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CHAPTER 12 Zhiva wooed
The girl settled in a chair, stretched her legs, felt the teeth of the comb gliding gently along her hair. She almost fell asleep under the measured movements of her black. The clever and skillful hands of the woman slowly continued, without interruption, did their usual work. She did not touch or scratch her scalp, everything came out okay and somehow beautiful. And she was dressed, although simply, but neatly and okay, she looked nice to the eye. Even her wrists were decorated with bracelets, but, of course, copper, and not gold or silver.
“Well, I’m tired today, my beauty,” the Chernavka said, “but I leaked a lot today.” Mother could not get enough of you, she praised and praised everything… Everyone was happy, happy.
Alive and could not believe such words. Mother more often scolded her, called her only daughter so only crooked indiscretion. Astya did not give sweats, mother was harsh, oh… Everything showed how they weave behind the machine, so that the canvas would come out even and smooth.
“Thank you, Jarka. — said firmly Alive, looking in the mirror — Since you, no one can, that’s for sure… Hair after your crest, just burning, glittering…
The mirror was old work, they said, the craftsman Acast himself created it. Smooth and even, with a better reflection, it was inherited in the family of Savir Katovich. And now Zhiva got it.
— And then, my child… And well, everything is so good… So, the matchmakers arrived, Father ordered you to dress up. You are my beloved beauty, — the chernavka said with feeling.
— Why didn’t Mother come herself? — the girl answered with a call in her voice, — it must be, if according to the Covenants. I suppose, according to Elena the Beautiful herself, it is written on gold tablets, and it is inappropriate to violate this… Even her…
— Will be, will be Mrs. Astya in the refectory, otherwise how? Tomorrow, everyone will gather, do not doubt… And the brothers will arrive… Everything, as it should be…
— And Rata? Will Rata?
— Yes, I don’t know… You know yourself, if your brother is not needed… Then no, what should he do there?
“He is not insane! And you… Don’t dare! ‘she shouted, stamping her foot, ‘take him here fast! I order!
Chernavka threw the ridge, bowed, bowing her head almost to the floor, and was about to run, when suddenly…
“You forgot the braid. Here, you finish, so run after my brother, — the girl recalled.
“I’m sorry, madam. murmured the chernavka.
And, quickly, but skillfully performed her work, completing everything to the end. Alive bowed her head, checked how she would fulfill all this. And, ahead, the thought was already flying, and she smiled a little. But so that the cunning Yarka would not have guessed. After all, the girl knew that the chernavka was listening, she was reporting everything to the priest about her, and about her brother. Yes, she could not do anything, but there were no servants.
Yarka bowed, but quickly left the girl’s lady. She moved her legs like that, did not contradict. And then, and heard Live long-awaited steps, and a sweet voice:
— What, called me, sister?
— So it is, — muttered Zhiva, and hugged and kissed her brother, — I heard, are they marrying me?
— Exactly, the whole estate says that.
— I ask you to help…
Rata looked at her as if he had never seen her before. He bowed his head to his left shoulder, squinted a little, and took his sister’s hand.
“It won’t work tomorrow. There are many guests, and the estate is full of notes. You have to wait, two days. You’re not in a hurry, are you?
She thought a little, remembering her own. And then, even the prigozhy son of the governor Seyan, the cheerful and talkative Umir, was not in her thoughts. Only the resentment remained, the day arose when, according to the single word of her father, Savir Katovich, Umir Seyanovich retreated from her. It seemed lively and strong, and then, immediately blown away, like a fish bubble. So the annoyance was still in her heart.
“There’s enough gold. Do you want to live in Varta or Sad yourself, Rata?
“I don’t mind. I would also like to visit Gandvik, but how will it come out… But, for you, sister, the main thing is to survive tomorrow. And then, everything will work out, be sure!
Rata’s words were, right word, like a sip of water for a thirsty person. It became easier on the soul of the girl. And then, she knew that Rata was not mistaken, she had only to be able to listen to him.
