Бесплатный фрагмент - First-called Ilsa. The First Dead Princess

PROLOGUE

It was a long, long time before sunset. And the sun, only occasionally peeked out of such scary-looking crimson clouds, as if painted with heavenly fire. The whole earth seemed to blush because of this. Grass, trees, a huge earthen rampart of an ancient city, everything turned into a heavy and terrible color of blood.

And last night it was even worse, then the magician looked at heaven, and just gasped. A tailed star rolled across the sky. Hard news for people, and there was neither good nor peace. The gods gave a sign, but the magi could not recognize, for thin or good, how many bones he did not throw, they did not answer, did not want to speak, to reveal the will of the gods. The magician was silent, without raising his eyes to ordinary people, he did not know to say this, to find the right words, to encourage, to calm down fear.

I also went to the healer, the seer. A strong herbalist was their Elena Belaya or Beautiful, as she was called here, a found girl. In a good hour, she came to the childless Horu da Zaya, to her husband and wife, and began to take care of them herself. True, everyone was surprised at her face, as if sculpted from snow. Skin, whiter than white. But the girl was always kind, attentive, did not do bad to anyone, did not say bad words. The beauty was extraordinary, but no one sent matchmakers, and matchmakers did not enter that house, as if they knew what was secret. And she, read, could drive away any ailment. And the giants forgot the old news about the evil ignorant giants, with faces white as snow. Those who were unbearable in battle and did not know the fear of death, for they lived forever.

He asked, although he was afraid, of Elena, but then her icy eyes flashed, and she muttered something mysterious:

“Everything will change… Maybe I’ll find my brother… Know, and I’ll have to leave soon…”

Then Rist was frightened from such words that he heard, grabbed the White Swan by the sleeves, spoke himself:

“So what are you missing from us? We will put Terem twice as high. of that. Take all my gold and jade, no pity! Just don’t leave us with your grace!”

“I will not leave you magi, do not be sad… Now go to the magicians and elders of the city. Everything will be fine, I will help you to get rid of any trouble!”

It became easier from these words to the magi. And he looked at the bad omens in the sky, and was almost calm. There was no such thing that Elena the Beautiful was wrong! But, sitting and waiting is always dreary. And then, after all, she did not promise that everything would be fine, but only a misfortune to be lost. So, it was necessary to prepare for the bad… He fidgeted on the seat, not even helped by a soft hare fur pillow.

— Can’t you see who? cried the Magi in impatience.

“No, our rati are not coming,” Elder Lin answered with concern.

“And they should have returned,” said the elder from Ouma, wise Okat, quietly.

The large, simply huge city of Oum, on the banks of the great Ob River, above all the surrounding hills. Here, on rich lands, in Mother Siberia, and in the middle of the entire Russian Land, where the steppes had already begun, but the forests did not deprive people of their protection, three generations ago they erected this mighty fortress. A high steep shaft, poured on top of a wall assembled from log cabins of huge trees, grew to the top by as much as ten fathoms. Outside, the defense was a deep and wide moat, three fathoms deep, eight wide. Inside the shaft, dwellings for people were arranged, like honeycombs by bees. They looked only inside the fortress, into the courtyard. There were wells and sheds full of grain, even workshops for craftsmen-copper workers. But people, until danger threatened, lived around the fortress, freely wide, in their estates. They grazed cattle, planted rye, wheat and barley, looked after extensive apple orchards. The generous Ob richly endowed with fish, and well-arranged marinas stood nearby, where steep-sided boats and nimble shitiks awaited merchants and fishermen.

Here, in front of the huge rampart of Oum, on carved benches, sat the elders and magicians of the largest city of the giants. Behind each stood their unots, and even the youths who saw little of what were in great anxiety. Already with a week since the united army of Sargat and Oum left in the steppe, but there was no more news, as if they had failed in Tartarara. Sometimes Rist thought, why did the king not wait for help from Warta and Gandvik? Hoping for your own crowd? Did you want to get all the glory yourself? And then, he raised a army of three thousand soldiers, a great strength, unprecedented, no doubt…

— Here, drink kvass, — the magician Rist suggested to the elder who was sitting next to him, — Sakat, take all the husbands you have! — said the magician to his unot, — and you, Zhivko, give gingerbread! Yes, live, what are you sleeping on the go!

The young man nodded decorously, and taking the enda in his hands, walked past the benches. Nearby he went and helped him, quite a boy, Lit, and filled the bowls of the audience with a small bucket. Zhivko distributed sweets. And then, good rye gingerbread on honey, and there is nothing tastier! And, happy, thinking men, it seems, left their tuga-sadness.

Sensible were unots, could not get enough of them magi. Yes, and dressed smartly, in embroidered linen shirts, pants, soft shoes with windings. Heads from the wind were covered with felt hats, with nasatals, and blades that could cover the neck. So it is understandable, and both, according to custom, wore children’s hairstyles. They left several strands of hair braided in pigtails on their heads. And these braids hung on the backs of teenagers. And as I enter the age, up to eighteen years, this hair will also be cut off, leaving only a lock on the back of my head. It is worn by all gants, according to the custom of their ancestors.

Drank drinks Rist from his ladle, enjoyed the taste of currant kvass, which was put personally by his daughter Ilsa. And then, one of his joy remained when the Likhomanka took his wife and two sons. It happened four years before Elena came to them on the Ob and drove away the disease. True, a new attack came to their lands, which had not been expected for a long time… Again, strangers began to disturb them with raids, but small clothes were beaten by Siberian soldiers. True, a large army from the steppe came here, and the tsar himself raised the entire Siberian force against them.

But, other people were calm. The White King Dutun himself was now leading a huge army, and with him were the mighty Uli, the invincible Plist, and Fokey. Both the governors Sargata Salim and Tark and the governors Ouma Kintal and Gord. But the magi doubted. Will everything come out as wanted? Will they win? The seer’s words gave rise to fear in his heart.

— Here, it seems, dust rose above the road… — one of the elders whispered uncertainly, — someone jumps, goes on horseback…

— That’s right, Timai, — praised Elder Rist, — there is no one in Sargat, as sharp eyes as you!

“Salim is how good and smart I am,” the elder boasted of his son, “he grew up smarter than his father. That’s right, our rati are going back. And this, a messenger with good news!

Yes, I have seen Salima Rist more than once. And, for sure, the sensible was the leader and warrior, who more than once led the rati Sargat into battle against strangers. At least on dry, at least on foot, or in a leather boat — everywhere the young warrior achieved victory!

But, a warrior on a dry, there was only one. Nobody followed him. The carts did not dust, the severe infantrymen did not get away with the rolled road. And this man looked… Bad. It was evident that he was not happy to go to the hail on the hill. Black was the messenger’s brow. Ash covered his face, and the bad news was ahead of him. The warrior dismounted, bowed on four sides, and pulled the hat from his head. The elders and magi jumped up from their seats, surrounded the messenger in a semicircle, fearing that they would miss at least one word. They waited for what they would say, although everyone felt with their hearts what the answer would be. The faces of the Vyatsha people stretched out, even strong fingers on the staffs shrank… Heavy, ringing, silence stood on the hill, people seemed not to breathe.

— The whole army died! — shouted the sinister, jumping off his plow, — those who stayed are coming here to lock themselves behind the rampart! Another messenger went down the river, to Gandvik, there to ask for troops!

— And the Sargat army and those who came from Oum? — asked the Magi Rist, — the army also fell? And the warriors from Oum? Royal squad?

Could the seer believe that their warriors could not resist! They gave themselves to beat! He leaned on the carved staff, looked at the messenger, moved his bushy eyebrows. I looked, thinking that the malevolent was lying…

— The Sargat leaders Salim and Tark, and the leaders from Oum, Kintal and Gord fell. They did not catch up, but no one retreated. Before my death, the king sent me to Oum so that I could convey such news.

— And the White King? Rist asked hopefully.

— The royal banner fell. This means that Duptun and his close squad also died. All thirty knights fell on the battlefield. Many enemies were cut down, but ten enemies stood up for each of us. Such trouble came to us! And I had to return, — the warrior whispered.

And he, saying everything, suddenly grabbed his dagger, and at once pierced his heart. A minute later, the warrior lay dead in front of the captured people of the giants. Now for sure, the entire royal army died, every single one. No one expected this.

He looked back at the elders of Sargat the Magi of Oum. It was evident that the people of the second city of their kingdom simply lost themselves. But, he noticed how Timai’s eyes flashed, how he whispered that cunning words to Hian. And Rist remembered the second Sargatsky elder for a long time, as he wove intrigues against King Duptun, wanting to put Zia Bear on the White Throne… And Zia is now in Gandwick! Could start, oh and could…

Rist sighed heavily, and covered his face, decorated with a gray beard, palm. There was no strength to see this day, nor to hear other people. It was bad, so much so that it never happened worse…

PART 1 Lady of the Dead and Living

CHAPTER 1 Elena the Beautiful

The girl was engaged in an important matter, sorted out barley cereals for porridge. Separated the grains, and already prepared a cauldron with water, soak them for brew and a good stew. Grandfather Khor slowly prepared firewood for the house, chopping dry branches for kindling. Baba Zaya slowly weaved on the machine, inserting ducks into the row. Dressed smartly and well-groomed were both. Good linen clothes, fur sleeveless warm, so as not to be cold in the wind. Yes, and shoes, okay and sensible on everyone’s feet, everything was just right for the place.

Now the elderly could rejoice again, sadness left their house, their adopted daughter cured them both. The grandmother was sitting, and could not get enough of Elena.

“What would we do without you, granddaughter?” ‘an elderly but not old woman said.

“And I have more fun with you. It’s boring all alone, but one, — the girl suddenly said, — and my brother was missing something… It doesn’t seem like a long time! I was looking, looking… And where he is, angry, and I can’t understand.

— It will come, of course it will come, — an elderly woman put an affectionate hand on the girl’s shoulder, — but I don’t understand what’s wrong with me? Zaya smiled slyly and stroked her stomach.

Ella, or Elena, or Alyona, who called her, looked at Zaya’s face, at her hands, at the beating vein on her neck, put the finished business aside. Slowly rinsed her hands in a wooden shag, wiped on a towel. I sat down nearby, as if listening.

— You are not happy… Carried the child. You see, the Gods heard you, blessed you. Soon you will give birth.

— What about…

— So now everything in the house is in abundance and health, not offended. Is it right? And so, from Sargat they handed me over, and Ella put a heavy cat on the table.

She opened the ties, and he was full of small gold rings. Each weighing only two shares, but it was possible to get a cow on the bargain for one such ring, and a small calf for six. In each estate they kept the weeds tamed even more, and rode them on horseback. True, the moose got used to only one who fed them from childhood.

But, the forest giants were big helpers, they could carry their riders far through the forests. Strangers, here, rode horses, but with a grin they looked at such a Siberian, much stronger and bolder than a horse, and is not afraid of anyone. And, a year ago, Elena also got herself a calf. At first, he was funny, on thin legs he ran after the hostess, who watered him with milk from the nipple. But he grew rapidly, and turned into a mighty ruler of the forest. And on it Elena traveled on it to Sargat and even to Warta. Well, in Gandvik, of course, I went on a boat, along the Great River Ob.

— Yes, thank you daughter. Anyway, you, and my husband, my own daughter, and the woman kissed Elena on the white cheek.

It seems to be used to the fact that their pupil is cold, but here she seemed to be burned by frost. Zaya grabbed her stomach in fright, looked at the girl with fear. But she only raised her icy eyes to her and said:

— There is no evil from me, you know it yourself. Never has been and never will be. Especially for you, and you know it. And the baby will be born soon, in a month or a little later. You and Khorem will have a son, and not one… And then three more will be born. I know that for sure.

— Oh, how are you! With you, happiness came to our house, Elena!

“And I feel good with you, but calmly. You look, and I will find the missing brother!

— That’s right, so it will be! — the woman answered calmly, — But what did people run in? Is it not otherwise that the army returned home? Hey, Horai, look, what’s in there?

But the healer herself got up from the bench, looked at herself in the mirror, and was pleased with what she had done. She summed up her lips with a light, cheek-carrot decoction, blush on her cheekbones, and now, you can’t distinguish it from local people. And then, at first, the children shouted out of fear, hid behind their mother’s skirts, as they saw her white face, like snow. And then, unlike Elena, she looked like people from Oum.

— I’ll go to the outskirts, I’ll see… — the girl said decorously, — otherwise some kind of fuss.

She straightened a scarf on her head, twisted gold bracelets, in the form of snakes, which held the sleeves of an embroidered shirt. A necklace made of minted gold, a gift from Gandvik, also rang deafly. And a golden moon hung on the beauty’s braid. Everyone who did not know who she was would immediately identify the great witch by bracelets and embroidery on rich clothes.

As soon as she stood on the high porch, she looked around. No, no troops were visible. But everywhere the horsemen were dusting, the carts drove heavily loaded carts to the fortress. Whole families hurried there, with children and old people. However, the youths with shields and spears went to the rampart of the city, and gray-haired men, with copper weapons, hurried there. And here, and the copper beat swelled on the high tower of the fortress, warning everyone about the danger. The girl looked around, not yet understanding what was the matter? But, it became alarming in my heart.

— What happened? Elena shouted, not understanding.

— The Siberian army died, witch! We are under siege, from strangers! Now the only hope is for Varta and Gandvik! — shouted another very boy, with a bow in his hands, and two quivers full of arrows, behind his shoulders — it’s good that you are with us, Elena the Beautiful! With you and any wound is not terrible!

“Shut up, Jurey! ‘the elderly warrior cut him off, ‘don’t be angry with him, girl! We rely on your help! So nothing, hold on!

“I’m always with you! ‘she shouted back.

I felt how rage seemed to rise to her heart, to her head, and could no longer restrain herself. She hurriedly returned to the house, fell to her knees in front of Khorei and Zaya, who were sitting on the bench.

“You are my second parents,” she said clearly, “if anything was wrong, I’m sorry.” Apparently, I myself need to go… Into battle. I don’t know if I will return…

“What’s wrong with you, girl?” Have you started again? ‘the woman replied, covering her quivering lips with a handkerchief.

It was from what they are afraid. Elena’s face became blue-black from wild rage. Zaya saw such a girl only once, when, out of ignorance, dashing people attacked them on a long road. Yes, just saw her face, as in fear and ran away.

— I’ll go to the elder and Vedun, gather my army for permission. Those who are not afraid to follow me! And you, go to the fortress. Everything will be fine, do not hesitate!

She came out of the hut, straightened the dress and fucked, and whistled her sooo. The hornet ran up and bowed his horned head in front of the hostess. Elena jumped up on the moose, and galloped to the elder of the city. People in the streets were stacked, someone turned away, hid their face. The appearance of the witch already inspired horror, not reverence or respect there. It was horror, just wild horror that was now on the faces of the residents of the city of Ouma. The black face framed by silver hair of this rider could not but scare. The Unots did not dare to detain her dry, mighty Hornet, and so she rode into the courtyard of the estate and drove in. At once she dismounted at the high stairs leading to the residential.

