Vitali Sertakov
2 THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE CROSS
One hundred years after the virus epidemic and Europe has fallen victim to global ecological catastrophe. Chemical factories and nuclear power stations have exploded, oil and munitions depots burnt out. In the telepath’s book of magic governor Arthur’s brave squad bears the name "Brotherhood of the Cross". Based on traces found in the disappeared Polish embassy they attempt a route via the former Poland. New obstacles await them. Extending over hundreds of kilometres is a wall of dust screening the former Germany. No-one has yet returned from behind the wall to the Slavic regions.
Arthur finds new friends on German territory – nocturnal brewers of beer. A small German clan retains the secret of “beer” - a remedy protecting the travellers from mutant fauna. The group suffers losses, however. During fierce battles the brotherhood advances deep into dead landscapes. They have to battle against giant spiders, against wild animals in the French jungle, with migratory mountains, with steely vultures. Arthur battles his way towards Paris unaware that that the former master of Moscow, Karin, whose life he spared, is spinning a new web of conspiracy. Karin takes on any ally, even the lake-dwelling, man-eating magicians. With their black art Karin changes faith, calls himself Karamaz and captures the city of two towers, once Istanbul. He now has an army with which to march west. His most important goal: to forestall Arthur and prevent him from awakening the other "sleeping demons". Karin needs these scientists from the past in order to synthesise the forgotten vaccine. The vaccine could stop the yellow swamps gradually threatening to infest Europe.
Arthur, however, manages to resurrect two French engineers and to bring them back to St. Petersburg. The telepaths greet him with bad news – the enemy Karamaz is about to attack. In order to keep the land from further subjugation Arthur needs to unite as many of the states scattered cities as possible. He even makes peace with the clergy. He brings the wealthy farmers onto his side, carries out an attack against the lake magicians and destroys the Satanists’ nest. Then an enemy attack hits at the heart of the new power base - a fanatic enemy mercenary kills Arthur’s young son. Arthur resists the provocation, however, and refrains from setting fire to the mosques in revenge. Instead, he concludes a friendship pact with the mighty Khan of Kazan. And so governor Arthur is elected president by a majority in the first sitting of the state assembly. His most difficult task lies ahead, however, namely the long-term protection of his sphere of influence.
