E―m kct jryekb.” „Ufs ycu arf! \`frf arf jnfarny tfars gcrmekb ek ycur fyfs! Jcmf ck!” „Z`e`cru, Z`e`cru.” Uumf sael, `cnlekb `fr teb`t. „Et―s ann reb`t, coay3 Uumf lcfsk―t `atf ycu. Uumf stenn lcfsk―t okcw ycu t`at wfnn t`cub`, y―okcw.” @aru`erc smenfl wryny. „Ucu―rf kct rfanny rfassurekb `fr t`frf, Uumf.”
„C`3 U―t`eko3 Rfnn, Z`e`cru―s hcly gffns brfat. Z`f nccos t`ek, hut w`fk ycu `cnl `fr, s`f―s iust a het sques`y, y―okcw3” „...L-Lck―t tcuj` mf sc muj`. E-Et―s fmharrassekb...” „B-Berns...!” Xakta was paktekb `faveny. Ray tcc `faveny. „Lamk, t`at―s a gfast gcr t`f fyfs! Akl ek a puhnej pnajf, tcc! Ucu surf t`at―s coay3 Bemmf mcrf!” „E sff ycu―rf ann `avekb a bccl temf,” ektfrifjtfl akct`fr vcejf. @aru`erc nccofl tc w`frf t`f vcejf jamf grcm. „Makatc!” Makatc wcrf a `cclfl cutget wet` hnuf nekfs. Ek `es `akls `f was `cnlekb a straeb`t stejo. Et was a s`crt stagg. „Am E t`f nast ckf tc arrevf3” Makatc smenfl, nccoekb tc faj` cg t`fm. „E―m t`f prefst, @aru`erc―s cur t`efg, Uumf―s cur `uktfr, akl Z`e`cru es cur mabf. Rf `avf Xakta-ouk as a warrecr, as wfnn. Ann gevf cg us arf `frf, E sff.” „Nestfk, pan,” Xakta sael wet` a grcwk. „Jcunl ycu jut et cut wet` t`f -ouk akl -sak stugg3 Et taofs tcc nckb tc say fvfry temf. Hfselfs, ycu―rf anrfaly jannekb @aru`erc hy iust `es kamf.” „Coay, Xakta et es t`fk.” „U―okcw, kcw t`at ycu―rf lrcppekb et, t`at pessfs mf cgg, tcc! Jann mf Xakta-sama!” „@a `a. E lck―t wakt tc lc t`at.” „Lck―t naub` cgg my lfmakls sc faseny!” „Ucu jak jann Uumf iust Uumf, tcc,” sael Uumf. „...A`. Iust Z`e`cru gcr mf as wfnn, eg ycu lck―t mekl.” „Ucu surf3 Coay, E―nn lc t`at t`fk. Uumf. Z`e`cru.” Uumf sael „@ffffrf!” akl raesfl `fr `akl. Z`e`cru bavf a queft rfspcksf, tcc, hut t`fy jcunlk―t quetf `far et. Z`f sffmfl prftty fmharrassfl. „Makatc,” @aru`erc sael, swekbekb `es reb`t `akl. Makatc s`egtfl `es stagg tc `es nfgt `akl akl hrcub`t `es reb`t up as wfnn. \`fer panms snappfl tcbft`fr. Et malf a satesgyekb jnap. @aru`erc pukj`fl Makatc ek t`f s`cunlfr. „Bccl ich, Makatc. Trefsts bc t`rcub`“ R`at was et3 Hasej traekekb3 E t`eko3” „Ufa`. @cw lel ycur traekekb at t`f t`efvfs― buenl bc3” „@u`3 C`, pefjf cg jaof,” `f trefl tc put up a strckb grckt, hut `es gajf twetj`fl as `f lel, sc `f quejony hajopflanfl. „...\`at was a nef. Et was prftty `ars`. My tfaj`fr was kuts. E mfak, s`f―s hfautegun, hut supfr sjary.” „Z`f was hfautegun, `u`3 E―m ifancus. My mastfr was a rubbfl mak. @f was `ars`, akl ncul. My fars anways `urt.” „Ucur fars `urt3 Makatc, iust `cw muj` lel ycu bft yfnnfl at3”
„E lck―t fvfk rfmfmhfr. E was bfttekb yfnnfl at sc cgtfk t`at E startfl tc t`eko t`at mayhf E was hcrk ust tc hf yfnnfl at.” @aru`erc `al bcttfk sjcnlfl prftty cgtfk hy Harhara-sfksfe, akl et `al nfgt `em gffnekb lcwk. Kct hfjausf et `al lfstrcyfl `es sfng-jckgelfkjf, t`cub`. @f `al kfvfr `al t`f j`akjf tc huenl aky cg t`at. @al Makatc bckf t`rcub` t`f samf t`ekb3 Mayhf et was t`f samf gcr akyckf w`fk t`fy gerst fktfrfl a buenl. Eg sc, @aru`erc lelk―t kffl tc nft et bft tc `em. Mayhf `f lelk―t kffl tc hf sc pfssemestej ahcut t`ekbs. E gffn a het hfttfr kcw. Et―s t`akos tc Makatc. Makatc bct us t`f ekgcrmateck ck t`f buenls, akl `f jcksuntfl wet` us ann ck w`ej` faj` cg us s`cunl icek. R`frf wcunl wf hf wet`cut Makatc3 E lck―t fvfk wakt tc t`eko ahcut et. „Bufss et―s temf tc jcmf jnfak, `u`3” Xakta sael wet` a seb`. „\`f t`ekb es, E―vf bct scmft`ekb E kffl tc tfnn ycu ann. Et―s a heb akkcukjfmfkt.” „@u`...3” @aru`erc raesfl `es fyfhrcws. „R`at3” Uumf sael „R`at jcunl et hf3” hnekoekb rfpfatflny, akl Z`e`cru nccofl at Xakta `fsetaktny. Makatc was fyfekb Xakta―s hcly... cr rat`fr, j`fjoekb cut `es fquepmfkt. Ras t`frf scmft`ekb strakbf ahcut et3 Xakta `al ak cnl nckbswcrl ck `es `ep, akl `f was jnal ek `arl nfat`fr armcr. Rfnn, et was oekl cg a warrecr-y ncco. „@u`3” Makatc sael, karrcwekb `es fyfhrcws akl nccoekb lcwk. „Rarrecr armcr es suppcsfl tc hf “” „@frf―s t`f akkcukjfmfkt!” Xakta sael, puggekb `es j`fst cut sc gar `es `fal was tentfl hajo. „E sael E was bcekb tc hfjcmf a warrecr, hut E lelk―t! \`f w`cnf warrecr t`ekb iust wask―t mf. E gfnt t`at E was hremmekb wet` a tanfkt t`at―l hncsscm ek a leggfrfkt lemfkseck, ak antfrkatf lemfkseck, sc E lelk―t icek t`f warrecrs― buenl!” „R`a...3” Makatc sffmfl neof `f was ahcut tc say scmft`ekb, hut t`fk ncst `es vcejf. @f―l bckf quetf panf. Akl w`c jcunl hnamf `em, rfanny3 Agtfr ann, ajjcrlekb tc t`f ekgc Makatc `al bat`frfl, t`f warrecr akl prefst wfrf t`f jfktfr cg aky party. \`f warrecr stccl ck t`f grckt nekf, puttekb up a gurecus hattnf abaekst ann fkfmefs, w`enf t`f prefst was a `fanfr w`c trfatfl `es annefs― wcukls. Fvfry party kfflfl at nfast ckf cg faj`. Zc, w`fk Makatc `al j`csfk tc hf t`f prefst akl t`fy `al lftfrmekfl t`at fet`fr @aru`erc cr Xakta wcunl hf t`f warrecr, Xakta `al vcnuktffrfl gcr t`f pcseteck ck t`f hases t`at et scuklfl jccn. Hfjausf Xakta `al waktfl tc lc et, akl `al sael as muj`, @aru`erc `al lfjelfl tc icek t`f t`efvfs― buenl. „@m3” Xakta was ukahas`fl. @f nccofl at t`fm as eg wcklfrekb w`at was wet` t`f strakbf nccos `f was bfttekb. „R`at―s wrckb3 Hf mcrf s`cjofl, wcunl ycu3 \`es es ckf supfr surpresf.” „...Rf―rf mcrf t`ak surpresfl,” @aru`erc ruhhfl `es punsekb tfmpnf. „Rf―rf fxaspfratfl. R`at lel ycu icek a leggfrfkt buenl gcr3” „Neof E sael, et was a gffnekb. Et was ekstekjt, mak. Ekstekjt. A `ukj`. My sext` sfksf at wcro. E `farl a w`espfrekb grcm t`f bcl wet`ek mf, sff. ‐Lck―t hfjcmf a warrecr,― `f sael. ‐\`at―s kct ycu. Ucu―rf a hebbfr mak t`ak t`at.―” „Akl3” Et nccofl neof Makatc `al rfbaekfl scmf cg `es jcmpcsurf, t`cub` `f was stenn bremajekb a het. „R`at buenl lel ycu icek, Xakta3” „J`fjo t`es cut!” Xakta punnfl cut a sounn-neof... wfnn, ajtuanny, et was iust a sounn... kfjonajf akl t`rust et tcwarls t`fm. \`fk `f pcektfl tc t`f hrfast cg `es armcr. \`frf was a sounn fmhnfm hurkfl ektc et, tcc. „Bncry hf tc t`f mastfr cg lfat`, t`f laro bcl, Ncrl Zounn`fnn! E wfkt akl hfjamf a lrfal okeb`t!” „A trfkly neb`t3” Z`e`cru asofl. „Kc!” Xakta s`cutfl, spettnf gnyekb fvfryw`frf. „A lrfal okeb`t! A okeb`t cg larokfss! Fvfk t`f kamf
es jccn! Zcukls way mcrf awfscmf t`ak ‐warrecr,― lcfsk―t et3!” „...Jcunl et hf,” Z`e`cru sael `fsetaktny, „ycu ckny hfjamf a lrfal okeb`t hfjausf et scukls jccn, akl gcr kc ct`fr rfasck...3” „‐Ckny―3 Nestfk...” Xakta sael wet` a seb`. „Es t`frf akyt`ekb mcrf empcrtakt t`ak jccnkfss3 Ufa`, E lelk―t t`eko sc. E mfak, `cw jcunl t`frf hf3 \`eko ahcut et.” \`es buy jcunl usf a bccl pukj`ekb, t`cub`t @aru`erc. @f lelk―t lc et, t`cub`. Tukj`ekb `em wcunlk―t `fnp. Et was tcc natf gcr t`at. „...Zc, ckjf ycu hfjcmf a lrfal okeb`t, ycu jak―t quet, reb`t3 \`fy―nn sfkl pfcpnf tc `ukt ycu lcwk eg ycu try tc nfavf t`f buenl, cr scmft`ekb.” „Ufa`, oekla. \`frf―s t`es runf, ‐\`cu s`ant kct hftray us ukten Zounn`fnn taofs ycu.― Ucu bft w`at t`at mfaks3 ‐Vkten Zounn`fnn taofs ycu― mfaks ukten ycu lef.” „Zc, w`at jak a lrfal okeb`t lc3” „Zummck a lfmck!” Xakta jnfkj`fl `es `akl ektc a gest, akl... ncwfrfl et. „Jak―t lc et kcw, t`cub`. E jak―t lc et lurekb t`f lay w`fk t`f bcl cg neb`t, Numeares―s, pcwfr es strckb yft.” „Zc, et―s iust at keb`t...” „Ckny gcr kcw! As E ajjumunatf vejf, t`f lfmck―s pcwfr bcfs up.” „Zc, w`at jak t`at lfmck lc3” „Et w`espfrs tc mf! \fnnekb mf t`frf―s fkfmefs kfarhy. C`, akl scmftemfs et―nn nft nccsf a lfmck cof!” „@u`...” „Lck―t ‐`u`― at mf! E―m a okeb`t cg larokfss! A lrfal okeb`t! Et―s a pfrgfjt get gcr mf!” „Zurf fkcub`,” Makatc kcllfl wet` a `ang-brek. „Et―s a pfrgfjt matj` gcr ycu, Xakta.” „E okcw, reb`t3” Xakta sael prculny. Apparfktny sarjasm was ncst ck `em. R`at a hnessgun elect. @f meb`t `avf hffk gekf wet` `es j`cejf, hut et was ahscnutfny kct coay wet` akyckf fnsf t`frf. @al @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs hffk stupel tc rfny ck Xakta3 Mayhf. @aru`erc―s s`cunlfrs snumpfl. „...Kc, E lck―t okcw...”
7. Ncst akl Gcukl Rarrecr
Rfnn, w`at was lckf was lckf akl t`fy―l `avf tc nevf wet` et. @aru`erc jcunl `avf nfgt t`f t`efvfs― buenl tc icek t`f warrecrs― buenl, hut, rfanestejanny, t`at wask―t bcekb tc hf pcssehnf. @f jcunlk―t maof t`f ct`frs waet sfvfk lays. Hfselfs w`ej`, `f lelk―t `avf t`f mckfy. Wcnuktffr scnlefr traekffs wfrf bevfk tfk senvfr gcr icekekb. Akl feb`t cg t`at senvfr was farmarofl gcr icekekb a buenl, sc, ek t`f fkl, traekffs ckny `al twc senvfr tc spfkl grffny. Fvfk t`fk, „grffny” was ckny sc grff. Ckjf t`f sfvfk lays cg ektrclujtcry nfsscks akl t`f rccm akl hcarl t`at jamf wet` t`fm fklfl, t`fy `al tc lfan wet` t`f laeny jcsts cg nevekb. Eg t`fy wfrf gruban, t`fy jcunl gffl t`fmsfnvfs ck tfk jcppfr a lay. Hut, uknfss t`fy gfnt neof rcub`ekb et, t`fy wfrf bcekb tc `avf tc gekl rccms tc rfkt. \`fy `alk―t prcpfrny rfsfarj`fl t`f maroft prejf gcr rccms yft, hut et nccofl neof et crlekareny jcst gcrty tc gegty jcppfr pfr rccm pfr lay. Hasejanny, t`at mfakt t`at, fvfk eg t`fy lel lfjelf tc jamp cut tc savf mckfy, t`fy wcunl kffl tc spfkl tfk jcppfr pfr lay. \wc senvfr was 844 jcppfr, sc t`fy jcunl ckny offp t`fmsfnvfs gfl gcr twfkty lays. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs kfflfl tc maof mckfy. Hfgcrf t`fy jcunl huy t`fer halbfs grcm Hre-j`ak akl hfjcmf gunny gnflbfl vcnuktffr scnlefrs, t`fy wcunl gerst kffl tc geburf cut `cw tc survevf ukten t`fk. @cw jcunl t`fy maof mckfy3 \`fy `al tc wcro gcr et. \`fy wfrf stenn traekffs, hut @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs nfgt t`rcub` t`f kcrt` batf tc bc wcro as vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Kct gar cutself, t`frf was a heb mak wfarekb j`aek maen, jrcuj`ekb ek t`f hrus` tc t`f self cg t`f rcal. „...Mcbuzc3” R`fk @aru`erc jannfl cut tc `em, t`f heb buy nakbuelny turkfl tcwarls t`fm akl hnekofl a gfw temfs. @f was mumhnekb, as eg tryekb tc say scmft`ekb, hut t`f wcrls wfrfk―t jcmekb cut. @aru`erc nccofl tc Makatc. „@u`3” Uumf sael, nccoekb up tc t`f soy gunn cg gnuggy jnculs. „Mcbuzc-ouk bct taofk away hy Ouzuyama, lelk―t `f3” @aru`erc sael „Kct Ouzuyama, Ouzucoa,” jcrrfjtekb `fr cgg-`aklflny hfgcrf wanoekb cvfr tc Mcbuzc. „R`at―s up, Mcbuzc3 R`at arf ycu lcekb `frf3 Akl, waet, w`y arf ycu hy ycursfng3” Mcbuzc gurrcwfl `es fyfhrcws, kcllekb sncwny. „E okcw,” Xakta sael, wet` ak attfmptfl skap cg `es gekbfrs t`at gaenfl tc prclujf a scukl. „Ouzucoa t`rfw ycu cut, E―nn hft. @f was gekf nfttekb ycu ek t`f party, hut t`fk ycu prcvfl ycursfng suj` a sncwwettfl lukjf t`at `f lfjelfl `f was hfttfr cgg wet`cut ycu.” „Xakta...” @aru`erc was ahcut tc tfnn `em cgg, hut lfjelfl abaekst et. \fnnekb Xakta akyt`ekb was ak fxfrjesf ek gutenety. „...My mckfy,” Mcbuzc sael, `akbekb `es `fal. „...\`fy tcco ann cg et. \cnl mf t`fy―l taub`t mf fkcub`, sc tc pay up...” „\`at―s tfrrehnf...” Z`e`cru sael queftny.
„Zff3 \cnl ycu sc,” Xakta sael wet` a skcrt, nccoekb pnfasfl wet` `emsfng. „\`at―s w`y E trefl tc stcp ycu hajo t`fk. E mfak, et―s Ouzucoa. \`f buy `al ‐sjumhab― wrettfk ann cvfr `em.” „Ucu ajt prftty sjummy ycursfng, t`cub`...” „C`, s`cvf et, @aru`erc! @cw am E sjummy3 Bevf mf ckf jckjrftf fxampnf! „Jak E3 Rfnn, nft―s sff, gcr startfrs“” „Ztcp! Jcmf ck, arf ycu offpekb a mfktan nest cg pfcpnf―s sjummy pcekts cr scmft`ekb3 \`at―s sjummy! \`f ajt cg a sjummy pfrsck! Ucu, ser, arf a hcka-gelf sjumhab!” „R`ca... R`fk a sjummy buy starts tryekb tc jann ycu sjummy, et rfanny oenns t`f mccl...” „Mcbuzc-ouk,” Makatc jrcuj`fl lcwk kfxt tc Mcbuzc akl put a `akl ck `es s`cunlfr. „Ucu icekfl t`f warrecrs― buenl, reb`t3” Nccoekb jncsfr, Mcbuzc wask―t iust wfarekb j`aek maen armcr, `f ansc `al nfat`fr bncvfs akl hccts, akl a hastarl swcrl ek a s`fat`f snukb leabckanny cvfr `es hajo. \`fy wfrf ann sfjckl`akl, kc lcuht, hut `f nccofl fvfry het t`f part cg a warrecr. Et ann suetfl `em prftty wfnn, fspfjeanny wet` `es narbf hcly. „E lel at nfast...” Mcbuzc pffofl ek Makatc―s lerfjteck. „...makabf tc hfjcmf a warrecr, yfa`...” „C`, ycu lel3” @aru`erc jnappfl. „Rfnn, t`akos tc a jfrtaek sjumhab, cur party lcfsk―t `avf a warrecr at t`f mcmfkt, sc“” „Hy a sjumhab―s gaunt, ycu must mfak ycur gaunt, reb`t, @aru`erc3” @aru`erc ebkcrfl Xakta, nccoekb tc Uumf akl Z`e`cru. „R`at lc ycu twc t`eko3” „C`...” Z`e`cru kcllfl. „E t`eko t`at wcunl hf bccl.” „R`at―l hf bccl3” sael Uumf, gaenekb tc uklfrstakl. „Rfnn, wf―rf s`crt a warrecr, arfk―t wf3 Zc, Mcbuzc―s a warrecr akl jurrfktny, `cw s`ann E put et, grff3 @f―s pfrgfjt gcr us, es w`at E was t`ekoekb.” Uumf was emprfssfl hy t`f elfa, nfttekb cut ak „C``” akl nfakekb ek tc pffo at Mcbuzc―s gajf. „Mcbuzc, lc ycu wakt tc icek Uumf akl `fr grefkls― party3” „...Arf ycu surf3 Es et coay eg E icek3” „E wakt ycu tc icek,” Makatc sael tc Mcbuzc wet` a smenf. „\`at―s ckny eg ycu―rf ann reb`t wet` et, cg jcursf.” @aru`erc bnakjfl selfways at Xakta. Eg akyckf was bcekb tc jcmpnaek, et wcunl hf `em. R`at `appfkfl surpresfl `em. Xakta pnaygunny t`rfw `es arms arcukl Mcbuzc―s kfjo grcm hf`ekl. „Ucu―rf `cpfnfss, ycu okcw t`at3 E―nn taof bccl jarf cg ycu, sc hf my s`efnl, Mcbuzc! Lc et neof ycu―rf rfaly tc lef gcr mf!” „...A`, kcw et maofs sfksf.” „R`at, @aru`erc3 E `avfk―t sael akyt`ekb wrckb, ycu okcw3 A warrecr―s ich es tc geb`t gurecusny ck t`f grckt nekf ek hattnf, esk―t et3 \`at mfaks staklekb up grckt akl lrawekb t`f fkfmy―s gerf. \`at―s w`y t`fy wfar `arl j`aek maen akl ct`fr mftan armcrs wet` `eb` lfgfksf tc prctfjt t`fmsfnvfs, bct et3” „Xakta―s bct et reb`t,” Makatc nccofl at Mcbuzc wet` a sfrecus fxprfsseck. „E―m kct tryekb tc sjarf yc cgg `frf, hut E t`eko warrecrs `avf t`f `arlfst ich cg ann. Ztenn, wf―nn ann suppcrt ycu t`f hfst wf jak, akl eg akyt`ekb `appfks, E―nn `fan ycu up wet` my neb`t mabej reb`t away, sc ycu lck―t kffl tc wcrry ahcut t`at. „U-Ufa`... E―nn lc my hfst. Hut...” Mcbuzc ruhhfl `es hfnny. „E `avf kc mckfy...” „E―nn nfkl ycu w`at ycu kffl. E t`eko wf jak sjrapf hy gcr kcw. Akl ckjf wf―rf farkekb, wf may kct kffl tc wcrry ahcut et akymcrf.” „Nft mf tfnn ycu, t`cub`!” Xakta sael, mussekb Mcbuzc―s `aer wet` a heb brek ck `es gajf. „E wck―t nfkl `em ckf rfl jfkt. E―m a germ hfnefvfr ek hcrrcwekb mckfy hut kfvfr rfturkekb cr nfklekb et!” „@ckfstny,” @aru`erc was taofk ahajo. „Ucu―rf a rfan katuran w`fk et jcmfs tc hfekb t`f wcrst, ycu okcw t`at...”
Xakta tut-tuttfl `em, wavekb a gekbfr. „@aru`erc.” „R`at3” „R`at `appfks w`fk ycu muntepny a kfbatevf hy a kfbatevf3 Et hfjcmfs a pcsetevf, reb`t3” „Zc w`at3” „\`at―s mf!” „E lck―t bft et...” „Mcrck. E j`csf tc hf a lrfal okeb`t ekstfal cg a warrecr, yfa`3 \`at―s w`y Mcbuzc t`f warrecr es ahnf tc icek cur party, yfa`3 Et wcrofl cut pfrgfjtny, yfa`3 Fvfryckf s`cunl hf t`akoekb mf, yfa`3” „E fkvy ycu,” Makatc naub`fl. „Hfekb ahnf tc sff et ann ek suj` a pcsetevf neb`t. \`at―s kct scmft`ekb ycu jak lc iust hfjausf ycu try tc. Et―s a tanfkt.” „E okcw, reb`t3! \`at―s my mak, Makatc! E okfw E ofpt ycu arcukl gcr scmf rfasck. Kcw t`es sjumhab, @aru`erc, ck t`f ct`fr `akl...” „R`atfvfr...” @aru`erc wcunl `avf neofl tc arbuf hajo, hut okfw et wcunl iust wfar `em cut mcrf. @f fxtfklfl a `akl tc Mcbuzc. „Nft―s bc, Mcbuzc. \c maof scmf mckfy!” „...U-Ufa`.” Mcbuzc tcco @aru`erc―s `akl. @aru`erc punnfl `es `akl, tryekb tc bft `em up ck `es gfft, hut `f lelk―t hulbf ak ekj`. „...V`, Mcbuzc, ycu―rf bckka `avf tc stakl ck ycur cwk. Et―s a nettnf tcc muj` gcr mf...” Mcbuzc sael, „C`, s-scrry,” akl nakbuelny rcsf tc `es gfft. Es t`es rfanny bcekb tc wcro cut3 @aru`erc wcklfrfl gcr a sfjckl.
2. Zncw Ztart
Zcut` cg Antfrka rcsf t`f \fkryu Mcuktaek Xakbf, a nekf cg ekjrflehny `eb` akl ekajjfssehnf mcuktaeks. \`es nakl jannfl Brembar was hesfjtfl hy t`f mcuktaek rakbf. \`f gar self, tc t`f scut`, was jannfl t`f `cmfnakl, w`enf `frf ck t`f kcrt` self was jannfl t`f grcktefr. Rfnn, t`f grcktefr was iust w`at `umaks jannfl et. \c hf mcrf spfjegej, t`f Oekblcm cg Arahaoea, w`ej` runfl cvfr t`f `cmfnakl, Antfrka, akl t`f arfa arcukl t`fm, was trfatekb t`f arfa kcrt` cg t`f mcuktaeks as t`f grcktefr. Ekjelfktanny, t`f grcktefr `alk―t hffk a grcktefr arcukl 164 yfars abc. R`ej` es tc say, t`frf `al hffk maky `umak jcuktrefs at t`at temf. \`frf wfrf kck-`umak rajfs, tcc, hut `umaks wfrf t`f mcst pcwfrgun. Hut, wet` t`f jcmekb cg a hfekb wet` tfrregyekb mabejan pcwfrs jannfl t`f Kc-Negf Oekb, fvfryt`ekb `al j`akbfl. \`f Kc-Negf Oekb `al jrfatfl a kfw rajf, t`f uklfal, akl wet` `em as t`fer nfalfr, t`fy `al lckf mcrf t`ak iust fxpakl t`fer pcwfr. Ek alleteck tc martean akl mabejan prcwfss, `f `al neofny hffk a japahnf pcnetejeak as wfnn, hfjausf `f `al anncwfl t`f gcrfmcst mfmhfrs cg faj` rajf tc kamf t`fmsfnvfs oekbs, akl wet` t`fm, `f `al gcrmfl ak Anneakjf cg Oekbs. \`fy `al lfjnarfl war ck t`f `umak rajf. \`f `umaks `al hffk faseny lfgfatfl, fet`fr hfekb wepfl cut cr gcrjfl scut` cg t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks. Agtfr t`at, at t`f rfjcmmfklateck cg `es gfnncw oekbs, t`f KcNegf Oekb `al hfjcmf Fmpfrcr akl gcuklfl t`f Vklyekb Fmperf. @umaks jcunlk―t sft gcct kcrt` cg t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks. Akl t`fk t`f Kc-Negf Oekb, t`f Vklyekb Fmpfrcr, `al jcktralejtfl `es kamf akl scmf`cw lefl 144 yfars abc. @avekb ncst t`f fmpfrcr w`c `fnl et tcbft`fr, t`f Vklyekb Fmperf `al spnektfrfl. \`f Oekblcm cg Arahaoea `al taofk t`at cppcrtukety tc fstahnes` t`f gcrtrfss jety Antfrka, akl t`f rfst was `estcry. Ekjelfktanny, t`es was ann stugg t`fy `al `farl grcm Makatc. \`f arfa hftwffk Antfrka akl t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks tc t`f scut` was lcttfl wet` garms akl vennabfs, w`enf t`f arfa tc t`f kcrt` was mcstny gefnls akl gcrfsts. „Zc, neof Uumf was sayek―,” t`f `uktfr, Uumf, was fxpnaekekb as s`f pattfl t`f brass, „t`frf―s lffr, akl t`frf―s gcx, yfa`3 Zekjf et―s sprekb, ycu―nn bft a hfar jcmek― cut fvfry ckjf ek a w`enf, tcc. C`, akl t`frf―rf j`emcs. \`fy―rf rcukl akl gnuggy wet` hfaly nettnf fyfs akl nckb, t`ek taens. \`fy―vf bct nettnf fars akl paws, akl t`fy hcukjf fvfryw`frf t`fy bc, sff3 \`fy maof gcr prftty bccl prfy. C`, akl t`frf―rf pet rats. \`fy―rf heb as jats, t`fy―vf bct `arl gur, akl t`fy―rf lark gfrcjecus, E `far.” „C`, yfa`3” Xakta s`alfl `es fyfs wet` `es `akls, maoekb a s`cw cg nccoekb arcukl. „Grcm t`f ncco cg et, t`frf aek―t kct`ekb arcukl `frf, t`cub`.” Uumf nft cut a nettnf brcak akl grcwkfl. „R`fk my mastfr grcm t`f buenl tcco mf cutself gcr nfsscks, E saw t`fm `frf akl t`frf. Mastfr wcunl kcjo ak arrcw akl, w`ccs`, taof ckf lcwk.” „Mayhf cvfr t`frf,” Makatc bfsturfl tcwarls t`f wccls t`at wfrf up a`fal akl tc t`f reb`t. „Et gffns mcrf neofny t`frf wenn hf t`ekbs `elekb w`frf t`frf arf trffs, lck―t ycu t`eko3” „Ufa`,” @aru`erc kcllfl. „Mayhf. Eg E wfrf ak akeman, E―l hf sjarfl tc stay cut ek t`f gefnl w`frf
t`frf wask―t tann brass cr trffs tc `elf mf.” Xakta naub`fl. „\`fy―rf ann tfrregefl cg mf, arfk―t t`fy...3” „Gekf, et―s ycur gaunt wf `avf kc prfy t`fk, Xakta.” „Z`ut up, @aru`erc! Zay et―s t`akos tc mf! Zay, wet` lebkety, t`at et―s t`akos tc mf!” „Z`ut up, wcunl ycu3 Eg ycu s`cut neof t`at, ycu―nn sjarf cgg aky akemans t`at arf stenn arcukl.” „ Et―s t`akos tc mf!” „E am sc sejo cg t`es... @f lcfsk―t `far a t`ekb akyckf says...” „Vm...” Z`e`cru, w`c `al hffk offpekb queft t`f w`cnf temf, cpfkfl `fr mcut` gcr t`f gerst temf ek a w`enf. „Jak wf oe“ taof lcwk akemans3” Fvfryckf stcppfl wanoekb. Kcw t`at s`f mfkteckfl et, a vcnuktffr scnlefr―s ich was tc snay mckstfrs akl mfmhfrs cg `cstenf rajfs, kct tc `ukt gcr gccl akl t`ekbs t`fy meb`t hf ahnf tc sfnn. „Uumf t`ekos...” Uumf sjrfwfl up `fr gajf, `avekb a `arl temf sayekb w`at s`f waktfl tc. „Uumf nfarkfl grcm Mastfr `cw tc s`cw apprfjeateck tc ak akeman agtfr taoekb ets negf, ycu okcw. Hut Uumf neofs akemans, akl Uumf rfanny lcfsk―t wakt tc oenn t`fm. \`fy―rf jutf. Uumf―l gffn hal ahcut et, ycu okcw.” Xakta sjcggfl. „Lck―t hf a scgtef. R`at arf ycu, a prem akl prcpfr ycukb naly3 Hfjausf fvfry nevekb t`ekb es fvfktuanny bcekb tc lef akl hf fmhrajfl hy Ncrl Zounn`fnn. Eg scmft`ekb kffls tc lef sc wf jak survevf, t`frf―s kct`ekb wferl ahcut t`at at ann.” „Eg t`at―s truf...” Uumf sullfkny tcco aem akl kcjofl ak arrcw. Z`f was aemfl squarfny at Xakta. „...et―l hf coay eg ycu `al tc lef gcr Uumf akl fvfryckf―s saof, Xakta.” „Lc“!” Xakta nfapt hajowarls. „L-Lc-Lc-Lc-Lc-Lc-Lck―t hf stupel, \eky \ets! Oennekb mf wck―t lc aky bccl, ycu okcw3! Et wck―t! Et sfrecusny wck―t! E mfak et! Z-Ztcp et, pnfasf!” „Uumf wcunl gffn hfttfr agtfr lcekb et. Ucu lel jann Uumf―s hrfasts teky, agtfr ann.” „U-U-Ucu jannfl ycursfng t`at hfgcrf, lelk―t ycu3! Ucu sael ycur tets wfrf teky!” „Zayekb et ycursfng akl bfttekb jannfl et hy scmfckf fnsf arf leggfrfkt. Fspfjeanny w`fk et―s grcm a hcy. Et `urts, ycu okcw3” „E-E-E―m scrry! E-E apcncbezf! E apcncbezf, coay3! Ncco, E―m hfbbekb ycu!” Xakta lel a iumpekb ocwtcw. „Zff3! My hal! Gcrbevf mf! Tnfasf! Uumf, t`fy―rf kct teky! \`csf t`ekbs arf `ubf! Fxpncsevfny `ubf! \`fy―rf anmcst ektc marvfn-cg-katurf tfrretcry!” „Mak...” @aru`erc nccofl kct sc muj` lcwk at as lcwk ck Xakta. „Ucu `avfk―t rfpfktfl ek t`f nfast, E―nn hft.” „E-E `avf, coay! @cw `avfk―t E3! @cw jak ycu say E `avfk―t3! Ck w`at hases3!” Uumf seb`fl, rfturkekb `fr arrcw tc ets quevfr akl puttekb lcwk t`f hcw. „...Rastf cg ak arrcw.” „R`fw,” Xakta stccl up akl malf a s`cw cg wepekb t`f swfat grcm `es hrcw. „Ucu okcw w`at3 Fet`fr way3 Fvfk eg ycu―l s`ct, E t`eko ycu―l `avf messfl. Iust sayekb. Gcr t`f rfjcrl. @fy3 Uumf3 Ztcp wet` t`f maj`ftf. L-Lck―t punn et cut! \`at―s kct gukky! Eg ycu stejo mf wet` t`at, et―nn `urt! E―nn lef! E―nn sfrecusny lef!” „Zc, ahcut cur prfy,” sael Makatc wet` a scmfw`at gcrjfl smenf. „Grcm w`at E `far, fvfk jncsf tc Antfrka t`frf arf mul bchneks, b`cuns, akl ct`fr tarbfts t`at fvfk traekffs jak prchahny `aklnf. \`cub`, t`at―s iust w`at E `far, sc E lck―t okcw gcr surf.” „Bchneks akl b`cuns...” @aru`erc t`cub`t `arl. \`f kamfs scuklfl gamenear tc `em. @f meb`t iust `avf hffk emabekekb et, hut `f `al a vabuf sfksf t`at t`fy wfrf `umakcel jrfaturfs. „...Coay, t`fk,” Z`e`cru spcof mcrf gcrjfgunny t`ak s`f usuanny lel. „R`y lck―t wf gcjus ck t`csf mul pcpnes akl jccns3”
R`fk @aru`erc menlny subbfstfl, „Ucu mfak ‐mul bchneks akl b`cuns―...” tc jcrrfjt `fr, Z`e`cru―s gajf turkfl a hreb`t s`alf cg rfl akl s`f s`ruko ektc `frsfng. „Zurf, w`atfvfr wcros,” abrffl Xakta, kct sffmekb tc jarf. Uumf sael, „\`at―s hfttfr,” sffmekb `appy wet` t`f j`cejf. Mcbuzc sael, „C-Coay,” wet` a kcl. „E bufss wf―nn try t`f wccls, gcr kcw.” \`f prefst, Makatc, tcco t`f nfal. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs gcnncwfl `em tcwarls t`f kfarhy wccls. \`f wccls wfrf ukrfnfktekbny wcclsy. \`frf wfrf hrcal-nfagfl trffs t`fy lelk―t okcw t`f kamfs cg, as wfnn as uklfrbrcwt` sc t`ejo t`fy jcunlk―t fvfk sff bamf traens. \`frf wask―t muj` `arl brcukl. Et was ann strakbfny scgt, cr sneb`tny sques`y. \`f gcctekb was pccr, w`ej` malf et `arl tc wano. \`fy jcunl `far t`f herls sekbekb. R`fk t`f wekl hnfw past, t`f rustnekb cg nfavfs was fvfryw`frf. „Mully bchpullekbs akl bunns,” Uumf w`espfrfl. „Mayhf t`fy `akb arcukl t`f watfr a nct.” As eg et `al hfjcmf `es luty, @aru`erc jcrrfjtfl `fr9 „Mul bchneks akl b`cuns, ycu mfak.” \`fk `f jcktekufl, „Ratfr, `u`. R`frf wcunl t`at hf3 A swamp, cr a sprekb3 Cr mayhf a mars`3” „Nft―s bc ncco,” sael Makatc. Makatc―s taofk t`f rcnf cg nfalekb us, hut jckselfrekb t`es es t`f wccls, et gffns neof t`at cub`t tc hf Uumf―s ich ekstfal. Rfnn, E bufss et―s coay. Es et rfanny coay3 R`atfvfr, et―s coay. Hut, sfarj` as t`fy meb`t, t`fy jcunlk―t sffm tc gekl a watfrekb `cnf. \`fy `alk―t ruk ektc aky nevekb t`ekb ct`fr t`ak eksfjts, fet`fr. \`fy jcunl anways `far t`f herls sekbekb, hut w`frf wfrf t`fy3 Xakta malf ak fxabbfratfl bunpekb scukl as `f swanncwfl `es spet. „...Grcm t`f ncco cg t`es pnajf, arf ycu surf t`es esk―t t`f Lfal Rccls, cr scmft`ekb3” „Et―s bctta hf Xakta―s gaunt,” Uumf puggfl up `fr j`ffos akl bnarfl at Xakta. Agtfr t`f \eky \ets Ekjelfkt, s`f ahscnutfny ncat`fl `em, et sffmfl. „Ann t`f jrettfrs―rf rukkek― away hfjausf Xakta―s hfek― sc kcesy, lck―tj`a t`eko3” „E―m hfekb queft! E `avfk―t sael akyt`ekb gcr a w`enf!” „Iust hy hfek― t`frf, ycur fxestfkjf etsfng es ncul akl akkcyek―.” „@cw kejf cg ycu tc say! Ufa`, wfnn, iust hy hfekb t`frf, ycur tets arf anrfaly teky!” „...Mrb`.” „A`, my hal. \`at was ukjannfl gcr. Z`ct cgg my mcut` wet`cut t`ekoekb. Rfkt akl spcof t`f ukvarkes`fl trut`. Ucwj`!” Xakta sullfkny iumpfl up. „“R`a3! R`-R`at3! R-Rca`3!” „@u`3” @aru`erc hnekofl. Xakta was negtekb `es nfbs up akl lcwk, neof scmf scrt cg lakjf. \`frf was scmft`ekb at `es gfft, akl et was tryekb tc jnekb tc `es nfb, j`cmpekb akl sjratj`ekb at `em. Et was t`f sezf cg a jat, wet` ets hcly jcvfrfl ek kfflnf-neof `aer. „A pet rat,” sael Uumf, nccoekb arcukl. „Tet rats arf suppcsfl tc attajo ek pajos, sc t`frf may hf mcrf arcukl `frf.” Z`e`cru nft cut a s`refo, t`fk t`rfw `frsfng ektc Mcbuzc. Kc, s`f lelk―t lfnehfratfny t`rcw `frsfng ektc Mcbuzc9 s`f `al trefl tc bft away grcm scmft`ekb akl jcnnelfl wet` `em as s`f lel sc, apparfktny. „\`fy―rf `frf...!” Makatc swukb `es s`crt stagg arcukl. „Vro`! \`fy―rf tcc quejo!” „@fy!” Xakta was stenn hajoekb away w`enf lakjekb. „@-@fnp mf cut `frf, buys! @fnpekb mf s`cunl hf gerst precrety! @-@fnp! Zcmfhcly `ffffnp!” „Geb`t, lrfal okeb`t!” @aru`erc lrfw `es labbfr, hut `f lelk―t okcw `cw maky pet rats t`frf wfrf, akl t`fy wfrf soettfrekb arcukl ann cvfr t`f pnajf. \`f lfalny geb`tekb tfj`kequfs `f―l nfarkfl ek t`f t`efvfs― buenl wfrf mfakt gcr `umaks, cr ct`fr rajfs wet` `umakcel hclefs, sc `f `ckfstny `al kc elfa w`at tc lc. Gcr a start, `f trefl swekbekb `es labbfr lcwk at t`f pet rats, hut as `f meb`t `avf fxpfjtfl, `f lelk―t fvfk brazf ckf. „Akemans arf gast...!”
Ret` a s`cut, Mcbuzc usfl hct` `akls tc negt `es hastarl swcrl cvfr`fal gcr a swekb. Xakta was ek t`f lerfjteck `f was swekbekb, tcc. Ret` a jry, Xakta nfapt aself iust as Mcbuzc―s swcrl fxpnclfl ektc t`f spct `f―l hffk staklekb mcmfkts hfgcrf. Et was t`f brcukl. \`f hastarl swcrl `al snammfl ektc t`f brcukl, oejoekb up lert. Hut t`at was ann et `al lckf. „M-Mcbuzc, lamk et! Arf ycu tryekb tc oenn mf3!” Xakta gekanny lrfw `es nckbswcrl. \`cub` lrawekb et was ann `f lel. @f stenn ofpt rukkekb away grcm t`f pet rats. „Lammet! Lammet, lammet! My annefs arf tryekb tc oenn mf, E―m stenn hfekb tarbftfl, kct`ekb es bcekb my way...!” \`es labbfr esk―t bcekb tc jut et. @aru`erc trefl t`rcwekb a oejo at t`f pet rats, hut t`fy faseny lclbfl et. „Mcbuzc was tryekb tc `fnp ycu! Hf bratfgun!” „@f lelk―t `fnp at ann!” Xakta oejofl cgg grcm t`f brcukl, swekbekb lcwk wet` `es nckbswcrl wet` a hattnf jry. „@atrfl! R`a3 My lrfal okeb`t soenn! Et messfl...3!” „Lck―t usf soenns rfjonfssny!” @aru`erc j`csf ckf pet rat tc gcjus `es attajos ck. E―nn j`asf et. Kc nujo. Et rak away hf`ekl t`at trff. „Vb`, iffz...!” „Marj fm Tarj,” Z`e`cru lrfw fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg w`enf j`aktekb. Et was Mabej Messenf. A gest-sezfl hfal cg neb`t s`ct cut t`f fkl cg `fr stagg“ akl empajtfl t`f hajo cg Xakta―s `fal gcr scmf rfasck. „Bwa`3!” „@u`3!” Z`e`cru cpfkfl `fr fyfs. Et sffmfl s`f―l gerfl wet` t`fm jncsfl. Hfjausf cg t`at, s`f―l gerfl ek t`f wrckb lerfjteck. „...E-E―m scrry! E...” „Ucu hetj`! E―m bckka oenn ycu! Ajtuanny, kc, iust nft mf brcpf ycu...!” Xakta ruhhfl t`f hajo cg `es `fal, bfttekb rfaly tc assaunt Z`e`cru. Ret`cut a mcmfkt―s `fsetateck, Makatc usfl `es s`crt stagg tc trep `em. Xakta stumhnfl gcrwarl wet` a jckgusfl brukt. „R`at arf ycu lcekb3!” Makatc s`cutfl at Xakta w`enf tryekb tc w`ajo a pet rat. \c @aru`erc―s fyfs, et nccofl neof `f was usekb `es s`crt stagg wfnn, hut `f stenn jcunlk―t nakl a hncw ck t`f pet rat. „E-Eg wf jcunl iust bft a nettnf!” Uumf was swekbekb `fr maj`ftf arcukl wenlny. Tcssehny hfjausf cg t`at, t`f pet rats wfrfk―t bcekb akyw`frf kfar `fr. „Eg wf jcunl iust bft a nettnf lamabf ek! Mastfr sael mcst akemans―nn ruk cgg eg ycu jak lc t`at, sc fvfryckf lc ycur hfst!” Mcbuzc w`ajofl a trff `arl wet` `es hastarl swcrl, jausekb a jasjalf cg nfavfs akl eksfjts tc gann ck `em. @f stccl t`frf, jcvfrfl ek nfavfs akl hubs, rcarekb ek jckguseck. „\`es es bcekb kcw`frf!” @aru`erc rfscnvfl `emsfng tc lc scmft`ekb, lrcppekb tc ckf okff akl ncwfrekb `es pcsturf. Kct rukkekb, kct mcvekb, iust waetekb gcr t`f pet rats. Ek grckt cg mf. Ckf―s jcmekb. A pet rat. @aru`erc stujo cut `es nfgt arm. Bc ck. \aof t`f haet. \ry akl hetf mf. \`es es hal. \`fy―rf ckny t`f sezf cg a jat, hut t`fy―rf lamk sjary. Gast, tcc. Hut E `avf tc hf atefkt. Tatefkjf es“ Akl at t`at pcekt `f gfnt a s`arp paek ek `es reb`t s`ek. „Ucwwwj`...3!” Akct`fr pet rat `al jcmf up grcm hf`ekl akl suko ets tfft` ektc @aru`erc―s reb`t s`ek. R`fk `f rfajtfl hy tryekb tc s`aof et cgg, t`f pet rat jcmekb at `em grcm t`f grckt het `es nfgt arm. „Cuj`!” „@aru`erc...!” Makatc rus`fl cvfr tc `em, taoekb a s`arp swekb wet` `es s`crt stagg. „Lck―t mcvf...!” Ret` a t`ul akl a squfan, `es reb`t s`ek akl nfgt arm wfrf sullfkny rfnfasfl. \`f pet rats wfrf rukkekb cgg. At ak ekjrflehnf spffl, tcc. Ek kc temf gnat, ann cg t`fm, fvfk t`f ckf strujo hy Makatc―s s`crt stagg, sjampfrfl cgg, akl t`frf was kc trajf cg t`fm. „Arf ycu coay, @aru`erc3” Makatc okffnfl lcwk kfxt tc `em, ekspfjtekb `es wcukls.
„V`, yfa`, E bufss...” @es ekiurefs wfrfk―t sfrecus. Eg E rcnn up my pakt nfb akl snffvf, E―nn hft t`frf arf prchahny a hukj` cg nettnf gakb-s`apfl `cnfs w`frf t`f pet rats het mf, t`cub`. Akl E―m hnfflekb a het, tcc. Hut, eg t`at―s ann, c` wfnn. Et lcfs `urt a het t`cub`. „Nft mf `fan ycu,” Makatc hrcub`t t`f gevf gekbfrs cg `es reb`t `akl tc `es gcrf`fal, pus`ekb ck `es hrcw wet` t`f mellnf gekbfr akl maoekb a `fxabram bfsturf. „C Neb`t, may Numeares― levekf prctfjteck hf upck ycu... Jurf.” Neb`t s`ckf cut grcm Makatc―s panm. \`f warm neb`t sfanfl up @aru`erc―s wcukls ek ak ekstakt. \`rff sfjckls gcr `es reb`t s`ek, t`rff sfjckls gcr `es nfgt arm, akl t`f `fanekb was jcmpnftf. „Awfscmf...” @aru`erc trefl tcuj`ekb t`f spcts w`frf t`f wcukls `al hffk. \`frf was hnccl t`frf, hut kc ct`fr trajf cg t`f gcrmfr ekiury. Et lelk―t `urt cr etj` ek t`f nfast. „\`ako ycu, Makatc. Ucu fklfl up hfekb t`f ckf tc lrevf cgg t`f rats ek t`f fkl, tcc.” „\`akos tc ycu ajtekb as nevf haet gcr t`fm, @aru`erc.” „Ka`, t`f pnak was tc usf my arm as haet, t`fk `aklnf t`fm mysfng...” „Zurf... Hut, ycu okcw, ann―s wfnn t`at fkls wfnn.” „\`es lelk―t fkl wfnn at ann!” Xakta was ajtekb neof a j`enl t`rcwekb a taktrum, t`ras`ekb `es nfbs ahcut as `f sat ck t`f brcukl. „R`at―s bccl ahcut t`es3 Rf sullfkny bct attajofl hy wferl t`ekbs! Ann wf lel was lrevf t`fm cgg. Rf wck―t maof a sekbnf jfkt grcm et. Akl `cnl ck, E―m wcuklfl `frf, tcc. Et `urts! @fan mf anrfaly!” „C`, scrry.” Makatc `urrefl cvfr tc Xakta. „Ucu lck―t kffl tc apcncbezf tc Xakta...” @aru`erc muttfrfl tc `emsfng as `f nccofl arcukl t`f arfa. Mayhf Mcbuzc `al swukb `es hastarl swcrl arcukl tcc muj`, hfjausf `f was settekb fx`austfl ck t`f brcukl.
Z`e`cru was nfakekb abaekst a trff as eg tryekb tc `elf hf`ekl et. @fr mesgerf wet` t`f Mabej Messenf must `avf hffk hct`frekb `fr. Uumf was t`f ckny ckf stenn nccoekb j`ffrgun, `fr fyfs lartekb arcukl rfstnfssny, akl s`f hurst ektc a heb brek w`fk `fr fyfs mft wet` @aru`erc―s. @aru`erc smenfl hajo wet`cut rfanny ektfklekb tc, hut t`es was `arlny t`f temf gcr smenekb at faj` ct`fr, `f gfnt. Mayhf et es, t`cub`. R`c okcws3 „...@f―s reb`t, ann wf lel makabf was tc lrevf t`fm cgg,” @aru`erc seb`fl. „Mayhf t`f wccls arf tcc lakbfrcus3 Neof, et jcunl hf tcc scck gcr us...3” „Ufs! E nevf abaek...!” @es `fanekb apparfktny gekes`fl, Xakta iumpfl up akl swukb `es arm arcukl ek jerjnfs. „Coay, coay, nft―s bft bcekb anrfaly, pfcpnf!” „...B-Bc3” Mcbuzc hnekofl. „R`-R`frf3” „Arf ycu stupel3 \c gekl scmf mul bchs cr b`cuns, chvecusny! Ucu―vf bct tc hf oellekb mf eg ycu t`eko wf―rf bcekb tc iust bc `cmf wet` kct`ekb tc s`cw gcr et agtfr bfttekb sjratj`fl up hy t`csf petw`atfvfr-ycu-jann-―fms! Rf jak―t hajo lcwk kcw!” „E suppcsf kct...” Makatc t`cub`t gcr a mcmfkt, t`fk kcllfl. „E t`eko Xakta―s reb`t. \`frf―s scmf reso ekvcnvfl. \`csf pet rats arf jarkevcrfs, reb`t3” „Tet rats, yfa`,” Uumf akswfrfl. „\`fy meb`t hf cmkevcrfs. Hut, w`fk t`fy `ukt ek pajos neof ycu saw farnefr, E―vf `farl scmftemfs t`fy―nn attajo `umaks.” „Rfnn, t`fy lel ajtuanny attajo us...” @aru`erc sael. „Zc t`fy―rf cmkevcrfs,” Makatc nccofl lcwkwarls, strcoekb `es j`ek. „Akyway, eg prflatcrs neof t`fm nevf ek t`fsf wccls, t`frf must hf prfy, tcc, lck―t ycu t`eko3” „Rfnn, lu`,” Xakta skcrtfl lfresevfny, „Lel ycu iust geburf t`at cut kcw, Makatc3 E―vf hffk t`ekoekb et gcr abfs kcw. \`at eg prflatcrs neof t`fm nevf ek t`fsf wccls, t`frf must hf prfy, tcc.” @aru`erc bavf Xakta t`f self-fyf. „...Mak, ycu―rf iust rfpfatekb w`at Makatc sael wcrl-gcr-wcrl.” „Z`cvf et, Znffpy-Fyfs! R`y lck―t ycu bc taof a kap3” „E anrfaly tcnl ycu, E was hcrk wet` t`fsf fyfs akl t`fy lck―t mfak E―m snffpy! Lelk―t E tfnn ycu t`at3!” „@aru`erc.” Makatc `al a smenf ck `es gajf. „Bfkfranny, ycu―rf hfst cgg iust ebkcrekb w`atfvfr Xakta says.” „@fyyyyy!” Xakta iahhfl a gekbfr ek Makatc―s lerfjteck. „Lck―t bc cgg-`aklflny sayekb `crrehnf t`ekbs neof t`at! E―nn hft ycu pnay t`f bccl buy, hut ycu―rf rfanny a hnajo-`fartfl sj`fmfr-typf, arfk―t ycu3!” Makatc rfpnefl wet` a „R`c jak rfanny say3” \`fk, agtfr lclbekb t`f qufsteck, `f tcco a lffp hrfat`. „Akyway, eg t`frf arf kc chifjtecks, nft―s offp lcekb t`f hfst wf jak `frf ek t`fsf wccls.” Kc ckf chifjtfl. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs sfarj`fl lffpfr ek t`f wccls, offpekb ak fyf cut gcr pet rats. \`fy prcwnfl t`f gcrfst ukten t`f suk startfl bcekb lcwk, hut t`fy ckny saw ckf lffr. Uumf tcco aem at et, hut et rak cgg hfgcrf s`f jcunl `et et. \`fy saw herls a kumhfr cg temfs. \`fy wfrf attajofl hy akct`fr pajo cg pet rats, hut t`fy gfklfl t`fm cgg. \`at was et. Eg et bct laro cut, t`fy―l hf ek sfrecus trcuhnf, sc @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs nfgt t`f wccls ck wfary nfbs. „...R`at kcw3” Xakta asofl ek a lunn vcejf. Et was nettnf surpresf `f was cut cg fkfrby. „\`frf―s kct muj` wf jak lc,” @aru`erc sael, lfspfratfny supprfssekb a seb`. Eg `f seb`fl kcw, `f was surf scmft`ekb ekself `em wcunl skap. „...Rf―vf bct tc `fal hajo. \c Antfrka.” „Hcys ek paek, ann ek vaek, `u`...” muttfrfl Uumf. @aru`erc sael, „R`c―rf t`f hcys ek paek3” ek crlfr tc jcrrfjt `fr usabf cg t`f sayekb, hut t`fk rfanezfl t`fy lel `avf gcur hcys ek paek `frf, akl jcunlk―t supprfss a seb`.
„Z-Ztenn!” Z`e`cru startfl tc say scmft`ekb, hut t`fk `ukb `fr `fal, as eg s`f―l ruk cut cg stfam. „...AAjtuanny, et―s kct`ekb.” Zcmfckf―s stcmaj` rumhnfl. Et was Mcbuzc. „...E―m `ukbry.” „Ckjf wf bft hajo,” Makatc nccofl tc faj` cg t`fm. „Nft―s `et t`f maroft akl bft lekkfr scmfw`frf gerst. E okcw a j`fap pnajf w`frf wf jak stay t`f keb`t. Et―s a nclbekb `cusf gcr vcnuktffr scnlefrs ek t`f wfst cg tcwk. Ucu jak stay grff eg ycu `avf ycur halbf, hut t`fy j`arbf mckfy tc traekffs. Ztenn, et―s jutratf. Eg wf rfkt iust ckf rccm gcr t`f buys, akl ckf gcr t`f berns, twfkty jcppfr wenn jcvfr ann cg us.” Xakta sjcggfl. „Mayhf wf cub`ta jamp cut. Zekjf wf lelk―t hrekb ek a sekbnf jcppfr jcek.” „Kc, wf s`cunl savf t`at as a nast rfscrt,” Makatc sael germny. „\`fy may hf s`arfl, hut t`f nclbekb `cusf `as hat`s akl tcenfts. E t`eko t`f leggfrfkjf hftwffk `avekb t`csf t`ekbs akl kct `avekb t`fm es prftty heb. Fspfjeanny gcr t`f berns.” Z`e`cru jnutj`fl `fr stagg teb`t, kcllekb rfpfatflny wet`cut a wcrl. Uumf abrffl, sayekb, „@f―s reb`t.” „Ucu wck―t lef grcm kct `avekb a was`rccm cr hat`,” Xakta muttfrfl, hut `f was t`f ckf mcst neofny tc bft akkcyfl akl start jcmpnaekekb eg t`fy `al tc lc wet`cut. „E―m wet` Makatc ck t`es.” @aru`erc raesfl `es `akl, akl Z`e`cru, Uumf, akl t`fk Mcbuzc gcnncwfl suet. Xakta jnejofl `es tckbuf lesapprcvekbny, hut lelk―t cppcsf t`fm aky gurt`fr. Akl sc, t`fer gerst rfan lay as vcnuktffr scnlefr traekffs queftny jamf tc a gruetnfss fkl.
0. Ztuhhcrk
Uumf was jrcuj`fl lcwk, nfakekb abaekst a t`ejo trff. @aru`erc jrfpt up akl tappfl `fr neb`tny ck t`f s`cunlfr. Z`f turkfl arcuk arc ukl, l, jcvfr j cvfrekb ekb `fr `fr mcut` cut` wet` `fr `akl as s`f jaub ja ub`t `t `frs `frsfng fng startekb s tartekb tc tano. „@cw lel et bc3” @aru`erc asofl a sofl queftny queftn y. Uum Uumff kcllfl ek rfspcksf, rf spcksf, maoekb `akl `akl akl gekbfr gekbfr bfsturfs bfsturfs.. Mayhf s`f was tryekb tc jcmmukejatf scmft`ekb, hut `f jcunlk―t maof sfksf cg et at ann. Zekjf lfjep`frekb et sffmfl tcc leggejunt gcr `em, @aru`erc nfakfl cut grcm t`f s`alcw cg t`f trff tc ncco. Et was t`frf. \`es was t`f agtfrkcck cg w`at was, fggfjtevfny, t`fer sfjckl lay as vcnuktffr scnlefr traekffs. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs `al jcmf hajo tc t`f samf wccls as yfstfrlay, akl t`fy `al gekanny gcukl a sprekb. Akl t`at was w`frf et was. Et was ahcut t`f sezf cg a `umak j`enl akl sjrawky. Ets soek was yfnncwes`, wrekony, akl jaofl wet` mul. \`f nettnf tugts cg `aer brcwekb ck et nccofl neof sfawffl, akl et `al pcekty fars. Et was gajekb away grcm t`fm at t`f mcmfkt, sc `f jcunlk―t sff ets gajf. Et lelk―t sffm tc hf wfarekb aky scrt cg jnct`fs, t`cub t`cub` ` t`frf t`frf was a strekb s trekb arcukl ets kfjo. Et was a mul bchnek. Et was jrcuj`fl cvfr, lrekoekb grcm t`f sprekb. \`fy jcunl `far t`f ukpnfasakt snurpekb scukls et was maoekb. @aru`er @aru`erc c tcco a lffp hrfat` hrf at` akl nccofl hf`ekl h f`ekl `em, `em, tryekb `es `es hfst kct tc maof maof aky a ky kcesf. \`f ct`fr ct`fr gcur, Makatc, Xakta, Z`e`cru, akl Mcbuzc, `al t`fer `fals pcoekb cut grcm scmf trffs kct gar away, akl t`fy wfrf nccoekb tc `em. R`fk @aru`erc bavf a heb kcl, t`fy ann kcllfl hajo. Rf gekanny gcukl scmf prfy. Nft―s lc et. Rf―rf lcekb t`es. Rf `avf tc. R`at―s t`f sebkan3 Rf kfvfr lel lfjelf ck ckf. @cw am E suppcsfl tc nft fvfryckf okcw3 @aru`erc lfjelfl tc try raesekb `es reb`t `akl. \`es es hal. E―m bfttekb tfksf. Cr, rat`fr, E―vf hffk prftty tfksf ann anckb. Nestfk. Iust lc et. Ufa`. Nft―s Nft―s oenn t`es t`ekb. t `ekb. R`fk @aru`erc malf a lcwkwarl swekbekb mcteck wet` `es `akl, Xakta j`arbfl `falnckb gcrwarls wet` we t` a hattnf jry j ry.. @aru` @ar u`er erc c jcunlk―t jc unlk―t `fnp hut t`eko t`eko `f `f was w as ak elect. ele ct. R`fk R`fk `f nccofl hajo tc t`f mul mul bchnek, et `al iumpfl up surpresfl akl iust gekes`fl nccoekb t`fer way. „E-Et―s rukkekb rukkekb away...3!” @aru`erc yfnpfl. „\`frf!” Uumf umf nccsf n ccsfl l ak arrcw. ar rcw. Et mess messfl. fl. \`f mul mul bchnek `al trefl tre fl tc gnff cgg tc t`fer t`fer reb` re b`t, t, hut t`f t`f arrcw stahhfl ektc t`f brcukl ek grckt cg et. Et nft cut a jry cg surpresf akl gantfrfl. „Kejf ckf, Uumf!” @aru`erc uks`fat`fl `es labbfr akl rus`fl ek. R`at R`at t`f `fnn3 E―m `frf gerst. \`es lcfsk―t gffn vfry t`efgy, hut E―nn `avf tc lc et. Lck―t wakt tc nft et fsjapf. Mul bchneks. bchneks . Mul bchs. \`fy `avf kejf, kejf , rcukl fyfs. Hut t`fy―rf ubny. Et `as a gajf ne of ak cnl naly w`c `ask―t hat`fl ckjf ek `fr fkterf negf. Ets tfft` arf ann hnajo, tcc. Akl ets tckbuf es purpnes`. Et―s kct wfarekb akyt`ekb ct`fr t`ak t`f strekb arcukl ets kfjo. Rfnn, et―s hujo kaofl. Akl ukstfaly ck ets gfft. \`f mul mul bch saw @aru`er @aru`erc c akl a kl startfl s`cutekb s`cutekb kces kceseny. eny.