— Hold it, — threw the reins of the bridle unota.

He only nodded hastily. The dog of the elder, Smooth, was not afraid alone, but rushed to flatter the girl, rubbed his lobbed head on her knee.

“And hello to you,” Elena ruffled his fur between his ears.

Calmly, like her own, she opened the carved door and entered without knocking into the tower of Elder Oakast. He sat on the lara, hanging his head, and mourning the fallen sons. Nearby sat and Vedun Rist, looked at the images of ancestors in the red corner of the tower, as if asking them for help. But they only looked at the descendants, without blinking or lowering the eyes cut out of wood. Only shadows played on skillfully executed faces, making them so similar to the living.

“There’s no time to talk, Elder. Let me beat the army of strangers the way I can. And, exactly, you won’t reproach me? Elena said sternly and without equivocals…

“How can you do that?”

“I’ll do it, and it’s my business. Well, what?

Rist was silent, did not understand what was the matter. He knew the considerable strength of the healer, but what she was going to do, he could not make money. And why did your face turn so blue? I didn’t ask, I thought maybe it was a matter of custom.

— Do Elena what you want, take what you need for the cause of the military!, — and the elder knocked with a staff, affirming his word.

— Don’t you need a guide, a witch? Rist asked respectfully.

“I am grateful for your care. But I’ll manage. And if I take helpers, then those who I need!

“As you wish, herbalist! But it is dangerous, our soldiers have already seen the travels of strangers.

— Nothing, do not interfere. Give me a full haze of oak oak!

— Take what you need, girl!

The giants were surprised to see Elena’s caravan. But, as Elder Oakast said, so be it. Two deer shook a strange load for Elena on the way. The soldiers who stood guard did not understand where their savior healer went?

CHAPTER 2 Empress of the Realm of the Dead

She walked for two days, along forest paths. Now she had all one thing, that day and that night. She did not know fatigue, like her reindeer in a team, dragging a difficult load, and the dry, as if gaining new strength, tirelessly walked along the path, on the border of the steppe and forest. The grass grew tall here, the girl could not admire such beauty. But here, as if it was burned from the inside. She got off her saddle and led her Hornet about. He did not resist, although he walked reluctantly, snorted everything and shook his head.

— And I don’t care about this place, dry. But you see, I’m going… ‘she said quietly.

But now, the girl smelled an expletive field. And how not to smell it? Crows in the sky curl, foxes bark, and wolves howl. The mountains were piled up, many, many dead bodies. The girl sent her dry gallop, and galloped for a short time, and found herself at the scene of the battle. The killed giants lay here, robbed and undressed. The witch drove away the raven with one sign of her fingers, and a black flock rose up, covering the sun with its wings. Elena closed her eyes a little, looked around… She walked along and across, sighed heavily and shouted in a terrible voice Elena the Beautiful, again showing herself on the ground:

— Get up!

There was a terrible cry, reflected from the hills and forests, and as if running into the distance, along the river valley.

They said later that out of fear then the bulls were squatting on their hind legs, the wolves were crammed into the distant oak forests, and only the crows were curling over the girl’s army, because they smelled the dead. But, they flew away, because

the corpse stench blew away like a wind, and the smell of meadow flowers spread over this field, as if death itself was running from this place.

And what happened was that no one had seen for many thousands of years. The dead giants rose, silently looked at each other, as if they did not understand how they got here. The brother looked at his brother, at each other, the warrior-governor. The king himself, Duptun, stepped forward. He knelt before the savior, and held out his crown, a golden hoop about twelve rays. And everyone knelt.

“Go home to Oum and Sargat, and tell me that I am now fighting for this land. She was given to my lot! Elena raised her hands above her.

And the new Mistress looked, turning her Black and Terrible face on the resurrected ones, but the giants, geese-swans, did not move, only with shaved foreheads touched the damp earth. They asked, and Elena could not refuse them. She came up, ringing with gold bracelets, and put a crown on her silver hair, laying braids under it. A ray of ardent sun fell on gold, and the crown shone with such fire, as if the light itself was burning on the forehead of Elena the Beautiful.

And then the giants rose from their knees, obedient to her will, and moved back.

***

The Queen herself, scouring around, next to the battlefield, like a forest beast, found a weapon for herself — a large sickle made of forged copper, with the sharpest edge. Changed the small handle to the shaft from the spear. Twisted in her hands, yes, and as if the wind moaned, but withered. The girl received a heavy and terrible weapon in her hands. And with which it was possible to chop and prick! But, isn’t she the only one to do? She needed helpers, but not advisers, but only faithful servants…

And so, she noticed a huge mound of fresh earth. This hill grew up as if by itself, and strangers covered it from above even with turf. It was the place in which the finders buried their ten thousand dead. They failed to hide from me, Elena thought. Like a wound, her blue lips opened in an angry smile. She was not going to lure or hustle the power of the Gods to lure, she did not need it. After all, it was she herself who was this force. She just raised her hands above her, palms forward. The sleeves of the shirt jumped out of the bracelets, fell to the very shoulders, and now her hands were black, like her face. She put her eyelids together, felt her heart beating, as if the blood in her veins was fluttering and rushing outward, almost boiling. She opened her eyes, and the earth on the hill, as if alive, climbed out of it, animated by the power of the Queen of the Dead. Strong hands threw aside the soil, hard and hard, which had not seen rain for a long time, breaking through their passages outside. But these inanimate, swarming in the ground, like ants, climbed out of their anthill to give glory to the Underground Princess. They were no longer people, but only dead bodies taken by her power to serve a terrible service. It was in front of her lively strangers, who have now become her invincible army.

— Stand before me! — Elena the Beautiful ordered inanimate in a heavy, low voice.

And they stood in front of her, standing in a dense crowd. How the wall lined up, from inanimate bodies, stinking and terrible. But, it was her army, a source of power and strength. For everyone knows that power relies only on military power, and more on nothing.

“Pick up a oak tree!

And each of the dead was now armed. Elena traveled around these warriors obedient to her will. Now she had the Power, and there was no one to match her.

— Forward!

The dead jumped up according to her Word, and according to her Word they took different clubs with weapons, which the elders brought. She was pleased with this, but, it should have been hurried, every minute was dear.

She sensed herself, the path along which the huge rati of strangers walked. Neither traces of red tape nor clods of earth, knocked out by the hooves of horses, disappeared from her eyes. And the Dead followed her tirelessly, obeying only the movement of the hands of the Mistress, as if they were children’s dolls, with ropes tied to them. Stubbornly walked, in front of them. We climbed through hills and ravines, through hummocks and gully. And hung over this army, as if sewn, a whole cloud of gray crows, who read the earth with their croak. And the sun went down, hid behind gray clouds, as if he did not want to look at all this. But, Elena was in a hurry, led her dry trot, and the Dead Host did not think to lag behind.

This army did not need sleep or food. They did not need warmth or a comfortable overnight stay. And Elena herself no longer wanted to eat or sleep, but saw at night, no worse than during the day. And exactly — it was not just a girl — but the Underground Princess herself appeared in all the splendor of her fame. For only she, and her bright brother obey the Dead — after all, Elena the Beautiful rules the dead in the Baking Kingdom.

And she led her army to Oum, who was besieged by strangers. The dead do not need rest, and in the darkness they see them as in the afternoon, and Elena came to the city in just half a day instead of three days.

And the army of strangers stood next to Oum, smashed a huge parking lot, fenced with drags and carts. Black smoke rose above their yurts. She heard someone else’s guttural speech, and saw the soldiers who stood guard.

Elena gave herself to see, and noticed how they chased her. With a dozen warriors on low horses. They could not catch up with the Hornet, but she put her plow on the ground and hid in the bushes, watching. The chase approached, and the riders examined the forest. The queen intercepted the handle of the weapon, taking it more comfortable, and rushed at them, like an angry bear. Two managed to shoot at her from the bows, but only she even saw these arrows, and easily dodged. In two strikes, she beheaded both shooters. The blood hit the thick grass with a stream, the bodies still fought in convulsions, and the Queen again chopped and pricked. Strangers tried to defend themselves, but their movements seemed to her terribly slow, sluggish. Three more were killed. The rest tried to surround her, threw darts at her. Where is there! Next to Elena, a dozen shafts were already sticking out of the ground, and not a single tip even touched the clothes of a girl, already almost completely covered with someone else’s blood.

“It’s a demon! You have to run! ‘one of the strangers shouted.

“Not a demon, but a Sovereign. Elena shouted in response, And run late. This is my Earth, and I will kill you all, all to the last!

She saw these riders staring in horror at her black, furious face, as hands trembled, barely holding the reins of snoring horses. Her blue lips opened in a grin, and she jumped forward. She beat quickly and accurately, depriving the heads of two, and three blows of the shaft, threw to the ground. She tied the fallen with belts, strongly and mercilessly. They lay without feelings, rolled their eyes to the sky. It was necessary to scare, strongly scare the prisoners.

Elena did not think long. She took her knife, hanging on her belt, another belt, and with a quick blow struck one of the severed heads. Cutting the belt through the wound, she smoothed the skin of a dead face with smooth fast fingers, slightly scratching the dark skin of someone else with her long black nails. And then, nails became like blades of sharp knives. I tried, she played with this creepy tool, bringing her fingers together and spreading, and was pleased. And the dead head opened its eyes, and the lips curled up in a terrible smile, so that the tongue fell out. Both heads were still on the belt, and then the Queen put this monstrous band around her neck.

“Now don’t be silent,” Elena whispered.

The awakening of those left to live was not merciful. A couple of blows to each under the ribs with the strong foot of the Queen forced them to their feet.

— I won’t pull long. How many warriors have come?

— Our army is more than grains of sand in the Great Desert! chuckled the oldest of the warriors.

— There is no time to joke, — said the Queen, sparkling with her icy eyes, — to answer quickly!

— The great leader Takrat brought the allied army to these lands. And we will win! — said grinning, the youngest, — and I will not take you to my yurt even with my younger wife!

— Come on, — Elena said calmly, almost in syllables, — I didn’t get stuffed.

Then, calmly, without haste, so that this warrior would feel, she began to tear off his hand. She would never have offended a frog before, but here… The man shouted terribly, trying to escape. Yes, it would be easier to get out of under a twenty-pound stone than to free herself from her hands. She unscrewed and turned until the elbow joint came off with a nasty crunch, and then the skin burst. She was holding someone else’s hand with which blood was dripping, and suddenly, with this hand, she hit the face of the oldest of the soldiers with a swing.

— Speak, otherwise I’ll tear off your head like that!

Streams of blood flowed from the forehead and nose, and it was clear that the person was trembling. Deprived of his hand, he lay on the ground, and screamed in pain, frantically tucking his legs under him.

— You’re strong… You’ll still get an answer. There are twenty thousand soldiers in Takrat’s army, and sixty thousand in the wagon train. He decided to move here to these rich lands.

Elena appreciated the words of the warrior, and the fact that he did not ask for mercy. She recognized her strength and power, and knew how to penetrate anyone. Life and Death are what Power gives and what subjugates anyone. The queen scoffed at her thoughts. But, it was necessary to do…

She grabbed him lying on the ground, pulled off the remnants of his shirt, leaving him naked to the waist. Then, taking her time, she put her severed hand to the bloodied cult. I looked into the eyes of this man, and he could not lower his own for fear. It was done…

Strangers, not believing their eyes, looked at the unprecedented. Yes, you have seen this to cut off your hand. Well, to tear — so the bear tears… But what would put his hand back, and it seemed to grow back? They did not believe what had happened, even their wide-open eyes. Both touched the hand of a comrade, himself.

— And now get out to yourself, — said Elena Beautiful sharply.

All three bowed uncertainly, falling to their knees and rising quickly. They caught their horses, got on horseback, and trotted to the parking lot, sometimes looking back at the Queen.

Elena knew people, and understood how they feel now. She showed her power and power over them, and most of all, that she can Everything. Having released the prisoners, she was sure that now all the finders would only talk about such a miracle, about a cure, about a hand increased by unknown witchcraft.

But, a little she doubted herself. And the fly flying around her head was so annoying. Buzzed and buzzed. But, literally, one movement of her long right fingernails, knives, and it’s over. I saw how the fly was dissected by its black nails, and only a few small remnants, and silver wings fell into the grass. The queen looked thoughtfully at her hands, at her nails and knives. And I thought suddenly:

“Or maybe it was necessary to tear off this head, and not the hand? For clarity… But no, I would have died right away, I would not feel pain. And here, perhaps, he will realize, learn to understand someone else’s pain. Only, their Takrat will kill them all one. What would be less said…”

She ran to her haired waiting mistress. The hornet immediately pulled his face to her hands, expecting to receive a treat. And he was not mistaken, the rye cracker was in his rough tongue. The moose was rather sad, and Elena was again on the back of her favorite. Nearby, so stood her Dead army, which no one could defeat.

Now, read, the strangers were already defeated, it remained only to drive their remains into the ground.

CHAPTER 3 Her deck

The queen rode freely on the Hornet, examining the place from where it would be more convenient to attack strangers. Most importantly, the space was dry, there was no stream or rivulet nearby. The stream was behind the finders’ parking lot, and from there they took water. Dry and comfortable, the place is excellent, even if you graze the cows. Although no, cows love water, having come to their senses, Elena recalled. But now, in the bushes, very close, I heard rustles. By the smell, judging by it, it was their own. Elena could not help but make fun of the unlucky warriors. She dismounted, walked quietly, as if she was hiding between the branches

And for sure, there were four guys and three girls here, with arrows and spears, dressed like hunting, in oiled leather clothes. One sat on his knees, pulling a string on the kibet of his bow.

“Who are you?” ‘she cried.

The guy looked back and missed the bowstring, and the kibet hit the forehead of this “lucky” with a swing. That grabbed the forehead with both hands. The girls immediately laughed, not holding back. Elena the Beautiful herself would have been able to laugh — so she would have laughed.

“So we are giants, fighting enemies. The news has passed that you have resurrected our army.. Won’t you, Lady, take us into your army? — asked one of them, — Here well done and brave Slavs gathered. All the courage is considerable, they were never afraid of enemies! Tivda, Hwylya, Sysoy, Tan, Vaya, Apta and Priya. And here I am, Sysoy’s name!

For each dozen Sysoy showed, naming names. And the fact that he broke his head, Tivda called. Elena calmly put her palms on his forehead, drawing blood at once.

— What doesn’t hurt now?

— No, Queen! And we heard that you revived the whole army of giants?

— So what? ‘she replied calmly.

— Miracles… — muttered this fretful young man, — would look at this!

The princess thought a little when she heard these words, but then her speech flowed calmly and smoothly, like a quiet trickle:

— Only the Dead in my army. But if you are not afraid, drink my blood, and then you do not know more death. You will become stronger, in many ways. And I only need immortal helpers!

