30 Unreasonable children

Luka shook his head in astonishment, staring at the absolutely mismatched trio, which marched past him. Valeria proudly straightening her back like a little general in a magnificent dress and led her small squad out of the gates, ignoring everyone who insisted on escort or at least a carriage for travel.

At first, Mark and Niels walked in silence, posing as the soundless shadows of their warlike leader. Immediately outside the gates, they were met by a spacious and quiet alley between other estates that belonged to aristocrats and wealthy residents of the Inner Green district. The fences on both sides were so high that it was impossible to see anything on top of them.

There were practically no people on the street. They saw only a couple of strollers and a few servants running about their business.

But as soon as they went through the gates leading to Arilla's Outer Green district, everything around changed drastically. The air here was as if overfilled with noise and commotion. The buildings were less elegant, but much more vibrant and motley, like a crowd of dandies struggling to stand out from the rest. The street became wider. The ground floor of each building served either as shop, studio, or a small cafe.

Even calm and collective Mark was a little taken aback by so many colors and sounds. Noticing the confusion of her companions, Valeria slowed her pace a little, giving these two time to get used to it.

"Have you ever been to the capital?" - She asked, trying to distract their attention from the suffocating crowd that literally closed around them, making both former Stone Warriors visibly nervous.

Mark only shook his head in silence, and Niels, in turn, scowled, stretching his lips in a line.

" We have been to many capitals." - he replied sharply without hiding notes of irritation in his voice. - "But our missions never included walking around the city. Our place was always in the shadow, in small alleys, or on the roofs, where no one sees us. Here, not many people know about Stone beasts. But in those countries that are closer to Gunilbin, many can recognize us at a glance. Fear always goes hand in hand with hatred."

The last words of the boy made Valery startle. Once, when she also went to visit her friend, she came across a group of werewolves from the Wasteland. Only clothes and peculiar talismans, which these creatures always stick to braids in their hair, distinguished them from everyone else. They were quiet and just wanted to buy provisions in one of the stores. And yet, every passerby grimaced, throwing a look of disgust at them and muttered curses. And the city boys even braved themselves to start throwing lumps of dirt and small pebbles at them.

Valeria then only shook her head and went about her business. People have always been afraid and hated those who were different from them. Human nature cannot be changed. But now, when she could so vividly imagine her niece and these two in place of those werewolves, everything turned upside down inside.

Valeria pursed her lips, trying to find any words, but there was nothing to say.

" Do not pay attention to him, madam." - Mark boomed, seeing the distress on Duchess' pale face and apparently thinking that Niels finally managed to offend this good-hearted woman. - "No one taught Niels manners. Therefore, he behaves like a wild dog sometimes. Seems like Gorgon kept his moodiness at bay for too long."

"Look who's talking!" - the boy fired back, his eyes already flaring with anger.

"I wonder how the orc can know about manners? Have you been taught this in your cave?" - He blurted it out in one go and immediately grimaced, seeing the orc's eyes go cold. Mark didn't answer anything and, looked away, pretending to be very fascinated by the next sign in front of a corner shop.

Confused, Valeria shifted her eyes from the boy to the orc, trying to understand what had happened. These two were like open wounds, which could start to ache by the slightest movement. The Duchess could not even imagine how difficult it could be to communicate with a seemingly simple-minded and unpretentious orc and a young boy. After a little pause, she nevertheless gathered her wits and began to talk about everything that comes to mind. Gossip, the history of the houses and their owners, even the method of making magnificent buns - Valeria was ready to chat on any topic, only to defuse the atmosphere of tension suddenly arising between two friends.

Over time, Mark melted a little and even began to ask questions. And Niels, although he pretended that he did not care, but nevertheless moved a little closer, catching the woman's quiet words through the noise of the crowd.

Along the way, Valeria also noticed how this pair operated harmoniously and without saying a word. Mark walked a step ahead, opening the way for a woman with his impressive stature, from time to time, sternly eyeing the local street barkers trying to get closer. Niels, on the other hand, followed behind. Despite his indifferent expression, the boy was alert, and as soon as any passersby gravitated too close to the Duchess, he would instantly move forward to push him away, trying to make it as imperceptibly as possible.

Passersby, though staring back at their strange trio, did not yet express their displeasure, noticing an elegantly dressed, imposing lady walking in the middle.

Thus, without any unnecessary adventures, they reached the sought address. The street here was not very wide, and there were much fewer shops around. The tight-fitting houses were noticeably simpler. The paint on the walls here and there peeled off on them, the walls were covered with a thick layer of dust, and the windows seemed very narrow and cloudy. The orphanage itself was at the very end of the street. Right next to some storage facilities on the right, and some crumpled house on the left.