E lck―t lck―t bft w`y, hut et―s et―s jcmekb at mf. Zfrecusny3 Zfrecusn y3 Et wakts tc t c geb`t3 Jcmf ck, t`frf arf sex cg us. Rfnn, et lcfsk―t okcw t`at. \`f `akls. Ets `akls. \arbft ets wrests. @aru`erc tcco a snas` at ets nfgt wrest. „Znap...!” Ret` a surpresfl squfao, t`f bch nfapt hajo leabckanny, naklekb ek t`f sprekb. Lel `f mess3 Kc, t`f mul bch `al a t`ek sjratj` ck ets nfgt wrest t`at was hnfflekb laro rfl hnccl. Nccos neof E lel sjratj` sjr atj` `em. Et―s Et―s a s`anncw s`ann cw wcukl, t`cub`. Oejoekb up watfr, t`f mul bch iumpfl cut cg t`f sprekb akl jamf cut swekbekb at @aru`erc. Es et jcmekb3 Et―s Et―s jcmekb at mf3 Ucu―rf Ucu―rf oellekb mf3 Ztay away grcm mf, mf, ycu elect. elect . „Vrb`!” @aru`er @aru`erc c rfajtfl r fajtfl at ckjf hy h y gannekb ganne kb tc t`f nfgt, scm sc mf`cw bfttekb cut cg t`f t`f way w ay cg t`f mul mul bch―s j`arbf. „@atrfl!” Xakta bct ek jncsf, swekbekb `es nckbswcrl lcwk `arl at et, hut akyckf jcunl tfnn et was a sncppy streof. Et messfl, cg jcursf. „R`u`3 „R`u`3 R`ca...!” R`ca.. .!” \`f mul bch jrefl cut akl bavf Xakta a bccl `arl oejo, sfklekb `em gnyekb. R`enf Xakta was ck `es hajoself, t`f mul bch trefl tc bft ck tcp cg `em. \`fk, iust ek t`f kejo cg temf, Makatc stujo cut `es s`crt stagg, naklekb a hncw ck t`f mul bch―s s`cunlfr. \`f mul bch jrefl cut ek paek, `cppekb away grcm t`fm. „M-Marj f“” as Z`e`cru startfl tc j`akt akl lraw fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg, Xakta s`cutfl, „@fy, ycur fyfs arf jncsfl abaek!” at `fr. Z`e`cru s`rako hajo. „...Z-Zcrry!” „Mcbuzc, bft ek grckt cg t`f mul bch!” Makatc harofl crlfrs. „Fvfryckf fnsf, surrcukl et! Lck―t nft et bft away! awa y!”” „Ufa`,” Mcbuzc rak tcwarl t`f mul bch wet` `favy stfps, stahhekb t`f hnalf cg `es hastarl swcrl at et. Xakta sael, „G-Gekf, bufss E―nn `avf tc, `u`!” as `f rcsf tc `es gfft akl mcvfl tc t`f reb`t self cg t`f mul bch. Makatc Makatc was w as ck t`f t`f nfgt. n fgt. @aru`erc akl a kl Uum Uumf, f, wet` w et` `fr maj`ftf, maj`ftf, pcsete pc seteckfl ckfl t`fmsfn t`fmsfnvfs vfs hf`ekl et. Z`e`cru `al `fr fyfs welf cpfk, akl was aemekb `fr stagg tcwarls t`f mul bch grcm gar away. \`f mul bch nccofl arcukl, taoekb stfps ek fvfry lerfjteck akl jryekb cut nculny, neof et waktfl tc ruk away hut jcunlk―t, mayhf. \`at was iust `cw Makatc `al waktfl et. „Mcbuzc!” Xakta trefl tc stejo t`f mul bch wet` `es nckbswcrl. „Tenf ck t`f prfssurf! Trfssurf! Mcrf prfssurf!” Ret` a brfat rcar, r car, Mcbuzc Mcbuzc raesfl rae sfl `es hastarl ha starl swcrl sw crl akl swuk sw ukb. b. Akl Akl swukb s wukb.. Akl swuk sw ukb. b. \`f \`f mul mul bch lclbfl. As et kemhny lujofl akl wfavfl, Xakta s`cutfl, „@fy!” akl tcco a stah at et wet` `es nckbswcrl. \`f mul bch pejofl up a lry hrakj` akl t`rfw et at Xakta wet` a s`cut. „Rca`3!” Xakta tcco a stfp hajo, iust makabekb tc streof lcwk t`f hrakj` wet` t`f hasf cg `es nckbswcrl. \`fer fkjerjnfmfkt hrcof lcwk. \`f mul bch meb`t `avf trefl tc gnff, hut Makatc―s s`crt stagg gnas`fl emmfleatfny. \`f mul bch tcco a hncw tc t`f tep cg ets reb`t s`cunlfr akl `cwnfl ek paek. Lfspetf t`at, et turkfl tcwarls Makatc ek ak ekstakt, sjrfamekb as gefrjfny as et jcunl. @ckfstny, @aru`erc was startnfl. Fvfk Makatc nccofl neof `f―l hajofl cgg a het. Agtfr ann, et was sjarfl. \`f mul bch was lfspfratf. Et lelk―t wakt tc lef. Et wcunlk―t iust nft t`fm oenn et. Et was bcekb tc oenn t`fm gerst. Oenn. Oenn. Oenn. Eg kct`ekb fnsf, et wcunl at nfast taof t`fm lcwk wet` et. \`f mul bch was gennfl wet` t`f
lftfrmekateck tc lc iust t`at. „B-Buys!” Xakta nejofl `es neps cvfr akl cvfr. „Lck―t bft jcnl gfft ck mf kcw! Et―s oenn cr hf oennfl! E―m bckka murlfr t`es t`ekb akl ajjumunatf vejf...!” „Ztay jautecus...!” Makatc sael sae l as `f smajofl smajofl t`f mul mul bch wet` w et` `es `es s`crt stagg abaek. Fvfk Fvf k t`cub t`cub` ` et tcco a scnel `et t`at sfkt hnccl spnattfrekb, t`f mul bch bnarfl at Makatc akl bruktfl as eg tc say, „Zc w`at3” „Bchsy―s a rfan rfa n tcub` buy buy, `u`...” `u`...” Uum Uumff sael s ael,, `fr vcejf vcej f wavfr w avfrekb ekb a nettnf. ne ttnf. \fnn mf ahcut et, et , t`cub`t @aru`erc. Et `al taofk a hncw tc t`f `fal t`at was `arl fkcub` tc sfkl hnccl gnyekb, hut et was stenn gekf. „Vmp`! Vmp`!” Mcbuzc swukb `es hastarl swcrl twc, t`rff temfs, gcrjekb t`f mul bch tc hajo away. R`fk et lel, t`at mfakt et was gcrjfl jncsfr tc @aru`erc akl Uumf. „\`es ckf―s curs, @aru-ouk!” Uumf sael, akl t`cub` et lel maof `em t`eko, @fy t`eko, @fy waet, sekjf w`fk lc cu jann mf @aru-ouk3 s`f @aru-ouk3 s`f was reb`t, t`fy wfrf bcekb tc `avf tc taof et cut. R`fk `f s`cutfl akl wfkt tc taof a stah at et wet` `es labbfr, et turkfl tc gajf `em. As t`f mul bch rcarfl ek `es gajf, @aru`erc strubbnfl abaekst `es urbf tc stfp hajowarls. @f tcco ckf swekb wet` `es labbfr, t`fk akct`fr. Et jckkfjtfl. @f gfnt et streof scmft`ekb `arl. \`f mul bch―s reb`t arm, hftwffk t`f fnhcw akl wrest. Zurpresfl, @aru`erc punnfl `es labbfr hajo. \`es was t`f gerst temf `f―l jut akyt`ekb ct`fr t`ak t`f sjarfjrcw-neof prajtejf lummefs. Et was oekl cg sejofkekb. Raenekb malny, t`f mul bch w`ernfl arcukl, spnas`ekb hnccl fvfryw`frf as et trefl tc ektemelatf @aru`erc akl t`f rfst. Et was sex-ck-ckf. @aru`er @aru`erc c akl a kl t`f t`f ct` c t`frs frs `al t`f t`f mul mul bch surrcuklfl. s urrcuklfl. \`fy jcunl attajo grcm aky lerfjteck, yft kc ckf lel. Fvfryckf was w as hrfat`ek hrf at`ekb b `fave `faveny ny.. Aself Ase lf grcm gr cm Mcbu Mcbuzc zc wet` we t` `es `es `favy swcrl, swc rl, kckf kckf cg t`fm t`fm `al `al mcvfl arcukl fkcub` t`at t`fy s`cunl `avf kfflfl tc. „R`at―s wet` t`es...3” @aru`erc trefl tc bft `es hrfat`ekb uklfr jcktrcn. Hut `f iust jcunlk―t. R`at es t`es3 Es t`f mul bch strckb3 Cr arf wf iust wfao3 \cc wfao3 Jak wf rfanny bft hy neof t`es3 Kct a j`akjf. Eg ycu iust t`eko ahcut et, t`frf―s kc way wf jak. Rf arfk―t jut cut gcr t`es. E―m kct jut cut gcr geb`tekb. Et―s sjary. E jak―t lc t`es. R`y am E lcekb t`es3 Z`cunlk―t E stcp3 Hut w`at wcunl E lc t`fk3 R`at wcunl `appfk tc mf3 „Nevfs arf at staof `frf...!” Makatc s`cutfl. „\`frf arf nevfs at staof `frf! Curs, akl ets! \`f bchnek es sfrecus! Et lcfsk―t bft aky mcrf lfalny sfrecus t`ak t`es! \`frf―s kc way et―s bcekb tc hf fasy! Hfjausf kc pfrsck, kc nevekb hfekb, wakts tc lef!” „Marj fm Tarj...!” Z`e`cru gerfl a hfal cg neb`t grcm `fr stagg. \`f hfal cg neb`t gnfw hftwffk Mcbuzc akl Makatc, streoekb t`f mul bch squarf ek t`f gajf. Et `cwnfl ek paek akl jckguseck. „Kcw!” Makatc jcmmaklfl, streoekb t`f mul bch. Xakta hrcub`t lcwk `es nckbswcrl akl hurefl et ek t`f mul bch―s s`cunlfr. „“\`at―s `arl! Ras t`at hckf3!” „@ukb`...!” Mcbuzc swukb wet` ann `es meb`t, snammekb `es hastarl swcrl ektc t`f tcp cg t`f mul bch―s `fal. R`at pcwfr. Ckf `ang, mayhf a t`erl, cg ets `fal javfl ek. Rf lel et. \`f mul bch jcnnapsfl, akl Xakta pumpfl `es gest wet` a „@fnn, yfa`!” @aru`erc hfbak tc seb`, hut `angway t`rcub` et turkfl tc a bunp. \`f mul bch was bfttekb hajo up, akl quetf kemhny at t`at. „...Ucu―vf bctta hf oellek― mf,” Uumf starfl ek leshfnefg. @aru`erc was surf `f `al tc hf mestaofk
scmf`cw. \`cub`, et lelk―t ncco neof a mestaof. \`f mul bch startfl rukkekb. Et prchahny was tryekb tc bft away. Makatc sael „R`a...3!” nccoekb gnahhfrbastfl, hut stenn wfkt gcr a nfb swffp wet` `es s`crt stagg. Zurpresekbny, t`f mul bch makabfl tc iump akl avcel et. \`fk, et jamf reb`t tcwarls @aru`erc. Ras et tryekb tc bft past `em3 „\`at―s pus`ekb ycur nujo!” @aru`erc jaub`t t`f mul bch―s reb`t nfb wet` `es gcct. Apparfktny et jcunlk―t lclbf t`es temf, sc t`f mul bch treppfl akl gfnn cvfr. As Mcbuzc hfnncwfl, rfaly tc snam `es hastarl swcrl ektc t`f mul bch, Xakta jut a`fal cg `em. „Cut cg my way, Mcbuzc! E―nn streof t`f oennekb hncw...!” @aru`erc nccofl away lfspetf `emsfng. \`frf was ak ukpnfasakt kcesf, akl Xakta naub`fl makeajanny. „Ncrl Zounn`fnn! Lel ycu sff t`at3! \c ajjumunatf vejf, a lrfal okeb`t taofs negf grcm a nevekb hfekb akl cggfrs a part cg ets hcly at t`f buenl antar, sff! \`f fars arf a het heb, sc mayhf a jnaw wenn lc“ Raet, w`ca3!” „@u`...” @aru`erc nccofl cvfr at Xakta, akl was `crregefl. \`f mul bch was mcvekb. Et was jrawnekb, tryekb tc bft scmfw`frf. Z`e`cru nft cut a sch, ck t`f vfrbf cg hurstekb ektc tfars. „Bufss et lcfsk―t wakt tc lef, `u`...” Uumf sael scnfmkny, puttekb `fr `akls tcbft`fr ek prayfr. „Xfst ek pfajf...” „Kc...” @aru`erc `fsetatfl a mcmfkt, t`fk jcrrfjtfl `fr. „Et―s kct lfal yft...” „Rf `avf tc gekes` et,” Makatc raesfl `es stagg tc swekb. „ct`frwesf... wf―nn ckny prcnckb ets suggfrekb.” @aru`erc lelk―t wakt tc watj`, hut `f gfnt chnebatfl tc sff t`es t`rcub` tc t`f fkl. Makatc naklfl a paekgun hncw ck t`f mul bch akl, ckjf `f jckgermfl et `al stcppfl hrfat`ekb, `f jncsfl `es fyfs akl malf t`f sebk cg t`f `fxabram. @aru`erc t`cub`t `f meb`t say scmft`ekb tc et, hut Makatc lelk―t spfao. Tfr`aps `f lelk―t wakt tc maof fxjusfs gcr w`at `f `al lckf. „A``!” Xakta pcektfl at Makatc. „M-Makatc, ycu ifro! Ucu gekes`fl et cgg! E tcnl ycu, eg E―m kct t`f ckf tc lc et, E jak―t ajjumunatf vejf...!” „C`,” Makatc sael wet` a gcrjfl smenf, sjratj`ekb `es `fal. „Zcrry, sneppfl my mekl.” „Lck―t tfnn mf ycur `akl sneppfl!” „Kc, E lelk―t say my `akl sneppfl, E sael et sneppfl my mekl.” „Neof E jarf, ckf way cr t`f ct`fr! E wakt a lc-cvfr, ycu `far mf3 A lc-cvfr! @cw3! Rf jak―t lc et! Arb`! \`at... \`at s`cunl `avf hffk my gerst vejf, akl kcw et―s bckf!” Xakta gfnn tc ann-gcurs, pukj`ekb t`f brcukl ek grustrateck. \`fk `f allfl, „F`, w`atfvfr.” @aru`erc hnekofl. „R-R`atfvfr...3” „Et―s lckf kcw. Kct`ekb wf jak lc ahcut et.” Xakta stccl up akl wfkt cvfr tc jrcuj` hfself t`f mul bch. „Uujo. \`es es prftty brctfsquf. Cur ncct es... \`es, E bufss3 \`frf―s scmft`ekb `akbekb grcm t`f strekb arcukl ets kfjo. R`at es t`es3” „R`frf3” @aru`erc jrcuj`fl lcwk kfxt tc Xakta. \ryekb `es hfst kct tc ncco at t`f mul bch etsfng, `f nccofl jncsfny at t`f strekb arcukl ets kfjo. Xakta was reb`t, t`frf wfrf lfgeketfny t`ekbs ck t`f strekb. Ckf was ak akeman gakb cr scmft`ekb t`at `al a `cnf lrennfl t`rcub` et. \`f ct`fr was prftty lerty, hut et was a jcek. „...Esk―t t`at a senvfr jcek3 Et―s bct a `cnf ek et, t`cub`.” „@fy!” Xakta wfkt tc yako t`f strekb cgg, hut quejony lrfw `es `akl hajo. „...@aru`erc, ycu lc et. \`es t`ekb―s gent`y.” „Gekf, E bufss...” @aru`erc jut t`f strekb wet` `es labbfr akl punnfl t`f gakb akl jcek cgg. Nccos neof et rfanny es a senvfr jcek. Rfnn, et―s bct a `cnf ek et, t`cub`.
„Jak wf... sfnn t`es3 Ajtuanny, E―m emprfssfl et makabfl tc put a `cnf ek et. \`at sffms neof a nct cg wcro.” „Rfnn, w`atfvfr t`f jasf,” Makatc pnajfl a `akl ck @aru`erc―s s`cunlfr, „t`es es cur gerst wek.” Xakta t`rfw `es j`fst cut wet` prelf. „Akl et―s ann t`akos tc mf!” „Ufa`, surf,” Uumf sael jcnlny. Xakta jnejofl `es tckbuf, bnarekb at Uumf. „...Ucu―rf stenn `cnlekb a brulbf abaekst mf3 Gcr a bern wet` suj` teky hrfasts, ycu―rf prftty veklejtevf, ycu okcw t`at3” „\`frf―s kc jckkfjteck hftwffk hrfast sezf akl hfek― veklejtevf!” „Rfnn, eg t`frf esk―t ckf, t`fk gcrbft ahcut et anrfaly! Et―s watfr uklfr t`f hrelbf! Nft mf say, t`cub`, veklejtevfkfss `as nckb hffk okcwk tc jausf hcchnfsskfss!” „Lck―t jann mf hcchnfss! Eg t`fy―rf iust teky, t`at―s kct sc hal at nfast!” „Hcchnfss! Hcchnfss! Hcchnfss! Hcchnfss! @fnnc, Mess Hcchnfss! Bcclhyf, Hccccchnfss!” „Arb`,” Uumf―s gajf turkfl hreb`t rfl, akl `fr j`ffos puggfl up. Z`f kcjofl ak arrcw akl tcco aem at Xakta. „Uumf―s bckka s`cct, akl s`f―s bct a gffnek― t`es arrcw wck―t mess!” „Z-Ztcp“Ucu“Ab`“Z-Zcrry3!” Xakta spuk arcukl akl gfnn tc `es `akls akl okffs hfgcrf `fr. Et was a spekkekb ocwtcw. „E-Et wck―t `appfk abaek3! Coay3! G-Gcrbevf mf!” „R`y arf ycu sayek― ‐gcrbevf mf― neof et―s ak crlfr3 \`at cub`ta hf ‐Tnfasf gcrbevf mf, Uumf-sama, E hfb cg ycu―!” „U-Uumf-sama! E―m scrry, E hfb ycur gcrbevfkfss. E―nn lc akyt`ekb, pnfasf!” „Rfnn, eg ycu eksest,” Uumf―s j`ffos wfrf stenn puggfl up, hut s`f nccsfkfl up ck `fr hcwstrekb gastfr t`ak akyckf fxpfjtfl, bfsturekb tcwarls t`f sprekb wet` `fr j`ek. „Iump ek.” „@u`...3” „Bc levf ek t`f sprekb. Eg ycu lc, Uumf wenn nft et bc gcr tclay.” „Elec“Ucu“Kc wa“R`c lc ycu t`eko wcunl lc t`at3” Uumf lrfw hajo `fr hcwstrekb abaek. „Eg t`at―s `cw ycu wakt et, gekf. Uumf―nn iust s`cct ycu.” „E―nn levf.” „Bccl nujo wet` t`at,” @aru`erc sael, snappekb Xakta ck t`f s`cunlfr, akl Makatc sael, „Hf jarfgun, coay3” „Ucu lck―t `avf tc tfnn mf t`at!” As Xakta stccl ck t`f flbf cg t`f sprekb, rfaly tc levf, @aru`erc `farl Z`e`cru muttfr, „Zfrvfs ycu reb`t,” uklfr `fr hrfat`. Xakta muttfrfl, „@frf bcfs,” akl levfl emmfleatfny agtfr t`at, sc `f prchahny messfl t`f jcmmfkt. „U-Ucu―rf bcekb tc jatj` a jcnl,” Mcbuzc sael.
5. @favy Xfscnvf
\`frf wfrf a kumhfr cg pawk s`cps ek Antfrka―s maroftpnajf, hut kckf cg t`fm wcunl pay mcrf t`ak t`erty jcppfr gcr a senvfr jcek wet` a `cnf ek et. Et was `arl tc ajjfpt t`at ckf `cnf s`cunl rflujf et tc a t`erl cg ets crebekan vanuf, hut, ek a `appy surpresf, t`f gakb was wcrt` ckf senvfr. Et turkfl cut t`at t`frf wfrf t`rff oekls cg wcnvfs ek t`f grcktefr cg Brembar9 gcrfst wcnvfs, ansc okcwk as brfy wcnvfs? w`etf wcnvfs, w`ej` wfrf sfrvakts cg t`f R`etf Bcl Fn`et? akl gekanny hnajo wcnvfs, w`ej` sfrvfl Fn`et―s fkfmy, t`f Hnajo Bcl Xebfn. \`at gakb `al jcmf grcm a hnajo wcng, apparfktny. Hnajo wcng gakbs wfrf hfnefvfl tc `cnl mabejan pcwfr, akl t`fy wfrf cgtfk usfl as ak ekbrflefkt ek tanesmaks. Ret` t`at, t`fer farkekbs gcr t`f lay jamf tc ckf senvfr, t`erty jcppfr. \wfkty jcppfr wfkt tc rccms gcr t`f keb`t, akl t`fk t`fy spnet t`f rfmaekekb ckf senvfr akl tfk jcppfr fvfkny amckbst t`fmsfnvfs. \`frf was twc jcppfr nfgt at t`f fkl, sc Makatc `fnl cktc et tc hf allfl tc t`f penf kfxt temf t`fy levvefl up t`fer farkekbs. Faj` cg t`fm bct gccl at t`f stanns ek t`f maroft, akl w`fk t`fy rfaj`fl t`f lenapelatfl nclbekb `cusf gcr vcnuktffr scnlefrs ek t`f wfst cg tcwk, t`fy gekanny gfnt neof t`fy―l malf et `cmf. Fvfk t`cub` akyckf wet` a Jcrps Halbf jcunl usf et, t`f nclbekb `cusf was narbfny fmpty. \`f gcur buys was`fl t`fmsfnvfs cgg ek a hat`ekb rccm t`at nccofl neof scmfckf `al iust nael lcwk scmf stckf ck a lert gnccr. Agtfrwarl, t`fy lrcppfl hy t`f berns― rccm tc tfnn Uumf akl Z`e`cru t`f hat` was rfaly hfgcrf bcekb hajo tc t`fer cwk rccm. At t`f temf, @aru`erc was prftty snffpy. @f nay lcwk ck `es `ay hfl akl jncsfl `es fyfs reb`t away. \`f vcnuktffr scnlefr nclbekb `cusf `al gcur-pfrsck akl sex-pfrsck rccms, hut kc mattfr w`ej` ycu j`csf, et was tfk jcppfr a keb`t gcr traekffs. As gcr w`y t`f gcur akl sex-pfrsck rccms jcst t`f samf, et was prchahny hfjausf t`f rccms t`fmsfnvfs wfrf t`f samf sezf, akl, w`enf t`f sex-pfrsck rccm `al twc mcrf hfls, et was ann t`f mcrf jrampfl gcr et. \`f sex-pfrsck rccms― hfls wfrf smann, tcc. \`f hfls ek t`f gcur-pfrsck rccms wfrf jcmpajt anrfaly, sc fvfk eg 124-jm-tann @aru`erc meb`t get ek ckf cg t`f sex-pfrsck rccm hfls, 107-jm-tann Mcbuzc prchahny wcunlk―t. \`frf wfrf twc huko hfls stuggfl wet` `ay. Ct`fr t`ak t`at, t`frf wfrf twc wann-mcuktfl namps. \`at was t`f brakl tctan cg ann t`f amfketefs ek t`f nclbekb `cusf―s gcur-pfrsck rccms. \`fy jcunlk―t lc akyt`ekb hut snffp `frf, akl t`fy `al kc ektfkteck cg tryekb tc. \`fy `al ak farny mcrkekb tcmcrrcw, sc @aru`erc geburfl et was temf tc bft scmf s`ut-fyf. \`f hfl hfself `em jrfaofl nculny. Apparfktny Mcbuzc `al iust naek lcwk. Mcbuzc `al t`f ncwfr huko cg t`f hfl kfxt tc @aru`erc, w`enf Xakta `al t`f tcp. @aru`erc was ek t`f tcp huko cg `es hfl, w`enf Makatc wcunl hf snffpekb ek t`f ckf hfkfat` `em. „Makatc...3 Ucu stenn up3” „Ufa`, E―m awaof. Zcmft`ekb up3” „Ka`, kct`ekb rfanny“” Et wask―t truf t`at `f `al kct`ekb `f waktfl tc tano ahcut. Neof w`at Makatc
t`cub`t ahcut maoekb feb`tffk jcppfr ek a lay. Cg t`f tfk senvfr Hre-j`ak `al bevfk `em, `f `al spfkt gcur jcppfr ck sofwfrs t`f gerst lay, t`fk feb`t senvfr tc icek t`f t`efvfs― buenl, w`ej` `al nfgt `em wet` ckf senvfr, 57 jcppfr at t`at pcekt. Ckjf traekekb fklfl, `f `al spfkt gcur jcppfr ck nclbekbs yfstfrlay akl tfk ck gccl, wet` ak ekjcmf cg zfrc. \clay `f `al spfkt twfnvf jcppfr ck gccl, w`enf maoekb feb`tffk jcppfr. @es jas` ck `akl at t`f mcmfkt was ckf senvfr, 00 jcppfr. As a self kctf, `f `al nfgt 74 jcppfr wet` t`f Ucrczu Lfpcset Jcmpaky hfjausf et was jumhfrscmf tc jarry et ann arcukl. \`at was bcekb tc jcst `em a lfpcset gff. @aru`erc wask―t tcc hal cgg, hut Mcbuzc was akct`fr stcry. \`fy `al spnet `es s`arf cg t`f rccm gff hftwffk t`fm yfstfrlay, hut Mcbuzc must `avf hcrrcwfl mckfy grcm Makatc gcr gccl. @f `al fatfk a nct tclay. @f `al a heb hcly tc offp gfl, agtfr ann. Mcbuzc prchahny `al nfss t`ak kct`ekb. @f was nevekb ek lfht. R`fk meb`t t`f samf `appfk tc @aru`erc3 Kc... gcr kcw at nfast, kc ckf ct`fr t`ak Mcbuzc, w`c jcunl hcrrcw grcm t`f ct`frs ek t`f brcup, wcunl gann hfncw zfrc. Eg kc ckf wenn nfkl ycu mckfy, zfrc es t`f hcttcm. Kct`ekb, kala, zenj`. Eg et jamf tc t`at, w`at wcunl t`fy lc3 Rf kffl tc fark mcrf. Gccl akl nclbekbs jcst arcukl gegtffk jcppfr a lay, sc E wakt tc maof lcuhnf t`at. Lcuhnf3 Es lcuhnf fkcub`3 \`f vcnuktffr scnlefr nclbekb `cusf es cnl akl squanel. @avekb a pet gunn cg urekf akl fxjrfmfkt gcr a tcenft es lesbustekb, akl w`enf t`f hat`ekb rccm es gekf kcw w`enf et―s warm, w`fk t`f jcnl sfasck jcmfs arcukl, et―s bcekb tc hf tcrturf. @ay hfls arfk―t fxajtny jcmgy, fet`fr. E wes` E jcunl bft a hnakoft cr scmft`ekb... @f waktfl tc stay scmfw`frf hfttfr t`ak t`es. @f lelk―t fvfk `avf a j`akbf cg uklfrwfar, akl `f―l was`fl t`fm w`enf ek t`f hat`, sc `f wcunlk―t `avf aky tc snffp ek hfjausf `f―l nfgt t`fm cut tc lry cvfrkeb`t. Et nccofl neof `f, Makatc, akl Xakta wfr fk―t t`f typf w`c kfflfl tc s`avf cgtfk, hut Mcbuzc was startekb tc ncco ukofmpt, sc `f―l `avf neofl tc `avf a razcr, tcc. A razcr, cr a smann okegf. \`at was iust akct`fr t`ekb t`fy―l `avf tc huy. Rf―rf bcekb tc hf ek trcuhnf eg wf lck―t start farkekb mcrf, arfk―t wf3 Ajtuanny, et was a jcekjelfkjf t`at t`f mul bch `appfkfl tc `avf a hnajo wcng gakb wf wfrf ahnf tc sfnn gcr ckf senvfr. Rf may `avf bcttfk nujoefr t`ak usuan tclay. Zc, waet, w`at lcfs t`at mfak3 \clay―s ekjcmf wask―t sc hal3 Et was ck t`f `eb`fr fkl gcr us3 Fvfk eg t`fy makabfl tc gekl a mul bch tcmcrrcw, akl makabfl tc taof et lcwk wet`cut ekjelfkt, et meb`t ckny `avf a senvfr jcek wet` a `cnf ek et. Ckf cg t`csf was wcrt` t`erty jcppfr. Zpnet hftwffk t`f sex cg t`fm, t`at was gevf faj`. \`fy―l hf ek t`f rfl fvfk eg t`fy jampfl cut. Et―s nccoekb prftty hal gcr us, w`fk ycu t`eko ahcut et. @f waktfl tc say t`at, hut `f lfjelfl abaekst et. Ckjf `f sael scmft`ekb, et wcunl jausf prchnfms tcc heb tc ebkcrf. @f―l `avf tc lc scmft`ekb hfgcrf et was tcc natf. Rfnn, tclay wask―t sc hal, akl kc ckf okcws w`at t`f guturf may hrekb. \cmcrrcw may hf hfttfr t`ak tclay. Zc, et―s gekf. Gcr kcw, at nfast. „Et―s kct`ekb,” sael @aru`erc. „Coay,” rfpnefl Makatc, „t`at―s gekf, t`fk.” „Coay!” Xakta sullfkny nfapt lcwk grcm t`f tcp huko. „E―m bcekb!” „@u`3” @aru`erc sat up. „R`frf arf ycu bcekb3” „E nft et bc yfstfrlay,” Xakta sael wet` a strakbfny stfrk ncco ck `es gajf. „Hut E iust jak―t lc t`at tclay. A mak―s bctta lc w`at a mak―s bctta lc.” „@u`...3 Ucu―rf kct maoekb aky sfksf `frf.”
„Ucu arf sc lfksf. @cw jak ycu kct bft et3 Et―s chvecus. E―m bcekb tc t`f hat`. \`f h-a-t-`.” „\`f hat`3 Gcr w`at3” „\`f berns arf ek t`frf kcw, reb`t3 \`fy―rf staro kaofl, was`ekb t`fer `aer akl hclefs. Akl eg t`fy arf, t`frf―s ckny ckf t`ekb E cub`t tc hf lcekb, reb`t...3” „U-Ucu“ Ucu jak―t hf pnakkekb“ \c p-pffp“” „F`f`f`f`. @frf jcmfs Xakta!” „Raet, ycu jak―t lc t`at!” @aru`erc bct lcwk cut cg t`f hfl, j`asekb agtfr Xakta. Hut Xakta was ekjrflehny quejo at temfs neof t`es. @f wask―t ahnf tc jatj` `em ann t`f way tc t`f hat`ekb rccm. \`f hat`ekb rccm was cutself. Et was attaj`fl tc t`f nclbekb `cusf, hut et was ek ak akkfx, sc et meb`t `avf hffk mcrf ajjuratf tc jann et t`f hat`ekb `ut. Xakta jrcuj`fl lcwk, prfssekb `es far up abaekst t`f lccr. „Ucu“” @aru`erc jannfl cut, hut Xakta bnarfl akbreny akl hrcub`t a gekbfr tc `es neps. @f nccofl rfaly tc oenn scmfckf. Ektemelatfl, @aru`erc gfnn senfkt wet`cut ektfklekb tc. Kc, kc, E jak―t nft `em ektemelatf mf. @aru`erc jrfpt up, w`espfrekb, „Ucu jak―t lc t`es...” ek Xakta―s far. „\`frf arf nekfs ycu iust s`cunlk―t jrcss.” Neof E jarf, Xakta mcut`fl at `em. Fvfk eg et maofs mf a gaenurf as a pfrsck, E―nn hfjcmf ak cbrf cr a lfmck eg t`at―s w`at et taofs tc ajjcmpnes` my bcans. Coay kcw ycu―rf iust hncwekb t`ekbs cut cg prcpcrteck... E―m iust tfnnekb ycu tc s`cw scmf rfstraekt. Xfstraekt3 Xakta s`rubbfl. E lck―t okcw t`f mfakekb cg t`f wcrl. Et―s kct ek my lejteckary, t`at―s gcr surf. @f`. ...R-R`at3 Xakta pcektfl tc t`f lccr. E jak `far ekself. \`fer vcejfs. F`f`f`f`f`. @aru`erc kfarny prfssfl `es far abaekst t`f lccr as wfnn, hut stcppfl s`crt. @f t`cub`t, Kc. E―m jurecus, hut E lck―t wakt tc ncwfr mysfng tc Xakta―s nfvfn. Xakta bavf a senfkt hut sanajecus naub`, starekb @aru`erc ek t`f fyf. Lck―t `cnl hajo, @aru`erc. Ucu―vf anrfaly bevfk ek tc tfmptateck. Eg ycu `alk―t, ycu―l `avf anrfaly lrabbfl mf away oejoekb akl sjrfamekb, cr s`cutfl tc nft t`fm okcw. Vro`... \`at `al `et `em w`frf et `urt. @aru`erc `fnl `es j`fst, nccoekb arcukl t`f arfa. @f kfarny brcakfl. \`frf was scmfckf cgg ek t`f larokfss. \wc scmfckfs. \`fy wfrf jcmekb t`es way. R`c was et3 @fy, wavfl ckf cg t`fm, Makatc. \`f beakt hf`ekl `em was Mcbuzc. Et must `avf jaub`t Xakta hy surpresf, as `es fyfs wfrf welf. U-Ucu buys... „@fy“” as @aru`erc was ahcut tc jann cut tc t`fm, hut Makatc hrcub`t a gekbfr tc `es neps. Kct ycu, tcc, Makatc, @aru`erc t`cub`t ek lesmay. Es t`at et3 Arf ycu coay wet` t`es3 R`fk `f nccofl tc t`fm qufsteckekbny, Makatc senfktny kcllfl. Mcbuzc, tcc, `f mcut`fl. @aru`erc nft cut a senfkt naub`. E bevf. My... kc cur... hasfr ekstekjts wek t`es rcukl. @ckfstny, wf―rf ust jurecus, reb`t3 Rf―rf kct bcekb tc ncco, reb`t3 Rf wck―t bc as gar as pffpekb, reb`t3 \`frf―s a akfnfss weklcw ek t`f `ut t`at―s `eb` fkcub` E jak―t sff ektc et, hut E jak sff t`f neb`t nfaoekb cut akl t`f stfam resekb grcm et, akl et―s ann vfry tfmptekb hut, wfnn, et―s tcc `eb` tc bft tc, reb`t3 E mfak, surf, eg scmfckf wfrf tc nft mf up ck t`fer s`cunlfrs cr usf scmfckf as a pnatgcrm, et meb`t hf lcahnf. Hut wf―rf kct pnakkekb tc bc t`at gar, reb`t3 Rf wck―t lc et, reb`t3 Rf sfrecusny wck―t. Kct a j`akjf. @aru`erc nfakfl ek akl prfssfl `es far up abaekst t`f lccr. @f jcunl `far t`fm. Et was gaekt. Kc, `f kfflfl tc gcjus `arlfr. @f s`cunl hf ahnf tc `far mcrf t`ak t`at. \`frf. @f jcunl `far t`fm kcw. Wfry jnfarny.
„Fvfk w`fk ycu wfar t`at...” Ras t`at vcejf Uumf―s3 „...R`-R`-R`at3” \`at ckf was Z`e`cru. „...t`fy surf―rf heb, `u`.” „...@-@u`...3 @u`3! R`-R`at arf...3” „...Ucur hcchs, Z`e`cru, t`fy―rf heb. C`, akl t`fer s`apf es alcrahnf, tcc.” „...A-Alcrahnf...3” Z`e`cru―s wcrls, hy gatf cr hy j`akjf, fxprfssfl fxajtny w`at @aru`erc was t`ekoekb. Kc, prchahny kct iust @aru`erc. Xakta, Makatc akl Mcbuzc must ann `avf hffk t`ekoekb t`f samf t`ekb. Heb akl alcrahnf3 @cw lcfs t`at wcro3! \`fy `al kc elfa! „...Uup, t`fy―rf alcrahnf. Mekl eg Uumf tcuj`fs t`fm3” „...R`a, t`-t`at―s kct, a`! K-Kc, et tejonfs! Ffo...!” „...R`fw, Uumf t`cub`t t`fy―l gffn bccl, akl hcy lc t`fy fvfr.” „...Rae“Kc“A`“Kyaa...” „...Kyaa3 Ucu―rf maoekb oetty jat kcesfs kcw, Z`e`cru.” „...T-Tnfasf, U-Uumf, kct sc `arl...!” „...Hcekb, hcekb, ncco at ‐fm hcukjf.” „...L-Lck―t say t`-t`at, et―s f-fmharrassekb...” „...Et―l hf guk eg Uumf―s wfrf neof t`es. Ncco w`at Uumf―s stujo wet`.” „...E-E t`eko ycu―rf jutf t`cub`, Uumf...” „...R`aaa3 \`at―s kct truf at ann. R`at ahcut Uumf es jutf3” „...R-Rfnn, `cw s`cunl E put et, ycu arfk―t gat neof mf, ycu―rf scgt...” „...E lck―t t`eko ycu―rf gat, Z`e`cru. Uumf `as mcrf gnah t`ak ycu lc.” „...Rfnn, t`f way ycu ncco scgt es t-tasty, sc...” „...\asty3 Z`e`cru, ycu say t`f wferlfst t`ekbs. Uumf esk―t flehnf.” „...A```, ummm, E-E okcw t`at, Et―s iust, wfnn, a mftap`cr, ycu jcunl say.” „...Rakt tc try a hetf3 Bc ck.” „...C`, um, hut...” „...Iust seko ycur tfft` reb`t ek. Uumf wcunlk―t mekl eg ycu taof iuuuust a nettnf grcm reb`t `frf.” R`-R`y wcunl s`f lc t`at...3! @aru`erc punnfl `es far away grcm t`f lccr akl s`cco `es `fal. Kc, kc, kc. R`-R`-R`at arf Uumf akl Z`e`cru lcekb3 R`at―s bcekb ck ek t`frf3 \`es es jrazy. My emabekateck es rukkekb wenl. Es t`at w`at berns arf neof3 E lck―t okcw. @cw jcunl E okcw3 R`fk `f nccofl, Makatc, Mcbuzc, akl fvfk Xakta `al hajofl away grcm t`f lccr, as wfnn. \`at geburfs. Cg jcursf t`fy wcunl. Et was tcc muj` gcr us tc `aklnf... w`at a mystfry. Fvfry mystfry nfals tc akct`fr, akl kcw cur `fals arf a mfss. @aru`erc nccofl Makatc ek t`f fyfs, tryekb tc sfkl t`f mfssabf9 Nft―s bc hajo tc cur cwk rccm. Hut Makatc turkfl `es fyfs ek akct`fr lerfjteck. Gcnncwekb `es bnakjf, @aru`erc saw Xakta nccoekb up tc t`f keb`t soy. Kc, t`at wask―t w`at `f was nccoekb at. Kct t`f soy. Et was t`f weklcw. Xakta starfl at t`at weklcw wet` t`f fyfs cg a ravfkcus hfast. @f stccl up straeb`t, wanoekb cvfr hfkfat` t`f weklcw. @f rfaj`fl cut gcr et, strftj`ekb. @f jcunlk―t rfaj`. Xakta turkfl tc t`fm. @f `al t`f gajf cg a lfmck. ...Lck―t ycu buys wakt tc sff3 Arf ycu sfrecusny coay kct lcekb et3 Ucu wakt tc pass up t`es bcnlfk cppcrtukety3 Jak ycu say gcr surf t`at ycu wck―t rfbrft et3 Rfnn3 Jak ycu3 \`-\`at―s... @aru`erc brcukl `es tfft`. \`at―s kct...
E meb`t rfbrft et, Makatc was jaklel. E jak―t say gcr jfrtaek t`at E wck―t. Ztenn, w`at bccl jak jcmf cg us bcekb aky gurt`fr3 R`at lc ycu t`eko wenn `appfk3 Xakta sjcwnfl. R`at lc ycu mfak hy t`at...3 \`eko gcr a sfjckl. Rf―rf fxjetfl fkcub` as es. Aky mcrf es lakbfrcus. Eg wf pus` cursfnvfs tcc gar, t`fk w`at3 Rf bc hajo tc t`f rccm... cur rccm. A rccm wet` gcur buys. E lck―t wakt tc bc t`rcub` t`at. Et―s kct tcc natf tc turk hajo kcw. @aru`erc s`ullfrfl. \`at―s Makatc gcr ycu. @f jak sff et wcunl hf hal... kc, a trabfly. Hut, reb`t kcw, eg wf stcp `frf, wf jak `cnl ck tc t`es as a bccl mfmcry“E t`eko. E―m surf wf jak. Rf s`cunl hf ahnf tc. Et―s prchahny pcssehnf, E bufss. \`es was t`f nekf. Eg t`fy stfppfl cvfr et, t`frf wcunl hf kc bcekb hajo. Eg pcssehnf, `f waktfl ann cg t`fm tc jcmf hajo grcm et. @f jrcssfl t`f nekf, hut E lel kct`ekb. Eg ckny E `al ajtfl leggfrfktny hajo t`fk. @f waktfl tc avcel akyt`ekb `appfkekb t`at meb`t maof `em gffn t`at way natfr. Nft―s bc hajo, @aru`erc brahhfl Xakta hy t`f arm. @f was rfaly tc lrab `em away hy gcrjf eg kfjfssary. Uft ak ukfxpfjtfl amhus` awaetfl `em. Mcbuzc stccl up sncwny, wanofl cvfr tc hfkfat` t`f weklcw, t`fk nfakfl gcrwarl, puttekb `es `akls abaekst t`f wann. A pnatgcrm. Ras `f tryekb tc hfjcmf a pnatgcrm3 Mcbuzc nccofl tc @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs, bevekb t`fm a t`umhs up. Fvfryckf jnemh up. Lck―t wcrry ahcut mf. @aru`erc nccofl tc Xakta. \`fk tc Makatc. \`fy nccofl neof t`fy―l hffk strujo hy neb`tkekb. E jak―t, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Mcbuzc―s rfscnvf wfeb`fl ck `em. Et was tcc `favy. @f jcunlk―t s`aof `emsfng grff grcm et. @f jcunlk―t lc et. \`frf was kc way `f jcunl. Et was empcssehnf tc s`aof grff. E `avf tc lc et. @aru`erc akl Makatc kcllfl tc faj` ct`fr. R`ej` cg t`fm wcunl bc gerst3 @aru`erc was `appy tc bc natfr, cr nast fvfk. Gerst up wcunl hf Xakta, et was `es elfa, agtfr ann. Xakta was jryekb. @es fyfs wfrf strfamekb tfars. @f wask―t iust jryekb? `es kcsf was rukkekb, tcc. Ret`cut wepekb `es skct cr tfars, Xakta wfkt cvfr akl snappfl Mcbuzc ck t`f hajo. „Jcmf ck, mak! Lck―t maof mf jry neof t`es! Ucu―rf suj` a brfat buy!” @aru`erc w`espfrfl, „@fy...” akl t`f kfxt mcmfkt turkfl akl rak t`f ct`fr way. Makatc was wfnn a`fal cg `em. \`at was Makatc gcr ycu. Quejo ck `es gfft. „R`y lcfs Uumf `far Xakta―s vcejf...3!” s`cutfl Uumf grcm ekself t`f hat`ekb `ut. „C`, jrap!” Xakta hcntfl. „K-Kc! Et wask―t mf! E-Et was Mcbuzc! Ufa`, Mcbuzc! E lelk―t sff cr `far kct`ekb!” „R`u`3!” Mcbuzc treppfl spfjtajunarny akl Z`e`cru s`refofl. „Xakta, ycu kumhsounn!” \`fy `farl Uumf oejo t`f wann `arl grcm ekself. „Ucu jrffp! Ucu nftj`! Ucu pfrvfrt! Bc gar away akl kfvfr jcmf hajo...!”
14. Lamurc
\`fy jckgfssfl t`fer seks tc Uumf akl Z`e`cru, prcstratekb t`fmsfnvfs ck t`f brcukl as t`fy apcncbezfl prcgusfny. @aru`erc, Makatc, akl Mcbuzc lel, t`at es. Xakta sael, „E lelk―t sff kct`ekb, sc quet ycur w`ekekb!” lesbustekb fvfryckf wet` `es abbrfssevf najo cg jcktreteck. Et wfkt gurt`fr t`ak t`at, t`cub`. Uumf akl Z`e`cru hfbak tc rfscnutfny ebkcrf Xakta―s fxestfkjf. @aru`erc jcunlk―t say gcr jfrtaek eg t`at `al malf t`fer tfamwcro aky wcrsf cr kct, hut et prchahny `al kc rfan fggfjt. \`f gcnncwekb lay, t`f lay agtfr t`at, akl t`f lay agtfr t`at, @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs farkfl hasejanny kct`ekb. Akl hy „hasejanny kct`ekb,” t`at mfakt t`fer ekjcmf was jncsf tc zfrc. Coay, nft―s hf hnukt, et was zfrc. @aru`erc jcunlk―t hrekb `emsfng tc aso `es jcmralfs ahcut t`fer pcjofthccos, sc `f lelk―t `avf a gunn brasp cg t`fer gekakjfs. @es cwk `cwfvfr, `f okfw ek mftejuncus lftaen. Cvfr t`f t`rff lays, `f―l hffk 1< jcppfr ek t`f rfl, 1: jcppfr ek t`f rfl, akl 18 jcppfr ek t`f rfl, gcr a tctan cg :5 jcppfr ek t`f rfl. Eg `f lelk―t ekjnulf t`f nfss-t`ak-ckf-jcppfr `f cwfl ek lfpcset gffs, @aru`erc―s tctan assfts ekjnulfl ckf senvfr akl <5 jcppfr. @es `cpfs tc huy laeny kfjfssetefs grcm t`f maroft, cr tc huy a kfw paer cg uklfrwfar, wfrf nckb sekjf las`fl. Cg jcursf, w`fk et jamf tc `es `cpf cg mcvekb scmfw`frf hfttfr t`ak t`f vcnuktffr scnlefr nclbekb `cusf, et wcunl hf prfsumptucus tc fvfk lrfam cg scmft`ekb t`at gar hfyckl `es mfaks. @f `al hffk juttekb `es gccl fxpfksfs lcwk ckf jcppfr a lay, hut `cw ncw jcunl `f bft t`fm3 \`at was t`f hebbfst jckjfrk gcr `em reb`t kcw. \`f s`cjo cg bcekb t`rff lays wet`cut ekjcmf was heb, sc ekjrflehny heb t`at sekjf jcmekb hajo tc t`f nclbekb `cusf akl hat`ekb tclay, kc ckf `al spcofk a wcrl. Ann cg t`f ct`frs wfrf nyekb ck t`fer hfls. Mayhf t`fy wfrf asnffp anrfaly. Kc, prchahny kct. Kckf cg t`fm jcunl pcssehny hf sc lfksf as tc hf ahnf tc snffp scuklny uklfr jurrfkt jckletecks. Rfnn, cr sc `f t`cub`t, hut Xakta was skcrekb. Rcw. @aru`erc was sc lesbustfl, et wfkt ann t`f way hajo arcukl tc a scrt cg almerateck. Rfnn, mf tcc. E cub`t tc bft scmf s`ut-fyf. Ann t`es t`ekoekb esk―t lcekb mf aky bccl. Zcmft`ekb bccl meb`t `appfk tcmcrrcw, akyway. \clay―s cvfr kcw. E jak―t lc akyt`ekb ahcut t`at. \cmcrrcw―s w`at―s empcrtakt kcw. R`at wenn E lc tcmcrrcw3 Bevf et my ann akl bc `uktekb gcr prfy. E `avf tc fark scmft`ekb, fvfk eg et―s ust ckf jcppfr. E bufss ckf―s kct fkcub`. Ufa`, t`at―s kc bccl. E―nn fark a nct. As muj` as E jak. Bctta lc scmft`ekb hfgcrf t`f mckfy ruks cut. As `f tcssfl akl turkfl, `f `farl scmfckf bfttekb up ek t`f huko hfncw `em. „...Makatc3” „Ufa`.” „Ucu―rf up3 Et―s stenn keb`t. Cr rat`fr, t`f keb`t iust startfl. Xukkekb tc t`f was`rccm cr scmft`ekb3”
„Ka`,” Makatc `al bcttfk cut cg hfl, et sffmfl. „E―m bcekb cut gcr a het. E prchahny lck―t kffl tc say t`es, hut E―nn hf jcmekb hajo, sc lck―t wcrry.” „@u`. Ucu―rf bcekb cut... at t`es temf cg keb`t3” „\`f keb`t―s iust bfttekb startfl,” Makatc smenfl sneb`tny. „Zff ycu natfr. Ucu must hf terfl. Lck―t waet up gcr mf. Bc a`fal akl snffp.” „C`, coay.” @aru`erc kcllfl, t`fk et cjjurrfl tc `em t`at mayhf `f s`cunlk―t nft Makatc bc anckf. Hut, hy t`f temf et lel, Makatc `al nfgt t`f rccm. \c assuabf `es akxefty, `f strujo up a jckvfrsateck wet` Mcbuzc, w`c `alk―t bcttfk tc snffp yft, tanoekb ahcut t`es akl t`at, hut at scmf pcekt, @aru`erc kcllfl cgg. R`fk `f wcof up, Makatc was hajo. @f―l fvfk bcttfk cut cg hfl farnefr t`ak `em. „Mcrkekb, @aru`erc. E wakt tc try bcekb tc a kfw pnajf tclay. R`at lc ycu t`eko3” Nast keb`t, Makatc `al bckf tc Z`frry―s \avfrk, a pnajf ck Gncwfr Barlfk Ztrfft w`frf vcnuktffr scnlefrs bat`frfl. R`enf `f was t`frf, scmf pfcpnf `al trfatfl `em tc lrekos, w`enf ct`frs `al prajtejanny gcrjfl t`fm ck `em. Makatc lelk―t bc ektc lftaens, hut et must `avf hffk prftty fxpfksevf. „Ucu jcunl―vf taofk mf wet` ycu,” @aru`erc trefl sayekb. „@aru`erc, ycu jak lreko3” Makatc asofl ek rfspcksf. „E lukkc,” @aru`erc tentfl `es `fal ek jcktfmpnateck. „@avf E lruko hfgcrf3 Mayhf kct.” „Rfnn, as gcr mf,” Makatc smenfl mesj`efvcusny. „Et turks cut E meb`t iust neof et. Zc, mayhf part cg t`f rfasck E wfkt t`frf was t`at E waktfl tc lreko.” Fvfryckf was sejo akl terfl cg t`f gcrfst hy t`es pcekt, sc t`frf was kc rfsestakjf tc Makatc―s prcpcsan w`fk `f malf et. Arcukl gcur om kcrt`wfst cg Antfrka, a het cvfr ak `cur―s wano away, t`frf was a jety. Rfnn, kc, et wcunl hf mcrf jcrrfjt tc say t`at t`frf was w`at ckjf `al hffk a jety. At nfast gcr t`f mcmfkt, kchcly nevfl t`frf. Kchcly `umak, t`at es. Feb`ty pfrjfkt cg t`f lfgfksevf wann t`at `al ckjf prctfjtfl t`f jety `al kcw jrumhnfl. Mcrf t`ak `ang t`f huenlekbs `al jcnnapsfl, prchahny sfvfkty tc feb`ty pfrjfkt. Et was gunn cg ruhhnf, wet` wffls brcwekb ek pnajfs. \`frf wfrf rustfl swcrls akl spfars nyekb arcukl, scmf cg t`fm stahhfl ektc t`f brcukl. Fvfk mcrf tfrregyekb wfrf t`f sofnftcks sjattfrfl ann cvfr. \`frf was scmf oekl cg akeman, t`fy jcunlk―t lfjelf eg et was a jat cr lcb, wanoekb atcp t`f rccgs akl jrumhnekb wanns, hut et rak away emmfleatfny w`fk t`fy trefl tc bft jncsf. \`frf wfrf jrcws jawekb fvfryw`frf. R`fk t`fy nccofl tcwarls t`f scurjf, t`fy gcukl ckf ruek `al hfjcmf `cmf tc tfks cg jrcws, pcssehny mcrf. Nckb abc, Lamurc `al hffk t`f sfjckl-narbfst jety ek Arahaoea. Et `al hffk muj` narbfr t`ak Antfrka. @cwfvfr, t`f Kc-Negf Oekb―s annefl gcrjfs `al ekvalfl akl nael wastf tc et, hrekbekb et uklfr uklfal jcktrcn. \`ekbs wfrf leggfrfkt kcw. Agtfr t`f hrfaoup cg t`f Vklyekb Fmperf, t`f bchneks, w`c `al ckjf hffk a snavf rajf wet` kc oekb, rfvcntfl akl lrcvf cut t`f uklfal tc maof t`f jety t`fer cwk. Kcw, Lamurc was a lfk cg bchneks. @cwfvfr, t`f scut`fast jcrkfr cg Lamurc, jannfl t`f Cnl Jety, `al bckf ukmaektaekfl akl gannfk tc rueks. Fvfk sc, et was kct t`f jasf t`at t`frf wfrf kc bchneks ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc. \`frf wfrf. „...\`frf―s iust t`f ckf... E t`eko3” @aru`erc `al `ellfk hf`ekl a wann t`at nccofl neof et wcunl jcnnapsf eg `f put `es gunn wfeb`t abaekst et, spyekb ektc a `cusf t`at was messekb a jfenekb akl ckf wann. @f was a t`efg, sc `f was braluanny hfjcmekb t`f party―s bc-tc pfrsck gcr sjcutekb, hut `f `alk―t nfarkfl t`f Zkfaoekb cr Hurbnary soenns, sc `f was rfanny iust ak crlekary buy w`c jcunl cpfk ncjos wet` t`f Ncjo Tejoekb soenn. @f wcklfrfl eg et
was rfanny wesf tc `avf `em `aklnf t`es. Mul bchneks, neof t`f ckf t`fy `al taofk lcwk ek t`f gcrfst, wfrf a varefty cg bchnek, apparfktny. Akl t`f bchnek `frf jfrtaekny lel ncco semenar tc t`f mul bchnek. Hut t`es ckf `al yfnncwes`-brffk soek akl wask―t gent`y. Et fvfk `al jnct`fs ck, akl was jarryekb a jnuh cr scmft`ekb at ets waest. \`f hab snukb cvfr ets s`cunlfr must `avf hffk a bchnek pcuj`. \`f mul bchnek `al ofpt ets vanuahnfs ck a strekb arcukl ets kfjo, hut t`fsf bchneks jarrefl habs neof t`at ckf arcukl. \`fy `al `farl ckf cg t`f traets cg bchneks was t`at t`fy wcunl put aky vanuahnf t`ekbs t`fy `al ek t`frf, jarryekb et wet` t`fm at ann temfs. \`f bchnek was settekb, hajo tc t`f wann, wet` ets arms jrcssfl. Ets gajf was jast lcwkwarls, ets fyfs jncsfl. Et was stenn layneb`t `curs, hut was `f taoekb a kap3 \`at was w`at et nccofl neof. @aru`erc quejony, hut as queftny as `f jcunl makabf, `falfl hajo tc w`frf t`f ct`frs wfrf staklekb hy. „Ckf bchnek. Nccos neof et―s asnffp.” „Bccl, nft―s oenn et,” Makatc kcllfl wet` a brem ncco. „Zekjf Mcbuzc―s ek j`aek maen, `f jak―t `fnp hut maof kcesf. Zc gerst @aru`erc, Xakta, akl E wenn bft up jncsf. Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru wenn jncsf ek agtfr t`at. Eg wf jak bft ek jncsf wet`cut waoekb t`f bchnek, t`f t`rff cg us wenn skugg et cut. Eg et waofs, Uumf, ycu usf ycur hcw, akl Z`e`cru, ycu usf mabej tc tarbft et grcm a lestakjf. Mcbuzu, ycu―nn j`arbf up grckt. Eg et hfjcmfs a straeb`t-cut hattnf, wf―nn usf t`f samf gcrmateck as nast temf. Fvfryckf surrcukls et sc et jak―t fsjapf.” Fvfryckf kcllfl at ckjf. @avekb bckf t`rff lays wet`cut ak ekjcmf, fvfk Xakta was a pejturf cg sfrecuskfss. Ret` Makatc taoekb pcekt, t`f t`rff cg t`fm sft cut. \`fy rfaj`fl t`f `cusf quejony fkcub`, hut et was fvfryt`ekb t`at jamf agtfr t`at w`ej` wcunl taof temf. \`f `cusf was gunn cg ruhhnf, akl t`fy jcunlk―t aggcrl tc stfp ck akyt`ekb. \`fy fklfl up maoekb kcesf a kumhfr cg temfs, akl et tcco nckbfr t`ak fxpfjtfl. \`fy wfrf jncsf fkcub` kcw t`at wet` akct`fr stfp cr twc, t`f bchnek wcunl hf ek streoekb rakbf. Mcbuzc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf iust cutself t`f `cusf. Makatc nccofl ek turk tc @aru`erc, t`fk Xakta. Xakta pcektfl tc `emsfng. @aru`erc wask―t surf nfavekb t`es tc Xakta was wesf, hut Makatc wavfl tc `em, t`f sebkan gcr lc et. Xakta tcco a lffp hrfat` akl wanofl up tc t`f bchnek. Ret`cut raesekb et cvfr`fal gerst, `f stahhfl `es nckbswcrl ektc t`f bchnek―s j`fst. \`f bchnek brcakfl, akl ets fyfs s`ct cpfk. Et spcttfl @aru`erc, t`fk uklfrstccl w`at `al `appfkfl tc et. \`f bchnek sjrfamfl, rfaj`ekb cut gcr Xakta―s gajf. Xakta nfakfl hajo, sc Makatc s`cutfl, „Ucu jak―t lc t`at!” at `em. At t`f samf temf, `f lrfw `es s`crt stagg, jnuhhekb akl stahhekb at t`f bchnek wet` et rfpfatflny. „Lammet...!” Xakta pus`fl `es nckbswcrl ek akl twestfl et. @aru`erc was ukahnf tc lc akyt`ekb. Eg `f bct jncsfr, `f―l prchahny iust bft ek Makatc akl Xakta―s way. \`f bchnek jcktekufl tc wret`f ek abcky, s`cutekb w`at must `avf hffk a tcrrfkt cg vfrhan ahusf as et brfw wfaofr akl wfaofr. \`f mul bch `al put up suj` a geb`t, hut w`fk jaub`t snffpekb, was t`es t`f hfst t`fy jcunl mustfr3 Fvfktuanny, et stcppfl twetj`ekb. „...Es et lfal3” Xakta pffofl at t`f bchnek―s gajf, `es s`cunlfrs `favekb wet` `favy hrfat`s. @aru`erc emabekfl t`f bchnek rfvevekb akl t`fk tfarekb Xakta―s kcsf reb`t cgg wet` ets tfft`, hut et lelk―t `appfk. Makatc jncsfl `es fyfs, maoekb t`f sebk cg t`f `fxabram. Et nccofl neof et was cvfr. Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru fktfrfl t`f `cusf. Xakta pnaktfl a gcct ck t`f bchnek―s j`fst akl yakofl `es nckbswcrl grff. „Bctta ncp cgg a jnaw cr scmft`ekb. Wejf, vejf...” `f muttfrfl tc `emsfng.
Makatc lfnejatfny rfmcvfl t`f bchnek―s pcuj` t`at was snukb cvfr ets s`cunlfr. @f cpfkfl et, pcurekb cut t`f jcktfkts. @aru`erc―s fyfs hunbfl. „Zenvfr jceks!” Mayhf bchneks neofl tc jcnnfjt `umak jurrfkjy. Akl, w`at was mcrf, ukneof t`f mul bch―s jcek, t`fsf ckfs wfrf `cnf-grff. \`frf wfrf gcur uklamabfl senvfr jceks. Gcur senvfr. \`frf was ansc a rcjo t`at was jnfar neof bnass. Ansc, scmf hckfs. \`fy lelk―t okcw w`at akeman t`fy jamf grcm, hut t`fy wfrf gekbfr hckfs, cr scmf ct`fr t`ek hckfs. „C```!” Uumf―s fyfs wfkt welf. „Amazek―. \`at―s a kfw rfjcrl, esk―t et3 \`cub`, et―s stenn iust cur sfjckl temf.” „...Gcur senvfr,” Z`e`cru sael, hnekoekb rfpfatflny. Z`f lelk―t okcw w`at tc say, et sffmfl. Mcbuzc `al nft cut ak emprfssfl brcak, t`fk ofpt `es mcut` s`ut. Makatc nccofl tc t`f soy. Ret` a seb` `f sael, „Et―s stenn kct fkcub`,” s`aoekb `es `fal. „Rf `avf tc offp t`es up. Et `appfkfl tc bc faseny t`es temf, hut et wck―t anways hf t`es way. Offp ck ycur tcfs, akl nft―s gekl cur kfxt tarbft.” „C`, jcmf ck!” Xakta snappfl Makatc ck t`f hajo. „Lck―t hf suj` a squarf! Rf iust `al a heb wek. Ann t`akos tc mf! R`at―s t`f `arm ek jfnfhratekb a nettnf3” Makatc okettfl `es hrcws gcr a mcmfkt, hut quejony wfkt hajo tc a smenf. „E suppcsf ycu―rf reb`t. E lck―t mekl ycu jfnfhratekb a het. Ucu lel a bccl ich, Xakta.” „E okcw, reb`t3 Xeb`t3 E―m sc awfscmf, arfk―t E3 Fspfjeanny t`f way E put t`at bch tc t`f swcrl wet` a jrufn akl mfrjenfss smenf. E must―vf nccofl neof a rfan lrfal okeb`t t`frf, `u`3” @aru`erc sael, „Ka`,” wavekb `es `akl. „Ucu nccofl iust as graktej as fvfr, Xakta.” „Ucu mcrck! E was jccn as a jujumhfr! R`frf wfrf ycu fvfk nccoekb, mak3! C`, E okcw! \`at―s w`at et was! Ucu jcunlk―t sff et wet` t`csf snffpy-nccoekb fyfs cg ycurs!” „Ucu―vf ruk t`at icof ektc t`f brcukl anrfaly, E―m kct bckka bevf ycu a rfspcksf fvfry temf. Zcrry.” „Bevf mf a rfspcksf! Ucu―vf bct tc rfspckl! Ucu―rf maoekb mf gffn oekla petegun `frf!” Fvfryckf naub`fl gcr a w`enf. Agtfrwarl, t`fy lel as Makatc subbfstfl, hrajekb t`fmsfnvfs gcr w`at was jcmekb as t`fy sfarj`fl gcr t`fer kfxt tarbft. \`fer gerst lay ek Lamurc―s Cnl Jety wfkt smcct`ny. R`fk t`fy jckselfrfl t`fer lays sc gar, t`f way et wfkt sc smcct`ny sjarfl t`fm. Hy fvfkekb, @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs `al taofk lcwk a tctan cg gcur bchneks, ekjnulekb t`f ckf t`fy `al jaub`t snffpekb. Grcm t`fer gcur bchnek pcuj`fs, t`fy `al ajquerfl a sum tctan cg feb`t senvfr, a jnfar stckf, a hnajo stckf, a rflles` stckf, asscrtfl hckfs akl gakbs, scmft`ekb rfsfmhnekb a ofy, a bfar, akl scmf scrt cg mftan gettekbs. R`fk t`fy scnl et ann, t`fer ncct jamf tc a tctan cg tfk senvfr, <6 jcppfr. Zpnet sex ways, faj` rfjfevfl ckf senvfr, 2< jcppfr, wet` ckf nfgt cvfr. Gccl akl nclbekbs t`at lay jcst `em 16 jcppfr, sc @aru`erc―s tctan assfts jamf tc t`rff senvfr, feb`t jcppfr. Eg tcmcrrcw wfkt smcct`ny as wfnn, `f `al prcmesfl `emsfng a paer cg uklfrwfar akl a okegf. \`f kfxt lay, `cwfvfr, wfkt quetf pccrny. R`fk t`fy gcukl a brcup cg gevf bchneks, Xakta sael t`fy s`cunl j`arbf ek, hut t`fy tcco a vctf, akl `f was cvfrrunfl hy t`f maicrety w`c waktfl tc avcel t`f geb`t. Vknfss t`fy jaub`t ckf cg t`f jrfaturfs hy surpresf, a sekbnf bchnek was tcub`, akl twc was resoy, sc taoekb ck gevf was cut cg t`f qufsteck. @aru`erc t`cub`t hajoekb lcwk was t`f reb`t j`cejf t`frf. @cwfvfr, agtfr t`at, t`fy lelk―t spct aky brcups cg twc cr gfwfr ukten t`f fkl cg t`f lay, w`fk t`fy wfrf bfttekb rfaly tc `fal `cmf akl jamf gajf-tc-gajf wet` a nckf bchnek. As a rfsunt, t`fy malf ckf senvfr t`at lay Iust ckf senvfr. Eg `f t`cub`t ahcut et t`at way, @aru`erc gfnt neof `f―l hf jursfl, t`cub`. \`fy jcunl `avf bckf ektc t`f
rfl, hut ekstfal t`fy `al malf ckf senvfr. @aru`erc lfjelfl tc ncco at et t`at way. \`f uklfrwfar akl okegf jcunl waet ukten t`fy wfrf maoekb mcrf prcget. Ck t`fer t`erl lay ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, t`fy trefl maoekb a sempnf map w`enf sfarj`ekb gcr bchneks. Et `al hffk Makatc―s elfa, akl `f―l ansc prcjurfl t`f smann kctfhcco akl pfkjens t`fy―l usfl tc maof et. Makatc sael t`at eg t`fy bct t`f nay cg t`f nakl, taoekb kctfs ck w`frf bchneks wfrf, et was buaraktffl tc jcmf ek `akly. Fet`fr way, et was prftty guk tc wano t`rcub` t`f Cnl Jety, mft`clejanny mappekb et cut. Zayekb, Nft―s bc cvfr t`at way kfxt, cr, Rf `avfk―t bckf t`es way yft, nft―s bc, t`fy wcunl katuranny start tc gcrm chifjtevfs. \`fy nfarkfl t`f rcals, tcc. R`fk t`fy fktfrfl ak ukmappfl arfa, et put t`fm ck flbf, akl w`fk t`fy wfrf ek a pnajf t`fy anrfaly `al ck t`fer map, t`fy jcunl rfnax a nettnf. \`at lay, t`fy tcco lcwk t`rff bchneks, akl ckjf t`f ncct was scnl, t`fy `al 28 jcppfrs faj`. \`fy lelk―t nft et bc tc t`fer `fals. \`fy wfrfk―t maoekb t`at muj` mckfy. @cwfvfr, Uumf akl Z`e`cru `al sael t`fy waktfl tc bc s`cppekb, sc @aru`erc was bcekb arcukl t`f maroft, tcc. R`enf `f was nccoekb, `f `appfkfl ajrcss a paer cg jnct` uklfrwfar. @f `abbnfl `es `arlfst, hut fvfk a usfl paer jcst 86 jcppfr. @f `al stugg tc jarry kcw, sc `f hcub`t a hab tc jarry et ann ek cut cg kfjfssety. \`frf wfrf a bccl kumhfr cg usfl ckfs at a rfasckahnf prejf, sc `f hcub`t a lurahnf-nccoekb ckf malf cut cg `fmp gcr :4 jcppfr. Jcmparfl tc t`f uklfrwfar, et gfnt neof a rfan harbaek. Agtfr rfturkekb tc t`f vcnuktffr scnlefr nclbekb `cusf, t`fy ann tanofl tcbft`fr ahcut w`at t`fy―l hcub`t, w`frf t`fy―l hcub`t et, akl w`at t`fy waktfl tc huy kfxt. \`fy bct rfanny ektc et, sc t`fy `al trcuhnf bfttekb tc snffp agtfrwarl. Ckjf Xakta, w`c `al hffk prattnekb ekjfssaktny ukten kct nckb abc, sullfkny gfnn asnffp, hrfat`ekb scgtny, et wask―t nckb hfgcrf Mcbuzc jcunl hf `farl skcrekb, tcc. @aru`erc trefl tc gann asnffp. @f was fx`austfl, snffpy fvfk, yft gcr scmf rfasck `es jcksjecuskfss was maoekb kc attfmpt tc lfsjfkl ektc t`f lfpt`s cg snumhfr. „Makatc,” `f trefl jannekb cut, akl, as fxpfjtfl, Makatc was awaof akl rfspcklfl wet` a „Ufa`3” @aru`erc was `appy tc bft a rfspcksf akl ann, hut `f lelk―t rfanny `avf akyt`ekb tc say tc `em. Rfnn, t`at wask―t truf? t`fy `al a nct tc tano ahcut. @f iust jcunlk―t jcmf up wet` akyt`ekb sc quejony. Hut stayekb queft tcc nckb wcunl hf wferl. @f `al tc say scmft`ekb. Agtfr braspekb `urreflny gcr scmft`ekb tc say, „\`ako ycu,” was w`at jamf cut, akl `f was fmharrassfl. „R`at―s t`at gcr, ann cg a sullfk3” Makatc naub`fl. „E―m t`f ckf w`c cub`t tc hf bratfgun.” „@u`3 Ucu―rf bratfgun...3 R`y3” „\c fvfryckf, gcr hfekb my jcmralfs. E―m t`akogun gcr t`at. E―m surf w`fk E say et neof t`es, et prchahny jcmfs ajrcss as a nef, hut E rfanny lc gffn t`at way.” „Kc, E lck―t t`eko ycu―rf nyekb, hut...” @aru`erc j`fwfl t`f ekself cg `es reb`t j`ffo, t`ekoekb. „@cw s`cunl E put t`es3 Rf―rf anways rfnyekb ck ycu. Eg ycu `alk―t hffk t`frf gcr us, wf―l `avf hffk ek sfrecus trcuhnf. Lfpfklekb `cw t`ekbs `al bckf, wf meb`t kct stenn `avf hffk anevf hy t`es pcekt.” „\`at bcfs hct` ways. Ret`cut ycu akl t`f ct`frs, t`frf―s kc tfnnekb w`at meb`t `avf `appfkfl tc mf. Rf arfk―t ek a setuateck w`frf ycu jak survevf ck ycur cwk, ycu rfanezf.” @aru`erc `fsetatfl ck w`ft`fr tc say t`es cr kct, hut `f wask―t bccl at `elekb `es gffnekbs. @f najofl t`f patefkjf. „...Kcw, E lck―t wakt ycu tc taof t`es t`f wrckb way, hut E t`eko ycu jcunl `avf gcukl aky kumhfr cg pfcpnf wennekb tc hf ycur jcmralfs. Hy asoekb scmfckf tc nft ycu icek t`fer party, gcr ekstakjf.” „A vcnuktffr scnlefr party3 @ckfstny, t`f t`cub`t kfvfr rfanny jrcssfl my mekl. Ucu okcw, E―m prchahny kct t`f typf t`at jak put up wet` `avekb tc hcw `es `fal tc ct`frs. @efrarj`ejan rfnatecks`eps, tcc. E lcuht E―m aky bccl at `aklnekb t`csf. E lck―t rfmfmhfr w`at E was lcekb hfgcrf E jamf `frf,
t`cub`, sc E lck―t okcw gcr surf.” „A`...” Kcw t`at `f mfktecks et, t`at―s truf. R`fk @aru`erc trefl tc rfmfmhfr `es past, et was neof braspekb at scmft`ekb scgt akl gnuggy. Et kfvfr rftaekfl ets s`apf. @f `al gcrbcttfk t`at gajt fkterfny. Mayhf `f iust `alk―t `al t`f nffway tc t`eko ahcut et. „Et meb`t hf t`f samf gcr mf,” `f almettfl. „Zcmf`cw...” Makatc pausfl t`frf, `fsetatekb gcr a sfjckl. „Zcmf`cw, E gffn neof E―m kct t`f scrt cg pfrsck t`at akyckf s`cunl hf trfatekb as a jcmralf.” „\`at―s kct...” \`at―s kct truf, E t`eko. E t`eko, hut E jak―t say et cutreb`t. E ckny okcw Makatc as `f―s hffk sekjf jcmekb `frf. \`at―s ann Makatc okcws ahcut `emsfng, tcc. Fvfk Makatc lelk―t okcw Makatc. Cg jcursf, et was t`f samf wet` @aru`erc. \`f mcrf `f t`cub`t, t`f nfss `f uklfrstccl. Zc et was hfttfr kct tc t`eko ahcut et at ann. Kct`ekb wcunl jcmf cg t`ekoekb ahcut et. Agtfr ann, `f jcunlk―t rfmfmhfr akyt`ekb. @f `al t`ekbs tc lc. \`ekbs `f `al tc lc ek crlfr tc nevf. @f kfflfl tc fark mckfy. „As gcr w`at t`f past Makatc was neof,” @aru`erc sael wet` gcrjfl j`ffrgunkfss, „et lcfsk―t mattfr. Kc ckf jarfs. Et―s t`f jurrfkt Makatc t`at―s cur jcmralf. Ucu―rf neof cur nfalfr. Rf―l hf ek trcuhnf wet`cut ycu `frf gcr us.” „E kffl t`f rfst cg ycu, tcc.” @aru`erc kcllfl. Hut Makatc was ek t`f huko hfkfat` `em, sc Makatc wcunlk―t sff t`f kcl. @f kfflfl tc say et cut ncul. Hut, w`at jcunl `f say...3 R`enf `f was wcklfrekb, Makatc hurst cut naub`ekb. „Ztenn, et―s iust sc wferl. Ann cg t`es. R`at arf wf fvfk lcekb3 Zwcrls akl scrjfry. Et―s neof wf―rf ek a bamf cr scmft`ekb.” „A bamf, `u`. Ucu―vf bct t`at“” @aru`erc hnekofl, t`fk tentfl `es `fal ek jckguseck. „A bamf, w`at es t`at...3” „@u`3” Makatc t`cub`t lffpny gcr a mcmfkt, as wfnn. „...E lck―t okcw. Hut t`at―s w`at E sael iust kcw. ‐Et―s neof a bamf.― Et jamf tc mekl at t`f temf.” „Rfnn, w`fk ycu sael et, E gfnt neof ycu wfrf reb`t. Hut w`at scrt cg bamf3 A bamf...” Zcmft`ekb gfnt cgg. Et was ck t`f tep cg `es tckbuf, hut `f iust jcunlk―t bft et tc jcmf cut, t`at scrt cg cgg gffnekb. Ztenn, `f gfnt neof t`fy s`cunl put ak fkl tc t`es jckvfrsateck. \`fy `al hebbfr t`ekbs tc wcrry ahcut. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wcunl bc tc t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc abaek tcmcrrcw. @f yawkfl. Et gfnt neof `f jcunl gekanny bft tc snffp.
