Бесплатный фрагмент - A dark elf in the human world

Chapter 1. My World

I’ve lived here as long as I can remember. In the village. Into exile. From a world that was ours. The elves. Dark elves. But people took it. They landed on our mainland before I was born. About a hundred years ago. They kicked us out on the reservation. To the mountains. Where there is little writing and a lot of magical animals. Dangerous animals. The ones that frighten the invaders. They frighten us, too. Dragons and wyverns, giants and night monsters that don’t even have a name. I, Lucas, am nineteen years old, though by our elven ways I am still a child and cannot speak my mind at the tribal council. Although I would like to say a lot. “Why do we live like this?” “Why are we not fighting the invaders, but hiding in exile?” But the elders want peace. So tonight I’m sitting in one of those big tribal meetings.

“We need to establish trade with humans. We must send messengers. The war is long over. We must move on with our lives.

This is said by an old and infirm grandfather, all gray-haired. With ashen skin. Warts covered half his face. And this is our leader Ulan. Our hope for the future. He’s already dying. And everything guides us. But to what. I couldn’t keep quiet.

“We have to fight for ourselves. Build your own state. As it was before. As you should remember. We talked about the most beautiful cities built by our great ancestors. We must reclaim our greatness. We are dark elves. The lords of this land. Alien humans must be thrown into the sea from which they came.

“Keep quiet, youngster. We can’t do that. Look around, there aren’t even three hundred of us in the village. Of these, only forty are warriors who can hold weapons. The rest are women, children, or the elderly. There aren’t enough of us. There are fewer tribes like ours every year. In the past three years alone, two neighboring villages were destroyed by magical beasts. Dragons are getting impudent. We should have survived the winter. Who are you willing to sacrifice your parents or sisters for the sake of your nonsense?

The old leader of the Lancers was speaking. Many nodded. Young people, no. Even his beautiful daughter, Maria. She was looking at me intently. A beautiful young woman, just like me. She’s only fifty. Still a girl. Straight facial features. Blue hair, just like the rest of us. “The curse of exile” as the old people say. It is given to us because we fought and did not negotiate with people. Those bastards who took over our land. They eat our food. They sleep and live in our cities. They send diseases and curses upon us. I don’t accept peace with them. But what a good one it is. This girl. It’s still too early for me to get married, and I’ll have to wait twenty years, if not forty. And she’ll be back soon. He can woo her. It can wait a bit. After all, we live a very long time. If you don’t kill us.

“I understand you don’t have an answer.” Therefore, my decision. Theodore will go to the people. The strongest of the warriors. Take the message to people. Let’s start a new life. A peaceful life. How does the council vote?

The old man said. Our leader. Our undoing. The council of five decrepit old men raised their hands in approval

— The decision was made unanimously. Diverge people. And the power of the full moon of Zelu will come with us and not be swallowed up by the darkness.

Everyone dispersed. Young people spat, showing their indignation. “The young people are not what they used to be. The end of our race will come because of them.” No, old man, it’s because of you cowards that we live like this. Give the country to people. Almost without a fight. Believing the old legends about saviors from across the sea. By letting them into our homes. By allowing them to bring their diseases and curses. Let us have their faith in the Light. They build their own states on the wreckage of our world. They will introduce wars among themselves. Their Ton continent, where they lived, was slowly being swallowed up by the sea. So they moved in with us. It’s probably completely submerged by now. Sorry not with people. Although I’ve never seen them in my life. I hate them so much. How you can come to someone else’s house and kick out the owners. I don’t understand. Drive us to reservations and laugh at our peace-loving ways. They must all suffer. These people. He kicked a large stone that was lying on the ground. The outline is similar to a person’s face. He rolled into the river. And I went far from the village. But I hear footsteps behind me. He drew his sword and pointed it in the direction of the footsteps. Another thing I needed was to die in a forest like this. From magical beasts.

“I’m Buka. Maria. I forgot who swaddled you as a child and played hide-and-seek.

She smiled at me as she lowered my sword. She’s different today. Funny, beautiful, and kind. What’s wrong with me. It’s a strange feeling. My heart sank. It’s hard to breathe.

“What you need from me.” Your dad said a lot at the council. You need to be with him. Pray for peace with the humans.

Rage filled my mind again. The feeling of warmth for her was gone. What a quick change of mood I have. I’m changing. Maybe growing up.