Everyone looked at each other, and bowed to the Mistress, agreeing with their difficult lot. Elena, before the eyes of her soldiers, cut a vein on her wrist, and hit her blood into her brother with a stream. Sysoy and Priya closed their eyes at once… But not red, but light, like water, was the blood of the Queen. And the brave men prostrated, realizing who was in front of them.

“Drink my blood, and you will be forever in my Kingdom,” Elena whispered, “But you will no longer be able to live among Mortals, such is my unshakable word!” You will become alone, outside the tribe and clan, without a family to age!

And although the clouds hid the sun, and began to drip a little rain, but the golden crown of the Mistress shone as if by itself. Not immediately, the knights were able to make this step difficult. It seemed, here, just do a sip — nothing so terrible… But, as if in the heart, in the head, everyone hung these words:" You will not be able to live among Mortals.” The past life faced the chosen ones, in which there was a lot of bad, but also good. And you go one step further — the path to it will close forever. But everyone wanted to see the Golden Kingdom of the Earth Queen! Great temptation! Everyone heard a lot about that place, in wonderful stories, but the soldiers and Poles wanted to see this place in reality!

Sysa was the first to decide. He drank a sip, and as if he was intoxicated at once, his legs gave way, and the knight fell on his side, bending his legs under him. Next he drank from the common bowl of Tivd, and after him, Priya, Vaya and Apta. A little later, Khvyl and Tan finished dry. Seven bodies were already lying on the grass, beating in agony. The convulsions stopped, as if the dead alone were in front of her. But now, those who had betrayed her began to open their eyes, to cough.

— The head is buzzing, as if with a hangover, — Tivda grinned, — your blood is strong, fences of old honey, Queen!

— Oh, Kashchey always measures everything on honey! Priya laughed.

— So lingonberry beer and it happens more disgraceful! — Khvylya did not agree.

All of them drank the blood of the Immortal Mistress, Ihor, and fell to the ground dead, died, and already stood Immortal.

— In battle, death is not written to you. And now you can’t die, if only you want. Come with me, I will show you my Rat, — Elena the Beautiful clarified.

The Queen sat on the dry, and the Seven ran after her. They thought that it would be hard for them, but no, now they did not know fatigue. So, they ran eight miles, as if they had walked a hundred steps.

— And here are my soldiers! — Elena pointed to the Dead, — they do not contradict, obey everything, do not ask for awards!

Immortals, tried not to give a look. And Sysoy took off his hat, bowed to the ruler’s belt, and said simple words:

“Let the Queen serve you!” Faith and Truth! You will not regret that we are in the royal service!

— Not only to me, but to the whole Russian Land, the whole Mother Siberia!

***

Nobody really knew the truth about how big the Russian Land is. But, the neighbors called the land of Ella Helena, Ileia or Elos, and who and Ulus. And behind the Stone, that country stands, and behind the Ob. And Russian — so from the fact that they believed in the Elder from the One God, White or Race. Also, everyone knew that the gods were white, and their blood was transparent. So in the language of Hanza once, everything sounds the same, and means the same thing. And Siberia — by the name of one of the tribes of Hanza-gants, sievers or northerners, too, who, as they said.

CHAPTER 4 Battle of the Dead Troops with Aliens

They walked, walked the dead rati without knowing fatigue, and there was no need to push anyone. The Queen sent the Immortals to scout out what was ahead. A couple of times they came with a prisoner, and Sysa conducted interrogation. He liked it very much, to show the power. And my strength too. Getting used to hands and feet, people, like flies, tear off. And Tang clanked languages, resigned to his fate. He even got himself a bronze ax-moon to stop life faster. Did not torment anyone.

“In the passage from us, Tsaritsa Tarkatovo’s army,” Sysoy said triumphantly.

— We go now, while strangers didn’t suffice.

I wanted to screw up the word in response to the Immortal Knight, to show my skills in military affairs, but kept silent in time. And the fact that he knew such a thing that the Queen herself did not know?

— You are Sysoy, with Vaya, on the left wing. Tivda and Priya on the right, Tan and Khvylya in the center, and with me Apta will remain. Remember, only from the bows of enemies. Now you are much stronger than any mortal. And on spears, but on sticks, do not work. Got it?

— So why not understand? Clearer, — Tivda agreed for everyone.

Apta remained at the Queen’s saddle, and the rest ran where they were indicated.

— Forward! Running! — Elena Beautiful shouted in a terrible and wild voice

Here, her Rat moved forward. And then, the Dead ran tirelessly, much faster than horses. A difficult and terrible sight! Almost inaudible, silent, warriors run, not bypassing obstacles, easily moving through the branches of fallen trees, thickets of hazel, dense forest growth. Nothing could stop them.

The fight began at night. The queen threw the rati forward as soon as she received the news from the Immortals. But, I decided to keep three hundred with me, just in case.

***

Tivda was preparing a heavy bow for battle. Well, how he cooked… He used to help himself with his foot, but now he arranged a weapon at once, instantly throwing on a string. I looked and was satisfied with myself. Everything turned out amazingly well!

“Too easy?” Priya sympathized, “Unusual?”

She, too, handled her bow quickly. The knight often looked at the prized glade. And she was beautiful, and she was not bad, and she stood out with her mind.

— Everything has become very simple now… Unusual! Tivda said doubtfully, trying to understand himself — hold on to me in battle!

But then there was a terrible cry of the Princess already heard by them, from which even the horses of strangers fell to their knees. The sound rose up, like a wave, and plunged down like a terrible waterfall, calling and directing. Immortals prepared to shoot.

And the Dead rushed forward, right at the camp of strangers. Tivda picked up the bow, and began to shoot down the watchmen with arrows, who did not have time to raise the alarm. The immortal was not immediately accustomed to what he sees at night, as in the afternoon, and the arrows fired by him from his bow fly three times further, His strength became simply incredible! And Priya shot without a miss, and hitting strangers huddled near the carts. At first they did not understand where the arrows fell on them, then they tried to hide behind heavy shields. But, it was salvation! The immortals devastated the quivers quickly, and now they could only look at the battle, but not participate in it.

The dead smashed incessantly, did not get tired and were not afraid of anything. And they were much faster than any person, and soon the camp turned into a pile of fragments of red tape, carts, yurts, sledges, and strangers driven into the ground, torn to shreds. Strangers tried to be afraid bravely, but where could they resist! Little by little their army was served back, giving pre-bargain minutes that women and children could be saved.

Priya rushed forward, grabbing the shield and her club. She ran quickly, the knight and did not have time to hold the pole.

“Where are you going?” Tivda shouted.

— To fight! was her short answer.

Immortal ran after. Now, as if he could not feel his body, it was so easy for him to move. It seemed a little more, and he could take off, Tivda felt so strong. The knight jumped, trying to pass the piles of chips, and pools of blood that remained from the exterminated people. Here, above the camp, stood a continuous human cry, rather a terrible howl of horror, tearing apart the ears and brains of those who heard this.

Priya fought in front, with a club. A long pole with a carved stone pommel mounted on it was terrible in skillful hands. Polyanitsa beat both on a short and in the entire length of the hilt, did not disdain to lay down a clumsy enemy with a cunning poke. Around her already lay with a hundred killed and dying, as one of the strangers threw a spear that hit her in the stomach. She bent down and fell. Tivda roared like a wounded bear and rushed forward, scattering the enemies. The strength was just incredible. He destroyed strangers with dozens of logs raised by him. But then, suddenly darkened in the eyes, as if the light in a moment went out. And at once everything stopped.

***

Elena Beautiful carefully watched the battle. The dead coped well, crushed and crushed strangers, preventing them from breaking away and escaping. With annoyance, she noticed that two Immortals rushed into the cross-section, and quickly disappeared in this mess.

It was hard to control the Dead, because they were like bees in a hive, and Elena was their queen. So the Dead crowded around the Queen. It’s time, it seems, it was time to intervene in the matter itself, in order to scare Takrat and his family, and show who the lady is here.

She corrected her shining crown, comfortably intercepted the handle of a weapon smashing a sickle on a long handle.

“And it’s time for us to fight, Apta. Stay near my Hornet!

— I will not be left behind, Queen!

And the leader of the army raised her hands above her, calling on the Dead who were standing nearby. And then Elena herself lifted up her plow, and the Dead ran after her in the camp of strangers. Apta ran nearby, not lagging behind. It was not noticeable that the glade was tired or out of breath, and not a drop of sweat was either on the temples or on the forehead.

The hornet rushed forward, scattering the mighty horns of strangers, and stamping their hooves. Elena Rubina and injected tirelessly, covering Aptu from enemy blows. In front of them, a whole blockage of dead and still moaning wounded formed. The dead lay on the wounded and dying, and this terrible slide still groaned and moved.

The queen, without getting off the concocted, forged the body with the edge of a sickle, checking whether someone else’s warrior was alive or died. But no, it only seemed to her… But then one, unable to withstand the tension, could not continue to lie under the dead, got up and ran. Apta caught up with him in two steps, and at once broke the fugitive’s head with her club.

But, Elena noticed that a large detachment of strangers managed to leave the camp. Everyone went on horseback, without carts, light. Elena could not catch up with these fugitives, but leave the others.

CHAPTER 5 The Gift of Immortality

Elena looked again on the battlefield and death. The earth simply turned into a blood lake, because they destroyed twenty thousand men, women and children. No one escaped except those who fled. According to the sign of the Queen, her inanimate army sat on the ground. The fight seems to be over.

Yes, the dead did not understand anything, and did not distinguish who was there in front of them. Obeyed only their Mistress. The only thing they distinguished the Immortals, bypassed them.

— Apta, it will be necessary to collect prey. Nothing good taken from the battle to disappear.

“I’ll do it, Queen!

Polyanitsa took off her elegant clothes, putting on old clothes. Apta began to rip off the bodies, putting the goodness in heaps, and threw naked bodies over the broken red tape. Things moved quickly. A small pile of gold, big — copper, and huge — suitable clothes and shoes.

Sysoy and Vaya threw their shields behind their backs, carried clubs on their shoulders, talked about someone cheerfully. They were followed by Khvylya and Tan.

— So, it seems that’s all? Tang said with hope in his voice, and Priya and Tivda disappeared in battle. But we carry bodies! They didn’t leave their own. Vityaz praised himself.

And then, on a stretcher, they dragged two bodies, their comrade who died in the battle. To be honest, everyone left was stunned by this. After all, Elena said that they became immortal? And here, two uhde died!

— Here, we need to help Apte, — added Sysoy, — but what can you do for Priya and Tivda now? They don’t see all the same light anymore. We also need to find the Queen!

— I will go, I will drive away the herds, — Tang remembered the important, — they took rich prey! Now, if only the cows did not scatter!

But then the four Immortals saw Elena the Beautiful completely covered with enemy blood, with her terrible weapon, a sickle on a long hilt, everything tightly compressed in her hand. They did not notice immediately because of the whole shaft of the bodies of the killed strangers who hid the rider. On her neck hung a band with five human heads, which Elena in a rage simply tore off from the still living bodies. Immortals approached Elena the Beautiful from different sides, now noticing the majestic horseman. Apta also came up, finishing her work, with a bloody club and a broken shield.

— Where are the other two? Tivda and Priya? What is it? How dare you defy my order?

— Yes it happened. Nobody knows what happened, Tsarina, and Sysoy knelt down, — forgive us… But, we found them. Here, Tanu was helped and we found!

The comrades brought the bodies and laid them in front of the Queen. Elena looked around the Immortals on earth. Priya was killed by a spear in the stomach, another, Tivdа’s head was chopped off. Sysoy carefully put her to the neck of the corpse, covered in blood.

— That’s why I ordered to wear my hair like that, and she pointed to the pigtail on the back of Tivda’s head, — it will grab comfortably…

She walked around the dead, sometimes casting a quick glance at the Immortals. The Queen’s icy eyes sometimes sparkled with rage, and sometimes, Sysoy noticed this, they radiated with kindness.

— You fought bravely, little, — said Ella, — but it is said — “Death is not written to you in battle,” — and jumped off the dry, pulled the tip out of the body, and without disdaining blood, smearing her silvery hair in it, put her head to Tivda’s body again.

Immortals in silence stood on their knees, heads down. What do you say? Their comrades-in-arms died, this is the case, the oath may fall for the leader. There is no shame in that. Well, if they did not become Immortals, they got incredible strength, as Sysoy now reflected.

Nobody has seen anything like this… Priya, who was killed from a wound to the stomach, was the first to come to life. First, her arms and legs shook, then she sat down on the ground, not understanding anything, but soon woke up, and even the scar did not remain in place of a deep wound.

“You’re alive! — exclaimed joyfully Khvylya, — and we are already going to cook an oak deck for you!

“You’ll have to wait,” the Polish woman answered, groping her stomach, “but it hurt how! And she didn’t die right away…

But her eyes noticed the immovable body of the knight. She turned instantly, as if there were no serious wound. Here it is true, she got into her eyes, and she hastily covered her eyes with her palm.

— Do not be sad, — said Elena, — soon it will come to life… If Khvylya did not mix up the body!

Vityaz looked at Sysoy and Apta, and they only shrugged. Tang put weapons on the ground, and was about to flee to the battlefield. One Vaya was only calm, and even smiled.

— So what am I! said the Polish woman with confidence, Tan said that this was definitely Tivda’s body… Drawing on the shoulder, whale fish, because he is!

— We need to fill the drawings on the skin, so that they would immediately distinguish us, — Tan showed ingenuity, — and that there would be a common motive, and, for each, some separate sign. What not to confuse! So rather it will be!

The queen only grinned when she heard such words. Ah, Priya was not laughing. Polyanitsa came closer to Tivda’s body. The head had already grown to the neck, as if it had taken root, like a fresh seedling in a garden bed. Finally, this knight reached out and got up. True, the knight’s legs gave way, but Priya caught him, substituting her hands.

— Something dizzy… I don’t understand why… I just saw you fall to the ground, — said the knight, — so I have a hotel for you… and he took out a beautiful silver bracelet.

— Thank you, — and the Polish woman put it on her right wrist, — and to you from me, — and gave the dagger of black bronze with a handle from the tooth of the Indrik Beast, — it is just magical. Brings good luck!

— Well, stop being nice to you! — Sysoy shouted, — we need to collect the loot! Until the bodies ossified!

This lesson was hard, dirty, but boring. Collect valuable from the bodies. The queen went a little further, on her own business, and they swarmed here. Everyone’s hands were elbow deep in blood. But, there was no fatigue nearby. So, in seven everyone was robbed. Sysoy began to wipe his hands on the grass, began to tie everything collected in bales, using rawhide belts of strangers. Tan and Khvylya helped as best they could. And Tivda dragged corpses. I’m not tired of getting tired, but I got dirty.

“I should rinse myself,” Khvylya said thoughtfully, looking around himself.

“The water in the creek is cold,” Apta disagreed, “or we’ll get sick.” Still, almost autumn.