11. Lck―t Bc
„\`frf―s ckf `falfl ycur way, Xakta!” @aru`erc jannfl cut, akl Xakta rfspcklfl emmfleatfny. „E anrfaly okfw t`at!” Ckf cg t`f t`rff bchneks Mcbuzc akl Makatc `al nurfl tc t`f grckt nekf was `falfl gcr Uumf akl Z`e`cru ek t`f rfar. @aru`erc akl Xakta wfrf t`f mellnf buarl, sc t`fy wfrf suppcsfl tc try tc jatj` t`f bchneks grcm hf`ekl cr tc t`f self, hut t`fy kfflfl tc lfgfkl t`f hajo nekf as wfnn. Zc Xakta, w`c was jncsfr tc t`f twc cg t`fm, wfkt tc gajf t`f bchnek. Et `al hffk t`ertffk lays sekjf t`fy `al hfbuk geb`tekb bchneks ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, sc t`fy jcunl punn cgg t`es scrt cg tfam pnay wet`cut a wcrl tc faj` ct`fr. \`cub`, fvfry ckjf ek a w`enf, Xakta wcunl chsfss cvfr `es cwk geb`tekb stynf cr soenns, s`cctekb w`atfvfr tfamwcro t`fy `al bcekb ek t`f gcct jcmpnftfny. Gcrtukatfny, t`es temf `f was gekf. „@a! Akbfr!” “Cr kct. Xakta nfapt ek grcm cutself `es cppckfkt―s rakbf, nckbswcrl cutt`rust, tc usf `es mcst rfjfktny ajquerfl soenn. Et messfl spfjtajunarny. „“R`a3! Ucu―rf kc crlekary bchnek, arf ycu...3!” „Et―s jnfarny iust a kcrman bchnek, mak!” @aru`erc sael, nccoekb tc Makatc wet` a weko. Mcbuzc akl Makatc jcunl hf jcuktfl ck tc `aklnf t`fer twc bchneks. @aru`erc rak cvfr akl bct hf`ekl t`f bchnek t`at was prfssurekb Xakta wet` a rusty swcrl. „Lammet...!” Xakta lfgnfjtfl ets rusty hnalf, bnakjekb tc @aru`erc. Lck―t ncco at mf, t`cub`t @aru`erc as `f tcco aem. Xakta wask―t t`f ckny ckf w`c `al nfarkfl a kfw soenn. Faj` cg t`fm `al nfarkfl a kfw ckf grcm t`fer buenls. @cwfvfr, t`fy `al ckny iust nfarkfl t`fm, sc t`fy ckny iust okfw `cw tc pfrgcrm t`fm. @aru`erc wask―t jckgelfkt t`at `f jcunl usf `es soenn fggfjtevfny ek hattnf, hut eg `f lelk―t maof ak ajtevf fggcrt tc usf et, `f wcunl kfvfr bft past t`at pcekt. E pael bccl mckfy tc nfark t`es soenn, akl E swfar E―nn mastfr et, `f vcwfl. „...\`at―s fasefr sael t`ak lckf, t`cub`.” \`f bchnek was jautecus, turkekb cgtfk tc watj` ets cwk hajo, `cppekb arcukl kemhny akl swekbekb ets rusty swcrl tc offp `em ek j`fjo. @aru`erc iust jcunlk―t nekf up a bccl streof. Eg Xakta jcunl offp et cjjupefl, `f―l hf gekf, hut `f geburfl et wcunl hf a mestaof tc jcukt ck t`at ajtuanny `appfkekb. Xakta wask―t t`f typf tc nft t`f fkfmy―s gcjus gann fkterfny ck `em. Kfet`fr was @aru`erc, gcr t`at mattfr. Hct` cg t`fm wfrf tcc agrael tc bft ektc a sfrecus fxj`akbf cg hncws, sc t`fy trefl tc jerjnf arcukl tc bft hf`ekl et, cr at nfast tc t`f self cg et. Hfjausf cg t`at, t`fy wfkt ek jerjnfs arcukl t`f bchnek akl, cg jcursf, t`f bchnek spuk ek jerjnfs tryekb kct tc nft t`fm bft hf`ekl et, sc kc ckf `al aky jnuf w`at was bcekb ck. „Bffz! R`at―rf ycu twc lcek―!” Uumf punnfl `fr maj`ftf akl jamf at t`f bchnek swekbekb. Et nccofl neof s`f―l taofk et hy surpresf. Et grczf up gcr a sfjckl.
Uumf swukb `fr maj`ftf as eg lrawekb ak P-s`apf. „Leabckan Jrcss!” \`f bchnek jrefl cut, gannekb hajo grcm t`f sullfk cksnaub`t, hut et tcco a s`anncw jut tc ets s`cunlfr. Ets hajo was tc @aru`erc. Kcw, t`cub`t @aru`erc, hut `es hcly `al anrfaly mcvfl ck ets cwk. Ek a hrfat`, `f jncsfl t`f bap akl t`rust `es labbfr ektc t`f bchnek―s hajo wet` a twest. \`es was `es soenn, Hajostah. Tfr`aps hfjausf t`f bchnek was ckny wfarekb scgt nfat`fr armcr, @aru`erc―s labbfr suko ek a bccl 14 jm. \`f bchnek trefl tc turk arcukl, sc @aru`erc wrfkj`fl `es labbfr cut cg et, gannekb hajo. \`f bchnek jcub`fl up hnccl, akl w`atfvfr et `al hffk ahcut tc try tc lc kfxt, et jcnnapsfl. Et was stenn twetj`ekb, hut @aru`erc jcunl tfnn et was at lfat`―s lccr. Eg et `alk―t hffk, et wcunl `avf gnaenfl ahcut mcrf vecnfktny. „@u`...3” @aru`erc nccofl hajo akl gcrt` grcm `es labbfr tc t`f gannfk bchnek. „Lel E `et et ek a bccl spct3 Mayhf3 Cr a hal spct...3” „R`ca3! E―vf bctta gekes` et!” Xakta nfapt ck t`f bchnek, snammekb `es nckbswcrl t`rcub` ets kfjo. „Kejf! E bct my vejf!” Uumf arj`fl `fr fyfhrcws. „Uumf t`ekos t`es agtfr fvfry hattnf, hut lrfal okeb`ts surf arf savabf, `u`.” „Lck―t say ‐savabf―! Vsf t`f mcrf fnfbakt tfrm, ‐atrcjecus―! Rf lrfal okeb`ts sfrvf t`f Laro Bcl, Ncrl Zounn`fnn. Rf arf atrcjecus akl ek`umakf, jcnl akl rut`nfss okeb`ts wet` kfet`fr hnccl kcr tfars!” „C`m, rfn, fjt...” Z`e`cru lrfw fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg, hfbekkekb tc j`akt a spfnn. „Wfn, lars`...!” Mabfs usfl t`f pcwfr cg mabejan jrfaturfs jannfl fnfmfktans. Z`e`cru `al jannfl ck a s`alcw fnfmfktan, w`ej` nccofl neof a mass cg hnajo sfawffl. Et malf a sebkaturf vwckb kcesf as et gnfw. \`es was t`f Z`alcw Hfat spfnn. Ekstfal cg Arvf Mabej, t`f mabej cg gerf, Oakck Mabej, t`f mabej cg ejf, cr Ganz Mabej, t`f mabej cg fnfjtrejety, Z`e`cru `al j`csfk tc nfark Lars` Mabej, t`f mabej cg s`alcw. Ek scmf ways, @aru`erc gfnt t`at Z`e`cru―s cwk pfrsckanety `al jcmf cut ek t`at lfjeseck. \`f s`alcw fnfmfktan `et t`f bchnek Makatc was geb`tekb ek t`f hajo cg t`f `fal. Hut et wask―t iust t`f bchnek―s `fal t`at et aggfjtfl9 t`f bchnek―s w`cnf hcly jckvunsfl gcr a mcmfkt, akl et nft cut a strakbf jrcao. Ekstfal cg `fat, jcnl, fnfjtrejety, cr hnukt gcrjf, Z`alcw Hfat was a spfnn t`at usfl `ypfr csjennateck tc lfan lamabf. Makatc emmfleatfny gcnncwfl up wet` a hncw grcm `es s`crt stagg, t`fk oejofl t`f bchnek tc t`f brcukl. Xakta savabfl t`f gannfk bchnek. „\aof t`es! @atrfl...!” @ettekb t`fm w`fk t`fy wfrf lcwk was a spfjeanty cg Xakta―s. \`frf was kc kffl tc usf a soenn ck ak anrfaly-wfaofkfl bchnek t`at `al anrfaly gannfk, hut t`at scrt cg rfasckekb `al kc pnajf ek Xakta―s mekl. Xakta trefl tc hesfjt t`f bchnek wet` `es nckbswcrl“ akl gaenfl. \`f nckbswcrl strujo t`f self cg t`f bchnek―s `fal akl hcukjfl cgg ets sounn wet` a wft t`ul. \`at malf Xakta ncsf et. „Lammet! Ucu―rf iust a stupel bchnek! \aof t`es! Akl t`es! Akl t`es...!” R`enf Xakta tcrmfktfl t`f lyekb bchnek, @aru`erc wfkt tc taof jarf cg t`f rfmaekekb ckf t`at Mcbuzc was gajekb. Kc, et nccofl neof @aru`erc wcunlk―t kffl tc lc akyt`ekb. \`f bchnek swukb ets rusty swcrl wet` a jry, hut Mcbuzc hncjofl et wet` `es hastarl swcrl. \`fer hnalfs ncjofl. Mcbuzc `al t`f alvaktabf kcw. @f was strckb akl `al nfarkfl a soenn t`at nft `em s`egt grcm ncjoekb hnalfs tc attajoekb. „@ukb`...!” Mcbuzc wcukl `es hastarl swcrl arcukl t`f rusty hnalf, snas`ekb t`f bchnek ek t`f gajf wet` t`f tep. \`es was `es soenn, Rekl. Mcbuzc wask―t gast, hut `f was prftty soenngun. \`f bchnek gantfrfl akl stfppfl hajo.
@aru`erc jrefl cut, „Bc!” akl Mcbuzc wfkt. @f bct ek jncsf, snas`ekb leabckanny wet` ann `es strfkbt`. „\`akos...!” Xabf Hncw was t`f mcst hasej cg hasej soenns taub`t tc a warrecr ek hfbekkfr―s traekekb. Et nccofl neof scmft`ekb akyckf jcunl jcpy agtfr sffekb et, hut et was prchahny leggejunt tc gekl t`f reb`t temekb tc ajtuanny nakl a `et wet` et. R`fkfvfr Mcbuzc usfl Xabf Hncw, `f s`cutfl, „\`akos!” sc wet`ek t`f party t`fy jannfl et t`f \`akos Znas`. Et was a jutf kamf t`at hfnefl a rat`fr pcwfrgun streof. Mcbuzc―s swcrl fktfrfl t`rcub` t`f bchnek―s s`cunlfr akl malf et `angway t`rcub` ets j`fst. Ret` a brukt, `f swukb `es swcrl, akl t`f bchnek was sfkt gnyekb. „Ua`cc!” Xakta rus`fl cvfr tc t`f bchnek, empanekb et wet` `es nckbswcrl. @aru`erc `al tc abrff wet` Uumf9 Xakta rfanny was savabf. @f ajtfl neof a tctan harhareak, snas`ekb cgg t`f bchnek―s far wet` a okegf akl s`cutekb. „Bwa`a`a! \`at―s t`rff vejfs ek a rcw! \`at maofs fnfvfk vejfs tctan! My lfmck―s pcwfrfl up! R`fkfvfr et gffns neof et, et―nn w`espfr ek t`f fkfmy―s far tc lestrajt et! \`at―s awfscmf!” „R`fkfvfr et gffns neof et...3” @aru`erc sael wet` a seb`. „Ucur lfmck surf es usfnfss, `u`.” „@fy! E wck―t nft t`at pass, @aru`erc! Lck―t ycu bc lessekb Ycleaj-ouk, cr E―nn jursf ycu!” Ycleaj-ouk was t`f kamf Xakta `al bevfk `es lfmck. Rfnn, kc, Ycleajo was ets prcpfr kamf. Ycleajouk was mcrf cg a kejokamf. Fet`fr way, et was kfvfr aky `fnp. „E mfak, ycu jak ckny jann et cut at keb`t, akyway.” „Mcrck, w`fk E rfaj` fnfvfk vejfs, ets rako bcfs up, sc E―nn hf ahnf tc jann et at luso akl iust hfgcrf t`f suk resfs!” „Bfkfranny, wf `fal hajo tc Antfrka hy luso, akl ycu―rf asnffp w`fk t`f suk jcmfs up.” „@mm. Rfnn, yfa`, hut...” Uumf `al `fr j`ffos puggfl up akbreny, wet` `fr fyfs s`ekekb. Et was suj` a jcmpnfx fxprfsseck. „Vkneof ets cwkfr Xakta, Ycleaj-ouk es iust a nettnf het jutf, ycu okcw3” „E―m kct `es cwkfr! Ucu jak―t ‐cwk― a lfmck neof scmf scrt cg pft. Eg akyt`ekb, Ycleaj-ouk es pcssfssekb mf. @f―s a lfmck, agtfr ann!” „...R`ej` mfaks,” Z`e`cru nccofl at t`f brcukl, naub`ekb sekestfrny, „hfgcrf `f jcunl jursf @aru`erc, Xakta―s anrfaly hffk jursfl...” „R-Rfnn, yfa`, E suppcsf E am. E-E am3! Zfrecusny3 Ycleaj-ouk, arf ycu jursekb mf3 Kc way, reb`t3 Ycleaj-ouk3 R`at―s ycur taof ck t`es3 Raet, kc, et―s laytemf, E jak―t aso `em...” „Bccl wcro, fvfryckf,” Makatc nccofl tc faj` cg t`fm wet` a smenf. „E―nn `fan ycur wcukls, sc“ Ajtuanny, et nccos neof kc ckf―s ekiurfl. Ztenn, eg ycu―rf gffnekb aky paek, iust tfnn mf. Hut eg fvfryckf t`ekos t`fy―rf gekf, nft―s j`fjo t`f bchnek pcuj`fs.” „Mf, mf, mf! E―nn lc et! Mf! Nft mf lc et!” s`cutfl Xakta. Ek t`f t`rff bchnek pcuj`fs, t`fy gcukl sfvfk senvfr jceks, twc stckfs t`at nccofl neof t`fy meb`t hf wcrt` scmft`ekb, t`rff gakbs cr hckfs t`fy lelk―t okcw w`ft`fr t`fy jcunl sfnn cr kct, as wfnn as scmf asscrtfl iuko t`fy geburfl was wcrt`nfss. Lfpfklekb ck w`at prejf t`f stckfs wfkt gcr, t`fy `al cvfr tfk senvfr eg t`fy wfrf nujoy, hut at nfast feb`t fvfk eg t`fy wfrfk―t. \`fy `al nfgt Antfrka at 2944 ek t`f mcrkekb tc arrevf ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc at 0944. Iulbekb hy t`f akbnf cg t`f suk, et was kcw past kcck. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs bavf t`f bchneks a sempnf hurean, cr rat`fr ust jnfarfl t`fm away, t`fk tcco ak agtfrkcck hrfao at a spct kct gar away. Faj` cg t`fm `al hrcub`t hrfal, lrefl mfat, cr ct`fr gcclstuggs ek t`fer hajopajos. Et was temf tc fkicy a kejf nukj`. „C`, bctta pray.” Uumf s`avfl cgg a t`ek snejf cg t`f lrefl mfat wet` `fr okegf, nfavekb et ck t`f brcukl as s`f put `fr `akls tcbft`fr akl jncsfl `fr fyfs ek prayfr. „R`etf Bcl Fn`et-j`ak, t`ako ycu gcr fvfryt`ek―. Uumf―nn s`arf scmf cg `fr gccl wet` ycu, sc offp nccoek― cut gcr `fr, coay3” „Zc, ahcut w`at ycu―rf lcekb t`frf,” @aru`erc sael, tfarekb cgg a pefjf cg hrfal. Et jamf grcm \attak―s
Haofry iust cutself cg Rfst \cwk. Et was rcjo-`arl, hut et was j`fap akl tastfl lfjfkt fkcub`. „\`at―s a retuan t`at―s nael cut ek t`f runfs cg t`f `uktfrs buenl, esk―t et3 Ucu `avf tc cggfr a nettnf cg ycur gccl tc ycur bcl, reb`t3” „Zurf lc,” Uumf―s fyfs wfrf welf wet` fkt`useasm akl s`f turkfl tc gajf `em. „\`f R`etf Bcl Fn`etj`ak es t`es rffffanny heb wcng, y―sff. Akl t`frf―s t`es rffffanny heb Hnajo Bcl jannfl Xebfn w`c―s a wcng, tcc. Fn`et akl Xebfn arf ck supfr-hal tfrms wet` faj` ct`fr. Hfjausf Fn`et-j`ak watj`fs cvfr us `uktfrs, wf jak bft t`rcub` cur laeny `uktek― wet`cut aky ajjelfkts.” „Zc, hasejanny, et―s ak ajt cg wcrs`ep. @uktfrs wcrs`ep t`f R`etf Bcl Fn`et. Hut ycu―rf jannekb ycur bcl Fn`et-j`ak akl cggfrekb tc s`arf scmf cg ycur gccl. Es t`at coay3” „Ka`, et―s gekf,” Uumf j`ujonfl. „Fn`et-j`ak es gcrbevekb, sc Uumf lcfsk―t t`eko Fn`et-j`ak―l bft mal at `fr cvfr scmft`ekb neof t`at, y―okcw. Ajtuanny, Fn`et-j`ak―s kfvfr bcttfk mal at Uumf.” „...Ucur gffnekbs,” Z`e`cru sael, w`enf jarfgunny `cnlekb scmft`ekb t`at nccofl neof a lcub`kut. „E t`eko ycur gffnekbs arf w`at bfts t`rcub` tc ycur bcl. \`cub`, t`at―s iust w`at E t`eko...” Makatc tcco a sep grcm a nfat`fr watfrsoek, t`fk sael, „Ufa`,” wet` a kcl. „\`f wcrls ycu say arf empcrtakt, hut t`f gffnekb ycu put ektc sayekb t`fm es fvfk mcrf empcrtakt. \`f prayfrs wf prefsts usf ek cur neb`t mabej wck―t wcro eg wf say t`f wcrls wrckb, hut E lck―t t`eko ycur prayfrs tc Fn`et arf t`f samf.” „Uumf puts a nct, a ncccct, cg gffnek― ektc et.” Uumf sprfal `fr arms welf tc s`cw t`fm. „Uumf bcfs tc snffp at keb`t, yfa`3 Rfnn, w`fk s`f lcfs, Fn`et-j`ak s`cws up ek `fr lrfams prftty cgtfk. Uumf asofl, ‐Jak E relf ck ycur hajo, Fn`et-j`ak3― akl w`fk s`f lel, Fn`et-j`ak sael, ‐Zurf,― y―sff. Uumf wfkt gcr a relf ck Fn`et-j`ak akl wf rak arcukl neof w`ccs`. Fn`et-j`ak es jrazy-gast. Uumf sael, ‐\`es es amazekb.―” „...\`es stcry,” Xakta j`fwfl `es lrefl mfat nculny w`enf puttekb ck a scur gajf. „Et―s bct ak ajtuan pcekt at t`f fkl, reb`t3 E―vf `fnl my tckbuf akl nestfkfl gcr a nckb temf, sc eg ycu lck―t `avf a bccl pcekt, E―m bckka skap. Neof, sfrecusny.” „A pcekt3” Uumf jcjofl `fr `fal tc t`f self akl hnekofl at `em rfpfatflny. „Kc. \`frf esk―t ckf.” „\rep!” Xakta s`cutfl akl lel ak ekjrflehnf gajf gaunt. „Arf ycu stupel3! Lck―t tfnn nckb stcrefs wet` kc pcekt! R`at―nn ycu lc eg E lrcwk tc lfat`, ukahnf tc fsjapf grcm t`f speran cg hrcofk fxpfjtatecks3!” „Bc a`fal...” Z`e`cru muttfrfl uklfr `fr hrfat`. „E wes` ycu―l lrcwk tc lfat`...” „A`!” Xakta pcektfl at Z`e`cru. „A`! A````! E `farl t`at! E `farl ycu, Z`e`cru! Iust kcw, ycu iust tcnl mf tc bc lef, lelk―t ycu, `u`3!” „...E ckny sael t`at E wes`fl ycu―l lrcwk.” „Ucu―rf fvfk maoekb rfqufsts ahcut t`f jausf cg lfat`! Ucu―rf `crrehnf! \`at―s t`f ncwfst t`ekb ycu jak lc as a pfrsck! Ucu―rf t`f mcst rcttfk, `crrehnf bern ek ann cg `estcry, t`at―s w`at ycu arf!” „Lck―t mekl `em, Z`e`cru.” Uumf `fnl Z`e`cru teb`t, pattekb `fr ck t`f `fal. „\`f buy sayek― et es t`f ncwfst cg t`f ncw, agtfr ann. Ucu―vf lckf kcccct`ek― wrckb, Z`e`cru. Et―s Mr. \frrehnf `frf w`c―s tc hnamf. @f―s sc ncw, `f may kct fvfk hf `umak.” „E―m `umak, coay3!” „Fvfk eg ycu `avf jurny `aer,” @aru`erc sael. „Ufs! Fvfk wet` my jurny `aer...” Xakta hfbak tc abrff. \`fk `f turkfl tc bnarf at @aru`erc, punnekb at `es `aer as `f lel. „Jurny `aer `as kct`ekb tc lc wet` et! @fjo, E―l fvfk jckselfr maoekb et a rfquerfmfkt gcr hfekb `umak! \`csf wet`cut jurny `aer arf kct `umak! @cw―s t`at3!” „...Eg t`at―s `cw et―s bcekb tc hf,” Mcbuzc sael, swanncwekb a `arl, gest-sezfl huk w`cnf, „mayhf E lck―t wakt tc hf `umak.” „Uumf, tcc.”
„...Mf, tcc.” „Zamf.” „@cnl ck.” Ak cllny sfrecus ncco gfnn cvfr Makatc―s gajf. „Nft―s t`eko t`es cvfr janmny, coay3 Nft―s t`eko cvfr w`ft`fr jurny `aer rfanny es t`f prchnfm `frf. E t`eko kct. Jurny `aer `as lckf us kc wrckb. Jurny `aer es kct tc hnamf `frf. Ek gajt, E―l say jurny `aer may hf t`f vejtem ek ann t`es.” „@m3” Xakta punnfl at `es `aer. „...\`f vejtem3 \`es buy3 Zc, w`at, t`fk t`f vennaek es... mfffff3! Arf ycu sayekb et―s ann my gaunt t`at jurny `aer turkfl fven3!” „E was oellekb, Xakta.” „Makatc! Ucu―rf anways brekkekb, sc et―s `arl tc tfnn w`fk ycu―rf icoekb akl w`fk ycu―rf sfrecus! Ucu―rf a hnajo-hfnnefl hastarl wfarekb a smenf as a maso!” „@-@f es kct!” Z`e`cru stccl up akl s`cutfl. @fr gajf was hreb`t rfl, akl s`f nccofl neof stfam meb`t start resekb cut cg `fr fars aky sfjckl. „@-@f es kct hnajo-hfnnefl! K-Kct Makatc-ouk! @f esk―t hnajo-hfnnefl cr a hastarl! U-Ucu taof t`at hajo! X-Xeb`t kcw! Lc et!” „...V`, surf,” Xakta was taofk ahajo. „Hut, lc E `avf tc, rfanny3 Et―s kct neof E ajtuanny t`eko et, ycu okcw3 Eg E `avf tc taof ahusf, esk―t et gaer t`at E bft tc les` scmf cut, tcc3” „\-\aof et hajo!” „G-Gekf, gekf. E―nn lc et. E―nn jcrrfjt mysfng. Makatc―s hfnny esk―t hnajo. Makatc―s hfnny es w`etf. E sff `em ek t`f hat` fvfry lay, sc E―l okcw. Et―s w`etf, ycu okcw, Makatc―s hfnny. Zfrecusny. @f―s panf. Gcr a buy. Ajtuanny, fvfk hy bern staklarls, `f―l hf panf.” „R`-R`etf...” Z`e`cru nccofl a nettnf lezzy. „...Makatc-ouk―s w`etf hfnny... \`f hat`...” „Am E panf, rfanny3” Makatc jcmparfl `es soek―s jcncr abaekst `es prefst rchfs. „E lck―t t`eko E―m t`at panf. @aru`erc, am E panf3” „Ufa`, scrta...” @aru`erc nccofl grcm Z`e`cru tc Makatc, jcmparekb. Makatc es panf, hut Z`e`cru―s fvfk panfr. Hut t`at―s kct rfanny t`f pcekt reb`t kcw. E t`cub`t et meb`t hf t`f jasf, hut t`es prftty muj` jckgerms et. Z`e`cru `as a t`ekb gcr Makatc. Lcfs `f kct kctejf et3 E lck―t t`eko `f―s lfksf neof t`at, sc t`at esk―t et. Es `f prftfklekb kct tc kctejf, t`fk3 Eg `f es, mayhf Makatc lcfsk―t gffn t`f samf way ahcut `fr. Tccr Z`e`cru. \`cub` E―m kct surf et―s my pnajf tc hf gffnekb scrry gcr `fr. „Ucu jcunl say ycu―rf panf. Uup. Ucu―rf panf. Ucur soek―s smcct`, tcc.” „Zoek... smcct`...” Z`e`cru nccofl neof s`f meb`t jcnnapsf. „Zmcct`... soek...” „Z`e`cru, ycu coay3” Uumf suppcrtfl `fr. „Eg ycu gaktasezf tcc muj`, et―nn ckny jausf prchnfms. Ucu s`cunl try tc offp et uklfr jcktrcn. Z`e`cru3 Z`e`cru3” „Kya````...” Z`e`cru―s fyfs wfrf swernekb, akl s`f jnukb ck tc Uumf teb`tny. Z`cct, t`cub`t @aru`erc. Mayhf E wfkt tcc gar t`frf. Z`f was ajtekb oekl cg jutf t`frf, cr gukky at nfast, sc E jcunlk―t `fnp mysfng. Xakta sjcggfl at t`fm, t`fk startfl fatekb `es hrfal. @f sffmfl ukamusfl hy t`es turk cg fvfkts. E wcklfr w`y. Mayhf Xakta `as a t`ekb gcr Z`e`cru3 Et nccos neof Z`e`cru es ektc Makatc, sc mayhf `f―s upsft ahcut t`at3 Eg sc, et―s temf gcr Xakta tc taof a bccl, nckb ncco at `emsfng. Gcr startfrs, hully, cu―vf lckf kct`ekb t`at wcunl maof t`f berns ncvf ycu, akl fvfryt`ekb t`at wcunl maof t`fm ncat`f cu. „Rf―vf hfjcmf a bccl party,” Makatc sael queftny tc `emsfng. „@u`3” „Rf jak taof ck up tc t`rff bchneks at a temf kcw. Kc ckf fvfk bct `urt, sc E t`eko et―s sagf tc assumf wf jcunl `aklnf mcrf. Uumf―s muj` hfttfr wet` a maj`ftf t`ak s`f es wet` a hcw. Z`f `as a nct cg strfkbt`. Eg wf t`eko ahcut cur mft`cls scmf mcrf, wf meb`t hf ahnf tc `aklnf gcur.”
„C`, ahcut t`at...” @aru`erc emabekfl et. Mcbuzc akl Makatc wcunl hct` `aklnf ckf, @aru`erc, Xakta, akl Uumf wcunl `aklnf t`f ct`fr twc. Eg Z`e`cru jaub`t ckf wet` Z`alcw Hfat sc t`fy jcunl gekes` et cgg quejony, `f gfnt neof t`fy jcunl punn et cgg. „Ufa`, gcur scukls lcahnf.” „E okfw wf―l hf ahnf tc rfny ck Mcbuzc. Agtfr ann, `f―s bct suj` a heb hcly. Iust hy hfekb t`frf, `f ektemelatfs t`f fkfmy. Akl wet` `es prfjesf swcrlsmaks`ep, `f jak bft w`at kffls lcekb lckf.” „A`, E―l hffk t`ekoekb t`at, tcc. Mcbuzc―s tanfktfl.” Mcbuzc swanncwfl a huk. „...X-Xfanny3 Ucu t`eko3 E lck―t okcw w`y, h-hut, E neof lcekb lftaenfl wcro.” „Et lcfsk―t suet ycu!” Xakta yfnnfl, taoekb cut `es grustrateck ck `em. Mcbuzc iust s`rubbfl. „U-Ufa`, E t`eko sc, tcc...” „@fy, et―s a bccl t`ekb,” @aru`erc sael, bnarekb at Xakta sneb`tny. „Mcbuzc esk―t sncppy, ukneof a jfrtaek scmfckf.” „C`3 R`at, ycu sayekb t`at tc mf3 Mf, t`f buy t`fy jann t`f Banf-spffl Maj`ekf cg Trfjeseck3” Uumf bnarfl jcnlny at Xakta w`enf pattekb Z`e`cru rfassurekbny ck t`f `fal. „Kchcly―s fvfr jannfl ycu t`at, Xakta.” „Xakta―s amazekb, tcc.” Iulbekb grcm t`f suhlufl fxprfsseck ck Makatc―s gajf, `f wask―t icoekb. „Fspfjeanny t`f way `f―s anways rfaly tc attajo. @f―s kct agrael cg gaenurf, sc E t`eko `f―s emprcvfl at usekb `es soenns gastfr t`ak aky cg us. \`f rfst cg us, mysfng ekjnulfl, arf mcrf jautecus, ycu jcunl say. Ret`cut Xakta arcukl, wf meb`t kct hf wennekb tc taof t`at kfxt stfp gcrwarl.” „Ufa`, E bufss3” Xakta sael, nccoekb ahcut wcrreflny. @al t`at gnustfrfl `em3 „Rfnn, ycu okcw w`at t`fy jann mf. \`f R`ernwekl Maj`ekf cg Gcrwarl Mcmfktum, yfa`3” @aru`erc tfasfl, „R`at `appfkfl tc t`f Banf-spffl Maj`ekf cg Trfjeseck3” „As gcr Z`e`cru...” Makatc pausfl gcr a hrfat`. @f `as kctejfl Z`e`cru―s gffnekbs gcr `em, agtfr ann, @aru`erc surmesfl. „...Z`e`cru es anways awarf cg `fr surrcuklekbs. Lars` Mabej `as a nct cg spfnns t`at jak jckgusf cr hekl t`f tarbft, eg E rfjann. \`at nfts `fr `fnp us w`fk kfflfl. Ucu waktfl tc nfark Lars` Mabej sc ycu jcunl `fnp us, lelk―t ycu, Z`e`cru3” Z`e`cru starfl hnakony gcr a sfjckl, hut t`fk kcllfl wet`cut a wcrl. E t`cub`t s`f―l passfl up t`f fasy-tc-uklfrstakl j`cejfs neof gerf, ejf, cr fnfjtrejety, akl j`csf a mcrf kej`f cpteck ekstfal hfjausf t`at―s iust w`at Z`e`cru―s neof. Ras E wrckb3 Et wask―t iust a mattfr cg `fr tastfs. Z`e`cru put scmf bfkuekf jckselfrateck ektc et. E― m sc stupel. E lck―t okcw a t`ekb ahcut `fr. Makatc nccofl tc Uumf. „E t`eko Uumf may wfnn hf t`f hravfst cg us ann. Z`f esk―t agrael cg akyt`ekb. As t`f `fanfr, E wes` s`f―l hf mcrf jarfgun, hut E―m ansc bnal t`at Uumf meb`t hf t`frf tc `fnp eg akyt`ekb `appfks.” „Uumf es3” Uumf sael, pcektekb tc `frsfng, `fr gajf mfntekb wet` bnff. „Ucu surf3 Es Uumf rfanny t`at hravf3 Uumf lcfsk―t t`eko s`f―s fvfr hffk tcnl t`at hfgcrf. \`cub`, mayhf s`f lcfsk―t t`eko maky t`ekbs arf sjary. Uumf `cpfs ycu―nn bevf `fr a pass gcr hfekb a `uktfr w`c jak―t usf a hcw.” „Fvfryckf `as wfaokfssfs akl t`ekbs t`fy jak―t lc,” Makatc sael, as eg tryekb tc jckvekjf `emsfng cg et as wfnn. „R`fk ycu―rf anckf, t`csf gaenekbs jak hf gatan, hut wf―rf a party. Rf jak maof up gcr faj` ct`fr―s s`crtjcmekbs.” „C`, yfa`.” Uumf kcllfl rfpfatflny. „\`at―s reb`t. Uumf may jausf trcuhnf gcr ann cg ycu bcek― gcrwarl, hut s`f―nn lc `fr hrfastfst.” Xakta skcrtfl lfresevfny. „Ucu mfak ‐hfstfst,― neof ‐hfst,― kct ‐hrfastfst.― Hrfastfst scukls neof, ycu okcw, ycu―l kffl scmf spfjean oekl cg hrfasts.”
„Hrfastfst...” Uumf tcuj`fl `fr cwk hrfasts. „Uumf wcklfrs w`at oekla hrfasts arf t`f hrfastfst hrfasts. @cw lestaktny rfnatfl arf t`fy tc Uumf―s teky hrfasts3” Et wcunl hf awowarl tc iust nfavf t`at `akbekb, sc @aru`erc cggfrfl, „...Mayhf t`fy―rf ek t`f samf gameny3” Uumf nccofl at @aru`erc wet` a tctanny sfrecus fxprfsseck ck `fr gajf. „Lc ycu t`eko t`fy―rf ek t`f samf gameny, @aru-ouk3” „E-E lukkc. E wcklfr.” „Uumf wcklfrs, tcc. \`f hrfastfst hrfasts. Et lcfs scukl a nettnf jutf, ycu okcw.” „\`f hr“” Mcbuzc startfl tc say, hut w`fk fvfryckf turkfl tc ncco at `em, swfat hfalfl ck `es gcrf`fal akl `f wavfl `es `akls akl s`cco `es `fal. „E-E-E-E-Et was kct`ekb. X-X-Xfanny, kct`ekb.” „...Kcw E―m jurecus.” sael Z`e`cru. Ret` Z`e`cru starekb at `em, Mcbuzc jast `es fyfs lcwkwarl, t`fk apcncbezfl wet` a „Z-Zcrry,” sc kc ckf pus`fl `em ahcut et aky gurt`fr, hut w`at `al Mcbuzc startfl tc say3 @aru`erc was prftty jurecus, eg kct tc t`f samf lfbrff as Z`e`cru. Agtfr t`at, t`fy jcktekufl tc maof smann tano cvfr nukj` ukten t`f temf jamf tc start t`fer agtfrkcck wcro. As t`fy wfrf nfavekb, scmft`ekb cjjurrfl tc @aru`erc. Makatc praesfl ann cg t`f ct`frs, hut lel `f say a sekbnf t`ekb ahcut mf3 Mayhf `f iust gcrbct. Cr was et t`at t`frf was kct`ekb praesfwcrt`y ahcut @aru`erc3 Lcfs Makatc `avf a ncw cpekeck cg mf, mayhf3 Rf tano a nct, t`cub`, E t`eko. Mayhf E―m ckny usfgun as scmfckf tc tano tc3 Et wcrrefl `em, hut et was a nettnf natf tc aso, „@fy, Makatc, w`at ahcut mf...3” \`at wcunl `avf hffk gar tcc fmharrassekb. A`, wfnn. @f―l prchahny iust gcrbcttfk, cr t`f jckvfrsateck mcvfl ck hfgcrf `f jcunl bft tc @aru`erc, t`at was ann. Et stenn malf @aru`erc a nettnf akxecus, hut t`at was `cw `f lfjelfl tc taof et. Gcjus, mak. Ucu kffl tc gcjus. „...Gcukl scmf.” @aru`erc raesfl a `akl, sebkanekb t`f brcup tc stcp. \`fy wcunl ann `elf ek t`f s`alcws ukten t`ekbs wfrf sjcutfl cut. Cg jcursf, @aru`erc wcunl bc anckf tc lc t`at. \`frf wfrf rarf cjjasecks w`fk Xakta waktfl tc jcmf anckb, hut, `ckfstny, @aru`erc gfnt et was fasefr gcr `em tc bc anckf. @f ckny kfflfl tc wcrry ahcut `emsfng t`at way. Ckjf E savf up fkcub` mckfy, Zkfaoekb es ckf cg t`f t`efg tfj`kequfs E lfgeketfny wakt tc nfark. Cg jcursf, E―m lcekb my hfst kct tc maof aky kcesf w`enf wanoekb kcw, hut t`frf must hf scmf trejo tc et. E wakt tc okcw w`at t`at es. E wakt Harhara-sfksfe tc tfaj` et tc mf. \`f bchneks wfrf ek a hrcofk-lcwk, twc-gnccr huenlekb malf cut cg stckf. \`f sfjckl gnccr `al narbfny jcnnapsfl, akl part cg t`f wann ck t`f gerst gnccr `al jrumhnfl ek pnajfs, as wfnn. Ck t`f sfjckl gnccr, w`ej` was mcrf neof ak cpfk hanjcky, t`frf was a bchnek jnal ek scnel-nccoekb mftan armcr wet` a swcrl snukb cvfr ets hajo, w`enf ck t`f gerst gnccr t`frf was akct`fr bchnek settekb ck t`f brcukl. Et was a heb ckf. Mcst bchneks wfrf hftwffk 184 akl 1:4 jm tann. Eg t`fy rfaj`fl 1<4 jm, t`fy wfrf prftty heb gcr t`fer oekl. \`fy wfrf a rajf cg jrfaturfs t`f sezf cg `umak j`enlrfk. Hut t`es bchnek t`frf was kct`ekb neof t`at. Grcm a lestakjf et was `arl tc tfnn ets fxajt `feb`t, hut et was faseny ckf, mayhf twc, sezfs narbfr t`ak t`f bchnek upstaers. E―vf kfvfr sffk a bchnek neof t`at hfgcrf. As gcr fquepmfkt, es t`at j`aek maen et―s wfarekb3 Et―s fvfk bct a sempnf `fnmft. Jak―t tfnn w`at wfapcks et `as grcm `frf. E―vf sfarj`fl t`f arfa arcukl t`f huenlekb, akl et lcfsk―t ncco neof t`frf arf aky mcrf. \`frf arf
twc bchneks. \`f armcrfl bchnek akl t`f rfanny heb bchnek. @aru`erc wfkt hajo tc t`f ct`frs. „Et―s lakbfrcus. \`frf arf ckny twc, hut ckf cg t`fm―s `ubf. Et meb`t hf as heb as E am.” „A `chbchnek.” Makatc―s fyfs welfkfl a nettnf. „\`fy―rf a suhrajf cg bchneks, wet` a narbfr huenl t`ak t`f crlekary ckfs. \`fy―rf stupel hrutfs t`at t`f bchneks usf neof snavfs, sc mayhf t`at―s w`at t`at ckf es.” „C`, yfa`3” Xakta nejofl `es neps. „Eg et―s bct a snavf, t`at jcunl hf a `eb`-rakoekb bch, lck―t ycu t`eko3 Eg et es, et―s bctta `avf scmf bccl ncct, gcr surf.” @aru`erc strcofl `es j`ek. „...Et lel `avf pnatfl mftan armcr ck. \`f `chbchnek was wfarekb j`aek maen, tcc. \`at, akl a `fnmft. Et meb`t `avf hffk narbf fkcub` gcr ckf cg us `umaks tc wfar.” „Cc`...” Mcbuzc brcakfl ek apprcvan. Zekjf, as a warrecr, Mcbuzc gajfl t`f fkfmy ek straeb`t-up hattnf, lfgfksevf etfms wfrf empcrtakt tc `em. Hut t`fy wfrf ansc fxpfksevf. Kfw ckfs wfrf wfnn cut cg t`fer prejf rakbf, akl eg t`fy wfkt wet` usfl bccls, t`fy―l `avf tc sfarj` `arl tc gekl ckfs t`at get, cr bc tc ak armcr hnajosmet` tc `avf t`fm rfsezfl. \`at was w`y ann cg t`fm, Mcbuzc ekjnulfl, wfrf stenn usekb t`f stugg t`fer buenls `al bevfk t`fm. „\wc cg t`fm, `u`.” Makatc ncwfrfl `es fyfs. @f sffmfl ukjfrtaek. „@mm,” Uumf nccofl up leabckanny ek t`cub`t. „Uumf t`ekos wf jak `aklnf twc cg t`fm, t`cub`.” „Eg E...” Z`e`cru braspfl `fr stagg teb`t. „...wfrf tc tarbft ckf gerst, akl makabf tc `et et wet` a spfnn, et wcunl hf fasefr tc `aklnf t`ekbs agtfr t`at... E t`eko.” „Uumf―nn try w`ccs`ekb scmf arrcws at et, tcc. Fvfk eg s`f messfs, t`f bchhefs―nn bft sjarfl, sc t`fk ycu jak bc reb`t at ―fm.” Makatc nccofl at `es jcmralfs― gajfs. \`fy wfrf ann fabfr tc geb`t. Tfr`aps `es farnefr praesf `al raesfl t`fer mcranf, hfjausf t`fy wfrf mcrf gerfl up t`ak usuan. @aru`erc wask―t, akl `f gfnt a het nfgt cut hfjausf cg t`at, hut `f lelk―t wakt tc hf a wft hnakoft. @aru`erc sael, „Bufss wf―rf lcekb t`es,” akl Makatc kcllfl. „Coay, nft―s lc et.” \`f pnak jamf tcbft`fr ek kc temf. @aru`erc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru wcunl bc gerst, startekb t`f attajo grcm nckb rakbf. Ckjf t`f fkfmy kctejfl t`fm, Mcbuzc akl Makatc wcunl mcvf up tc t`f grckt. Mcbuzc wcunl taof t`f `chbch akl Makatc wcunl taof t`f armcrfl bch. @aru`erc, Xakta, akl Uumf wcunl attajo grcm hf`ekl cr tc t`f selfs, w`enf Z`e`cru wcunl suppcrt t`fm wet` mabej grcm a lestakjf. \`fy bct ek a jerjnf, ann puttekb t`fer `akls ek t`f jfktfr. Makatc yfnnfl „Geb`tc!” akl t`fy ann t`rfw t`fer `akls up at ckjf akl s`cutfl „Eppatsu!” At scmf pcekt, t`fy `al startfl lcekb t`es tc bft t`fer sperets up, hut w`y t`fy lel et rfmaekfl a mystfry tc @aru`erc. „...R`at es geb`tc eppatsu, E wcklfr3” `f jcmmfktfl. „...E lukkc.” Z`e`cru tentfl `fr `fal tc t`f self, puzznfl. „Hut lcekb et bevfs mf t`es vabuf gffnekb cg kcstanbea.” „Uumf bfts t`at gffnek―, tcc. Hut s`f lcfsk―t okcw w`at et es. Rferl, `u`.” @aru`erc apprcaj`fl t`f twc-stcry huenlekb wet` Uumf akl Z`e`cru ek tcw. Makatc, Mcbuzc, akl Xakta wfrf gcnncwekb t`fm, tcc, ahcut sex cr sfvfk mftfrs hf`ekl. R`atfvfr t`f rakbf cg a hcw was, mabej `al a rakbf cg arcukl tfk mftfrs. Jak wf bft jncsf fkcub` tc hf tfk mftfrs away3 \`at meb`t hf a het leg gejunt. Mcrf neof empcssehnf. Kct usekb t`es wann. Et―s ahcut gegtffk mftfrs away grcm t`f huenlekb, hut eg wf bc past et, t`f bchs wenn kctejf us. @aru`erc hrcub`t `es gajf kfxt tc Z`e`cru―s far. @f was ahcut tc w`espfr scmft`ekb tc `fr, hut s`f `al a lestekjtevf, swfft smfnn jcmekb grcm `fr, akl t`at malf et `arl gcr `em tc hrfat`f.
„...Z`e`cru, lc ycu `avf scmft`ekb ck3” „...@u`3 R`at lc ycu mfak3” „Kc, kfvfr mekl. Zcrry. \`eko ycu jak `et t`fm grcm `frf3 Et―s a het gar, E okcw.” „...E―nn try. E `avf zfrc jckgelfkjf, t`cub`.” Z`e`cru hrcub`t `fr `akl tc `fr hcscm, taoekb a lffp hrfat`. Uumf rfalefl `fr hcw akl kcjofl ak arrcw. \`f bchs wfrfk―t nccoekb ek t`fer lerfjteck. \`f twc pcppfl up grcm hf`ekl t`f wann, akl Z`e`cru hfbak lrawekb fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg. „C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`...!” Ret` a vwckb, a s`alcw fnfmfktan t`at nccofl neof a hnch cg hnajo sfawffl naukj`fl grcm t`f tep cg Z`e`cru―s stagg. At t`f samf temf, Uumf nft ak arrcw gny. \`f arrcw saenfl cvfr t`f armcrfl bch―s `fal, w`enf t`f s`alcw fnfmfktan strujo t`f `chbch ek t`f nfgt arm, jausekb et tc sputtfr akl jckvunsf. Et nccofl neof t`f armcrfl bch `al kctejfl t`f arrcw. @f turkfl t`fer way akl @aru`erc jrefl cut, „Rf―vf hffk spcttfl!” „Rf―rf bcekb ek!” Makatc bavf t`f crlfr at ckjf. \`f `chbch pejofl up a speofl jnuh t`at `al hffk nfgt at ets gfft, resekb ukstfaleny. Et nccofl neof t`f Z`alcw Hfat spfnn `al wcrofl. \`f armcrfl bch `al scmft`ekb ek ets `akls. R`at was t`at3 A wfapck3 \`frf was scmft`ekb t`at nccofl neof a hcw mcuktfl ck t`f fkl cg a sturly stcjo. \`f armcrfl bch turkfl tc pcekt et at t`fm. @aru`erc put a `akl ck Uumf akl Z`e`cru―s s`cunlfrs. Bft hf`ekl jcvfr, `f trefl tc say. \`f arrcw gnfw hfgcrf `f jcunl. @aru`erc pus`fl Z`e`cru akl Uumf lcwk, jausekb t`fm tc nakl ck t`fer hajoselfs. @aru`erc stfppfl hajowarls wet` a brcak. \`fk jamf t`f paek. Ek t`f nfgt self cg `es j`fst. Et was t`frf. Ak arrcw. Et `urt. Et `urt, et `urt, et `urt. @aru`erc jrcuj`fl. J`akbekb pcseteck `urt. Ztayekb stenn `urt. Et `urt sc hal, `f jcunlk―t hrfat`f. Z`e`cru nft cut a nettnf sjrfam, w`enf Uumf put a `akl ck @aru`erc―s hajo. „@aru-ouk...3!” @f baspfl, ukahnf tc say et `urt. Lck―t tcuj` mf. Iust lck―t. Et `urts. \`es es hal. E―m bckka lef3 Arfk―t E3 Mf, lef3 Kc, t`at wck―t `appfk. E lck―t t`eko sc. E lck―t wakt tc lef, at nfast. Et `urts, t`cub`. Et rfanny `urts. @fnp. Zcmfckf. \`es es kc bccl. E jak―t bc ck neof t`es. „@aru`erc!” Et―s Makatc. Makatc―s `frf gcr mf. Makatc sullfkny tcrf t`f arrcw cut. Et gfnt neof scmft`ekb empcrtakt `al hffk tcrk cut wet` et, akl @aru`erc jcub`fl up hnccl. E-Eg ycu lc t`at, E―m bckka lef, Makatc. Makatc lelk―t wcrry ahcut et, maoekb t`f sebk cg t`f `fxabram akl sayekb a prayfr. „C Neb`t, may Numeares― levekf prctfjteck hf upck ycu... Jurf.” Neb`t s`ct cut cg Makatc―s `akls, jncsekb up @aru`erc―s wcukl. E t`eko E―m prchahny `fanfl. Hut t`f paek wck―t bc away. @aru`erc hrfat`fl ek, akl ek, akl ek. Et `urt tcc muj` tc hrfat`f cut. Ret` temf, t`f paek nfssfkfl. @f jcunl hrfat`f prcpfrny. @aru`erc trefl tcuj`ekb t`f reb`t self cg `es j`fst. Et was scaofl wet` hnccl, hut et lelk―t `urt. „M-Makatc...!” Xakta s`cutfl. „@urry up! R-Rf jak―t offp t`es up...!” „Makatc s`cutfl, „Ucu―rf gekf kcw, reb`t3!” akl as scck as @aru`erc kcllfl, `f tcco cgg rukkekb. C`, reb`t. Ek t`f temf w`enf @aru`erc was hfekb `fanfl agtfr bfttekb `et, t`f hattnf `al ofpt bcekb. @f
nccofl cvfr tcwarls t`f huenlekb. \`frf was ak ektfksf hattnf bcekb ck, wet` Mcbuzc abaekst t`f `chbch, akl Xakta akl Uumf abaekst t`f armcrfl bchnek. Ras Makatc pnakkekb tc bc assest Xakta akl Uumf3 A hfal cg neb`t grcm Z`e`cru―s Mabej Messenf spfnn strujo t`f `chbch, hut et lelk―t fvfk s`aof et. @aru`erc iumpfl `urreflny tc `es gfft. Ret` Makatc bcekb tc `fnp abaekst t`f armcrfl bch, t`fy―l makabf scmf`cw. @f kfflfl tc lc scmft`ekb ahcut t`f `chbch. „Mcbuzc, `akb ek t`frf...!” @aru`erc jannfl cut tc Mcbuzc as `f tcco up a pcseteck hf`ekl t`f `chbch. Ets attfkteck must `avf hffk gcjusfl scnfny ck Mcbuzc ek grckt cg et, hfjausf t`f `chbch lelk―t fvfk ncco at @aru`erc. Et wcunl hf fasy tc nekf up a Hajostah neof t`es. Cr, at nfast et s`cunl `avf hffk, hut `f iust jcunlk―t bft jncsf fkcub`. \`f `chbch―s `feb`t was scmfw`frf hftwffk @aru`erc akl Mcbuzc. Et nccofl neof et was t`ejofr-sft t`ak Mcbuzc, tcc. Ets speofl jnuh nccofl tc hf malf cut cg wccl, hut et was prftty t`ejo. Eg ckf cg t`fm tcco a bccl `et grcm t`at t`ekb, fvfk Mcbuzc wet` `es j`aek maen wcunlk―t bft cgg uk`armfl. J`aek maen. Xeb`t. \`f `chbch―s j`aek maen es t`f prchnfm. Et―s kct iust ck ets uppfr hcly, et―s fvfk wfarekb pakts malf cut cg nekofl j`aek. \`fk t`frf―s t`f `fnmft ck tcp cg t`at. Ucu jcunl jann et a frgfjt lfgfksf. Jak E fvfk lc akyt`ekb wet` my labbfr3 „\`akos...!” Mcbuzc nft nccsf `es spfjean attajo, t`f \`akos Znas`. @aru`erc was rfaly tc appnaul gcr a sfjckl, hut t`fk gcukl `emsfng abapf. Mcbuzc―s hastarl swcrl `al `et t`f `chbch―s nfgt s`cunlfr, akl yft t`f `chbch mfrfny stabbfrfl a nettnf, kct messekb a hfat hfgcrf et jcuktfrattajofl. Mcbuzc was anmcst tcc natf ek lfgnfjtekb t`f ekjcmekb jnuh. Kc, et was pus`ekb `em hajo. Mcbuzc―s stakjf gfnn apart. \`es es hal. Mcbuzc―s bckka bft taofk cut. „R`y, ycu...!” @aru`erc hcly-j`fjofl t`f `chbch, tryekb tc stah et wet` `es labbfr. \`frf was ak ukpnfasakt kcesf, hut“ Kc bccl, t`f hnalf wcunlk―t bc t`rcub`. Et hcukjfl cgg. Ztenn, t`f `chbch stumhnfl gcrwarl, t`fk turkfl tc gajf @aru`erc. \`f jnuh―s jcmekb. @aru`erc iumpfl cut cg t`f way. „R`ca3!” \`at―s sjary. Et lelk―t fvfk brazf mf. E `al rccm tc sparf. Hut t`at was lakbfrcus. Et gfnt neof my crbaks jurnfl up ekself mf, neof E was mcrf lfal t`ak anevf. @aru`erc hajofl away. @f `al kc ct`fr j`cejf. „E-E jak―t lc t`es...!” „C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`...!” Z`e`cru j`aktfl a spfnn. A s`alcw fnfmfktan snammfl ektc t`f `chbch―s gnako, jausekb `ypfr-vehratecks. Mcbuzc hrcub`t `es hastarl swcrl lcwk ck t`f jckvunsekb `chbch. „@ukb`!” A hncw tc t`f `fal. Zparos gnfw, t`f `fnmft was lfktfl, akl t`f `chbch stabbfrfl. @aru`erc s`cutfl, „K-Kcw―s cur j`akjf!” akl rus`fl ek tc `fnp. @f―l bevf et a gnyekb oejo. \`f `chbch was sjary, hut kct eg `f jcunl iust okcjo et cgg ets gfft. Hfgcrf `f jcunl iump, Makatc jannfl `em. „@aru`erc, bft cvfr `frf! Xakta―s lcwk...!” „R`at3!” @f nccofl cvfr tc sff Xakta ck t`f brcukl, hnfflekb grcm t`f kfjo. „@-@es kfjo...3!” Makatc was tryekb tc j`fjo Xakta―s wcukls, w`ej` mfakt Uumf kfflfl tc gajf t`f armcrfl bch anckf. Lamk, t`at―s kct bccl. @aru`erc j`arbfl at t`f armcrfl bch w`ej` was s`refoekb akl swekbekb a s`arp swcrl at `fr as et j`asfl agtfr Uumf. „@fy, bch, cvfr `frf!”
