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The witch took a rusty bell and rang it.

– Apprentice! Bring me some gruel.

The great-great-granddaughter appeared at once, trying to drive Laira and her friends out… And she saw that they were pretty angry. Fearing a pogrom, the apprentice handed them a sack of silver coins-as if to apologize for her strange mistress. She wished them good luck. «Seven» accepted the coins, said a cold goodbye, and finally left the musty barn. It was getting dark outside.

«The Seven went on their way. The soul was empty, but the clear evening twilight offered solace, and the gentle breeze refreshed their thoughts… The friends counted their money, went into the tavern, ate soup, and fell into a bottomless sleep.

***

The next day, a strange young man appeared to them. Handsome, well-dressed, he was, however, strangely disgusting. Laira couldn’t figure out what he looked like. He was like a wax figure, too flawless. A perfect face, immaculate attire, perfectly coiffed hair, crystal eyes, and a lifeless voice- polite, soft, and hollow. The young man greeted the Seven courteously, bowed separately to Lyra, and declared that he was the Witch’s great-great-great-grandson, her messenger and lover. Came to give the future Empress a document with the Treaty!