“Nothing will take us. No ailment, — Tivda famously said, and ran to the stream, ripping off the clothes that were bursting with blood on the go.

He rushed into the water, suffocating from the cold. He dived, washing off his blood and sweat with pleasure. It felt better right away, however, and the cold was felt.

— Well, what? Not chilly?

I heard a familiar voice nearby. Nearby, Priya splashed, focusing blood from the abdomen, chest, legs and face. Tivda tried to turn away, but the Polish woman was painfully beautiful. Slender, feminine hips, chest, and a beckoning look. Although, the beauty of the nearby Apta too. But, then he felt a ringing blow on his back, even suffocated from surprise.

“Nothing to look at others! — said Priya, — so I’m good? Or not?

“You can’t take your eyes off! Tivda replied and earned a steamy kiss.

The knight did not expect this. But the pole, grabbing his hand, led him out of the stream. Picking up their belongings, both hid in the bushes nearby. Priya settled on his lap, and kissed her lover for a long time. Tivda felt the touch of the beauty’s soft chest, her delicate hands, and he himself could not tear himself away from the girlish elastic hips, slender back and sweet lips calling to himself.

They returned later when the sun rose by noon. Sysoy sat by the fire, cooked a stew. Nearby, on a folding chair, Elena is located. I met three couples with a kind smile on my snowy white face.

— You got it right… Love and Death are what all life revolves around, And there is nothing more important in the whole World! Well, then we will feast, as we break the finders! But, and do not forget about the case. Look after the herds that we recaptured and took from strangers. We will drive the cattle to Oum, we will return the loot to our people.

The Queen uttered such words, and fell silent for a long time. The Lady herself did not eat anything, she drank only honey. As if this drink was enough for her.

Sysoy slowly handed out wooden bowls and spoons. The smell was from brew, just extraordinary. Tivda felt starving all day. But, looked at the tongues of the fire, rising to the sky.

“What do you think?” — Priya intervened in his Duma, — eat it, otherwise it will cool down!

Polyanitsa herself worked with might and main with a spoon. He sat down nearby, tasted the treats, and the stew tasted even better than the smell. Venison with pearl barley was good, oh and good! So, for food, everything that happened during the day for Tivda was forgotten. Except Priya, of course.

CHAPTER 6 Understand and Think

So the Immortals, from Elena’s deck, understood her strength. But there was still a fight ahead of them, but not one. Everyone thought that they would rush after strangers, finish off their army, but the Mistress always decided differently, in her own way. She examined the place where the raiders of strangers took refuge. And after all, they managed to dig a wide moat, and fill the land for the rampart, and did not regret the work. They were not lazy, it is clear that the leader Takrat was very scared!

The Queen did not hurry around this place, did not rush her plow. And the hornet held on to the young man — proudly held his head with branched horns, walked confidently, the hooves did not slip on the clay, freshly opened ground. She saw enemy fighters behind the tyn, and they tried to get her arrows. But, only powerlessly stuck in soft ground, without causing harm. Here the tambourines roared, and the poles with some stuffed fur rose high above the fortification. Apparently, foreign shamans intervened in the matter, tried to drive her away, scare her. Yes, something the spirits of strangers on her land were weak, could not cope. Only in vain did the shaman spend his drugs. Elena the Beautiful drove on. But, I noticed a kind pebble, in appearance, so in two poods, no more. She got off the dry, was not too lazy to bend down, grabbed him with one hand, and threw him at the shamans who leaned out from behind the tyn. The granite boulder flew quickly, with a whistle, and hit in the unreasonable, only blood splashed in different directions. At once, this killer stone took the lives of five spirit charmers. Strangers answered with a terrible cry, but what were someone’s screams to Elena? But she had to go back to her deck. But, I was pleased with myself that I was again able to catch up with fear on enemies.

The Queen also looked at her Dead Army, and added new fighters from the newly killed strangers to the ranks. But, it was difficult to find non-mutilated bodies. I found only hundreds of two fit, and raised them for battle.

Her army did not decrease from the battle, but only grew. Manovala, placing her silent servants at the enemy fortifications, put so that the mouse could not slip through. And, ordered finally:

— Kill all strangers who try to escape from this place or approach!

The Dead Warriors were silent, but Elena knew that they would do her order!

***

“Now we’ll go back to Oum. And the Dead are here, in a copse, to stay with a thousand strangers. I really need craftsmen to make you even stronger… There is one idea here! explained, but not all, Elena.

No one was going to argue with the leader. It is clear that the Mistress knows how best to do, so be it. What is there to discuss? True, did the Immortals understand anything that Elena wants?

— I feel, two more troops from strangers remained… Craftsmen I need! Let’s go to Oum! — she repeated, — and you, capture your dry people on a hike. Come in handy! We will move much faster!

We walked all night. And in the morning they approached the huge shaft of Oum. A drive of four soldiers drove up to them, on the dry. The guards looked at first wary, then recognized Elena.

“Hello Queen! We are very glad that we have come!

“And I’m glad to see you, Lieven! We need an elder! The matter is urgent, and onn!

— Now and spend. Ringing! — the guard turned to a friend, — you will stay for the elder! Look at all eyes!

— I will do everything, do not doubt!

— Come with me! It would be better to leave it here, — asked Lieven the Queen.

Elena knew that there was little place in the fortress, and readily left the saddle. She did not let go of her weapon from her hand, and a necklace of heads adorned her outfit.

— And this is my deck, Immortals, they will come with me, — the Mistress warned about the proper.

“Whatever you say. You’re in control, madam. Come, dear guests!

CHAPTER 7 Queen of the Siberian Land

At the bridge over the moat, they again met eleven guards. But, they immediately recognized the Queen, and bowed to the belt. The immortals walked across the bridge, into the arch of the vast gate, and looked… Yes, and there was why. Outside, after all, the city was more like a huge hill overgrown with grass, only from above with a high tower, and a wooden fence for archers, but inside… A vast street ran in circles along the inner wall. And in the wall, in the hill itself, small dwellings were arranged, like honeycombs, with windows and doors. As many as two floors were residential, and the lower one was utility. And, from the courtyard, comfortable shoots are placed upstairs. And Tivda noticed how the hostesses in the yard collect water in one of the four wells, and then carry it to themselves, for their families. They also prepared food downstairs, in utility rooms. Artisans also worked here, doing important things for the city.

— That’s how… — only Tivda was able to say, — but, it’s cramped here… It’s hard to live a long time… It’s inconvenient, what a crush…

— But, safely, — said the businesslike Sysoy, who had already looked around in this place.

The city greeted the chosen fighters warily but joyfully. People made an enthusiastic noise when meeting Elena.

Ahead was the daughter of the Magi Rista, Ilsa, with a loaf of bread on a gold tray. The Slavnitsa bowed, paying homage. Except Elena the Beautiful didn’t eat anything. Therefore, she kissed the girl three times, and gave the loaf to Sysoy.

And behind her, the captured people of the city also showed themselves. In elegant clothes, with staffs in their hands, three elders Ouma-Lin, Okast and Duptun bowed their heads. The glorious governors of the Patronal City, Quintal and Gord, who also rose from the dead, and their best twelve soldiers stood here.

— Come on, Lady, you’re expected! — an important voice was uttered by Duptun, now becoming the eldest of the elders in the capital city.

— Yes, Lady, take your place on the White Throne! — added Rist, — all the people ask you! Do mercy!

Okast and Lin watched the sign of power shining on Elena’s head. They looked here at Duptun and Rist, both were silent with annoyance on their faces. But, they were afraid to go against. We saw that the relatives and warriors enthusiastically greet Elena the Beautiful.

— Glory to Elena the Beautiful! Lin shouted, and turned to prostomutgo

— Glory to the new Queen! Okast tried to shout down his opponent.

The crown on the lady’s head sparkled with fire. Previously, no one would have understood how it is, a girl-and on the White Throne? And now everyone nodded according to the words of the magician, bowed so low! Elena just looked at her own, looked back, as if she was looking for support.

“Call my adoptive parents. Father Horya and mother Zayu. And give them honor! Elena announced loudly.

I noticed how the magician Rist pushed his unot, and he ran to follow the order. Well, as if not an order, but her will. And so, from the side where ordinary relatives were crowded, Zaya and Horya were brought out. Those, as if not recognizing, looked at the named daughter. Then Elena herself approached them, bowed low, almost hitting the trampled earth of the main square of Ouma with the rays of the crown.

“So I am grateful to you, my new parents,” said the Queen, and bowed again, “I owe everything to everyone forever!” Stand up, be with me!

— Why… Horus whispered, adjusting his hat, whether the case had been seen… Yes, daughter, the whole earth only talks about your exploits!

— We are glad that everything is fine with you. And I, here, baked pies, and Zaya served a small basket with hotels.

— And this is for you, take it, — and on the sign of Elena Sysoy put a voluminous cat in Horya’s hands, — that everything would be fine!

The queen tried to smile, but her icy face seemed to be numb. She couldn’t laugh anymore. Then she just kissed both parents in turn. I noticed how Duptun and Rist whispered, and noticing her gaze, they bowed. And the junots of the Magi led Horus and Zaya to the procession, and they stood behind her, ahead of the Immortals. Rist picked up the staff, and everyone went to the royal tower.

And in front of her quickly stood four slender unots in white clothes, with jade axes and a bunch of roses on their shoulders. These youths should not guard or protect the Queen, but only to honor the new Sovereign. The captured people, with solemn faces, followed Elena the Beautiful. And behind everyone stood two musicians, and played a perky motive, on horns and on the pipe. So this procession moved to a separate tower in the middle of the Ouma fortress.

Tivda looked at it, listened, and kept quiet. I’ve never seen such a thing! Why should he see something like this, growing up in a village of fishermen, standing in two day crossings from Throne City. And others, from their deck, also had not been behind the ramparts of the fortress before. It happened that they came to bargaining, but no one happened to look at this, especially Tsarsky Terem.

The other Immortals were also silent, succumbing to the triumph of the moment. But the tower was really good, as if from a fairy tale! Everything was decorated with carvings on the outside and inside. As if alive, deer fled, eagles glided in a vast blue sky. Even the ceiling was strewn with stars made of minted gold!

Unots opened high doors, and everyone entered the Great Hall. Lit lamps to give greatness to these moments. Everyone froze, calmed down, not looking up at the empty Tsar’s place.

Magus Rist and Elder Duptun raised Elena to the White Throne by the hands, dance music hit here! Unots in white and with axes stood as an honorary guard. Rist laid a huge bundle of grain ears of a new crop at the throne as a sign of wealth and a desire for happiness. And elders Okat and Lin raised their wands, as if asserting what had happened.

— Roll out honey and beer from city stocks! Elder Oakust shouted.

— Let the holiday come to every house! Distribute as you grain! Lin added, hitting the floor with a staff.

All hail rejoiced that people found the true Queen! The doors of the royal tower were opened wide. Children were brought to her, bless, and whom to heal. She sat on the chair calmly, and got down to business as usual. The deck of the Immortals stood a little further away, not knowing what to do with themselves. The weapon was now closed behind an oak door, in the Queen’s personal storeroom. They shifted from foot to foot, sweated, in the sable capes brought to them. Tan sighed, did not know where to put his hands.

— What do you say? — Sysoy said quietly, — again rush to wave an ax? Did you cut down few goals from strangers?

— Hot here somehow, uncomfortable to me — Tan complained, — in fight much more fun!

— Enough to bully others! — just as Khvylya said quietly, — everything is impossible for you? There is nothing to occupy yourself with?

“What are you doing here?” — Sysa said with an unkind expression, — So, this magician, Rist, with his notes… And five years ago he did not take me into training, disdained me… Either I didn’t come out with a face, or my mother and father turned out to be poor, they could not give him a hotel!

— What are you? Apta said in fright, but is it taken for a bribe?

— And for a considerable… No less like in a young calf, or in a pair of rings of gold. Well, and we have risen higher than them all. Who are the Magi Rist and Elder Duptun for us now? There is no one — and there is no way to call…

— Quiet… Tan remarked.

Tivda did not believe his ears. For a long time he knew Sysoy, went fishing with him, hunting, and rafting the forest to Gandvik. And they went with merchants, merrymakers. Oster was always in Sysa’s tongue, but devoted to oaths and comrades. And Tivda could not believe in such a thing that this comrade-in-arms kept so much in himself. And nearby, in joyful noise, people who believed in the deliverance of the finders, by virtue of the new Queen and her undaunted army. And in them too, Immortal Knights.

— And now we ask everyone to the tables! Holiday in the city! The servants took out huge zkorchagi with honey and beer from the basements! said Duptun happily.

They noticed that the Queen was in good spirits, sighed with relief. And the one who in Oum did not know that the Queen had resurrected them at once, at one time more than three thousand people! And since she raised her from the dead, she can kill! They understood this, although they did not speak out loud.

Elena sighed, put her hands on the arms of her seat, and nodded to the magi, calling him to her.

“What do you say, Queen?” Rist immediately asked, folding his palms on his stomach.

All just turned into attention this person. He looked at her obsequiously, barely ate with his eyes, glanced, looked like an image of God. And Elena remembered how this man behaved with simple relatives. And on a goat you can’t drive up to such a thing, they are always inflated from the sand.

— Craftsmen are needed, — Elena reminded of the case, — On the skin, and the coppers are good, who can make cunning locks. I can’t do it myself.

— Yes, they themselves will come to you! Don’t doubt it! I’ll show you Acasta. He is much for every business, great intelligence and skill. He will certainly do whatever you need. Any delicate work will do.

“Better take me away, wise magician. So it will become more accurate. An urgent matter.

Here the magician Rist led the Queen to these intelligent artisans. Immediately Elena gave them gold from the booty taken from the battle. Not herself, of course, but Sysoy, according to her sign, laid out four heavy bags filled with gold nuggets on the table. Gold, drawn into suede, rang deafly.

The workers, the case has not yet been stopped, one of the blacksmiths inserted a hot wire into the hole, and began to quickly upset it with a hammer. A great door hinge came out. The queen looked at the craftsmen engaged in an important matter at the anvil and workbench.

But, those finally, the craftsmen turned their heads, hearing and seeing the intruders. They released the instrument from their hands, and expected to be told. The craftsman took off his leather apron, mittens from his hands, bowed. He went closer to the guests and bowed.

— Good evening, Queen! he said.

— Here, payment for a complex case. I’ll make a drawing for you in the sand, “she said,” and there are eight such pairs. “You, they say, the craftsman Acast? Jack of all trades? Is it true?

Here a middle-aged man, a little stooped, but still tall, rubbed his chin in thoughtfulness. He exchanged glances with his comrades, and smiled mysteriously. This smile painted him.

“Well, not for everything,” the craftsman began to say, “but I can do something.” Sutei and Thunder will help me. Both are grasping, sensible, praadpukakoy business, of course. Rook for the day we do not sweet! ‘he joked.

— So you take it? Or not? — the Queen began to lose patience, — in a hurry.

