Stranger, we advise you to read the fairy tale "Down the Magic River" by Eduard Uspensky to yourself and your children, this is a wonderful work created by our ancestors. "Good always conquers evil" - on this foundation is built, similar to this one and this creation, with early years laying the foundation for our understanding of the world. It is amazing that with sympathy, compassion, strong friendship and unshakable will, the hero always manages to resolve all troubles and misfortunes. Here, harmony is felt in everything, even negative characters, they seem to be an integral part of beingness, although, of course, they go beyond the boundaries of what is acceptable. Probably due to the inviolability of human qualities in time, all morality, morality and issues remain relevant at all times and epochs. A small amount of details of the surrounding world makes the depicted world more saturated and believable. Charm, admiration and indescribable inner joy are produced by pictures drawn by our imagination when reading such works. The fairy tale "Down the Magic River" by Eduard Uspensky is certainly useful to read online for free, it will bring up only good and useful qualities and concepts in your child.

CHAPTER ONE THE MAGIC PATH

In one village, a city boy lived with a grandmother. His name was Mitya. He spent holidays in the village.

He spent the whole day swimming in the river and sunbathing. In the evenings, he climbed onto the stove, watched his grandmother spin her yarn, and listened to her fairy tales.

And here in Moscow everyone is knitting now, - the boy said to his grandmother.

Nothing, - she answered, - soon they will start spinning.

And she told him about Vasilisa the Wise, about Ivan Tsarevich and about the terrible Koshchei the Immortal.

And one morning his grandmother said to him:

That's what. Take some goodies and go to my cousin's aunt - Yegorovna. Stay with her, help with the housework. And she lives alone. The old one has completely become. That and look, it will turn into Baba Yaga.

Okay, - said Mitya.

He took the gifts and went along the path through the forest. Everything is straight and straight. As his grandmother told him.

And suddenly a big, big Gray Wolf ran out to meet the boy. Much more than those that usually sit in the zoo.

Hello, he said in a human voice. - Have you by any chance seen a goat here? Gray like that?

Mitya was at first confused, and then said:

No... I didn't see a goat.

Hmmm, - thoughtfully drawled the Wolf, - it means that I should be without breakfast today. He sat on his hind legs. - But the girl did not come across to you? So small, with a basket? In a red cap?

No, - answered Mitya, - and the girl did not come across to me.

Hmm, - the Wolf drawled even more thoughtfully, - it means that I should be without lunch today! He turned and ran back into the forest.

The boy felt sorry for the Wolf, and he said:

Do you want me to feed you? I have a pie with me.

The wolf stopped.

With what? With meat?

No. With cabbage.

I don't want to, said Wolf. - I would eat sausages. Do you have a sausage boy?

There is, - answered Mitya. - Only I'm afraid my grandmother will scold me.

What else is a grandmother? Wolf asked. Because gray wolves are always interested in other people's grandmothers and granddaughters.

Grandmother Yegorovna. I'm going to her.

For you, she may be a grandmother, - Wolf grinned, - but for me ... well, not even a bit. Don't worry, she won't scold you. You treat me, and I'll still be useful to you!

The path crossed the green meadow and ran down to the river.

A white mist hung over the river and smelled of milk. A bridge rose above the mist.

Is this river a milky one? - the boy was surprised. - Nobody told me about it.

He stopped in the middle of the bridge and watched for a long time how sunbeams ran along the light milky waves. Then he went on. His footsteps resounded in the silence, and multicolored bug-eyed frogs jumped into the milk from the jelly banks. They must have been made from jelly.

Then the path led the boy through a dark forest and ran into a low wooden fence. Behind the fence stood a dilapidated hut on chicken legs.

Hut, hut, - said the boy, - come on, turn your back to the forest, and front to me!

The hut turned.

That's great! Mitya was surprised. - And now to the left! One-two!

The hut turned to the left.

And now march in place! One-two! One-two!

One-two ... One-two ... - the hut marched, raising dust.

And one could hear how cups and saucers rattled and rolled on the shelves inside.

But then the window opened, and some old woman leaned out of it.

What are you bullying? What are you bullying? she screamed. - That's how I'll jump out, how I'll jump out, how I'll crack with a broom!

Hello, - said Mitya to her. - And you, grandmother, who? Are you Baba Yaga?

Yes, the old woman replied. - And who are you?

I am Mitya.

What else Mitya?

Ordinary, Sidorov.

What am I to do with you?

Like what?

And so. If you were Ivan Tsarevich, I would give you tea and put you to bed. If you were a boy Ivashka, I would boil you in a cauldron. And what should I do with Mitya, I won’t even know!

I don't need to cook, - said the boy. - After all, I brought you guests.

From whom are the hotels?

From my grandmother Glafira Andreevna. I am her grandson.

