Cinderella and Alangazar - страница 8

– Enlist him, she said. And tell him to come by – I want to speak with him myself.

The adjutant nodded and left.

Cinderella looked out the window: soldiers drilled on the parade ground, Alangazar had already dropped another kettle, and far off on the road, a figure approached – wearing a dark cloak and a silver-bladed sword on his back.

The office was quiet.

Cinderella and Ertochtuk

Through the open window, soft sounds drifted in —

the click of boots,

the thud of training swords,

and the smell of freshly watered grass lingered in the air.

Cinderella stood by the window, thoughtful.

Her uniform, the color of field cornflowers, shimmered slightly in the morning sun.

A command tablet hung from her belt, and beside it lay a stack of papers and a cup of cooling tea.

She watched drills, bustle, life outside —

but inside, she held a sliver of quiet.

Suddenly – a knock.

She turned, calm as ever.

– Enter, she said.

The door opened, and a young man stood there – tall, clear-eyed, with a shy smile.

He held his cap respectfully in both hands.

– Ertoshtuk? – she looked up.

– Yes, Commander Cinderella. Good morning, – he nodded slightly, hesitant.

– Come in.

He stepped closer, and his presence filled the room —

fresh, like mountain air.

There was something honest about him, like in children – or the rare brave souls unafraid to be kind.

– I read your file, – she said, flipping papers, though already watching him directly.

– Quite a story. Underground trials, battles with giants… you showed both wit and courage.

He looked away, blushing slightly.

Then, after a pause, softly:

– It was my father… He left me the dagger. I just didn’t want to let him down.

Cinderella smiled gently.

– Family honor is a strong reason. I like warriors who speak from the heart.

– You’re young, but you’ve seen much. So tell me – why join our ranks? You’re not from here.

He paused. His hands tensed just a little.

– Because… – he looked up,

– Here, I feel useful. And here – I can learn.

I want to return home stronger one day.

But for now – I need to grow.

The silence that followed felt bright.

And within it – respect.

Cinderella nodded, her gaze softening – no longer just a commander.

—

Well then… Welcome to the regiment, Ertoshtuk.

You’ll be of value. And I believe – you’ll find something here too.

He straightened, drew a deep breath,

and in his bow was more than formality —

there was gratitude, trust, and a beginning.

– Thank you, Commander.

He left.

Cinderella stood quietly, watching the closed door.

Outside, orders rang out, boots stomped —

the morning went on.

But in her heart, a warm note lingered.

Perhaps, indeed – a day that starts with paperwork

can end with a new friendship.

Ertoshstuk and the Underground Mission

It hadn’t been long since Ertoshstuk joined Cinderella’s service.

But already, everyone in the regiment knew his name.

More than that – they respected him.

For the way he silently helped carry the heavy burdens.

For his restraint, and his quiet kindness.

For how he listened.

And – somehow – for the light he seemed to carry inside.

Something unexplainable.

He trained with Alangazar.

They became friends – the kind who could share silence,

split a loaf of bread,

and laugh at the same silly joke again and again.

Alangazar taught him to throw spears – with force, from the shoulder.

He showed him how to lift boulders with one hand.

And Ertoshstuk, in return,