— What? The work is not easy, and the fee is large. We have good suede, and we have good bronze. Sweet Queen, don’t worry! Make a drawing!

Well, Elena asked to give her a tray with sand, and on it she began to display a drawing of what was required in a thin style. But, due to the complexity, it took four drawings. The craftsmen stood nearby, looked at each other.

“Got it?” For business it is necessary, not for trifles. To finish off strangers from cover. We settled high, you just can’t get to them! Elena explained.

— And measurements should be taken from everyone. Otherwise, hands will flow, — said Akast.

— And on me too, and on my whole Deck. I will come myself, and I will send them when you say.

— Let’s hurry, it’s important. We will fulfill everything in three days, do not doubt! Yes, only, — and he looked at the Queen in doubt, — what for business, so such people should be ten times stronger than usual? And then at twenty?

Elena was glad when she managed to talk with sensible or kind people. Immediately it became better, both in the soul and in the heart. But, only she twisted her bracelet on her wrist and said, without answering:

— You are smart, craftsman Akast. You understand everything on the go.

CHAPTER 8 Ilsa and the Immortals

Ilsa was doing business again. She worked at the healer Nemye, the one who raised her from childhood, when her mother and brothers went to Goose Land. Then a likhomanka fell to the land of the giants, cured many of the Magi Rist, and could not save his relatives, it was not destined.

Now the girl worked, rubbing herbs with a stone pestle. And then everyone knows that copper is not suitable for such a thing, and ordinary limestone, too, because it crumbles. For this, good stones are needed, well, like jade, for example. And, Uncle Akast worked for Nemya and for her two good bowls and two pestles to cook the potion.

The medicine woman herself was bothering over the clay pot in which she was going to steam the herbs. Prepared and sent to the oven.

— Remember, such a potion, you need to keep a cold in the oven for three days. Then, pour it, and allow it to enter, and store it in a cool place. But, no more than three days, the power will go away.

“So does willow bark help, grandma?”

“So Ilsa is. Yes, this collection is better, at least more difficult. After it, they recover faster.

— But, now in Oum Elena herself. She’ll cure anyone!

— It happens that there is none. And what will you do?

But then there was a knock on the door, and a good fellow stood on the threshold. Ilsa recognized him, one of Elena’s decks, a real knight. Beatyfull, tall, but, thin such, not stately. But, politeness knew, took off his hat, held it in his left hand.

— So what did the good fellow come with? Nemya asked him, snarling.

“So to the point. Paint is needed, fill the drawing on the skin. Well, what herbs that were not sick.

— It didn’t hurt, it didn’t hurt! — the healer grumbled, — come you, guest in peace, do not distract.

— Yes, the matter is important!

— The matter is simple, but you won’t cope. Not enough mind!

— So for the work here, — and put the knight on the table four golden rings, — we are with understanding!

— You’re looking for… — and Nemya squinted, as if she saw something for a new guest, — so Ilsa will fill your drawings. Her light hand, where as light! And you won’t feel pain!

— Yes, I’m busy… — muttered Ilsa, trying to avoid such a share

— Go to the sun, develop, — Nemya began to convince, — Otherwise, you sit all day in my closet. All with herbs and herbs. Talk to people a little!

She got into training for a healer a long time ago, five years ago. I really want to say, at first I didn’t want to, but the elders of the city were able to force even the magician Rista, her father, to give under the guise of medicine. They began to notice a wonderful thing behind her…

***

— Ilsa, take away your goat, it doesn’t let me pass! — shouted purchase Otar, postponing the broom, — you see, not even afraid of this!

— I’m coming! ‘the girl shouted.

She bravely rushed to the horned prankster, grasping the horn and led to the barn.

— You are looking for what you have decided! Here, let’s go to the barn — she said.

And the worker just shook his head, and again began to slowly sweep the yard. He had a lot of things to do, and the owner of Rist did not give any tricks. Well, Ilsa, in practice, drove the cattle out of the courtyard of the estate, where the shepherd Chopra was already expecting.

— But what? Will your goat come running home again? Look, otherwise I won’t take it with me.

And his dog, hefty and fluffy Bright, ran up to greet Ilse, stood on his hind legs, put his front on the girl’s shoulders, licked her nose and rubbed against her leg. Then, returned to the owner.

The goat looked with cunning eyes, and lowered her head with horns, pointing them at the shepherd.

— Stop it! Alive! Ilsa ordered, he takes you to the meadows, where the grass is good! What are you doing?

The goat looked up at the hostess, as if she understood everything, and peacefully waving her tail, went to the herd.

“What are you saying to her?” — the shepherd was surprised, — is she stupid?

“Why?” Everything thinks. You just need to speak wisely.

— True, my dog took you for his own, but does not come close to strangers… Everything is strange… Well, until the evening!

And in the evening Ilsa walked with her friends at the estate, they played dolls and collected flowers. Well, here, the boy, the son of Elder Okat, Plist and his brother Fokey, began to bully.

— Why are you walking past the gate of our manor? Here, play at home, — Plist said so, and proudly nodded.

Ilsa did not want to call her brothers for help. I didn’t hurt such fights. But, pinching the grass at the ditch of her goat, she ran up sharply and hit Plist’s ass, so much so that barely his ports fell to the ground. Fokey swung his stick, but the goat bent its head, pulled its horns. And the boys, screaming and wailing, ran off the street.

Ilsa stroked the goat on the head, she mecked, and received a rye cracker from the suma as a reward from the hostess.

— Yes, you are a witch, not otherwise, — murmured Lipa, the daughter of a copper and her girlfriend, — let’s go… Vita, Naya, let’s get out of here!

“Girls, where are you going?” Ilsa asked, and burst into tears, what did I do?

***

So, after that incident, Ilsa was assigned under the supervision of Nemya’s healers. You never know? And then, with such force, evil spirits can harm the girl. And so, the healer will learn it, but protect it from troubles, then the whole hail will benefit. So the elders decided. And Rist did not meet the magician. And it is true, now the sufferers turned to him more often, since he has such a daughter. And the people who came to the words listened, did not ignore. True, now, as mother died, the father began to visit the widower alone, Kanye. But, the girl understood, what about the priest without female affection? She pretended not to notice anything. So I thought, and I didn’t want to go.

Reluctantly, Ilsa rose, put herbs and paint in a basket made of straw with a lid. And also a leather cat with needles, for drawings on living skin.

— Well, let’s go! she said loudly to the knight who came to the cell.

He nodded happily. They went out onto the wooden covered flooring, near the honeycomb rooms on the second floor of the fortress, where the healer lived. People passed by, greeted Ilsa, recognizing the glory. As with the knight too. We went to the gathering, to the steps leading to the courtyard of the fortress house. A woman with buckets of water went upstairs, Tivda did not hesitate, helped to bring it, and returned to Ilse.

— It seems and not military business, water to carry? ‘the Slavnica chuckled.

— So and in Vityazi came out recently, with a week ago. Nishto, the Queen will not deprive the belt for this! ‘the youngster simply replied.

The girl looked at the young man with approval, but did not say anything. And why? I hardly knew this warrior of the Queen.

True, she often spoke with Elena before, or even vespers for berry brewing or sewing, but now she did not want to remember that. Now Elena Tsarina is of all lands, and Ilsa did not want to impose herself on her as a friend.

The witch doctor followed him to the Palace itself, which stood in the middle of the hail. But they entered not the main gate, but a small door. However, even that made richly with copper loops, and not from willow branches, as in simple houses.

— Here we have chambers, and a bath, — explained the knight, — here, and our deck!

At the table sat six, in military clothes, knights and poles. Three young men and three girls. In front of them stood a golden brother and golden buckets.

— Ah, Tivda! Who else did you bring? Still looked for a girl? ‘one of the knights said.

But, the pole sitting on the edge of the table did not appreciate the joke, and hit the table with a small but rigid cam so that it jumped up, two points. Ilsa was already stunned. The knights easily caught the dishes that flew up, so much so that not a drop fell on the floor. Tivda held the endu with both hands.

— Enough for you Sysoy! — said one of the Poles, — and you, Priya, calm down!

“I’m already calm, Apta. Thanks. Why did you come? — asked the Slavnitsa from the guest.

— So I am Ilsa, daughter of Rist. A student of the witch doctor Nemya, she came to help you.

“So we don’t need any more help! — said the named Sysoy, — no, no ailment will take us! And invincible, there is no one stronger than us!

— Yes, you speak easier… Remember, Elena was just a witch three days ago. And now… — said another knight.

— Exactly, Tan… Or maybe you will become the Queen, glory?

— And how the Gods will decide. Well, I came to you on business, and not on trifles! Show what is needed, and then I will hear it!

“Whatever you say… Well, shall we go? — and Sysoy turned to the knights.

Ilsa noticed that this knight, the most stately of all, loved to dominate. Yes, and the hole was, not that very…

— Rags are needed, but wet! ‘the medicine woman recalled.

“They brought everything. Yes, everything overgrows on us quickly, do not worry! Tivda remarked.

— Exactly, and the main thing is not to lose your head. Right, friend? — again shook Sysoy.

And Tivda for some reason blushed, but said nothing, touched his neck. But everyone started up, Priya, who was walking nearby, leaned forward. Tan hugged his friend Sysoy, and he calmed down. Ilsa kept quiet, but was slightly surprised how Elena picked up her retinue. Well, it was not her business to judge the Queen. The dunots of the palace opened the doors, and they ended up in the dressing room, where the benches stood, and cooked kvass in reeds and wooden buckets.

— Here are the drawings, — and Sysoy put on the table, — these, for us, you can make such knights. Then, and fill the Poles.

The young men began to take off their shirts, leaving their belts naked, in suede pants and soft boots. Ilse glanced at the images. There was an eagle with wide wings, a raven with a beak, hairy, with branched horns, and a wolf with a bristled mouth.

“And to everyone on the back and the griffin,” Tan added, “which one you decide for yourself.”

— So the griffin guards the Goose Land and the Pecking Kingdom?

“For all of us, I’ll get up just right,” said Tan.

Ilsa sat down on a bench by the window, and daylight helped her do difficult work. Hands flowed, but indeed, wounds on the skin of the knights seemed to absorb paint without blushing or inflaming. But, of course, the matter was not quick. And now I remembered everyone, according to his beast, on the first shoulder of everyone. Sysoy-eagle, Tan-raven, Khvylya- dry, and Tivda — Gray Wolf. I didn’t understand one thing, if such soldiers are noble, they have been in battles. And there were no scars on their bodies, just not one!

— You are a big craftswoman, Ilsa, — thanked Tan, — here’s a gift for you! For the work! Take it, do mercy!

And he put on the table a thin gold bracelet, with headbands in the form of snake mouths. The girl did not refuse, and why?

— Well, that’s it, knights! Leave the girls alone here! Without your look! Apta said sternly, hands on sides.

— Whatever you say, Slavnitsa! — Sysa nodded with a grin, — let’s go, right, and the meal awaits us. Lunch time!

— Let’s go, Khvylya, Tivda! We are not welcome here yet! Tan declared, wearing a shirt.

So the young men left the Slavs, Apta instantly closed the door to the shutter. Checked more, is it strong?

— Yes, from them any door with a joint will take out, at once! Priya smiled, taking off her apron, and then, she threw off her shoes.

— Nishto, decency, such a thing… — the Slavnitsa did not agree, and she herself began to hastily undress.

— And to us, here are such drawings, — and Vaya showed sheets of highlighted skin.

It was painted beautifully, umedo and cleanly, with birch coal. Ilsa looked and nodded, agreeing.

— And all together — the Sun and the Moon, snakes on the forearms, on the hips of the dry, so as to run faster. So somehow, — recalled Priya.

— Come on your shoulder, Vaya wants a snake, and me, so wild goose, — added Apta, — you won’t forget?

“I’ll do it as you wish.

The Slavs undressed, left without clothes, and Ilsa set to work. At first I was surprised, I thought that the warriors were almost like young men, but no, they are good and pleasant to themselves, only maybe they are more built than domestic Slavs, unaccustomed to campaigns. But wounds from needles healed on their bodies almost immediately. The healer was not surprised.

— Well, that’s it, I’ll go… Ilsa said, rising from the bench, her hands tired…

“That’s right. So the first thing, from fatigue — a bath. It’s flooded really well. And we will treat you.

— Yes, I…

“How to refuse is not the point! Priya said cheerfully, slapping her knee loudly — are you shy, or what? So we are driven, not on the bargain?

Here it was impossible to retreat, and Ilsa left her clothes on the bench, dismissed her braid.

— Here, let’s try honey for now!

And Apta poured put honey on the cowboys. And then, the beer went into business, Ilsa sensed how her head was very noisy, and she still sat down in the steam room.

— Why is she sleeping?” Priya was indignant.

— Sleeping… — and Vaya corrected, laying on the bench, sliding the girl’s hand.

— So come on, and we will fill her with drawings. Why? Consider, the witch doctor is kind, the whole Oum knows about that!

Honey and beer were still noisy in the head of the Slavs, and they got down to business. They went too far, so much so that they stole a Slavnitsa everywhere on their hands and feet, on their backs. And griffins, and snakes, and running deer. Only now, they forgot that Ilsa was not one of them, did not drink Ihor, living water. And fell into unconsciousness. Too all the drawings were applied to her skin at once.

— Bad thing… — whispered Apta, — we must run after Elena. And what will she do to us???

— Yes, we are all one, we will survive, — Vaya said quietly, — and Ilsa can die…

— That’s it, I dress, and ran. Let me out! And back, I will knock three times!

And Priya briskly dressed up in her clothes, and ran out of the bath. Apta put wet towels on the witch doctor’s forehead, tried to sniff sharp drugs, but no, the girl never opened her eyes. But now, three blows to the door, Vaya opened the door, and Elena stood on the threshold, with a face black with rage, but also sparkling blue eyes.

“What are you doing here?” ‘she said sharply.

— Yes… It turned out stupid… — Apta mumbled with her head down.

The queen saw a body covered with a veil. Without saying a word, she put her palms on the Slavnitsa’s forehead. So she sighed sharply, coughed, and opened her blue eyes. She looked at herself and almost burst into tears.

— What is it!

“So as a sign of your skills, girl,” Elena said affectionately, “how do people know who you are?” And here, every sign matters and everything is to your advantage.

— Well, if only so…

— Yes, I also heard how I helped my father, place supplies in the city, so that every grain would be saved!

— So I tried… The army was beaten…

— And I will keep you with me, I will teach you as it should, — the Queen encouraged Ilsa, — And you are smart, and your heart is clean, gentle! I will reveal a lot to you! But, as a sign of my mercy, she put a golden ring on the girl’s middle finger, and come in an hour!