“You shouldn’t have done that. He wants peace. So that we can live. Start families. Getting married.

She looked at me intently, then came close to me. So nice. It’s her smell. It burned my nose. She made perfume out of flowers. But this is an ancient pre-wedding ritual.

“I chose my betrothed.

“And who’s the lucky guy?”

Pain seared my soul. She will choose a good warrior and live with him. And I have to watch it. No, I’d rather go deeper into the forest. Maybe to another village. Or to the city of people. To avenge us. Rumor has it that there are a lot of bandits in the cities made up of us dark elves. They rob people. Here they are the real patriots of our motherland. Noble, not like her father.

“You’re my chosen one. Even though it’s early for you. But I’ll wait.

She kissed me on the cheek. Then I bit her neck. These are our customs.

“Now, according to our ancient custom, fight me.

She took out a small dagger and scratched her palm to mark the beginning of the battle. I did the same. Customs also need to be changed. But I’d do anything for her. She’s a strong lady. A warrior, a huntress. She knows my tricks. She knows me. There were many blows and cuts. But I noticed that she doesn’t want to win at all. She wants me to win. She chose me. Just like I said. I plunged my sword into her heart. She fell. Death began to creep up on her. I pulled the sword out of her chest. I put all my mana into recovery spells. A bright glow lit up the river. Maria was cured and became my wife. Such is the ritual of rebirth. We need to cancel it immediately. After all, there were cases when the groom did not have enough strength. And the bride was dying. You can’t just exchange rings like people and go to the monk. I agree with people on one thing. This custom is better.

— My husband, let’s go and tell everyone about us.

She’s so happy, and so am I. She’s my wife. I can’t believe it. She’s mine. I won’t be able to lie down with her for another twenty years. But this fact itself makes me happy. I took her hand. Warm and gentle. As I remember it from my childhood. It’s a good thing we’re not human. They don’t live long, so they’re always in a hurry. They don’t hold waiting in high esteem.

The world was changing. But I didn’t notice it. I spent the third day with my beloved. As a wedding present, the chief magically built a small house for us to live in. The whole village was happy for us. They had a feast. It was a fabulous time. But it ends. Like all the good things in this world.

“Come on, honey. The whole village is in a big house. People came to negotiate.

Maria said as she ran into the house. I was cleaning the skins of two wolves at the same time. I just nodded at her and put on my best leather armor. I didn’t trust people. He hid the knife in his leg. I always carried my sword, too. I left the house. The whole village was going to the big house. Then I saw them for the first time. The smell, too. People. In iron armor and with halberds. My sword can’t break through that kind of armor. Maybe there won’t be a scratch left. Such high-quality work. Just envious. Dragon crest on shields. Here are the scoundrels, the invaders. It’s a pity they didn’t disappear with their island. I went to the common house.

— Dear participants. This is the day we’ve all been waiting for.

The elder was happy. People came to his house. More precisely, two. One old man in his late fifties. With a beard and a huge axe on his back. Just like a beast. It looks very strong. Next to him sat a fat man covered in fat. There is a wild boar that we caught today. Glad, laughs. He looks at the old ladies with his nasty eyes. Fool that they’re over a thousand years old. Although they look young by human standards.

— We have guests from the country of Eastern Tone. They want to sign a trade agreement with us. Maybe I’ll even accept us as citizens of the kingdom. So our guest Yako told me.

He pointed at the fat man. He stood up. He adjusted his belly and red clothes. I didn’t like it right away. Like all of them. He smells like dirt and death. Suffering and humiliation. We dark elves can smell it.

“I am the ambassador of the kingdom and King of the Eastern Tone the Great Timosh the Third Fairface. You have a lot of game and skins in your village. Sign the contract and you will become our citizens. We will trade with you.

He took the parchment out of his pants and placed it on the table next to the elders. Then he scratched his ass and sat down to eat again. My hand slid to my sword. I could have cut through his thick neck quickly. The cut will be smooth. But here’s what to do with his guards, and especially with the big guy sitting next to him. I’m definitely not going to win the fight alone. I examined my brothers. The young men also began to hold on to their swords. Even the girls. The old people, on the other hand, began to rejoice at the possible peace.

“We’d sign it, but you don’t think we can read it.” He can speak by translating words. But there is no magic of text translation in the world.

