– But I'm not dead, so my foes will have to wait," I grinned.

– Let's drop the jokes! You're dying, Derek! You need to name an heir! – Bergil interrupted me in a grim tone.

– Are you dying? No, no! I won't let you! – Vilja immediately wept.

– Come, girls-let's go! Your father is fine! Bergil is joking! – Hedda suddenly declared firmly, taking Vilja from me. – Lady Sulwai! Take Alva and let's go and have tea! I hear they've made some delicious candied cakes from Emmerlend especially for us!

– Thank you, Hedda," I said to the princess with sincere gratitude.

– Get well, my lord," Hedda smiled absent-mindedly, and, clutching a screaming and kicking Vilja to her breast, she left the chambers, accompanied by my mother and Alva.

– I need to speak to my consort," I said to Andrade when it was just her, me, Bergil, and, of course, Vit. – Can you put me in touch with her?

– I cannot vouch, my lord, but I can try. The dagger that Queen Sylvia received from me is enchanted to be the only element that can open a water portal," the sorceress replied thoughtfully, but suddenly frowned her eyebrows. – Aren't you afraid it might be dangerous? Perhaps she is in the center of the battle, and we distract her? You can see for yourself what that could lead to.

– But can't you sense the magic in that very dagger? Even though it's not in your hands, you put a piece of yourself into it. What do your senses tell you? – I said quietly, still noting rightly that her concerns were well-founded. But something told me that Sylvia herself wanted me to take the initiative and try to contact her. I hoped so.

– I feel that the dagger is at peace…the Queen is not using it. As you wish, Your Highness, I will go to my place and try to open the portal. But as I said, I can't promise I'll get the results you want. I'll take care of it right away. You and the head of security will have a serious conversation," Andrada said without a single emotion on her face. Then she nodded slightly and left the chambers.

– Women… No peace from them! – Bergil grumbled, as if he was just waiting to be alone with me. – Have you any wine? – He went without permission to the cabinet where I usually kept bottles of delicious old wines, took one of the tall glass vessels, uncorked it, and took a couple of sips from the narrow neck.

– I envy you mortals. You drink this red drink so greedily and with such relish that I wouldn't mind a taste myself," Wit grinned, looking at Bergil with interest. He had already climbed onto my bed and was sprawled on it like a big, fat cat.

– I'll pour you a drink," I said to Vit, barely audibly.

– Yes, please! – rumbled my surname. – But I don't think I'll drink it. Unfortunately, I don't eat your food or drink your liquids. Though your friend's birds look quite appetizing.....

– So who is your heir? – Bergil asked in an impatient tone.

– I haven't thought about it yet," I answered him honestly.

– I haven't thought about it… My friend, you almost died, and everyone in the church saw it! Now everyone knows that you are not well, and they demand to know who will rule Kaldwind when you die!

– If I die, Bergil," I said softly. My friend's certainty of my imminent death struck me unpleasantly.

– Look at you! You look like a living corpse! – Bergil sipped his wine again. – Go to the mirror and see for yourself! The ladies have kept silent about this out of politeness, but I am your loyal friend and I will not keep silent! – He brought the bottle to his lips again: "Andrada said that nothing can help you now, and she knows a lot about these things… You need to name an heir.