The young witch doctor admired an expensive gift. I looked, tilting the ring and so on, admiring the shine of excellent polishing and the sign itself on the ring. The griffin beat its wings, spreading its beak on the gold of expensive jewelry. Ilsa calmed down, and the drawings on the skin after the Queen’s cure no longer hurt. And, the medicine woman dressed and headed for the exit. I did not see Ilsa, fortunately, or misfortune, as Elena reproachfully looked at her glades, and how they guiltily bowed their heads as a sign of their oversight. And the Queen looked after the departing Slavnitsa. Ilsa fell on her heart, she had been looking at her for a long time. Sensible, smart fast, not angry, friendly to people. And then she will need an assistant… And then Elena suddenly remembered how she came to these lands three years ago…

CHAPTER 9 Elena in search of her brother

She ended up in these places, on the banks of the Ob, it is not clear how. To be honest, I myself did not remember it. As if all memories were erased from my head. Here, as if a grater from a tub in a bathhouse fell, and all the memory was taken away, and there is none. And it does not work. She then sat down on the shore of the lake, looked up, and looked at the water, free from duckweed. The water bloomed, the heat became so. And the girl put her palm under her cheek, and so she looked at the water, free from small lake grass. As if this water could tell her something: No, the Queen of Heaven herself should have helped her…

She washed my face, and then she went. And time, so it went by autumn, cool. She made herself a good hut, as if she knew everything about this skill. But, I already wanted to eat, I went to fish. I looked at a good pole, suitable for such a thing, turned the point with a knife, and did not get up. So the places were beautiful, you can’t take your eyes off, Elena liked it so much. Dense currant bushes on that shore were simply covered, hidden by a steep rise, and then tall pines grew, it seemed, reaching the peaks to the sky. You could hear the birds chattering in the trees, as if conveying what important news.

So she looked, and looked, and almost missed the prey. The fish flashed in clean water with shiny scales. But, the girl is nimble, hit at once, did not miss. The prison hooked a large trout, but the miner did not miss, carefully and skillfully lifted it out of the water, and put it on the grass. But then, I noticed that it was carrying someone with a fast current. And she seemed to have a ring in her heart, began to remember something, but there was no time to think. Rushed into cold water. At first, as much as the skin burned, but then the Slavnitsa quickly buried across. She grabbed a scrap of wool, dragged it to the stones, thought it was a child in a fur coat, fell into the river. And he will roar as he roars! Elena was stunned and let go of her find. So, a heather, a bear cub rushed into the bushes. And Elena sighed, but began to dry wet clothes over a barely burning fire. Squeezed, tried, almost dry, so that everything would dry out faster, and not freeze in the evening, and especially at night. She even let her hair down, wet through and through. But, but the animal did not die, she reassured herself. And here, at the same time, she took up cooking — she covered the fish with clay, and buried it in ash under the fire. And, I noticed that there was no reproach nearby, the girl was pleased with it. I walked to the hut, and there, next to it, as it roars… Well, Elena was scared, of course, but she didn’t run. Without clothes where will you run? And then a fur lump poked at her leg, and rushed back into the bushes. True, from this, so to speak, shelter seemed a hefty and concentrated muzzle of the mother of this bear cub. Clubfoot came closer, noisily pulled in the air, and threw three hefty fish, which she kept in her mouth. Then, she poked her nose into the girl’s leg, as if she had met, nodded, straight in a human way, and left.

So Elena immediately felt better in her heart. As it says, in one proverb, angry slightly:" Do not do good, you will not receive in response… No, not evil of course, but, it was now, let’s say, a little chilly. To distract herself, she began to eviscerate the fish, but took up cooking. And then, again, in her memory, like a small door opened… And she said quietly, what she had been wearing for so long:

“Where are you, my dear brother!

***

“What are you thinking, Queen?” It’s evening, and it’s time for bed, “Bilkar asked with all the courtesy,

Elena grabbed the armrests, sharply turned non the long pole that stood at the throne. She sighed deeper, tried to calm down, then she answered, picking up every word:

“Sometimes it rolls. Don’t worry, kid. Business, this is common for everyone, and for me, frequent. Dispose of what honey would bring me. Tired of something…

“And the Magi Rist sent you a hay girl. Her name is Tadya. Already removes your chambers.

“Thank the Magi. I am touched by such care.

But, in vain worried. Nevertheless, the reasonable guy Bilkar turned out to be. Both frisky and sensible. He did everything according to his mind, and not like that, anyhow. So, he brought a bench comfortable for the legs, and a decent cup, and he got soft pillows for the throne. And Tadja? Hay girl Ristova? Well, the Queen thought and curled her lips a little in a smile.

“I’ll do it! Bilkar said loudly, interfering with the thoughts of the overlord.

And the unots with axes were all standing nearby, taking care of the peace of the Mistress. It is clear that the service was carried out for honor, not for anything else. In military affairs, the young men were not yet strong. And, Elena remembered the names of the youths, almost as soon as Duptun called her. Which, the highest — Elan, with a red shikha, a lock of hair on the back of the head — Novik, with a snub nose — Yucca — and the last — Zubok. Age and no more than sixteen years was. And she, so her brother did not find, for these three years. And, read, I traveled all over Siberia, towns, villages, and Sargat, and Varta, Gandvik, and Oum too.!

I suddenly remembered, looking at my necklace of human heads. The Dead smiled with an eternal smile, and on the benches, on the left and right, sat her Immortals, advisers and warriors. And the elders sat in front of her, looked and were silent.

— So, the Queen, we sentenced, according to your decision… — began Duptun, — At the expense of the prey taken, you need to buy supplies in Varta and Gandvik. Fish salted and dried. There is nowhere to take grain, do not lose it.

— I understand. Winter and fish people will live. So they came up with okay. In a week I’ll go camping, you are for the yen, Duptun, you will stay. And who instructs children and youths? I would like to see.

— Mentor Savir copes with assistants. Adults, nevertheless, in business, so their mentor teaches them mind and reason.

— Look at it.

Immediately everyone was overflowing from the shops, both the Immortals and the elders. And unots with axes at the throne stood in a row. They expected to see off the Queen, honor by honor.

— I’ll get one. You talk about business here. Where and how to put the trips, so that again strangers do not miss our border stones. And if people start to get sick, tell me right there. I will heal so that the epidemic does not happen. And prepare a bag for children’s hotels, for the children. Better, sweet nuts.

“I’ll bring it now! Bilkar immediately volunteered to perform.

And how to go to children without gifts? You need to please everyone, without this it is impossible. Elena remembered this, and she herself did not know why and where. But, I decided that it was right to do so. The elders only kept quiet, only one reminded of himself.

— Let’s discuss. Let’s solve this without fail, about protecting Oum. We’ll do everything right! said Duptun slowly.

***

This is the place where the mentor taught the children, the Queen almost immediately found these cells by oar laughter and noise. Girls sat on benches near the wall, with smartly made rag dolls, in an armchair opposite them, a healer rested. Elena immediately understood this, by embroidery on a woman’s shirt, and a special tied scarf on her head, with horns. The Queen herself did not wear such a headdress, and was surprised why so. Until Nemya explained:" This, beauty, to be like the Queen of Heaven. She’s also with horns!” Elena just now almost smiled, but for some reason touched her forehead, but no, fortunately, she did not feel the horns.

“Queen Helena! Queen Elena! — seeing her, the girls ran up to her.

They surrounded her, and took her to themselves, put her on a bench. And she began to endow the hotels with nuts boiled in honey. She remembered with gratitude the need for zeal. I noticed that one girl, like everyone else, with a shot head, and several curls on the back of her head and temples, her left hand was tied.

“Come to me,” Elena called her, “sit down with me,” and sit on her lap, “what’s your name?”

— Olla, — and she smiled with her toothless mouth from fallen milk teeth, — how cold you are! I’ll bring a blanket! ‘the girl whispered.

— Yes, I always do, — reassured a new friend, — let me fly your hand…

The queen put her palm on the damaged hand. Olla first tried to pull away, it is clear that from the cold, but then calmed down. And then she smiled rather, hugged and kissed Elena on the cheek.

— That’s it, it doesn’t hurt now… Thank you!

— And from the boys I saw someone with hair like mine?

The girl gladly stroked the Queen’s ash curls, wrinkled her forehead, and nodded her head.

— There is one. So this is Samir. He often offends girls.

— I’ll talk to him. Bring him here.

“I’ll try it,” Olla reluctantly promised, and jumped off her knees.

I remembered the main thing Elena, for three years as I remembered. That I must find my brother who is lost. I searched everywhere, but could not find it.

And so, Olla brought a little rake by the hand. He walked now humbly, did not rage, and with might and main made his blue eyes on the Queen.

— Sit next to me! Elena asked him.

Now she must find out whether he is or not he? Isn’t that boy her brother? She moved a little, took his hand. He, in the same second, almost gave a dragonfly, noticing how Elena’s eyes turned black at once. Even his mouth opened in surprise.

— don’t be afraid… ‘she quietly ordered.

No, not him, as she immediately realized with annoyance. I remembered how I felt when I touched my missing brother’s hand. As if cold needles pierced her skin, and then her head burned with terrible fire. Well, and then, like all pains, empty thoughts, grief, everything seemed to be washed away with key water.

— You behave kinder, Samir, — she asked the boy, — the gods of evil and cruel do not like.

— So they give glory, it means, and raise brave men.

“And never so. They notice the kind, pure in heart and condescending. Only such people are brought closer to themselves. Why do the omnipotent need wealth? Everything is in their power. But, they only expect people to get better. Let it be a little, but better. As in the fairy tale, it is said when Ivan Tsarevich was looking for Elena the Beautiful. The way to the distant kingdom was revealed to him only when he showed that he was pure in heart. Helped a wolf, a bear and an eagle. And then, and they helped him…

The boy sat next to him and listened to the instructions. I tried to remember and understand. If so, a lot could come of it. Both good and not so good.

— I see… — whispered Samir, — and I will not pull Oll’s hair anymore! I’ll go, they’re waiting for me already.

— And take your friends nuts, but more, — Elena handed the remaining nuts in honey, — well, you eat yourself.

She still decided to look at other children. Here, under the supervision of a mentor, the boys were engaged in business. The children sat on long unpretentious benches, around the mentor. He is passionate about him showed the drawing on the highlighted skin. As Elena noted, Oum was depicted and a section of the river nearby. But, the Queen did not notice anyone similar to her brother, and did not feel his presence. I didn’t want to interfere, and quickly left.

The girl stood and waited for her. Elena approached the head of Olla, and, without thinking too much, took off one of the bracelets from her hand and put the girl on the handle.

“In memory of me. Wear it for good luck, — kissed her, and went into her tower.

CHAPTER 10 Magus Rist and his daughter Ilsa

Ilsa could not sleep all the time, and she sat in her cell. Sometimes she again felt her drawings on the skin, looked at the decorated forearms. Everything turned out strange, not according to custom. After all, it has not yet passed the tests, for the skills of medicine, but it has already gained differences. What will Nemya say now? True, I didn’t want to think about it. But, she lay down on the bench, where her best night counselors were waiting — a feather, a blanket and a pillow, She threw off her home shoes made of soft leather and lay down. Finally, the dream came, and the girl was able to rest from what happened today.

But, visions tormented for a long time, and incomprehensible. One or the other. Some kind of horror. One man, chained, on her orders rolled a huge stone up the mountain. Almost rolled onto the court, but the boulder fell off, and again and again this work continued. Another, entwined with copper chains, could not get drunk. It will only drop and the water goes away, bringing terrible suffering to the unfortunate person. And it ended with her sitting on the royal throne, with a mirror in her hand. She looked into it, and her face was black and scary, stuck out her tongue, and that black, and her teeth were as sharp as razors…

She jumped up from the bench in a soaking wet nightgown, threw it off, quickly rinsed herself with water from the tavern, and again looked around herself. Snakes snaked along the thighs, crossing triangular heads at the ankles. It was as if a holly was growing here, covering its calves with a bizarre pattern. Griffins found their place on the shoulders, and the sides seemed to be supported by two wolves, spreading huge jaws. She just sighed, washed again, and put on fresh underwear. She lay down again, hoping to still fall asleep, rest for a hard day. But, it didn’t work out, it just twisted until dawn.

— Get up, baby. It’s time. Come down for breakfast! hay girl said.

“Thank you, Dita,” she replied, and rose quickly.

Yes, they kept the purchased servants in the Rista tower. Ilsa herself knew that she could not keep the farm alone. After all, in the family, the Magi died of fever. So he took the Rist family purchases, four. Skotnik, his wife, cook. And Ditu and her husband, he led the household around the house. And here, in the fortress, they occupied four cells. She entered the big room, which was called the upper room. My father was already sitting at a small table. And in front of him are two wooden plates, with pearl barley and corned beef.

— Sit down, it’s time,” said the head of this very small family good-naturedly.

Now the Magi was in simple clothes, linen from a gray ordinary canvas. Only the embroidery on the right shoulder said who he was. Well, of course, long, although already gray hair. Unlike the usual Rodovich, the hairy men did not cut their hair. And, was on the chin, as a sign of dignity, trimmed beard. The cheekbones were shaved clean, as it should.

— So, already in mercy to the Queen entered? People said that Elena was favorable to you.

— It seems… And so, without an art, they made a witch, and she pulled the sleeve of her shirt to her shoulder.

“Well done! — Rist immediately amused, — and I will quickly cover my mouth to Nemier the healer, if I start building a vain on you. I was worried how Duptun lost power. They could not leave us in the elders, but Elena, and he raised his right fist to his forehead in reverence, resurrected the fallen… Otherwise, both Lina and Okata would have been thrown off the carved seats alive, or even deprived of the staffs.

“So you’re a magician, Father?”

“It’s witch doctors and witches talking to gods and spirits. And the Magi help people to gain wisdom, but not to lose instructions, to live in Truth. And Samelda could have been the oldest magician. After all, governors Ouma Kintal and Gord have long been inclined to him. My teachings say, do not hurt reasonably! Well, now — and he laughed happily — here they are with me! — and the magician almost broke the linden spoon, clenching his fist — Duptun and I put the Queen on the throne. And against her, and therefore against us, no one dares to dive! After all, she resurrected the fallen! And she won strangers!

— Another great army of strangers left.

“Nothing, my girl! She will erase them into powder! And I, I know how to be useful! Even necessary! It will become easier for Elena to rule with my help.

“Why does she need your help?” She is omnipotent! And she has immortal servants? Ilsa said doubtfully.

— You are still small… Elena will appreciate how I can be loyal. My unots know a lot, and even more — they find out and report. I have my ears in Sargat and Varta, in Sad and even in Gandvik. And what they say and what they think, I can notify the Mistress of everything. And you came to her yard, daughter. Immediately visible, native blood! You made me happy, Ilsa!

The daughter of the Magi just sighed without answering anything, and began to finish eating porridge. Father was completely incorrigible, and longed for power and greatness, not stopping at tricks.

