He stopped speaking.
The Inquisitors exchanged glances. Then Witiezslav asked:
‘Do the parties to the case have any proof that their assertions are correct?’
Gesar said nothing, but Zabulon asked in surprise:
‘Pardon me, but what proof can I offer that I am not a camel? Let those who have uttered such nonsensical claims attempt to prove them.’
‘The Inquisition has heard the opinions of both sides,’ said the vampire. ‘Accused, do you have anything to add?’
Igor Teplov nodded.
‘Yes. I admit that my actions were not entirely justified … and I profoundly regret their consequences. I … I had …’ He broke off, then started talking more quickly. ‘I had very strong feelings for Alisa Donnikova. But when I learned she was a Dark Witch, it affected the balance of my mind. I do not ask for clemency. I have already condemned myself. But …’
He turned sharply towards Zabulon.
‘You are the murderer! You sent Alisa to her death! And that is why I have to remain alive. I have to, so that you will not profit from your villainy!’
Zabulon merely shrugged and gave a heavy sigh.
‘Do you have any proof?’ the vampire asked.
Igor shook his head.
‘The Tribunal is aware of the significance of this case,’ said Witiezslav. ‘Although neither side has adduced any evidence, the Inquisition considers it important to determine who is genuinely the guilty party. Therefore …’
Edgar suddenly saw Zabulon’s expression change: his face froze halfway through a sad smile.
‘Therefore the Inquisition will continue to question witnesses. Alisa Donnikova will be temporarily rematerialised.’
‘Objection!’ said Zabulon, rising to his feet. ‘This case is not important enough to disturb the peace of the departed!’
‘Objection overruled. The Inquisition requests Anna Lemesheva, who has attended on the Inquisition’s instructions, to advance to the centre of the hall. Her body will be used for the temporary rematerialisation of Alisa Donnikova.’
Lemesheva began to squeal. But a moment later two young Inquisitors were already leading her, twitching weakly, out into the centre of the hall.
‘The expenditure of energy in this process will be borne by the Night Watch of Moscow and it will not be reimbursed regardless of the outcome of the trial,’ Witiezslav continued. ‘Great Magician Gesar, do you possess the required reserves of power?’
‘Yes,’ said Gesar, getting to his feet. ‘I do.’
Edgar felt he was completely losing the thread of events. What was so important about this Igor Teplov that Zabulon would sacrifice his lover for him and Gesar would expend such a colossal amount of power?
‘Proceed with the rematerialisation,’ said Witiezslav. ‘Any attempt to hinder it is punishable by immediate death.’
Several of the Inquisitors moved forward slightly and Gesar sighed and stepped towards Lemesheva. She squealed again, and then fell silent, staring at the Light Magician with glazed eyes.
And then Edgar had to squeeze his own eyes shut.
There was such a vast amount of energy raging in the centre of the hall that he simply couldn’t look. He sensed the Inquisitors erecting magical barriers around Gesar and Lemesheva, one after another. He sensed the barriers crumbling under the pressure of unimaginable power. And he felt the Twilight shudder as it was torn open through all the levels that Edgar knew and those he had never even suspected existed. If this was temporary rematerialisation, then what must a permanent rematerialisation be like?
The storm died away. Gesar slowly stepped backwards.
Three figures remained in the centre of the hall – the Inquisitor Witiezslav, the Light Magician Igor Teplov and the Dark Witch Alisa Donnikova.
Alisa was trembling, coughing and clutching at her throat.
Edgar shuddered. He didn’t know what happened to Others there … in the Twilight. And he didn’t really want to know, if he were quite honest. But Alisa had just recovered consciousness at the moment when her human life had come to an end. She had come back to life with a searing pain in her lungs, still choking on sea water, struggling desperately against the pressure that Teplov had brought down on her.
‘Alisa Donnikova,’ the vampire began. Even his voice trembled – temporary rematerialisation was an infrequent procedure, highly infrequent. ‘… you have been temporarily rematerialised and are now on the premises of the European Tribunal of the Inquisition in Prague. Do you understand me?’
Alisa Donnikova straightened up, already controlling her wheezing. She was looking at Igor Teplov. And at nobody else.
‘Do you understand me?’ Witiezslav repeated.
‘Why … in Prague?’ Alisa asked. She was taking rapid, deep breaths, as if she simply couldn’t get enough air – even the damp air of this dungeon.
‘That is not important, Alisa Donnikova. You have been summoned to our world as a witness. A great deal depends on what you say.’
‘Can … can I stay here? Again? For ever?’ Alisa asked.
But she was looking only at Igor.
‘No,’ the Inquisitor replied honestly. ‘Will you answer my questions voluntarily?’
Alisa shook her head to and fro. With a strange, desperate pride.
‘Yes, I will, Inquisitor. Ask.’
But she was looking only at Igor.
‘The questions concern your duel with the Light Magician Igor Teplov, here present. Was the challenge to the duel made in accordance with all the rules?’
‘Yes.’
‘Tell me, Alisa, do you accuse Igor Teplov of your death?’
Alisa smiled. She gestured with her hand – without turning round, but unerringly indicating Zabulon.
‘No.’
Still she was looking only at Igor.
‘Do you have any charges to bring against your … opponent?’
She only shook her head.
‘Alisa Donnikova, can you accuse anybody who is present here of provoking the sad events that led to your death?’
‘Zabulon,’ Alisa said in an entirely indifferent voice. ‘It was his operation.’
‘You cowardly fool!’ Zabulon shouted. ‘They won’t rematerialise you anyway! What are you doing, witch?’
It was only then that Alisa Donnikova turned towards Zabulon. And under her gaze the leader of the Dark Ones fell silent.
‘Zabulon, have you forgotten what you said to me when I appealed to you as I was drowning?’
‘Stupid, vengeful little fool,’ Zabulon said in a calmer voice.
Alisa shook her head. She looked at Igor again and said in a strange, mocking tone:
‘What has vengeance got to do with it? Love is also a great power, Zabulon.’
‘The Inquisition has no further questions,’ Witiezslav said quickly. ‘Gentlemen, I think to continue with this scene … would be unworthy of Others. The charge against Igor Teplov of violating the Treaty is dismissed. Alisa Donnikova can … can go back now.’
Edgar seemed to be watching in a dream as Gesar got to his feet. The triumphant, victorious Gesar. With Zabulon hunched over on his bench … the defeated Zabulon.
It was only when the faces of the Great Magicians suddenly trembled in surprise and confusion that he looked back at the centre of the hall.
Alisa Donnikova was disappearing. Her body was changing, sinking into the Twilight as a pale, insubstantial shadow. Lemesheva was crawling on all fours towards Zabulon’s feet.
But Igor Teplov was also disappearing.
Withdrawing into the Twilight.
Edgar hadn’t lied. This really was the first time he had seen a Light Magician dematerialise. Voluntarily. Without any struggle or protest or streams of power.