Why didn't you just say so? So you are my cousin! And I wanted you with a broom! You wait. I instantly.

And in the hut something rustled, rustled, moved. Obviously, the floor was swept, a fresh tablecloth was covered and clean dishes were taken out.

Finally the door swung open and the boy climbed the steps.

The house was clean and cool. Baba Yaga, with a big nose, dressed up and combed, was sitting at the table, and next to her was a small, musty and somehow all green unfamiliar old woman.

Why are you, grandma, so wet? the boy asked her. - As if they got out of the swamp?

And I got out of the swamp, ”the old woman answered. - I live there, in the swamp. For a thousand years, probably!

Blimey! I have never heard of people living in the swamp. Yes, another thousand years!

Of course, - the old woman was offended. - You have probably heard about Baba Yaga. What am I? I don't fly in a mortar. I don't feed Ivanov Tsareviches. I just live in a swamp, that's all!

Yes, you know her! This is Kikimora swamp! Baba Yaga intervened. She lives right next door. Went out for a visit.

Are you Kikimora? Then I know about you. You, together with Leshy, scare people in the forest. Correctly?

What is there together! Expect help from him! You have to do everything yourself!

She calmed down a bit.

Still nice - stranger, city boy, but knows something about you.

And they began to drink tea with lingonberry and cranberry jam.

And talk about this and that. About the fifth, about the tenth. About the thirteenth and fourteenth.

There was a saucer on the table, the old woman looked into it all the time. And an apple rolled on a saucer.

And what's that? the boy asked.

This is an apple - on a silver platter, - answered Baba Yaga. - A gift to me from Vasilisa the Wise. She came to visit, so she left. She comes up with a lot!

What can be seen on it, on this saucer?

Yes, whatever you want. We all now know what is happening in our kingdom! - said Kikimora.

Yes, you sit closer and look. - Baba Yaga moved a stool to the boy.

Mitya looked ... and this is what he saw.

CHAPTER TWO TSAR MAKAR

On the bank of the wide Milky River stood the royal palace.

It was hot. Flies buzzed. From the heat, the milk turned sour in some places, and curdled milk turned out in the backwaters.

The palace is quiet. All the inhabitants hid somewhere from the unbearable heat of the sun.

And only in the throne room it was cool. Tsar Makar sat on the edge of the throne and watched as Gavril's servant slowly rubbed the floors.

And how do you rub? How do you rub? - shouted the king. - Who rubs the floors like that? Well, give me! I'll teach you right now!

It is impossible, your Majesty, - Gavrila answered sedately. - It's not a royal business - to rub the floors. If someone sees - you won’t get around to talking. You are already sitting, rest yourself.

Pah you! Makar sighed. - And what kind of life do I have? You can’t work with an ax - it’s undignified! You can’t rub the floors - it’s indecent! Well, tell me, Gavrila, do I have a place to live in this house?

No, - Gavrila answered, - you don’t have to live in this house!

Well, tell me, Gavrila, have I seen anything good in my life?

Didn't see, Your Majesty. You didn't see anything.

No ... if you think about it, - said the king, - then there was something good.

Well ... if you think about it, - Gavrila agreed, - then it was. This is clear. And he shuffled his brush again.

Oh, you, “it was - it wasn’t” ... You won’t hear a good word from you! Here I will leave everything, - continued the tsar, - and I will go to the village to my grandmother. I will fish with a rod. Plow like all people. And in the evening I will play songs on the mound. Hey, Gavrila, - the king ordered, - give me a balalaika here!

No, Your Majesty, he replied. - You are not supposed to play the balalaika. This is not a royal job. I will give you a harp. Strum all day long.

He removed the harp from the wall and, slapping his bare feet, approached the king. Makar settled himself comfortably on the throne and sang:

In the dark forest, in the dark forest

In the dark forest, in the dark forest

Forest, forest...

Will I open, will I open,

Will I break it, will I break it...

Here he stopped.

Hey, Gavrila, what am I going to plow?

Pashenka, Your Majesty, pashenka.

Oh yes, the king agreed and finished singing:

Pashenka, pashenka,

I will sow, I will sow

I will sow, I will sow...

Hey, Gavrila, what will I sow?

Hemp flax, Your Majesty. Linen-hemp.

Flax-hemp, flax-hemp! - repeated Makar and ordered: - Hey, Gavrila, write down the words for me on a piece of paper. Too bad the song is good!

So I'm illiterate, your majesty.

That's right, that's right, - Makar remembered. - Nu and darkness in my kingdom!

The royal clerk Chumichka entered the hall.

Your Majesty, the whole boyar thought has been gathered, - he said. - They are waiting for you.

E-he-he! the king sighed. - Is the magic mirror ready?

It's all right, Your Majesty, don't worry!