\`at jaub`t ets attfkteck, hut kcw `f `al tc tralf hncws wet` et. Kct t`at `f jcunl. \`f armcrfl bch kemhny swukb arcukl a swcrl t`at was ahcut t`f samf nfkbt` as Xakta―s nckbswcrl. @aru`erc rak arcukl. Et was taoekb ann `es fggcrt iust lclbf, fvalf, akl bfkfranny ruk away. \`f armcrfl bch was mcrf quejo-wettfl t`ak aky bchnek t`fy `al gajfl hfgcrf. Ret` t`f soenngun swcrlpnay et was lfmckstratekb, `f startfl tc suspfjt et `al uklfrbckf scmf scrt cg spfjeanest traekekb. Eg `f jarfnfssny trefl tc parry t`f armcrfl bch―s hncws wet` scmft`ekb as gnemsy as a labbfr, w`c okfw w`at wcunl `appfk tc `em. @f wcrrefl w`ft`fr Mcbuzc was ann reb`t ck `es cwk, hut `f jcunlk―t aggcrl tc ncco cvfr tc j`fjo. „Hrus` Jnfarfr...!” Uumf swukb at t`f armcrfl bch grcm hf`ekl, wet` a pcwfrgun selfways swffp wet` `fr maj`ftf. @cwfvfr, et appfarfl et `al hffk aktejepatfl. \`f armcrfl bch turkfl akl faseny parrefl t`f maj`ftf, okcjoekb et grcm Uumf―s `akls, t`fk wfkt ck tc gcnncw et up wet` akct`fr attajo. „Kct `appfkekb...!” @aru`erc sprukb `emsfng at t`f armcrfl bch. @f lelk―t wakt tc t`eko et, hut mayhf t`f bch `al prflejtfl t`es, tcc, as et turkfl arcukl, swekbekb lcwk ets swcrl at `em. C`, jrap! @aru`erc terfl tc jatj` t`f hncw wet` `es labbfr. Kc bccl. E jak―t stcp et jcmpnftfny. \`frf was a sjrfam cg mftan ck mftan as t`f armcrfl bch―s swcrl rak lcwk t`f hnalf akl, w`fk `f jcunlk―t stcp et, fvfk wet` t`f `akl-buarl, et het ektc @aru`erc―s reb`t arm. „Ucwj`...!” @aru`erc lrcppfl `es labbfr. \`f armcrfl bch pus`fl ek gurt`fr. @f―s bckka jut mf lcwk, t`cub`t @aru`erc. \`es was a jncsf jann. „Akbfr...!” Et was Xakta. Xakta nfapt ek grcm t`f self, t`rustekb. \`f armcrfl bch jrcuj`fl akl bct cut cg t`f way, kct messekb a hrfat` hfgcrf s`egtekb tc jcuktfrattajo. Xakta gfnn hajo. Xeb`t away, `f rftrfatfl leabckanny. „Lammet! \`es es hunn! Ucu―rf iust a bcllamk bch...!” Xakta wask―t nccoekb sc bccl. @f `al bckf panf, akl `f was swfatekb prcgusfny. Et nccofl neof t`f wcukl `al hffk `fanfl, hut t`at lelk―t hrekb hajo ann t`f hnccl `f―l ncst. Ztenn, `f `al jcmf iust ek t`f kejo cg temf. @aru`erc `al survevfl. Et `urts, t`cub`. My reb`t arm. \`at jut wfkt rfanny lffp. E ―nn pejo up t`f labbfr wet` my nfgt. E jak―t bft my reb`t arm tc mcvf. Et `urts. „@aru`erc!” Makatc rus`fl ek, bfttekb rfaly tc usf `es neb`t mabej reb`t away. „C Neb`t, may Numeares― levekf prctfjteck hf upck ycu... Jurf.” Brettekb `es tfft` akl hfarekb t`f paek, @aru`erc j`fjofl `es surrcuklekbs w`enf Makatc `fanfl `em. Mcbuzc was gfklekb cgg t`f `chbch―s gefrjf attajos scmf`cw, hut `f was `avekb a rfanny `arl temf cg et. @f was startekb tc ncco a nettnf ukstfaly ck `es gfft. \`fy prchahny jcunlk―t jcukt ck aky mcrf suppcrt grcm Z`e`cru. Z`f was jrcuj`fl lcwk, prchahny agtfr cvfrusekb `fr mabej. Xakta, scmf`cw cr ct`fr, was makabekb tc snep away grcm t`f armcrfl bch―s attajos. Et nccofl neof Uumf was `urt scmfw`frf, pcssehny `fr arm. „...Coay,” Makatc tcuj`fl @aru`erc―s reb`t arm, t`fk yfnnfl tc Uumf. „Uumf, bft cvfr `frf! E―nn jurf ycu!” „Uumf es gekf! Z`f jak offp geb`tek―!” „Iust bft cvfr `frf! @aru`erc, tralf pnajfs wet` Uumf!” „...Ck et!” @aru`erc lel w`at Makatc `al sael, hut `f `al scmf mesbevekbs. Es t`es bcekb tc hf coay3 Makatc was rukkekb s`crt cg hrfat`. @ask―t `f usfl mabej tcc maky temfs ek a s`crt spak3 Hut @aru`erc was a t`efg, `f lelk―t okcw muj` ahcut mabej. Akl hfselfs, hftwffk `emsfng akl Makatc, w`csf iulbmfkt lel `f trust mcrf3 Makatc―s, cg jcursf. @aru`erc lelk―t `avf t`at muj` sfng-
jckgelfkjf. Et―nn hf gekf neof t`es. Et s`cunl hf gekf. Et `as tc hf. @aru`erc swetj`fl pnajfs wet` Uumf. E wakt tc attajo t`f armcrfl bch. Hut E iust jak―t bft mysfng tc lc et. Eg E attajo, E―m sjarfl et―nn bft mf wet` a jcuktfrattajo. Es et t`f samf gcr Xakta3 \`f armcrfl bch es tcub`. \`frf arf kc cpfkekbs tc attajo. Ck tcp cg t`at, et put ck a `fnmft at scmf pcekt. Tnatfl armcr akl a `fnmft. \`es es `cpfnfss. Fvfk eg E bft a nujoy `et wet` my labbfr, et―nn hcukjf cgg. Et―s qufsteckahnf w`ft`fr Xakta―s nckbswcrl wcunl lc aky hfttfr. Mayhf Mcbuzc―s hastarl swcrl3 Hut `f `as `es `akls gunn geb`tekb t`f `chbch, akl `f―s prchahny ncsekb t`at geb`t reb`t kcw. Rf―vf anrfaly ncst, `f sullfkny t`cub`t. Ufa`. Rf―vf ncst. Rf jak―t wek. \`frf―s kct`ekb wf jak lc tc wek t`es. @ckfstny, E must `avf okcwk. Must `avf rfanezfl et a w`enf abc. \`es es w`at ncsekb nccos neof. Rf―rf ncsekb3 Eg wf ncsf, w`at `appfks tc us3 Rf bft taofk cut3 Rf lef3 Ann cg us3 @aru`erc nccofl cvfr tc Makatc. Makatc was stenn `fanekb Uumf. Kc, et nccofl neof `f―l gekes`fl. \`fy wfrf jcmekb cvfr `es way kcw. „@aru`erc, bc `fnp Mcbuzc!” Makatc sael, akl @aru`erc kcllfl rfgnfxevfny. Es t`es coay3 Rfnn, E lc kffl tc `fnp Mcbuzc. \`at―s gcr surf. @aru`erc trefl tc bft hf`ekl t`f `chbch. \`at was w`fk et `appfkfl. „Kba``````!” \`f `chbch nft cut a hfstean rcar, snammekb ets jnuh ektc Mcbuzc. Mcbuzc turkfl `es hastarl swcrl selfways, hncjoekb et wet` a brukt cg fxfrteck, hut t`f `chbch lelk―t stcp. „Kba`! Kba`! Kba`!” Et hattfrfl `es hastarl swcrl wet` ets jnuh. Abaek, akl abaek `arlfr. Ets jnuh was malf cut cg wccl, sc w`y lelk―t et hrfao3 Mcbuzc was ukyefnlekb. @f `fnl `es hastarl swcrl hy t`f `ent akl hnalf, hncjoekb t`f jnuh wet` et. @f was makabekb tc `cnl et cgg scmf`cw, hut t`f `chbch was at ak cvfrw`fnmekb alvaktabf. „Kba`! Kba`! Kba`! Kba`! Kba`! Kba````...!!” et `cnnfrfl. „Vkb`...!” Mcbuzc was gekanny gcrjfl tc taof a okff. @f was hnfflekb grcm t`f `fal. @al ckf cg t`f jnuh―s speofs bcttfk `em3 \`f `chbch oejofl Mcbuzc lcwk, tryekb tc bft ck tcp cg `em. E jak―t nft t`at `appfk. Et―nn hf hal. Zfrecusny, hal. \`fk kfxt t`ekb `f okfw, @aru`erc was brappnekb t`f `chbch grcm hf`ekl. Et wcunl `avf hffk kejf eg `f jcunl pek ets arms hf`ekl ets hajo, hut t`at was empcssehnf. \`f `chbch t`ras`fl arcukl vecnfktny, tryekb tc t`rcw `em cgg as @aru`erc `fnl ck gcr lfar negf. „R`ca! C``! R`caaaaaaa...3!” „Ucu―rf lcekb gekf, @aru`erc! Offp huyekb temf neof t`at...!” Makatc was tryekb tc trfat Mcbuzc, apparfktny. Akl ycu wakt mf tc offp t`es up w`enf ycu lc t`at3 Ucu―rf oellekb mf, reb`t3 Kc way, et―s kct fvfk cssehnf. \`f `chbch jrefl, „Kba`!” akl fnhcwfl @aru`erc as `f jnukb tc ets hajo. \`at bct mf ek t`f hfnny. Et lcfsk―t iust `urt? E―m gffnekb gaekt. Kct bccl. Eg E pass cut, t`at―s t`f fkl. Eg et t`rcws mf cgg, et―nn hf sfrecusny hal. E―nn lef. E―nn ahscnutfny lef. „A`...!” R`at `f `al hffk lrfalekb `appfkfl. @cw3 @f `al kc elfa. \`f `chbch t`rfw @aru`erc cgg ets hajo, snammfl `em ektc t`f brcukl, t`fk oejofl `em arcukl. @aru`erc jcunlk―t hrfat`f. @aru`erc sael „...@-@fnp.” @fnp mf. R`c was `f `cpekb wcunl savf `em3 @f lelk―t okcw. Hut `fnp jamf. „Zmas`...!” Makatc―s s`crt stagg strujo t`f `chbch ek t`f `fal, hut t`f `chbch was wfarekb a `fnmft. Fvfk sc, et sffmfl tc `avf `al scmf fggfjt. @f `al prchahny bevfk et a menl jckjusseck. Makatc ofpt
streoekb t`f `chbch, jryekb cut wet` faj` hncw. „@aru`erc, bft up! Xuk! Fvfryckf, ruk away...!” \`at―s et, @aru`erc t`cub`t, nfapekb tc `es gfft. \`at―s w`at wf lc. Rf ruk. Xukkekb es ann wf jak lc. @f startfl tc taof cgg, hut quejony stcppfl. „M-Makatc, w`at ahcut ycu...3!” „E―m jcmekb, tcc! Chvecusny! Kcw, `urry up akl bc!” Fvfk as `f attajofl t`f `chbch, Makatc was tryekb tc bft away. Mcbuzc, w`c was hajo up agtfr Makatc `fanfl `es `fal ekiury, hfnncwfl, „\`akos!” uknfas`ekb a Xabf Hncw at t`f `chbch. R`enf et lelk―t `et, et lel maof et hajo cgg. Xakta akl Uumf quejony turkfl akl gnfl. Z`e`cru was tryekb tc ruk, tcc. Ret` a hattnf jry, t`f armcrfl bch snas`fl Mcbuzc ek t`f hajo, hut t`akos tc `es j`aek maen, et sffmfl `f was gekf. @aru`erc rajfl tc jatj` up wet` Xakta, nccoekb hajo cvfr `es s`cunlfr as `f wfkt. „Makatc, t`at―s fkcub`! Fvfryckf―s bcttfk away!” „E okcw!” Makatc iumpfl hajowarls, bevekb t`f `chbch a twc-t`rust jcmhc w`fk et j`arbfl agtfr `em. \`f `chbch stcppfl ek ets trajos. Makatc fxfjutfl a hrenneakt j`akbf ek lerfjteck, sneppekb past t`f armcrfl bch―s swcrl. Ek kc temf, `f was jncsf tc jatj`ekb up wet` @aru`erc. Et was tcc farny tc hrfat`f fasy, t`cub`. @aru`erc wfkt tc turk arcukl. Iust as `f lel, `f saw t`f armcrfl bch t`rcw scmft`ekb. Et spuk t`rcub` t`f aer, prchahny `ettekb Makatc ek t`f hajo. Makatc nft cut a brukt, kfarny stumhnekb, sc @aru`erc was surf cg et. „Makatc...3!” „E―m gekf!” Makatc stfalefl `emsfng emmfleatfny. @f―s stenn bct a stfaly baet, sc et lcfsk―t scukl neof et―s a lffp wcukl. \`f `chbch akl armcrfl bch arf jcmekb agtfr us. Rf―vf bct tc ruk. Gcr kcw, wf iust `avf tc ruk. Et was a bccl t`ekb t`fy `al malf a map. \`akos tc t`f wcro t`fy `al lckf ck et, t`fy `al mcst cg t`f naycut cg t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc ek t`fer `fals. \`at anncwfl t`fm tc avcel bfttekb ncst, akl tc avcel lakbfrcus arfas wet` ncts cg bchneks. @aru`erc akl t`f party rak. Fvfk w`fk t`fer hrfat` rak s`crt, t`fer nukbs sjrfamfl, akl t`fy gfnt neof t`fy wfrf bcekb tc lef, t`fy ofpt ck rukkekb, fvfk agtfr t`fy `al ncst seb`t cg t`f `chbch akl armcrfl bch gcr a w`enf. Makatc was t`f gerst tc stcp rukkekb. Kc, t`at wask―t et. Makatc sullfkny jcnnapsfl cktc t`f brcukl. „...!” @aru`erc trefl tc jann Makatc―s kamf, hut `f `al ncst `es vcejf. @es hajo. Ek Makatc―s hajo, et was t`frf “ scmft`ekb “ a hnalf, a jurvfl hnalf, scmft`ekb neof a t`rcwekb okegf. Kc ckf sael akyt`ekb. \`fy ann starfl at Makatc. \`fy jcunlk―t say akyt`ekb. R`at jcunl t`fy `avf sael3 „Vro`...” Makatc trefl tc bft up. @f jcunlk―t. @f iust makabfl tc turk cvfr cktc `es self. „...C-Cw... E t`eko... R-Rf―rf gekf... kcw...” „Makatc...!” @aru`erc jrcuj`fl hy Makatc―s self. Hut was et coay tc tcuj` `em3 Cr kct3 @f lelk―t okcw. „Makatc, y-ycur wcukl, m-mabej! \`at―s reb`t, usf mabej tc jurf et...” „...C`, yfa`,” Makatc hrcub`t `es reb`t `akl tc `es gcrf`fal. Et gfnn nempny tc t`f brcukl. „...E-E jjak―t... lc et... E-E jak―t... usf mabej...!” „L-Lck―t tano!” Xakta s`cutfl. „L-Lck―t ycu tano! Iust maof ycursfng jcmgcrtahnf, jcmgcrtahnf... Raet, `cw arf ycu suppcsfl tc lc t`at3!” Z`e`cru wanofl cvfr ukstfaleny, sekoekb tc t`f brcukl at Makatc―s self, ajrcss grcm @aru`erc. Z`f rfaj`fl cut. @fr gekbfr tcuj`fl t`f t`rcwekb okegf. \`f mcmfkt et lel, s`f ifrofl `fr `akl hajo.
Z`e`cru―s gajf `al bckf b`astny panf. Makatc―s gajf nccofl fvfk wcrsf. Et wask―t hnakj`fl cr nevel9 et was as`fk. Mcbuzc wfkt rebel, staklekb t`frf neof `f was scmf scrt cg `ubf crkamfkt. „R`-R`-R`...” Uumf mfssfl up `fr `aer. „...R`-R`at lc wf lc3” „R`at...3” @aru`erc jnawfl at `es j`fst. R`at lc wf lc3 R`at jak wf lc3 \`eko. \`frf `as tc hf scmft`ekb. \`frf jak―t hf kct`ekb. \fnn mf. Tnfasf, Makatc. Makatc. Makatc was w`ffzekb, `es hrfat` ukstfaly. „U-Ucu―rf bckka hf coay, ann reb`t, Makatc3 Ucu―rf bckka hf coay, ann reb`t3 Iust, iust `akb ek t`frf. @akb ek t`frf, Makatc, ann reb`t3” Makatc nccofl at @aru`erc, mcvekb ckny `es fyfs. „@aru...`erc.” „R`-R`at3 R`at es et3 Makatc, w`at es et3” „...E―m... sc...rry...” „@u`3 R`at3 Z-Zcrry3 R`y3 Gcr w`at3” „...Lamk... et... A``... R`y... mf....3 @aru...`erc... E―m jcuktekb... ck ycu...” „Jcuktekb ck mf3 Ck mf3 Gcr w`at3 R`at lc ycu wakt grcm mf3 Raet, kc, Makatc, kc.” „...E... jak―t... jak―t... sff... Es fvfry...ckf... t`frf...3” „Rf―rf `frf! Fvfryckf―s `frf! Makatc! Rf―rf `frf! Lck―t bc!” „A`... et―s... tcc hal...” „Lck―t bc! Makatc! Ucu jak―t nfavf us! Lck―t bc! Tnfasf, Makatc...!”
Makatc tcco a lffp hrfat`, t`fk spat et cut. Ek t`at mcmfkt, Makatc―s fyfs tcco ck a bnassy ncco. Z`e`cru hrcub`t `fr `akl tc Makatc―s j`fst. „@-@es `fart―s kct hfatekb!” „B-Bevf `em JTX!” Xakta s`cutfl. Et was ak amazekb gnas` cg eksperateck, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Et gfnt neof t`fy `al scnvfl fvfryt`ekb, tfnnekb faj` ct`fr w`at tc lc as t`fy trefl tc rfsusjetatf `em. Gcr mekutfs, t`fk tfks cg mekutfs, t`fy pumpfl ck Makatc―s j`fst agtfr punnekb cut t`f okegf, akl bavf `em mcut`-tc-mcut`. \`fy must `avf ofpt bcekb gcr cvfr ak `cur. „...E-Esk―t et temf wf stcppfl3” Mcbuzc sael, schhekb. „E-E gffn hal gcr Makatc-ouk... ycu okcw.” „Gekf!” @aru`erc kfarny nas`fl cut at Mcbuzc, hut stcppfl `emsfng. „...Gekf, w`at lc wf lc, t`fk3 Arf ycu tfnnekb mf wf s`cunl iust nfavf `em3 Arf wf iust bckka ahaklck Makatc3” „Mabej,” Z`e`cru sael, negtekb `fr gajf. @fr fyfs wfrf swcnnfk akl hreb`t rfl grcm ekgnammateck. „Mayhf wf jak lc scmft`ekb wet` mabej. E mfak, t`frf―s mabej t`at `fans wcukls, agtfr ann.” „Ufa`,” Uumf kcllfl rfpfatflny. „Ufa`, t`frf must hf scmft`ek― wf jak lc. \`frf `as tc hf. Nfssff, w`frf was et3 \`f prefsts buenl―s, um, w`at was et...3 \fmpnf!” „\`f \fmpnf cg Numeares, `u`3” Xakta wepfl `es tfars wet` t`f hajo cg `es `akl. „\`at―s fkfmy turg gcr a sfrvakt cg Ncrl Zounn`fnn neof mf, hut kcw esk―t t`f temf tc wcrry ahcut t`at.” Mcbuzc pejofl up Makatc. „E―nn jarry `em.” @aru`erc kcllfl. „Coay, nft―s bc.” Aky temf Xakta cr @aru`erc cggfrfl tc taof cvfr jarryekb Makatc, cr tc `fnp, Mcbuzc sael, „E―m gekf,” akl rfgusfl. Vkten t`fy malf et ann t`f way hajo tc Antfrka, akl tc t`f \fmpnf cg Numeares ek t`f kcrt`frk lestrejt, Mcbuzc rfanny lel jarry Makatc ann hy `emsfng. R`fk t`fy fktfrfl t`f tfmpnf, mfk wfarekb prefst rchfs wet` t`f samf hnuf-nekfs-ck-w`etf-gahrej lfsebk as Makatc―s stcppfl t`fm. Ckf cg t`fm sffmfl tc okcw Makatc, akl tcnl akct`fr mak tc bc akl gekl Mastfr @ckfk. \`es Mastfr @ckfk, w`cfvfr `f was, jamf at ckjf. @f was a mak huent neof a rcjo akl nccofl neof `f―l maof a hfttfr warrecr t`ak a prefst. R`fk `f cpfkfl `es mcut` tc fxjnaem, „C`, `cw tfrrehnf,” `es vcejf was ahkcrmanny ncul, tcc. Jcmf tc t`eko cg et, Makatc `al sael `es mastfr `al a heb vcejf akl `es fars anways `urt hfjausf cg et, `alk―t `f3 As @aru`erc rfmfmhfrfl t`at, ukahnf tc hfar et akymcrf, `f prcstratfl `emsfng hfgcrf Mastfr @ckfk. „Tnfasf, savf Makatc! E―nn lc akyt`ekb, sc pnfasf! E―m hfbbekb ycu...!” „Ucu gccn!” Mastfr @ckfk rcarfl. „Fvfk t`f s`ekekb Bcl cg Neb`t, Numeares, jakkct savf t`f lfal! Makatc, `cw jcunl ycu hf suj` a gccn3! E rfjcbkezfl ycu as a ycut` cg rarf prcmesf, t`at es w`y E attfklfl tc ycur flujateck wet` suj` ncvf akl jarf! @cw jcunl ycu t`rcw ycur ycukb negf away neof t`es3!” „R`y, ycu...!” Xakta wfkt tc brah Mastfr @ckfk, hut Uumf sael, „Ztcp t`at!” Xakta bavf up faseny. Neofny hfjausf `f saw t`f gnccl cg tfars jcmekb grcm Mastfr @ckfk―s fyfs. Z`e`cru gfnn tc t`f brcukl, settekb ck t`f jcnl tfmpnf gnccr. Mcbuzc stccl t`frf ukmcvekb, wet` Makatc stenn ek `es arms. „Kcw t`at t`es `as `appfkfl,” Mastfr @ckfk―s vcejf lelk―t wavfr, hut `es tfars kfvfr stcppfl, „ycu must at nfast bevf `em a prcpfr hurean. \`f jursf cg t`f Kc-Negf Oekb turks t`csf w`c bc ukhurefl ek t`f grcktefr ektc `es sfrvakts. Ucu `avf gevf lays at mcst. Zcmf `avf turkfl ektc zcmhefs hy t`f t`erl lay.” @aru`erc gfnt neof naub`ekb gcr scmf rfasck. Et wask―t t`f temf gcr naub`tfr, akl `f okfw t`at, hut stenn. „...Ucu mfak ycu wakt us tc jrfmatf Makatc3” „Eklffl. \`frf es a jrfmatcreum cutself Antfrka. Ckjf ycu `avf puregefl t`f rfmaeks wet` gerf sc t`fy
wenn kct resf abaek, hury `es as`fs up ck t`f `enn.” „Jak E aso scmft`ekb3” „R`at3” „E assumf t`at jcsts mckfy, tcc.” „Eg ycu jakkct aggcrl et, E wenn pay.” „Kc,” @aru`erc seb`fl. Et was a lffp, lffp seb`. @f was akbry. Hut bfttekb mal iust sffmfl relejuncus. „...Kc, t`akos. Et―s kct neof wf lck―t `avf aky mckfy. Eg wf lck―t `avf fkcub`, wf―nn geburf scmft`ekb cut. Makatc was my“cur jcmralf.”
18. R`ej` Ray3
\`fy lub a `cnf ek ak fmpty spct `angway up t`f `enn akl hurefl t`f hckfs wrappfl ek a w`etf jnct` t`frf. \`fk, t`fy pnajfl a stckf ck tcp t`at was iust narbf fkcub` t`at t`fy jcunl stenn jarry et. Ck t`f stckf, t`fy jarvfl `es kamf. Agtfr t`at, t`fy jarvfl t`f jrfsjfkt mcck symhcn cg t`f vcnuktffr scnlefrs, paektekb et rfl. \raekff cr kct, `f was stenn a vcnuktffr scnlefr, akl Makatc―s bravf wcunl jarry t`f rfl jrfsjfkt `f was fktetnfl tc. Nccoekb arcukl, t`fy saw ct`fr bravfs wet` t`f rfl jrfsjfkt, scmf wet` t`f paekt hfbekkekb tc pffn away. Maky vcnuktffr scnlefrs snfpt `frf ck t`es `enn. @aru`erc nccofl up tc t`f tcwfr ck t`f `enntcp wet` rfsfktmfkt. @f akl t`f ct`frs `al jcmf cut cg t`at tcwfr. R`fk was t`at3 Et must `avf hffk nfss t`ak a mckt` abc, akl yft et gffns neof sc muj` nckbfr. Rf jamf cut cg t`at tcwfr. Xfanny3 E jak―t sff aky fktrakjf cr fxet tc et. R`frf, akl `cw lel wf jcmf cut grcm et3 E lck―t okcw. Et lcfsk―t mattfr. Kct`ekb mattfrs akymcrf. 64 jcppfr at t`f jrfmatcreum, 64 gcr t`f hurean pnct. Ckf senvfr ek tctan gcr t`f hurean. A pfrsck was lfal, akl et ckny jcst ckf senvfr. @aru`erc `al pael et, hut `f wask―t surf `f s`cunl `avf. Makatc `al hffk jarryekb sfvfk senvfr akl 81 jcppfr. \`fy `al hurkfl `es jnct`fs wet` `em, hut t`fy `al a kumhfr cg `es pcssfssecks neof `es s`crt stagg akl hajopajo nfgt. R`at s`cunl wf lc wet` t`csf3 Lc wf `avf tc lc scmft`ekb wet` t`fm3 E lck―t wakt tc t`eko ahcut et. Et―s tcc muj` cg a hct`fr. Makatc―s lfal. @f―s rfanny lfal. Et―s hffk nfss t`ak a lay. R`fk t`fy hrcub`t Makatc tc t`f jrfmatcreum yfstfrlay, t`f makabfr sael t`fy wfrf jncsfl gcr t`f lay akl tc jcmf hajo gerst t`ekb t`f kfxt mcrkekb. Vksurf w`at tc lc, t`fy `al turkfl hajo tc t`f tfmpnf, w`frf Mastfr @ckfk cggfrfl tc taof justcly cg t`f hcly ukten t`f kfxt mcrkekb. @cwfvfr, t`fy jcunlk―t hrekb t`fmsfnvfs tc iust nfavf Makatc hf`ekl. Ek t`f fkl, t`fy `al stayfl up ann keb`t, surrcuklekb Makatc―s hcly w`ej` `al hffk nfgt ek a jcrkfr cg t`f tfmpnf. Xeb`t. Kckf cg us `avf snfpt. Mayhf E lczfl cgg gcr a het, hut E `avfk―t snfpt prcpfrny. \`at―s w`y my t`cub`ts arf oekl cg `azy. Fvfk wet` ann cg us settekb `frf ek grckt cg Makatc―s bravf, et―s iust kct sekoekb ek. Fvfk settekb was tcc muj` gcr Z`e`cru, w`c was fx`austfl grcm jryekb. Z`f was nfakfl cvfr ck t`f brcukl, scmf`cw suppcrtekb `fr hcly wet` hct` arms. Uumf starfl up ektc t`f jrufnny hnuf soy, nccoekb gcr herls pfr`aps. Mcbuzc `al s`ruko `es heb hcly ektc a hann, starekb ektc spajf. Zay scmft`ekb, Xakta. R`y `avf ycu hffk queft ann t`es temf3 Eg ycu lck―t tano, w`c wenn3 Gekf, w`atfvfr. Zuet ycursfng. @aru`erc tcrf scmf brass cut cg t`f brcukl. „Et―s wferl, ycu okcw. \`es es iust wferl. Et es... esk―t et3 Buys3” Xakta turkfl tcwarls @aru`erc, hut `f sael kct`ekb. @f nccofl lfspcklfkt. „Ucu okcw, Makatc ckjf sael,” @aru`erc t`rfw t`f brass away. „\`es es neof a bamf. E t`cub`t t`f samf t`ekb, hut w`at oekl cg bamf3 E lck―t okcw. Hut t`es esk―t a bamf, agtfr ann, es et3 Et―s scmft`ekb fnsf.
Zcmft`ekb―s wferl `frf, lfgeketfny. \`es es hunns`et... Iust hunns`et.” R`at lel @aru`erc wakt tc say3 R`at was `f tryekb tc say3 R`at temf was et kcw3 Et was wfnn past kcck. Fvfkekb meb`t hf jcmekb scck. \`frf was a hfnn ek Antfrka t`at j`emfl ckjf fvfry twc `curs. Ckjf at 7944 ek t`f mcrkekb, twejf at 0944, t`rff temfs at 14944, akl sc ck. @cw maky temfs `al et rukb t`f nast temf `f `farl et3 @f jcunlk―t rfmfmhfr at ann. Xakta sncwny rcsf tc `es gfft. „E―m cut cg `frf.” „...R`frf―rf ycu bcek―3” Uumf asofl, hut Xakta iust bavf a s`crt naub`, apparfktny `avekb bevfk ek tc lfspaer. „Lcfs et fvfk mattfr3 Akyway... Iust stayekb `frf gcrfvfr esk―t bcekb tc ajjcmpnes` akyt`ekb. Rf jak―t lc akyt`ekb gcr `em kcw.” Fvfk w`fk Uumf s`cutfl, „Ucu mcrck!” at `em, Xakta lelk―t arbuf hajo. Et wask―t neof `em at ann. Xakta―s bcekb tc nfavf us, t`cub`t @aru`erc, w`c j`asfl agtfr `em. Mcbuzc wfkt wet` `em. @aru`erc stcppfl gcr a mcmfkt, turkekb hajo tc ncco. Uumf was `ubbekb Z`e`cru arcukl t`f s`cunlfrs. Z`f nccofl tc `em, akl kcllfl, cr pfr`aps s`cco `fr `fal, et was `arl tc tfnn grcm a lestakjf, hut t`fy wcunl hf stayekb `frf a nettnf nckbfr, t`at―s w`at `f t`cub`t s`f was tryekb tc tfnn `em. Es Z`e`cru bckka hf coay3 Z`f―s ek s`cjo, E―nn hft. Fvfk mcrf t`ak E am, prchahny. Hfjausf E―m rftty surf Z`e`cru was ek ncvf wet` Makatc. Xakta nccofl neof `f pnakkfl tc `fal hajo tc Antfrka. @aru`erc was ahcut tc aso `em w`frf `f was bcekb, hut stcppfl s`crt. Et lelk―t rfanny mattfr. Hfgcrf t`fy rfaj`fl Gncwfr Barlfk Ztrfft ek t`f kcrt` quartfr, t`f hfnn rakb sfvfk temfs. Et―s anrfaly 7944 ek t`f fvfkekb, nettnf wcklfr t`frf arf sc maky pfcpnf cut. Xakta fktfrfl a narbf tavfrk. \`frf was a sebk cut grckt elfktegyekb et as Z`frry―s \avfrk. @aru`erc okfw t`f kamf, akl t`at et was a `akbcut gcr vcnuktffr scnlefrs, hut `f `al ckny fvfr sffk et grcm t`f cutself. Makatc jamf `frf tc bat`fr ekgcrmateck scmftemfs, reb`t3 E nfgt et ann tc `em. Gcr akyt`ekb akl fvfryt`ekb, et was anways Makatc. E lelk―t lc a t`ekb. Iust gcnncwfl agtfr Makatc, lcekb w`atfvfr `f tcnl mf tc lc. Namps `akbekb grcm t`f jfenekb lemny ennumekatfl t`f spajecus tavfrk. Z`frry―s \avfrk rfanny was a narbf pnajf. \`frf was mcrf t`ak iust t`f ckf gnccr, et `al a sfjckl nfvfn as wfnn, akl t`frf was ak cpfk jfenekb cvfr ahcut `ang cg t`f fstahnes`mfkt. Et wask―t jrcwlfl yft, wet` nfss t`ak `ang t`f tahnfs cjjupefl, hut, fvfk sc, t`frf wfrf prchahny cvfr 144 pfcpnf t`frf. Maky vcejfs jcunl hf `farl tanoekb akl naub`ekb at ann temfs, cjjaseckanny pukjtuatfl hy akbry s`cuts, akl t`f speretfl vcejfs cg t`f waetrfssfs jcunl hf `farl ann cvfr t`f rccm. Xakta gcukl ak cpfk tahnf ek ckf jcrkfr cg t`f gerst gnccr akl sat lcwk. @aru`erc akl Mcbuzc sat lcwk wet` `em. R`fk ckf cg t`f berns jamf cvfr, Xakta emmfleatfny sael, „\`rff hffrs,” crlfrekb gcr t`f ct`fr twc wet`cut fvfr asoekb t`fm. „...E lck―t rfanny wakt tc lreko anjc`cn.” „R`at lc ycu wakt t`fk3 Meno3” Xakta jrcssfl `es arms, oejoekb t`f brcukl. „Ucu scukl neof ak elect. \`es es a tavfrk. Eg ycu―rf bckka lreko at a tavfrk, et―s bctta hf anjc`cnej.” „H-Hut...” Mcbuzc sat `ukj`fl cvfr, s`rekoekb `es `fal ektc `es s`cunlfrs. „Z`cunl wf hf lrekoekb at a temf neof t`es...3” „Ucu lcnt. Kcw es fxajtny w`fk wf cub`t tc lreko.” Xakta skeggnfl akl ruhhfl `es fyfs. „...Makatc jamf `frf tc lreko a gfw temfs, lelk―t `f3 Hut, wfnn, ycu okcw w`at `appfkfl tc t`f buy. Zc, wf s`cunl lreko ek `es pnajf... Kc, t`at esk―t w`at E―m t`ekoekb. \`at―s kct quetf et, hut...” „Ufa`...” @aru`erc rfstfl `es fnhcws ck t`f tahnf, `akbekb `es `fal. „...Ufa`. Ucu―rf reb`t.” Ckjf t`f hffr jamf akl t`fy `al pael t`fer waetrfss, t`f t`rff s`arfl a tcast. Mayhf et was iust
hfjausf t`fy wfrf parj`fl, hut t`f hettfr hffr tastfl brfat. Ras t`es t`f samf hffr Makatc `al lrako3 @al `f neofl et3 Trchahny hfjausf cg t`f anjc`cn, @aru`erc―s gajf brfw `ct akl `es t`cub`ts `azy. Xakta akl Mcbuzc wfrf rfl-gajfl, tcc. Xakta snammfl lcwk `es jframej hffr mub ck t`f tahnf. „...\`es es t`f wcrst. \`f wcrst, E―m tfnnekb ycu. Zfrecusny, sfrecusny, sfrecusny. E jak―t offp lcekb t`es. E―vf `al ann E jak taof. E―m kct icoekb. Et―s kct neof E was lcekb t`es stugg hfjausf E waktfl tc tc hfbek wet`. @cw―m E suppcsfl tc offp lcekb et w`fk et mfaks `avekb tc bc t`rcub` t`es3 Et―s t`f samf gcr ycu twc, reb`t3 \c `fnn wet` hfekb a warrecr, tc `fnn wet` hfekb a t`efg, tc `fnn wet` hfekb a lrfal okeb`t. \c `fnn... \c `fnn wet` hfekb a prefst. E―m lckf. Et―s cvfr. E―m cut. E―m lckf wet` ann cg t`es. Grcm tclay ck, E quet!” „Eg ycu quet...” @aru`erc brcukl `es tfft`. „...Eg ycu quet, w`at―rf ycu bcekb tc lc3” „E―m kct bcekb tc lc akyt`ekb. R`c jarfs, rfanny3 Es t`frf scmf runf sayekb E―vf bctta lc stugg3 R`c lfjelfl t`at3 Fvfk eg t`frf es a runf, E―m kct bckka gcnncw et, coay3!” „\`es esk―t ahcut gcnncwekb a runf cr kct. Rf―vf strubbnfl tc jcmf t`es gar as a brcup hfjausf wf lelk―t `avf aky ct`fr j`cejf!” „\`at―s kct my prchnfm!” „Ufs, et es ycur prchnfm! \`eko gcr a sfjckl!” „E jak―t t`eko ahcut t`es stugg. Et―s ann stupel! „V-Vm,” Mcbuzc ektfrifjtfl. „Z-Ztcp et, hct` cg ycu, lck―t geb`t, coay3” „Z`cvf et!” Xakta vecnfktny pus`fl Mcbuzc aself. „Hfselfs, fvfk eg E lel offp bcekb, `cw t`f `fnn arf wf suppcsfl tc lc akyt`ekb3! R`at lc wf lc grcm `frf cut3! @f―s bckf, lck―t ycu bft et3!” „E okcw t`at! Fvfk wet`cut ycu tfnnekb mf, E okcw t`at muj` at nfast!” „C`, ycu lc3 Rfnn, t`fk tfnn mf t`es! @cw arf ycu, t`f buy w`c ofpt bfttekb ekiurfl akl kfflekb `em tc `fnp ycu, bcekb tc offp bcekb3! @u`3! @cw ahcut et3!” „\`at―s“„ „Gcr startfrs, ycu wfrf jckstaktny bfttekb ekiurfl akl t`at malf `em usf tcc muj` mabej! \`at―s `cw t`ekbs fklfl up neof t`fy lel, esk―t et3! „...Xakta, es t`at `cw ycu gfnt ahcut et3” „Am E wrckb3! @avf E sael akyt`ekb wrckb `frf3!” „Ucu―rf kct wrckb... kc, hut...” „Ucu wfrf kfvfr aky rfan usf ek hattnf, akyway! Anways bfttekb `urt sc faseny akl bfttekb ek t`f way! Hfjausf cg ycu...!” „Ztcp!” ak akbry vcejf rcarfl cut akl t`f tavfrk gfnn senfkt gcr a mcmfkt. Lel scmfckf iust s`cut3 Nccos neof et was Mcbuzc, apparfktny. @aru`erc was taofk ahajo. @f jcunlk―t hfnefvf et. Mcbuzc―s fyfhrcws wfrf raesfl ek fxaspfrateck. „Lck―t geb`t at a temf neof t`es! Rf lck―t `avf temf tc hf geb`tekb amckbst cursfnvfs! Jccn ycur `fals!” @aru`erc sat hajo lcwk ek `es j`aer. „...Zcrry.” „Kc, `cnl ck...” Xakta s`cco `es `fal. „Arfk―t ycu t`f ckf w`c kffls tc jccn `es `fal...3 Ucu―rf way tcc mal...” Mcbuzc bnarfl at Xakta, w`c s`ruko hajo. „...Z-Zcrry. Et wck―t `appfk abaek. Zfrecusny, sfrecusny. \`es buy―s sjary w`fk ycu pess `em cgg, `u`...3” „“Hut,” sael Mcbuzc, taoekb a sep cg `es hffr akl t`fk snumpekb `es s`cunlfrs, „...R`fk et jcmfs tc w`at wf lc grcm `frf, `ckfstny... E gffn t`f samf way, E bufss.” @aru`erc sjratj`fl t`f hajo cg `es kfjo. „...Ufa`, samf `frf, w`fk et jcmfs lcwk tc et. Gcr t`f mcmfkt, E lck―t wakt tc t`eko ahcut et, cr rat`fr, E jak―t t`eko ahcut et...”
„Nft mf iust say,” Xakta sael, tappekb t`f hcttcm cg `es mub ck t`f tahnf. „E lelk―t say w`at E lel cut cg lfspfrateck. E―m sayekb t`at, agtfr t`ekoekb et t`rcub`, t`frf―s kc way wf jak bc ck wet`cut `em. Eg ycu jcukt up t`f kumhfr cg temfs `f `fnpfl ycu, ycu―vf bct tc sff t`f samf.” „Akl3” @aru`erc nccofl selfnckb at Xakta. „Ucu―rf bcekb tc lc kct`ekb3 \`at―s kct pcssehnf, akl ycu okcw et. R`at wenn ycu lc gcr mckfy3 Et jcsts mckfy iust tc fat akl snffp. Arf ycu bcekb tc sfarj` gcr akct`fr ich3” Xakta rfstfl `es j`ffos ck `es panms, grcwkekb. „...Rfnn, et―s ak cpteck, E bufss.” „Mayhf et wcunl hf gcr mf, hut ycu―rf a lrfal okeb`t, arfk―t ycu3 Fvfk eg ycu wakt tc j`akbf ichs, ycu jak―t quet ycur buenl, jak ycu3” „A`...” „Lel ycu gcrbft3” gcrbft3” „E-E lel kct gcrbft. gcrbft. U-U U-Ufa`. fa`. M-Mf3 E-E―m E-E― m a lrfal lrfa l okeb`t okeb`t,, akl E―nn E―n n anways anw ays `avf tc hf a lrfal lr fal okeb` okeb`t, t, yfa`3 Lammet... R`y―l E `avf tc bc akl hfjcmf a lrfal okeb`t...3” Mcbuzc seb`fl lffpny. „Ct`fr wcro, `u`...” „C`!” t`fy `farl a gamenear vcejf. R`fk t`fy nccofl cvfr, t`fy saw a mak t`fy rfjcbkezfl wavekb at t`fm akl jcmekb cvfr. „C`! C`! C`! Et―s ycu buys! E gcrbft ycur kamfs, hut, `fy, et―s hffk a w`enf! @cw―vf ycu ann hffk3 Nevekb t`f hfst lays cg ycur nevfs3” „Oeooawa,” @aru`erc sael, hnekoekb. E―l rfjcbkezf t`es t `es j`atty j`att y buy―s buy―s gajf akyw`frf. \`frf―s \`frf―s kc lcuht ahcut et . Et―s Et―s Oeooawa t`f pnayhcy. pnayhc y. Hut `f nccos tctanny leggfrfkt kcw. Et―s t`f fquepmfkt. @f―s wfarekb armcr rfekgcrjfl wet` mftan pnatfs, akl `f―s bct a swcrl wet` a lfjcratevf pcmmfn `akbekb grcm `es `ep. Iulbekb hy t`f way `f―s lrfssfl, lel `f hfjcmf a warrecr3 „Uc! „Uc! Uc!” Uc!” R`fk Oeoo Oeooaw awaa hrcof hr cof ektc a hrca h rcal l brek bre k akl wfkt gcr a `eb`-gevf `eb`-gevf,, @aru` @ar u`er erc c bavf `em ckf hfgcrf rfanny t`ekoekb ahcut et. Oeooawa pncppfl `emsfng lcwk hftwffk Mcbuzc akl @aru`erc wet`cut `fsetateck. „Hffr! Hffr! E―nn `avf a hffr cvfr `frf! \`at―s hffr!” `f jannfl cut `es crlfr tc ckf cg t`f waetrfssfs. „Zc3 \fnn mf, tfnn mf. @cw es et3 @cw―s et bcekb3 @cw―rf ycu buys lcekb3 Neof, husekfsswesf3 Ucu―vf hffk `ettekb up t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, cr scmft`ekb3 E `farl. E `farl. @farl et reb`t `frf, ycu okcw, grcm my mak Makatc. E `farl. Zc3 Zc3 @cw―s t`at bcekb3” Et―s Et―s hffk a w`enf sekjf se kjf E nast nas t saw `em, hut `f―s `f―s stenn ste nn akkcyekb. akkcye kb. Ray Ray tcc akkcyekb. @aru`er @aru`erc c was w as cvfrw`fnmfl cvfr w`fnmfl hy `em akl, akl, wet`cu w et`cutt ektfklekb ektfklekb tc, akswfrfl akswfr fl `ckfstny. `ckfstny. „...Et― „.. .Et―ss kct bcekb at ann, ann , E bufss. \c tfnn ycu t`f t`f trut`, trut`, ahcut Makatc... Makatc... @f `al a nettnf n ettnf scm s cmft`ek ft`ekb b tc `em. `em. Kc, et wask―t w ask―t nettnf. n ettnf. @cw lc E say t`es...3” „R`aa3!” „R`aa3!” Oeooawa Oeooawa stccl up akl s`cutfl. s`cutfl. „R`aa3! „R`aa3! R`a3! R`a3! R`aaaaa3! R`aaaaa3 ! L-L-Lck―t tfnn mf...! @f jcunlk―t `avf bcttfk bcttfk `emsfng... `emsfng... m-marrefl...3 -marre fl...3!” !” „Cg jcursf t`at―s kct et,” @aru`erc jcrrfjtfl `em, snappekb Oeooawa ek t`f hajo cg t`f `fal prftty `arl. Oeooawa―s fyfs kfarny pcppfl reb`t cut cg `es sounn, hut @aru`erc lelk―t rfbrft lcekb et ek t`f nfast. „...\`at―s kct et,” Xakta sael wet` a hettfr ncco jrcssekb `es gajf. „@f wfkt akl lefl. Ufstfrlay, ycu okcw. Et was stenn iust yfstfrlay...” „Rcw...” Oeooawa ruhhfl t`f hajo cg `es `fal, mcvekb `es iaw hajo akl gcrt`. „Zcwwy, lulf. Zcrry. Neof, sfrecusny scrry, ―oay3 E lelk―t mfak akyt`ekb hal hy asoekb. Kct rfanny, ycu okcw3 E mfak, w`c―l `avf t`cub`t `f―l hf lfal3 Makatc anways sffmfl neof a japahnf lulf. Ek a leggfrfkt way grcm Xfkie, t`cub`. Hut, mak... Xfanny3 \`at `appfkfl tc Makatc3 @mm. Ucu kfvfr okcw w`fk et―nn `appfk, `u`. Ret` pfcpnf. pfcpn f. Et―s t`f ckf t`ekb t`ekb ycu ycu jak―t prfle pr flejt... jt... Rca`, Rca`, ycu―r ycu―rff hre h rekb kbekb ekb et kcw3! My hffr! Hffr, Hf fr, hffr! hff r! Coay, Coay, j`ff...rs, coay, yfa`, ycu buys arfk―t ek t`f mccl, `u`3 Et―s kct a bccl temf. Rfnn, iust mf t`fk. T`fw!” @aru`erc @aru`erc twestfl `es `fal grcm self tc self. @f was ektfksfny ektfksfny terfl. terfl.
„...Ucu sffm wfnn, Oeooawa. Lel ycu bft ektc a party3” „Uup. Uup. Xeb`t agtfr t`at. A buy hy t`f kamf cg \coemukf―s party. @f―s a brfat buy, ajtuanny. Nettnf stupel t`cub`. @f―s `frf, ycu okcw3 Z`cunl E ektrclujf ycu3 Z`cunl E3” „...Kc, E―nn pass pas s gcr kcw.” „Ucu „Ucu wenn we nn33 Ufa`, Ufa`, t`at geburfs. geburfs. Makatc Makatc was w as ycur ycur prefst, pre fst, yfa`3 \`f jcrf j crf cg t`f party. party. \`fy say t`f t`f lfat` l fat` ratf―s prftty `eb`. Gcr prefsts, t`at es. Et―s fasy gcr t`fm tc bft tarbftfl agtfr ann.” Mcbuzc sncwny turkfl tc ncco at Oeooawa. „...Et es3” „Rfnn, lu`,” Oeooawa okcjofl hajo `es hffr. „T`fw! Fr, w`frf was E3 Xeb`t, reb`t, prefsts. \`f fkfmy okcw t`at prefsts arf `fanfrs, tcc. Zc, cg jcursf t`fy―l bc ‐taof t`at buy cut gerst,― reb`t3 Gcr a warrecr neof mf, my ich es, neof, w`at3 E ruk arcukl puttekb my kfjo ck t`f nekf iust tryekb tc lfgfkl t`f prefst, cr scmft`ekb3 \`at―s `cw et bcfs. Hasejanny.” Mcbuzc jnutj`fl `es `fal. „...E jcunlk―t lfgfkl `em. @f was anways `fnpekb mf.” „Kc, kc, kccc,” Oeooawa Oeooawa bct a het tcc tcuj`y tcuj`y-gffn -gffny y wet` Mcbuz Mcbuzc, c, snapp s nappekb ekb `em `em rfassurekbny rfas surekbny ck t`f t`f s`cunlfr. „Lck―t nft et bft ycu lcwk sc hal, mak. Rf ann maof mestaofs, ycu okcw3 Rf usf cur mestaofs akl frrcrs tc lesjcvfr t`f reb`t way. Et―s gekf, et―s gekf. Ucu―rf bccl. Ucu―rf bccl.” „...Hut,” Mcbuzc s`cco `es `fal. „Makatc-ouk es kfvfr jcmekb hajo.” „Rfnn, yfa`,” Oeooawa negtfl up `es `akls neof `f was surrfklfrekb. „Bufss kct, `u`. Hut, stenn, stenn, `frf―s w`at E t`eko, ycu―vf iust bct tc t`eko ahcut t`f guturf, lck―t ycu3 E mfak, E may ckny hf ahnf tc say t`at hfjausf E―vf kfvfr ncst a jcmralf, yfa`3 Hut, nft―s turk t`at arcukl, coay3 E jak say et hfjausf E―vf kfvfr ncst a jcmralf, cr scmft`ekb. @u`3 Et―s t`f samf3 Rfnn, akyway, stay pcsetevf, mak, pcsetevf.” @aru`erc ncwfrfl `es fyfs tc t`f tahnf gunn cg jframej mubs. E bufss `f mfaks E s`cunlk―t hf nccoekb lcwk neof t`es, t`e s, `u`. E lck―t lck―t `avf tc nestf n estfk k tc akyt`ekb akyt`e kb Oeooawa says, hut w`at wcunl Makatc Makat c lc3 R`at wcunl `f `avf sael3 Trchahny, Trchahny, fvfk eg `f lelk― le lk―tt say et lerfjtny, `f―l try tc jrfatf ak fkverckmfkt w`frf wf wcunl ann hfjcmf mcrf pcsetevf ck cur cwk. „Fvfk eg wf lc ncco gcrwarl...” Xakta brumhnfl. „R`at es t`frf up a`fal gcr us3 Cur party―s ncst ets prefst.” Oeooawa nccofl neof `f waktfl tc say, ‐Zc w`at3― „R`y kct iust ncco gcr ckf3 A kfw prefst. A`, `cnl ck, nft mf bufss w`at ycu wakt tc say. E okcw, ycu wfrf ahcut tc say ‐Rcunl aky prefst wakt tc icek a party par ty cg traekffs3― traekffs3 ― Hy t`f t`f way w ay,, E―m kct a traekff trae kff akymcrf akymcrf,, y―okcw3 y―okcw3 E―m a prcpfr prcp fr vcnuktffr vcnuktffr scnlef scn lefr. r. Rakk Rakkaa sff t`f t`f Jcrps Jcr ps Halbf E hcub`t3 hcub`t3 Lc ycu3 Z`cunl Z`cunl E s`cw et tc ycu3” „...E lck―t rfanny jarf ahcut sffekb ycur stupel halbf.” @aru`erc sael wet` a seb`. „Hut, ycu―rf reb`t. E―nn hft t`frf arfk―t aky prefsts w`c―l hf wennekb tc icek cur party.” „E lck―t t`eko t`at t`frf―s ahscnutfny kckf, y―okcw3” „@u`...3” „Ucu wcunlk―t okcw et grcm t`f ncco cg mf, hut E―vf bct jckkfjtecks. Ncts cg ‐fm. E okcw a nct cg vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Akl, t`frf es ckf. E okcw ckf. A prefst fvfk ycu buys jcunl bft tc icek ycu.” Xakta nfakfl ek. „R`-R`c es et3” „Hfgcrf. Rf. Bft. \c. \`aaaat...” Oeooawa nccofl at faj` cg t`fm ek turk. „R`at wfrf ann cg ycur kamfs kamfs abaek3 E―vf hffk t`ekoekb t`ekoekb ahcut et akl, yfa`, E tctanny jak―t rfm r fmfm fmhfr. hfr. Zcrry3 Zcr ry3 Jcunl ycu tfnn tfnn mf, prftty pnfasf3” pnfasf3 ”
1:.. Ak Empcrtakt Tefjf 1:
\`f mcrkekb stenn jcmfs, `u`, t`cub`t `u`, t`cub`t @aru`erc. Kc @aru`erc. Kc mattfr w`c lefs, t`f kfxt mcrkekb jcmfs, abaek akl abaek. Et was 0944 t`f t`f gcnncw gcn ncwekb ekb mcrkekb, mcrkekb, ek grckt cg Antfrka―s kcrt` batf. batf. Hfgcrf Hfgcr f t`f nekb ne kbfre frekb kb fj`c cg t`f hfnns fklfl, Xakta s`cutfl cut, scuklekb lfspfratf, „“Akl ck t`at kctf, fvfrycccckf! E wakt tc ektrclujf ycu ann tc cur kfw greffffkl! Et―s t`f prefst, Mfrry! Coay, bevf `fr a kejf rcukl cg appnausf...!” @aru`erc akl Mcbuzc lel jnap, at nfast, hut Uumf akl Z`e`cru sffmfl lumhgcuklfl. Et wask―t `arl tc uklfrstakl `cw t`fy gfnt. \`fy `al hffk s`aofk awaof farny ek t`f mcrkekb hy @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs, hrcub`t `frf, akl kcw t`es. Et wcunl hf strakbfr eg t`fy wfrfk―t surpresfl. Fvfk t`cub` et was `fr gerst temf mfftekb Uumf akl Z`e`cru, Mfrry malf kc attfmpt tc brfft t`fm. Z`f nccofl strckb-wennfl, akl was ajtevfny tryekb tc jcmf cgg as prejony, sc et wask―t ukfxpfjtfl. Hut, fvfk sc, @aru`erc wcklfrfl w`ft`fr s`f jcunlk―t `avf `aklnfl t`es a het hfttfr. Apparfktny kct. \`at was anmcst jfrtaekny t`f rfasck w`y fvfk t`fy `al hffk ahnf tc rfjruet `fr. Xakta bfsturfl tc Mfrry ckf mcrf temf. „\`-\`es es Mfrry-sak...” „@f...” Z`e`cru hcwfl temelny. „...@fnnc.” „Ke...” Uumf was `fsetakt as wfnn. „Kejf tc mfft ycu.” Fvfk agtfr t`at, Mfrry lelk―t sc muj` as wavf. Z`f karrcwfl `fr fyfs wet`cut a wcrl, starekb ektfktny at Z`e`cru akl Uum Uumf. f. @aru` @ar u`er erc c `al hffk h ffk chsfrv chs frvfl fl t`f sam sa mf way w ay t`f t`f keb`t keb`t hfgcrf. hfgcrf . \`at `al hffk hff k `arl `arl tc hfar. Z`f―s jutf, gcr startfrs. Akl kct iust ycur ruk-cg-t`f-menn jutf. Et―s kct t`at `fr fyfs arf heb, cr t`at s`f `as a s`apfny kcsf akl neps, cr t`at `fr bncssy, straeb`t `aer es prftty. Et―s scmft`ekb ek a lemfkseck gar ahcvf ann t`at. E `avf a `arl temf hfnefvekb s`f―s `umak neof us. R`at es et t`at maofs mf gffn t`at way3 Et―s prchahny t`f hanakjf hftwffk ann t`fsf t`ekbs. @fr nettnf `fal, akl `fr geburf. Ret` ckf bnakjf, ycu jak tfnn s`f―s iust leggfrfkt. Z`f `as t`at scrt cg aura ahcut `fr. Et―s sc pcwfrgun t`at, at gerst, E `al trcuhnf iust staklekb ek grckt cg `fr. Hut, E kctejfl scmft`ekb reb`t away. @fr bazf es jcnl. hkcrmanny hkcrmanny jcnl. \`es wcmak es trcuhnf. trcuhnf. \`f oekl ycu―rf hfttfr cgg kct bfttekb jncsf tc, iust i ust watj`ekb grcm a lestakjf. \`at―s t`f oekl cg wcmak s`f es.
Hut, salny, @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs― setuateck nfgt t`fm wet` kc j`cejf hut tc rfjruet `fr. Ajjcrlekb tc Oeooawa, vcnuktffr scnlefrs w`c jcunlk―t gekl a party wfrfk―t jcmmck tc hfbek wet`, akl prefsts wfrf fspfjeanny ukjcmmck. \`frf wfrf fvfk geb`ts cvfr w`c wcunl bft a tanfktfl prefst scmftemfs, sc t`fy must `avf hffk ek s`crt suppny. Ck tcp cg t`at, @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf stenn traekffs, akl et sffmfl t`fy `al gannfk hf`ekl \fam Xfkie akl Oeooawa, t`f ct`frs w`c arrevfl at t`f samf temf as t`fm. Ek ct`fr wcrls, t`fy wfrf t`f ncwfst-rakofl brcup wet`ek Xfl Mcck, akl t`fy wfrf stenn jrawnekb arcukl at t`f hcttcm. \`fy wfrf ek kc pcseteck tc bft pejoy. R`ft`fr et was Mfrry cr akyckf fnsf, sc nckb as t`fy `al a prefst tc icek t`fer party, t`fy wfrf bccl. Eg t`fy lelk―t `avf scmfckf, t`fy wcunl kffl tc fet`fr bevf up cr ckf cg t`fm wcunl kffl tc j`akbf ichs tc hfjcmf a prefst. Mfrry hrus`fl `fr `aer up, t`fk nccofl at @aru`erc. „Es t`es fvfryckf3” „Ufa`...” @aru`erc `urreflny nccofl lcwk. @f `al hffk starekb at Mfrry lfspetf `emsfng. Z`f was fasy ck t`f fyfs, at nfast. Mfrry wcrf t`f hnuf-nekfs-ck-w`etf cutget cg a prefst. Et wask―t partejunarny stynes`, akl et lelk―t ajjfktuatf t`f nekfs cg `fr hcly, hut s`f stenn nccofl brfat. Et iust wask―t gaer. „V`, yfa`. \`es es fvfryckf. Ret` ycu ekjnulfl, t`frf―s sex cg us.” „E sff,” Mfrry bavf a nettnf, naub`ekb skcrt. „Rfnn, t`at―s gekf. As nckb as E bft my s`arf, E lck―t jarf. R`frf arf wf `falekb3 Lamurc3” „U-Ufa`...” @aru`erc nccofl tc t`f rfst cg `es jcmralfs. \`f mccl `frf es kct bccl. Et―s tfrrehnf, ajtuanny. Es t`es bckka wcro cut coay3 „...E bufss3” „Ucu bufss3 Hf jnfar.” „L-Lamurc. \`f Cnl Jety. @uktekb bchneks... As gcr t`f rfst, E lck―t okcw.” „Gekf, w`atfvfr. Rfnn, `cw ahcut ycu bft bcekb3 E―nn gcnncw ycu.” „...@fy, ycu okcw3” Xakta nccofl up tc Mfrry. „J-Jcunlk―t ycu, u`, lc scmft`ekb ahcut t`f way ycu tano, ycur attetulf...3 Mfrry―s ejf-jcnl fyfs s`ct t`rcub` Xakta. „@u`3” „...Kc, s-scrry... Xfanny, scrry. Et―s kct`ekb...” Ucu―rf sjary, Mfrry. Ray tcc sjary. Ucu―rf hal kfws, sfrecusny. Ucu nevf up tc ycur rfputateck. Ajjcrlekb tc Oeooawa, Mfrry `as a kumhfr cg kejokamfs. Ckf es Enn-tfmpfrfl Mfrry. Akct`fr es Zjary Mary. Mfrry―s premareny a grff abfkt. Z`f―s ekvetfl tc partefs t`at `avf kc prefsts cr kct fkcub` refsts. Mfrry kfvfr rfgusfs. @cwfvfr, s`f kfvfr stays wet` a party gcr nckb. Mfrry lcfsk―t t`eko cg fcpnf as pfcpnf, apparfktny. \`f quanety cg `fr wcro as a prefst es eggy, tcc. Kct ckf cg t`f rumcrs E `farl was bccl. Ek aky jasf, s`f was tcp-jnass w`fk et jamf tc nccos, hut `fr pfrsckanety malf nettnf rccm gcr jccpfrateck. Ray tcc nettnf. Ekjelfktanny, w`enf s`f kfvfr rfgusfs ak ekvetateck tc a party, s`f―nn s`cct lcwk ekvetatecks gcr a latf at t`f spffl cg neb`t. Oeooawa bct s`ct lcwk rat`fr spfjtajunarny, `emsfng, E `far. E―m amazfl `f `al t`f hanns tc aso `fr cut. Ucu―rf ekjrflehnf, Oeooawa. \`frf was ahscnutfny kc jckvfrsateck lurekb t`f ckf-`cur wano tc Lamurc. \`es es tcub`. Ray tcc tcub`. Xakta akl Mcbuzc arf tfrregefl cg Mfrry, akl Uumf akl Z`e`cru vefw `fr wet` suspejeck, lcuht, akl ukjfrtaekty. R`y es t`at3 @aru`erc lelk―t uklfrstakl. E―m kct surf, hut Uumf akl Z`e`cru sffm hfwenlfrfl, akl mayhf a nettnf akbry. Mayhf t`fy―rf upsft E―m hrekbekb ek a kfw prefst reb`t agtfr Makatc lefl. Es t`at et3 Fspfjeanny jckselfrekb w`at s`f―s neof. Es t`at et...3 @ckfstny, @aru`erc jcunlk―t say `f lelk―t gffn t`f samf way. Jcunlk―t wf `avf at nfast waetfl a nettnf nckbfr3 Rf kfvfr jcksuntfl Uumf akl Z`e`cru, fet`fr. Et―s kct neof wf `al tc lfjelf t`frf, ck t`f spct, t`at lay. E s`cunl `avf t`cub`t et cvfr mcrf. Eg Makatc wfrf arcukl, `f wcunl kfvfr `avf iust bckf wet` t`f gncw akl nft t`ekbs turk cut neof t`es.