***
Savir Katovich was restless in the morning, oh, and not calm. He personally went around the entire farm of his estate, as soon as the sun rose. He looked around, and cows and geese, checked how the servants were doing the job. But, everything seemed to be in order, and all one thing, the heaviness hung on my heart, could not calm down in any way. Even now, he ate and drank a full ladle of put honey, but he had a long time with his wife surprised by such a turn.
“Why are you, Savir,” she murmured when it was over, “as if you were younger?” Or did you decide to marry?
— She said too, — he grinned, gladly flattening his wife’s lush chest, — you, my beauty… So, hard in my soul, as if I was doing the wrong thing…
And now, years later, his Astya was beautiful. Savir did not take other women for himself, disdained.
— So the daughter is on the son of Seyan? Why interpret? Prigozhiy, yes, okay?
— Sluggish hurts, there is no solid vein in it… Our daughter will turn them. And there is another groom. You can’t lose here, Astya
— Just do not deceive yourself, — the woman quietly said, turning on her side, and now she looked into her husband’s eyes, — sometimes, it is worth taking her time…
— Oh, tip your tongue, Astya. But, smart, just like a snake — a scratch…
“Really? she grinned, moving closer, and, is it so cold?
“Not at all,” he whispered, covering her mouth with a kiss, “you just do wonders…
The woman smiled, pre-war with such words. But, as if she remembered something, looked at the door, listened, but calmed down in her husband’s arms.
***
Savir Katovich stood on a high porch, and his wife, Astya Yamaevna, in expensive clothes, everyone was waiting for the guests. In the courtyard, on the benches, buffoons sat and bored, folding goose and horns, waxwings and pipes in a row. Also expected.
— Where is this long-awaited groom? Astya muttered quietly, curling her brightly painted lips.
Savir only smiled rather remembering this morning. And then, he and his wife did not hit their face in the mud, I suppose, they were not worse than young feathers. And the spouse, and made up, all according to custom. And she whitened her face, bright punchy lips, and blush on cute cheeks play with fire. Savir Katovich could not resist, put his hand on his wife’s strong ass. She mowed her eyes, smiled.
— Going, going! there were cries from the street.
It is understandable, onlookers gathered a lot. The children sat down on the neighboring fences, anticipating a rare sight. And so, the hooves of the horses were caught, and elegant riders appeared. And ahead of everyone, a young man dressed in a dark blue caftan was driving, just glistening in the sun. In a rich sable hat decorated with feathers.
The gates creaked, the melancholy did not fail, they opened the entrance for dear guests in time. They dismounted in the yard, the unots took the horses under the canopy. Finally, the groom himself, with two respectable-looking companions, climbed the porch.
Savir saw how she changed in the face of Astya, almost grabbed the railing. The elder quickly said:
— Is it healthy, Manis Sabadayevich?
And for sure, the young man, in a blue shiny caftan, it was Manis Sabadayevich himself, the son of Sabaday, the lord of strangers, with whom all the khanz so often fought, and with whom peace would now be concluded.
— Before you is our Manis, — began one of the companions, — And we ask for him, you have great honor. Give your daughter I live Savirovna as a wife to Manisa. And the warrior of the steppes is strong and dexterous, but he does not have a warm hearth without a good wife. And here are the gifts, for honor, not for purchase, kind Savir Katovich. Is it possible to pay with something such an honor?
— We are glad to see you, dear guests! Go to ohm, taste bread and salt! — answered, stammering, Astya.
It was evident how surprised the woman was by such a groom. Savir just felt with his skin that if he were not there, Astya would have escaped. And it was much easier to blush and pale under a layer of whitewash. Well, he himself kept calm. He pushed his wife a little, so that he would come to his senses of course. Well, she still said her due:
— Here, knock down from the road, dear GOST!
And she brought a reaper with a drink and bowls. Yes, poured a drink for everyone, so they didn’t shake their hand either. Those, remembering politeness, drank, but with pleasure.
— Please, please, to the table. In the garden, everyone is just waiting for you… — said Savir, taking Manis by the arm.
He let him down, and the rank seated the groom opposite the bride. Alive, sat, lowering her head, and did not raise her eye. Rata calmly drank kvass. The older brothers, Umil and Sarth, as Manisa saw, turned pale and blushed, almost grabbing their swords. Astya held them, grabbing both hands.
