First-called Ilsa. The First Dead Princess. Immortals

– 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!