***

The meal ended with a berry uzvar, before which the magician was a big hunter! Rist looked lovingly at his daughter, the only child left to his delight after the terrible fever that came to Oum. Apparently, he was punished for sins. But, Ilsa survived, which means that the gods saw that he was trying for all people, so that the country of giants would be more rich. After all, it was he who received Lina and Okata to create a large supply of grain. But just a difficult case, if the garden comes to them on the Ob. But the war hit them and at least the crops were burned, but there is stored bread for everyone, and no one will starve anymore. And the Immortal Queens drove huge herds, recaptured from strangers. Elena returned the property to her fellow tribesmen, and even with a big profit. Instead of one missing cow, each got two. Where is everyone happy! And the governors of Oum are already preparing their army to help the army of Elena the Beautiful, these revived Kintal and Gord. Almost one and a half thousand soldiers were equipped.

Rist was thinking about all this. And even more about how everything would have remained, that the Queen would have ruled, but sat on the throne in Oum, and not in Sargat, and even more so in Varta or Sad. They will have a royal place, so the richest bargaining in Oum will be, good goods will be brought to the merchant by the sewer… And he, the Magi of Ouma, will always become older than the Magi of other cities. And, rightly so, as Rist himself said.

But, it was necessary to do everything according to the mind, so that everyone would think that it happened by itself. And he knew that the wise man Sargata Asan was smart, but hoped to get around him. The main thing is not to let him come to Oum, so that he could not talk with the queen. Moreover, there was the indomitable Zia Bear, Duptun’s second cousin.

Who was bypassed in glory, was not allowed to sit on the White Throne. Elders Sargata, Timai and Khian, domineering and strong leaders, are now true, offended that they were not called to Oum when Elena the Beautiful was put on the throne…

Rist thought slowly, and, like a spider in a dark corner, he weaved his nodules with his quick fingers. I checked again, didn’t I miss what? No, I was satisfied with myself. It was necessary to link the messages for the captured people of Sargat, to be able to convince, or even skillfully prove their case. But, most importantly, Elena resurrected the fallen Sargatans, and now those with the governor Salim have certainly returned to the city. So, you have to wait for guests. Asan, Timay and Hian should have been preempted… Rist did not want that the Magi from Sargat would be in front of Elena’s eyes. So he prepared five messages, laying black knots on ocher-colored ropes. And then, he sealed the ends of the ropes with his seals, so as not to blur who, not to pervert the letters. Having done everything, the magician got up from the chair, holding an oil lamp in his hand. He opened the door and shouted:

— Which of the unots, well, here!

Papai flew in the door, looking at the mentor with sleepy eyes. But, sensible was a lad, fast mind. Immediately realized what the mentor needed, rubbed his face, bowed. He looked, now what interrogators, they say. Then he hung the magi on the shoulder of the young man.

— There are five messages here, for Zia the Bear, Khian and Timai elders, and for the governor of Salim. And this is the will of Asan. Go to Sargat, and do not hesitate on the way. Take Vatey to the helpers. But that’s it, hurry up!

— I’ll do everything, teacher! — and the unot left the cell of the magi.

Rist calmed down, poured himself smorodine kvass from the reaper into a ladle, and drank with pleasure. Head, he predicted that Elena the Beautiful is now the White Queen in their land. Again he took a full sip, looked into the dark corner through the flame of the lamp. And where black shadows swarmed, as if his daughter’s face flashed, and a golden royal crown sparkled on her head…

***

— Ilsa, the good knight expects you! — again tore her hay girl from the case, — Sysoy called himself!

The Slavnitsa combed her hair with a patterned comb. And then, they grew up almost to the thighs, a lot of work was spent on them. And now, she styled her wheat, rusty hair, in even strands, twisted them as it should, strengthened them with bevels, so that they would not fall in disarray. You will not go out of the yard, some kind of execution! Almost finished, Ilsa looked at her work.

— Call, post will come! Finally the girl decided.

And then again she looked at her treasure, I paint the heavenly. She kept looking at this nest of light — blue crystals, running her fingers along their sharp edges. One could admire for a long time the play of the rays of the sun, refracted, and already falling with blue light on the walls of the staircase. Again, everything started to play with such beauty, it just blossomed! The treasure had its own old history. The grandfather of little Ilsa’s grandfather found him among the Ural Mountains when he went to a small house.

The hay girl brought the messenger, and left her at the open door. And then, as if remembering, she said:

— Come to Father, called you!

— Wait for me, good fellow, I’ll be back quickly! ‘the Slavnitsa asked the guest.

She jumped up from the bench and passed by. But he who came did not look at her at all. His eyes seemed frozen to those crystals. He reached out to them, as if alive, admired the play of light on the blue edges. Sysoy picked up the fused stones and could not let them go.

Ilsa left the cell, and when she returned, the guest disappeared, as if he was not there. And the treasure is gone. The Slavnitsa rushed to the healer, for advice. Stremglv ran, went into her cell, was already suffocating.

— What’s wrong with you, beauty? asked the witch doctor, looking at the frightened student.

— Such a thing… One of the knights of the Queen, Sysoy, took and carried away those old crystals that his great-grandfather found in the Ural Mountains… What to do? After all, the tattoo happened, thin lola!

Ilsa did not say that she “stole.” And then, perhaps, the knight took just to admire. It was hard to blame such a glorious warrior for the bad! And the healer stroked the head of the Slavnitsa, hugged, began to calm down.

— It’s good that the young man took them… Now the curse will fall on his head, — old Nemya said quietly at her very ear, — the babies in your family will no longer die, and torment unknown ailments. It’s over…

— I’ll find him, I’ll let you know,” Ilse whispered, rushing to the door.

She turned so quickly that she almost fell on an inappropriately turned wicker floorboard.

— Stop! — and the medicine woman grabbed her hand with a stranglehold, not to tear off — he himself chose his fate. And he chose these stones, and his stones. They are not easy, and anyone, ordinary, would not be given to a person. This means that they decided that they wanted to leave you. And you, girl, do not interfere with that! It happens that something happened, it means, and rightly so…

For a long time I thought about such a lesson of the mentor Ilsa, finally, I wiped my eyes with a handkerchief and said quietly:

— I think I understand…

But, Ilsa did not notice the man standing here, behind the stairs. He covered his face with a cloak, as if his face was very stiff under the wind.

CHAPTER 11 Craftsmen of Oum

Sutei and Thunder worked hard at the anvil, got along with a cunning skeleton made of rods made of copper alloy. Those cunning additives, to Ural copper, were the main secret of Acasta. Increased strength, flexibility and elasticity. And then, the unots stretched the heated rods through the drawing boards, and made the required number of blanks. Then, the required number of joints, inserts and belts worked. And they did everything well, the hinges and loops worked properly. Akast personally checked everything, did not want to disgrace himself.

— Read, all reserves spent on it. It will be necessary to send to Sargat, for copper additives. And, all the hinges were removed, — said Sutei displeased.

— Nobody offered us such work yet! — Thunder said in response, — we ourselves are still proud of what we have done!

Acast again checked if everything was working fine. I fit into every device, I bent every handle myself. He did not give peace to himself or to others for three days. Craftsmen were exhausted, but no one wanted to lag behind such a thing. And Akast was glad of this, he knew that every person who works with his own hands and head is ambitious. I would like to shine in front of others, to show my skill! And now Acast walked around the huge room with gogol. What, managed to get everyone!

But, he did not give his own cover, he tried to feel how this product sits on his back, whether the straps on his chest are palm, whether it is easy to fit them to everyone. Finally, he nodded his head, accepting the work of the assistants. So unhurriedly, sideways backed against the wall, and covered with mattresses. Then, even behind the edges, the canvas twitched, twisted, so that nothing would stick out.

— We have done a great job, unprecedented… Now, and snacking is not a sin…

Pupils brought poisons and drinks — fish pies and berry kvass. The craftsmen ate sedately, without greed. Decorously eating Adota’s grandmother’s skillful cooking. Everyone in Oum knew that no one got along better than her pies. And then, although the sixth dozen is plucked, and there was a wonderfully sensible woman, fit for every household. They did not speak until they emptied the wooden elegant painted tray, clearing it of treats.

— Now, and it’s time to practice suede. We attach it to the frame, and then we glue it with swan feathers. Here, the beauty of kai will come out! — Akast broadcast with pleasure

— Why the feathers?” Is there little sense in them? Soutei did not understand.

— Elena decided so. I saw our work, I added more gold.

— Then of course. The queen knows better, of course, — he did not dispute Thunder.

And the craftsmen began to lay out thin suede on the floor, figuring out how to cut better. The matter was argued, worked hands tirelessly, until late in the evening. He examined Acast himself, stroked the mechanisms, and suede, as if they could rejoice in affection. He smiled happily, and asked as if from the living:

— Don’t let me down tomorrow!

CHAPTER 12 Geese-Swans

The time before dawn lasts a long time, it seems that it will not soon rise into the heavenly high sun. But here, in the gridnitsa, as if no one had noticed the darkness, neither greasy candles nor lamps were lit, filled with fragrant oil. Although, seven sat here, and slowly ate drink from their wooden buckets. And they ate sweet rye, honey, gingerbread. Then a low door opened, slamming the canvas against the jamb, so much so that the copper loops creaked plaintively. Sitting without turning their heads, they sat as if nothing had happened.

— Well, that’s it, my eagles, blue-winged falcons! Stop walking! Elena said harshly, entering the tomb of the knights.

And behind the mistress stood, with her head down, a hay girl. And behind her, and Ilsa. The Queen dressed the servant in rich clothes made of thin linen, presented a shower jacket made of wolf fur. Now Tadya looked much better than before.

The immortals jumped from the shops, and not just the leader of their gang entered, but the Queen herself, the Mistress of all Siberia! How can she not be honored?

— So we can’t fall asleep, — Sysoy complained, — and so, everything is more fun! And we don’t drink beer, only kvass. Bilkar still brought a curler of berry.

— Okay… Elena almost had mercy, but for two whole months sleep will not come to you. And then, for two weeks you will fall asleep. So if a dream approaches you on a long trip, look for a refuge in a tree so that your enemies do not get you.

— Exactly, I will sleep like an owl in a hollow! Apta joked.

— Well, an owl, not an owl, but a beak has grown a lot! Sysoy said nothing.

Indeed, although Apta was nice, with a pleasant face, blue eyes, punchy lips, and the girl’s nose was with a considerable hump. Only Apta was not offended by the caustic words, but laughed, and whispered something in Vaya’s ear, to her friend. Here, both began to make fun of Sysoy. They just burst into laughter, and so, cunningly, they looked at the knight. Until he blushed his face.

— Well, enough! — Elena interrupted such fun, — Saddle the elk, and go to the Black Hill at Oum. I, with Ilsa, will get there a little later. Expect us there!

Three girls came out, and the knights looked at each other in confusion, and the Poles were not calm.

— Listen, Tan, why did the Queen call us eagles and falcons? And also blue-winged? Khvylya said embarrassedly. “Or what are you up to?”

— Who knows… Maybe so praised? Tan added, finishing the kvass from the ladle, Tivda, what do you think?

— Why think. We’ll find out. Our job is all one — to serve the Queen. It is better not to clog your head with unnecessary thoughts.

— Your beloved became a direct magician-mentor, — fake Priya Vaya.

“Tivda says. We won’t die all alone, and we have nothing to be afraid of, “the Polish woman answered, adjusting the bracelet on her hand.

— Elena Beautiful conceived something. I suppose the daughter of a magi. Ilsa, she said everyone about us. Look at us! — explained Sysoy, — suspects something… She is a difficult girl, the daughter of the magician Rista, and that clever guy known throughout Obi…

— I looked at you, Vityaz, — Apta forged it, — I don’t know what she liked you? Or did what? Maybe he offered, but she refused? — and the glory laughed.

“Stop looking for bad things everywhere. It is necessary to get ready! — added Tivda. — Yes, now we and Magi and elders are not a decree! What the Queen says, then okay!

Sysoy grabbed his hat and threw it on the table in frustration, almost dropping the enda with drink on the floor of the gridnitsa.

***

Dry people grazed in the hollow, ate young branches in the trees, and the Immortals themselves sat down on a hill, putting their feet under them. And then, the usual pose for any rider, with simply “lapped” legs to the saddle. So each of them could sit at least all day.

— How long have we been here, and there is no Queen? Vaya worried, maybe what important happened? And here we are, everything is laid out on the grass!

— It’s clear. She is now with Ilsa, kind to her heart. And he can’t get here quickly.

— Here, carts! And big, about four wheels! — said the sharp-eyed Priya, — they are bringing something here!

Carts were both on two wheels and on four made for a large load. They were always dragged by oxen. Therefore, the wheels of such carts did not rotate quickly at all. Although the huge animals were tireless and strong, they always walked very slowly.

It took a long time to wait for the carts to climb the hill. The wheels of the carts creaked, falling into potholes. The Unots drove the oxen so that they would go at least a little faster. And Elena and Ilza were driving behind this train.

“Here we come, Acast! Elena shouted happily.

The craftsman is important and nodded his head with meaning. And Sutei and Thunder came closer, and looked, not lowering their gaze on the Immortals. They approached, watching with interest, what will happen? And the Queen did not hide her delight. Apparently, she put a lot of effort and her soul into this matter. She ran up to Akast, he threw back the horn, and immediately began to help fasten a wonderful mechanism behind her. Ilsa stood nearby, and kept quiet. But, it was clear how the girl’s face changed, how surprised she was. And there was something to be surprised at!

Elena Beautiful acquired wings. Huge, beautiful, like swans.

— You, Queen, try, first not to take off the ground. Is the mechanism conveniently configured for you? Acast said, preoccupied.

— Now we’ll check everything! Don’t doubt it, Grandpa! Everything will work out, no doubt, craftsman!

Tadja rushed to help. Elena made her hands into the fasteners, grabbed the handles, completely opened the wings. Then, raising her head, high, jumped from her seat onto the fathom, and immediately flapped her wings. She began to rise, making circles over the hill.

— Here, Slavnitsa… What the force does, — muttered Akast standing next to Ilse.

“Can I do that?” she said enchantedly.

— No, from where! They are thirty times stronger than mortal people. We will not be able to rise like that, — the craftsman explained a little sadly.

***

And Elena now just bathed in the sky. Almost like a bird. At first, it was difficult to learn how to keep balance, her legs seemed to outweigh her. But then, everything went as it should. She had enough strength, she did not feel tension or fatigue. A wave of wings — and she rose higher. And those below seemed small, smaller than ants crawling on the ground. Bending her arms a little, she learned to turn, left, and right, so much so that the wind cooled her face.

Not far away was Oum. Elena spun in the air, rising sharply, dropping almost to the ground. She heard the cry of craftsmen, her decks. They thought that she would break, but no, again smeared her wings, rose high and flew to Oum. The height was now, a hundred fathoms, no less.