Mark scanned the left building with an appraising look and shook his head in displeasure. Orcs, by nature, understood a lot in stone, and although their architectural talents were not great, they were second to none as builders. And here you did not even need to be a professional to understand how pitiful the situation was. Although the building's facade was not drastically damaged, wide gaps were visible here and there, and the roof completely collapsed inside, breaking through the second floor. The house looked like it was held together with chewing gum and strings.

"The building must be demolished entirely." - The orc stated confidently. Valeria critically looked at the subject of the conversation, and then looked sadly at the orc.

"But the first floor is practically undamaged. The workers, which my friend invited, said they could repair what had already been broken and save the rest. They assured her that it was even possible to restore a second floor with an attic."

Orc first carefully peer into the woman's face and then shook his head.

"It's a lie. The structure has already slanted, cracks and chips have reached the foot. If you build on the damaged basement, everything will collapse again." - He responded thoughtfully.

Valeria frowned, once again throwing an appraising look at the house.

"Well, then we need to hurry and inform my friend about it." - She said confidently, heading for the orphanage. Niels and Mark exchanged glances, surprised at how quickly this strange woman accepted orc's statement. They wavered only for a moment and then also moved toward the neighboring building.

Niels noticeably quickened his pace, so he managed to catch up to the Duchess and be the first one at the doorstep. Valeria raised her eyebrows in surprise, but said nothing and obediently stopped a step behind. It was a little strange to accept protection from such a young man, but on the other hand, this behavior of the boy could not help but touch the old lady.

They could clearly hear distinctive cries of children and the clatter of small legs inside the building even standing on the little porch. Niels grimaced and knocked again. This time much louder, guessing that through all this noise, it was difficult to hear anything at all. When no one opened even after the second try, Niels was ready to kick the door with his foot. Fortunately, before he could swing his boot, the door opened, and a young girl froze in front of him, looking at the guests with interest.

The lass looked like she was about 16. She was almost the same height as Niels. So the boy's proud look and his severely frowning eyebrows did not frighten her at all. But rather even amused this cute vixen. She smiled broadly and looked over the whole company. But as soon as her gaze stopped on the orc's figure, girl's smile froze on her face as if painted. Panic flared in her eyes, and without hesitation, the girl grabbed Niels by the hand, literally hauling him into the house.

At first, the guy was a little confused, not expecting such a reaction from a stranger, but then having regained his wits, he sharply pulled his hand out of her palms and staggered back.

"What are you doing?" - He hissed, stepping back from the frightened girl. Little miss staggered back and pressed her back against the wall as if it could somehow protect her.

"There ... there .." - she muttered, pointing her shaking hand outside.

Niels turned to look for something that might have scared her so much. Duchess Davenport already stepped over the threshold and appeared in the aisle. Behind her loomed Mark's massive figure. At first, the boy did not even understand what could terrify the girl so much. He was so used to orc's presence. Besides, Mark was by far, not the most strange and frightening creatures among their squad. That's why the boy's first guess was that the danger was most likely hidden somewhere on the street, behind the back of his friend.

"Mark," - he barked, turning around. - "Check it out!"

Without asking unnecessary questions, the orc turned around and was already in full alert, when Valeria's voice stopped him.

"Mark, dear, please wait. I think there was a slight misunderstanding."

The woman stepped confidently into a small corridor and, approaching the girl, took her by the hand.

" Julia, honey, do not be afraid. Sorry, we came without warning. These two are my companions. This is Mister Niels." -She said, pointing to the boy, who immediately straighten up and throw back his shoulders, even though his face remained full of irritation.

" And this is Mr. Mark. They are both friends of my niece and famous warriors. They kindly agreed to accompany me today. I hope you will show them the proper hospitality."

Valeria's words were very soft, but the pressure clearly sounded in each sentence. It quickly brought the girl to her senses. Julia peeled herself from the wall and lowering her eyes slightly nodded.

"I'll call Mrs. Philemon." - She muttered, spun around, and darted away as if her backside was on fire.

Valeria watched the girl and sighed.

"I can wait outside." - The soft bass of an orc was heard behind them. Niels's face darkened even more. He wanted to support his friend and also go outside, but on the other hand, they volunteered to accompany their captain's aunt and could not let Cali down just because of such nonsense.

"It will be absolutely unnecessary!" - Valeria stated with indignation. - "You are my companions and friends of my niece, and I am sure Philimon will also be against it."

"That's right." - Confirmed a dry and slightly grating voice. A middle-aged woman appeared on the threshold of the living room with her back straight as a stick and sharp, almost birdlike features. She was the exact opposite of Valeria, but as soon as the eyes of the women met, the same broad smiles immediately began to play on their faces.

