the endless ocean, under the dim light of twilight, looked more wonderful than ever. the waves foaming on the sandy shore washed the soles of the man's high black combat boots. he, standing in the moonlight, watched all this. lately it was rare to get out 'up', while 'underwater' work with the prisoners was still in full swing. but it seemed tonight was that very breath of fresh air, after confinement in the fortress of Meropides, called 'work'. even the duke sometimes needs a rest from the daily routine.

the wet sand slowly sank under the man's heavy boots, which forced him to shift from foot to foot so as not to soak the soles in the foam of the ocean.

quiet, only the waves hit the toes of the combat boots, splashing. the sand, spilling after the waves, pleasantly squelched, even crunching a little because of small shells and pebbles. somewhere behind, the same splashing sounds were heard, but as if walking. turning around, the duke, not at first, but notices in the darkness a four-legged animal, which seems to be walking along the shore, carrying a rider on its back. a black horse, dark as night, slowly drags its hooves along the slightly damp sand, sometimes wagging its long tail. in the darkness, under the light of only twilight and the moon, it was hard to make out the dark animal, which, moreover, was standing a couple of dozen meters from the man.

barely having time to catch the shine of the rider's pale skin under the light of the stars, it seemed to the duke that it was someone familiar. as soon as he slightly turned over his shoulder, slightly turning his body, the mysterious figure of the rider became clearer. Supreme Judge...