It was good to watch the whole city from here. Here, a tall rampart-wall, the abode of people and their protection, and in the center — its tower. So small when you look from above! Elena saw how people poured into the square, shouting, pointing fingers at her. She still laid a circle, flew around the city, then looked at the pier, where fishermen and merchants were busy with important things — preparing boats for the long journey. And who, already fished, putting nets for water production. Yes, with such wings, she can see everything as Elena decided, and no one will hide from her eyes. And, after all, you can fly to Warta in just a day, as the Queen thought, and to Gandvik in just a couple of days! Where is it convenient! But, it was time to return. Elena again turned sharply, almost falling down, but sharply waved her wings, and straightened out. And there, and a close path to Black Hill!

***

“Where is she?” Ilsa whispered again.

— Don’t worry, glory! Here, look, and tsaritsyn wings! You will immediately recognize them! You see how they shine in the sky! ‘asked Akast’s praise.

— Straight gold!

— So gold bottom and covered. I gilded the feathers. And how beautifully it turned out!

— Who is above you, Acast?” Yes, and there is no one, throughout the Ob, in the Urals, or even throughout Siberia! — Ilsa uttered without a fraction of a joke, — an unprecedented thing happened!

The craftsman was very happy to praise, and did not hide it. He bowed to the Slavic woman with pleasure, then adjusted his clothes in order to look stricter and more visible.

— Here comes the Queen!” Apta shouted.

And exactly, the wings shining with gold flashed near the hill, Elena made a circle, then, slapping her wings, removing speed, jumped to solid ground, hitting right next to Akast and Ilsa. She freed her hands, and the wings stuck out behind her back, like a swan, when he slides along the water surface.

Thunder and Sutei ran to Elena, thinking how to help. And then, from the ground to the sky, and then, again, walks along the green grass, as it was unprecedented! But no, Elena walked a calm step, her face was now piercingly white, not blackened. I was not frightened, the Queen was the nev of rage now, but just very happy.

— Thank you, craftsmen! Everything turned out, amazingly good. And in the sky, what it turned out… And I could not imagine and think! Elena said with joy.

— Just like a falcon! Thunder praised her.

Simple as that, he said, as it were, straight, without undertakings. Yes, the craftsman himself was of such a sharp, even desperate nature, for which everyone loved him.

— No, like a white swan… But, with golden wings! You can’t take your eyes off her… — said, like a storyteller, Sutei, — Here for sure. Neither take away, do not add!

Elena now gladly listened to praise. But she made a sign with her bent fingers to Sysoy. He knew a secret language, hustles, when they talk without opening their mouths. Nodded, and ran to grazing dry. He took a small bag and stood next to the Queen.

— Here, Acast, this is for your skill and diligence — and put the bag in the hand of the craftsman.

He immediately bent to the ground under such a weight, almost dropping the gift. He smiled dumbfounded, not thinking of hiding his joy. The immortals, pleased with this joke, burst out laughing.

— So what is it? ‘asked the craftsman

— You know, read, only one thing in the world has such a burden. Is the bag small?

— Thank you, Queen! A rich gift…

— I hope that you will go on a hike with us, with your assistants. Wings are not an easy thing, and you never know, you will have to fix it…

It was evident how delighted such words of Acasta were. It is clear that he did not want to get into satellites himself. And the invitation is another matter!

“I was going to ask for it myself, Elena. But, you said before. I’ll get together quickly, I’ll go with all the gear.

— True, you will need to get used to the sight of my Dead Warriors. Well, nothing, everything will work out. Okay… Now it’s the turn of my Chosen Ones… Who is the first?

They wanted everything, but Sysoy was the first to succeed. Not everyone did it, but this knight had it usual. No wonder I tried to be ahead of everyone from the deck. And now, he proudly watched Acast personally adjust the belt.

— Remember! The tension should be tight — and the craftsman corrected the belt, pulling it up and adjusting it properly — otherwise, in the air, at speed, he can simply snatch you out of this cunning device. Be careful, you, nevertheless, not a bird, but a man! — admonished Acastus, — and now, try the very edge of the wings, as bends? You see, there are black bronze blades in front. You can chop and cut enemies! This is your weapon!

— Nothing skillful, let’s manage! I remember how I made my first shuttle. That was the task! Not like now! And he didn’t turn over, he caught fish well on it, — Sysoy choked.

True, the knight shifted from foot to foot, spreading his wings. He looked uncertainly at the chest straps, then at the Queen.

— Well, if you’re ready, start. Remember how I took off! Push with your feet that there is strength! Elena recalled.

But, now I checked the sharpness of the blades on my wings with my finger, and having put my hands in the belts, I tried to bend. It really turned out, not bad. And where falcons and ravens have feathers, they had dagger points. Yes, the gun turned out to be terrible…

— Now, it will definitely take off! Tan stated.

— No, I was scared a little,” Apta could not stand it.

— Maybe better with a little bit? Khvylya suggested.

But while the conversations were going on, Sysoy immediately decided. From the spot he jumped high, immediately ten fathoms, and began to wave his wings. Strength, as they say, is not necessary, and he howled three hundred fathoms, so that he could barely see him.

***

— Okay, — Elena murmured, and she took to the sky.

Only she flew sensibly, without fuss, gaining height in circles, so she rose slower. I felt the wind whistling at altitude and my face cooling. She fluttered like a butterfly into a gap between two hanging white clouds. I myself was surprised — from the ground they seemed so dense, obvious, but here — just huge and thick clumps of impenetrable fog. And she noticed that her wings were a little wet, covered with raindrops. But, but she noticed Sysoy, who was making circles above the clouds, apparently slightly lost.

— Here I am, Vityaz! You just need to get used to it! “she shouted,” hold on to me, do as I do!

— Not far! “he shouted,” it’s beautiful how! And people, there are no more ants on top!

— Go ahead, we must go down below the clouds!

And she, slightly pressing the left wing, turned sharply, without losing sight of the ward. However, he grabbed everything at once, on the fly. And, held on to her, keeping up. They, in a couple, flew around the city, causing the enthusiastic cries of its inhabitants. Again, whole crowds poured out, wanting to see such a sight.

— Okay, we have to go back! Elena shouted to Vityaz.

He is not one hundred to challenge the order. And, after a couple of minutes, they had already landed on the hill. Elena folded her wings and approached the Immortals.

“Now I’ll go up with each one. Well, at the end of the day, let’s try to take off together, and act in concert. You just have to get used to it.

And, now the Queen led everyone in turn in the air. First Apta, followed by Tan, then Vaya, Khvylya. Tivda and Priya rose without incident.

It was evident how the Immortals liked it, this is new. Yes, they have now received wings, in addition to eternal life and incredible strength. All seven were painted, it was clear how happy and excited. The Unots began to arrange snacks. Nothing like that, deer corned beef, barley bread and kvass. Bilkar skillfully managed with the assistants, everything was done quickly. So, on the grass, everyone ate. Elena drank only honey. She herself looked both behind the deck and behind the craftsmen, so that there would be no quarrels. But no, everything worked out calmly.

After that, they ate, and Elena gave everyone a rest. She herself, without stopping, looked at the sky, no matter how the wind rose. But no, it only fanned slowly, the leaves on the branches only made a little noise, the grass bent a little, nothing foreshadowing a storm.

She herself always held on to the belts. But no, the chest did not cut, did not shy. Acast fit everything well. I got up, walked slowly. Then suddenly she stuck her hands in the mounts, checked how the fingers of her hands control the ends of the wing, how the bronze tinkles on them.

— Well, geese-swans? Rested? Now we are flying again. Come here!

— Now. Queen! — shouted Vaya, wearing her wings, — we go already.

Elena stood at a folding table on which a wooden dish with sand was set.

— Here, such a system in the sky. Or such.

She drew a wedge first, and then a line tilted to the side. Here she brought out all eight with a wooden stick, depicting in bold circles with signs of runes denoting the names of the Immortals

“So I’m not so fat,” Vaya suddenly said.

— Yes, even more fully, — Sysoy climbed in again.

“Stop it,” Elena said quietly, and her face suddenly turned black with rage.

But, the knight did not notice anything, or pretended not to notice. He moved away, poured himself kvass and drank. Eyes black as darkness watched Sysoy.

— Come back! — it was said by the Queen very sharply and evil, so that others backed away.

— Now I’ll finish it and come! Vityaz gave an answer.

Nobody argued with him. Simply, Elena waved her wing, and the sharpest bronze instantly cut off the head of the debater. The body stood at half a second on its feet, and collapsed to the ground, throwing out a whole stream of blood. The head now lay on the grass, eyes gawping at the sky.

— What? Tspritsa shouted not in her own voice, — forgot who I am for you? So I reminded! You- my Geese Swans! And I will sprinkle you with gold for your service, and I will turn your necks for disobedience, like goslings! Remember your vows too!

Ilsa only swallowed heavily, looking at this. The breathless body of the disobedient lay in front of her, did not breathe or move. The immortal was deader than the dead, at once his power, granted by the Mistress, went away. The immortals fell silent at once, fell silent. No one expected the punishment of bullets to be so quick and merciless. But, the daughter of the magician could not. No, I remembered that Sysoy had dragged her jewelry. And so, his punishment befell him. But the glorious woman did not want his death. No, I didn’t want to, that’s all.

— Queen, show now and condescension to the fallen, — she began, — forgive him his guilt, as I forgive.

— So he was guilty before you? — Elena asked and her lips twisted with a terrible grimace.

— Yes. Hurt me. But I don’t hold a grudge against him. Why multiply the bad on earth?

— Well, — and the blackness from the face of the Queen at once retreated, as if absorbed into the skin, — I will forgive him. For your sake, good, righteous soul. Let it continue to be so.

— What? asked, not understanding, Acast.

— What a man with a kind heart will not ask me, so he should be rewarded! Well, Tivda, take the head of this okhalnik, and put it in place!

The knight instantly grabbed his head by the bloody pigtail, and put it to his neck, pressing it firmly. It took a long time to wait. But now, first the dead man’s legs shrank, then his hands fell silent on the ground, and Sysoy’s eyes opened.

“Am I…” he said.

“I killed you. By my will, you returned from Goose Land. At Ilsa’s request. — broadcast with a rattle in her voice, as if the Queen was spinning with mill stones, — Decide. Or, you will follow my orders, or I will charge you into small parts, but I will throw you into the river. And then you will not come to life, you will not rise again!

“I will no longer oppose your will to go, Queen,” the knight sentenced, lowering his head low, “let go of my guilt!” Henceforth I will not oppose!

— Okay… So it will be. But know, if anything, I will keep my word! In the meantime, look at the drawing. So in battle we will keep the system! So, and most importantly, do not fly closer than three fathoms to each other, so as not to beat your wings. Follow every order I have. Did everyone understand?

The knights and Slavs were silent, fearing now even to open their mouths. They only nodded their heads, agreeing with the words of the Mistress. And Sysoy did not raise his eyes.

— Well, in the morning, then on a hike! There is nothing to delay. Takrat may come to his senses, run away. And we will not give him! Acast, and you hurry up with the wagon train. It’s time to return to us Oum, prepare.

CHAPTER 13 The Long Night

The Queen and Ilsa dismounted at the large entrance to the palace, and the Deck pulled up to the door of the gridnitsa. Unots caught the reins of norovy plows, took them to the barn, to the feed. The immortals slowly took off their belts with wings, and carried them inside, not wanting to leave such an art lying on the straw.

— And then, aren’t you going to throw such a tackle without a look? Tan said aloud, — I wouldn’t even leave a sling belt here!”

— Exactly… And not a ready-made wrapper for boots! Waiya chuckled.

— Let’s go, and the food smelled so… The table, right, laid!

— Who is about what, Khvylya- about the meal… Tan joked.

Only Sysoy was gloomy, and only in excitement he squeezed and unclenched his fists. Sometimes, he touched his neck, as if checking a recent wound. But, there was no trace of her, as if there was nothing today. And Elena the Beautiful did not deprive him of his life that day… But how it all turned out, he smiled himself remembering, anger on a beautiful, ice-white face, a wave of the golden wing… And that’s all… Now, to be honest, I tried to remember if I saw something after death? But no, only gray fog, haze, did not remember anything.

— I haven’t asked before, Tivda… You, how did you die, saw what in that world? Sysoy asked.

— Yes somehow… Well, now.:. Darkness, haze, gray fog. Then he came to life, and Priya was nearby, and he hugged the girl who was sitting next to him.

— And I, here, saw the tree. Priya boasted, with silver leaves. And, white grass. The rain is endless, and pale flowers in the meadow. Like this…

True, although he disliked Tivd Sysoy, he did not really like this execution. And the knight was glad that he was talking to come to life. He himself moved a bowl of pies to him, poured kvass.

— Eat, drink! Still cost! And we need to eat, the battle is coming soon! Tan recalled.

— Yes and so, without battle, eat well! Khvylya added.

— And where do the forces come from, if not? — the big man grinned, — yes, and you, you look at the food, do not turn away!

Then there was a knock on the door, and the Queen’s hay girl entered the room, put a silver enda on the table. It smelled distinctly of honey.

— Mistress sent, here, drink! — said the girl, lowering her eyes down.

“And you taste it, beauty! — and Sysoy saying this, moored nearby.

— So in business I, in a hurry…

— And I will give the hotel, — said the knight, putting a gold ring in two parts next to the bucket.

“You live richly,” she replied, famously emptying the scoop and deftly picking up the ring.

Sysoy already wanted to embrace the beauty, but she quickly left, as if she was not there. The knight himself finished his honey, broke off a piece of gingerbread held on a wooden platter, wound his hands behind his back, and humbly stretched out.

— Here, I liked the girl! he said in a pleased voice.

— Why didn’t she stay? Priya asked, “we would have left, looked at the stars…” and she elbowed Tivda.

— And then… We argued with the guards… he said.

— What about? Tang did not understand the catch.

— That I will jump around the tower at once, — Tivda began to get out.

“You can’t jump that way. I give two rings, — entered the pru zdlrovyak, — was scared of what?

“Okay, let’s go,” Tivda reluctantly agreed, leaving the heated place.

“And I’m with you. Why sit here? Sysoy remarked.

“And honey?” Tan did not understand.

— Let’s go back and finish, — said Vaya, — come on!

Poured into the palace courtyard, with the ground covered with halves of oak logs. It was clean and tidy here, even after the rain. The dirt did not stick to the boots. And, even lamps hung on the logs of the tyn, filled with oil. They were immortal to nothing, and others are comfortable, not dark.

— Well, Tivda? Ready? Sysoy asked, grinning.

The fence was two fathoms high, no less. The knight looked, even sighed. Well, there was nothing to do. I came up with it myself, and execute it myself. He came closer, sat down a little, gathered all his strength, but jumped. Others did not have time to gasp, they heard only a voice behind the fence:

— Well, so my two rings will be!

— Jump back in, grasshopper! — tried to turn everything into a joke Sysa.

— Part!

And next to them, banging on the wooden yard with the soles of his boots, a smiling Tivda found himself. Priya at once hugged and kissed the young man.

— Well, what? It turned out quite well, — Tan joked, — for sure, there are a lot of strongmen in us!

And instantly jumped over the fence too, and then, barely touching the ground, he returned at once. Well, then the fun went…

***