Tan understood this very well. Over the long years of service in the army, he saw a lot and agreed with the general. For all his hatred of Wotan, he even felt sympathy for King Orm.

Twenty years ago, Orme became a rebel general who overthrew his ruler, the brutal King Reim. And immediately after that, he made an appeal to end this senseless war unleashed by his king. When Athanasius was young and inexperienced, he assumed that Orma made the people king in gratitude for the liberation from the tyrant and the end of the bloody war. But now he knew that the power he received was due to the power that he had. There was an army behind him, that's the whole secret.

– You must understand, continued Swann, life at court is not sweet to me myself. However, this position opens up great opportunities and prospects. Tell me, how many senseless sacrifices could have been avoided if the council had people who know their business? Competent commanders who have fought more than once themselves?

There he looked at the general, and, meeting his eyes, nodded to him in approval.

After a few minutes of silence, and enjoying the chirping of birds and the sound of trees, General Swann continued.

– Tell me, how are you doing on the personal front?

The corners of Tan's lips lifted slightly. He could not seriously talk about such a topic. – Nothing serious. I guess I'm not made for family life.

– From what? the general asked. You're still young. Representatives of our race live on average about a hundred years. So you still have time to find that one. Have offspring. A reliable rear has not harmed anyone yet.

Tan retorted, – Well, judge for yourself, whose husband is always not at home, and who may not return from another campaign. Not an enviable share for a girl.

– So find yourself one that will share your hobbies.

– Warrior ?! No really. These are completely crazy. Don't you know.

Then the general and Tan burst into loud laughter. – It's better as it is. Everything suits me.

– Do not take an example from me, Mirra! I will have no one to bring a glass of water before I die.

–Tan smiled again. “We both know the servants will do it for you.

Swann laughed. – Your truth. Since I am destined to settle in the capital at the court of the king, it is useless to wipe my ass myself. I may be misunderstood.

And they both burst out laughing. Yes, so loud that the birds fell from the trees and flew along the edge of a small cliff, along the river, dodging between the branches of the bushes and flying next to the heads of the leading soldiers. In the distance, hills were visible, and from the left on the other side of the river, fields of wheat went into the horizon

Swann was one of the few people who entered the innermost recesses of the soul of Athanasius. Tan was overjoyed about this. After all, everyone needs a loved one next to him, even if this relationship is not by blood.

***

It was a grueling ten days. Due to the fact that the meeting was to begin fourteen days after the departure from the "Marne" building, it was necessary to walk seventy miles a day. Everyone was pretty tired. But it was necessary. And now ten days passed, and the general with his retinue was already approaching the borders of Anamut. It was immediately clear that this was the capital of a prosperous state. Long before the city itself, wretched hovels and shacks had replaced houses skillfully crafted by Mister Wood, with gardens, vineyards and landscaped grounds. Increasingly, patrols and checkpoints began to come across on the way. During these 10 days, the cloudless sky with the blazing sun changed to a more welcoming one with islands of clouds, but still sunny and blue. After another couple of miles the city appeared. The first thing that a traveler saw approaching the capital was two standing towers about 100 meters high, which settled above the rooftops and divided the city into northern and southern parts. One of the towers was occupied by the scientists of Anamut, and in the other there were soldiers who guarded the city. In the center was the king's castle. Although it would be more accurate to say, it was a complex of structures, which also included the future workplace of General Swann, the Anamut conglomerate. The meetings of which were attended by various representatives of state authorities, ranging from the military and ending with the masters of coins.