"Val!" - the hostess of the shelter threw up her hands in playful distress. - "How much time should I tell you! It is not suitable for the Duchess to appear in such places. At least warn if you decide to visit us so that we can prepare."

"What nonsense! Prepare what? Are you going to spread the red carpet for me or what?" - Valeria shoot back with a tone full of sarcasm and went for a big hug to her friend. The owner of the orphanage only grunted and shook her head, still readily hugging Duchess back with her slim bony arms.

"You will never change, dear." - She said with a sigh and looking at Mark and Niels with a bright smile. - "Gentlemen, I am delighted that my friend brought her new acquaintances today. We always welcome guests. Please come in. I can not offer anything special. But if you don't mind some tea with cookies, please follow me to the sitting room. There we can talk more comfortably."

Mark opened his mouth to protest somehow, but both women seemed to turn around sharply and with a frantic pace headed deeper into the house, ignoring the orc's confused face. Niels took a quick look at his friend's face, then shook his head and patting the big guy on the shoulder, went after the two ladies.

"Get ready, friend. Now there will be a bunch of screeching ... "- the boy threw over his shoulder, lowering his head slightly in advance, as if in anticipation of a shock wave.

Immediately after the narrow corridor, to their eyes opened a spacious hall with two arched passages leading to other rooms and a spiral staircase to the second floor. And it was full of children of all ages rushing back and forth in the hall or just playing on the floor. Women meanwhile went across the room skilfully avoiding the groups of kids, not even slowing their pace and disappeared in one of the doors.

Mark hesitantly stopped at the threshold. The breath stuck in his throat at the sight of so many children in the room. Niels took a step forward and stopped looking back at his friend. But as soon as he turned away, a boy immediately tumbled into him from the side. This unlucky little kid probably tried to run away from his friends, who were hot on his heels and wasn't looking forward.

The boy squealed and flopped on the bottom, with surprise staring at the obstacle that suddenly appeared in his way. Niels responded by scowling at him and was ready to bark at a careless child, but Mark was ahead of him.

The orc appeared near the boy in the blink of an eye.With incredible care, he raised the child, as if in his hands was a fragile glass figurine. The boy himself at first didn't even realize how he ended up in the air, and then he was already standing. But as soon as his eyes saw the huge clawed paw of the orc, which Marc tried to quickly pull away after making sure that the child was firmly on his feet, the boy solidified like a statue. His eyes bulged, and his mouth was agape, but no sound came from it.

Hall fell into instant silence as if time had stopped for a second and everyone froze in their places, but not even a few seconds passed before the silence was shattered first by one, and then by a whole chorus of children's screeching. The kids splattered like flies in all directions, knocking each other on the run.

Niels grimaced, closing his ears with his hands, and glanced at his unfortunate friend, who was fixed in place with his mouth open. Mark probably really wanted to calm the kids, help them, protect them. But the orc was well aware that even a careless sound on his part could lead the children into an even greater panic.

"Let's go!" - Finally, Niels snapped, diligently pretending that nothing had happened. - "Our Lady Davenport is waiting. We cannot leave her unprotected even here. "

"Especially here ..." - He added, quietly looking back at the rustle in one of the aisles. Apparently, the most daring and curious kids ran not so far, and now carefully hid behind the door frame, gathering the courage to look out into the hall.

And the unfortunate guy, whom Mark lifted from the ground, still remained standing, watching with horror a receding figure of a gray orc.

***

They found both women in a small living room just around the corner. Duchess Valeria and Mrs. Philemon first tried to pretend that they did not notice anything and did not hear all these cries at all. Both women set by the small table and kept chatting. But having caught Niels' disapproving look, Valery immediately surrendered and squinting at her friend spoke in an apologetic tone.

"Please forgive us, Mr. Mark. We didn't want to upset you. But as my friend Philemon explained to me, sometimes for children, as well as for adults, their own impression is much more important than the one imposed by others. Even if we introduced you and tried to convince everyone ..."

Duchess uttered and immediately stopped short when her gaze fell on the orc's barely noticeable smirk. Valeria even slightly bowed her head to the side, not quite understanding what she was seeing. Meanwhile, Mark narrowed his eyes slightly and spoke quietly, coming a little closer.

" No need to explain. Such a shock often subsequently provokes curiosity rather than rejection. You are right, children are often cautious, and often distrust adults' opinion. Especially orphans. So I'm not at all offended."