— Sign it and that’s it. I give the words there is only a trade agreement.

“No, that won’t do.

The old man was very annoyed, but he didn’t just sign the documents. My mother, father, and sisters aged five and seven who were sitting next to me were also upset.

— Again with you big-eared in a bad way to have. At least one village signed peacefully. Eddie blow the horn.

The strong warrior stood up, pulled a horn from his bosom, and blew. A bad feeling came over me. Sounds of scuffling could be heard from the street. The clash of swords and the screams of women and children.

“What are you doing?”

The chief pleaded.

“I’ll take what’s already ours. A contract that you didn’t sign would have made it legal. But I am not a champion of the law.

Everyone in the big house drew their weapons. But it was too late. The soldiers rushed in quickly. And we were quickly shackled in dwimerite. So we couldn’t do magic.

I took a fancy to my wife. Why she. Why do we need all this? He grabbed her arms and spun her around. I wanted to lie down with her.

“What are you doing?” She’s just a little girl. She’s only fifty.

Her father shouted while crying.

“Ugh. The old woman.

He drew his sword and killed her. I began to cry. My wife went to the world of Zelu on the third moon to feast with her ancestors. But the fat man grabbed another lady and asked.

“You’re not an old woman. You’re not even fifty.

She shook her head. Of course, she’s not even fifty, her thousandth tercentenary was celebrated last week. He led her into the back room. We were pushed out into the street. The soldiers laughed at us. The houses were on fire. Crops, too. Our village is gone. The children screamed, but the soldiers ignored them. I saw a wagon ahead of me. It has a cage on it. We were pushed into it one by one. I hugged my sisters. My mother hugged my father. I don’t know what awaits us. But definitely nothing good.

“Where they’re taking us.”

I asked a soldier who was still a young man on horseback.

“You’re a good earwig now. You will be sold. You are all slaves. It serves you right, godless people. Only the Light can grant you forgiveness. But I wouldn’t have hoped for that. Ha-ha.

He was laughing nastily. That’s right. What should we do? The cart moved off. My new life has begun. No home, no wife, no freedom.

Chapter 2. Slavery

To say that the next two days were pleasant is an understatement. We lost five of our two hundred men by the first night. They didn’t give us any food. By morning, ten people had died. I was trying to maintain order in the cage. But that was impossible. By lunchtime on the second day, minus ten. Suicides. Or maybe? And no. How to determine. There is no food. The children are crying. And you go waddling from side to side in a cart with a cage closed with a barrier that does not let sounds through. I couldn’t see it either. You won’t know where we are. I couldn’t breathe anymore. The strong ones tried to beat the cage, but it didn’t help. First the children lost consciousness, then the elderly. Then all the others. The world went dark. There’s nothing behind it.

“That earwig is still alive. Get some more, boys.

The voice was indifferent. Deep, masculine voice. Clearly bored. I started to feel the shaking. They’re carrying me. A nasty smell. The smell of death. I don’t want to wake up. Leave me in the dark. Where it’s empty. Where my favorite is. Where the wife is. Don’t drag me out into the light. A blow to the chest.

“But he’s alive. Young at all.

Hit. Hit. Leave me alone. I don’t have anything to live for. My family is gone. The sisters and their parents died on the second day of suffocation. How I hate this world.

Hit

— Yes, come to life. Fight it out.

No, I don’t want to. Let me go no matter who you are. I want to leave.

“You need it with magic. “Take off your collar. Be human.

The sound of a blow, but not at me.

“You’re sometimes an ogre-like evil boss. Okay, so I’ll try. More from the chosen reptiles.

A blow, but already on the head. Not necessary. It started to come alive. No. No. No. Light. How it burns my eyes. I want to drink. My lips are very dry. My stomach is empty. Where am I? I’m lying on the table. Cold. Iron. Wet. It’s my blood or my urine. I can’t make it out. The smells were mixed. The old dwarf leaned over me. Hunched over. Little. Skinny. I saw their images in ancient scrolls, our allies used to be. Not anymore. He’s wearing a collar. He smiles. Although what to be happy about. He is a slave. As you can see and I. He is wearing a white doctor’s coat. Nice place. Khlebnoye. Behind it are rows of flasks and beakers. I’m in the lab. Pickled heads of various creatures, humans and elves. I was scared. Although what to be afraid of. They’re all dead. But not me.

