Free The Citadel (Mirror World Book #2) by Alexey Osadchuk Page A

studying glances at me, probably thinking I was a local. Of course: the rain kept falling and this midget (i.e. yours truly) kept walking around without taking the slightest notice of the weather.
    I could understand them. What was the point in investing in costly elemental protection when there were cheap single-use items available? But as I'd already learned, it was better to invest well once than later repent at my leisure. Especially considering that I'd gotten my money back mere hours after having spent it.
    I'd really enjoyed the raid last night. I'd gained some very useful experience.
    Once we'd collected all the hearts there'd been to pick up, we'd parted good friends. Even the silent girl archer had condescended to a brief thank-you. Strange creature. Then again, it was none of my business. It takes all sorts.
    Finally, Varn announced our boarding time: quarter past six. We had to wait for some less punctual players. Varn's grim glare followed them as they boarded their wagons. As far as I understood from the agreement I'd signed, the Guiding Eyes valued punctuality above everything else. The caravan's route passing monsters' lairs had long been calculated. Had the tardy players lingered for more than a half-hour, the caravan would have left without them. Varn wouldn't have allowed his men and his other clients to walk into the mobs' aggro zone because of a few irresponsible newbs.
    The inside of the wagons was vaguely reminiscent of subway trains. Vaguely being the operative word. No idea why I'd thought that. Two rows of wooden double-seat benches were separated by a narrow aisle. Oil lamps burned under the ceiling. Luggage shelves lined the walls overhead. The resemblance ended there. Instead of windows, narrow gun slits were cut in the wagon's sides. The floor was strewn with straw. Apparently this was part of the gameplay: everything had to look as realistic as possible.
    The cheerful voice of the approaching Uncle Vanya distracted me from further inspection.
    "So, would you like to sit with me? Or would you rather sweat here with the rest?"
    I grinned. "Sure I'll sit with you. If you don't mind, that is."
    "Good," the gnome grinned back. "Come on, then. We'll have to spend almost an hour staring at the road. Boring! This way we can at least talk."
    His cab was in the front of the wagon. It was dry and comfortable. The view from the small front windows was much better than from the passenger seats. Uncle Vanya seated me on a soft cushion and climbed in next to me.
    He whistled and pulled the reins. Kosma lazily raised his head and effortlessly moved off. The wagon pulled away surprisingly smoothly. I liked it! This was a great way to travel, provided you weren't in a hurry.
    I leaned out of the window to take a look back. All the other wagons were falling in behind us.
    The gnome whooped a cough and sat back wearily. Silence fell.
    "How are things over there?" I asked finally, nodding in the direction of the Citadel.
    The gnome buried his hand in his gray beard and coughed again. "Depends. I'd say they're never left alone. If it's not some gory event courtesy of the admins, it's the Darkies craving their scalps. It can get pretty busy. I'm not asking you what you left there, it's none of my business. But I do suggest you grow a spare pair of eyes in the back of your head."
    "Is it that bad?" I wasn't overjoyed to go there as it was and this conversation hadn't made me any happier.
    Noticing my anxiety, Uncle Vanya added soothingly, "Don't worry. You'll get used to it. Just remember to keep your eyes peeled."
    We continued on our way, unhurriedly discussing the game. From time to time we fell silent, thinking each his own thoughts.
    The location was true to its name: mud, ditches and low hills interspersed with piles of rock. Wilderness is wilderness everywhere, even in Mirror World. Kosma apparently saw this as an opportunity to show what he was made of. He advanced with effortless ease, paving the way for the