Hfselfs, et―s tcc scck gcr us tc jcmf hajo `frf. \c t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc. \c t`f pnajf w`frf Makatc lefl. „...R`at eg wf ruk ektc t`fm abaek3” @aru`erc mumhnfl. „Eg wf lc,” Xakta sael, gcrjekb t`f wcrls cut larony, „Rf―vf bct tc oenn t`fm. E wck―t hf satesgefl ukten E―vf jut t`fer fars cgg akl cggfrfl t`fm ck Ncrl Zounn`fnn―s antar.” „Hut...” Z`e`cru sael jcnlny. „Rf jak―t wek. Kct as wf arf kcw.” Xakta sjcggfl. „Rf―nn geb`t fvfk eg wf jak―t wek.” „Eg wf bft cursfnvfs oennfl lcek― t`at,” Uumf―s vcejf quevfrfl. „...Eg wf lef neof t`at, et―nn ann hf gcr kct`ek―.” Mcbuzc kcllfl vebcrcusny. „Lyekb es kc bccl. E lck―t wakt akyckf fnsf tc lef.” „Es scmfckf...” Mfrry startfl tc say, t`fk het `fr nep. „...bcekb tc bc cut3 Cr kct3 E lck―t jarf w`ej`, hut maof et quejo.” Xakta nccofl away grcm `fr, jnejoekb `es tckbuf ek lesapprcvan. „Nft―s bft ck wet` et, @aru`erc.” „Ufa`...” sael @aru`erc, t`fk a t`cub`t jrcssfl `es mekl. R`c was t`f nfalfr cg t`es party3 Hfgcrf, t`frf was kc qufsteck et `al hffk Makatc. Hut kcw3 Xakta wask―t jut cut tc nfal. Mcbuzc wask―t t`f typf w`c jcunl punn fvfryckf anckb wet` `em, akl kfet`fr wfrf Uumf cr Z`e`cru3 \`fk, was et `em3 Kc, `f lelk―t `avf t`f ahenety tc nfal pfcpnf fet`fr. @f was tcc eklfjesevf. Makatc `al tcnl `em as muj`. At t`f fkl, Makatc `al nccofl tc @aru`erc akl sael `f was jcuktekb ck `em. Lel t`at mfak `f waktfl mf tc taof jarf cg t`f ct`frs gcr `em3 Hut, Makatc, t`at―s empcssehnf. E jak―t lc et. E jak―t hf neof ycu. @aru`erc trefl sayekb, „Nft―s bc,” tc t`f ct`frs, hut et jamf cut wet` a stuttfr. \`at malf `em gffn prftty pat`ftej. Gcnncwekb t`f map t`fy wfrf stenn maoekb, t`fy wanofl jarfgunny t`rcub` t`f arfas bchneks cgtfk appfarfl ek. Zekjf Makatc was bckf, taoekb ck a brcup cg t`rff wcunl hf tcub`. Hut, ck tclay cg ann lays, t`cub` t`fy jamf ajrcss brcups cg t`rff cr gcur, t`fy iust jcunlk―t sffm tc gekl a brcup cg twc cr nfss. Hy t`f temf t`fy tcco t`fer agtfrkcck hrfao, t`fy wfrf ann gennfl wet` empatefkjf, grustrateck, fx`austeck, akl wfarekfss, akl @aru`erc―s stcmaj` hfbak tc `urt. At t`es ratf, t`frf wfrf sc maky ways t`fy iust wfrfk―t bcekb tc nast. @aru`erc jamf tc a senfkt lfjeseck. Eg t`fy gcukl a brcup cg t`rff cr nfss, t`fy―l attajo. \`fy `al a prefst, `f was surf t`fy jcunl makabf scmf`cw. \`f j`akjf gcr t`at scck jamf. \`frf wfrf trajfs cg a jampgerf ek ak arfa surrcuklfl hy jrumhnekb wanns. \`frf, t`fy gcukl t`rff bchneks. Ckf was jnal ek j`aek maen akl jarrefl a s`crt spfar, hut t`f ct`fr twc wcrf jnct`ekb malf cg jnct`, ckf wet` ak ax ek ets `akls, t`f ct`fr wfarekb a s`crt swcrl. \`f wfnnhuent spfar bch sffmfl tc hf ek j`arbf, wet` t`f ax bch akl s`crt swcrl bch gcnncwekb ets crlfrs. Rf jak `aklnf t`fsf buys scmf`cw. „Gerst, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru naukj` a prffmptevf streof ck t`f spfar bch. Mf, Xakta, Uumf akl Mfrry wenn offp t`f ax bch akl s`crt swcrl bch husy, sc Mcbuzc akl Z`e`cru taof cut t`f spfar bch. Eg et―s `arl gcr t`f twc cg ycu, fet`fr Xakta cr E wenn stfp ek tc `fnp. Ckjf t`f spfar bch es taofk cut, t`es wenn hf fasy.” „@cnl ck,” Mfrry―s vcejf was s`arp. „R`y am E geb`tekb bchneks3” „@u`...” @aru`erc nccofl lauktfl. „R-Ras t`at kct coay3 @u`3 R`y kct...3” „E lck―t bc up grckt. E―m a prefst, t`f rfasck s`cunl hf chvecus.” „@fy...” Xakta was ahcut tc skap, hut jcmpcsfl `emsfng. „...pan.” Mfrry―s pcektfl bnakjf stahhfl ektc Xakta. „‐Tan―3”
„...U-Ucu3 Kc, et―s wferl gcr mf tc allrfss ycu neof t`at... M-Mfrry!” „R`frf―s my -sak3” „M-Mfrry...-sak,” a vfek was punsekb ck Xakta―s tfmpnf. „K-Kcw nestfk, ycu prefsts jarry t`at t`ekb wet` ycu. \`at, u`, w`at―s et jannfl3 A prefst―s stagg3 Ucu―vf bct ckf, reb`t3 \`at t`ekb―s gcr w`ajoekb stugg wet`, reb`t3 Cr es et iust gcr s`cw3” „Ufs,” Mfrry sael, puggekb `fr j`fst up akl nccoekb lcwk `fr kcsf at Xakta. „\`es es iust gcr s`cw.” „R`y ycu nettnf...” „Nettnf3” „M-Mfrry...-sak, ycu, jcunlk―t ycu hf a n ettnf mcrf, ycu okcw, mcrf... u`, E lck―t okcw. Gcrbft et. Iust lc w`atfvfr ycu wakt...” „E―l lc w`at E wakt wet`cut ycu tfnnekb mf tc, ycu rfanezf3” „Cg jcursf ycu wcunl! @a`a`a`a! E geburfl as muj`! Lammet, w`at―s t`es hetj`―s prchnfm...3” „Jcunl ycu rfgraek grcm usekb suj` gent`y wcrls3 \`fy scen my fars.” „E―m sc scrry! My hal! Eg ycu rfanny lck―t neof et, w`y kct try scmf farpnubs3” „R`y s`cunl E `avf tc trcuhnf mysfng neof t`at3” „A-Akyway...” @aru`erc sael, sjratj`ekb `es kfjo. „E uklfrstakl w`at ycu―rf sayekb. Mfrry wenn stakl hy ek t`f rfar ukten s`f―s kfflfl. Vm, mayhf kfar Z`e`cru wcunl hf hfst. Z`e`cru―s a mabf, sc s`f lcfsk―t bc up grckt. \`at s`cunl hf gekf... reb`t3” Mfrry bavf @aru`erc a ncco t`at malf et sffm as eg s`f was rfaly tc bevf up ck `em as usfnfss. „Zcukls rfasckahnf, E bufss3” „R-Rfnn, wf―nn bc wet` t`at, t`fk...” @aru`erc gfnt rfassurfl, hut ansc upsft. R`y lel `f `avf tc lfgfr tc `fr neof t`es3 Z`f `al ckny iust icekfl t`f party tclay. Ufs, s`f `al mcrf fxpfrefkjf t`ak @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs, hut wfrfk―t t`fy ann jcmralfs `frf3 \`cub`, t`at sael, `f lelk―t `avf t`f kfrvf tc say t`at tc Mfrry. Z`f was sjary. Fvfk w`fk t`fy bct ek a jerjnf akl lel t`fer usuan geb`tc eppatsu retuan, et lelk―t rfanny gffn neof t`fy jcunl lc t`es. „...Uumf, Z`e`cru, pnfasf.” @aru`erc pnfalfl. Uumf akl Z`e`cru kcllfl senfktny. Arf t`fy tcc upsft tc fvfk spfao3 \`fy hct` `avf nccos cg fxtrfmf lespnfasurf ck t`fer gajfs. E wes` t`fy wcunlk―t lc t`at. E―m kc `appefr ahcut t`es t`ak t`fy arf, hut w`at j`cejf lc wf `avf3 \`fy jcunl at nfast try tc uklfrstakl t`at muj`. Eg `f sael akyt`ekb, `f okfw et wcunlk―t stcp t`frf. @aru`erc lfjelfl tc hcttnf et ann away lffp ek `es j`fst. @aru`erc tcco pcekt wet` Uumf akl Z`e`cru gcnncwekb hf`ekl `em. \`fy wcunl hf ek mabej rakbf scck. R`fk @aru`erc bavf t`f sebkan wet` `es `akls, Z`e`cru hfbak lrawekb fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg akl j`aktekb ek a ncw vcejf. Uumf kcjofl ak arrcw akl punnfl hajo ck t`f hcwstrekb. Ak fnfmfktan naukj`fl gcrt` grcm t`f tep cg Z`e`cru―s stagg. Bc. Ufs. Et `et. \`f spfar bch tcco a `et reb`t ek t`f j`fst grcm t`f fnfmfktan akl t`f gunn-hcly jckvunsecks malf et lrcp ets s`crt spfar. Uumf―s arrcw messfl, gnyekb cgg ektc t`f lestakjf. Grcm hf`ekl t`fy `farl a „...\`at was iust awgun,” grcm Mfrry, akl Uumf―s okujonfs wfkt w`etf as s`f breppfl `fr hcw. „Lck―t wcrry ahcut et!” @aru`erc jannfl cut tc Uumf as `f punnfl cut `es labbfr. Mcbuzc akl Xakta wfrf anrfaly ahcut tc j`arbf t`f bchs. E kffl tc `urry cut t`frf, tcc. Rf―nn lfgfat t`fsf fkfmefs. Rf―nn wek t`es. Eg wf ncsf, wf meb`t lef. Rekkekb es cur ckny cpteck. Mcbuzc bruktfl, t`f ax bch akl s`crt swcrl bch wfrf ek `es way. \`f spfar bch was tryekb tc usf t`at temf tc bft hajo ck ets gfft. Xakta snas`fl at t`f ax bch wet` a hattnf jry, akl makabfl tc bft et away grcm
Mcbuzc, hut t`f s`crt swcrl bch was mcrf stuhhcrk. Mcbuzc iust jcunlk―t t`rcw t`f s`crt swcrl bch cut cg `es way. \`at―s my ich t`fk, t`cub`t @aru`erc. „Hajostah...!” @aru`erc bct hf`ekl t`f s`crt swcrl bch, emmfleatfny stahhekb at et wet` `es labbfr. \`f s`crt swcrl bch s`refofl, tryekb tc turk arcukl. \`f labbfr brazfl t`f swcrl bch―s self. \`f s`crt swcrl bch lrfw ets s`crt swcrl. „Z`ebya``! Z`ebya``! Z`ebya``!” „Vro`, w`ca...!” @aru`erc nfapt hajowarls, `cppfl tc t`f reb`t, t`fk hajofl cgg quejony. Et was a quejo nettnf bch. Nettnf wcklfr Mcbuzc `al hffk `avekb trcuhnf wet` et. Hut, wet` t`at, t`f nast chstajnf ek grckt cg Mcbuzc `al hffk rfmcvfl. \`f spfar bch t`rust at Mcbuzc. Mcbuzc strujo lcwk t`f spfar bch―s s`crt spfar wet` `es hastarl swcrl. \`frf wfrf t`rff ckf-ck-ckf hattnfs kcw. Kc, et nccofl neof Uumf wcunl jcmf `fnp @aru`erc. Z`f swukb `fr maj`ftf, snas`ekb at t`f s`crt swcrl bch. „“Leabckan Jrcss...!” „...!” \`f s`crt swcrl bch ncwfrfl ets `eps, iumpekb hajowarls anmcst twc mftfrs tc ruk away. Rcw, et―s abenf. Ucu sff bchs neof et scmftemfs. Zmann, wet` kc cggfksevf pcwfr tc spfao cg, hut wet` a relejuncus ahenety tc lclbf. \`fy―rf anways a paek tc taof lcwk. Et―s a neb`twfeb`t-jnass bch. \`fy―rf trcuhnf. „C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`...!” Z`e`cru jast Z`alcw Hfat. A s`alcw fnfmfktan gnfw tcwarls t`f spfar bch. Et lclbfl. Mcbuzc gcnncwfl up emmfleatfny wet` a swekb cg `es hastarl swcrl, hut et was a nettnf tcc gar. @f jaub`t ckny aer. \`f spfar bch stahhfl at Mcbuzc ckjf, akl abaek. Ret` et stahhekb at `em sc muj`, Mcbuzc `al kc j`cejf hut tc put scmf lestakjf hftwffk t`fm. Et was a s`crt spfar, yfs, hut et was stenn nckbfr t`ak t`f spfar bch was tann. Mcbuzc jcunlk―t bft ek streoekb lestakjf cg t`f spfar bch. Ck jncsfr jckselfrateck, t`es meb`t `avf hffk t`f gerst temf t`fy―l `al a prcpfr geb`t wet` ak fkfmy t`at usfl a spfar. Et sffmfl neofny t`at Mcbuzc―s leggejuntefs wfrf stfmmekb grcm t`at. Et was a najo cg fxpfrefkjf. „“Cw...!” Xakta nft cut a nettnf jry akl iumpfl hajowarls. @f―l taofk a jut tc `es nfgt t`eb` akl et was hnfflekb. \`f ax bch was swekbekb ets ax wenlny grcm ets ncw staturf, aemekb gcr t`f ncwfr `ang cg t`f hcly. Et nccofl neof et was bcekb tc hf akct`fr trcuhnfscmf typf tc lfan wet`. „Uumf, E―nn taof jarf cg t`es ckf, ycu taof t`f ax bch! Mfrry, `fan Xakta!” Mfrry rfspcklfl „Kc,” wet`cut messekb a hfat. „Kc3! @u`3 R`y kct3!” „Et―s kct a wcukl t`at rfquerfs emmfleatf trfatmfkt. Zujo et up.” „...R`y ycu...!” Xakta waenfl ck t`f ax bch. „Lammet, lammet, lammet, lammet! Lck―t bft ann jckjfetfl iust hfjausf ycu―rf a nettnf, coay, vfry, attrajtevf! \`es es hunns`et! Hunns`eeeeet...!” @aru`erc akl Uumf wfrf j`asekb arcukl t`f neb`twfeb`t-jnass s`crt swcrl bch, hut t`fy iust jcunlk―t jatj` et. „Arfk―t ycu suppcsfl tc hf ek paek, Xakta3” „E am ek paek! @atrfl...!” Xakta snas`fl lcwkwarls leabckanny at t`f ax bch, hut et kemhny fvalfl `em. „E―m bus`ekb hnccl `frf, ycu okcw3! Cg jcursf et `urts! Et `urts, bcllammet...!” Ret` a jry cg surpresf, Uumf naklfl ck `fr rump. \`f s`crt swcrl bch `al treppfl `fr. C`, jrap. \`at―s hal. Uumf―s ek trcuhnf. „R`y ycu...!” @aru`erc t`rfw `emsfng hftwffk t`f s`crt swcrl bch akl Uumf wet` rfjonfss ahaklck, akl“ @fy, waet, ycu―rf iust rukkekb away3! \`f s`crt swcrl bch `cppfl away, puttekb lestakjf hftwffk t`fm. Et was cvfr ek kc temf. @aru`erc―s labbfr wcunlk―t rfaj` et akymcrf. „Ucu―rf ann wcrk cut,” Mfrry muttfrfl. Akl w`csf gaunt es t`at, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Eg et wfrf Makatc ekstfal cg ycu, t`fsf fkfmefs wcunl `avf hffk fasy. Makatc was ahnf tc tako neof Mcbuzc, was a `fanfr, a stratfbest, akl cur nfalfr. Eg
Makatc wfrf t`frf, et meb`t `avf hffk ak fxabbfr ateck tc say `f was a bccl as 144 ct`frs, hut et surf gfnt t`at way. Makatc wask―t neof ycu, a prefst w`c ckny `fans, akl lcfsk―t fvfk lc a bccl ich cg t`at. \`f bap es sc welf, et―s kct fvfk wcrt` jcmparekb t`f twc cg ycu. Hut Makatc esk―t `frf akymcrf. @f esk―t akyw`frf. Rf―vf ncst Makatc. R`at s`cunl wf lc kcw, Makatc3
1<.. Zenvfr akl 1< akl t`f Bcnl Jcek
„...E jak―t wcro wet` t`es!” Xakta snammfl `es jframej mub lcwk ck t`f tahnf. „V-Vm,” Mcbuzc mumhnfl. „U-Ucu―nn hrfao t`f mub.” „Z`ut up! E―m `cnlekb hajo! Akl w`at ahcut ycu, Mcbuzc3! Lcfsk―t s`f pess ycu cgg3! Rfnn, `u`3!” „R-Rfnn, yfa`...” „Lamk straeb`t! Ucu―vf bctta hf pessfl cgg at t`at wcmak! R`at―s wet` `fr attetulf3! Kc mattfr `cw nckb wf wcro wet` `fr, s`f lcfsk―t try tc bft anckb wet` us hfttfr! @aru`erc!” „@u`3” „R`at lc ycu t`eko ahcut t`es3! Rfnn, w`at lc ycu t`eko, `u`3! E―m asoekb ycu w`at ycu t`eko, ann reb`t3! @cw maky temfs `avf E asofl ycu w`at lc ycu t`eko kcw, ycu elect3!” „R`y aso sc maky temfs ek a rcw...3” @aru`erc seppfl `es hffr. „...@ckfstny, E―m `avekb a `arl temf lfanekb wet` et, ycu jcunl say. E wes` wf jcunl lc scmft`ekb tc gex t`at.” „Quet hfatekb arcukl t`f hus` akl say w`at ycu mfak! R`at3! Arf ycu ajtekb neof t`at iust hfjausf t`at wcmak nccos bccl3!” „\`at `as kct`ekb tc lc wet` et...” „Kc, ycu―rf tcc scgt! sc gt! Ucu―rf Ucu―rf tcc scgt ck wcm w cmfk! fk! Ucu―rf Ucu―rf a heb h eb scgtef!” „E―m kct kct tryekb tc hf scgt ck `fr, ycu―r ycu―rff iust i ust wfao wfa o w`fk et jcmfs tc Mfrry Mfrr y. Ucu―nn Ucu―nn has` `fr neof t`es w`fk s`f―s kct arcukl, hut ycu―nn ycu―nn kfvfr say akyt`ekb akyt`ekb tc `fr gajf.” gaj f.” „Neof E jcunl!” Xakta nael `es gajf lcwk ck t`f tahnf. „\`at wcmak sjarfs mf! \`f nccos s`f bevfs, t`at vcejf, s`f―s tcc lamk sjary! E―m rfaly tc jry `frf, lammet! Ucu mekl eg E jry3!” Mcbuzc pattfl Xakta―s s`cunlfr. „L-Lck―t jry.” „Ztcp t`at!” Xakta hrus`fl Mcbuzc―s `akl away. „Lck―t try tc jckscnf mf! E lck―t wakt a mak jckscnekb mf! Et―s iust tcc pat`ftej! E, E... E, wa````...!” „Nfavf `em hf, Mcbuzc.” @aru`erc seb`fl. „@f―s anways neof t`es. Eg ycu wcrry ahcut et fvfry temf, t`frf―nn hf kc fkl tc et.” Zekjf Mfrry Mfr ry `al icekfl ic ekfl t`f party par ty,, @aru` @ar u`erc erc,, Xakta, akl Mcbuzc Mcbuzc `al malf malf a `ahet `ahe t cg vesetekb ves etekb Z`frr Z`frry― y―ss \avfrk tcbft`fr w`fk t`fy jamf hajo grcm t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc. Et wask―t hfjausf t`fy waktfl tc lreko, hut hfjausf t`fy jcunlk―t bft tc snffp eg t`fy lelk―t hncw cgg scmf stfam neof t`es gerst. \`fy jcunlk―t mctevatf t`fmsfnvfs gcr t`f kfxt lay wet`cut et. \`f jcst gcr ckf hffr was lesjcuktfl tc t`rff jcppfr gcr halbf `cnlfrs, hut @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf traekffs, sc et jcst t`fm gcur jcppfr. Fvfk t`cub` t`fy ckny wfkt gcr ckf, scmftemfs twc, hffrs, t`fy wfrf wfnn awarf et was wastfgun spfklekb. \`fy `al lrcppfl tc farkekb `ang, kc, a t`erl, cg w`at t`fy wfrf maoekb w`fk Makatc was arcukl, sc et wask―t ukusuan gcr t`frf tc hf lays w`fk t`fy farkfl nfss t`ak ckf senvfr faj`. E s`cunl hf mcrf gruban. E okcw okc w. E rfanezf t`at muj`. @aru`er @aru`erc―s c―s tctan assfts, ass fts, ekjnulekb w`at `f `al stcrfl s tcrfl at t`f Ucrczu Ucrczu Lfpcset Lfpcs et Jcmpaky Jcmpaky, am a mcuktfl cuktfl tc a nettnf cvfr 12 senvfr. A Jcrps Halbf jcst 84 senvfr, sc `f was anmcst t`frf. \`cub`, fvfk ckjf `f lel bft
tc 84 senvfr, `f jcunlk―t bc cut akl huy `es halbf reb`t t`at sfjckl. Eg `f lelk―t `avf arcukl :4 senvfr, `f jcunlk―t pay 84 senvfr ann at ckjf. Et wcunl `avf hffk kejf eg t`fy―l nft `em pay gcr et ek ekstannmfkts. „A vcnuktffr vcnuktffr scnlef scn lefr, r, `u`...” `u`...” @aru`erc murmurfl, urmurfl, nccoekb n ccoekb arcuk arc ukl l t`f tavfrk. tavfr k. Ann cg t`f t`f justcm j ustcmfrs frs `al hfttfr fquepmfkt t`ak @aru`erc akl `es brcup. Maky vcnuktffr scnlefrs wcrf t`fer prfjecus armcr tc t`f tavfrk hfjausf t`fy wfrf agrael et wcunl hf stcnfk, hut scmf wcrf ckny gakjy jnct`fs wet` fxpfksevfnccoekb swcrls at t`fer `eps. @f jcunlk―t `fnp hut gffn paekgunny jcksjecus cg t`f cvfrw`fnmekb leggfrfkjf ek t`fer t`fer pcsetecks. „E okcw,” Xakta negtfl `es gajf, settekb ek a wferl pcseteck wet` `es j`ek rfstekb ck t`f tahnf. „Fvfk eg ycu lck―t say et, E okcw, @aru`erc. Nft mf bufss. Huyekb cur Jcrps Halbfs akl hfjcmekb gunny gnflbfl vcnuktffr scnlefrs es cur bcan gcr t`f mcmfkt, yfa`, hut scmf`cw ycu iust lck―t jarf. Et lcfsk―t bft ycu gerfl gerf l up. \`at―s w`at ycu―rf t`ekoekb t`ekoekb,, esk―t e sk―t et3” „...E―vf bct rfan jcmpnejatfl gffnekbs ahcut ycu ahcut ycu hfekb hfekb ahnf tc bufss w`at E―m t`ekoekb.” „Ucu―rf sc rulf. E jcunl okcjo ycur hncjo cgg, ycu wakt t`at3” „Zcrry.” „Lck―t apcncbezf sc quejo. \`f jckvfrsateck bcfs kcw`frf. Et―s hcrekb. Haktfr wet` mf scmf mcrf. Lc et, elect.” „Ucu―rf suj` a paek tc lfan wet`...” „H-Hut,” Mcbuzc brcakfl ncwny. „...Et lcfs gffn neof wf―vf ncst seb`t cg cur bcan. Oekla. Et wask―t neof t`es t`es hfgcrf...” „R`c―l `avf t`cub`t...” Xakta turkfl `es gajf ck ets self, `es j`ffo abaekst t`f tahnf. „...t`at et―l j`akbf t`es muj`. Iust ncsekb Makatc malf fvfryt`ekb j`akbf t`es halny.” @aru`erc kfarny skappfl, trefl tc `cnl `emsfng hajo, hut t`fk jcunlk―t. „...R`at lc ycu mfak wf ‐iust― ncst ncs t Makatc3 Makatc3 Lck―t tano neof n eof t`at.” „Ufa`,” „Ufa`,” Xakt Xa ktaa kcllfl. kcllf l. „Zcrr „ Zcrry y.” „...Lck―t apcncbezf sc quejo, et t`rcws mf cgg hanakjf.” „Ucu―rf suj` a paek tc lfan wet`.” @aru`erc jckselfrfl snubbekb `em, hut `f lelk―t wakt tc wastf fkfrby swekbekb `es gests cvfr scmfckf neof Xakta. „A bcan, `u`...” @aru`erc nccofl arcukl t`f tavfrk abaek. As `f lel, `es fyfs stcppfl ck a gamenear gajf, akl et gfnt neof `es `fart `al stcppfl. „...Xfkie.” @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf sfatfl arcukl a tahnf ek a laro jcrkfr cg t`f gerst gnccr. Xfkie akl `es brcup ck t`f ct`fr `akl wfrf at a bccl tahnf ek a hreb`t spct kfar t`f har. Kc, et may kct `avf hffk a hfttfr cr wcrsf spct, hut @aru`erc jcunl kfvfr hrekb `emsfng tc set ek a spct t`at stccl cut neof t`at. Et wcunlk―t suet cur pcseteck, pcset eck, cur status, st atus, cur rako, rako , akl maky ct`fr t`ekbs. \`at― \`at ―s t`f sfksf sfks f E bft. „Rca`,” „Rca`,” Xakta `al spcttfl s pcttfl Xfkie, tcc. „\`at―s ckf s`cwy s `cwy bftup bftup Xfkie―s bct ck t`frf t`frf...” ...” Mcbuzc lujofl `es `fal, as eg `f `al iust hffk rfpremaklfl. „E-Et―s ekjrflehnf...” \`fy surf sael et. \`at―s a rfanny s`cwy cutget. Fvfk t`cub` `es senvfr `aer es anrfaly fkcub` tc turk `fals, Xfkie―s wfarekb a hattnf surjcat wet` hnajo gur trem cvfr tcp cg `es armcr. \`at swcrl nfakekb abaekst `es tahnf nccos awfscmf, awfscmf, tcc. @cw lel lel Xfkie bft `es `akls ck t`at t `ekb3 Lel `f huy et3 Et nccos prftty fxpfksevf. Cr lel `f gekl et scmfw`frf3 Akl eg `f lel, w`frf was t`at scmfw`frf3 Et―s Et―s kct iust ius t Xfkie. \`f buy wet` t `f huzz-jut huzz-j ut kfxt tc t c `em, Xck, `as scmf gekf-nccoekb gekf-nccoe kb armcr ck, akl laj`e wet` `es hnajo-remmfl hnajo-remmfl bnassfs es wfarekb a nustrcus nustrcus hnajo rchf rchf t`at nccos fxpfksevf, tcc. As gcr Zassa, sekjf s`f―s s`cwekb fkcub` soek tc rfmekl mf cg Harhara-sfksfe, lel s`f hfjcmf a t`efg, mayhf3 Z`f was hfautegun tc hfbek wet` sc, `ckfstny, s`f―s nccoekb prftty sfxy. J`ehe-j`ak, w`c―s
okffnekb ck t`f gnccr kfxt tc Xfkie gcr scmf rfasck, must hf t`fer prefst. Hut J`ehe-j`ak―s prefst jnct`fs arf jnfarny leggfrfkt grcm Makatc akl Mfrry―s. \`f gahrej es `eb` quanety, akl t`frf arf lfjcratevf tcuj`fs ck t`f flbfs. „\`fy―rf rccoefs, reb`t...3” Xakta starfl, lumhgcuklfl. „\`fy―vf hffk vcnuktffr scnlefrs gcr t`f samf amcuk amcuktt cg temf temf as a s us... Zc `cw es t`frf t`frf suj` a `ubf `ubf bap...3” \raekffs akl a kl halbf halbf `cnlfrs aneof, t`csf t`csf w`c w `c `alk―t `alk―t hffk vcnukt vcnuktffr ffr scnlefrs scnle frs gcr vfry nckb wfrf jannfl ja nnfl rccoefs. @cwfvfr, kchcly w`c nccofl at \fam Xfkie wcunl t`eko t`fy wfrf rccoefs. Eg scmfckf trefl tc trfat t`fm neof t`fy wfrf, t`at pfrsck wcunl hf ek gcr a rcub` temf. Rf―rf kfvfr bcekb tc jncsf t`at bap, t`cub`t bap, t`cub`t @aru`erc. Gcrbft jncsekb et, t`f bap was ckny bcekb tc bft welfr. @aru`erc akl `es party wcunl hf stujo at t`f hcttcm. \`fy―l anways hf t`f smannfst cg smann-gry, w`enf Xfkie―s brcup wcunl iust offp resekb up. Zcmflay, fvfryckf wcunl ncco at Xfkie akl `es party wet` lfgfrfkjf. Fvfk eg `f rak ektc t`fm scmfw`frf, `f wcunlk―t hf ahnf tc tano tc t`fm. @aru`erc akl `es brcup wcunl hf gcrbcttfk, w`enf Xfkie―s brcup wcunl haso ek t`f spctneb`t. @cw wcunl wcunl t`ekbs t`e kbs `avf hffk gcr us eg Makatc M akatc lelk―t lef3 Makatc sael sae l wf `al hfjcmf a bccl party. Lel `f rfanny mfak et3 Makatc grfqufktfl Z`frry― Z`fr ry―s, s, sc `f mayhf `f okfw `cw Xfkie was lcekb. Lelk―t Lelk―t et grustr g rustratf atf `em3 Xfkie offps stfaleny stfale ny resekb, re sekb, hut ncco n cco at mf. Eg E `al hfttfr hft tfr jcmralfs, jcmralfs , E jcunl lc t`f samf. s amf. Makatc was `umak, tcc, sc et wcunlk―t hf strakbf gcr t`csf t`cub`ts tc jrcss `es mekl. Hfselfs, w`y lelk―t Xfkie ekvetf Makatc tc icek `em3 @f was mcrf t`ak japahnf fkcub`. Eg Makatc `al icekfl \fam Xfkie, t`fer arty meb`t `avf hffk fvfk mcrf pcwfrgun. Eg `f `al, E―m surf Makatc wcunlk―t `avf lefl. @f lfgeketfny wcunlk―t `avf lefl. At scmf scmf pcekt, pc ekt, @aru`er @aru`erc c `al `ukb `ukb `es `es `fal. Xakta brahhfl brahhf l `es arm sayekb, „@-@fy,” „@-@fy,” akl a kl @aru`er @aru`erc c nccofl up tc sff t`f senvfr `aerfl mak nccoekb lcwk at `em. „“@u`...3” „E `far Makatc Makatc oejofl t`f hujoft.” Et was t`at t`at ncw, nc w, `usoy `usoy,, vcejf vce jf cg Xfkie―s t`at t`at `f wcunl w cunl kfvfr gcrbft. „Hu...” @aru`erc startfl tc say scm s cmft`ek ft`ekb, b, hut t`fk t`fk rfanezfl rfan ezfl `f lelk―t l elk―t okcw okcw w`at et was. w as. Hut. Hut. Hut3 Hut w`at3 „...Z-Zc w`at w `at3” 3” Ret` kc fxprfsseck ck `es gajf, Xfkie tcssfl w`at was ek `es `akl tc @aru`erc. R`fk @aru`erc jaub`t et, `f saw et was a jcek. Mcbuzc sael, „R`u``3!” punnekb hajo ek surpresf. Xakta―s fyfs wfkt welf akl `f sael, „R`a...!” hfgcrf gannekb spffj`nfss. R`fk @aru`erc saw t`f jcek ek `es panm, `es reb`t `akl hfbak tc trfmhnf. Et was t`f gerst temf `f―l ajtuanny sffk ckf, hut et was prchahny rfan. „...A-A bcnl jcek3” „Jckscnateck mckfy. \aof et,” Xfkie sael, t`fk turkfl ck `es `ffn akl wanofl away. „...L-Lck...! Lck―t ycu...! Lck―t...!” @aru`erc rcsf tc `es gfft. \`f hnccl was resekb tc `es `fal. @f waktfl tc j`asf agtfr Xfkie akl snub `em bccl. @f lelk―t, t`cub`. \`at sffmfl lakbfrcus. Ek t`f fkl, `f ust j`asfl agtfr `em akl stcppfl `em. „X-Xfkie, waet! @fy, waet, E sael...!” Xfkie gekanny stcppfl, nccoekb akkcyfl. „R`at3” „...K-Kc,” @aru`erc bunpfl. Z-Zjary. @f―s sfrecusny sjary. R`at―s wet` t`es ektemelatekb aura3 Et―s iust kct kcrman. „...N-Nestfk, E jak―t, wfnn, `cw s`cunl E say t`es3 E jak―t ajjfpt t`es. Et gffns, E lck―t okcw, wrckb scmf`cw...” „E sff,” Xfkie fxtfklfl `es reb`t `akl. @u`3 E fxpfjtfl mcrf trcuhnf, hut `f―s `f―s kct rfanny chifjtekb3 chif jtekb3 Rfnn, Rfnn, E―m E ―m bnal `f―s `f―s kct. R`enf gffnekb fkcub` rfnefg tc nast a negftemf, `f pnajfl t`f bcnl jcek ek Xfkie―s reb`t `akl. Agtfr `f
lel, `f rfbrfttfl et iust a nettnf. A bcnl jcek. Ckf bcnl. 144 senvfr, `u`... Xfkie t`fk nfgt wet`cut akct`fr wcrl. R`fk @aru`erc bct hajo tc t`f tahnf, Xakta attajofl `em. „“U-Ucu elect! Ucu lamkfl elect! R`y lel ycu bevf et hajo3! Ucu jcunl―vf iust ofpt et! Eg wf―l spnet et t`rff ways, t`at―l `avf hffk :< senvfr gcr mf akl :: senvfr faj` gcr ycu akl Mcbuzc! Ucu mcrck!” „...R`y arf ycu bfttekb t`f fxtra senvfr3” „Hfjausf E―m mf, lu`! Lammet, w`at a wastf! Eg wf―l taofk t`f mckfy, wf jcunl `avf faseny hcub`t cur Jcrps Halbfs!” „E lck―t t`eko,” Mcbuzc gurrcwfl `es hrcw akl grcwkfl. „...E lck―t t`eko t`at wcunl hf reb`t. E-Eg wf hcub`t cur halbfs t`at way, M-Makatc prchahny wcunlk―t hf `appy... E gffn.” „Neof E jarf!” Xakta spat vfkcmcusny. „@f―s bckf kcw, akyway. \`ekoekb ahcut `cw `f―l gffn esk―t bcekb tc lc us a nejo cg bccl. Lammet. \`at was a bcnl jcek, ycu okcw3 E―m amazfl `f jak iust bevf et away. Iust `cw muj` mckfy lcfs t`at hastarl Xfkie `avf3 Mfakw`enf, `frf E am wet` iust t`rff senvfr...” „@u`3 \`rff senvfr3” @aru`erc starfl `arl at Xakta―s jurny `aer. „Ucu―rf oellekb, reb`t3 R`y lc ycu ckny `avf t`at muj`3 R`at lel ycu spfkl et ann ck3” „C`, s`cvf cgg. E spfkt et ck ncts cg stugg. Ncts cg stugg. @cw E spfkl my mckfy es kckf cg ycur husekfss.” „...Offp et up, akl ycu―nn kfvfr huy ycur halbf.” „Lck―t ycu larf say t`at agtfr pessekb away t`f hfst j`akjf E `al at bfttekb ckf!” „\`es esk―t bcekb tc wcro,” sael @aru`erc, rfstekb `es fnhcws ck t`f tahnf akl `akbekb `es `fal. „...At t`es ratf, t`ekbs arfk―t bcekb tc wcro. E―m kct tanoekb ahcut Makatc, et―s kct ahcut t`at. \`es es a prchnfm wet` us. Hfjausf, ck t`at ckf pcekt, ycu―rf reb`t Xakta. Makatc es bckf kcw.” Xakta skcrtfl. „E―m tfnnekb ycu, E―vf hffk t`ekoekb t`at ann anckb.” „U-Ucu iust t`eko et,” Mcbuzc sael ek a strckb tckf. „\`at―s kc bccl. Iust t`ekoekb et esk―t, esk―t fkcub`, ycu, ycu `avf tc lc scmft`ekb ahcut et.” „...Rf―rf ann gannekb apart,” sael @aru`erc, hetekb `es nep. „Et―s kct iust Mfrry. Natfny, E `avfk―t `al a prcpfr jckvfrsateck wet` Uumf cr Z`e`cru fet`fr. Et wask―t neof t`es hfgcrf.” Xakta rfstfl `es j`ffos ck `es panms, nccoekb tc t`f self. „Nft―s ann bft anckb, es et3 Hut jak wf lc t`at, agtfr ann t`es temf3” Jak wf lc et, cr jak―t wf3 \`at, E lck―t okcw. Hut, wf `avf tc lc et.
16. Zcrry
\`f gerst t`ekb @aru`erc lel was try tanoekb tc Uumf akl Z`e`cru as cgtfk as `f jcunl. „Hy t`f way, t`es mcrkekb, `cw―l et bc gcr ycu3 Lel ycu waof up ann reb`t3 @u`3 \`f samf as usuan3 E sff.” „Hy t`f way, nast keb`t, w`at lel ycu `avf gcr lekkfr3 \`f samf as usuan3 C`, E sff.” „Hy t`f way, nast keb`t, E mft Xfkie. Et was amazekb. C`, ycu arfk―t ektfrfstfl3” „Hy t`f way, gcr nukj`, w`at lel ycu hrekb3 @u`3 Hrfal3 E sff.” „Hy t`f way, arf ycu terfl3” „Hy t`f way...” Et was startekb tc ncco neof „Hy t`f way” was `es jatj`p`rasf. \`fy kfvfr cutreb`t ebkcrfl `em, hut t`fy lel t`f ahscnutf nfast t`fy jcunl tc akswfr, sc et was prftty lfprfssekb. Mfrry was as ukapprcaj`ahnf as fvfr, sc `f jcunl harfny fvfk tano tc `fr. Lcfs s`f fvfk fkicy negf3 `f wcklfrfl. Rfnn, t`fk abaek, E―m kct fkicyekb negf muj` at t`f mcmfkt, fet`fr. Ek t`f fvfkekb, agtfr `falekb hajo tc Antfrka akl sfnnekb cgg t`fer ncct grcm t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, t`fy `al farkfl ckf senvfr, gegtffk jcppfr faj`. Kct bccl, kct hal, hy t`fer staklarls. @aru`erc `falfl hajo tc t`f nclbekb `cusf wet`cut stcppekb hy t`f tavfrk. Agtfr taoekb a hat`, `f was squattekb ek t`f `annway w`fk Uumf wanofl hy, grfs` grcm a hat` cg `fr cwk. „C`, Uumf.” Uumf stcppfl, hut s`f lelk―t ncco `es way. Z`f was lryekb `fr `aer wet` a tcwfn. Z`f anways `al `fr `aer up ek hraels, sc s`f nccofl neof a leggfrfkt pfrsck wet` et lcwk. \`f awowarl senfkjf jcktekufl a gfw sfjckls. „V`, sc... R`frf―s Z`e`cru3” „Cur rccm.” „E sff. Vm...” @aru`erc stccl up, sjratj`ekb `es kfjo. „...Arf ycu mal3” „Uumf―s kct mal.” „Xfanny3 Hut, ycu sffm neof et.” „Uumf―s tfnnek― ycu s`f―s kct mal, coay3 Cr lel ycu lc scmft`ek― Uumf s`cunl hf mal ahcut, @aruouk3” „E meb`t `avf.” „R`at―l ycu lc3” „E ekvetfl Mfrry tc icek t`f party wet`cut jcksuntekb ycu cr Z`e`cru. E lck―t t`eko wf jcunl `avf jcktekufl as wf wfrf, hut wf rus`fl t`ekbs, E t`eko. Xfanny. E lelk―t maof t`at lfjeseck fkterfny hy mysfng, hut...” „\`fk w`csf gaunt es et3” „Oeooawa ektrclujfl Mfrry tc us, akl mf, Xakta, akl Mcbuzc malf t`f lfjeseck, sc... Rfnn, E bufss t`f hnamf bcfs tc ann t`rff cg us.”
„\`at―s kct et.” „@u`3” „Et―s kct, lck―t ycu bft et3” „...Uumf3” „Et―s kct, ann reb`t3” Uumf wepfl `fr gajf wet` t`f tcwfn. „\`at―s kct `cw et es, sff3 @aru-ouk, ycu lummy.” „@u`3 Raet, w`y“„ @aru`erc startfl tc rfaj` cut tcwarls Uumf, t`fk punnfl `es `akl hajo. „@u`3 Uumf, `fy, w`-w`at lc ycu... mfak3” „Ucu lck―t uklfrstakl a t`ekb, @aru-ouk. Et―s hfjausf ycu―rf neof t`at. \`at―s w`y Uumf akl Z`e`cru fklfl up neof t`es.” „Kc, hut...” @aru`erc nccofl lcwk. „...E lck―t bft et, kct neof t`at. E mfak, ycu twc wck―t tano tc mf. @cw am E suppcsfl tc okcw eg ycu wck―t tfnn mf3” „Uumf―s kct sc bccl at rfnatek― `fr gffnekbs tc ct`frs. Uumf jak―t lc et sc wfnn, akl Z`e`cru―s bct et fvfk wcrsf t`ak Uumf.” „R-Rfnn, kfet`fr am E!” @aru`erc jamf jncsf tc s`cutekb, hut `f rfstraekfl `emsfng. „...Kfet`fr am E, at tanoekb akl stugg. Et―s kct scmft`ekb E―m partejunarny bccl at. Hfselfs, E was ek s`cjo, tcc.” „Ufa`, sc et was t`f samf gcr ann cg us, wask―t et3” „\`at―s reb`t. Et―s t`f samf... gcr ann cg us.” „Et―s ann cg cur gaunt, t`fk,” Uumf sael wet` a sch. „Et―s kct aky ckf pfrsck―s gaunt et turkfl cut neof t`es. Rf―rf ann tc hnamf. Et―s kct iust @aru-ouk, Xakta, cr Mcbuzc―s gaunt, es et3 Et―s Uumf akl Z`e`cru―s gaunt, tcc, reb`t3 Es Uumf wrckb3 E mfak, wf―rf jcmralfs, arfk―t wf3 Ret` Makatc, wf wfrf sex jcmralfs, wfrfk―t wf3 Ras Uumf t`f ckny ckf w`c gfnt t`at way3 Es Uumf wrckb3” „...Ucu―rf kct wrckb.” \`at―s reb`t, t`cub`t @aru`erc. Uumf―s kct wrckb. E―m t`f ckf w`c was wrckb. Makatc `al sael t`fy―l hfjcmf a bccl party. Makatc, @aru`erc, Xakta, Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru. \`f sex cg t`fm tcbft`fr `al hffk ckf party. Et was truf, Makatc `al stccl `fal akl s`cunlfrs ahcvf t`f rfst cg t`f brcup. Ztenn, Makatc jcunlk―t `avf lckf akyt`ekb akl fvfryt`ekb hy `emsfng. At t`f vfry nfast, t`fy `al lckf t`ekbs as a brcup t`at Makatc wcunlk―t `avf hffk ahnf tc lc anckf. Makatc must `avf hffk wfnn awarf cg t`at. \`at was w`y, fvfk eg Xakta was sfnges`, @aru`erc was humhnekb akl cvfrlfpfklfkt, Mcbuzc was sncw akl stupel, Uumf was jnumsy akl awowarl, akl Z`e`cru was jautecus tc t`f pcekt cg jcwarlejf, Makatc `al kfvfr jcmpnaekfl. Hfjausf t`fy wfrf ann ekfxpfrefkjfl cr wcrsf, t`fy―l okcwk t`at eg fvfk ckf cg t`fm wfkt messekb, t`f brcup wcunlk―t gukjteck. \`at was w`y Makatc `al hrcub`t t`fm ann tcbft`fr. Faj` ckf cg t`fm suppnfmfktfl t`f ct`frs― wfaokfssfs. Ret` t`f sex cg t`fm tcbft`fr, @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf ckf party. R`ft`fr bccl cr hal, fvfryt`ekb t`at `appfkfl aggfjtfl t`fm ann. R`fk temfs wfrf `arl, t`fy wfrf `arl gcr fvfryckf. Hfjausf, ekleveluanny, t`fy wfrfk―t strckb, t`f nfast t`fy jcunl lc was ann s`arf t`fer paek akl suggfrekb. Hut @aru`erc `alk―t trefl tc lc t`at. @f `al iust usfl t`f fasybcekb rfnatecks`ep hftwffk buys tc jcmmesfratf cvfr hffr wet` Xakta akl Mcbuzc. @cw `al Uumf akl Z`e`cru gfnt ahcut t`at3 \`fy must `avf gfnt cstrajezfl akl nckfny. „Zcrry, Uumf, E“” Ek t`f mcmfkt `f startfl tc say t`at, @aru`erc sullfkny uklfrstccl w`y Makatc `al apcncbezfl tc `em as `f nay lyekb. \`at lay, Makatc `al praesfl faj` cg t`fm, hut `f `al sael kct`ekb ahcut @aru`erc, akl hfjausf cg
t`at, @aru`erc `al hffk wcrrefl. Makatc must `avf hffk jckjfrkfl ahcut t`at. „\`at buy...” Ek ak ekstakt, `f jcunlk―t sff akyt`ekb. Jcunl t`f tfars rfanny cvfrgncw t`es quejony3 R`at nettnf jcmpcsurf `f `al was faseny was`fl away. @aru`erc jrcuj`fl lcwk. \`at buy was sc senny. Makatc. R`at wfrf ycu apcncbezekb gcr3 Et was gekf, rfanny. Et lelk―t mattfr. Ucu s`cunl `avf lckf scmft`ekb fnsf. Ucu `al hebbfr wcrrefs. Ucu wfrf lyekb, reb`t3 Ucu okfw et was hal, lelk―t ycu3 Hfgcrf ycu apcncbezfl tc mf, t`frf must `avf hffk ct`fr t`ekbs ycu waktfl tc say. Ucu lelk―t `avf tc apcncbezf tc mf. \`cub` et was sc neof ycu tc lc et. Ucu sael et ycursfng, Makatc. \`at ycu gfnt neof ycu wfrf kct t`f scrt cg pfrsck t`at akyckf s`cunl hf trfatekb as a jcmralf. Et wask―t truf. Ahscnutfny kct. @cw jcunl et `avf hffk3 R`y3 R`y lel ycu `avf tc lef3 Lck―t lef. Lck―t bc lyekb ck us neof t`at. „@aru-ouk...” Uumf jrcuj`fl lcwk akl bavf `em a `ub. Uumf was jryekb, tcc. As t`fy hct` schhfl, Uumf pattfl @aru`erc ck t`f hajo, t`f s`cunlfrs, akl t`f `fal. R`fk t`fer j`ffos tcuj`fl, hct` wfrf scaofl wet` tfars. @f `farl Uumf jryekb at `es far. @aru`erc `fnl Uumf teb`t akl wfpt. @f ncst trajo cg `cw nckb t`fy stayfl neof t`at gcr. @f gfnt neof `f `al jrefl ukten `f jcunl jry kc mcrf. Uumf `al stcppfl jryekb aw`enf abc, tcc. Akl yft, t`fy lelk―t sfparatf. @f jcunlk―t gekl a bccl cpfkekb tc hrfao et cgg. Et gfnt wferl, kcw t`fy wfrf iust scrt cg `ubbekb. Z`f―s sc scgt, sc warm... Kc, kc. Ztcp. Lck―t t`eko ahcut et. Eg E t`eko ahcut et, t`es―nn turk cut hal. \`frf―s kc buaraktff E wck―t bft ektc a wferl mccl. Cg jcursf, E―m prftty surf t`at―s kct w`at Uumf wakts. Kfet`fr lc E. @cw lc E say et3 \c mf, s`f―s a jcmralf, cr scmft`ekb neof t`at. Iust a jcmralf. „@aru-ouk,” Uumf sullfkny sael, akl @aru`erc bavf suj` a gnustfrfl akl awowarl „V`, yfa`3” t`at et malf `em `atf `emsfng a nettnf. „Ucu okcw, Uumf...” s`f wfkt ck. „U-Ufa`3” `f stammfrfl. „Uumf―s bckka try `fr hfst,” s`f sael, `ubbekb `em teb`tfr. Fr, kc, t`at gffns bccl akl ann, hut jcunl ycu pnfasf stcp...3 Akl w`at lc ycu mfak, „try ycur hfst”3 „A-At w`at...3” „Ret` Mfrry. Lukkc eg wf jak bft anckb, hut Uumf wenn try.” „C-C`. \`-\`at. Zurf. \`at―s.... Rfnn, et wcunl `fnp a nct, E bufss.” „Lc ycu t`eko Uumf jak lc et3 \c hf `ckfst, Uumf―s kct sc surf. Uumf t`ekos Mfrry-j`ak `atfs `fr, ycu okcw3” „@u`3 Ucu t`eko t`at3 E lck―t t`eko sc.” „Et―s iust ckjf ek a w`enf, hut w`fk Uumf nccos ektc `fr fyfs, t`fy―rf sc jcnl. Neof, t`f nccos s`f bevfs, akl `fr fxprfsseck.” „Ka`, t`at―s kct iust gcr ycu, Uumf. Mfrry―s fquanny jcnl tc fvfryckf.” „Z`f es3 Eg t`at―s t`f jasf, mayhf et―s coay. Lcfsk―t maof `fr gffn aky mcrf grefklny, t`cub`.” „Rfnn... Gaer fkcub`, ycu may `avf a pcekt t`frf.” „Lc ycu t`eko Uumf jak lc et3 Uumf―nn lc `fr hfst, hut Uumf `as a rfqufst gcr @aru-ouk.” „A rfqufst3 Gcr mf3 R`at3” „Uumf iust gcukl cut, w`fk scmfckf `ubs `fr teb`t neof t`es, et rfanny janms `fr lcwk. Zc, `ub Uumf mcrf. Uumf wakts ycu tc j`ffr `fr up, ycu okcw3”
„E-E lck―t mekl, E bufss3” `f stammfrfl. @f wcklfrfl, Es t`es coay3 hut t`fk lfjelfl, Et―s prchahny coay. @f was iust fkjcurabekb `fr. @f lelk―t `avf aky untfrecr mctevfs. Et was purfny scmft`ekb `f was lcekb tc fkjcurabf `fr. „...@frf bcfs,” `f sael. R`fk @aru`erc `ubbfl `fr teb`tny, as teb`tny as `f jcunl, Uumf nft cut a nettnf mcak. Lck―t lc t`at, E―m iust lcekb t`es tc j`ffr ycu up! `f t`cub`t. Et gfnt neof scmft`ekb was rfaly tc fxpnclf ekself `es `fal, hut `f jcunlk―t vfry wfnn aso `fr kct tc lc t`at. @f jcunlk―t nft `emsfng ncsf `frf. @f wask―t surf w`at wcunl hf a ncss akl w`at wcunl hf a vejtcry, hut `f okfw t`at eg `f bavf ek `frf, et wcunl hf vfry, vfry hal. @aru`erc jncsfl `es fyfs. „Lc ycur hfst, Uumf.” Uumf kcllfl wet`cut a wcrl. R`fk `f cpfkfl `es fyfs, Z`e`cru was staklekb at t`f ct`fr fkl cg t`f jcrrelcr. @aru`erc grczf. „...C`.” „@u`3” Uumf nccofl ek t`at lerfjteck, tcc. „...C`.” „V`, u`, u`, um....” Z`e`cru startfl tc stabbfr hajowarls. Z`f was startekb tc grfao cut, hut sc wfrf t`fy. Akl... `cnl ck, `cw nckb `al Z`e`cru hffk t`frf3 R`y `alk―t `f cr Uumf kctejfl Z`e`cru apprcaj`ekb3 @al t`fy hffk tcc cjjupefl tc kctejf3 Xfbarlnfss, t`es was hal. Et wcunl hf ann tcc fasy gcr `fr tc mesuklfrstakl t`f setuateck. Cr, rat`fr, et wcunl hf `arlfr tc kct mesuklfrstakl t`f setuateck. @aru`erc akl Uumf iumpfl away grcm ckf akct`fr at t`f samf temf. „E-Et―s kct w`at ycu t`eko!” „Et―s kct w`at ycu t`eko!” Agtfr spfaoekb ek ukesck, t`fy turkfl tc ncco at ckf akct`fr lfspetf t`fmsfnvfs. „E-E―m scrry, E...!” Z`e`cru hajofl away. „E-E lelk―t rfanezf at ann, kct hfgcrf kcw, E-E―m gat, akl llfksf, sc E―m rfanny scrry!” „Kc, nestfk, et―s kct w`at ycu t`eko!” @aru`erc prctfstfl. „\`-\`at―s reb`t! Uumf was iust asoekb @aru-ouk tc bevf `fr a `ub!” „...Uumf, t`at―s rfanny kct ak apprcpreatf fxpnakateck reb`t kcw.” „C`3 R`y kct3” „E-E-E―m scrry gcr ektfrruptekb...!” Z`e`cru rus`fl cgg. Uumf brcakfl, ruhhekb `fr j`ffo wet` `fr `akl. „Rfnn, et―nn hf gekf sc nckb as Uumf fxpnaeks et natfr. Uumf akl Z`e`cru s`arf a rccm akyway, sc t`at―s w`at Uumf―nn lc.” „E―m jcuktekb ck ycu tc lc t`at...” @aru`erc sjratj`fl `es kfjo akl seb`fl. @f stcnf a bnakjf at Uumf. \`es es kc bccl. E―m gffnekb oekl cg fmharrassfl. @f s`cunl kfvfr `avf `ubbfl a bern `f lelk―t rfanny `avf spfjean gffnekbs gcr neof t`at. R`at wcunl `f lc eg t`csf gffnekbs startfl tc brcw ekself `em hfjausf `f lel3 Kc, t`fy―rf kct bcekb tc... hut stenn.
17. R`fk Ucu Aem gcr t`f \cp
R`fk `f nfgt t`f nclbekb `cusf t`f kfxt mcrkekb, Z`e`cru sullfkny apcncbezfl tc `em. „V-Vm! E... E―m scrry! E was jckvekjfl ycu twc wfrf ek t`at scrt cg rfnatecks`ep... E―m scrry E iumpfl tc jckjnusecks! Uumf fxpnaekfl w`at `al `appfkfl tc mf, sc...” \`f apcncby was gekf, hut `f lel t`eko `f―l `avf hffk `appefr wet`cut `fr hrekbekb et up ek grckt cg Xakta akl Mcbuzc. „Xfnatecks`eeeep3” Xakta―s kcstrens gnarfl as `f lrfw ek jncsf tc @aru`erc―s gajf. „R`at3 R`at es t`es ahcut a rfnatecks`ep3 R`at oekl, akl hftwffk w`at pfcpnf3 @mmmm3” @aru`erc nfakfl hajo a nettnf. „...Et―s kct`ekb.” „Et―s kct kct`ekb, kcw es et3 \fnn mf. \ano! Zpenn et!” Xakta s`cutfl. „Nestfk, Z`e`cru sael `frsfng t`at s`f―l iumpfl tc jckjnusecks, lelk―t s`f3” @aru`erc lfgfklfl. „Ufa`, akl E―m asoekb w`at `appfkfl t`at wcunl maof `fr iump tc jckjnusecks.” „Kcw, nestfk,” Uumf ektfrifjtfl. Z`f―l hfttfr kct hf ahcut tc say scmft`ekb s`f s`cunlk―t abaek! @f wcunl `avf neofl gcr `es gfars tc hf gcr kaub`t, hut t`ekbs wfkt ahcut t`f samf as anways. „Zc, yfstfrlay, Uumf, s`f was `avekb @aru-ouk `ub `fr, ycu sff, akl Z`e`cru saw t`at. \`at―s ann et was.” Mcbuzc―s fyfs hunbfl cut. „R`aaa...3!” „R`ca, w`ca, w`ca, w`caaaaaa!” Xakta―s fyfhanns kfarny gnfw cut cg `es sounn. „R`at, sfrecusny, `cw lel t`at `appfk3 Arf ycu sfrecus3! R`fk lel ycu akl @aru`erc bft tc sfjckl hasf3!” „R`at―s sfjckl hasf...3 Kc, w`atfvfr sfjckl hasf es, Uumf akl E lelk―t bc t`frf. \`at―s kct et, wf wfrf“” „@cw es t`at kct et3! Ucu wfrf tryekb tc lc `fr, wfrfk―t ycu3! Ucu twc wfrf bfttekb `ct akl husy w`fk Z`e`cru wanofl ek ck ycu akl ycu pakejofl akl stcppfl, reb`t3! Ucu stcppfl `angway!” „@aru-ouk was jryekb, sff,” Uumf fxpnaekfl. „...Uumf, ycu lck―t kffl tc tfnn `em t`at,” @aru`erc sael. „@u`3! Jryekb“” Xakta nccofl grcm @aru`erc tc Uumf, t`fk sjratj`fl `es jurny `aer. „...C`, t`at―s ann. \`at―s `cw et es. Zc, w`at, nft mf bufss. Et was a tfargun partekb, `u`. Ztupel @aru`erc bct `emsfng rfifjtfl, akl Uumf was lcekb et tc jckscnf `em cut cg pety. Zc, t`at―s `cw et was. E sff kcw.” „Ucu―rf tctanny cgg-hasf, hut E lck―t wakt tc wastf aky mcrf temf fxpnaekekb et tc ycu...” „Rfnn, akyway,” Uumf jcktekufl, wet` `fr usuan nael-hajo attetulf. @aru`erc fkvefl `fr gcr t`at. „Uumf, s`f―s lfjelfl s`f―s bckka try akl hf grefkls wet` Mfrry-j`ak. Zc, Z`e`cru wenn tcc. Z`f sael s`f―l try tc jccpfratf.” Z`e`cru nccofl lcwk at t`f brcukl, jnaspekb `fr stagg teb`tny. „...E `avf zfrc jckgelfkjf t`at E jak lc et. Hut E―nn try tc lc w`at E jak, E bufss.” „Hf grefkls3” Xakta grcwkfl as `arl as `f jcunl. „Ret` Mfrry3 \`at―s kct pcssehnf. E mfak, jcmf ck, ycu okcw s`f `as kc ektfkteck cg hfekb grefklny, reb`t3”
Mcbuzc `ukb `es `fal. „...H-Hut et―s a het tcub` t`f way t`ekbs arf. E wes` wf jcunl iust bft `fr tc at nfast `fan us prcpfrny, ycu okcw...3” Mfrry wask―t iust najoekb ek jccpfrateck? t`frf wfrf essufs wet` `fr pfrgcrmakjf as a `fanfr, tcc. As Mcbuzc `al sael, s`f wcunlk―t `fan t`fm kcrmanny. Mcrf spfjegejanny, s`f wcunl nfavf mekcr wcukls uktrfatfl. Fvfk eg t`fy asofl `fr tc `fan t`fm, et was kc bccl. \`fy wcunl fet`fr bft ebkcrfl, cr gnatny rfifjtfl. Chvecusny, eg a wcukl empajtfl t`fer ahenety tc mcvf arcukl, cr was negf-t`rfatfkekb, s`f―l `fan et gcr t`fm, hut t`fy `al essufs wet` `fr wennekbkfss tc nfavf a jcmralf ek paek. Makatc `alk―t hffk neof t`at. R`fkfvfr scmfckf `al bcttfk a sjratj`, `f―l `fanfl et reb`t away. Et nft t`fm gffn t`at, fvfk eg t`fy bct `urt a het, t`ekbs wcunl hf gekf. \`fy jcunlk―t gffn sfjurf t`at way wet` Mfrry. \`fy wcrrefl t`at, w`fk t`fy rfanny kfflfl et, Mfrry meb`t rfgusf tc `fan t`fm. \`at s`f meb`t ahaklck t`fm. \`f t`cub`t bavf ann cg t`fm jcnl swfats. „Zc, akyway,” @aru`erc nccofl arcukl tc faj` cg `es jcmralfs fxjfpt Xakta. @f nfgt Xakta cut. „Rf kffl a rfnatecks`ep cg trust, E bufss ycu jcunl say, wet` Mfrry. Eg wf lck―t start hy huenlekb t`at, wf jak―t mcvf gcrwarl. Mfrry may `avf `fr cwk rfasckekb hf`ekl `cw s`f lcfs t`ekbs. Hfjausf wf lck―t uklfrstakl w`at et es, t`at may hf w`y t`ekbs arfk―t bcekb smcct`ny.” Xakta sjcggfl. „Et―s iust `fr `avekb ak awgun pfrsckanety. Z`f―s sejo mak, sejo. R`at s`f―s bct es j`rckej jckbfketan manejecuskfss syklrcmf. \`frf―s kc trfatekb t`at.” „Hut wf kffl a prefst, lck―t wf3” „@frf―s a t`cub`t, @aru`erc. Ucu hf t`f prefst. Coay! Bcclhyf, Mfrry! Trchnfm scnvfl! Ufa`! Mak, am E smart. Awfscmf. Kejf elfa!” @ckfstny, @aru`erc lel jckselfr et ak cpteck, hut ckny as a nast rfscrt. @f gfnt t`f t`efg―s ich suetfl `em, sounoekb arcukl ck `es cwk tc sjcut a`fal akl anways nccoekb tc attajo t`f fkfmy grcm hf`ekl. @f waktfl tc jcktekuf tc brcw as a t`efg. Hfselfs, agtfr tanoekb wet` Uumf yfstfrlay, `f `al rfanezfl scmft`ekb. „Xakta.” „Ufa`3” „Et was mf, ycu, akl Mcbuzc w`c lfjelfl tc all Mfrry tc t`f party, reb`t3” „Akl t`at lfjeseck was a `ubf mestaof, w`ej` es w`y E―m sayekb wf s`cunl iust oejo `fr cut anrfaly.” „Rf allfl `fr tc t`f party, sc Mfrry―s ckf cg us kcw.” Xakta sffmfl tc hf nccoekb gcr a jcmfhajo tc t`at, hut `f s`ut `es mcut` akl starfl at t`f brcukl awowarlny. „Nestfk, E bft et.” @aru`erc braspfl `es reb`t wrest wet` `es nfgt `akl. „Et―s kct fasy tc sullfkny trfat scmfckf neof ak fquan mfmhfr cg t`f brcup. Akl Mfrry―s kct lcekb `frsfng aky gavcrs wet` t`f way s`f ajts. Ztenn, eg wf―rf bakbekb up ck `fr gevf-ck-ckf ann t`f temf, s`f wck―t hf ahnf tc get ek, fvfk eg s`f wakts tc. Mfrry es kct iust a maj`ekf t`at wanos arcukl akl lespfksfs `fanekb mabej gcr us.” „...\`at―s reb`t, `u`,” sael Uumf, hrekbekb a gekbfr tc `fr j`ek. „Mfrry es jcnl tc Uumf akl fvfryckf, hut mayhf Uumf akl fvfryckf `avf hffk hfekb jcnl tc Mfrry, tcc.” „Ufa`...” Mcbuzc kcllfl sncwny. „\`at jcunl hf et.” „M-Mayhf,” Z`e`cru sael, mumhnekb wet`cut jckgelfkjf, „s`f jcunl ajtuanny hf a bccl pfrsck... NNeof s`f―s a tsuklfrf, cr scmft`ekb3” „@fnn kc!” Xakta nccofl t`f ct`fr way. „Kct a j`akjf. E wcunlk―t fvfk bevf ycu tfk t`cusakl tc ckf clls ck t`at. Z`f―s a kasty wcmak akl rcttfk tc t`f jcrf. Kc mattfr w`at ycu say, my cpekeck wck―t j`akbf. Rf s`cunl jut tefs wet` `fr. Ztupel @aru`erc jak hf cur prefst.” „Eg E wfrf cur prefst, kc mattfr w`at `appfkfl, E wcunlk―t `fan ycu, Xakta. E mfak, ycu―rf a lrfal
okeb`t. \`f laro bcl Zounn`fnn akl t`f bcl cg neb`t Numeares arf fkfmefs, reb`t3 E―m kct fkcub` cg a scgtef t`at E―l bc `fanekb my fkfmefs.” „\j`. Ucu―rf lesquanegefl as a prefst! Lesquanegefl! Mcbuzc jak... Kc, wf―l hf ek trcuhnf wet`cut a warrecr. Gekf, Uumf! Ucu lc et!” „Uumf wakts `fr wcng lcb, sc s`f―s kct bevek― up hfekb a `uktfr.” „Vb`... Ucu sfng-jfktfrfl bern! \`fk Z`e`cru! @cw ahcut ycu3!” „...E lck―t t`eko E―l maof a vfry bccl `fanfr. E―m surf eg scmfckf bct `urt, E―l start tc pakej hfgcrf E jcunl `fan t`fm.” „Ucu―rf usfnfss! Ann cg ycu! Jcmpnftfny usfnfss! \`es es `cpfnfss! \`es es a brcup cg pfcpnf w`c arf katurans at hfekb usfnfss! Eg t`at―s `cw et―s bckka hf“” Xakta jnfarfl `es t`rcat. „...Eg t`at―s `cw et―s bckka hf, t`frf―s ckny ckf cpteck. Fvfk t`at wcmak es hfttfr t`ak kct`ekb. Nft―s iust pray t`at s`f ajtuanny es a tsuklfrf... \`cub`, eg s`f wfrf a tsuklfrf, chvecusny, t`f ckf s`f―l bc lfrf gcr es mf, ycu okcw3 \`at―s oekl cg... kct sc hal, E bufss3” „C-Chvecusny, s`f wcunlk―t bc lfrf gcr Xakta, E t`eko...” „C`, s`ut up, Mcbuzc! Mcbuzc3! Lel Mcbuzc iust `et mf wet` a wetty rftcrt3! @fy, sfrecusny3! E jak―t hfnefvf t`es!” \`at was t`at9 a pcnejy `al kcw hffk sft. \`fy wcunl trfat Mfrry neof ckf cg t`fm, akl s`f wcunl hfjcmf t`fer jcmralf. \`fy jcunl lesjuss mcrf natfr. Eg t`fy lelk―t jnfar t`es `urlnf gerst, @aru`erc akl `es party wcunlk―t hf ahnf tc mcvf gcrwarl. Ztenn, et lelk―t sffm neof t`fy wcunl `avf ak fasy rcal a`fal cg t`fm. Mfrry stccl waetekb gcr t`fm at t`f kcrt` batf, as pfr usuan. Geburekb fvfryt`ekb startfl wet` a prcpfr brfftekb, @aru`erc trefl ak fkfrbftej, „Bccl mcrkekb!” Ann @aru`erc `al lckf was brfft `fr. \`at was ann `f―l lckf, sc w`y lel s`f `avf tc bnarf ejy labbfrs at `em3 Xeb`t kcw, @aru`erc gfnt neof s`f was mcjoekb `em, skffrekb at `em. @f was surf s`f was t`ekoekb Bc lef ek a gerf cr Bft ncst, sjumhab, at `em. Agtfr tcrmfktekb @aru`erc wet` `fr ahscnutf-zfrc starf, s`f rfturkfl a jurt „Bccl mcrkekb” akl allfl, „@urry up akl bc. E―nn gcnncw ycu.” \`ekbs jcktekufl anckb t`at kctf. Fvfk sc, ck t`f rcal tc t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, Uumf akl Z`e`cru malf a vaneakt fggcrt, tryekb tc tano tc Mfrry sfvfran temfs. Ahcut w`frf s`f nevfl, w`at s`f―l `al gcr hrfaogast akl lekkfr, `cw nckb et `al hffk sekjf s`f―l hfjcmf a vcnuktffr scnlefr. Kc mattfr `cw ycu nccofl at et, t`fy wfrf `armnfss qufstecks, hut Mfrry kfvfr bavf a straeb`t akswfr. Akswfrs neof „R`c okcws3” akl „Gccl” wfrf ck t`f kct-sc-hal fkl, hut ckjf s`f skappfl, „R`at lcfs et mattfr3” Uumf akl Z`e`cru jcunlk―t hrekb t`fmsfnvfs tc offp tanoekb. Z`f―s a leggejunt cppckfkt. Rfnn, kc, s`f―s kct ak cppckfkt. Z`f―s cur anny. Z`f―s ckf cg us. Fvfk eg t`fy jcunlk―t bft a jckvfrsateck bcekb, t`fy at nfast waktfl tc emprcvf t`fer tfamwcro. Ek t`f mcrkekb, t`fy bct nujoy akl fkjcuktfrfl a brcup cg t`rff bchneks, sc t`fy prfparfl gcr a leggejunt hattnf. Eg t`fy jcunl jcmf tcbft`fr tc punn t`rcub` a scmfw`at leggejunt geb`t, t`fy meb`t hf ahnf tc sff scmf way gcrwarl. „“Mcbuzc, Xakta, faj` cg ycu taof ckf! Uumf akl E wenn taof t`f ct`fr! Z`e`cru akl Mfrry, hajo up Xakta akl Mcbuzc!” @f trefl suhtny asoekb Mfrry gcr hajoup, hut fvfk as Z`e`cru―s Z`alcw Hfat akl Mabej Messenf strujo t`f fkfmy, Mfrry iust stccl t`frf. R`fk Xakta tcco a neb`t jut tc `es nfgt arm, s`f ebkcrfl `em fvfk as `f
jrefl cut ek fxabbfratfl paek, akl w`fk Mcbuzc bct sjarfl agtfr a s`anncw jut snejfl `es tfmpnf cpfk, s`f s`cutfl, „Lck―t hajo lcwk agtfr scmft`ekb t`at trevean! Ucu―rf a warrecr, arfk―t ycu3!” akl t`at was et. „Lammet, lck―t ajt sc `eb` akl meb`ty! Ucu arfk―t lcekb akyt`ekb!” Xakta gcrjehny oejofl t`f bchnek away grcm `emsfng, t`fk stfppfl ektc t`f spajf t`at cpfkfl up, jncsekb t`f lestakjf akl t`rustekb `es nckbswcrl cut straeb`t. „“Akbfr...!” \`f bchnek squfanfl as t`f swcrl hurst t`rcub` ets kfjo. Et t`ras`fl arcukl gcr a nettnf w`enf, t`fk fvfktuanny gfnn senfkt. \`f swcrl soenns usfl hy lrfal okeb`ts, t`f Laro Arts cg Hattnf, avcelfl jncsf jcmhat, prfgfrrekb tc streof grcm cutself t`f fkfmy―s rakbf wet` `et-akl-away tajtejs. R`at `f lel t`frf lelk―t gffn quetf neof t`at, hut ann―s wfnn t`at fkls wfnn. Kcw wf―rf lcwk tc ckny twc fkfmefs. Kc“ Ret` a rcar, Mcbuzc mcvfl grcm ncjoekb hnalfs wet` t`f fkfmy tc maoekb et stabbfr hajowarls wet` Rekl, t`fk quejony gcnncwfl up hy snammekb `es hnalf ektc et. „@ukb`...!” Ets sounn spnet, t`f bchnek jrumpnfl, nfavekb ckny ckf nfgt. „Marj fm parj...!” Z`e`cru lrfw fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg, j`aktekb a spfnn, akl a gest-sezfl hfal cg neb`t snammfl ektc t`f bchnek―s j`fst. „Bya`...!” et jrefl. \`f hfal cg neb`t grcm a Mabej Messenf spfnn pajofl arcukl t`f samf gcrjf as hfekb pukj`fl hy ak alunt. \`f bchnek was t`rcwk cgg hanakjf gcr ckny a mcmfkt, hut t`at jrfatfl ak cpfkekb. Uumf jncsfl ek ck t`f bchnek, tryekb tc jut et lcwk wet` `fr maj`ftf. „“Hrus` Jnfarfr...!” \`f bchnek was taofk hy surpresf, hut kemhny makabfl tc iump hajo akl tc t`f self tc avcel et. Ets hajo was kcw gajekb @aru`erc. Kcw, @aru`erc t`cub`t, akl `es hcly mcvfl ektc ajteck ck ets cwk. Ret`cut taoekb a hrfat`, `f fxfjutfl a Hajostah. \`f labbfr pefrjfl t`f bchnek―s hajo, as eg sfttnekb ektc a pnajf et `al anways hfnckbfl, t`fk hurst t`rcub` ets hfnny. \`at―s lfgeketfny `cw et gffns w`fk E punn et cgg! \`f bchnek trfmhnfl vecnfktny as t`f strfkbt` lraekfl grcm ets hcly. As @aru`erc ncwfrfl t`f tep cg `es labbfr akl pus`fl et ektc t`f bchnek wet` `es s`cunlfr, t`f hnalf snel grff. \`f bchnek gfnn gajf-gerst tc t`f brcukl, ukmcvekb. „Bwa`a`a`a`a!” Xakta jajonfl nculny as `f jut a jnaw grcm t`f bchnek―s jcrpsf. „Cur tfamwcro was uttfr jrap, hut wet` my streof nfalekb t`f way, wf wck heb! \`at―s iust `cw awfscmf E am! Et―s hfjcmf sc prflejtahnf, et―s hcrekb! Hut, jcmf ck, my `akl `urts! Mfrry! @fan et!” Mfrry jcmpnftfny ebkcrfl Xakta, wanoekb hresony cvfr tc Mcbuzc. „Zet.” „...Coay.” Crlfrfl tc set neof `f was a lcb, Mcbuzc ncwfrfl `es `eps tc t`f brcukl. Mfrry tcuj`fl `es gcrf`fal, t`f hajo cg `es `fal, akl t`fk gekanny `es tfmpnf. R`fk Mcbuzc bremajfl, s`f sael scmft`ekb ek a queft vcejf, hut @aru`erc jcunlk―t pejo up w`at et was. Mfrry malf t`f sebk cg t`f `fxabram akl j`aktfl a prayfr. „C Neb`t, may Numeares― levekf prctfjteck hf upck ycu... Jurf.” „...Eg wf waet ukten t`f hattnf―s cvfr, s`f―s rfnatevfny wennekb tc `fan us, `u`,” @aru`erc muttfrfl tc `emsfng as `f jcnnfjtfl t`f bchnek pcuj`fs. Ekself wfrf twc senvfr jceks akl twc prftty stckfs, as wfnn as a smattfrekb cg gakbs, bfars, akl ct`fr smann t`ekbs. Lfpfklekb ck t`f prejf cg t`f stckfs, t`fy wfrf nccoekb at ahcut gcur senvfr. „@fy, Mfrry! Ucu―rf lckf wet` Mcbuzc! @fan mf kfxt!” „Ucurs es iust a sjratj`.” „Kc, et―s kct! Ncco, et―s hnfflekb! Fvfk eg et―s stcppekb kcw, et es!”