“So is this big-eared guy alive or not?” My dogs are hungry. Make up your mind Rolek the Healer

— Mr. Chief. He is alive. You Diogenes Vidoas know I’m a master of my craft.

A man is standing next to the dwarf. Man. Old. Gray-haired. In uniform. White, clean, with medals. Chief. Thinks he’s better than others. That’s how he turned up his nose. Break your jaw and pull out your teeth one at a time. Humans don’t tolerate pain. They’re screaming. That’s what my father used to say. When they started fighting against humans. But it was too late. We should have attacked when they landed. And it was necessary to sink their ships. Everyone to feed the mag beasts. I hate you all.

— Get up earwig, you will have an exciting life in our “Slave Re-education Camp”. Here you will spend a happy and joyful six months of your life.

How he lied. These were the worst months of my life. We were starved to death. Forced to learn to read and write like humans. They were taught to serve people as butlers and waiters. They checked our talents. I didn’t have any special ones. They beat me constantly, for any offense, so I became friends with the dwarf. He’s kind. I helped as much as I could. But Chief Diogenes is a beast. He fed a hundred dark elves to the dogs in my presence. I still don’t understand why. Just for fun. It’s very ingrained on me. “The eyes are painfully cheeky,” he says. But he doesn’t want to kill. “You need to be retrained.” There are many races in captivity here. All of them are wearing collars. There are no friends among the slaves, only rivals. Food was stolen, fights, violence. But I saved myself. It wasn’t easy, though. Here, after a hard day of training, I sit with others under a tree.

“We need to get out of here. You can’t live like this. Lucas, we need to get out of here.

Said my cellmate beastman Kesh with cat ears and a nice baby face. Even though he’s twenty-three. We’re not friends. But we look out for each other. You can’t survive here alone. We have a group of five slaves here.

“And how do you see it, Cash?” I’ll just walk up to the iron gate and tell you. Open up the Lord. And so they let me in. And then what? There’s nowhere to go.

“You shouldn’t be talking about Kesha like that.” He’s got a point.

The cheetah-faced man Ignat said. He can’t be more than forty. An experienced hunter. He sees it at night.

“There’s a slave show tonight. I heard from the guards, “Cash said.

Slave viewing was what they called the following. Rich ladies and gentlemen came and chose their own servants. They didn’t let us get to the status of applicants as violent ones.

“We have to kill those five, and they’ll let us in, because there aren’t enough slaves. The collection is going badly. Everyone began to resist. People are being squeezed.

“I can, but you don’t mind.

The vampire Gerard said, grinning. He’s the strongest of us all. He alone does not need food, unlike us. He was protecting us. He was our main driving force. And we, in turn, fed it with our own blood.

“Go ahead. I said. I don’t know, but I became the leader of our group. I was consulted. Maybe they think that because I’m a dark elf, I live a long time. To my objections, they said that I was lying in order to appear younger. Even the vampire recognized me as a leader. Although the scrolls in the village said that they didn’t respect anyone. So the scrolls are lying.

“I don’t mind either, even though I wasn’t asked.

Said our youngest goblin Nose. Green skin and a wart on his face. Height of one meter twenty. We keep him instead of a pet cat. It can crawl wherever it wants. He steals food for us. Useful, but stupid. Previously, he was a toy in the group of the big Gregorian Draconis. Local authority, prepare for the role of a gladiator. I wanted to make my local wife. But we recaptured the boy. Now we’re in trouble with his gang.

Having decided on this, the vampire went to the guys under another tree. Drunk, all their life force. I realized that I had had enough and came back to us.

— I did everything, when they are called to the review, they will not be able to get up. It’s done, boss.

— As soon as we get out, I’ll reward everyone.

I said, as I always do. Everyone always liked it.

“You shafki are sitting here again. Make plans, creatures.

Our enemy said. Wardrobe. A mountain of muscle. Gregorian. Three of his six werewolves were with him.

“None of your business.

“Into battle.

He shouted. There was no point in talking to them. A fight broke out. We were hopelessly losing. Although I’ve hit the ringleader in the face many times. It wasn’t served. Only having a vampire kept us from losing outright.

“You’re fighting again, my students.

A voice familiar to all of us said. We gave up the fight and lined up. Cash prayed. The werewolves whined. Everyone knew the punishment would be cruel.