Here, nearby is the governor Seyan and his son, Umir Seyanovich. Volhv Salim. Ouma, Zatey da Gatal, Umil and his nephew, Urd, also came. There was also foreman Ramid, known for his luck on long trips, And behind each stood their youths, and for honor, to serve at the table. Well, of course, and everyone had fear, no one knew how such a feast could end. Good, or bloody fight.
— Remember many, years of wars and endless fights between hanza and strangers. It happened, but now, it’s time to live in the world, enjoy the times of prosperity and peace, — Savir said enthusiastically, — wealth, so it goes into our hands, so why refuse! Caravans of expensive goods will go east to the lands of Zhou, and our furs and jade, copper and tin, we will get silk and expensive stones… We can sell a lot, oh and a lot…
— Yes, Sabaday will be happy to skip the caravans with the goods. It will be beneficial to both you and us.. A good world is much better than an evil war, “Manis said.
He got up, and during the speech he turned, giving himself to everyone to consider. And then, stared at him, as if a monster from terrible dreams. And when they saw closer, they noticed that they were saying okay, but sit down with themselves, albeit not in a local way.
“It’s good,” Salim began to say now, “that peace and tranquility will come.” And as a sign of this, Manis asks for the hands of his daughter from Savir Katovich, Zhiva Savirovna herself. So that trust becomes stronger, and friendship grows out of enmity.
Everyone fell silent, it became quiet, you could hear the zanpvesi swaying from the wind. Nobody wanted to talk, everyone expected the other to say.
— So let’s drink to the health of Manis Sabadayevich! — again helped out an old friend of the Magi, and the first raised a bowl of foam beer
Here others supported, caught instantly empty bowls on an oak table. Beer poured like a river, honey set, flowing, and a bitten-narrow stream. One Alive, just sitting and silent, was quiet and thoughtful, did not even touch her cup.
CHAPTER 13 Oum. Secrets and pattern on the jacket
She did not look at her feet now, but, without lowering her eyes, she looked at the huge shaft of Oum, towering above the landing. Here, too, there was something to see, and the bargaining was rich, on the square of the city. But to be here, and not to see the famous fortress of the whole Priob — it would be simply incredible.
“Have you been there, Father?” Elle asked quietly.
“Yes, more than once. We lived in two daytime passages from here, not far from the Fortress, which the Fallen of huge boulders laid down.
— And what, really? And worth it?
“What will she do?” Kamenyuki poods one hundred each, no less. So an invincible wall with a rampart came out, protection from strangers. And in the shaft of Oum, right in the ground, the whole city is built, the hive is real. Living quarters, like honeycombs, and a couple of wells, so there is water there, and the drain for dirty water is arranged. Everything is done according to the mind. An intelligent place where it is fashionable to sit out from any enemy.
— So let’s go, why should I stand here? — and the Christmas tree pulled in impatience, grabbing the hand of her father, right to the drawbridge.
Here stood a guard, with a dozen soldiers, with spears and clubs, and shields thrown behind their backs. Everyone is barely older than Elle, as Radko noted with annoyance. Only one, apparently, uncle mentor, was a gray-haired barbel, with a golden hryvnia on a mighty neck.
— Hello and you, dear guests. In time, you came to our aid from Warta, — said the honored warrior, smiling, and straightening his thick mustache.
— And you have a good morning, Vityaz. You and your collars.
— Yes, what kind of guards they are… So, while only the youths are bewildered, everything must be taught, but looked after.
— So we would like to go to the Golden Palace. Here, my daughter has never been there. Just heard.
— Why not, since the soul asks! Come on in!
The youths smiled, noticing the prigozhny girl. Well, the Elle held on briskly, did not turn up her nose, but everyone would understand that she knew her worth. And they went inside, so the Elle forgot about everything. I walked around the wooden stairs leading upstairs to the living quarters of the fortress. The wooden platforms in front of them were empty, and there, above, Elle noticed that there were even windows in the burners, with a bull bubble inserted into the frames. And then, as many as three levels were in this house — the fortress. And this gigantic house could accommodate almost five thousand people, no less. Everyone who lived in the village of Oum.