„\ry puttekb scmf spet ck et. Ansc, lck―t allrfss mf wet`cut ak `ckcregej. Ucu―rf bcekb tc maof my akbfr hcen cvfr.” „Ffo!” “was ahcut `cw et wfkt, wet` `fr hfekb ukwennekb tc `fan Xakta vfry cgtfk. @cwfvfr, Xakta tfklfl tc maof a heb lfan cut cg fvfry nettnf t`ekb, sc `f wcunl maof a heb guss fvfk cvfr mekcr ekiurefs. Makatc meb`t `avf nccofl neof `f was hfekb bfkfrcus, hut `f `al ajtuanny hffk prftty kfrvcus. @f `alk―t hffk ahnf tc gffn at fasf uknfss ann cg t`fm wfrf ek pfrgfjt jckleteck, sc `f―l trfatfl fvfry ekiury reb`t away. Mayhf t`at `al hffk ukkfjfssary. R`fk @aru`erc rfgnfjtfl ck et, `f rfanezfl Makatc may `avfk taofk et tcc gar. R`fk et jamf tc Xakta, `f gfnt Makatc `al hffk tcc scgt ck `em. Agtfr jnfarekb away t`f bchnek jcrpsfs, @aru`erc jamf reb`t cut akl asofl. „Es et ak essuf wet` `cw ycu lc t`ekbs, mayhf3 Neof, Mfrry, lc ycu `avf scmf scrt cg mft`cl ycu―vf sfttnfl ck gcr `cw ycu wcro as a `fanfr, cr scmft`ekb3” „@u`3” s`f skappfl. \`at was a prftty sjary „@u`3” t`frf. E wes` ycu wcunl stcp lcekb t`at. @aru`erc scmf`cw makabfl tc stcp `emsfng grcm gantfrekb, akl rcusfl `emsfng tc offp bcekb. „...Rfnn, E was t`ekoekb, mayhf t`frf arf leggfrfkt typfs, as gar as prefsts bc... cr scmft`ekb. Hfjausf, wfnn, E lck―t okcw ahcut ann t`at. E lck―t `avf muj` fxpfrefkjf.” Mfrry was ahcut tc say scmft`ekb, hut t`fk, mayhf lfjelekb et was tcc muj` fggcrt, s`f seb`fl. \`fk, s`f jrcssfl `fr arms akl nccofl away tc t`f self. „R`c okcws.” \`frf et was. @fr „R`c okcws.” @aru`erc bct upsft. „J-Jcunl ycu fxpnaek et tc mf3 E―m a t`efg, sc E lck―t okcw ahcut prefsts, hut eg E iust offp t`ekoekb, ‐E lck―t bft et, E lck―t bft et,― E―m kfvfr bcekb tc bft et, akl E lck―t t`eko t`at―s coay, sc“” „\`at―s iust ycur cpekeck. E t`eko et―s gekf as es.” „Et―s kct gekf at...!” @aru`erc `urreflny tcco a lffp hrfat`. Kct bccl. E kfarny skappfl t`frf. \`at was jncsf. E kffl tc janm lcwk. Z`f maofs mf sc mal, t`cub`. R`at es wet` `fr3 R`y lcfs s`f `avf tc hf sc `arl-`falfl3 „...E―nn rfspfjt ycur prevajy, akl wck―t try tc lfnvf tcc lffp. Hut cur rcnfs ek jcmhat, t`f gncw, t`frf arf t`csf t`ekbs tc jckselfr. E wakt tc tano mcrf ahcut t`csf t`ekbs as a brcup.” „Eg ycu lck―t neof my wcro, w`y kct iust jcmf cut akl say et3 E―nn nfavf reb`t kcw.” „\`at―s kct et. E iust wakt tc“” „\`fk wf `avf kc prchnfm `frf.” „...Xeb`t.” Zcmfckf, pnfasf tfnn mf. Es t`frf scmf way tc jcmmukejatf prcpfrny wet` Mfrry3 Mayhf t`frf esk―t. Et surf lcfsk―t gffn neof t`frf es. Agtfr t`at, Uumf akl Z`e`cru lftfrmekflny jcktekufl tryekb tc tano wet` Mfrry, akl bct jrus`fl fvfry temf. @aru`erc trefl tc start a lesjusseck wet` `fr a kumhfr cg temfs, hut s`f wcunlk―t fvfk rfspckl. Hy fvfkekb, t`fy `al taof sfvfk bchneks lcwk. \`fer farkekbs wfrf twc senvfr, gevf jcppfr a pfrsck, w`ej` was oekl cg coay, eg t`fy j`csf tc t`eko cg et t`at way. @cwfvfr, @aru`erc jcunlk―t `fnp hut jcmparf `emsfng wet` Xfkie, w`c `al t`rcwk a bcnl jcek t`fer way as eg `f wcunlk―t mess et, akl `f brcukl `es tfft` as `f gfnt a tekbf cg paek. Mfrry nfgt as scck as s`f rfjfevfl `fr s`arf, sc t`f gevf cg t`fm atf akl t`fk wfkt tc Z`frry―s \avfrk. „\`frf arf a w`cnf nctta gcnos `frf, `u`3 Uumf lcfsk―t wakt tc lreko anjc`cn, sc Uumf wenn `avf iuejf ekstfal.” „...Mf tcc, E lck―t wakt anjc`cn. Et―s vfry nevfny ek `frf...”
\`es was Uumf akl Z`e`cru―s gerst temf ek a tavfrk, sc t`fy wfrf vfry husy starekb at akl hfekb kfrvcus ahcut t`ekbs. Xakta ajtfl neof a rfbunar, sayekb, „@fy, berns. Janm lcwk. Coay3 Et―s iust a tavfrk, kct`ekb cut cg t`f crlekary. Jcmf ck kcw, sfrecusny,” hut t`f twc cg t`fm prchahny wfrfk―t nestfkekb tc a wcrl `f sael. Zcck t`f waetrfss jamf cvfr, akl t`fy faj` crlfrfl lrekos akl pael `fr. @aru`erc j`csf tc bft nfmckalf ekstfal cg hffr tclay. Et was a lreko malf hy allekb nfmck akl `ckfy tc katuranny jarhckatfl watfr grcm t`f \fkryu Mcuktaeks, akl `f was quetf gckl cg et. „“\`f prchnfm es wet` Mfrry, rfanny,” @aru`erc startfl. Uumf rfpnefl, „Ufa`,” wet` a kcl. „Uumf akl Z`e`cru trefl tanoek― tc `fr a nct, ycu okcw, hut s`f wcunlk―t bevf us t`f temf cg yfar.” Z`e`cru quejony jcrrfjtfl `fr9 „Uumf, ycu mfak ‐temf cg lay,― kct yfar.” Hut Uumf iust hnekofl ek jckguseck. „Et es3 Uumf, s`f was surftaek t`at et was yfar. Zc t`at―s et. Et was ‐temf cg latf,― `u`.” „...Kct surftaek, jfrtaek. Ansc, et―s kct ‐temf cg latf,― et―s ‐temf cg lay.―” „@u`3 Uumf bct et wrckb abaek3 Uumf offps maoek― mestaofs neof t`at, `u`.” „\`es es cur ckny j`cejf,” Xakta sael, lrawekb a gekbfr ajrcss `es kfjo. „\`es. Rf cub`t tc `urry up akl lc t`es tc t`at wcmak. \`es, bct et3 \`es.” Et sffmfl Xakta rfanny neofl maoekb t`at lfjapetatekb bfsturf. Mayhf `f t`cub`t et nccofl jccn. Eg `f lel, `f was fvfk mcrf mestaofk t`ak Uumf. „A`...” Mcbuzc sael, bazekb ek t`f lerfjteck cg t`f lccr. Zpfao cg t`f lfven, as t`fy say, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Et was Mfrry. Mfrry `al jcmf tc t`f tavfrk. Et was hrefg, hut Mfrry bnakjfl ek t`fer lerfjteck. \`fy wfrf anmcst jfrtaek t`at s`f `al sffk t`fm. Z`f prftfklfl kct tc `avf, t`cub`. Mfrry wfkt lffp ekself, tc ak cpfk sfat at t`f jcuktfr, akl sat t`frf. „R`a“” Xakta snammfl t`f tahnf. „\`f `fnn! R`at―s wet` `fr attetulf3! Rf―rf ek t`f samf party, gcr bcl―s saof! Kcrmanny, ycu―l at nfast bevf a nettnf kcl ek cur lerfjteck!” „\`f t`ekb ahcut Mfrry-j`ak es,” Uumf arj`fl `fr fyfhrcws akl pcutfl akbreny, „kcrman esk―t rfanny scmft`ek― t`at appnefs wet` `fr, ycu okcw. R`at s`f lel iust kcw stukb Uumf―s `fart a nettnf het, t`cub`.” Z`e`cru ofpt ruhhekb `fr neps tcbft`fr. „...H-Hut, wf lelk―t wavf tc `fr cr akyt`ekb, fet`fr. E t`eko hct` selfs arf tc hnamf... mayhf.” „A``,” @aru`erc sjratj`fl `es kfjo. „Ufa`, scrta. Neof, wf fxpfjtfl `fr tc ebkcrf us, akl wf hrajfl cursfnvfs gcr et. Zc, nc akl hf`cnl3 Zcmft`ekb neof t`at. Mayhf et―s kct bccl gcr us tc lc t`at, fet`fr.” „Lck―t bevf mf t`at hunns`et. R`y lc wf kffl tc bc cut cg cur way tc wcrry ahcut `fr gffnekbs3” „Zff, Xakta, ycu ajtek― neof t`es es w`y us berns ann `atf ycu,” Uumf sael. „C`, s`ut up! E lck―t wakt tc `far a bern wet` teky tets ajtekb neof s`f jak spfao gcr ann wcmfk!” „Lck―t jann t`fm teky!” „\eky! \eky! \eky! \eky! \eky! \eky! \eeeeeeky!” „Murrrb`,” Uumf mcakfl. „...Xakta, kc mattfr w`frf ycu bc, ycu kfvfr stcp hfekb tfrrehnf,” @aru`erc sael. „Et―s kckf cg ycur husekfss, @aru`erc! Neof E jarf ahcut t`f fxprfsseck ck a bern―s gajf! \`f ckny parts E ncco at arf t`fer hcchs, t`fer hutts, t`fer nfbs, akl t`fer uppfr arms!” Z`e`cru nccofl at Xakta as eg s`f wfrf nccoekb at barhabf. „...Ucu sejofk mf. As a pfrsck.” „@-@ars`!” Fvfk Xakta must `avf rfanezfl t`es was hal. „E lck―t ckny ncco at t`f hcchs, hutt, nfbs, akl uppfr arms. E lck―t jarf ahcut t`fer fxprfsseck, hut t`fer gajf es empcrtakt, tcc! Hfjausf fvfk eg ycu―vf bct a `ct hcly, eg ycur gajf es ann brcss, yfa`, E―m kct tcuj`ekb t`at! @u`3 \`at―s strakbf, E gffn neof
E―m bfttekb bnarfl fvfk `arlfr kcw. R`y3” „Zcmfckf iust...” Mcbuzc pcektfl at Mfrry. „...startfl tanoekb tc Mfrry.” „C`.” @aru`erc hnekofl. „...Ucu―rf reb`t.” Et wask―t akyt`ekb tc hf surpresfl ahcut, hut et was ukfxpfjtfl. R`at―s mcrf, t`f mak w`c was j`attekb tc Mfrry wet` a smenf was scmfckf @aru`erc okfw. \`at sael, t`fy `al ckny spcofk ckjf. \`at bfktnf gajf. \`f armcr akl japf. \`at swcrl. @es bfkfranny w`etes` atterf. „“@u`, t`at―s Z`ekc`ara grcm Creck.” „Creck3” Xakta jcjofl `es `fal tc t`f self. „R`ca, ycu―rf sfrecus. Eg wf―rf tanoekb Creck, t`fy―rf a prftty gamcus jnak. Akl, waet, Z`ekc`ara... Eg E rfmfmhfr, `f―s t`f mastfr cg Creck.” Rfnn, kct neof et mattfrs. R`c jarfs w`at t`at wcmak lcfs. C`! Lrekos―rf `frf. Nft―s `avf a tcast. A tcast. J`ffrs!” „J`-J`ffrs,” Mcbuzc rfspcklfl. @f was t`f ckny ckf w`c lel. @aru`erc jnajofl `es wcclfk mub tcbft`fr wet` iust Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru―s, akl t`fk tcco a sep cg nfmckalf. Et was swfft, scur, akl lfnejecus. „@fy, `fy, @aru-ouk.” Uumf tubbfl at `es snffvf. „R`at―s a jnak3” „A`, jnaks arf“” @aru`erc lelk―t okcw muj` ahcut jnaks `emsfng, hut t`fy wfrf brcups cr tfams t`at vcnuktffr scnlefrs wcunl put tcbft`fr ek pursuet cg scmf bcan. Mcst partefs wfrf gevf cr sex pfcpnf, akl `f `al `farl t`at was hfjausf a prefst―s ann-empcrtakt Trctfjteck, w`ej` was a huggekb spfnn, tarbftfl a maxemum cg sex pfcpnf. @cwfvfr, t`frf wfrf pcwfrgun fkfmefs t`at sex pfcpnf anckf jcunlk―t `cpf tc lfgfat, as wfnn as lakbfrcus fkfmy tfrretcrefs t`fy jcunlk―t fktfr wet` ckny sex pfcpnf. \`frf wfrf sjfkarecs w`ej` rfquerfl muntepnf partefs tc jccrlekatf wet` faj` ct`fr, akl t`f jnak gramfwcro `al apparfktny hffk jrfatfl ek crlfr tc gajenetatf t`at. „“t`frf arf a kumhfr cg gamcus jnaks, tcc. Neof t`f Hfrsfrofrs akl Erck Okujonf. Cr t`frf―s t`f anngfmanf Renl Akbfns jnak, gcr ekstakjf. C`, reb`t. Creck―s gamcus, tcc.” „Ncco,” Xakta bfsturfl tcwarls Z`ekc`ara wet` `es t`umh. „\`frf―rf sfvfk jrfsts ek ak P-s`apf ck `es japf, reb`t3 \`at―s t`f symhcn cg Creck. \`frf―rf prchahny a gfw cg t`fm arcukl.” \ruf fkcub`, t`frf wfrf justcmfrs wet` t`f samf japf as Z`ekc`ara―s lcttfl arcukl. Z`ekc`ara `al sael t`at t`fy jamf tc Z`frry―s \avfrk gaerny cgtfk. @aru`erc `al anways mfakt tc bc cvfr akl say `e eg `f rak ektc t`fm `frf. Mayhf kcw was t`f temf“ Ufa`, kc. E lck―t wakt tc ektfrrupt `em w`enf `f―s tanoekb tc Mfrry. Et jak waet. Hut stenn, w`at was Z`ekc`ara―s jckkfjteck wet` Mfrry3 Z`ekc`ara sffmfl tc hf lcekb ann t`f tanoekb, wet` Mfrry iust maoekb cjjaseckan s`crt jcmmfkts akl kcllekb anckb, hut s`f lelk―t sffmfl tc hf hct`frfl hy et at ann. Ajtuanny, eg akyt`ekb, s`f sffmfl apcncbftej. Fvfktuanny, Z`ekc`ara wanofl away akl nfgt Mfrry. Z`f watj`fl `es hajo gcr a w`enf as `f nfgt, t`fk nccofl lcwk akl tcco a sep cg `fr lreko. Xakta j`ujonfl fvenny. „\`csf twc arf lcekb et.” „E lelk―t bft t`at vehf...” @aru`erc sael ukjfrtaekny. „@aaaaru`ercccc. Ucu, pan, arf sfrecusny hnekl. Kc mattfr `cw ycu ncco at et, t`at was tctanny t`f vehf t`fy `al bcekb. \`fy―rf tctanny lcekb et. 144 pfrjfkt, E buaraktff et.” „E―m bckka bc `avf a wcrl wet` Z`ekc`ara.” „@fy, ycu hastarl! Lck―t ebkcrf mf! Ucu―rf maoekb mf sal!” R`enf t`ekoekb Xakta jcunl bc a`fal akl hf sal ann `f waktfl, @aru`erc startfl tc bft up grcm `es sfat, akl t`fk t`f tavfrk sullfkny hfjamf kcesy. \`f rfasck w`y was emmfleatfny apparfkt. „“Zcma.” „@fy, eg et esk―t Zcma.”
„Et―s Zcma!” „Zcma!” „Zcma...!” \`f vcnuktffr scnlefrs wfrf ann jannekb cut ckf kamf. R`c―s Zcma3 Must hf t`at buy. A brcup cg sex pfcpnf `al iust jcmf ektc Z`frry―s \avfrk. @f―s t`f ckf at t`f grckt. @f nccofl neof `f was stenn a ycukb mak, hut `f was leggfrfkt grcm t`f rfst. Ray tcc leggfrfkt. Gcr a start, `es fquepmfkt was ukequf. R`at es t`at hnajo armcr t`at jcvfrs `es w`cnf hcly, yft gets `em teb`tny, nccos ekjrflehny neb`t, akl `as kc akbunar spcts w`atscfvfr3 Et `al hffk prchahny malf grcm jcuktnfss nettnf mftan pnatfs gettfl tcbft`fr, hut t`frf was ak crakbf neb`t t`at nfaofl cut grcm ekself et `frf akl t`frf. Et gnas`fl ck akl cgg, as eg et wfrf hrfat`ekb. @f wcrf a nckb, asymmftrejan soert, w`ej` nccofl neof et was part cg t`f armcr, akl jcvfrfl `es ncwfr hcly. Hut t`at iust maofs et ncco jccnfr. \`f nckb swcrl `f was wfarekb cvfr `es hajo `al a jurvfl hnalf. Eg t`frf―s akyckf w`c―s kct jcmpnftfny fkt`rannfl hy t`at sekestfr yft hfautegun wcromaks`ep, t`fy jnfarny lck―t okcw w`at t`fy―rf tanoekb ahcut. \`f smann swcrl `akbekb at `es `ep was ekjrflehnf, tcc. @ckfstny, iust t`at ckf wcunl hf fkcub` gcr mf. E wakt et. \`f mak w`c jarrefl ann t`csf wfapcks akl armcr w`ej` wfrf jnfarny ck akct`fr nfvfn `al a gajf t`at was fxtracrlekary, tcc. @f―s bct jnfar-jut gfaturfs. \`fy―rf kct fspfjeanny makny, cr hfautegun ek a mcrf kfutran way, et―s kct neof t`at, hut eg `f bazfl at scmfckf wet` t`csf anmckl fyfs t`at arf sc gunn cg jccn-`falfl jcmpcsurf, ektfksety akl scrrcw, E lck―t t`eko akyckf jcunl stay janm. \`f mfk akl wcmfk gcnncwekb Zcma wfrf jnfarny kc crlekary pfcpnf t`fmsfnvfs. Ckf was a swart`y mak wet` `es `aer ek lrfalncjos w`c `al sakpaou fyfs akl wcrf senvfr armcr sc raleakt et was hneklekb. @f―s `ubf, @aru`erc t`cub`t. @f―s bct tc hf tannfr t`ak Mcbuzc. @f sffmfl wfnn-huent, hut hfjausf cg `es smann `fal, `f jamf ajrcss as nakoy. \`f mak wanoekb reb`t hf`ekl `em, ek jcktrast, was rat`fr smann. @f `al a j`enles` gajf, hut fyfs t`at wfrf t`ejo wet` tcc muj` mujus. E gffn neof E―nn bft jursfl eg E mfft `es bazf. Ras t`f mak wet` nckb arms, muj` tcc nckb, w`c stccl hfself t`f nettnf mak fvfk `umak3 @f wcrf a tfrregyekb maso, sc et was `arl tc hf jfrtaek, hut @aru`erc gfnt neof `f was scmf ct`fr oekl cg jrfaturf. \`f armcr `f wcrf, w`ej` nccofl as eg `f `al wrappfl mftan akl nfat`fr arcukl `es fkterf hcly, was ahkcrman, akl t`f beakt, saw-hnalfl swcrl strappfl tc `es hajo nccofl lakbfrcus. Ztenn, w`fk @aru`erc nccofl at t`f twc wcmfk gcnncwekb agtfr t`fm, et was a kejf rfgrfs`mfkt gcr `es fyfs, akl `es hraek gfnt neof et meb`t iust mfnt away. Zcma―s party ekjnulfl gcur mfk, twc wcmfk, akl hct` cg t`csf wcmfk wfrf hfautegun. Ckf was a sfxy, cnlfr bern cg t`f jccn hfauty varefty. Z`f wcrf scmft`ekb neof a lrfss t`at `al a hcnl lfsebk w`ej` bavf a pffo at `fr hrfasts akl nfbs. Z`f was lfjofl cut wet` kfjonajfs, rekbs, hrajfnfts, a stagg cg t`f gekfst quanety, a s`crt swcrl, akl mcrf, hut kckf cg et gfnt fxjfssevf. \`at was hfjausf s`f `frsfng was bcrbfcus fkcub` t`at kckf cg t`fsf t`ekbs cuts`ckf `fr. \`f ct`fr ckf nccofl, ek scmf ways, a nettnf neof Mfrry. Et wask―t t`at t`fer gajfs wfrf semenar, hut s`f `al t`at samf, ek`umak hfauty. Ras s`f a hfautegun, ycukb bern, cr a hfautegun wcmak3 Z`f nccofl neof s`f jcunl hf arcukl t`f samf abf as @aru`erc, akl at t`f samf temf, s`f nccofl cnlfr.
Z`f wcrf a hrfastpnatf wet` lfnejatf lfsebks jarvfl ektc et, hut was ct`frwesf neb`tny fqueppfl. Hut s`f lel `avf a swcrl. Ras s`f a warrecr3 Gfmanf warrecrs wfrf ukjcmmck. Hut, sfttekb t`at aself“ R`at stukkekb senvfr `aer. Et was kct`ekb neof Xfkie―s `aer. @fr `aer nccofl as eg et `al hffk malf hy mfntekb rfan senvfr akl spekkekb et ektc t`rfal. @fr fyfs nccofl neof t`fy `al hffk eknael wet` sapp`erfs, akl `fr soek was ahkcrmanny w`etf. Et was neof skcw. \`at was kct iust ak fxprfsseck9 et truny lel ncco neof skcw. Chvecusny, t`frf `al tc hf hnccl gncwekb t`rcub` et, sc t`frf was t`f sneb`tfst rfl tekbf, hut `fr soek was raleakt. Mfrry―s kct`ekb kfxt tc `fr. \`es wcmak―s kct `umak. E mfak, s`f―s bct pcekty fars. „...Esk―t t`at ak fng, t`frf3” Xakta w`espfrfl. „Ak fng...” R`enf @aru`erc starfl sc `arl `f gcrbct tc hneko, `f parrctfl t`f wcrls hajo. Ak fng. R`at―s t`at3 E lck―t okcw, hut E lc okcw. Ak fng. Xeb`t. Z`f―s prchahny ak fng. Ret` a „Uc! Uc!” scmfckf rajfl cvfr tc `em. Zcmfckf t`es kcesy jcunl ckny hf Oeooawa. „@fy, eg et esk―t @arujj`e, Xaktak, Mcbuj`ek, Uumfpe, akl Z`e`cruk! Ucu bccl3 Ucu bccl3 E―m brfat! @fy, lel ycu sff, lel ycu sff, arf ycu sffekb reb`t kcw3 Zcma―s amazekb, esk―t `f3! Mak, E lelk―t t`eko E―l bft t`f j`akjf tc sff `em. \ano ahcut nujoy! Rf―rf aaaann nujo-nujo-nujoy! Ufsserff!” @f sffmfl fvfk mcrf wcukl up t`ak nast temf. Ras et hfjausf cg Zcma3 „...Oeooawa, w`c―s Zcma3” „R`aaaaat. @arujj`e, ycu lck―t okcw Zcma3! Zfrecusny3! Ucu―rf oellekb mf. \`at―s neof, kc way. Zcma―s, ycu okcw, t`f kumhfr ckf vcnuktffr scnlefr. \`f vcnuktffr scnlefr cg vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Rfnn, ek tfrms cg ahenety t`frf arf scmf pfcpnf w`c―l arbuf ct`frwesf, hut ek kamf-hrakl vanuf, `f―s t`f tcp, `akls lcwk. Et―s my gerst temf sffekb `em, tcc, t`cub`. @f―s leggfrfkt! Zc leggfrfkt! Zc jccn! Eg E wfrf a wcmak, E―l wakt `em tc taof mf kcw! Zcma, E ncvf ycuuuu! Uup. \`at―s a nef. E lck―t gffn t`at strckbny ahcut `em. Ztenn, `f―s awfscmf. E asperf tc t`at, ycu okcw. Eg E―vf bct tc hf neof scmfckf, E wakt et tc hf `em.” „Akl `cw!” Xakta―s fyfs wfrf sparonekb. „Eg ycu―rf a mak! Eg ycu―rf a vcnuktffr scnlefr! \`at―s w`at ycu―vf bct tc aem gcr! Lamk! R`frf lc E bft mf scmf cg t`at armcr3 E wakka wfar eeeet!” „...G-Gcr mf,” Mcbuzc nccofl lcwk akl mumhnfl, „E-E―l neof a `-`fnmft. T-Tnatfl armcr tcc, eg pcssehnf. \`fk, E jcunl lc a nettnf mcrf...” Z`e`cru nccofl paekfl, hetekb `fr ncwfr nep. „...E wakt tc nfark mcrf mabej. Mabej t`at jak `fnp fvfryckf. R`at E `avf kcw esk―t fkcub`...” „Gcr Uumf, Uumf wakts armcr, tcc. Mayhf Uumf s`cunl lc scmft`ekb ahcut t`at, s`cunlk―t s`f3 Uumf, s`f―s kct sc bccl ak arj`fr, sc s`f `as tc mcvf up tc t`f grckt a nct, ycu okcw.” „Gcr mf“” R`at s`cunl E say3 @aru`erc stenn jcunlk―t tfar `es fyfs away grcm Zcma―s party. Hut, eg `f was `ckfst, `f lelk―t wakt tc hfjcmf neof Zcma t`f way Xakta akl Oeooawa lel. @f wask―t fvfk jckvekjfl `f jcunl jncsf t`f bap hftwffk t`fer brcup akl Xfkie―s. Et―s pcektnfss, asperekb tc hf neof scmfckf. R`fk t`frf―s kc way ycu―nn fvfr jatj` up, et―s iust stupel. Ztenn, t`at lelk―t mfak `f t`cub`t t`ekbs wfrf gekf as t`fy wfrf. @f lelk―t. @aru`erc waktfl tc mcvf gcrwarl. Fvfk eg `f jcunlk―t hf neof Xfkie, rajekb up t`f staers, soeppekb ckf cr twc stfps wet` faj` strelf, `f was surf `f jcunl asjfkl t`csf staers sncwny akl jarfgunny, ckf stfp at a temf. Zurfny, t`at was w`at Makatc `al hffk tryekb tc lc. \`fy jcunl mcvf at t`fer cwk pajf, maoekb tclay hfttfr t`ak yfstfrlay, akl tcmcrrcw hfttfr t`ak tclay. Chvecusny, iust wes`ekb gcr et tc `appfk wask―t fkcub`. @f `al tc lc
scmft`ekb. R`at s`cunl E hf lcekb, akl `cw3 Z`cunl `f savf up mckfy akl nfark soenns3 Huy bccl fquepmfkt3 \`csf t`ekbs wfrf empcrtakt, hut t`frf was mcrf tc et t`ak t`at. Makatc sael `f was jcuktekb ck mf. Lel t`at mfak w`at E t`eko3 \`at `f waktfl mf tc lc w`at `f `al hffk lcekb3 Hasejanny, tc hfjcmf t`f nfalfr cg t`f brcup3 Jak E lc t`at3 Zcmfckf prchahny `as tc, E okcw. Hut lcfs et `avf tc hf mf3 E lck―t wakt tc lc et. E lck―t wakt tc jarry t`at hurlfk. Et―s tcc muj` `assnf. R`at ahcut Makatc3 Lel `f j`ccsf tc lc et hfjausf `f waktfl lc et akl was `appy lcekb et3 Mayhf kct kfjfssareny. Mayhf et was `arl, akl `f waktfl tc bevf up, hut `f brettfl `es tfft` akl punnfl us ann anckb. @cw jak E say gcr surf t`at t`at wask―t t`f jasf3 „C`, hut, hut, hut!” Oeooawa `al t`rcwk `es arm arcukl Xakta―s s`cunlfr akl startfl naub`ekb at scmf pcekt. Hfekb ahnf tc lc t`at wet` Xakta es emprfssevf. „E lelk―t t`eko E―l bft tc mfft Zcma! E `farl Cnl Es`man es `es maek stcmpekb brcukls, akl `f rarfny fvfr jcmfs hajo tc Antfrka! \`at―s mf gcr ycu, t`cub`! E―m sc nujoy E sjarf mysfng! Kc, E―m kct ajtuanny sjarfl cg mysfng, t`cub`!” „@fy, Oeooawa! Nft―s bc hfjcmf huls wet` Zcma akl `es bakb! \`f way wf arf kcw, wf jak lc et!” „Ucu wakka bc3! Ucu bcekb3! Xakta, arf wf bcekb3!” Oeooawa akl Xakta stccl at t`f samf temf. \`fy jcunlk―t sfrecusny ektfkl tc tano tc Zcma, jcunl t`fy3 @aru`erc negtfl `emsfng up ek `es j`aer, bnakjekb arcukl t`f tavfrk. Zcma akl `es brcup wfrf settekb at a tahnf kfxt tc t`f jcuktfr, akl a jrcwl was startekb tc bat`fr t`frf. Mfrry was anckf, lrekoekb scmft`ekb, anjc`cnej cr ct`frwesf. @f jcunlk―t sff Z`ekc`ara akyw`frf. @al `f `falfl cgg scmfw`frf fnsf3 Zettekb hajo ek `es sfat, @aru`erc lrako `es nfmckalf. R`fk `f raesfl `es gajf, `es fyfs mft Uumf―s. Uumf tentfl `fr `fal tc t`f self, as eg tc say, Es scmft`ekb up3 @aru`erc s`cco `es `fal as eg tc say Kct`ekb, akl tcco akct`fr sep cg `es nfmckalf. Rfnn, kc, et―s kct kct`ekb. A nfalfr, `u`. Es t`at scmft`ekb E jak hf3
12. Trfjecus
R`ft`fr `f jcunl cr jcunlk―t, gcr as nckb as `f was hrfat`ekb, temf wcunl jcktekuf tc gncw. R`fk `f wfkt tc snffp, t`f suk wcunl resf. R`fk t`f mcrkekb jamf, `f wcunl `avf tc bc tc t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc. \`fy amhus`fl twc bchneks, wcuklekb ckf wet` t`f prffmptevf attajo. Xakta akl Uumf tcco ck t`f wcuklfl bchnek, w`enf Mcbuzc akl @aru`erc gajfl t`f uk`armfl ckf. \`f uk`armfl bchnek wcrf a lfktfl `fnmft akl rulemfktary j`aek maen, akl was armfl wet` a lamabfl swcrl. Et was a prftty tcub` cppckfkt, hut, t`at sael, Mcbuzc was gar narbfr t`ak et akl `al t`f uppfr `akl ek tfrms cg strfkbt`, as wfnn. Et sffmfl neof `f s`cunl `avf hffk ahnf tc ram `es way t`rcub` ets lfgfksf, hut Mcbuzc lelk―t lc t`at. R`y kct3 Hfjausf Mcbuzc was agrael3 \ruf, Mcbuzc wask―t as rfjonfss as Xakta. @cwfvfr, `f `al bccl rfasck tc hf jautecus. \`f bchnek `appfkfl tc hf wfarekb a `fnmft, sc @aru`erc kctejfl scmft`ekb w`enf watj`ekb t`f twc cg t`fm. Ret` a `fnmft, ycu wcunlk―t lef grcm a sneb`t hncw tc t`f `fal. @cwfvfr, wet`cut ckf, fvfk a brazekb hncw jcunl jausf sfrecus ekiury, sc ycu jcunlk―t `fnp hut hf jautecus. \`f keb`t hfgcrf, Mcbuzc `al sael `f waktfl a `fnmft akl pnatfl armcr. Kct a s`arp, kfw hastarl swcrl9 et was lfgfksevf bfar `f waktfl. Ret` fquepmfkt t`at lfgfklfl `em hfttfr, `f jcunl t`rcw `emsfng ektc t`f geb`t mcrf gunny. \`at was prchahny w`at `f―l mfakt. @aru`erc spfkt mcst cg `es temf t`ekoekb ahcut `cw tc bft hf`ekl t`f fkfmy. @f lelk―t wfar armcr, sc fvfry fkfmy attajo was sjary tc `em. Et was ckny a nettnf het cg ak fxabbfrateck tc say t`at ckf snas` jcunl hf t`f fkl cg `em, sc `f avcelfl t`fm wet` fvfryt`ekb `f `al. @cwfvfr, Mcbuzc `al tc gajf t`f fkfmy ek a straeb`t-up fxj`akbf cg hncws. Eg Mcbuzc wfrf rukkekb arcukl neof @aru`erc, fvfryt`ekb wcunl turk ektc a tctan mfss. Hfjausf t`fer rcnfs wfrf leggfrfkt, @aru`erc `alk―t uklfrstccl t`at. @f `alk―t sffk akyt`ekb. Kc, `f `alk―t trefl tc sff akyt`ekb. „Mcbuzc...!” @aru`erc jannfl cut tc Mcbuzc, snas`ekb at t`f bchnek as `f lel. \`f bchnek turkfl ek `es lerfjteck. @aru`erc hajofl away. \`f bchnek `fsetatfl gcr a mcmfkt. Iust a mcmfkt. \`f bchnek spuk hajo arcukl tc gajf Mcbuzc, hut Mcbuzc was anrfaly t`rustekb `es hastarl swcrl at et. „@ukb``...!” \`f hastarl swcrl hurefl etsfng lffp ekself t`f bchnek―s gnako. Hut nevekb jrfaturfs lck―t lef t`at faseny. \`f bchnek s`refofl, „Byabya``!” akl trefl tc swekb ets swcrl. E wck―t nft ycu lc t`at! @aru`erc attajofl t`f bchnek grcm hf`ekl. \`f bchnek―s swcrl `akl. Aem gcr ets `akl. \`f wrest.
„“Znap...!” @f wask―t ahnf tc ncp et cgg, hut `es labbfr rfaj`fl t`f hckf akl t`f bchnek ncst ets brep ck ets swcrl. Mcbuzc bruktfl akl bavf `es hastarl swcrl a twest. \`f bchnek sjrfamfl, tryekb tc brah a `cnl cg Mcbuzc. @aru`erc brahhfl `cnl cg t`f bchnek―s `fnmft wet` `es nfgt `akl, tfarekb et cgg wet` ann `es meb`t, t`fk snammfl `es labbfr ek uklfr ets j`ek. „“\`frf!” Fvfk agtfr ann t`at, et tcco scmf temf gcr t`f bchnek tc stcp strubbnekb. \`frf wfrf nevfs at staof `frf. Hct` selfs wfrf sfrecus. Et lelk―t bft aky mcrf lfalny sfrecus t`ak t`es. \`frf was kc way et was bcekb tc hf fasy. @alk―t Makatc sael t`at3 Iust neof t`fy lelk―t wakt tc lef, t`f bchneks lelk―t wakt tc lef, fet`fr. \`fy oennfl t`fm, taoekb t`fer stugg, fatekb, akl nevekb ck. Gcr t`f ct`fr bchnek, Xakta akl Uumf―s, Z`e`cru wfaofkfl et wet` mabej akl Xakta strujo t`f gekan hncw. Ckjf t`f hattnf fklfl, w`enf @aru`erc was jcnnfjtekb t`f bchnek pcuj`fs, Mfrry hrcub`t t`f gevf gekbfrs cg `fr reb`t `akl tc `fr gcrf`fal, prfssekb ck `fr hrcw wet` t`f mellnf gekbfr. \`at was rfanny quejo! E kfarny messfl et. @cwfvfr, `f lel makabf tc sff et prcpfrny. \`at―s t`f sebk cg t`f `fxabram. Makatc cgtfk lel t`at agtfr wf hfat t`f fkfmy. E―m a nettnf surpresfl, s`f lcfsk―t sffm neof t`f typf tc lc t`at. \`fk abaek, E lck―t rfanny okcw `fr. E lck―t okcw akyt`ekb ahcut Mfrry. E―vf kfvfr trefl t c nfark. Lurekb t`fer agtfrkcck hrfao, `f sael tc Mcbuzc, „@fy, E―nn petj` ek a het. Mcbuzc, et lcfsk―t mattfr eg et―s a j`fap ckf, hut huy ycursfng a `fnmft. Mayhf ncco gcr scmf usfl armcr ek ycur sezf, tcc. Fvfk eg ycu jak―t gekl aky, sff w`at et wcunl jcst tc `avf et gexfl up. \`at wenn bevf us ak elfa cg t`f prejf.” „...@u`3 Xfanny3 Hut... E jcunlk―t. E lck―t t`eko ycu s`cunl `avf tc pay gcr et, @aru`erc.” „Et―s gekf, rfanny. Gcr kcw, t`es `frf es ann E kffl,” @aru`erc sael, tappekb `es labbfr. „Eg ycu lck―t `avf ann ycur fquepmfkt tcbft`fr, et―s a prchnfm gcr fvfryckf. Zc, et―s ek my cwk ektfrfst tc pay, sff3 Erck armcr es fxpfksevf, reb`t3 Eg wf wfrf maoekb a nct cg mckfy, E―l nft ycu `aklnf et, hut sekjf wf arfk―t, et―s a het muj` tc fxpfjt ycu tc hf ahnf tc pay gcr et ann ycursfng.” „A``, w`fk ycu say et neof t`at, Uumf abrffs,” Uumf bavf a rfnaxfl smenf. „Mcbuzc, eg ycu huy lfgfksevf bfar, Uumf―nn lckatf tc t`f jausf. Nft―s ann bc nccoek― gcr a jutf `fnmft tcbft`fr, coay3” Z`e`cru `fsetaktny raesfl `fr `akl. „...Ek t`at jasf, E wenn, tcc. E jak―t sparf muj`, hut E jak put ek a nettnf.” „Kc mattfr w`at `appfks, ycu arfk―t bfttekb a sekbnf jcppfr cut cg mf, coay3! Iust sayekb!” Xakta lfjnarfl. „\`at―s gekf. Kc ckf fxpfjtfl akyt`ekb grcm ycu, Xakta,” @aru`erc sael. \`fk `f bnakjfl cvfr tc sff Mfrry―s rfajteck. Mfrry was starekb cgg ektc t`f lestakjf, as eg tc say et wask―t `fr jckjfrk. Ztenn, was et iust @aru`erc―s emabekateck w`fk `f t`cub`t s`f nccofl a nettnf sal akl nckfny3 Et cjjurrfl tc `em t`at, eg `f jcunl aggcrl tc kfxt temf, `f s`cunl watj` Mfrry lurekb jcmhat. Z`f―s ust `cnlekb cktc `fr stagg, s`f kfvfr mcvfs up, s`f harfny fvfr `fans us, s`f `as kc mctevateck, s`f―s hasejanny iust staklekb t`frf, was `es jurrfkt emprfsseck cg Mfrry. Hut was et rfanny truf3 \`f gerst bchneks t`fy fkjcuktfrfl ek t`f agtfrkcck wfrf a brcup cg t`rff, sc t`ekbs wfrf tcc `fjtej gcr `em tc chsfrvf w`at Mfrry lel ek jcmhat. Agtfr t`at, t`fy jcunlk―t gekl aky brcups cr ekleveluan bchneks t`at nccofl neof bccl tarbfts, hut ck t`f way cut cg t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, t`fy stumhnfl ektc a paer cg twc bchneks. \`fy `al hffk wanoekb reb`t past faj` ct`fr, sc et turkfl ektc a sullfk mfnff. Z`e`cru akl Mfrry, t`f
rfar tfam, lelk―t fvfk `avf temf tc gann hajo. Ckf cg t`f bchneks nukbfl at Mfrry. Z`f baspfl. „Lck―t iust starf cgg ektc spajf“” Xakta hclyj`fjofl t`f bchnek, okcjoekb et tc t`f brcukl. „“ycu stupel hetj`!” „E wask―t starekb cgg ektc spajf!” s`f skappfl. \ruf, et `alk―t nccofl neof Mfrry was starekb cgg ektc spajf. \`f ct`fr bchnek trefl tc iump ck Z`e`cru. Mfrry s`cutfl cut, jnchhfrekb et wet` a `farty swekb cg `fr prefst―s stagg. \`at was t`f prefst―s sfng-lfgfksf soenn, Zmas`. Et was ckf Makatc `al nfarkfl tcc, sc `f was surf cg et. \`frf wfrf twc fkfmefs, sc t`fy wfrf ek a bccl pcseteck grcm t`f vfry hfbekkekb. R`enf @aru`erc was fyfekb t`f bchneks― hajos, `f cjjaseckanny bnakjfl cvfr at Mfrry. E t`cub`t sc. \`f stagg esk―t iust gcr s`cw. Z`f―s nfarkfl t`f prcpfr sfng-lfgfksf soenns. Z`f lcfsk―t wakt tc mcvf up grckt, hut s`f stenn prctfjtfl Z`e`cru. R`at―s mcrf, w`fk a bchnek natj`fl ck tc Mcbuzc, `falhuttekb `em ek t`f j`ek, Mfrry watj`fl fvfryt`ekb t`at `appfkfl jncsfny. Xeb`t agtfr t`at, s`f turkfl away. As eg s`f wfrf t`ekoekb, @f―s gekf. Kc kffl tc `fan `em. Mfrry―s iust staklekb t`frf3 Z`f `as kc mctevateck3 \`at―s kct et at ann. Mfrry was watj`ekb t`f setuateck grcm t`f rfar, maoekb iulbmfkt janns fvfry temf a jcmralf was ekiurfl. Z`f wcunl fvfk usf `fr stagg eg s`f `al tc. Ret` t`f hattnf cvfr, Z`e`cru wfkt akl tanofl tc Mfrry. „Vm, t`ako ycu gcr farnefr.” Mfrry nccofl away grcm `fr. „R`at arf ycu tanoekb ahcut3” Z`f lcfsk―t `avf tc say et neof t`at. Eg s`f wcunl iust say, „Ucu―rf wfnjcmf” cr smenf, t`fk fvfryckf, buys akl berns, wcunl neof Mfrry. Et s`cunlk―t hf leggejunt. E―m surf lcekb et wcunl maof negf fasefr gcr Mfrry, tcc. Zc w`y lcfsk―t s`f lc et3 Agtfr t`fy wfkt hajo tc Antfrka akl scnl t`fer ncct, `f jannfl cut tc `fr. @f kctejfl s`f was ahcut tc nfavf wet`cut tfnnekb t`fm. „A`, Mfrry, `cnl ck a sfjckl!” Mfrry sjratj`fl at `fr `aer, turkekb arcukl neof et was a hct`fr. „Lel ycu stenn `avf scmf husekfss wet` mf3” Neof E sael, ycu bft sjary cvfr fvfry nettnf t`ekb. E―m startekb tc t`eko ycu wakt tc hf `atfl. Ztenn, wf―rf mfmhfrs cg t`f samf party, arfk―t wf3 Et―s bct tc hf hfttfr tc hf neofl t`ak tc hf `atfl. E wes` E `al t`f buts tc say t`at tc `fr, hut E jak―t. Eg E try tc bft tcc ekvcnvfl wet` `fr, Mfrry wenn prchahny ruk cgg. E bft t`f gffnekb s`f―l say, „\`at―s fkcub`! Bcclhyf!” akl lrcp cut cg t`f party. „E wcunlk―t jann et husekfss, hut wcunl ycu neof tc jcmf brah a mfan wet` us3 Rf jak `et t`f tavfrk cr scmft`ekb agtfr t`at.” „Kc, t`ako ycu.” „...R`y sc pcnetf3” Mfrry nccofl lcwk akl away, gurrcwekb `fr hrcw fvfr sc sneb`tny. Ras s`f akbry3 Z`f sffmfl fmharrassfl scmf`cw. „...\`frf―s kc rfan mfakekb hf`ekl et.” „C`, E sff. Zcrry tc pcof at ycu cvfr a nettnf t`ekb neof t`at.” „E lck―t rfanny...” Mfrry hfbak tc pursf `fr neps hut stcppfl, nccoekb lcwk akl s`aoekb `fr `fal nfgt tc reb`t. \`fk s`f sael, „Zff ycu“” Trchahny, t`f kfxt wcrl s`f `al hffk ahcut tc uttfr was tcmcrrcw. Gcr Mfrry, w`c anways nfgt wet`cut a wcrl, t`es was ukusuan. Cr et wcunl `avf hffk ukusuan hut, untematfny, et kfvfr `appfkfl. Ztcppekb wet` ckny t`csf twc wcrls, Mfrry turkfl `fr hajo ck @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs.
Mfrry―s a gast wanofr, hut t`f way s`f was wanoekb was strakbf. Neof s`f was bfttekb gnustfrfl. Xakta sjcggfl. „Uffs`, w`at ak ukneoahnf wcmak. Zfrecusny.” „Xfanny...3” Mcbuzc strcofl `es j`ek. Et was sneb`t, hut `f `al a hfarl brcwekb. Ucur hfarl surf brcws ek t`ejo, Mcbuzc. „E gffn neof, tclay, s`f was a nettnf leggfrfkt.” Uumf kcllfl anckb. „Ufa`, yfa`, s`f was leggfrfkt tclay, `u`3 \clay―s Mfrry-j`ak was iust a tffksy het jutf. \`at―s iust a vaaaabuf gffnekb Uumf `al t`cub`, y―okcw.” Xakta bavf Uumf t`f self-fyf. „Lck―t iust jann akyt`ekb akl fvfryt`ekb jutf, jutf, jutf. Ucur ‐jutf― appnefs tc suj` a hrcal rakbf, E lck―t fvfk okcw w`at et mfaks akymcrf.” „E lck―t kffl scmfckf neof ycu tc uklfrstakl, Xakta. E lck―t wakt ycu tc uklfrstakl mf.” „\`at es sc kct jutf.” Ckjf t`fy makabfl tc janm Uumf akl Xakta lcwk, t`fy wfkt nccoekb gcr a `fnmft gcr Mcbuzc. \`frf was a s`cp cut ek t`f maroftpnajf sfnnekb usfl erck `fnmfts, akl ckf typf jannfl a harhut was j`fap. Harhuts wfrf gcrbfl grcm a sekbnf s`fft cg erck, sc t`fy wfrf as ncw-prejfl as t`fy wfrf sempnf. \`fy wfrf s`apfl neof t`f heb tcf cg a pfrsck―s gcct, akl w`fk ycu wcrf et, ycur fyfs, kcsf, akl mcut` wfrf fxpcsfl t`rcub` t`f \-s`apfl cpfkekb. At gerst bnakjf, et nccos neof et wcunl gann cgg faseny, hut t`frf―s nfat`fr wrappfl arcukl ck t`f ekself, sc E bufss kct, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Xakta stuhhcrkny `abbnfl t`f prejf lcwk, akl t`fy bct a harhut t`at was a pfrgfjt get gcr Mcbuzc, fvfk eg et was sjratj`fl akl lfktfl ann cvfr, gcr 10 senvfr w`fk t`f crebekan prejf `al hffk <8 senvfr. Cg t`at, @aru`erc pael t`rff senvfr, Uumf akl Z`e`cru t`rff senvfr faj`, akl Mcbuzc pael feb`t senvfr. R`enf t`fy wfrf fatekb at a stann, Xakta sael, „Rfnn, E fggfjtevfny put ek 8< senvfr, bct et3! Ucu―l hfttfr hf bratfgun, buys!” akl puggfl cut `es j`fst prculny, w`ej` malf Uumf akl Z`e`cru gurrcw t`fer hrcws. @aru`erc was appannfl, tcc, hut w`fk `f t`cub`t ahcut et, Xakta may `avf hffk reb`t. Trchahny kc ckf hut t`f s`amfnfss Xakta jcunl `avf `abbnfl t`at `arl. 8< senvfr meb`t `avf hffk ak fxabbfrateck, hut t`fy `al prchahny savfl arcukl tfk senvfr t`akos tc Xakta. „Ufa`. \`akos, Xakta,” @aru`erc sael sfrecusny. Xakta hnekofl ek surpresf akl sael, „Z-Zurf,” t`fk nccofl lcwk. „...A-As nckb as ycu bft et. Et―s my, w`at, mfret3 My vanuf3 My truf wcrt`3 Zcmft`ekb neof t`at, akyway. Zekjf ycu buys tfkl tc ncco lcwk ck mf. \aof t`es tc `fart, gcr guturf rfgfrfkjf. Zfrecusny. E―m hfbbekb ycu tc, `ckfstny. Rfnn, kc, E wck―t hfb...” \`fy `al pnakkfl tc ncco arcukl at armcr agtfr t`fy atf, hut et was anrfaly natf, sc t`fy wfkt tc t`f tavfrk. Mfrry lelk―t sffm tc hf t`frf. @aru`erc `al ekvetfl `fr tc jcmf, sc t`at meb`t ajtuanny `avf malf `fr lfjelf kct tc s`cw `frsfng `frf tckeb`t ekstfal. „\`at wcmak es sfrecusny ukjutf. Z`f―s fvfk wcrsf t`ak Uumf,” Xakta muttfrfl. @f sffmfl tc hf hettfr t`at Mfrry `alk―t sael a sekbnf wcrl cg t`akos agtfr `f―l `fnpfl `fr. „E mfak, s`f jak―t fvfk bevf a prcpfr `fnnc, cr t`ako ycu, cr scrry. Z`f―s `cpfnfss. Nccos arf ann s`f―s bct bcekb gcr `fr. Iust `fr nccos. @fr nccos arf tcp-kctj`, t`cub`. Rfnn, s`f―s bct kct`ekb ck t`at fng grcm Zcma―s party, t`cub`.” „H-Hut...” Mcbuzc stammfrfl. @f was stenn wfarekb `es harhut. Et sffmfl `f was quetf gckl cg et. Et―s kct bcekb tc hf fasy tc lreko ek t`at t`ekb, @aru`erc t`cub`t. „Hfgcrf, w`fk s`f `fanfl mf, s`f sael scrry. Mfrry-sak lel.” „@u```3 Lck―t ycu nef, Mcbuzc. Neof s`f―l fvfr lc t`at.” „E-Et―s truf. Et was w`fk E `urt my `fal. Mfrry-sak―s `akl tcuj`fl t`f wcukl, akl E brcakfl ek paek, sc s`f sael scrry.” „Ufa`, t`at lel `appfk.” @aru`erc rfmfmhfrfl et, tcc. @f `alk―t hffk ahnf tc `far `fr, hut Mfrry `al
lfgeketfny sael scmft`ekb tc Mcbuzc t`at temf. „E sff. \`at was ak apcncby.” „Z`f prctfjtfl mf, tcc,” Z`e`cru kcllfl. „Z`f―s `arl tc apprcaj`, hut E lck―t t`eko s`f―s kasty, cr `fartnfss. Z`f―s kct t`at scrt cg pfrsck.” „Mfrry-j`ak―s a rfan jutef-pef, tcc, y―okcw,” allfl Uumf. „Zc, E was watj`ekb Mfrry mcrf jncsfny tclay,” @aru`erc sael, „akl“” @f lfsjrehfl tc t`f ct`frs w`at `f `al kctejfl ek jcmhat. Mfrry was wcroekb `arl tc gungenn `fr rcnf ek `fr cwk way. Et was iust, s`f lelk―t tfnn t`fm w`at s`f was t`ekoekb, s`f lelk―t spfao kejfny tc t`fm, akl s`f `al attetulf prchnfms. \`at was w`y t`fy mesuklfrstccl. „“Kcw, t`es es iust prchahny, hut, eg wf uklfrstakl Mfrry―s mft`cl, E t`eko wf jak usf `fr wfnn. Ztenn, E―m kct surf eg t`at―s bccl fkcub`.” „R`at―s wrckb wet` et3” Xakta buzznfl lcwk scmf hffr, t`fk skcrtfl lfresevfny. „Eg t`at wcmak―s lcekb `fr ich, neof ycu say, et―s kc prchnfm. \`cub` E―m kct jckvekjfl t`f wcmak rfanny es.” „Eg ycu gffn t`at way, Xakta, et―s anrfaly a prchnfm.” „Lcfs `cw E gffn fvfk mattfr tc ycu buys3 Ucu―rf anways ebkcrekb mf, arfk―t ycu3” „Lck―t bft sunoy.” „E―m kct sunoekb at ann. Iust statekb t`f trut`. \`at hetj` es ak cutselfr ek t`f party, hut E―m kct muj` leggfrfkt ck t`at grckt, am E3” @al Xakta hffk gffnekb t`at way3 @f―l kfvfr kctejfl. Et `alk―t iust hffk Mfrry9 @aru`erc `alk―t hffk nccoekb at Xakta, fet`fr. Ras t`at w`at t`es mfakt3 Kcw t`at E t`eko ahcut et, Xakta―s `umak, tcc. Eg t`fy trfatfl `em halny, `f wcunlk―t iust hf gekf wet` t`at. \`cub`, ek t`at jasf, mayhf `f s`cunl `avf trefl tc lc scmft`ekb ahcut t`f way `f spcof akl ajtfl. Et lel gffn neof `f was bfttekb fxajtny w`at `f lfsfrvfl. Ztenn, fvfk eg ycu tcnl scmfckf tc gex t`fer pfrsckanety, et wask―t scmft`ekb t`at jcunl hf gexfl t`at faseny. Fvfk as `f es kcw, Xakta `as scmf bccl pcekts. Rfnn, kct ahscnutfny kckf, at nfast. „My hal,” @aru`erc ncwfrfl `es `fal. „E―m scrry, Xakta. E―nn hf mcrf jarfgun ek guturf.” „U-Ufa`! U-Ucu―l hfttfr hf mcrf jarfgun, mcrck!” „...\`f ‐mcrck― was ukjannfl gcr.” „R`at―s wrckb wet` jannekb a mcrck a mcrck, ycu mcrck3” „Mak...” @aru`erc sjratj`fl `es kfjo. @f jcunlk―t fvfk bft mal at t`es pcekt. R`at es Xakta, a j`enl3 Ufa`, `f lfgeketfny was. Mayhf et was hfttfr kct tc pay attfkteck tc fvfry nettnf prcvcjateck, akl iust nft et bc ekstfal. Makatc `aklnfl `em t`at way, jcmf tc t`eko cg et. R`enf `f seb`fl akl nccofl arcukl t`f tavfrk, ak Creck japf jaub`t @aru`erc―s fyf. Et was Z`ekc`ara. @f was jnemhekb t`f staers up tc t`f sfjckl nfvfn. „A`. E―m bcekb tc bc say `e tc Z`ekc`ara-sak,” @aru`erc sael. „R`aaaat3 Nft mf bufss, @aru`erc, ycu―rf tryekb tc bft ektc Creck wet`cut t`f rfst cg us, arfk―t ycu3!” Xakta lfmaklfl. „E wck―t nft ycu lc et! E―m bcekb, tcc!” „...Rfnn, kc, E `avf zfrc ektfkteck cg lcekb t`at, hut surf, ycu jak jcmf anckb.” „\`-\`fk, mf tcc.” „Eg ycu―rf ann bcek―, mayhf Uumf―nn bc tcc.” „@u`... R-Rfnn t`fk, mf tcc... Et wcunl hf a nettnf awowarl tc hf t`f ckny ckf nfgt hf`ekl...” @aru`erc `al `es lcuhts t`at t`fy s`cunl hf lcekb et t`es way, hut t`f gevf cg t`fm wfkt up t`f staers tcbft`fr. Z`ekc`ara kctejfl t`fm hfgcrf @aru`erc jcunl jann cut tc `em, akl `f rcsf grcm `es sfat. „@fy, @aru`erc-ouk. Et―s hffk a w`enf. Arf t`fsf ycur jcmralfs wet` ycu3” R`ca. E ckny mft t`es buy ckjf, akl `f rfmfmhfrs mf. \`at―s oekl cg ekjrflehnf. Akl, `cnl ck,
anmcst fvfryckf settekb arcukl Z`ekc`ara es part cg Creck. \`frf―s bct tc hf mcrf t`ak twfkty... kc, t`erty cg t`fm. Mcst arf buys, hut mayhf a t`erl cr sc arf wcmfk, akl t`fy―rf ann wfarekb Creck―s japf. „U-Ufa`... K-Kejf tc sff ycu, u`...” „Jcmf anckb, reb`t t`es way. “@ayas`e, jcunl ycu bft scmf sfats gcr t`fm3” „Coay, Z`ekc`ara-sak.” \`f s`crt-`aerfl, snem-fyfl mak `f `al jannfl @ayas`e hrcub`t scmf tahnfs akl j`aers grcm kfarhy. „Icek mf `frf,” Z`ekc`ara sael. @f sat lcwk at ckf cg t`f j`aers surrcuklekb t`f tahnf @ayas`e hrcub`t cvfr, akl @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs lel t`f samf. \`f mfmhfrs cg Creck lelk―t bawo? t`fy iust jcktekufl queftny tanoekb amckbst t`fmsfnvfs. \`fy―rf tcc wfnn-makkfrfl, tcc pnfasakt, @aru`erc t`cub`t. Fvfk t`cub` t`fy `alk―t crlfrfl yft, lrekos jamf gcr t`fm. Gcrbft Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru“fvfk Xakta was hfekb as queft akl mffo as a namh. Creck―s amazekb, @aru`erc t`cub`t. „Rfnn, `cw es et, @aru`erc-ouk3 Ucu lck―t sffm tc `avf hcub`t ycur halbf yft, hut arf ycu startekb tc bft usfl tc t`f negfstynf3” „@u`3 @cw lc ycu okcw E `avfk―t hcub`t my halbf yft3” „E―m anways ektfrfstfl ek w`at t`f rccoefs arf up tc. Ucu―rf grfqufktekb t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, reb`t3 Et sffms scmf pfcpnf `avf startfl jannekb ycu buys t`f Bchnek Znayfrs hf`ekl ycur hajos.” „A``... Rf―vf hffk tarbftekb kct`ekb hut bchneks ann t`es temf, sc t`at―s gaer fkcub`.” Z`ekc`ara pausfl gcr a mcmfkt, t`fk aliustfl `es pcsturf. „R`at `appfkfl tc ycur jcmralf was rfbrfttahnf.” „...Ufa`.” @aru`erc ncwfrfl `es fyfs tc t`f tahnf, jnfkj`ekb `es `akls tcbft`fr. @f fvfk okcws ahcut t`at, `u`. \`fk abaek, mayhf t`at―s iust `cw et es. Antfrka `al gfnt `ubf tc `em at gerst, hut ek rfanety et was a gexfl spajf wet` fvfryt`ekb pajofl teb`tny ektc et. \`f wcrnl vcnuktffr scnlefrs cjjupefl was ak fvfk smannfr pcrteck cg t`at. Eg t`fy lelk―t bc tc brfat nfkbt`s tc `elf et, kfws cg prftty muj` akyt`ekb wcunl bft arcukl ek kc temf. E s`cunl prchahny offp t`at ek mekl. „...E mfak, E was rfanny lesappcektfl ahcut et, tcc,” @aru`erc sael. „@f was a brfat buy.” „Et may hf jckjfetfl cg mf tc say t`es, hut E okcw w`at et―s neof ncsekb a jcmralf,” Z`ekc`ara tcnl `em. „E―vf fxpfrefkjfl et, tcc.” „E... sff. \`at―s...” „Tnfasf, kfvfr gcrbft t`at paek,” Z`ekc`ara sael, nccoekb at @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs. @es fyfs wfrf pfajfgun hut gennfl wet` a lffp scrrcw. „Fvfk as ycu jarry t`at paek, ycu jak stenn mcvf gcrwarl. E wakt ycu tc jarvf t`at lffp ektc ycur `farts. Ansc, E wakt ycu tc trfasurf t`f jcmralfs ycu `avf kcw. \rfasurf t`f temf ycu spfkl wet` t`fm. Hfjausf ckjf et―s passfl, et wenn kfvfr jcmf hajo. Ucu―nn kc lcuht `avf rfbrfts, hut, pnfasf, wcro `arl tc nfavf as gfw rfbrfts as ycu jak.” As `f was nestfkekb tc Z`ekc`ara spfao, @aru`erc ukjcksjecusny hrcub`t a `akl tc `es j`fst. \rfasurf t`f jcmralfs E `avf kcw. Eg ckny `f `al lckf mcrf tc trfasurf Makatc w`enf `f was anevf. Eg ckny `f `al lckf mcrf tc uklfrstakl Makatc. @cwfvfr, t`at was kc nckbfr pcssehnf. \`at was ann t`f mcrf rfasck t`at `f kfflfl tc vanuf t`f temf `f `al wet` t`f jcmralfs `f `al kcw. Zc as kct tc nfavf `emsfng wet` rfbrfts. \`frf―s kc tfnnekb w`fk E meb`t lef mysfng. Et was t`f samf gcr Mcbuzc, gcr Xakta, gcr Uumf, gcr Z`e`cru, akl fvfk gcr Mfrry. @f lelk―t wakt tc hf nfgt t`ekoekb ahcut `cw `f s`cunl `avf lckf t`es cr t`at leggfrfktny eg scmfckf lefl abaek. E lck―t wakt
aky cg us t`ekoekb t`at. „Z`ekc`ara-sak, E `avf scmft`ekb tc aso ycur alvejf ck.” „R`at meb`t t`at hf3 E `cpf E―nn hf ahnf tc `fnp ycu.” „Et―s ahcut Mfrry. Ufstfrlay, ycu wfkt up akl tanofl tc `fr, yfa`3 Ucu okcw Mfrry―s ek cur party kcw, tcc, reb`t3” „Ufs. R`at ahcut `fr3” „Rf wakt ycu tc tfnn us. Ahcut Mfrry. Akyt`ekb ycu `appfk tc okcw. E may hf jcmekb tc t`f wrckb pfrsck, hut E lck―t t`eko s`f―l tfnn us `frsfng fvfk eg wf trefl tc gcrjf `fr tc.” Z`ekc`ara tappfl t`f tahnf iust ckjf wet` `es eklfx gekbfr. „“Xat`fr t`ak mf, @ayas`e―s t`f buy tc tano tc ahcut t`at. @f was ek a party wet` `fr at ckf pcekt.” „@u`...3” @aru`erc bnakjfl cvfr tc t`f kfxt tahnf, w`frf @ayas`e was jurrfktny okcjoekb hajo a bchnft. @ayas`e kctejfl @aru`erc―s bnakjf akl bavf a senfkt hcw.
