Frieren: Twin Souls

Chapter 2 From the ashes

The warm rays of the sun accompanied by the smell of roasted fish woke up Menno's sleeping companions, who slowly got up, not realizing that they were participants in a race against time, on which their fate depended, as well as the fate of the whole world.

-Did you even lie down?- Himmel asked, yawning, rubbing his eyes and stretching lazily, then the tempting smell of roasted fish reached him, which brought back old memories.

-Yes- he agreed. -Milten changed me at night, but I can easily keep an eye on everything, or rather an ear, even in my sleep.- Menno allowed himself to chuckle. Although it wasn't a very good verbal joke, it made him laugh.

Himmel looked at him and wondered if there was something wrong with him, or if he simply didn't get the joke, or maybe Menno was actually awake even in his sleep, but he preferred not to ask, because Menno probably wouldn't tell him the truth.

-So...- Milten began timidly, finishing his fish. -What do you plan on doing in the capital? If it's not a secret.

- We are looking for someone, specifically someone who has the greatest influence in the capital and who is taken into account even by the king or whoever currently rules in the capital.- Menno replied without going into unnecessary details, because he knew that being too honest with someone you just met wasn't the wisest.

- So I suggest you go to that ball I mentioned yesterday. Lord Haart is marrying his daughter to the king's son, but there's a problem... - He stopped suddenly and looked at his companions.

- Let me guess: they won't let us in? - Menno sighed, who wouldn't be surprised by such an answer, because why on earth would someone from the streets enter a high society ball? If he were in his place and heard four heroes rise from the grave asking for invitations, he would laugh in their faces and throw them out the door.

- Unfortunately. You're not noble or well-known enough, but I guess there's a way to get around that inconvenience - Milten suddenly smiled broadly. - In two days, they're organizing a knight tournament, and if you win it, in addition to glory and fame, you can earn two invitations to the ball.

- Anyone can sign up? - Himmel asked.

- Well...not really. - Milten replied, confused. - However, I still have a few favors to collect and maybe I can arrange for you and Menno to be on the list of participants.

- What about us? - Fauna was outraged.

- I'm sorry, but magic is forbidden at the tournament, but the show is open to everyone, so you can cheer from the stands, and if Menno and Himmel win, they can each take one companion with them.

At Milten's last words, Fauna even shuddered, because for a moment she imagined that she would have to walk arm in arm with Menno like old friends, and she would not survive such humiliation, but fortunately Himmel and Flamme were still there, who didn't care who their companion was.

- Will you tell us more about this tournament? - Menno asked, who saw Fauna flinch and knew the reason for her behavior. If it weren't for their bloody past, they would be quite a good-looking couple. *Such fate.* he thought.

- This tournament is different from the others, because you fight in teams of two and if my memory serves me right, there are three competitions, the last of which is a group fight, won by the last two people who stand on their feet or don't give up. The other two competitions are archery and horse racing, one competitor can't take part in both, so you have to choose which one will do the best.

Menno looked a bit gloomy, because when it came to fighting, he doubted anyone would be able to beat them, but the other two competitions were a problem. He was not very good at archery and he had never ridden a horse.