— Just incredible! whispered the surprised girl.
And then, Savir Katovich himself walked past them, surrounded by friends — comrades and two dozen unots. Radko, remembering politeness, bowed, and the foreman nodded back. The warrior was not particularly distinguished, but his daughter… Before her, Savir immediately stopped, which made the girl blush. And then, such a well-worn husband shows her honor.
“Thank you girl for your valor. Manis Sabadaevich himself captivated, from that great benefit happened to the capital Oum and all of Russia, for sure. How are you called? looked at her carefully.
“I am a Elle Radkovna, according to my father,” she whispered.
— Here you are, girl. And you, and your father. Ikmore! “he shouted,” carry my casket!”
The dozen unot threw back the cover of the carved shelter of all sorts of things, and Savir himself, with his sleek handles. took out of it an excellent military belt, and a golden bevel, weighing at least ten spools.
— This is for you… — said the foreman, in the kindest voice possible, — for good memory!
And the Elle was already stunned when she saw on the junk the very patterned boots that she saw last night on that stranger with her face covered. What spoke to Manis… I took a step back in fright, but now I came to my senses, it would be stupid to run, it would mean simply giving myself away… She tried to calm down, but turned very pale, and immediately turned red.
— Take it please, otherwise you look how your face has changed, — said Savir, — from a pure heart, do not think bad, the reward is deserved…
The tree stood as if petrified. Here Radko himself secured the gift of a drawn man in his daughter’s hair, and he himself dressed a new belt decorated with gold.
— I thank, Savir Katovich for honor, for affection, — the warrior thanked, having bowed in a belt, — and to us, it’s time. We must have time to look at the White Throne in the Golden Palace.
I did not understand Radko why the Elle behaves this way, but he himself knew, and for a long time that it was not worth showing disrespect to those who were found, then he could go sideways.
— Yes, the famous place, from Elena itself remained. — continued to explain Savir, — Let’s go, spend and tell everything. We have something to look at. Ikmore, run, tell me that we will come up now!
The Christmas tree just looked around, but was it possible to escape from here? I had to go with everyone, and smile in addition, so that the Savirovs would not think anything like that. That, they say, the girl is ungrateful, or that she is up to bad things.
And Radko did not understand what was the matter. But, I thought and decided that my daughter was a little worried, and that’s all. True, he decided not to interfere, not to torment his daughter with questions, especially in front of the Savir Unots.
And at the gates of the palace two guards were bored, the service was not heavy, just boring, standing here, and keeping order. But, here both seeing Savir Katovich, at once transformed, took on a young look, settled down. The foreman said nothing, only sighed heavily, as if he had lifted a heavy one.
— Here, come in, I’ll show everything, — said Savir, — here, nearby. And further — the front hall… Here, look yourself, girl…
They climbed the oak steps of a steep seedling. The railings and pillars were decorated with skillful carvings, and in addition, they were generously painted to the place. It looked as if there was a Elle in a wondrous forest, surrounded by trees, on the branches of which sat wondrous animals and birds that met her. Savir looked back, pulled the ring, and opened the door wide, opening the entrance. Copper lamps burned dimly in the canopy, accelerating the darkness.
They went on to the chambers. The walls were richly decorated with carvings. The skillful craftsman with an inspired cutter left in memory the deeds and exploits of Elena, here on earth… The Christmas tree looked at it, eyes wide, just unable to come off. Here the Lady resurrects the beaten army of the Hansa, then, calls for the service of the Seven Fallen, amazes with her strength the army of strangers. How they crown her to the Kingdom, and she punishes Zia and Oakast for pride. Then, he puts himself instead of Ilsa the First-Called, depicted, like the Mistress, with a piercingly white face. And the last picture — Elena finds her brother, and with him ascends into the bright blue sky, which has opened like a blossoming flower bud. The Christmas tree even touched this ocher rhombus with petals, which let Elena and Veles onto the Heavenly Road.
The girl even sighed, trying to remember these paintings forever. There is no dispute, and in their Warth they depict a similar thing, and the work of carvers was good, but…
— The craftsman Akast personally saw all this, — Savir said quietly, — so he was able to make such beauty… Well, let’s go further, it will be even better.