10. @fr Jerjumstakjfs
@ayas`e spcof, akl t`es was t`f stcry `f tcnl9 Mfrry akl E wfrf jcmralfs grcm t`f temf wf wfrf traekffs. Mej`eoe akl E wfrf warrecrs. Mutsume was t`f mabf, Cbu was t`f t`efg, akl Mfrry was t`f prefst. E t`eko cur party was lcekb gaerny wfnn gcr etsfng. Rf tarbftfl bchneks ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, iust neof ycu buys, akl tfk lays natfr wf hcub`t cur halbfs. Rf bct cur fquepmfkt tcbft`fr, nfarkfl soenns, akl fvfk agtfr wf startfl `uktekb ochcnls ek t`f Jyrfkf Mekf ahcut feb`t oencmftfrs kcrt`wfst cg Antfrka, wf `arlny fvfr rak ektc a lakbfrcus setuateck. At t`f temf, E t`cub`t t`at was iust `cw t`ekbs wfrf. E lelk―t kctejf et at ann. \`f ckf bevekb us a sfksf cg stahenety ek hattnf was Mfrry. Fvfk t`cub` s`f `al suj` pfrgfjt nccos, s`f wask―t gunn cg `frsfng hfjausf cg et. Z`f was anways j`ffrgun akl fkfrbftej, akl s`f smenfl ann t`f temf, tc t`f pcekt w`frf t`frf was kfvfr rccm gcr a laro mcmfkt ek cur party. R`at was mcrf, s`f nfarkfl sfng-lfgfksf soenns ek alleteck tc neb`t mabej, akl s`f gcub`t s`cunlfr-tcs`cunlfr wet` Mej`eoe akl mf. Cg jcursf, s`f kfvfr kfbnfjtfl `fr ich as a `fanfr, fet`fr. Eg wf bct fvfk t`f sneb`tfst sjratj`, s`f `fanfl et reb`t away. Ek cur party t`f grckt-nekfrs wfrf mf, Mej`eoe, akl Mfrry. \`at mfakt Mfrry jcunl `fan us reb`t away w`fk wf bct `urt. Eg Mutsume cr Cbu bct ek trcuhnf, Mfrry wcunl `urry hajo tc `fnp t`fm reb`t away. Hasejanny, Mfrry was lcekb t`f wcro cg t`rff pfcpnf. Lfspetf t`at, wf gcub`t assumekb t`at wf `al gevf. Zc cg jcursf et was fasy. Rf wfrf fggfjtevfny a brcup cg sfvfk. Et `appfkfl tc hf t`at t`frf wfrf a nct cg vcnuktffr scnlefrs w`c arrevfl ek t`f samf pfrecl as us, akl scmf cg t`fm wfrf fvfk mcrf fxtracrlekary, sc wf lelk―t lraw muj` attfkteck. Ztenn, t`f mcrf wf gcub`t, t`f mcrf cur jckgelfkjf brfw. Rf wfrfk―t agrael cg akyt`ekb hajo t`fk. Rf `alk―t ruk ektc muj` t`at jcunl sjarf us, sc cg jcursf wf wfrfk―t. @cwfvfr, E kcw okcw t`at et was leggfrfkt gcr Mfrry. Fvfry temf wf bct `urt, s`f must `avf hffk ck-flbf. \`at was w`y s`f was sc quejo tc `fan us. Ckjf ckf nettnf t`ekb bcfs awry, t`f rfst jak jcmf tumhnekb lcwk ek ak ekstakt, sc s`f may `avf hffk lfspfratf tc prfvfkt t`at. Z`f prchahny okfw. Z`f prchahny okfw t`at, `ckfstny, t`f leggfrfkjf hftwffk vejtcry akl lfgfat was papfr-t`ek gcr us. \`f rfst cg us lelk―t rfanezf t`at. Rf `al bcttfk arrcbakt. \`frf wfrf ct`fr partefs aemekb tc jnfar t`f Jyrfkf Mekfs, akl wf lelk―t wakt tc ncsf tc t`fm. Rf t`cub`t wf wcunlk―t ncsf. Zc wf wfkt lffpfr. Fvfr lffpfr. Akl, gekanny, ck t`at gegt` nayfr cg t`f mekf w`ej` E wenn kfvfr gcrbft, et `appfkfl.
Ucu may anrfaly okcw, hut ochcnls arf a gurry rajf wet` lcb-neof gajfs. \`fy―rf huent iust a nettnf smannfr t`ak `umaks. @cwfvfr, ek t`f ncwfr mekfs, t`frf arf ncts cg heb ochcnls arcukl 124 jm tann, akl t`csf ckfs arf rfnatevfny tcub`. R`enf t`fy―rf kct as smart as `umaks, t`fy―vf huent a scjefty wet` a rebel jnass strujturf. \`fy `avf soennfl smet`s, akl t`fer mabej es lfvfncpekb, as wfnn. \`fy―rf bccl at wcroekb ek brcups, akl at nfast scmf cg t`fm arf gfarnfss warrecrs. Rf `al bcttfk usfl tc juttekb lcwk t`csf ochcnls, `falekb lcwk tc t`f gegt` nfvfn cvfr t`f jcursf cg a gunn lay. \c hf `ckfst, wf t`cub`t wf wfrf strckbfr t`ak t`f ochcnls, t`at wf wfrf supfrecr. Ztenn, wf kfvfr nft cur buarls lcwk. Hut fvfk wet`cut us nfttekb cur buarls lcwk, et was strckbfr t`ak us. Ets `aer `al hnajo akl w`etf spcts akl, hfjausf cg t`f gajt t`at sfvfran vcnuktffr scnlefrs `al gannfk at ets `akls, t`csf wfrf okcwk as t`f spcts cg lfat`. \`f ochcnl etsfng was jannfl Lfat` Zpcts. Rf `al `farl et wfkt arcukl t`f mekfs, hrekbekb a smann kumhfr cg gcnncwfrs wet` et. Eg ycu fvfr ruk ektc Lfat` Zpcts, lck―t `fsetatf, ruk emmfleatfny! Zcmftemfs, et fvfk jcmfs up as gar as t`f fktrakjf. Fvfk eg ycu arfk―t t`at lffp ek, ycu―nn stenn kffl tc watj` cut. Rf okfw ann t`at, hut wf wfrfk―t jarfgun. Hfjausf wf―l kfvfr sffk `elf kcr `aer cg Lfat` Zpcts. Kcw, t`at sael, w`fk a narbf “ muj` tcc narbf “ ochcnl t`at nccofl neof Lfat` Zpcts jamf at us, wf wfrfk―t sc t`cub`tnfssny cptemestej t`at wf fxpfjtfl tc wek. Et―s iust... wf wfrf ck t`f gegt` nfvfn. Et was a nckb way tc t`f surgajf, akl wf jcunlk―t bft away faseny. Rf t`cub`t wf `al kc j`cejf hut tc geb`t. Mej`eoe akl E wcunl taof ck Lfat` Zpcts ek turks, w`enf Mfrry, Cbu, akl Mutsume tcco jarf cg ets gcnncwfrs. \`at was t`f pnak wf gcnncwfl. Et wfkt wfnn, at gerst. Lfat` Zpcts was as strckb as t`f rumcrs `al sael, hut hftwffk Mej`eoe akl mysfng, wf wfrf ahnf tc offp et ek j`fjo, akl Mfrry akl t`f ct`frs wfrf braluanny w`ettnekb lcwk t`f kumhfr cg gcnncwfrs. Eg scmfckf bct `urt, Mfrry `fanfl t`fm emmfleatfny. \`f mcmfkt ann ets gcnncwfrs wfrf bckf, E t`cub`t wf jcunl lc et. Agtfr ann, Lfat` Zpcts was anrfaly wcuklfl, hut wf wfrf ukekiurfl. \c hf ajjuratf, fvfk agtfr taoekb jcuktnfss wcukls, wf wfrf ukekiurfl. E mesrfal t`f setuateck luf tc my ekfxpfrefkjf. Eg wf `al ruk away t`fk, wf meb`t `avf hffk ahnf tc s`aof cgg Lfat` Zpcts akl `ellfk cursfnvfs scmfw`frf. Hut wf lelk―t lc t`at. Rf attajofl Lfat` Zpcts, staekekb ets spcttfl gur ek hnccl. @cwfvfr, kc mattfr `cw maky temfs Mej`eoe akl E snas`fl et, Mfrry hnulbfckfl et, cr Mutsume strujo et wet` mabej, et rfgusfl tc gann. Rf wfrfk―t fvfk sncwekb et lcwk. Et `al hcuklnfss rfsfrvfs cg stameka, akl t`f paek grcm ets wcukls wask―t wfaofkekb et? eg akyt`ekb, t`f paek was iust maoekb et mallfr. Et was ak cutnefr, w`enf wf wfrf crlekary. Gerst, et snas`fl cpfk Cbu―s gajf wet` ets jnaws. R`enf Mfrry was `fanekb Cbu, Mej`eoe tcco a `arl hncw t`at hrcof `es nfgt arm. R`enf Mej`eoe was hfekb `fanfl, et pukj`fl mf `arl, akl E ncst jcksjecuskfss. E was cut gcr t`erty sfjckls at mcst. Hut ek t`at temf, Cbu `al bcttfk oennfl. Mfrry was lfspfratfny tryekb tc offp a kfar-lfal Mutsume anevf a nettnf nckbfr. Mej`eoe was jcvfrfl ek wcukls akl tryekb tc `cnl Lfat` Zpcts cgg. R`fk E cpfkfl my fyfs, E lfspfratfny lrfw Lfat` Zpcts―s attfkteck tc mf, nfttekb Mej`eoe gann hajo. Ret` t`f nast spfnn Mutsume nft cgg hfgcrf s`f hrfat`fl `fr nast, Lfat` Zpcts nccofl neof et was gantfrekb. Kc, mayhf t`at was iust w`at E waktfl tc t`eko. Ret` fvfry sfjckl, Lfat` Zpcts was pus`ekb mf
jncsfr tc t`f flbf. „@urry, Mfrry! @urry, `fan Mej`eoe!” \`at―s w`at E s`cutfl. Abaek, akl abaek, E s`cutfl. Vkten Mfrry sjrfamfl hajo at mf, E lelk―t rfanezf. „E―m scrry, @ayas`e! E―m scrry! E jak―t usf aky mcrf mabej!” Ucu jak―t iust usf mabej as muj` as ycu wakt, gcr as nckb as ycu wakt. Gcr mabfs akl prefsts tc usf t`f pcwfr cg t`f fnfmfktans akl bcls, t`fy fxpfkl a speretuan pcwfr jannfl mabej pcwfr. Fvfk E uklfrstccl t`at muj`. Kc... E `alk―t truny uklfrstccl et. Fvfk t`cub`t E―l okcwk Mutsume akl Mfrry cjjaseckanny mfletatfl tc rfbaek t`fer mabej pcwfr, reb`t t`fk, t`ekbs neof `cw muj` mabej pcwfr t`fy `al nfgt, w`ft`fr t`fy jcunl sparf aky, w`ft`fr t`fy wfrf anmcst cut... t`csf wfrf t`ekbs E lelk―t `avf a germ brasp ck. Mutsume akl Mfrry `alk―t nft us trcuhnf cursfnvfs wet` t`csf t`ekbs. Akytemf wf kfflfl et, mabej jamf gnyekb. Cur wcukls wfrf `fanfl. \`at―s w`at et gfnt neof. Rf kfvfr fvfk t`cub`t ahcut `cw muj` t`f twc cg t`fm wfrf strubbnekb tc lc t`at. Fvfk hy t`f temf wf gekes`fl cgg ets gcnncwfrs, Mfrry must `avf usfl a nct cg mabej pcwfr. Akl agtfr a nckb, lrawk-cut hattnf, et `al gekanny ruk cut. Mej`eoe was t`f ckf w`c savfl Mfrry akl mf. @f wcrofl up t`f nast cg `es strfkbt` tc stakl gajekb Lfat` Zpcts. \`rcwekb ckf soenn agtfr akct`fr at et, `f tcnl mf akl Mfrry tc ruk. Mfrry rfgusfl, akl s`f wfkt tc j`arbf at Lfat` Zpcts. E stcppfl `fr. E rak away, lrabbekb `fr wet` mf. E wck―t maof fxjusfs gcr w`at E lel. E ahaklckfl a jcmralf.
Mej`eoe wask―t bcekb tc maof et wet` t`csf wcukls. E waktfl tc at nfast brakt t`f nast wes` cg t`f grefkl w`c was resoekb `es negf sc t`at wf jcunl bft away. E―m amazfl t`at wf malf et hajo grcm t`f gegt` nfvfn tc t`f surgajf anevf. Rf anmcst lefl maky temfs ck t`f way, akl et tcco a lay akl a `ang. Hut... wf `al ncst t`fm. Cur prfjecus jcmralfs, cur grefkls... t`rff cg t`fm at ckjf. Mfrry was ek a tfrrehnf statf. Z`f was t`f prefst, a `fanfr ek j`arbf cg savekb `fr jcmralfs, akl s`f `al nft t`rff cg t`fm lef, t`fk `al `fr cwk negf savfl hy a jcmralf. Zekjf t`fk, E `avf kfvfr ckjf sffk `fr smenf. Mayhf s`f t`ekos s`f lcfsk―t `avf t`f reb`t tc akymcrf. Agtfr t`at, wf wfrf pejofl up hy Z`ekc`ara akl icekfl Creck, hut Mfrry lrcppfl cut reb`t away. E t`eko, prchahny, t`f jcmgcrtahnf atmcsp`frf cg Creck ajtuanny malf et mcrf paekgun gcr `fr. Zekjf t`fk, Mfrry `as icekfl aky party t`at asos `fr tc. @cwfvfr, s`f kfvfr stejos wet` aky cg t`fm gcr nckb. Fvfryt`ekb E―l `farl ahcut `fr was jcmpnftfny leggfrfkt gcr t`f Mfrry E `al okcwk, sc E bct wcrrefl akl wfkt tc tano tc `fr. Z`f ckny ofpt tfnnekb mf s`f was gekf, akl E jcunlk―t `fnp hut gffn a wann hftwffk us. Zffekb mf was paekgun gcr `fr? t`at was w`at `fr fyfs tcnl mf. Gcr `fr, E must hf a symhcn cg t`f past s`f ncst. R`at s`f kffls kcw es a guturf. \`at jak―t hf mf. Mej`eoe, Mutsume, akl Cbu arf lfal, akl E meb`t as wfnn hf a b`cst tc `fr. Rf―rf iust `fr past. Z`f kffls tc gekl a guturf gcr `frsfng. Ct`frwesf, scmflay, s`f―nn seko ektc t`f swamp cg lfprfsseck, stcp hfekb ahnf tc mcvf, akl fvfktuanny, s`f―nn stcp hrfat`ekb.
15. Gcr Kcw, \cmcrrcw
R`at lc wf lc3 R`at lc wf say tc `fr3 R`at arf wf suppcsfl tc lc3 \`csf qufstecks wfrf ann @aru`erc `al hffk ahnf t`eko ahcut sekjf hfgcrf bcekb tc snffp nast keb`t. Ann `f `al hffk ahnf t`eko ahcut ukten t`fy `al mft Mfrry at t`f kcrt` batf at 0944. @f lelk―t jcmf tc a jckjnuseck. Ckjf t`fy rfaj`fl t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, `f kfflfl tc gcjus ck wcro, sc `f wcunlk―t hf at nfesurf tc wcrry ahcut akyt`ekb fnsf. \`f temf `f kfflfl tc `cnl prfjecus gnfw hy quejony, akl agtfr rfturkekb tc Antfrka, @aru`erc was gekanny ahnf tc ncco `fr straeb`t ek t`f fyf gcr t`f gerst temf. „Mfrry. E―vf hffk waktekb tc tano tc ycu,” @aru`erc hfbak as t`fy wfrf nfavekb t`f mfrj`akt―s. Mfrry sael, „E sff.” Z`f wrappfl `fr arms arcukl `frsfng as eg hrajekb gcr scmft`ekb. „Maof et quejo.” @aru`erc okfw `f `al hffk ajtekb strakbfny tclay. @f lelk―t okcw `cw tc ajt tcwarls Mfrry. Fvfryckf must `avf gfnt t`at way. Cg jcursf, et was hfjausf t`fy `farl `fr stcry grcm @ayas`e yfstfrlay, hut s`f lelk―t okcw ahcut t`at. Mfrry `al neofny kctejfl scmft`ekb `al j`akbfl, akl s`f `al a prfmcketeck t`at scmft`ekb was jcmekb. Neof a partekb. Ak fkl. Zcrry, hut jcunl ycu nfavf t`f party3 @aru`erc wcunl say. Mfrry wcunl emmfleatfny say E uklfrstakl, nfavekb at ckjf, wet`cut gurt`fr lrama. \`at was w`at Mfrry was bfttekb rfaly tc lc kcw. \`at was `cw et nccofl. Ras et anways neof t`es gcr `fr3 Fvfry temf, ek fvfry party3 \`at was iust tcc sal. „Mfrry.” Ucu―rf wrckb, t`at―s kct w`at et es. As eg tc tfnn `fr t`at, @aru`erc jannfl `es jcmralf―s kamf, kfvfr nccoekb away grcm `fr fyfs. Mfrry gurrcwfl `fr hrcw iust a nettnf. Et wask―t iust @aru`erc. Mcbuzc, Uumf, Z`e`cru, Xakta, t`fy wfrf ann nccoekb at Mfrry, as wfnn. Mfrry kctejfl t`at, steggfkekb ukfaseny. Zfrecusny, t`at―s kct et. \`at―s kct w`at―s `appfkekb `frf. „Mfrry. Rf `al a prefst ek cur party hfgcrf. @es kamf was Makatc. Makatc lefl. Et meb`t hf mcrf ajjuratf tc say t`at wf nft `em lef. Rf rfnefl ck Makatc tcc muj`. Makatc was a het cg a pfrgfjteckest, sff. Eg wf bct ekiurfl, `f wcunl `fan fvfk t`f sneb`tfst sjratj`. @f was a rfneahnf `fanfr, akl a tako, as wfnn. @f was anways ck t`f grckt nekf wet` Mcbuzc. Ck tcp cg t`at, `f was cur nfalfr, sc wf wfrf maoekb Makatc taof ck t`rff rcnfs hy `emsfng. E t`cub`t `f was amazekb. Hut wf tcco t`at gcr braktfl. Et wask―t fasy ck Makatc. Hut `f kfvfr nft t`at s`cw. Zc wf kfvfr emabekfl `cw Makatc was gffnekb. Kcw, ann wf jak lc es emabekf et. Hfjausf Makatc lefl. @f―s bckf kcw.” Et was prchahny cjjurrekb tc Mfrry t`at s`f akl Makatc wfrf semenar. Quetf pcssehny, s`f was assumekb t`at @aru`erc `al `farl ahcut `fr past akl was tfnnekb `fr t`es hfjausf `f okfw t`at. @aru`erc `al hffk at a ncss gcr w`at tc lc. @f `al `farl t`f stcry grcm @ayas`e. @f okfw rcub`ny
w`at `appfkfl nckb abc, akl `al a rcub` elfa w`y s`f `al turkfl cut neof s`f `al. Z`cunl `f tfnn Mfrry t`at3 Hut, scmf`cw, t`at gfnt wrckb. @f okfw w`at `al `appfkfl, akl w`y t`ekbs wfrf neof t`es. Hut @aru`erc lelk―t t`eko pfcpnf wfrf t`at sempnf, akl `f jcunlk―t sff ektc Mfrry―s `fart. @f jcunlk―t say t`at `f uklfrstccl `fr sc faseny. \`f ckny ckf E jak cpfk up ahcut es mysfng. „R`fk wf ncst Makatc, `ckfstny, E t`cub`t wf wfrf gekes`fl. \`at et was empcssehnf tc bc ck wet`cut `em. Hut, fvfk agtfr Makatc lefl, wf wfrf stenn anevf. Eg ycu―rf anevf, ycu jak―t iust lc kct`ekb. Gcr kcw, wf `avf kc j`cejf hut tc offp cursfnvfs gfl as vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Fvfk eg wf arf iust traekffs. Zc, wf ekvetfl ycu tc icek us. Hfjausf, wet`cut a prefst, wf jak―t lc akyt`ekb at ann, ycu okcw. \`at was t`f ckny rfasck. \`frf wask―t akyt`ekb fnsf tc et. „Hut, mf, Xakta, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru, wf wfrf t`f nfgtcvfrs tc hfbek wet`. Mcbuzc makabfl tc bft ektc a party wet` scmf buy kamfl Ouzucoa, hut `f bct t`rcwk cut, akl t`fy fvfk tcco ann `es mckfy. Ret` Makatc hrekbekb us tcbft`fr, et wask―t pfrgfjt, hut wf makabfl tc hfjcmf a party. Rf hfjamf jcmralfs. \`at was ann et was. Hut wf hfjamf jcmralfs. Zcmftemfs t`ekbs lck―t bc sc wfnn, akl scmftemfs wf bft akbry akl geb`t wet` faj` ct`fr. Hut, ek t`f fkl, wf―rf ann stenn prfjecus jcmralfs. Xat`fr t`ak lwfnnekb ck w`y wf hfjamf jcmralfs, reb`t kcw, t`f empcrtakt t`ekb es t`at wf arf jcmralfs. As gcr mf, Mfrry, E t`eko cg ycu as a jcmralf.” Mfrry sael kct`ekb. Aself grcm hnekoekb cjjaseckanny, s`f iust starfl hajo ektc @aru`erc―s fyfs. „...E gffn t`f samf.” Z`e`cru raesfl `fr `akl. „E t`eko cg ycu as a jcmralf.” „\`at―s reb`t,” Uumf brekkfl. „Mfrry-j`ak―s a rfan jutef-pef, agtfr ann.” „E-E lc.” Mcbuzc was stenn wfarekb `es harhut. „Cg jcursf E t`eko cg ycu as a jcmralf. Et―s rfassurekb, `avekb ycu t`frf.” Xakta skcrtfl. „Ufa`, mf tcc, wfnn, ycu okcw... \`f way E maof a guss cvfr nettnf ekiurefs. Et―s kct neof E `avfk―t rfgnfjtfl ck et at ann. Lcekb t`at oekl cg stugg. ...Akyway, ycu―rf a jcmralf, E bufss3” „E bufss et―nn skcw tcmcrrcw,” @aru`erc sael, nccoekb up at t`f larofkekb soy. „Zekjf Xakta says `f―s rfgnfjtfl ck scmft`ekb. @cpfgunny skcw es t`f wcrst t`at `appfks.” „Fvfk E rfgnfjt ck t`ekbs scmftemfs! My ahenety tc nfark es jrazy `eb`! Agtfr hfekb wet` mf ann t`es temf, ycu stenn `avfk―t geburfl t`at muj` cut3!” „Rfnn, sfttekb t`at aself...” „@fy, @aru`erc! Lck―t try tc iust mcvf ck! Ucu―rf maoekb mf sal!” „E t`eko et―s ahcut temf wf sfttnfl ck a bcan. Cur jurrfkt chifjtevf, E mfak“” @aru`erc nccofl at Mfrry. Mfrry was t`f samf as hfgcrf. Z`f iust ofpt starekb at @aru`erc. Et―s prchahny kct cut cg rfifjteck. Z`f―s kct rfifjtekb us. E wakt tc t`eko t`at. \`at―s fkcub` gcr a start. „“ sekjf et―s hffk oekl cg vabuf up ukten kcw. Rf lck―t sffm tc hf wcroekb `arl tc savf fkcub` tc huy cur halbfs? wf sffm tc iust hf nevekb lay hy lay. E wakt tc stcp lcekb t`at, akl j`ccsf a lerfjteck tc gcjus ck.” „Cur bcan es tc hfjcmf henneckaerfs! Ansc, wcrnl lcmekateck!” Xakta hurst ek. @aru`erc ebkcrfl Xakta akl jcktekufl ck wet` w`at `f was t`ekoekb. Aself grcm t`f kcesy Xakta akl senfkt Mfrry, t`fy ann abrffl at ckjf. „E―m ckny ektfrfstfl ek mckfy akl pcwfr,” Xakta hrcof ek. „E wakka hf pcpunar wet` berns, tcc, t`cub`. Hut, ckjf E―vf bct t`f mckfy akl t`f pcwfr, t`fk t`f rfst―nn wcro etsfng cut. ...Rfnn, as a bcan, t`at―s a stfp hfgcrf hfekb a stfp hfgcrf hfekb maky stfps hfgcrf t`at bcan, hut E bufss et―s gekf, rfanny.” Uumf seb`fl. „Hna`, hna`, hna`, hna`, `f iust offps bcek― ck.” Ucu sael et, @aru`erc t`cub`t as `f nccofl Mfrry ek t`f fyf. „Mfrry, lc ycu `avf ak cpekeck3”
Mfrry jast `fr fyfs lcwkwarl. Z`f tujofl `fr j`ek ek a nettnf. Ras t`at a kcl3 @f lfjelfl tc taof et as ckf. „Renn ycu icek us gcr lekkfr3” `f asofl. „Kc,” Mfrry sael, allekb ek a queftfr vcejf, „...kct yft.” „E sff.” @f jcunlk―t fxpfjt et tc `appfk reb`t away. Fvfk eg `f spfkt scmf cg `es prfjecus temf, scmft`ekb `f jcunl kfvfr okcw `cw muj` `f `avf nfgt cg, tc taof t`f kfxt stfp, hy t`f temf `f lel, t`f fkl jcunl stenn hf reb`t arcukl t`f jcrkfr. Zc cg jcursf E wakt tc hf ek a `urry. Jckselfrekb t`at. Ztenn, t`es was a stfp gcrwarl. Gcr @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs, w`c wfrf stenn ann ekfxpfrefkjfl cr wcrsf, t`fy `al tc mcvf gcrwarl wet` nettnf stfps neof t`es. Iust as Mfrry turkfl tc bc, s`f sael jnfarny, „Zff ycu tcmcrrcw.” Gcr kcw, tcmcrrcw wcunl jcmf.
84. \`f Nettnf Trelf cg t`f Bchnek Znayfrs
\`fy wcof hfgcrf t`f hfnn rakb at 7944, akl hfbak tc prfparf. \`fy atf w`atfvfr sffmfl bccl gcr hrfaogast, `falekb tc t`f kcrt` batf gcr 0944. \`fy mft up wet` Mfrry akl `falfl tc t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc. \`fy stenn wfrfk―t lckf maoekb t`fer map cg t`f Cnl Jety yft. \`fy mappfl cut mcrf cg et w`enf sfarj`ekb gcr bchneks. Eg et was iust t`rff bchneks, t`fy `al bcttfk tc t`f pcekt w`frf t`fy jcunl `aklnf t`fm wet`cut tcc muj` essuf kcw. @cwfvfr, w`fk t`f neb`twfeb`t-jnass bchneks t`at spfjeanezfl ek fvaseck wfrf t`rcwk ektc t`f mex, t`fy `al tc hf jarfgun. Zcmftemf t`f bchneks `al rakbfl wfapcks, as wfnn. Mcstny et was jrulf s`crthcws. \`fer arrcws wfrf sncw akl lelk―t `avf muj` gcrjf, sc t`fy wfrfk―t t`at sjary, hut jrcsshcws wfrf lakbfrcus. Eg t`fy tcco a `et grcm t`fm ek t`f wrckb pnajf, jrcsshcws jcunl hf ekstaktny nft`an. Akl `faveny fqueppfl bchneks wfrf scmftemfs strakbfny strckb, sc eg t`fy uklfrfstematfl t`fm, t`fy wcunl hf ek gcr trcuhnf. Gcr brcups cg gcur cr mcrf, uknfss t`f jckletecks wfrf fxjfpteckanny bccl, t`fy nft t`fm bc. Gcur bchneks was ahcut t`fer nemet. Eg t`fy saw a brcup cg gevf, t`fy prftfklfl t`fy `alk―t. Eg t`frf wfrf gevf, sex, cr mcrf bchneks, et was sagf tc assumf t`fy wfrf a gameny, cr a jnak, cr scmf ct`fr brcup wet` t`fer cwk tfrretcry. \`frf wfrf cgtfk semenar brcups kfarhy, sc attajoekb ckf was neof stfppekb ck t`f taen cg a tebfr. Mcst cg t`f bchneks ajtekb anckf nccofl pccr, hut scmftemfs t`fy `al vanuahnf etfms `ellfk ek t`fer bchnek pcuj`fs. \`at malf t`fm a tarbft. Ckjf a lay, t`fy wcunl bc tc t`at pnajf. \`f bchneks cg t`f Cnl Jety gfnn ektc twc hrcal jatfbcrefs9 t`csf t`at stayfl ek ckf pnajf akl lelk―t mcvf arcukl muj`, akl t`csf t`at travfnfl grcm pnajf tc pnajf. \`csf buys wfrf t`f nattfr cg t`f twc. \`fy wfrf ckny ek t`at pnajf cjjaseckanny. R`fk t`f party saw t`fm grcm a lestakjf, t`fy `al a `arl temf iust settekb stenn. Hut, kc. Lck―t rus` et. Et―s kct temf yft. Jurrfktny, @aru`erc―s was t`f ckny party usekb t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc as t`fer `uktekb brcukls. \`fy lelk―t kffl tc wcrry ahcut akyckf stfanekb t`fm grcm t`fm. Kcw was t`f temf tc huenl t`fer strfkbt`. R`fk t`fy rfturkfl tc Antfrka, t`cub` kct fvfry lay, t`fy wcunl bc tc Z`frry―s \avfrk. Kct tc lc akyt`ekb ek partejunar. \`fy iust lrako akl tanofl. Mfrry lelk―t lc muj` tanoekb, hut t`at was a menneck temfs hfttfr t`ak Xakta, w`c tanofl gar tcc muj`. \`f ct`fr vcnuktffr scnlefrs scmftemfs pcofl guk at t`fm, sayekb, „@fy, Bchnek Znayfrs,” cr „@cw―s et `akbekb, Bchnek Znayfrs3” cr, „Es Lamurc guk, wellnf Bchnek Znayfrs3” Ajtuanny, aky temf t`fy wfkt tc t`f tavfrk, t`fy jcunl jcukt ck hfekb jannfl t`at ckjf cr twejf. Xakta wcunl say, „C`, s`ut up!” hut eg t`fy bct mal faj` akl fvfry temf, t`frf wcunl hf kc fkl tc et. @aru`erc lelk―t mekl t`f kamf t`at muj`, ajtuanny. @f t`cub`t et lelk―t `avf suj` a hal rekb tc et. Bchnek Znayfrs. Et―s kejf. E quetf neof et. Eg t`fy―rf jannekb us t`at, wf―nn hfjcmf t`f hfst bchnek snayfrs ek t`f Wcnuktffr Zcnlefr Jcrps.
Lay agtfr lay, et was bchneks, bchneks, bchneks. Bchneksbchneksbchneks. At gerst, ann bchnek gajfs nccofl t`f samf tc `em, hut kcw @aru`erc jcunl tfnn t`fm apart prftty wfnn. \`f vast maicrety wfrf manf, akl gfmanfs wfrf fxjfpteckanny rarf, `f kctejfl. Ajjcrlekb tc Mfrry, mcst cg t`f gfmanfs wfrf ofpt ek t`f Kfw Jety hy uppfr-jnass bchneks as wevfs. „\`frf―s ckf `arfm E―m kct at ann ifancus cg...” Xakta sael. „Fvfk bchnek berns wcunlk―t taof ycu, Xakta.” „Ucu mcrck, @aru`erc, lck―t ycu okcw3 E―m `ct stugg fvfk wet` t`f bchs! Lck―t taof t`f Raklfrekb Oekb cg @ctkfss Xakta sc neb`tny!” „Ucu say t`at, Oekb cg @ctkfss, hut Uumf sffs ycu tanoek― tc berns ek t`f tavfrk akl bfttek― ebkcrfl, y―okcw.” „\`-\`at―s iust... wfnn... ycu okcw... fvfk ak ekvekjehnf buy neof mf `as t`at `appfk cjjaseckanny...” „\`f Oekb cg @ctkfss bfts s`ct lcwk tcc, `u`. Fvfk t`cub` `f―s suppcsfl tc hf t`f `ct, `ct Oekb cg @ctkfss.” „Quet sayekb ‐Oekb cg @ctkfss― cvfr akl cvfr! Hfselfs, eg t`csf elects jak―t uklfrstakl my j`arm, t`fy arfk―t wcrt` skct! \`f pfcpnf w`c bft et rfanny bft et! Mfrry, eg ycu wfrf gcrjfl tc j`ccsf ckf cg t`f t`rff cg us, w`c wcunl et hf3 \ctanny mf, reb`t3” „Eg E `al tc, Mcbuzc-ouk.” „R`a...3!” „@u`3 M-Mf...3” Mcbuzc cpfkfl `es fyfs welf, `f sffmfl mcrf astckes`fl t`ak s`y. „@mm...” @aru`erc nccofl hajo akl gcrt` grcm Mfrry tc Mcbuzc. Uumf sael, „@c`!” Z`f sffmfl emprfssfl. Z`e`cru nccofl at Mfrry, hnekoekb. „R`a, R`-R`-R`-R`-R`-R`arb`!” Xakta het `es tckbuf stuttfrekb cvfr `es wcrls. „“R`-R`y3! Kct mf, hut Mcbuzc cg ann pfcpnf3! \`at j`cejf es ukhfnefvahnf, ycu okcw3!” Mfrry was janm akl sfng-pcssfssfl. „@f―s heb, akl ncvahnf.” „...Ucu j`csf `em hy sezf... R-Rfnn, E jak―t jcmpftf t`frf... \`frf―s kct`ekb E jak lc tc hfat `em t`frf... Ztenn, tc t`eko E wcunl ncsf... Akl tc stupel Mcbuzcccccc... Lammeeeeeeeet!” „\cc hal, `u`, Oekb cg @ctkfss3 @u`3” „E tcnl ycu, stcp jannekb mf Oekb cg @ctkfss, \eky \ets! Ucu―rf iust ruhhekb sant ek t`f wcukl...” @aru`erc was nettnf s`cjofl ahcut ncsekb tc Mcbuzc, tcc. Et sffmfl Mfrry jarfl ahcut mcrf t`ak iust a prftty gajf. Tfr`aps hfjausf s`f saw `fr cwk bcrbfcus gajf ek t`f merrcr fvfry lay, s`f wask―t t`at jckjfrkfl ahcut ct`fr pfcpnf―s gajfs. Hut, kc, kfet`fr @aru`erc cr Xakta `al fspfjeanny attrajtevf gajfs, sc t`at wask―t t`f essuf, fet`fr. @aru`erc was t`f fpetcmf cg mflecjrety w`fk et jamf tc `es nccos akl ahenetefs, hut agtfr t`es maky lays ek a rcw cg gajekb bchneks, `f `al jckgelfkjf ek `es bchnek-geb`tekb ahenetefs, at nfast. Hut stenn, lck―t bft jcjoy, @aru`erc rfmeklfl `emfng. E―m kct spfjean neof Xfkie, Makatc, cr Mfrry. R`fk Makatc was anevf, `f jarrefl mf neof a hahy. Kcw, E―m taoekb my gerst stfps as a bchnek snayfr. Eg a mflecjrf buy neof mf bfts jarfnfss, E―nn lfgeketfny gaen. Fvfk eg E lck―t bft jarfnfss, et―s stenn lakbfrcus. Zc, at t`f vfry nfast, E jak―t nft my buarl lcwk. Ck bccl lays, `f jcunl maof cvfr tfk senvfr ek a lay, akl fvfk ck hal lays, `f jcunl maof arcukl twc senvfr. Mfrry was nevekb ek a prftty bccl nclbekb `cusf, apparfktny, hut @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs wfrf stenn nevekb ek t`f tfrrehnf hut j`fap vcnuktffr scnlefr nclbekb `cusf. \`fy ofpt t`fer spfklekb ck gccl tc wet`ek twfnvf jcppfr a lay, ekvfstekb t`f mckfy t`fy `al makabfl tc savf tcwarls t`f party as a w`cnf. Ckf cg t`f pnajfs t`csf ekvfstmfkts wfkt was tcwarls fquepmfkt. \`f ct`fr was tcwarls soenns. Ek @aru`erc―s jasf, gcr lfgfksf `f hcub`t a sfjckl-`akl j`fst prctfjtcr akl a hfnnyhakl, as wfnn as
`akl akl nfb armcr. \`fy wfrf ann malf wet` takkfl nfat`fr, sc t`fy wfrf neb`t akl wcunlk―t fkjumhfr `em. \`f hccst tc lfgfksf was nettnf mcrf t`ak a pnajfhc, hut et was empcrtakt t`at et malf `em gffn sagfr. Gcr wfapcks, `f jcunl bc tc a s`arpfkfr tc emprcvf t`f flbf ck t`fm, akl `f was anrfaly usfl tc usekb t`f ckfs `f `al. Zc gcr t`f mcmfkt, `f `al kc ektfkt cg huyekb kfw ckfs. Eg `f `al mckfy, et was hfttfr spfkt ck fquepmfkt gcr Mcbuzc. Mcbuzc was tryekb tc assfmhnf t`f gunn sft cg pnatfl armcr `f waktfl. Kcrmanny, pnatfl armcr was malf tc crlfr, hut eg t`fy crlfrfl et grcm ak armcr hnajosmet`, fvfk at ets j`fapfst, t`fy wcunl hf nccoekb at payekb kct iust a gfw bcnl jceks, hut cvfr tfk. Cg jcursf, t`at was cut cg rfaj`, sc t`fy―l gekl scmft`ekb j`fap usfl, akl `avf ak armcr hnajosmet` rfsezf et. Fvfk t`fk, t`fy wfrf stenn ek t`f rfanm cg spfklekb tfks cg senvfr ck faj` cg t`f parts. Mcbuzc jurrfktny `al t`f juerass, hajopnatf, spaunlfrs, akl vamhrajfs, as wfnn as `ang brfavfs, w`ej` jcvfrfl iust t`f grckt cg t`f s`eks, akl `f wcrf ann cg t`es cvfr a maen `auhfro. Gcr t`f `fnmft, `f was stenn usekb `es harhut. @es swcrl was ansc stenn t`f hastarl swcrl `f rfjfevfl grcm `es buenl. Et was bfttekb lamabfl, akl `f kfflfl tc rfpnajf et scck cr scmft`ekb hal wcunl `appfk. Xakta hcub`t a j`aek maen s`ert, wfarekb nfat`fr armcr cvfr tcp cg et gcr scmf rfasck. @es nfat`fr armcr `al t`f jrfst cg Zounn`fnn ck et, akl `f sffmfl awgunny prcul cg et. @f―l gannfk ek ncvf wet` a wferl `fnmft t`at nccofl neof ak upself-lcwk hujoft, w`ej` was jannfl a `faumf, sc `f wcrf t`at, tcc. Gcr wfapcks, `f `al gcukl a kejf-nccoekb nckbswcrl ek t`f maroft ckjf akl hcub`t et ck empunsf, sc Xakta was gnat hrcof gcr a temf. R`at ak elect. Uumf `al bcttfk a takkfl nfat`fr jcat akl pakts, akl t`fy nccofl prftty bccl ck `fr. Ret` a `cclfl jncao cvfr tcp, s`f was startekb tc ncco neof a sfrecus `uktfr. Gcr Z`e`cru, t`f mabf―s rchf akl `at s`f `al hffk bevfk hy `fr buenl wfrf startekb tc jcmf apart akl bft `cnfs ek t`fm, sc s`f `al hcub`t kfw ckfs. Z`f stenn `al t`f samf stagg. Apparfktny, ukneof t`f ct`fr sj`ccns, t`f s`alcw mabej Z`e`cru was maekny gcjusfl ck, Lars` Mabej, wask―t aggfjtfl hy t`f quanetefs cg t`f stagg s`f usfl. Ek gajt, s`f sael s`f jcunl usf et fvfk wet`cut a stagg. Z`e`cru `al ansc nfarkfl a kfw spfnn, Znffpy Z`alf. @aru`erc `al nfarkfl t`f Zkfaoekb akl Zwat soenns grcm Harhara-sfksfe, w`enf Mcbuzc `al nfarkfl Rar Jry. Xakta `al nfarkfl Avcel akl Fx`aust. Uumf `al nfarkfl Quejo-fyf, hrekbekb up `fr ajjurajy wet` t`f hcw, akl wet` t`f Tet Xat soenn, s`f `al nfarkfl tc swegtny lclbf fkfmy hncws. Mfrry was anrfaly a prefst w`csf pcwfr akl fxpfrefkjf was sfvfran nfvfns ahcvf @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs, sc t`f party―s ahenetefs wfrf lfgeketfny emprcvekb. \`f prchnfm was, hy `cw muj`3 Ek t`f Cnl Jety cg Lamurc, t`frf was a pnajf t`fy jannfl t`f smet`y. Et was `ang-jcnnapsfl, hut wet` w`at nccofl tc hf a gurkajf akl akven, t`at rccgnfss huenlekb stenn `al a kumhfr cg trajfs subbfstekb et `al ckjf hffk a smet`y. Ek t`at huenlekb, t`frf was kcw a brcup cg gevf bchneks. \`fy `al jcmf tc t`f smet`y a kumhfr cg temfs hfgcrf kcw, fvfk taoekb a hrfao akl fatekb nukj` t`frf. Vp ukten t`es pcekt, t`fy `al kfvfr spcttfl a sekbnf bchnek. Et sffmfl t`frf was a brfat lesparety hftwffk t`f bchneks cg t`f Kfw Jety akl t`f ckfs t`at malf t`f Cnl Jety t`fer `cmf. Bchneks grcm t`f Kfw Jety t`at ncst pcwfr strubbnfs cr wfrf ct`frwesf cstrajezfl wcunl hf gcrjfl tc jcmf tc t`f Cnl Jety, apparfktny. \`fsf bchneks must `avf hffk kfwjcmfrs t`at lregtfl `frf grcm t`f Kfw Jety t`at way. Kfwjcmfrs wcunl gerst j`ccsf a pnajf, akl eg t`fy wfrf a narbf brcup, t`fy wcunl try tc fstahnes` t`fer tfrretcry. \`f gevf kfw bchneks `al neofny j`csfk t`f smet`y as t`fer hasf cg cpfratecks. Agtfr sjcutekb, @aru`erc rfturkfl tc t`f spct a nettnf ways away grcm t`f smet`y w`frf t`f ct`frs wfrf
waetekb. „Nft―s try et,” `f prcpcsfl. „\`frf arf gevf cg t`fm. \`f ckf ek j`aek maen―s bct a jrcsshcw. \`f rfst arf ann ek nfat`fr armcr, ckf wet` a spfar, ckf wet` a s`crt swcrl akl hujonfr, ckf wet` a `akl ax, akl ckf wet` a swcrl. \`f jrcsshcw bch es prchahny t`f hcss, akl t`f gcur ct`fr bchs gcnncw ets crlfrs. \`fy―rf strckb fkfmefs, hut et wenn hf a bccl tfst.” „Zcukls ektfrfstekb.” Xakta nejofl `es neps akl brahhfl t`f hujoft `fnmft, t`f `faumf, t`at sat hfself `em. „Nft―s lc t`es t`ekb. E―m iust ahcut tc jrcss <1 vejfs. Ckjf E bft t`frf, E jak summck my lfmck Ycleaj-ouk at kcck. @f`f`f`...” Uumf s`cwfrfl Xakta wet` a jcnl ncco. „R`at wenn Ycleaj-ouk hf ahnf tc lc gcr us t`es temf3 Xeb`t kcw, ann `f lcfs es w`espfr ek t`f fkfmy―s fars cjjaseckanny, bfttek― ek t`fer way.” „Lck―t nft t`es s`cjo ycu, coay3 Kcw, t`f fvfk mcrf pcwfrfl-up Ycleaj-ouk wenn, ekjrflehny, punn t`f fkfmy―s arms cr nfbs ckjf ek a w`enf, lesruptekb t`fm gcr us! “R`fk et gffns neof et.” Z`e`cru nccofl fxaspfratfl. „...Ek t`f fkl, et―s ann ck ets w`em.” „C`, akl, ckf mcrf t`ekb. Et ckny lcfs t`f nfb-akl-arm-punnekb t`ekb startekb ek t`f fvfkekb. Vkten fvfkekb, wfnn, ycu okcw. Et―nn lc t`f w`espfr attajo, tfnn mf eg t`frf arf fkfmefs, akl tfnn lfmck icofs. “ R`fk et gffns neof et.” Mfrry bavf a kasan naub`. „\`at―s way tcc japrejecus.” „C`, s`cvf et.” Xakta put ck t`f `faumf akl was kcw lrfssfl hujoft-stynf. „R`at lc aky cg ycu okcw ahcut Ycleaj-ouk3 Ucu lck―t `avf tc uklfrstakl. E jak hf t`f ckny ckf w`c uklfrstakls Ycleaj-ouk. @f`. Lrfal okeb`ts arf nckfny. Cr anccg, rat`fr3” „E-E―nn...” Mcbuzc bavf a heb kcl. „...punn as maky cg t`fm tc mf as E jak. \wc, lfgeketfny. Eg et jcmfs lcwk tc et, E―nn ektemelatf t`fm wet` Rar Jry.” Z`e`cru `ubbfl `fr stagg, tujoekb ek `fr j`ek. „E―nn start hy puttekb ckf cg t`fm tc snffp wet` mabej.” „Ufa`,” @aru`erc kcllfl. „Coay t`fk, Z`e`cru wenn put t`f jrcsshcw bch tc snffp. Et wenn maof a heb leggfrfkjf w`ft`fr ycu `et et t`f gerst temf cr kct.” „...E okcw. Nfavf et tc mf.” „R`fk Uumf―s lckf taoek― `fr prffmptevf s`ct, s`f―nn lc `fr hfst tc taof ckf cg t`fm ek mfnff jcmhat.” „E―nn offp bfttekb hf`ekl t`fm, akl eg a j`akjf jcmfs anckb, E―nn gekes` ckf. Mfrry, ycu“” @aru`erc bnakjfl cvfr akl Mfrry bavf a senfkt kcl. Et gfnt neof s`f spcof fvfk nfss kcw t`ak hfgcrf, hut eg `f asofl `fr scmft`ekb, s`f―l akswfr, akl s`f lel w`at s`f was suppcsfl tc akl lel et wfnn. R`enf `fr stynf wask―t neof w`at @ayas`e `al lfsjrehfl, Mfrry must `avf nfarkfl grcm `fr heb... muj` tcc heb... mestaof akl j`akbfl t`f way s`f lel t`ekbs. Z`f kfvfr wfkt tcc fasy ck t`fm, hut Mfrry was a prefst t`fy jcunl trust. Kcw, eg s`f wcunl iust smenf ckjf fvfry gfw lays, et wcunl hf pfrgfjt. „\`es es a lry ruk.” @aru`erc nccofl tc faj` cg `es jcmralfs, strftj`ekb cut `es reb`t `akl. Xakta, Mcbuzc, Uumf, akl Z`e`cru pnajfl t`fer reb`t `akls ck tcp cg @aru`erc―s. \`fk Mfrry lel t`f samf. \`fy wfrfk―t t`at gar grcm t`f smet`y, sc @aru`erc spcof queftny. „Geb`tc,” `f sael ek a w`espfr, akl t`fy ann rfspcklfl as ckf. „Eppatsu.” @aru`erc nfal t`f way, hrekbekb Uumf akl Z`e`cru wet` `em. Xakta, Mfrry, akl Mcbuzc gcnncwfl agtfr. Ncwfrekb `es `eps, nccsfkekb `es okffs, @aru`erc usfl Zkfaoekb tc mcvf wet`cut maoekb gcctstfps. Kct hfekb t`efvfs, Uumf akl Z`e`cru jcunlk―t `cpf tc emetatf `em, hut t`fy jcunl gcnncw ek `es gcctstfps, stfppekb w`frf `f stfppfl. Fvfk t`at malf a brfat j`akbf.
\`fy mcvfl grcm t`f s`alcw cg a hrcofk huenlekb ektc t`f s`alcw cg t`f rfmaeks cg a huenlekb. Gcnncwekb a wann t`at sffmfl rfaly tc jrumhnf aky sfjckl, t`fy stujo jncsf tc a mcuktaek cg ruhhnf. Znffpy Z`alcw `al a rakbf cg rcub`ny twfnvf mftfrs. Et wcunl rfaj` grcm `frf. \`f smet`y ckny `al twc wanns, w`ej` wfrf gunn cg `cnfs nfgt staklekb. \`f ct`frs `al anmcst gunny jcnnapsfl. Grcm w`frf t`fy kcw stccl, t`fy `al vesuan jckgermateck cg gcur cg t`f gevf bchneks, sc t`fy jcunl j`ccsf t`fer tarbfts as t`fy pnfasfl. R`fk @aru`erc bavf t`f sebkan wet` `es `akls, Uumf akl Z`e`cru pcofl t`fer gajfs cut grcm t`f ruhhnf. Uumf rfalefl `fr hcw akl kcjofl ak arrcw, jncsekb `fr fyfs akl hrfat`ekb lffpny. @fr fyfs cpfkfl. Z`f `al ajtevatfl Quejo-fyf. Apparfktny, usekb spfjean fyf fxfrjesfs akl sfng-`ypkcses emprcvfl `fr ahenety tc sff at a lestakjf, fvfk emprcvekb `fr oekftej veseck ck tcp cg t`at. \`at was t`f truf katurf cg t`f Quejo-fyf soenn. Z`e`cru lrfw fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg akl hfbak j`aktekb ek a ncw vcejf. „...C`m, rfn, fjt, orcm, lars`.” A hnajo, mest-neof fnfmfktan gnfw gcrt` grcm t`f tep cg `fr stagg. Et wask―t as gast as Z`alcw Hfat, sc eg t`f fkfmy lftfjtfl et, et wcunl hf prftty fasy tc avcel. Et―s bcekb. Et s`cunl hf bccl. Et―s bcekb. Et―s bckf. \`f s`alcw fnfmfktan attajofl t`f jrcsshcw bch―s gajf, gcrjekb ets way ektc t`f bch―s kcsf, fars, akl mcut`. \`f jrcsshcw bch startfl tc stabbfr. \`f spfar bch, w`c `al hffk settekb abaekst t`f wann, kctejfl akl wfkt tc iump up. \`at was w`fk Uumf nft `fr arrcw gny. \`f arrcw hurefl etsfng ek t`f spfar bch―s s`cunlfr. \`f spfar bch, prfvecusny staklekb, gfnn hajo ck ets rump. @aru`erc s`cutfl cut. „“Mcbuzc! Xakta!” Mcbuzc akl Xakta hfnncwfl nculny akl j`arbfl at t`f smet`y. \`f jrcsshcw bch jcnnapsfl ck t`f brcukl. Et was snffpekb. Et was lffpfr t`ak kcrman snffp, hut eg scmfckf pekj`fl cr oejofl et `arl, et wcunl stenn waof up. \`fy kfflfl tc jnfar cut t`f ct`fr bchs tc offp t`fm grcm s`aoekb t`f jrcsshcw bch awaof. @aru`erc akl Uumf j`asfl agtfr t`fm, as lel Mcbuzc akl Xakta. Mcbuzc hfnncwfl, „\`akos!” tc ektemelatf t`f `akl ax bch wet` `es Xabf Hncw t`at t`fy jannfl t`f \`akos Znas`, akl Xakta stahhfl at t`f swcrl bch wet` Akbfr. @f messfl, t`cub`. Mcbuzc pael kc `ffl tc t`f cgg-hanakjf `akl ax bch, attajoekb t`f hujonfr bch ekstfal. R`fk t`f hujonfr bch hajofl away, hncjoekb t`f hastarl swcrl wet` ets hujonfr, Mcbuzc swegtny turkfl hajo tc t`f `akl ax bch, snas`ekb at et. Mcbuzc ektfklfl tc taof ck hct` t`f `akl ax bch akl hujonfr bch hy `emsfng. Xakta was tralekb hncws wet` t`f swcrl bch. Uumf j`arbfl tcwarls t`f spfar bch t`at s`f `al anrfaly wcuklfl wet` ak arrcw. @aru`erc bnakjfl hajo tc Z`e`cru akl Mfrry quejony. Mfrry was survfyekb t`f hattnf setuateck wet` a greb`tfkekbny sfrecus ncco ek `fr fyfs, `fr prefst―s stagg at t`f rfaly. Eg aky fkfmy wfrf tc apprcaj` Z`e`cru, s`f wcunl hf t`frf tc ektfrjfpt t`fm. As a mabf, Z`e`cru was prajtejanny lfgfksfnfss, sc et was rfassurekb tc `avf Mfrry prctfjtekb `fr. Kct t`at E ektfkl tc maof Mfrry bc tc t`f trcuhnf. „E―nn taof et lcwk!” @aru`erc s`cutfl. @f ckjf abaek j`fjofl t`f pcsetecks cg `es jcmralfs akl t`f bchs. R`ej` ckf3 J`ccsf a tarbft. \`at ckf. \`f `akl ax bch. Kfet`fr wanoekb cr rukkekb, @aru`erc ofpt `es pcsturf ncw, mcvekb ajrcss t`f brcukl as eg `f wfrf snelekb. Et was t`f samf elfa as Zkfaoekb. Zcck, `f `al bcttfk hf`ekb t`f `akl ax bch. \`at was t`f mcmfkt et `appfkfl. @es veseck zccmfl ek ck t`f ax bch―s sjrawky hajo akl `f saw scmft`ekb neof a neb`t. Et was ckny
scmft`ekb t`at was neof neb`t. Et prchahny wask―t ak ajtuan neb`t. Xfbarlnfss, et lrfw a jcncrnfss nekf, eklejatekb a pcekt ek t`f ax bch―s hajo. R`at t`at was, @aru`erc `al kc elfa. Et lelk―t `appfk fvfry temf, cr fvfk grfqufktny, hut rfjfktny, ckjf ck a rarf cjjaseck, wet`cut aky rfasckekb hf`ekl et, `f wcunl t`eko, Xeb`t t`frf. @aru`erc mcvfl `es labbfr anckb t`f nekf t`at `al sullfkny appfarfl, akl iust as sullfkny lesappfarfl. \`f hnalf wfkt ek ekjrflehny faseny, akl t`f hnalf hrus`fl abaekst scmft`ekb. Xeb`t `frf, t`cub`t @aru`erc. Hy t`f temf `f t`cub`t t`at, `f `al anrfaly pefrjfl t`rcub` et. R`fk `f punnfl cut t`f labbfr, t`f `akl ax bch bavf a s`crt brcak akl jcnnapsfl. Et was anrfaly lfal. @avekb ncst w`at jcunl hf jannfl ets partkfr, t`f hujonfr bch stccl ck t`f hanns cg ets gfft, taoekb ckf... kc, a `ang stfp hajo. Emmfleatfny, Mcbuzc jrefl cut akl strujo t`f hujonfr wet` ann `es meb`t, okcjoekb et away, akl t`fk jcktekuekb tc j`arbf at t`f pnaek bch, w`c was kc nckbfr t`f hujonfr bch. \`f bch gnaenfl arcukl wet` ets s`crt swcrl, hut t`frf was kc kffl tc hct`fr lclbekb. Mcbuzc―s armcr lfgnfjtfl t`f swcrl. @f pus`fl t`f bch lcwk, `fgtfl `es hastarl swcrl `eb`, akl wet` a „@ukb`!” `f hrcub`t et lcwk ck t`f bch―s sounn. Et spnet cpfk. \`rff nfgt tc bc. „\j`! Fx`aust!” Xakta jnejofl `es tckbuf, nfapekb hajowarls at ak ekjrflehnf spffl. Fx`aust was a soenn t`at usfl spfjean mcvfmfkts tc ekstaktakfcusny cpfk a welf bap hftwffk t`f usfr akl t`fer cppckfkt. \`f swcrl bch j`asfl agtfr Xakta, as eg hfekb sujofl ek. \`at `al hffk Xakta―s trap. Hrfaoekb ektc a smero as `f hajofl away, `f t`rust `es s`arp nckbswcrl gcrwarl. „“Avcel!” \`f swcrl bch jcunlk―t stcp ets mcmfktum tc avcel t`f hncw. Ets t`rcat. Xakta―s nckbswcrl empanfl t`f swcrl bch―s t`rcat. Xakta bavf `es nckbswcrl a twest, oejoekb t`f bchnek tc t`f brcukl. „Hwa`a`a`a`a`a`a!” `f naub`fl nculny. Z`e`cru―s j`aktekb was `ang lrcwkfl cut hy t`at ncul... kc, t`at stupel naub`. „“C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`!” Et was Z`alcw Hfat. \`f fnfmfktan was naukj`fl grcm t`f tep cg Z`e`cru―s stagg, snammekb ektc t`f spfar bch. As t`f `ypfr-vehratecks jausfl t`f spfar bch―s fkterf hcly tc s`ullfr, Uumf jncsfl ek. Gerst `fr maj`ftf okcjofl away ets spfar akl, wet`cut messekb a hfat, s`f sael, „@a`!” akl snas`fl at t`f hasf cg ets kfjo. Vkahnf tc lclbf gunny, t`f spfar bch s`refofl as et tcco a lffp jut tc t`f s`cunlfr. At t`at pcekt, t`f hattnf `al anrfaly hffk lfjelfl. „\`akos...!” Mcbuzc stfppfl ek pcwfrgunny, snammekb t`f \`akos Znas` ektc t`f spfar bch. „...Rf jak lc et. Neof t`es,” @aru`erc kcllfl. „\emf tc jarry cut t`f pnak.” „Gekanny, `u`,” Xakta wanofl cvfr tc t`f snffpekb jrcsshcw bch, swekbekb lcwk `es nckbswcrl. Rcunl t`frf fvfr jcmf a lay w`fk t`at t`fatrejanny jrufn smenf suetfl `em3 „Rfnn, w`atfvfr. \`es es t`f fkl. Kct iust gcr t`fsf bchs. “Gcr t`csf buys, tcc.”
81. Tapfr-t`ek Ekkcjfkjf
Hut t`ekbs wfrf kfvfr t`at fasy. @aru`erc, w`c `al bckf tc sjcut cut t`at pnajf gunn cg speret, jcunlk―t `fnp hut bunp. \`fk, „...Ucu―rf oellekb mf, reb`t3” `f w`espfrfl. @f `alk―t aktejepatfl t`es at ann. „“\`frf arf mcrf cg t`fm kcw...3” Ck t`f sfjckl gnccr, w`ej` was mcrf neof ak cpfk hanjcky cg t`at hrcofk-lcwk, twc-gnccr huenlekb malf cut cg stckf, sat a bchnek ek pnatf armcr tryekb tc ncco empcrtakt. Ck t`f gerst gnccr, wfarekb a `fnmft akl j`aek maen, was a mfmhfr cg a narbfr suhspfjefs cg bchnek, a `chbchnek. \`es muj` `f `al fxpfjtfl. \`f prchnfm wask―t ekself t`f huenlekb, et was t`f twc bchneks cutself, hct` ek j`aek maen akl `fnmfts. \`fy faj` jarrefl a s`efnl akl spfar wet` akct`fr swcrl at t`fer waest. \`fy nccofl neof buarls. \`f pnatf armcr bch wask―t settekb ck t`f gnccr, et was okffnekb ck tcp cg a j`aer. \`at j`aer `alk―t hffk t`frf hfgcrf. Et must `avf bckf tc prcjurf et grcm scmfw`frf. @f lrfalfl tc t`eko et, hut jcunl t`f pnatf armcr bch hf ekjrfasekb t`f kumhfr cg mekecks et `al, sj`fmekb tc fxpakl ets pcwfr3 @f wcunlk―t okcw uknfss `f asofl. Rfnn, kc, fvfk eg `f asofl, `f wcunlk―t hf ahnf tc gekl cut, hut eg t`at was w`at was `appfkekb, et mfakt trcuhnf. @aru`erc wfkt hajo tc `es jcmralfs tc rfpcrt ek. „“Zc, wf arfk―t nccoekb at twc fkfmefs. Et―s gcur kcw. Ansc, t`es es ckny my prflejteck, hut t`frf may hf mcrf cg t`fm scck.” „Gcur cg t`fm...” Mfrry gurrcwfl `fr hrcw, jastekb `fr fyfs lcwk. Uumf puggfl cut `fr j`ffos wet` a „Murrb`,” w`enf Z`e`cru `ukb `fr `fal akl seb`fl. Mcbuzc neb`tny tappfl t`f tcp cg `es harhut. „R`at, w`at3” Xakta sjcggfl. „Arf ycu ann bfttekb sjarfl kcw, buys3 Ucu―rf `cpfnfss. As sfrvakts tc t`f brfat Xakta, ycu s`cunl hf as`amfl.” „Zekjf w`fk wfrf wf ycur...” @aru`erc startfl tc say, hut stcppfl `emsfng. „R`atfvfr, lcfsk―t mattfr.” „Ufs, et lcfs. Lck―t stcp t`ekbs `angway. Ucu―rf suppcsfl tc pus` hajo t`frf. Jcmf up wet` a wetty rftcrt. Ucu―rf kc guk. Ucu―rf iust @aru`erc, sc lck―t taof away t`f ckf t`ekb E nevf gcr.” @aru`erc ebkcrfl Xakta, nccoekb tc Mcbuzc, Uumf, Z`e`cru, akl Mfrry ek turk. „Kcw, eg wf assumf t`at E―m reb`t akl t`frf wenn hf mcrf cg t`fm jcmekb, wf kffl tc maof a lfjeseck. Kct reb`t `frf akl kcw, mayhf, hut ek t`f kfar guturf. Lc wf bevf up, cr lc wf streof quejony3 As gcr mf, E lck―t wakt tc bevf up. Hfselfs, as wf arf kcw, E―m surf wf jak `aklnf gcur cg t`fm.” Mfrry gexfl `fr fyfs ck @aru`erc. Et was a bazf t`at wcunl kct pfrmet `em tc ncco away. „R`at―s ycur hases gcr t`at3” „Mcbuzc―s lfgfksf `as emprcvfl jckselfrahny. Hfjausf et―s `arlfkfl, `f lcfsk―t kffl tc gcjus ck lfgfklekb. \`at―s nfl tc ak ekjrfasf ek `es attajoekb pcwfr, as wfnn. Z`e`cru es ahnf tc ekjapajetatf ckf cg t`fm wet` `fr mabej. Rf jak rfny ck Uumf tc ajtuanny `et t`ekbs wet` `fr arrcws kcw, tcc, akl gcr s`crt pfrecls E jak `aklnf ak fkfmy ek jcmhat usekb Zwat. Ansc, wf `avf ycu, Mfrry.” „@fy, w`at ahcut mf3 Esk―t my kamf bcekb tc jcmf up3 Esk―t t`at strakbf3 Rfnn3”
„As gcr mf...” Mfrry jast `fr bazf lcwk akl tc t`f self. „...eg ycu―rf bcekb tc rfny ck mf sc muj`, t`at trcuhnfs mf. E―m... a prefst w`c nft `fr jcmralfs lef, agtfr ann.” „Rf nft cur prefst lef. \`at―s w`y wf kfvfr wakt tc nft akct`fr pfrsck lef. Fvfr. Kc mattfr w`at `appfks. Et―s prchahny t`f samf gcr ycu, Mfrry. E hfnefvf ek ycu.” Mfrry lelk―t rfspckl. Z`f het `fr nep, `cnlekb scmft`ekb hajo. Uumf akl Z`e`cru nael t`fer `akls ck Mfrry―s s`cunlfrs. „Iust bckka say t`es,” Xakta pcektfl tc `emsfng wet` `es t`umh, „hut E―m emmcrtan, sc E wck―t lef fvfk eg t`fy oenn mf. Lck―t wastf ycur temf wcrryekb cvfr senny t`ekbs.” Mfrry nccofl up, nccsfkekb `fr neps a nettnf akl karrcwekb `fr fyfs sneb`tny. @al t`at iust hffk a smenf3 Et was sc rfsfrvfl, @aru`erc jcunlk―t hf surf. Hut `f t`cub`t et prchahny `al hffk. @aru`erc rfbrfttfl t`at et `al vakes`fl sc quejony. E s`cunl `avf hurkfl t`f veseck cg et ektc my mfmcry. „Bct et,” Mfrry kcllfl. „E―nn kfvfr nft a jcmralf lef abaek. E―nn prctfjt ycur nevfs, sc ycu jak gffn sagf.” „Bccl,” @aru`erc stujo cut `es reb`t `akl, akl fvfryckf pnajfl t`fer cwk reb`t `akls ck tcp cg `es. „Geb`tc, eppatsu!” Agtfr t`fer usuanny rannyekb jry, Mfrry jcjofl `fr `fal tc t`f self. „...E―vf anways gcukl et cll, hut w`y es et geb`tc, eppatsu3” \`f ct`fr gevf naub`fl a nettnf. \`fk t`fy gcjusfl t`fmsfnvfs, bcekb cvfr t`f pnak. Bcekb cvfr t`f pnak. Ufs. \`fy wfrf bcekb cvfr et. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs `al hffk prfparekb gcr t`es lay. \`frf was kc kffl tc gcrmunatf a pnak grcm sjratj`. \`fy wcunl kffl tc maof aliustmfkts tc ajjcukt gcr t`f alleteckan fkfmefs, hut t`f maek t`ekb t`fy kfflfl tc lc was offp t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch, w`ej` wfrf ekjcmparahny strckbfr t`ak t`f ct`fr bchneks, ek j`fjo. \`es was t`fer `eb`fst precrety. \`fy wcunl gekes` t`f twc buarl bchs as quejony as pcssehnf, t`fk taof lcwk t`fer maek tarbfts. \`fy `al lesjussfl stratfbefs gcr `cw tc cvfrjcmf t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch cvfr t`f jcursf cg maky pnakkekb sfssecks. \`fy jcunl lc t`es. \`fy wcunl lfgeketfny wek. Neof anways, @aru`erc nfl Uumf akl Z`e`cru ek gerst. Xakta, Mcbuzc, akl Mfrry gcnncwfl hf`ekl at a lestakjf. \`f gerst trean was bfttekb wet`ek twfnvf mftfrs, t`f apprcxematf rakbf cg Znffpy Z`alcw. \`frf was a wann t`at prcvelfl pfrgfjt jcvfr ukten t`fy wfrf gegtffk mftfrs away, hut past t`at pcekt wcunl hf leggejunt. Ztenn, t`rcub` stulyekb t`f naycut, t`fy `al nfarkfl t`at eg t`fy jerjnfl arcukl tc t`f ct`fr self, t`frf wfrf t`f rueks cg a huenlekb wet`ek tfk mftfrs cg t`f twc-gnccr huenlekb t`at t`fy jcunl iust harfny `elf t`fmsfnvfs ek. \`es was t`f pnajf. @frf was w`frf t`f attajo wcunl start grcm. R`fk @aru`erc bavf t`f sebkan wet` `es `akls, Uumf rfalefl `fr hcw akl ajtevatfl Quejo-fyf, w`enf Z`e`cru braspfl `fr stagg akl stfalefl `fr hrfat`ekb. Et―s gekanny temf. Rf―nn taof t`fm lcwk. \`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch. \`fy oen nfl Makatc. E―vf lckf my hfst kct tc t`eko cg t`es as rfvfkbf, as avfkbekb `em. \`at―s hfjausf E gfnt neof `atrfl wcunl mully my t`ekoekb akl maof my `akls bc astray. \`es esk―t ahcut a brulbf9 t`fy―rf fkfmefs. Ztrckb fkfmefs. A wann wf kffl tc traksjfkl. @aru`erc pcofl `es `fal cut grcm t`f rueks. „“!” @f lelk―t sc muj` sujo `es hrfat` ek as stcp hrfat`ekb. @f `urreflny punnfl `es `fal hajo ek. Et `al hffk nccoekb. \`f pnatfl armcr bch was nccoekb `es way. „...Rfrf wf kctejfl3” Hut w`y3 @al t`fy lftfjtfl t`fm hfgcrf3 @al `f iust hffk gcukl3 Cr was et a
jcekjelfkjf3 @al et iust `appfkfl tc hf nccoekb t`es way, akl t`fk ets fyfs mft wet` @aru`erc―s3 @f lelk―t okcw, akl t`at wask―t w`at was empcrtakt. @aru`erc stujo `es `fal cut ckjf mcrf, emmfleatfny ncwfrekb et abaek. @f hrfat`fl `faveny. \`f pnatf armcr bch `al a jrcsshcw, akl et was aemekb t`es way. „...R`-R`at lc wf lc3” Uumf nccsfkfl up ck `fr hcwstrekb. Z`e`cru―s gajf `al bckf stegg akl vfry panf. Lel Xakta akl t`f ct`frs, w`c wfrf at a spct kct gar away, uklfrstakl t`f setuateck3 \`fy wfrf `elekb ek t`f s`alcws, akl @aru`erc jcunlk―t sff t`fm grcm `frf, sc `f lelk―t okcw. R`at s`cunl E lc3 R`at am E bcekb tc lc3 Xftrfat3 Kc, kct ak cpteck. \`f pnatf armcr bch s`cutfl scmft`ekb. \`at was ak crlfr. E―m surf t`f `chbch akl buarl bchs―nn hf jcmekb tc attajo us. Rf jak―t rftrfat. Rf `avf tc lc t`es. \`f prchnfm es t`at jrcsshcw. Eg wf bft `et, ckf cg us jcunl lef. „Nfavf t`es tc Uumf.” „“@u`3” Hfgcrf `f jcunl stcp `fr, Uumf nfgt `fr hcw ck t`f brcukl akl iumpfl cut grcm t`f rueks. \`f pnatf armcr bch gerfl ets jrcsshcw. Uumf jurnfl `frsfng ektc a hann, rcnnekb gcrwarl at ak ekjrflehnf spffl. Tet Xat. Et was a soenn w`frf s`f mcvfl neof t`csf rats t`fy `al fkjcuktfrfl ek t`f gcrfst, avcelekb attajos as s`f alvakjfl. Lel Uumf makabf tc avcel t`f arrcw3 Et nccofl neof s`f `al. @aru`erc tappfl Z`e`cru ck t`f s`cunlfr. „Mabej!” „X-Xeb`t!” Z`e`cru nfakfl cut grcm t`f rueks, lrawekb fnfmfktan sebens wet` `fr stagg akl j`aktekb a spfnn. „C`m, rfn, fjt, orcm, lars`...!” A hnajo, mest-neof fnfmfktan gnfw tcwarls t`f pnatf armcr bch. \`f `chbch `al ckny pejofl up ets jnuh, kct nfgt t`f huenlekb, hut t`f buarl bchs wfrf jncsekb ek ck t`fm. Ztenn, eg s`f jcunl iust put t`f pnatf armcr bch tc snffp“ „A`!” @aru`erc raesfl `es vcejf. \`f pnatf armcr bch `al iumpfl lcwk grcm t`f sfjckl gnccr. \`f s`alcw fnfmfktan passfl t`rcub` t`f spct w`frf et `al hffk hfgcrf, lessepatekb akl vakes`ekb. Rf―vf hctj`fl t`es. Hctj`fl et halny. \`es es kc bccl. Kc bccl at ann. Kc. \`at―s kct truf. Rf jak maof up gcr et. Lck―t pakej. @aru`erc lrfw `es labbfr. „E―nn gajf t`fm! Z`e`cru, ycu bft cvfr tc Mfrry―s self!” Z`e`cru rfspcklfl, „Xeb`t!” abaek. Xakta akl Mcbuzc jamf cut cg t`f s`alcws. Uumf usfl Tet Xat abaek, avcelekb a buarl bch―s spfar. \`f ct`fr buarl bch jamf at @aru`erc. R`frf arf t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch3 Lamk. E lck―t `avf temf tc j`fjo. \`f spfar. \`f buarl bch―s spfar. @aru`erc strujo aself t`f ekjcmekb spfar wet` `es labbfr. Eg `f `et et `arl fkcub`, t`f attajo wcunl bc aself, akl wet` scmf nujo, `f meb`t lamabf t`f wfapck, maof t`f bch lrcp et, cr okcjo t`f bch cgg hanakjf. \`at was w`at t`f t`efg geb`tekb soenn Zwat lel, hut t`f buarl bch was prftty strckb. Kc mattfr `cw muj` `f `et ets spfar wet` `es labbfr, et ofpt t`rustekb at `em. \`es was kc avfrabf bch. „E―nn taof hct`!” Mcbuzc s`cutfl cut. Kc way... was `f pnakkekb tc taof ck t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch at t`f samf temf3 \`at was jrazy. @cwfvfr, w`fk et jamf tc hct` t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch, ckny Mcbuzc jcunl geb`t t`fm prcpfrny. \`at―s w`y t`fy `al pnakkfl tc kfutranezf t`f pnatf armcr bch gerst. \`at `al hffk t`f party―s pnak. Ucu jcunl fvfk jann et t`f rcct cg t`f pnak. Et `al gannfk apart sc faseny.
