Cinderella and Alangazar - страница 6

Masha melted:

"Now that’s what I call an army family. Even if someone ate the berries…

together, we find more and save the bread."

From that day on, she made "Friendship Donuts," and Cinderella often came to the mess hall not for orders – but for seconds… or thirds.

The Story of the Fairy – She Fixes Everything But Evil

This fairy wore no wings. She had a toolbelt with hammers, keys, bandages – and even a miniature teapot. Her wand? A screwdriver with a ribbon. Her magic? Pure care.

When the tower clock jammed, she zoomed up the stairs, spoon in hand, whispering:

"Shh… it’s okay, little one. Mama’s here."

When Alangazar’s boot split open, she picked up a needle the size of a shovel and stitched the sole so well, it drummed like a parade drum when he walked.

One day, even Fox was down. Tail dragging. No purring.

Without a word, Sasha placed a warm mug of minty milk in front of him and quietly fixed his favorite compass – the one that always pointed toward… donuts.

He sighed:

"Thanks, Bulka. You can fix even me."

She loved mending things. Turned traps into bird feeders. Broken umbrellas into flags. Broken hearts – into just a little sad, but healing ones.

She also collected sounds: the tower’s creak, the Cat’s purr, Masha’s kitchen door slam.

"Everything’s alive. Everything speaks – if you listen," she’d say.

Cinderella cherished her like a quiet enchantment.

"I have an army," she once said.

"But Masha makes it a home."

Chapter 2:

ERTOSHTUK – HERO OF THE STEPPES AND MOUNTAINS

Era: 9th century

Height: about 3 meters

Origin: from the lineage of ancient giants, son of Earth and Sky

Homeland: the vast Great Steppe and the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains

Ertoshtuk is a giant among men – tall and broad-shouldered, with a powerful chest.

Though nearly three meters tall, his movements are light, dancer-like – precise and controlled.

His face is sun-kissed, with high cheekbones, thick brows, and serious, eagle-like eyes. Piercing, but not cruel.

Long dark hair tied into a thick braid, woven with a leather strap.

His beard is thick and warrior-like, yet neatly trimmed.

His armor is crafted from hardened leather, brass scales, and bronze plates.

The breastplate bears carvings of the sun, a falcon, and stylized waves.

Pauldrons shaped like lion heads rest on his shoulders.

A broad belt holds his scabbard and several amulets: a bear’s tooth, a sky-blue stone, and a braid from his sister as a talisman.

His shield is round, wooden, bound with iron, and bears a wolf symbol at its center.

His horse is nearly mythical – black as midnight, with a mane that sweeps the ground.

Nearly man-sized, the steed has an intelligent, soulful gaze.

Ertoshtuk can lift the horse in his arms if he must pull it from swamp or battlefield.

His bow is made from yew and horn, adorned with runic patterns – its draw weight is immense, nearly unmatched.

His arrows have white fletching, each with a name: Memory, Wrath, Song.

His saber is long and slightly curved, etched with the form of a serpent along the blade. The hilt is set with turquoise – a symbol of the sky.

On horseback, he moves as if the horse were part of him – riding like a dancer, firing without missing even at full gallop.

Held a mountain pass alone for three days and nights against giants, until reinforcements arrived.

Descended into an underworld to reclaim his sister’s soul – defeated the Stone Sentinel with hollow eyes.