“It’s good that you remember me. I thought you were forgetting about the fight here.” I love you my kids. Like these guys with me. The truth is my pets.

This man’s ugly face is the most disgusting thing I’ve ever seen. Our boss Diogenes, of course, with his dogs. One and a half meter long black dogs from the darkness itself. Always hungry with bloody mouths. And there are five of them. He got them for half a soul from the court magician Radius Magnus. Although I think he gave his whole soul. It was painfully small, and half of it wasn’t enough. But I wouldn’t argue with him. Otherwise, you’ll end up in their stomachs. According to the rumors that went around the camp, once you get there with your family, you will not meet after death. All lies. Death is always one. I know that. I was there.

“Why did you even come here?” I asked Gregorian very quietly. We were enemies, but we could talk. He’s not a bad conversationalist.

“We want to run away. So I wanted to negotiate. But you’re as sharp as ever.

— Keep quiet. A scream pierced our ears. The magic in him burned, as did the rage. — I’m the only one who can talk here. Take the stop lying down. One hundred push-ups. — We fell down and did push-ups. “Well done. And my boys will cheer you up. “The dogs started walking around us and barking, spraying us with their drool and blood that burned like acid. “What a nice smell.” Wet students. You guys are scared. They’ll buy you something, and you’ll remember me with a kind word. I know our aristocrats. They’re a bit of an entertainer. His ugly smile said he wasn’t joking.

After an hour of humiliation and insults from him, he let us continue to sit under the tree. Then he left, whistling a merry song. And that’s a good thing. At least no one was eaten.

“Then tell me what you want right away.” I said to my enemy. — We won’t take you with us.

— Let’s discuss the options. He pulled out a piece of sausage and a round loaf of bread. A bottle of dark kvass and lemonade. “It’s an advance. I’ll give you more on the outside.

“We need to discuss it.

I gathered everyone in a circle. We didn’t talk for long. Two minutes. Everyone wanted to eat.

“Agreed.” But only you. I said, taking the gifts and dividing them equally.

“They’re still spoiled. They’ll find me later. Really, guys. His gang nodded. He values no one but himself. Maybe it’s right. But I can’t do that. “So what’s the plan?”

“We must be bought as servants. On the way to the new house, our kid steals the keys, and we scurry into town. It’s still better there than here. We spent months teaching our goblin how to pick his pockets. The cache taught you. He’s smart. I said, seeing the joy on the draconian’s face. He seemed to like the plan.

“The plan is simple. But it might work. How do I enter my favorites?

“Vampire, solve the question. That kid’s probably going to the review, too. Correct. I said as menacingly as possible. It is necessary to create a view in front of the enemy. Then he gave him a small wink. We need to drop it on the way. I don’t like him, that’s all.

The job was done, and we waited for the evening.

Here they are. Ladies and gentlemen of this world. The rich creatures that keep us here like cattle. They need obedient slaves. To whom for work, to whom for pleasure. Just the sight of them makes me sick. Ladies in puffy expensive dresses lick their lips in anticipation. They have a mess in their heads. Men aren’t any better, even though we only have men in our camp. Some people need it. Ugh. Vile world, vile people. I will punish everyone for the death of my beloved.

But then time passes, and the boss convulsively passes by us.

— If you have any problems, we will help you. I said in the most affectionate voice possible. For some reason, when I say that, he doesn’t hit me.

— But here’s the trouble with me, the best sick slaves have become quite a friend. There is no one to put up, but it is necessary. The number is needed. The appearance that in their rich world everything is the same as before. Although this is not the case. As you see, there are fewer slaves every day. And it’s really hard to find good ones. He even looked sad. The dogs next to him began to whine, sensing their master’s sadness. If only he wasn’t worried that my clansmen were gone. I might feel sorry for him. The fact that there are fewer slaves means that there is no one left. Genocide of people works perfectly.

“So we can stand on the sidelines.” We’ll be good. Chief forgive us. You’re kind. “I was disgusted with myself.

“It might work.” “Diogenes came to life. The dogs barked happily. — Look punks. If you screw up, it will be the last straw. He looked around. “So you’re a dragon here, too. I made friends with them. Okay. Everyone quickly wash their face, brush their teeth and go to the square. Just keep quiet. Get your clothes from the barracks.

