CHAPTER 3

DETEMPELOFJitON

“Russia, have you ever seen anything like this? asked Woolley, surprised at his words. Ragnar looked at his wolf brother and shook his head. He had to admit he wasn't. The harbor was large and strange. A huge bend of black rocks led to a large lake covered with black beaches. There was enough room for thousands of dragonships to meet at once without being overwhelmed, and Ragna knew it was time for trade. People came from overseas to buy ax heads, spear blades and all kinds of metalwork. It wasn't the size of the port that caught Ragnar's attention. There were buildings around. The smaller one, twice the size of the long long hall at the back of the house, was the largest building Ragnar had ever seen in his life. It was very strange that they were built of stone. Stone, Ragnarland thought, shuddering. It was unimaginable. What if it's a big earthquake and you throw them to the ground? Wouldn't an avalanche of falling rocks turn everyone inside into bloody masses? This gigantic soot covered structure was a death trap. Everyone knew that it was wise to build a dragon hide house in a dragon bone mold to build a dragon boat. Or, for a sacred construction, if an oil lamp falls in an earthquake, it may burn, but you might consider using precious wood. Ragnahad saw this happen. Everyone had it. Fenris Island was unstable and it took until Ruth led her chosen people here. Building out of stone was crazy, but these guys did it. It is not about building stones on top of stones because you can build dams from dry stone. No, this building is made of huge stones and built in perfect cubes, carved and interconnected patterns. And judging by the soot layer on the building and the black moss on the sides, this building is old. They looked old and weathered like the oldest runestones in the great rings atop Thunder Mountain. And the skald said they were there since morning. Not only were they large, but there were hundreds of them, some with huge shields. Huge chimneys sticking out of someone else's roof, black smoke billowing out and huge lamps lit. "They took over the element of fire." Ulli said. "There are some great wizards here."

At least it seemed that way, Ragnar thought. Of course, these people were not afraid of fire. They have to be really strong wizards if they don't want to fear earthquakes or fire hazards. How did they build this great hall? Did they use magic to make the stone sing in place? Or did you let the locked up crooks do all the work? The effort and skill to work here was amazing. Still, Ragnar wasn't sure if he wanted to live here. The air was dirty and sour with the smell of chemicals from the tannery in the house, but it was getting worse, a thousand times worse. Waves of fiery black snowflakes floated through the air and fell on her hair and clothes. The water was a strange color. In places it was black and slimy, in others it was red or green from the sewage from the black pipe going down into the harbor. "It's a real bone." expired "Look at!"

Raggaar looked in the direction Ulli's index finger was pointing and saw the most surprising thing. It was a tower built entirely of iron, one of the most precious metals. He rose from the water. If you look closely, you can see that Ragnar's structure is strange. It wasn't massive. It was like the metal beams on which to build the synagogue. There were no dragon skins around him. The frame is open to the sky and the elements, and the intricate machines inside can see it. The great steps and the great alarms went up and down in steady, rhythmic motions like great heartbeats. From a pipe at the top of the tower, the sticky black liquid foamed and rolled down a long tube that had collected in a wooden barrel around the floor. Small numbers moved constantly, emptying the keg into the bucket. At the same time, it was the strangest, most impressive, most amazing structure Ragnar had ever seen. "Why aren't these people afraid of earthquakes?" Ragnaras asked Ulley out of interest, not waiting for an answer. "I don't need it, kid." said the wizard's voice. “These islands are stable and have been around for centuries. They are much more trained.

Ragnar's heart skipped a beat. The concept was great. A country that always swings like a rope and never shakes. You are running away from the greatest and most simple disaster that has ever befallen the Russian people. Are the inhabitants of this island really sad? Another thought occurred to Ragnar. It was something any fighter would take for granted. "Then why didn't anyone take him from the villagers?" The clan will kill to have such a safe haven. How did these people live so long without suffering?”

“See you soon son. See you soon." The stranger shook his head, trying to contain his joy. "Tell the stranger your business or prepare to die!" Aral's voice was loud and dangerous with every word. A metal speaker in the hand amplifies the sound, making it even more flattering. Ragnar stared in amazement at the ships that had left the island to meet them. Suddenly I was very scared. Here was a very large magic jar. The ship has no sails and is made of metal. Why doesn't it sink? And what motivated them? border fire element? Maybe that's why there was smoke coming out of the chimney at the back of the ship. It seemed like an insult to the sea demons, but it sure worked. Perhaps a strange arrangement was created… Before Ragnar's father could answer, the sorcerer jumped over the bow and saluted the army. "It's me, Ranek Icewalker." They brought me here at my request. I will talk to the blacksmith.

This announcement sparked vigorous activity on the deck of a metal vessel. Several people consulted until the speaker resigned again. "Tell me Ranek is dead." Are you a sea spirit rising from the water?