It seemed as if the air itself around the orc had changed. Mark straightened slightly and squared his shoulders, and his eyes seemed to be filled with a strange light. They were burning with undisguised intellect, curiosity, and a semblance of irony. Just a minute ago he looked more like a huge but harmless dog, that was afraid to hurt anyone with any careless movement. But now before them stood a mysterious giant with a face that completely did not suit such a rumored witless creation as an orc.

While both women were trying to recover from the shock, Mark calmly walked along the small living room with a keen interest looking around. He stopped in front of a wide bookcase that went up to the ceiling.

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"Interesting collection." - He finally said, breaking the silence. His eyes were fixed to the books, some of which were very worn-down, but nevertheless were clearly kept with great care.

" Yes, books are my passion." - Said Madame Philemon quietly. The changes in this strange guest also struck her. She had never before met an orc that looked so ... bright? But the experience in communicating with various children, including not always full humans, taught her to pull herself together in such difficult situations quickly.

It took her only a couple of seconds to again make her expression calm. Philemon rose and headed towards this strange guest in a measured step, not showing her nervousness with the slightest gesture.

"Books have always occupied a special place in my life." - She admitted, stopping a step away from the orc, and fixing her eyes on such familiar letters on bindings. Although it was not difficult for Mark to immediately feel that this elderly woman was nevertheless carefully watching his every breath from the corner of her eye.

"Many people think that books are a way to escape from reality. But I disagree entirely with this. They helped me to understand the world around me better. And sometimes they even can allow me to look into someone else's heart. Just a little glimpse, though." - Her voice was even and slightly thoughtful as if she was talking with a long-familiar person. Mark was silent for a while, looking with interest at the face of this strange woman, then nodded as if having made some decision and turning back to the bookcase, spoke quietly.

"My mother thought so too. She often said that everything in this world is not so easy to comprehend at first glance. Even a small pebble can contain the greatest mystery. People often rely on stereotypes. Having them is not a bad thing, because they help us not to get lost in this big world. But it's much worse their number in your head is so small that the world around you become a very narrow place."

"Your mother should be an outstanding woman," - Hostess replied with a genuine touch of respect, and for a second it seemed to her that something flashed in the eyes of the orc. But the face of this strange man was so calm, and the corners of his lips even slightly lifted upwards, that Philemon decided that she just saw it wrongly.

"Yes. Elves are considered one of the oldest and most intelligent races. But it seems to me that even among them, my mother was the most incredible person. Although many considered her merely crazy." - Mark finally answered her with a chuckle, forcing the woman to widen her eyes in surprise. The orc turned around sharply as if purposely giving the woman a closer look at his face. "However, this is understandable, to whom else from light-born would come to mind falling in love and even marry a dirty, crude mountain orc ?! Only the insane can do that."

While Philemon for the first time in her life could not find the words, digesting what she heard, Lady Davenport came to her rescue. Valeria had enough time available to recover a little, and now she approached a pair by the bookcase with steady steps, carefully examining Mark from all sides.

"Then why are you ..." - She began and immediately stopped short, trying to find the words. If for Philemon this became a big surprise, still not every day you meet a child of two such incompatible races, for Valeria, everything that happened was an even bigger shock. After all, Mark was not just a half-breed, but also a Stone beast, moreover, subordinate, and close friend of her niece. Digesting it all at once was quite tricky. Plus his acting ability made her mind spin with all kind of thoughts.

Meanwhile, Mark turned his gaze to the Duchess, who even flinched, catching this deep look.

"Lady Davenport, I apologize for that performance. But as you know, the orcs are known for their strength. However, people are not so afraid of them, because ... "- he hesitated, choosing the right word. At the same time, he lifted his index finger with a rather impressive claw and twirled it around as if trying to draw something in the air.

"Everyone considers them dumb as a box of rocks." - a mocking voice came from behind, Niels had long ago made himself comfortably on the windowsill near the entrance, and now he watched everything that was unfolding with a gloating smirk.

Mark winced slightly at such a comparison but nodded his agreement.

"Right. How do you think people would react, knowing that I possess not only power comparable to any orc, but also the knowledge that is vast enough to argue with any human ?!"

Women looked at each other. The question was plainly rhetorical.

"Then why did you decide to open now?" - Duchess asked, finding her words.

Hearing this question, Mark smiled broadly, forcing both women to flinch and step back. But women managed to stand their ground and did not continue the retreat. Noting this orc hummed and respect flashed in his eyes.

"Because you need my help. You would hardly trust the experience of an uncouth orc; rather, out of politeness, you would listen and let my words pass by. And so ... as I said, some shock is more likely to arouse an interest than rejection ..."

For a second, his gaze became a little warmer, as if he was looking at unreasonable children who still have a lot to be taught ...