A strong fist hovered close to my face. The threat is not simple. There’s only one chance. You can’t live like this. I smiled my nastiest smile, and we went to the barracks where we lived.

Half an hour later, sirens wailed all over the camp. That meant only one thing. Those who are not sold should stay in barracks, and we should run to the square.

It made me laugh. Six complete scumbags, except maybe a goblin, in nice white shirts and clean white pants.

“I haven’t seen faces like that in a long time.” Cash said. — I’d buy us myself.”

“I’d buy you a house to guard,” Ignat said, laughing.

“I’d take it for food.” I would have eaten them all. Gerard said, licking his lips. Sometimes it gives me the creeps.

“And I’d take a nose to be my wife.” — Gregorian, as always, ruined the moment. I covered the boy who was shaking in fear. His psyche can no longer be restored. “I don’t say anything. I didn’t want to. We’re escape buddies now. I won’t leave you. “I didn’t believe what he said.

We ran up and stood in the rad, with the same poor devils as us. More than a hundred hungry souls. Many people greeted me and let me pass. I’m still a local authority, although I didn’t think so of myself. The square was the cleanest place in the camp. A window to the world. The vile world of humans. A world of enemies. The world of murderers. The area is about two hundred meters.

— Dear guests of our humble abode. Ladies and gentlemen. — Said my friend the dwarf healer Rolek. He has a good clear voice, so he became a crier. — Our camp has the best merchandise. He bowed. His face twisted into a tight smile. He likes it less than I do. But I have to run. I won’t last another month. The psyche is already cracking. In this wonderful “Slave Re-education Camp”.

Chapter 3. Escape

Ten people were standing on a raised platform in the center. All dressed up and worried. They laughed as they surveyed us from afar, while guards in armor and armor with rapiers stood in front of them. I didn’t feel like throwing myself at them. But there were precedents in the past.

“So what’s the plan for us to be chosen –" said the draconian, stroking his red wings.

“Our handsome man will charm everyone. Cheetah man Ignat said, pointing at the smiling goblin.

“Sweet boy. Gregoriana licked his lips, exposing his fangs. But noticing my menacing look, he said: “Good plan.

Our nose came forward. He started dancing funny. Even we had fun looking at it. He’s so funny. Everyone’s attention was on him. A sickly-looking young man in his late twenties walked up to Diogenes ' boss and said something in his ear. He, in turn, snarled at the nearest guard. He spat savorily and went after the baby. Coming up, he took him by the scruff of the neck and led him to the pedestal. There the boy immediately hugged him and began to kiss him. My hands clenched, but there was nothing I could do. Then the two of them left.

— First lot. The boy’s Nose went for three silvers. Ladies and gentlemen, be generous with your choice of slaves.

In the hour we waited for the baby, we bought a dozen slaves. Then he came out, the kid who bought the Nose. All disheveled.

“And our boy knows his business. No wonder I liked him. The draconian said. I really wanted to punch him in the face, but I’m afraid my hand won’t break through the scales and cut itself on the spikes.

Meanwhile, the boy was having a lively argument with Diogenes. Then he nodded and barked at the same soldier. He didn’t spit, just smiled nastily. Apparently he liked what he heard. He came over.

“This fellow, our prince, has taken a fancy to you lovebirds. I don’t know how you did it. But you will have the honor of working in his castle. He is the son of the King of Eastern Tone. Then he spat. — You’ll be all over the place. Although maybe you are his. It’s all disgusting, men. But there’s nothing to do. I don’t feel sorry for you as a fool. Then he looked at me sympathetically. — But the dark elf doesn’t work well. We almost killed all of you as it is. So now it is. Forgive us humans. He led us to the landing.

How interesting, even among humans there is a normal one. Sympathizers. So not all of them are enemies. Just some of them. We need to think about this. Digest it in your head.

“Here you are. The boss turned to the kid. This one — He pointed at me. “He looks like my son, who died five years ago in the war for territory in the mountains. That’s why I cherished it. Take care of it.

That’s why he always singled me out. Food is sometimes accidentally thrown, such as a bitten-off apple or chicken. I used to buy pills when I was in the hospital. This world is more amazing and complex than I thought. I didn’t think the boss was so sentimental.

“Absolutely, sir. I am not a mere aristocrat, but the son of a king. I’ll have them safe under me. The kid laughed.