The Christmas tree doubtfully listened to the last words, but led an incredulous shoulder — but does it happen better? Could this be? But, she followed the escort. His unot opened the gilded bronze doors in front of them.
But right, beautiful walls, completely decorated with carvings, but covered with gold. White throne, with griffins carved from limestone. It looked like it came here from another, the Mountain World. By the manifest will of the Lady, and maybe someone else… All this attracted the eyes of those who came to this hall.
— It was revealed that day when Ilsa the First-Called fell asleep. — Savir broadcast with a gloomy expression on his face, — Bilkar’s grandson came, and everything has already been done… He swore, they say, saw here the scurrying fingers, the faithful servants of Elena the Beautiful, who painted this hall. Only my father, Katko Okastovich, did not believe the junk… He ordered to beat until he said…
“So what? whispered a frightened Elle.
— Again it turned out badly… Died under the lashes of the unot, did not say anything, and on the night my father died… He shouted terribly, but no one could come, his chambers were locked… Then, — and Savir spoke, and with his right hand as if he had opened the door, — in the morning they themselves swung open, and on the bed, in a swan feather bed, as if in a bloody tub father swims… All blood leaked to the drop, through small cuts.. There was no living place on it, it was all cut up, from head to toe… So his fingers executed him… Okay…
The Christmas tree looked from the foreman to the decoration of the Golden Hall. And there was something to see.
Here in front of the Throne itself, there were two tall idols made of wood, insured, albeit executed, right, by a skillful master. One, worked like a man with a bear’s head, only painted white. Another, like a stump with round eyes, gray, with wonderfully spread hands.
— So who is it? — Yolka whispered, — after all, people say different things, you don’t know what to believe…
— Zia — Bear this, and Okast, who has become a scarecrow, a scarecrow, the guardian of her chambers. And as Elena and her brother left, Ilsa the First-Called found another occupation for them, — Savir slowly broadcast, — always guard the entrance to Tartar so that the Fallen do not rise ahead of time. Such an eternal service fell to them from the Princess — to be in that secret place until the end of time, until the whole world falls… ‘the foreman continued the speech.
— Hard business and difficult…
Savir noticed that the girl said this with respect, and blossomed directly, amused at once. He even unbuttoned the shirt gate.
— And here I am, consider, the great-grandson of Elder Oakast… They remember in our family about that day, and they keep the memos, about Elena the Beautiful herself. Here, such, girl.
— And where are her wings, her, and Ilse the First-Called?
“Nobody knows that. And such craftsmen were translated, and Alma Braid of Death, had no wings, like her Immortals. Maybe this is fortunately, otherwise she… — the elder almost said: “I screwed up the affairs,” but I settled down, covered my mouth with my palm, — And the throne always awaits Elena the Beautiful, the Snow Queen. Her yes twin brother, the greatest Veles. When they ask, no one knows, but we always wait and hope.
— It’s so established, — said Radko, breaking a long silence, — thank you for showing everything, Savir Katovich. Let us go, there will be something to tell at home.
The elder nodded a little, smiling favorably.
CHAPTER 14 Must be able to leave on time
And Radko already shuddered, feeling, as if with ticks, his daughter’s fingers clung to his forearm. After all, they are fine, thin and smooth, but now, as if they were made of stone,
Father looked at her, and she turned terribly pale, barely breathing. Radko hastily led the Elle out of the palace. The girl just hung on the hand of a frightened warrior. And I didn’t know what to do, I wanted to look for a herbalist. But, finally, Elle began to recover. She looked carefully at her father, as if she had seen him for the first time. She turned her head, calmed down that she was already on the square of the city.
And here life continued, as if nothing terrible had happened. The wheels of heavily loaded carts creaked, carts of peddlers carrying goods scurried. And the inhabitants of the huge city were in a hurry to bargain. Who is in the case, and who, and just look at different curiosities from distant places, or even countries. A little further away, the merchants’ drownings, swept out the rubbish from the boardwalk, so that everything looked beautiful and okay.