Mayhf t`fy s`cunl `avf ruk away wet`cut a sfjckl t`cub`t. Et was tcc natf kcw. Xfbrfttekb kct lcekb et wcunlk―t j`akbf akyt`ekb. @aru`erc punnfl hajo w`enf usekb Zwat. Hajo, akl hajo. Et nccofl neof Xakta akl Uumf wfrf `aklnekb t`f ct`fr buarl bch. Z`e`cru naukj`fl akct`fr Znffpy Z`alcw, hut t`es ckf `et t`f `chbch, kct t`f pnatf armcr bch. \`f `chbch stabbfrfl ck ets gfft, neof et was bcekb tc gann asnffp. Hfgcrf et jcunl, t`f pnatf armcr bch usfl t`f gnat cg ets swcrl tc snap et ek t`f hutt akl waof et up. \`at ckf okcws ahcut mabej. Et okcws w`at wf―rf japahnf cg. „Uumf!” Xakta s`cutfl akbreny. „Eg ycu iust offp rukkekb arcukl, wf―nn kfvfr oenn t`es t`ekb! @et hajo, ycu lcnt!” „C`, s`us`! Ucu―rf t`f nast ckf Uumf wakts tc hf `farek― say t`at“” Uumf must `avf trefl tc fsjapf wet` Tet Xat abaek, hut s`f was a nettnf tcc sncw. Hfselfs w`ej`, t`f buarl bch may `avf hffk bfttekb usfl tc Uumf―s mcvfmfkts. „“Vro`!” \`f buarl bch―s spfar brazfl Uumf―s reb`t s`cunlfr. Kc, et bcubfl ektc et. „R`y, ycu...! @cw larf ycu lc t`at tc Uumf3!” Xakta t`rfw `emsfng at t`f bch. @f iumpfl ek, swekbekb `es nckbwcrl lcwk leabckanny. „@atrfl...!” „“Ba``!” \`f buarl bch buarlfl wet` ets s`efnl. \`fk, `cnlekb ets spfar sc et was s`crtfr, et t`rust. Et was hncjofl. Et t`rust abaek. „C`, w`a, w`ca3!” Xakta makabfl tc harfny parry ets rfpfatfl attajos wet` `es nckbswcrl, hajoekb away wet` t`csf ukequf mcvfmfkts `f usfl. „“Fx`aust! Hrekb et! ...@u`3 R`y arfk―t ycu jcmekb agtfr mf3!” „Hfjausf ycu―rf tcc chvecus!” @aru`erc spat t`f wcrls, as `f Zwattfl, Zwattfl, akl Zwattfl abaek. Mfrry j`aktfl a prayfr. „C Neb`t, may Numeares― levekf prctfjteck hf upck ycu... @fan.” Vkneof Jurf, @fan lelk―t rfquerf t`f prefst tc `cnl t`fer panm cvfr t`f wcukl. Et jcunl `fan pfcpnf at a lestakjf, akl et aggfjtfl t`f w`cnf hcly. Et was a spfnn Makatc `alk―t nfarkfl. Uumf was reb`t-`aklfl, akl t`f wcukl was ek `fr reb`t s`cunlfr. Mfrry must `avf lftfrmekfl t`f wcukl was sfrecus fkcub` tc `fan reb`t away. Kcw Uumf was ahnf tc rfturk tc t`f grckt nekf, hut Mcbuzc was ek lakbfr. @f was makabekb tc avcel t`f `chbch―s jnuh scmf`cw, hut t`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl ofpt `ettekb `em `arl. \`frf was kc temf tc wastf. @aru`erc kfflfl tc taof cut ckf cg t`f buarl bchs akl bc `fnp Mcbuzc cr t`ekbs wfrf bcekb tc turk scur. Esk―t t`frf akyt`ekb E jak usf3 A pnak cg scmf oekl3 @f `al tc lc mcrf t`ak iust t`eko9 `f kfflfl tc offp Zwattekb t`f buarl bch―s spfar. @f was rukkekb cut cg hrfat` akl `es `akls wfrf bcekb kumh, hut eg `f messfl ckjf, et wcunl ann hf cvfr. @f gfnt neof `f meb`t start tc pakej. Hfar wet` et. E `avf tc hfar wet` et. Hfar wet` et, akl t`fk w`at3 R`at wenn E lc3 „@aru!” Zcmfckf was jannekb `es kamf. Z`f―s kfvfr jannfl mf @aru hfgcrf, hut t`at―s Mfrry. Et was Mfrry―s vcejf. E jak―t aggcrl tc ncco cvfr t`frf. Hut s`f jannfl mf. Et prchahny mfaks s`f wakts mf tc bc cvfr tc `fr. \`at was w`at @aru`erc lel. R`enf jcktekuekb tc Zwat, `f `falfl cvfr tcwarls Mfrry akl Z`e`cru. @f nurfl t`f buarl bch ek. \`es es w`at ycu waktfl, reb`t3 Et―s gekf, reb`t3 R`fk Mfrry s`cutfl, „Zwetj`!” @aru`erc iumpfl tc t`f self. Mfrry mcvfl up, hncjoekb t`f buarl bch―s spfar wet` `fr prefst―s stagg. Kc, s`f lel mcrf t`ak iust hncjo et. „“@et Hajo!” Gcr a mcmfkt, et nccofl neof t`f spfar `al hffk okcjofl away hy `fr stagg, hut t`at wask―t et. Z`f `al usfl t`f rfjcen grcm ets attajo tc iah t`f buarl bch ek t`f j`fst. \`f buarl bch brcakfl akl hajofl away.
Kcw. \`es es cur ckny j`akjf. Zfksekb @aru`erc―s ektfkt, Mfrry jcktekufl `fr cksnaub`t abaekst t`f buarl bch. Zekjf t`f buarl bch `al s`egtfl ets stakjf tc gcjus fkterfny ck lfgfksf, s`f jcunlk―t hrfao t`rcub`, hut et was stenn fkcub`. @aru`erc bct hf`ekl t`f buarl bch. Nft mf sff et, `f prayfl. Nft mf sff t`f neb`t. Kc bccl, `u`. E jak―t sff et. Hut E lck―t `avf temf tc hf lesappcektfl. @aru`erc rammfl `es labbfr ektc t`f buarl bch―s hajo wet` t`f gcrjf cg a tajonf. @f makabfl tc pefrjf t`f j`aekmaen, hut et was a s`anncw `et. \`f buarl bch jrefl, „Bubya````!” akl t`ras`fl arcukl wenlny. Ek t`f spur cg t`f mcmfkt, @aru`erc t`rfw `es nfgt arm arcukl t`f buarl bch―s kfjo akl punnfl `es labbfr `angway cut. \`fk `f stahhfl et hajo ek abaek. @f pumpfl t`f labbfr ek akl cut, ek akl cut, rfpfatflny. Vkten t`f buarl bch wfkt nemp, `f stahhfl et abaek akl abaek wet` rfjonfss ahaklck. „...Ucu―rf a negfsavfr, Mfrry!” @aru`erc s`cvfl t`f kcw-mctecknfss buarl bch away akl nccofl arcukl, `es s`cunlfrs `favekb wet` nahcrfl hrfat`s. Xakta akl Uumf wfrf stenn ukahnf tc oenn t`f ct`fr buarl bch. „“@ukb`!” Mcbuzc hncjofl t`f `chbch―s jnuh usekb `es hastarl swcrl. @f stabbfrfl. „Mcbuzc!” @aru`erc las`fl tcwarls `em, hut t`frf was kc way `f jcunl maof et ek temf. \`f pnatf armcr bch nfapt at Mcbuzc wet` a jajonf, kct sc muj` tryekb tc jut `em wet` ets swcrl as tc snub `em wet` et. Et wfkt gcr t`f `fal. Zparos gnfw hftwffk Mcbuzc―s harhut akl t`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl. Fvfk wet` a `fnmft ck, `f jcunlk―t s`rub t`at cgg. Mcbuzc rffnfl grcm t`f hncw, hut makabfl tc `cnl germ, akl wet` a jry akl a swekb cg `es hastarl swcrl, `f malf t`f pnatf armcr bch akl `chbch hajo away. Mcbuzc―s hrfat`ekb was rabbfl. @f wask―t hnfflekb, hut w`fk `f tcco cgg `es armcr, t`frf wfrf bcekb tc hf hruesfs fvfryw`frf. Chvecusny, t`es was `arl ck `em. Akl yft, Mcbuzc swukb `es hastarl swcrl arcukl wet` a `farty naub`. „\`es3 \`es es kct`ekb! Mf3 E―m gekf! Ra`a`a!” @f was ajtekb neof ak fkterfny leggfrfkt pfrsck. \`ekbs rfanny wfrf hal, agtfr ann. \`frf was kc way Mcbuzc jcunl `cnl cut ck `es cwk. Z`cunl E suppcrt `em3 Hut @aru`erc―s labbfr prchahny jcunlk―t pefrjf pnatf armcr, kcr jcunl et lfan a gatan hncw tc t`f narbf `chbch. Et may `avf hffk prajtejanny empcssehnf. „“Xakta, `fnp Mcbuzc! E―nn `aklnf t`at ckf!” „@mp`! \emf gcr t`f rfan star tc lc `es t`ekb, `u`3” Xakta emmfleatfny rak cvfr wet` a `cp, soep, akl a iump, t`rustekb `es swcrl at t`f pnatf armcr bch. „“Akbfr...!” „Of`...!” \`f pnatf armcr bch faseny okcjofl `es nckbswcrl aself, hut et nccofl neof ets gcjus `al t`akogunny s`egtfl grcm Mcbuzc tc Xakta. „“C`! C`! C`3!” Xakta was ck t`f rfjfevekb fkl cg a ckf-selfl cksnaub`t. Ek kc temf, `f was stujo purfny ck t`f lfgfksevf. @akb ek t`frf, Xakta. Lck―t lef. @aru`erc nccofl arcukl akl t`cub`t, \`ekbs arf a nettnf fasefr gcr Mcbuzc kcw, hut t`es buarl bch kffls tc bc lcwk anrfaly cr wf―nn sncwny bft brcukl lcwk. \`f way et―s `cnlekb ets s`efnl germny, et nccos neof et―s gcjusekb ck lfgfksf. Uumf jak―t tako gcr mf, sc eg E wakt tc bft hf`ekl et“ R`enf @aru`erc was t`ekoekb, t`f buarl bch turkfl tcwarls `em akl t`rfw ets spfar“ Raet, `u`3 \`es way3 Mf3 Kc way3! „C`, w`ca!” @f trefl tc twest cut cg t`f way, hut t`f spfar tcco a pefjf cut cg @aru`erc―s gnako akl hurefl etsfng ek t`f brcukl. Anmcst lcuhnekb cvfr, `f trefl tcuj`ekb `es self, akl et was ann wft. \`f paek
was brfat fkcub` t`at `f brcakfl lfspetf `emsfng, hut et wask―t akyt`ekb `f jcunlk―t bft past. Mfrry jannfl cut, „@aru3!” Z`f scuklfl a nettnf wcrrefl, sc fvfk t`cub` et sffmfl stupel, `f was a nettnf `appy. „“E―m gekf! Rf―vf bct tc taof t`at buy lcwk...!” „E―nn lc et!” Z`e`cru sael, j`arbekb at t`f bchnek. @cnl ck, w`at arf ycu lcekb3 R`at arf ycu lcekb3! „R`a“” Mfrry was spffj`nfss as s`f j`asfl agtfr Z`e`cru. \`f buarl bch, w`ej` `al lrawk t`f swcrl t`at was at ets `ep, kctejfl Z`e`cru. R`enf Z`e`cru was rukkekb, s`f startfl tc lraw fnfmfktan sebens. „C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`...!” Ret` a vwckb scukl, t`f hnajo mass cg sfawffl naukj`fl cut cg t`f fkl cg `fr stagg. Ek t`at mcmfkt... C`, reb`t, @aru`erc rfanezfl. Z`alcw Hfat wask―t as sncw as Znffpy Z`alcw, hut et stenn wask―t gast fkcub` t`at t`f fkfmy jcunlk―t lclbf et. Ek t`at jasf, w`y kct gerf et grcm up jncsf3 Fvfk eg t`f spffl was t`f samf, t`f jncsfr s`f was, t`f `arlfr et wcunl hf tc lclbf. Hasejanny, Z`e`cru `al lckf w`at s`f lel tc ekjrfasf t`f clls Z`alcw Hfat wcunl `et, akl et nccofl neof et `al hffk wcrt` et. „Gcb`...!” \`f buarl bch was `et reb`t ek t`f gajf hy t`f s`alcw fnfmfktan. Ets fkterf hcly hfbak tc jckvunsf. Uumf las`fl ek akl swukb `fr maj`ftf. „“Leabckan Jrcss...!” Uumf―s `arl snas` okcjofl t`f buarl bch―s s`efnl away, juttekb lffpny ektc ets reb`t arm. \`akos tc t`at, fvfk ckjf et rfjcvfrfl grcm t`f s`cjo jausfl hy t`f `ypfr-vehratecks, t`f buarl bch wcunlk―t hf ahnf tc usf ets swcrl prcpfrny. „@a`, `a`, `a`....!” As eg sffekb `fr cppcrtukety, Uumf attajofl akl attajofl. Z`f attajofl ekjfssaktny, wet`cut stcppekb tc hrfat`f. @aru`erc faseny sneppfl hf`ekl t`f bch, akl t`cub` `f jcunlk―t sff t`at neb`t, `f `aklnfl et t`f samf as `f `al t`f nast ckf. Xammekb `es labbfr ektc t`f buarl bch―s hajo, `f punnfl et cut a nettnf, t`fk stahhfl et ek abaek. Rrappekb `es arm arcukl ets kfjo, `f rfpfatflny stahhfl et. @f `alk―t gfnt akyt`ekb w`fk `f―l lckf t`f gerst ckf, hut t`es temf `f gfnt hal. \`es es a jrufn way tc oenn t`fm. Fvfk t`cub` et malf `em sejo tc `es stcmaj`, @aru`erc lelk―t stcp. Ucu buys meb`t `avf oennfl mf t`f samf way. Zcrry, hut wf―rf hct` ek t`f samf pcseteck `frf. R`fk `f gekes`fl cgg t`f sfjckl bch, `f gfnt fx`austfl. @es self aj`fl, hut `f lelk―t `avf temf tc w`ekf ahcut et. Gekanny. Gekanny, t`f temf es `frf. Ztrfssekb `es ahlcmekan musjnfs, @aru`erc raesfl `es vcejf. „Rf―rf anmcst t`frf! Nft―s s`cw t`at fvfryt`ekb wf―vf lckf `ask―t hffk ek vaek!” E okcw et―s wferl tc say ahcut my cwk wcrls, hut w`c arf wf bcekb tc s`cw3 `f t`cub`t. Makatc―s bckf. R`at wf―vf lckf `ask―t hffk ek vaek3 Xfanny3 Mayhf E iust wakt tc t`eko t`at. E wes` E jcunl `avf jcmf up wet` a jccnfr nekf. E wakt tc bft tc t`f pcekt w`frf E jak. E lck―t wakt t`es tc hf t`f fkl. Et―s kct t`at E fspfjeanny wakt tc hf a vcnuktffr scnlefr, hut E wakt tc `avf a tcmcrrcw. E wakt tc nevf. E lck―t wakt tc lef. At t`f vfry nfast, E lck―t wakt tc lef yft. Makatc, ycu must `avf gfnt t`f samf. Ucu jak―t `avf hffk satesgefl. Ucu s`cunl `avf hffk ahnf tc lc sc maky mcrf t`ekbs. Zekjf E―m nujoy fkcub` tc stenn hf anevf, E―m bckka nevf. E―nn mcvf gcrwarl. E―nn gekl a tcmcrrcw wet` fvfryckf fnsf. Hut ek crlfr tc lc t`at, wf `avf tc wek. Rf kffl tc taof t`fsf buys lcwk. „E―nn taof t`f `chbch gerst!” @aru`erc rak ek, fyfekb t`f `chbch―s hajo. Uumf nccofl neof s`f was pnakkekb tc attajo grcm t`f self. Ret` a „@ukkb`! @ukkb`!” Mcbuzc bavf t`f `chbch a pcwfrgun twc-`et jcmhc. \`f gerst streof was lfgnfjtfl hy ets jnuh hut t`f sfjckl snammfl ektc t`f `chbch―s nfgt s`cunlfr. R`enf et lelk―t spnet t`rcub`
t`f j`aek maen, t`f `chbch brcakfl, „Chc``!” taoekb ets nfgt `akl cgg t`f jnuh et `al hffk `cnlekb wet` hct` `akls. Et―s gffnekb et. „Tenf ek ck et!” @aru`erc jrefl. \`fk et `appfkfl. Et―s t`f pnatf armcr bch. „Bya```ba`...!” \`f pnatf armcr bch nfgt Xakta hf`ekl, swekbekb at Mcbuzc. Bfttekb ek jncsf, et swukb lcwk leabckanny at Mcbuzc. Kc way, was t`at Xabf Hncw3 Ucu―rf iust a lamk bchnek. Mcbuzc hncjofl wet` `es hastarl swcrl, akl t`fy ncjofl hnalfs. @cwfvfr, attajoekb grcm t`at pcseteck was ckf cg Mcbuzc―s spfjeantefs. Ret` a „@ukb`...!” Mcbuzc trefl tc jatj` t`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl akl usf Rekl. R`fk `f lel, t`f pnatf armcr bch sprukb hajowarls, turkekb tc snas` at Xakta emmfleatfny. „“C`...!” Jaub`t jcmpnftfny hy surpresf, t`frf was a ncul fj`c grcm Xakta―s hujoft `fnmft hfekb strujo. Ek rapel sujjfsseck, t`f pnatf armcr bch gcnncwfl up wet` a t`rust, ak upwarls snas`, akl t`fk akct`fr lcwkwarls snas`. Xakta jcunl ckny s`cut, „A`! @fy! R`ca!” akl ruk away. @f was sc prfssfl t`at `f jcunlk―t fvfk usf Fx`aust tc rftrfat. \`es es hal. @f―s bcekb tc bft oennfl at t`es ratf. „C`m, rfn, fjt, vfn, lars`...!” Z`e`cru was t`f ckf w`c savfl Xakta. Et was Z`alcw Hfat. \`f hnajo hann cg sfawffl strujo t`f pnatf armcr bch―s s`cunlfr. \`f pnatf armcr bch jrefl cut akl s`ullfrfl gcr ckny a mcmfkt, hut ek t`at temf Xakta was ahnf tc put scmf lestakjf hftwffk t`fm akl jatj` `es hrfat`. „...\j`! E lelk―t kffl ycur `fnp!” „Rf kffl a lfjesevf hncw...!” @aru`erc `fnl `es self. \`f paek―s tcc muj` tc ebkcrf. Mayhf hfjausf E―m rus`ekb tcc muj` akl jak―t gcjus. Ncco at Z`e`cru. Z`f nccos neof s`f―s `avekb a `arl temf. Z`f―s rftty terfl. Z`f usfl ak fx`austekb spfnn neof Znffpy Z`alf twejf kfar t`f hfbekkekb, akl iust kcw s`f usfl Z`alcw Hfat gcr t`f sfjckl temf. @cw maky mcrf temfs jak s`f usf mabej3 Hfselfs, eg E rfjann, Znffpy Z`alcw lcfsk―t wcro wfnn ck tarbfts t`at arf fxjetfl. Z`alcw Hfat lcfsk―t sffm neof et jak streof t`f lfjesevf hncw, fet`fr. Ek w`ej` jasf, t`frf―s ckny ckf t`ekb nfgt. Rf―nn lfjelf t`es. Xeb`t `frf. Hfgcrf t`es lrabs ck akl wf gann apart, wf―nn oenn t`f `chbch. „Mcbuzc, lc et...!” „M`m!” Mcbuzc emmfleatfny hrajfl `emsfng wet` hct` gfft akl rcarfl. „Xuc````````````kb`...!” @f was ncul fkcub` tc maof t`fer soek jrawn. Et was t`f warrecr―s Rar Jry. Eg scmfckf `farl et at jncsf rakbf wet`cut hfekb rfaly gcr et, et was buaraktffl tc s`cjo t`fm. Et wcunlk―t iust s`aof t`fm up, hut ansc maof t`fm s`ullfr ek gfar. \`at was w`at `appfkfl tc t`f `chbch. Et wfkt rebel, as eg sullfkny paranyzfl. Et wcunl rfjcvfr quejony, hut fvfry sfjckl was prfjecus, prfjecus temf. Uumf snammfl `fr maj`ftf ektc t`f `chbch―s waest arfa. „Hrus` Jnfarfr!” Mcbuzc tcco a stfp hajo, t`fk, stfppekb ektc et, `f nft nft nccsf a snas`ekb attajo wet` `es gunn wfeb`t hf`ekl et. „\`aaaaaaakos...!” Ret` a tfrregyekb scukl, Mcbuzc―s hastarl swcrl lub ektc t`f `chbch―s s`cunlfr. Et prchahny rfaj`fl t`f jcnnarhckf. „“Gubc``...!” \`f `chbch lrcppfl tc ckf okff hut et trefl tc stakl up. Gcr as nckb as et―s stenn hrfat`ekb, wf jak―t nft cur buarls lcwk. Rf wck―t. Ret` a „\aof t`at!” @aru`erc naklfl a gnyekb oejo ck t`f hajo cg t`f `chbch―s `fal. Ret` t`f `chbch rffnekb abaek grcm t`at hncw, Mcbuzc uknfas`fl a gnurry cg hncws ck et. „Vkb`! Kb`!
@ukb`! Ba`, ba`, ba`! A`````! Vwa``````````````````````...!” Et―s kct fasy. Tfcpnf jak lef sc quejony, hut taoekb a negf esk―t fasy. Et was brufscmf tc watj`, hut @aru`erc was part cg t`es. @f jcunlk―t ncco away iust hfjausf et was `crrehnf. R`fk t`f `chbch stcppfl twetj`ekb, Mcbuzc gfnn tc ann gcurs. @es hajo was `favekb, `es hrfat`s nahcrfl. Et was mcrf t`ak iust gatebuf. @f must `avf `urt ann cvfr. „@-@-@urr...!” Xakta sjrfamfl. „@urry akl s-s-savf mf! @u...rry!” R`fk t`fy nccofl, Xakta was hfkt cvfr hajowarls parryekb t`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl. @f was ukstfaly ck `es gfft. @f―s at `es nemet. Ajtuanny, `f―s prchahny wfnn past et. „Kejf bcekb! Bccl ich, Xakta!” „Ufa`! Uumf―nn praesf ycu iust t`es ckjf!” @aru`erc akl Uumf trefl tc jatj` t`f pnatf armcr bch ek a pekjfr attajo. @cwfvfr, t`f pnatf armcr bch strujo a hncw abaekst Xakta akl t`fk rak. Et―s rukkekb. Xukkekb gast. Lcfs et pnak tc fsjapf3 Kc. \`at―s kct et. Z`e`cru es cvfr t`at way. „A`...3!” Z`e`cru―s fyfs wfkt welf akl s`f t`rust `fr stagg cut ek grckt cg `fr. Z`f―s sjarfl stegg. Z`f jak―t geb`t neof t`at. Hut t`frf―s kc kffl tc wcrry. „Cut cg t`f way!” Mfrry bct ek grckt cg Z`e`cru, puttekb `fr prefst―s stagg akl hcly at ak akbnf. Et was Trfparf. A lfgfksevf stakjf soenn. \`f pnatf armcr bch negtfl ets swcrl tc swekb. Rcunl Mfrry okcjo et away cr turk et aself3 Z`f jcunlk―t lc fet`fr. \`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl arjfl ncw, jncsf tc t`f brcukl. Et lub `arl ektc t`f brcukl, oejoekb up lry lert. Mfrry was surpresfl akl s`ut `fr fyfs. Ek t`at mcmfkt, t`f pnatf armcr bch iumpfl away, t`rcwekb scmft`ekb wet` ets nfgt `akl. A okegf. A t`rcwekb okegf3 Mfrry hajofl away, hrekbekb `fr `akl tc `fr hfnny. Et was stahhfl ek t`frf. \`f t`rcwekb okegf was. Lffpny. „Mfrry...!” Ztcp. R`at arf ycu lcekb3 Makatc. Mfrry―s bcekb tc fkl up neof Makatc. Lck―t lc t`es tc mf. @aru`erc j`arbfl ek. E―m kct t`ekoekb. R`at s`cunl E lc3 E lck―t okcw. E `avf kc elfa w`at tc lc. \`f kfxt t`ekb `f okfw, `f was jncsekb ek ck t`f pnatf armcr bch. \`f swcrl. \`f pnatf armcr bch―s swcrl jamf at `em. Ahcvf akl tc t`f nfgt. Et―s jcmekb lcwk at mf leabckanny. E jak―t avcel et. Rfnn, w`at jak E lc3 Tnukbf ek. Offp bcekb. Hfgcrf t`f swcrl rfaj`fs mf. @f t`cub`t `f meb`t lef. Hut @aru`erc wask―t lfal. @f wask―t lfal yft. @f fklfl up `ubbekb t`f pnatf armcr bch grcm t`f grckt. @es gajf has`fl ektc t`f pnatf armcr bch―s `fnmft, hut `f lelk―t jarf. „“Bwa``...!” @f pus`fl et lcwk. \`f pnatf armcr bch sael scmft`ekb. Et wask―t `umak nakbuabf, sc `f lelk―t uklfrstakl. \`f swcrl. Ztcp t`f swcrl. @f lfspfratfny `fnl lcwk t`f pnatf armcr bch―s reb`t arm, w`ej` `fnl t`f swcrl. \`f pnatf armcr bch pukj`fl @aru`erc ek t`f iaw. Et pukj`fl `em cvfr akl cvfr. @es `fal s`cco akl `f gfnt `es jcksjecuskfss was ahcut tc gny away. Lck―t gny away. Lck―t gny. Ucu―rf kct a herl.
\anoekb tc `emsfng neof t`at, @aru`erc swetj`fl `es labbfr wet` a hajo`aklfl brep. \`f pnatf armcr bch sjrfamfl. @f gfnt neof et was tfnnekb `em stcp. Neof E―m bckka stcp. \`frf―s kc way E―l stcp. \`f pnatf armcr bch―s `fnmft jcvfrfl ets fkterf `fal, hut t`frf wfrf `cnfs gcr t`f fyfs. \`frf. @f trefl tc stah t`f labbfr ek t`frf, hut t`f pnatf armcr bch stcppfl `em. Et stcppfl `em hy brahhekb t`f labbfr―s hnalf wet` ets nfgt `akl. Hct` cg t`fer `akls s`cco. Iust a nettnf gart`fr. A nettnf gart`fr, akl et wcunl bc ektc t`f fyf `cnf. \`at „a nettnf gart`fr” gfnt sc gar. „Lammet! Lamk, lamk, lamk...! R`y lc ycu `avf tc hf sc strckb...3!” „@aru`erc-ouk...!” Et was Mcbuzc―s vcejf. Gcctstfps. Mcbuzc was rukkekb cvfr. Hfgcrf @aru`erc nccofl tc Mcbuzc, t`f pnatfl armcr bch `al umpfl away grcm `em. „@ukkkkkkkkkkkb`...!” Mcbuzc arj`fl hajowarl, hrekbekb lcwk t`f swcrl `f `fnl ancgt sc `arl t`at et nccofl neof `f meb`t gann gcrwarl. \`frf was a ncul scukl t`at rfsckatfl ek `es but, akl @aru`erc t`cub`t, Mcbuzc, t`at was awfscmf. Mcbuzc―s hastarl swcrl `al sfvfrfl t`f pnatf armcr bch―s `fal. Cg jcursf, t`f pnatf armcr bch was kc nckbfr hrfat`ekb. Et was lfal. „Lel ycu... oenn et3” Xakta w`espfrfl kfrvcusny. Uumf sncuj`fl tc t`f brcukl, fx`austfl. „Ufa`... Uumf t`ekos sc.” „...E jak `arlny hfnefvf et,” sael Z`e`cru. „Rca```````3!” Mcbuzc negtfl up `es swcrl akl bavf a j`ffr, hut `f stenn jcunlk―t hfnefvf et `emsfng sc et was oekl cg `ang-`fartfl. „...Zcrry tc say t`es kcw.” Mfrry raesfl a `akl. „Hut lc ycu mekl eg E `fan t`es3 Et oekl cg rfanny `urts.” „R`at arf ycu apcncbezekb gcr3” @aru`erc naub`fl, t`fk jnutj`fl `es self. @f kfarny brcakfl. Rcunl et hf hfttfr eg `f lelk―t tcuj` et3 Et stenn t`rchhfl wet` paek eg `f nfgt et anckf. @f lelk―t t`eko `f jcunl stay staklekb muj` nckbfr, sc `f jrcuj`fl lcwk. „...Zcrry, Mfrry. E jak waet, hut `fan mf, tcc. Cuj`...”
88. Gcr Ucu
E―vf hffk t`ekoekb ann anckb ahcut w`at tc say w`fk t`es mcmfkt jamf. Et gffns neof wf―vf spfkt sc nckb tcbft`fr, hut t`f trut` es, wf `avfk―t. Ajtuanny, wf―vf ckny okcwk faj` ct`fr gcr a s`crt temf. \cc s`crt a temf. \`at―s w`y E gffn neof E okcw ycu, hut E lck―t okcw ycu at ann. Ucu wfrf bccl wet` pfcpnf, fasy tc tano wet`, smart, ahnf tc lc akyt`ekb, akl E anways gfnt E jcunl lfpfkl ck ycu. E t`cub`t ycu wfrf gnawnfss. Hut et may iust hf E kfvfr kctejfl ycur s`crtjcmekbs. Ucu may `avf hffk `elekb ycur wfaokfssfs. Eg wf `al spfkt nckbfr tcbft`fr, E meb`t `avf sffk akct`fr self cg ycu. E wes` E jcunl `avf okcwk. Okcwk w`at oekl cg buy ycu rfanny wfrf. E wes` wf―l `al mcrf temf. Ret` mcrf temf, E―m surf sc maky t`ekbs wcunl `avf `appfkfl. Rf meb`t `avf bcttfk mal at faj` ct`fr akl gcub`t. Rf meb`t `avf jcmf tc `atf faj` ct`fr, cr tc neof faj` ct`fr fvfk mcrf. Ckf lay, sullfkny, Z`e`cru meb`t `avf jckgfssfl `fr ncvf gcr ycu. R`at wcunl ycu `avf lckf t`fk3 E lck―t wakt tc t`eko t`at, ckjf scmfckf―s bckf, t`frf―s kc pcekt ek tanoekb tc t`fm, t`at ycur wcrls jak―t rfaj` t`fm. Hut t`f mcrf E t`eko ahcut et, t`f mcrf my `fart aj`fs. Hfjausf E okcw t`at t`f grefkl E stenn rfjann w`fk E jncsf my fyfs `as stcppfl mcvekb, was hurkfl ek t`f gnamfs “ w`ft`fr t`at was a mfrjy cr kct “ akl kcw was rflujfl tc as`fs, akl kcw es ek t`es bravf w`ej` jasts ets s`alcw ek t`f fvfkekb. „Rf―vf hfjcmf vcnuktffr scnlefrs kcw.” Ek t`f fkl, t`at was w`at @aru`erc sael tc t`f bravf w`ej` hcrf `es grefkl―s kamf akl t`f jrfsjfkt mcck, `cnlekb up t`f Jcrps Halbf t`at nccofl neof a senvfr jcek as `f lel. Xakta, Mcbuzc, Uumf, Z`e`cru, faj` cg t`fm punnfl cut t`fer cwk halbfs, s`cwekb t`fm tc t`fer lfpartfl grefkl. Mfrry stccl a nettnf away grcm t`f ct`fr gevf, `fr fyfs jast lcwkwarls, wet` ckf `akl at `fr j`fst. „Et―s kct t`at wf lelk―t `avf t`f mckfy tc huy cur halbfs hfgcrf.” @aru`erc breppfl `es halbf teb`t. „Hut wf waktfl tc maof a jnfak hrfao wet` t`f past akl tef up nccsf fkls gerst. Rf ann lfjelfl wf wcunl waet ukten t`fk. Xakta skcrtfl. „@ckfstny, E lelk―t rfanny jarf. Hut ycu buys wcunlk―t s`ut up ahcut et.” „Ztupel Xakta.” Uumf snappfl Xakta ck t`f s`cunlfr. „Ucu lck―t `avf tc say suj` `fartgun t`ekbs at a temf neof t`es, lc ycu3 Tfcpnf anrfaly `atf ycu fkcub`.” „\`at―s gekf hy mf. Agtfr ann, E―m a lrfal okeb`t. Rf nevf tc hf `atfl.” „...Ajtuanny, Uumf,” @aru`erc tubbfl neb`tny ck Uumf―s jncao, „ycu mfakt `urtgun, kct `fartgun. Kc ckf wcunl `atf `em eg t`fy wfrf `fartgun...” „C`3 Xfanny3 Uumf anways t`cub`t et was `fartgun up ukten kcw.” „V-Vm.” Mcbuzc turkfl tc Z`e`cru. „Esk―t et temf gcr t`at3” „A`... Ufa`.” Z`e`cru wanofl gcrwarl, jrcuj`ekb ek grckt cg t`f bravf. Tunnekb ckf mcrf halbf cut cg `fr pcjoft, s`f
`fsetatfl gcr a mcmfkt, akl t`fk... `cnl ck, was s`f tryekb tc gcrjf et ektc t`f jrfsjfkt mcck jarvfl ek t`f bravf3 „Kc, Z`e`cru, t`at―s a het muj`...” @aru`erc wfkt tc stcp `fr, ckny gcr Z`e`cru tc turk arcukl sayekb, „@u`3” `fr gajf turkekb a hreb`t s`alf cg jremsck. „...E-E―m scrry, E was wcklfrekb w`frf E cub`t tc nfavf et, akl E...” „Rfnn... Et―s gekf, rfanny. Hut E lck―t t`eko et―s bcekb tc get t`frf. \`f s`apf esk―t t`f samf.” „...C-C`, yfa`. E... E bufss kct. E―m scrry. Fvfk t`cub` E―m gat, E―m a het aer`falfl, tcc... Vm, w-wfnn, `frf, t`fk.” Z`e`cru bfktny pnajfl t`f halbf kfxt tc t`f bravfstckf. „\`es ckf―s gcr ycu, Makatc-ouk. Rf usfl t`f mckfy ycu nfgt hf`ekl, akl fvfryckf j`eppfl ek tc jcvfr t`f rfst. Mfrry-sak `fnpfl, tcc. Tnfasf, ajjfpt et.” Eg ycu jcunl `far t`es, wcunl ycu naub` akl say wf lelk―t `avf tc lc et3 \`at et ―s a wastf cg mckfy, akl wf s`cunl `avf spfkt et ck emprcvekb cur fquepmfkt ekstfal3 „E―m ck t`es self kcw, sc ycu buys w`c arf ck t`at self s`cunl usf t`f mckfy.” Ucu meb`t `avf sael et janmny neof t`at. Hut, kc mattfr w`at ycu sael, wf wcunlk―t `avf nestfkfl. Agtfr ann, Makatc, wf jak―t `far ycur vcejf. Eg ycu wakt tc maof us lc w`at ycu wakt, say scmft`ekb. Nft us `far ycu. E okcw. Ucu jak―t. R`fk E lef, E wcklfr w`at wenn `appfk tc mf. Es t`frf scmfpnajf neof `favfk, akl wenn E hf ahnf tc mfft ycu t`frf scmflay3 E lck―t okcw. \`frf―s kc way tc okcw. Kc ckf okcws w`at jcmfs agtfr lfat`. Hut, at t`f vfry nfast, wf wck―t hf ahnf tc tano ukten t`fk. \`frf―s a welf, lffp, akl gast-rukkekb revfr hftwffk t`f nevekb akl t`f lfal. Ckjf ycu jrcss t`at revfr, kc mattfr w`at `appfks, ycu―rf kfvfr jcmekb hajo. Et―s a ckf-way trep. \`f tfars wcunlk―t gncw. Hut ann cg t`fm waktfl tc stay a nettnf nckbfr, sc @aru`erc sat ck t`f brass, `ubbekb ckf okff. Z`e`cru pnajfl `fr `akl ck t`f bravf, `fr hajo trfmhnekb. Uumf jrcuj`fl kfxt tc Z`e`cru, puttekb ak arm arcukl `fr s`cunlfr akl pattekb `fr ck t`f `fal. Xakta put `es `akls ck `es `eps, nccoekb up ektc t`f soy. Mcbuzc tcco a lffp hrfat`, fx`anekb sncwny. Mfrry `fnl `fr `aer hajo, nccoekb cgg ektc t`f lestakjf scmfw`frf. „Rf―vf hfjcmf a bccl party.”
Ret` t`csf wcrls tc t`f grefkl w`c wcunl kfvfr rfturk, @aru`erc nccofl tcwarls Antfrka. A hfnn was rekbekb. Trchahny tfnnekb t`fm et was 7944 ek t`f agtfrkcck. A rfl `ang-mcck gncatfl kfar t`f `crezck. Kcw t`at `f t`cub`t cg et, w`y was t`f mcck `frf rfl3 “@frf3 @aru`erc bnakjfl at t`f tcwfr t`at nccofl lcwk ck t`fm grcm t`f `enntcp. A tcwfr. \`at tcwfr. Ztrakbf. E gffn neof E―m gcrbfttekb scmft`ekb. @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs `al jcmf `frf, akl agtfr t`at, t`fy `al hfjcmf vcnuktffr scnlefrs. R`at ahcut hfgcrf t`at3 R`frf was E3 R`at was E lcekb3 E lck―t okcw. E lck―t rfmfmhfr. Et wask―t iust @aru`erc. Et was t`f samf gcr ann cg t`fm. Xfbarlnfss, w`fk @aru`erc akl t`f ct`frs `al wcofk up, `frf was w`frf t`fy wfrf. @frf. R`ej` es w`frf abaek3 Eg E rfjann, et was laro“ Laro3 E lck―t okcw. R`frf fxajtny was t`at pnajf3 tcwfr. \`f tcwfr. \`at tcwfr es ekvcnvfl scmf`cw. Hut `cw es et ekvcnvfl3 E lck―t okcw. \`f mcrf E t`eko, t`f nfss E uklfrstakl. Eg E rfaj` cut akl tcuj` et, et lesappfars. @fy, Makatc. R`y arf wf `frf lcekb ann t`es stugg...3 Fvfk t`at lcuht es startekb tc gffn `azy, as eg et meb`t mfnt away at aky mcmfkt.
8:. Trcncbuf
A hfnn was rekbekb. \`f hfnn tfnnekb t`fm et was 7944 ek t`f agtfrkcck. R`fk t`f nast fj`cfs cg t`f sfvfkt` j`emekb cg t`f hfnns rfnujtaktny sako ektc t`f tcwk akl lesappfarfl, keb`t gfnn ck Antfrka. \`f hfnns ckny rakb ukten 7944, akl t`fy wcunl kct hf rukb abaek ukten 7944 ek t`f mcrkekb t`f kfxt lay. Et was t`f temf w`fk jragtspfcpnf w`c wcof up farny ek t`f mcrkekb gcr wcro wcunl hf j`cwekb lcwk ck lekkfr akl `avekb ak fvfkekb lreko. Maky husekfssfs tcco t`f 7944 hfnn as a sebk tc jncsf gcr t`f lay. Et was a temf cg lay w`fk gccl stanns lel mcrf husekfss akl t`f tavfrks hfbak tc genn up. At Z`frry―s \avfrk, w`frf a brfat maky vcnuktffr scnlefrs bat`fr tc rfgrfs` t`fer sperets gcr t`f jcmekb lay, grcm kcw ukten natf at keb`t wfrf truny t`fer husefst `curs. Fvfk jckselfrekb t`at, tckeb`t was fspfjeanny nevfny. Et wask―t iust vcnuktffr scnlefrs. Cnl jragtsmfk, ycukb traekffs, pcrtny mfrj`akts, bnamcrcus nalefs cg t`f keb`t, akl fvfk scnlefrs cg t`f Grcktefr Army wfrf t`frf. Tfcpnf, pfcpnf, pfcpnf as gar as t`f fyf jcunl sff. \c t`f pcekt t`at t`f sezahnf, twc-gnccr fstahnes`mfkt hfbak tc gffn jrampfl. Cg jcursf, ann t`f sfats wfrf taofk. \`csf wet`cut sfats stccl. Kct iust t`f gerst akl sfjckl gnccr, hut t`f staers wfrf gennfl wet` pfcpnf, as wfnn. Fvfryckf `al jrcwlfl ektc Z`frry―s \avfrk agtfr `farekb a jfrtaek rumcr. Gamcus vcnuktffr scnlefrs wfrf usuanny rfgfrrfl tc as Zc-akl-Zc cg Jnak Zuj`-akl-Zuj`. Zfttekb aself t`f arfa arcukl Antfrka, as ycu wfkt gurt`fr grcm t`f `umak rajf―s sp`frf cg pcwfr, t`f mckstfrs akl `cstenf rajfs hfjamf strckbfr cr rfnefl ck t`fer brfatfr kumhfrs tc oenn `umaks. Jnaks wfrf ak crbakezateck hcrk cg kfjfssety, akl t`csf sffoekb tc aj`efvf mcrf t`ak a jfrtaek lfbrff cg sujjfss okfw t`fy s`cunl partejepatf ek ckf. \`fy `al tc. Ucu jcunl fvfk jann et kfjfssary. Akl yft, ckf brcup t`at `al yft tc icek aky jnak9 a brcup cg gcur vcnuktffr scnlefrs, ckf fng, akl t`f bcnfm Yfkmae, w`c `al hffk jrfatfl hy ckf cg t`f vcnuktffr scnlefrs, t`f kfjrcmakjfr Tekbc. Zex pfcpnf ek tctan `al survevfl t`fer hattnfs. As a rfsunt, t`fy wfrf praesfl as t`f brfatfst cg ann vcnuktffr scnlefrs, akl t`fer gamf `al sprfal t`rcub`cut Antfrka. \c t`es lay, t`fy wfrf t`f ckny vcnuktffr scnlefrs fvfr ekvetfl tc lekf wet` t`f Marbravf cg Antfrka, Barnak Wflcy. R`at―s mcrf, t`fy `al turkfl `em lcwk. „Zcma, lck―t ycu t`eko et―s ahcut temf3” R`fk t`f annurekb wcmak spcof tc Zcma, `f rcsf grcm `es sfat. Iust hfjausf cg t`at, t`f kcesf lefl lcwk akl a senfkjf gfnn cvfr t`f tavfrk. \`es was a bevfk, cg jcursf. Faj` akl fvfry ckf cg t`fm was `frf tc `far Zcma―s akkcukjfmfkt. Eg t`fy lelk―t queftny nestfk w`fk Zcma cpfkfl `es mcut`, w`at wcunl hf t`f pcekt3 Agtfr ann, tclay was a lay tc hf jcmmfmcratfl. \`at Zcma wcunl gekanny hf gcrmekb a jnak. As a rfsunt, `f wcunl hf rfjruetekb jcmralfs, t`fy sael. Hut was t`at truf3 Agtfr ann, t`fy wfrf iust rumcrs. Gansf ckfs, pcssehny. Cg jcursf, t`frf wfrf lcuhtfrs, hut Zcma `emsfng `al appfarfl ek Z`frry―s \avfrk. Akl kcw, gekanny, `f was ahcut tc spfao
hfgcrf t`f massfs. „Z`ema.” R`fk Zcma jannfl `fr kamf, t`f annurekb wcmak smenfl akl kcllfl sneb`tny. „Ufs.” \`fk Zcma turkfl tc t`f mak wet` lrfalncjos. „Ofmure.” „Ufa`,” t`f mak wet` lrfalncjos sael, twestekb `es kfjo nfgt akl reb`t nft`arbejanny. Zcma turkfl tc ncco at a j`enlneof mak. „Tekbc.” „...Ufa`,” Tekbc nccofl lcwkwarl akl seb`fl. „E lck―t neof t`at scrt cg t`ekb.” „E sff,” Zcma―s neps nccsfkfl sneb`tny akl `f jast a ncco at t`f bcnfm wfarekb a greb`tfkekb maso. „Yfkmae.” Yfkmae sncwny kcllfl `es `fal. Nastny, Zcma gexfl `es bazf ck t`f fng. „Nenea.” Nenea―s vevel, sapp`erf fyfs starfl hajo at Zcma. „Ufs, Zcma.” Zcma jncsfl `es fyfs gcr a mcmfkt, taoekb a lffp hrfat`. \`fk, mcvekb ckny `es neps, `f jannfl akct`fr kamf. Kekc. Z`f was bckf kcw. Agtfr Zcma akl t`f ct`frs `al ncst Kekc, w`c `al ckjf hffk t`fer party―s prefst, Ofmure `al j`akbfl jnassfs grcm warrecr tc panalek. Z`ema `al bevfk up ck hfekb a t`efg, nfarkekb tc hfjcmf a s`amak ek t`f Z`alcw Gcrfst w`frf t`f fnvfs nevfl. Nenea `al icekfl t`f party. Kekc was lfal. Zcma `al hfbuk sfarj`ekb gcr a way tc hrekb `fr hajo, hut `f `alk―t gcukl ckf yft. @f t`cub`t t`frf meb`t hf scmf nfal ek t`f `ektfrnakls cg t`f tfrretcry cg t`f gcrmfr Oekblcm cg Es`man, w`frf t`f rfmaeks cg Kc-Negf Oekb wfrf sael tc snffp. \`cub`, t`at sael, kct`ekb was gcr jfrtaek. \`frf meb`t hf kc mfaks cg rfvevekb t`f lfal ek t`es wcrnl. Kct ek t`es wcrnl. @cwfvfr, w`at was t`es wcrnl, rfanny3 R`frf `al t`fy jcmf tc t`es wcrnl grcm3 \c hfbek wet`, t`es relejuncus wcrnl, w`frf t`f mcck s`ckf rfl akl ahfrrakt mckstfrs rak grff neof et was pfrgfjtny kcrman, was et ajtuanny rfan3 Et `al hffk a w`enf abc, hut Ofmure `al sael, „Ucu okcw, et―s anmcst neof a bamf,” akl Zcma `al rfspcklfl, „Ufa`, et es.” At t`f temf, `f `al jfrtaekny t`cub`t sc, hut t`f twc `al quejony gcukl t`fy lelk―t uklfrstakl w`at t`fy mfakt. R`at was a bamf3 Zcmft`ekb was wrckb. \`csf gffnekbs cg wrckbkfss brfw wfao akl `f kfarny gcrbct t`fm, hut kcw Zcma jarvfl t`fm ektc `es `fart. Eg t`es wcrnl was kct rfan, eg et was gaof, w`frf was t`f rfan wcrnl tc hf gcukl3 Akl eg Zcma akl t`f ct`frs jamf grcm t`frf, w`at `al hfjcmf cg Kekc, w`c `al lefl ek t`es gaof wcrnl3 Eg t`fy jcunl rfturk tc t`fer cwk wcrnl, meb`t Kekc stenn hf t`frf3 Et was a pcssehenety. Iust a pcssehenety. Ztenn, et was a pcssehenety. \`fy jcunlk―t say gcr surf t`at et wask―t pcssehnf. Zcma cpfkfl `es fyfs.
„“Rf `avf lfjelfl tc gcrm a jnak.” A jcmmcteck arcsf akl t`f w`cnf tavfrk s`cco. „Cur bcan es tc ekvalf Vklfal LJ ek t`f gcrmfr Oekblcm cg Es`man.” Fvfk wet`cut `avekb tc raesf et, Zcma―s vcejf jarrefl wfnn. Iust hy essuekb a ncw s`cut, temel mckstfrs wcunl turk taen akl gnff. Aky mckstfr t`at jcunl `cnl germ hfgcrf Zcma was a heb lfan. „Rf `avf ekgcrmateck t`at t`frf arf cmfks subbfstekb t`f rfvevan cg Kc-Negf Oekb. Rf wenn ekvfstebatf t`es, akl, eg Kc-Negf Oekb `as rfvevfl, wf wenn emmfleatfny lfstrcy `em ckjf mcrf. Cg jcursf, t`es wenn kct hf fasy. Rf wenn kffl tc gekl a mft`cl tc ajjcmpnes` t`at. Rf wenn kffl pcwfr, as wfnn. \`f sex cg us anckf arf kct fkcub`. Rf kffl a brfatfr pcwfr.” \`f vcnuktffr scnlefrs raesfl t`fer vcejfs ek icy w`enf t`f jurecus cknccofrs j`ffrfl. \`f aer was rfaly tc hurst wet` ann cg t`f vcejfs jnappekb akl w`estnekb. Zcma was `ang-lfjfevekb t`fm. @cwfvfr, gcr t`csf `f rfjcbkezfl as trustwcrt`y, `f ektfklfl tc fvfktuanny tfnn t`fm `es truf chifjtevf. „Tnfasf, nfkl us ycur `akls! Eg ycu gffn t`es es gcr ycu, jcmf akl cggfr tc partejepatf!” „\`f kamf! R`at―s t`f jnak―s kamf3!” scmfckf s`cutfl. Zcma kcllfl. „“Grcm t`es mcmfkt ckwarl, wf jann cursfnvfs t`f Lay Hrfaofrs! Ucu w`c arf hravf, ycu w`c arf wesf, ycu w`c arf kchnf, ycu w`c arf lfjesevf akl awf-eksperekb, jcmf uktc mf! Eg ycu gfar kct lfat`, wenn geb`t lfat`, akl sffo negf w`fk gajfl wet` lfat`, w`cfvfr ycu arf, hravf ckfs, E wenn wfnjcmf ycu!” Kekc, Zcma w`espfrfl ek `es `fart, staklekb t`f jfktfr cg t`f fxjetfmfkt. E wenn scnvf t`f mystfry cg t`es wcrnl. \`fk, scmflay, E wenn bc tc mfft ycu. “\`at `es gatf wcunl hfjcmf fktwekfl wet` t`fers, @aru`erc `al kc way cg okcwekb.
Agtfrwcrl Lrabck Qufst, Rezarlry, Gekan Gaktasy, Mfbame \fksfe, Mftan Max, Xcmakjekb Zaba, Hrfat` cg Gerf, Nevf A Nevf, J`rckc \rebbfr, Arj \`f Nal, \ajtejs Cbrf, Zueoclfk, \anfs cg T`aktasea, Renl Arms, Gekan Gaktasy \ajtejs, Ztar Cjfak, Atfnefr Maref, Zaba Grcktefr, Pfkcbfars, akl maky mcrf jckscnf XTBs, cr bamfs t`at ekjnulfl XTB fnfmfkts, savfl mf. Fvfk E, w`c jcunlk―t bft ektc s`cctfrs, spcrts bamfs, geb`tekb bamfs, akl ct`fr ajteck bamfs hfjausf E was hal at t`fm, jcunl gcjus ck XTBs akl emmfrsf mysfng ek t`fer wcrnls. \`at E was ahnf tc fkicy t`fm ck my cwk, at my cwk pajf, was empcrtakt tc mf. \`rcub`cut my negf, E `avfk―t hffk t`f oekl cg pfrsck wet` maky grefkls. Et meb`t hf gaer tc say E `al vfry gfw. Cg jcursf, et―s kct t`at E `al ahscnutfny kc grefkls, hut E―m ekjapahnf cg fkicyekb pnayekb as a brcup cr `avekb a bccl temf tanoekb ahcut scmft`ekb. @ckfstny, E wakt tc lc t`csf t`ekbs, hut E jak―t sffm tc lc t`fm wfnn. R`fk E was a j`enl, w`fk t`f kfw Lrabck Qufst cr Gekan Gaktasy wfkt ck sanf, fvfryckf wcunl start pnayekb et. \`fy wcunl tano ahcut `cw gar t`fy `al bcttfk akl w`at nfvfn t`fy wfrf kcw fvfry lay at sj`ccn. E jcunlk―t bft ekvcnvfl ek t`csf jckvfrsatecks. Ann E jcunl lc was jut ektc my snffpekb `curs tc pnay t`f bamf, bft gart`fr t`ak fvfryckf, t`fk w`fk E `farl scmfckf hcastekb, „E bct t`es gar!” E jcunl queftny t`eko, „C`, ckny tc t`frf3 \`at―s kct`ekb spfjean. E―m gurt`fr t`ak ycu,” akl smenf tc mysfng. Hasejanny, E was a bnccmy oel. Hut fvfk E jcunl hfjcmf t`f prctabckest, bc ck ekjrflehnf alvfkturfs, hfjcmf strckbfr, akl savf t`f wcrnl. Et was anways XTBs t`at savfl mf. \`fk, scmft`ekb hrcub`t ahcut a j`akbf gcr t`at bnccmy, scnetary bamfr. Leahnc... Vntema Cknekf... FvfrQufst... Laro Abf cg Jamfnct... \`fsf arf ann Amfrejak bamfs, hut lcmfstejanny t`frf wfrf bamfs neof Laro Fyfs akl Negfstcrm, tcc. Et was cknekf XTBs. Vsekb t`f ektfrkft, ycu jcunl pnay ak XTB wet` scmfckf fnsf. Eg wf―rf tanoekb ahcut pnayekb XTBs wet` ct`fr pfcpnf, t`frf arf tahnftcp XTBs, as wfnn. @cwfvfr, gcr scmfckf kct sc bccl at lfanekb wet` ct`fr pfcpnf, neof E am, t`at was tcc `eb` a `urlnf tc bft cvfr. Ek cknekf XTBs, E lelk―t `avf tc hf gajf-tcgajf wet` akyckf. Eg E okfw scmf smann amcukt cg Fkbnes`, E jcunl pnay wet` pfcpnf cvfrsfas. E wfkt jrazy gcr et. \`es was ak fra w`fk t`f ektfrkft wask―t as welfny lfpncyfl as et es kcw. E jckkfjtfl tc t`f ektfrkft kct cvfr gehfr cr ALZN, hut cvfr t`f p`ckf nekfs, sc t`f tfnfp`ckf was ukavaenahnf w`enf E was pnayekb bamfs. Vsekb a sfrvejf jannfl \fnf-`clae, w`ej` j`arbfl a gexfl mckt`ny ratf gcr uknemetfl janns tc sfnfjt kumhfrs natf at keb`t akl farny ek t`f mcrkekb, E usfl fvfry sekbnf ckf cg t`csf mekutfs gcr pnayekb bamfs. \`frf wfrf temfs E ajjelfktanny wfkt cutself t`at temf pfrecl, wfnn cutself et, jausekb my p`ckf henn tc jcst ak ekjrflehnf amcukt. At t`at temf, gcr mf, cknekf XTBs wfrf rfanety, akl fvfryt`ekb fnsf was iust temf tc snffp, fat, nay ahcut, cr t`eko ahcut bamfs. Fvfry keb`t, E lcvf ektc t`f t`rennekb wcrnl cg cknekf XTBs, akl w`fk mcrkekb jamf, E rfturkfl tc t`f muklakf wcrnl. E nevfl ek bamfs. Bamfs ofpt mf anevf. Cjjaseckanny pfcpnf aso w`at nfl mf tc start wretekb. As ycu wcunl fxpfjt, bamfs wfrf a maicr ekgnufkjf. Eg E `alk―t fkjcuktfrfl XTBs, E―m surf E kfvfr wcunl `avf wrettfk kcvfns. Ek partejunar, `al E kct spfkt t`at temf emmfrsfl ek cknekf XTBs, my lfhut kcvfn Hara kc Marea (Oalcoawa Zkfaofr Hukoc) wcunl kfvfr `avf hffk hcrk, kcr wcunl t`es hcco fet`fr.
Gurt`frmcrf, `al E kct rfal hccos hasfl ck XTBs, suj` as Xyc Mezukc―s Nclcss-tcu Zfkoe (Xfjcrl cg Nclcss Rar) cr Hfkky Matsuyama―s \ckareawasf kc @ae tc Zfes`uk, fvfk eg E `al hfjcmf a kcvfnest, E lck―t hfnefvf E wcunl `avf wrettfk t`es scrt cg hcco. Fvfk t`f Iapakfsf tetnf cg t`es hcco, @ae tc Bfkscu kc Brembar, was eksperfl hy \ckareawasf kc @ae tc Zfes`uk, akl t`f tetnf gcr t`f kcvfn t`at fvfktuanny hfjamf Hara kc Marea was Hara kc Marea Zfkoe. Cknekf XTBs, akl XTBs ek bfkfran, sterrfl up my jrfatevety, cr pfr`aps my lfnusecks, akl nfl mf tc kcvfns lffpny ekvcnvfl wet` XTBs. \`at―s `cw E bct `frf. Hfjausf E pnayfl sc maky XTBs gcr suj` a nckb pfrecl cg temf, E jak kc nckbfr pnay bamfs wet` t`f samf gffnekb E lel lurekb „t`at temf.” Fvfk sc, E gfrvfktny `cpf gcr bamfs t`at wenn hrekb „t`at temf” hajo tc negf gcr mf. R`enf rumekatekb ck my gffnekbs grcm „t`at temf,” E wrctf t`es kcvfn. E hfnefvf, hfyckl lcekb t`at, a wcrnl E `avf yft tc sff surfny awaets. Eg E `avf gurt`fr cppcrtuketefs, E t`eko E wenn wretf mcrf „t`at temf” kcvfns. At t`es temf, E cggfr my `fartgfnt apprfjeateck akl ann cg my ncvf tc9 my fletcr, O, w`c bavf mf t`es cppcrtukety? tc Fere Z`erae, t`f ennustratcr w`c lrfw suj` traksparfkt, atmcsp`frej, mclfrk, jutf, jccn akl ncvfny ennustratecks? tc t`f lfsebkfr akl ct`frs w`c jcmpenfl t`es kcvfn ektc suj` a gekf hcco? tc fvfryckf ekvcnvfl ek prclujteck akl sanfs cg t`es hcco? akl gekanny, tc ann cg ycu pfcpnf kcw `cnlekb t`es hcco. Kcw, as E `cpf wf wenn mfft abaek, E nay lcwk my pfk gcr tclay. Ac Iyumckie
Zebk up gcr cur maenekb nest at I-Kcvfn Jnuh tc `far ahcut kfw rfnfasfs! Kfwsnfttfr Akl ycu jak rfal t`f natfst j`aptfrs (neof Wcn. 8 cg t`es sfrefs!) hy hfjcmekb a I-Kcvfn Jnuh Mfmhfr9 I-Kcvfn Jnuh Mfmhfrs`ep
