– You choose the moment to attack very carefully, right?
The Wotan was silent, while it was evident that he frowned. His brow ridges slid down.
“The most favorable time is at night, when there are only unarmed men, women and children in the villages,” Athanasius growled loudly.
The guests who were nearby were silent, watching the scene.
General Swann immediately turned to him. – These are the deeds of days gone by, he said, and began to take his friend away, turning him towards the exit.
– Maybe we should show you our skills, mister Mirra ?! pronounced Argos.
Tan stopped. The general's attempts to move him from his place did not lead to anything. He turned around. There was rage in his eyes. Clenching his hands into fists, he began to approach Argos. But Swann, catching up with Atanasius, whispered: – Come to your senses! What are you doing? And the red veil fell from his eyes. He looked at the duke, who was furious. His nostrils drew in eagerly, his eyes turned red, his lips narrowed into a barely visible line.
– I apologize! Mirra said, then turned around and headed for the exit.
–“How about a show fight before the opening of the celebrations,” Argos called after him.
Athanasius turned to face him, but did not approach, so as not to tempt fate.
“Arkon and Wotan,” he continued. What is not an excellent start to the celebration of the beginning of the great union – Our reconciliation! And, of course, demonstrations of fighting skills. As he spoke his last words, he grinned.
The duke, hurt by this impudent behavior, supported Argos. “So be it,” he said. Tomorrow, in the grand arena, before the opening of the celebration in honor of the peace and union of the states of Wotan and Arkon. A demonstration fight will take place. As far as I understand, the representative of Arkon has already been chosen, for there is no one who could compare with the inimitable Athanasius Mirra, Erhard said with an arrogant grin. Who will speak on behalf of Wotan? the duke turned to General Argos.
There was a deathly silence.
– I am!
***
– Athanasius! What the hell are you doing? General Swann asked him with obvious nervousness in his voice. “Forgive me, I don’t know what came over me. When I saw his eyes, it was like I was back at that time. I felt the same fear that I experienced then.