Then let's go! But still, you know, Chumichka, - he said importantly, putting on the crown, - being a king is just as bad as not being a king!

Great idea! exclaimed the clerk. - I will definitely write it down in a book!

This is stupidity, not an idea! Makar objected.

Do not argue, your majesty! Don't argue! I know better. It's my job to write down your thoughts. For grandchildren. For them, your every word is gold!

If so, write, - Makar agreed. - Yes, look, don’t make mistakes, so that I don’t blush in front of my grandchildren later!

CHAPTER THREE BOYAR DUMA

The Boyar Duma was buzzing like a beehive. The bearded boyars had not seen each other for a long time and now they were sharing the news.

And I was in the village! - Boyar Morozov shouted. - I swam in the river! I picked berries - viburnum, all kinds of raspberries!

Think village! - answered the boyar Demidov. - I went to the Blue Sea. Roasted on the sand.

So what is your sea? objected the boyar Afonin. - Also unseen! I've sailed on a raft along the Milky River and then I am silent! I ate sour cream!

But then the heavy oak doors swung open and the king solemnly entered the hall. In his hand he held a scroll. Behind him appeared the clerk Chumichka with a pen and an inkwell in a bag.

Quiet! Quiet! the king tapped with his staff. - Look, make a noise!

The boyars fell silent.

Everyone is here? Makar asked. - Or no one?

Everything, everything! the boyars shouted from their seats.

Now let's check. The king unrolled the scroll. - Boyar Afonin?

Here, - answered the boyar Afonin, the one who sailed along the Milk River.

Demidov?

OK. And Morozov? Benchkin? Chubarov? Kara-Murza?

Present!

Good. Well. The king laid down the scroll. - But I don’t see Kachanov. Where is he?

And his grandmother fell ill, - boyar Afonin explained. The most bearded and therefore the most important among the boyars.

He has a grandmother, then he has a grandfather! Makar was angry. - Here I will put him in a closet, all his grandmothers will immediately recover.

At this time, two archers brought a magic mirror into the hall and removed the cover from it. The king went to the mirror and said:

Oh you, mirror, my light,

Please answer quickly:

Are we in trouble?

Is the enemy coming here?

The mirror darkened, and a guy in a white shirt appeared in it.

All is well in our kingdom! - he said. “And there is no danger for us. But there are troubles, even as many as two.

And you come on in order, - ordered Chumichka. - In turn.

First things first, the Nightingale the Robber showed up, escaped from custody. I've already robbed two merchants.

What do we do? Makar asked.

Streltsov must be sent, - answered Chumichka. - To catch the swindler!

Correctly! It's true he says! the boyars shouted in unison.

That's right, that's right, - agreed Makar. - Yes, it's expensive to send archers. A lot of money is needed. And the horses will have to be torn off. And now the work is the most in the field.

But what about? exclaimed the clerk.

Let's ask Vasilisa the Wise.

What to ask her? What is she, smarter than us, or what? shouted the boyar Afonin.

Know smarter! Makar said sternly. - Since her people called the Wise One. Hey, come to me!

A boy ran in in brand new red ankle boots.

That's what, little one, run to Vasilisa the Wise and ask her what to do with the Nightingale the Robber?

The boy nodded and ran out of the room.

And the boyars began to wait, scratching their beards. Out of breath, the boy ran back:

She says that pictures should be sent around the villages. Like, the Nightingale the Robber escaped. He is so old. Whoever catches it will be rewarded with half a barrel of silver. The men will immediately catch him.

But a good idea! Makar said. - Right, boyars?

Correctly!

What is there! the boyars agreed.

And the guy in the mirror was waiting.

Well, what's the second news? the king asked him.

But what is it. The merchant Syromyatnikov from the Milk River took the sleeve to his gardens. Water the cabbage with milk. And dirty milk flows back into the river.

That's it, I see, the sour cream was somehow not like that! shouted the boyar Afonin. The one that floated on the Milky River.

OK OK! The king raised his hand. - What are we going to do?

Would flog him. On the square in front of the people, my dear, - Chumichka said insinuatingly.

Will not go! Merchants to flog - the goods can not be seen! Makar objected.

Gold words! agreed the clerk. How did I not think of this myself? This must be written down. This should be left for the grandchildren!

Yes, you wait with your grandchildren! Hey little one! - called the king of the runner. - Run again to Vasilisa. What will she advise?

Uncle king, why do I keep running to her? Let's call her here, - said the boy.

Where is this seen? Baba, let me into the royal thought! - Chumichka got excited.

It is forbidden! - shouted the boyars. - It's not a woman's business - to sit in a thought! Let him advise at home!

And the boy rushed for the answer. Five minutes later he reported to the king:

She says, you need to take half a barrel of silver from the merchant! Immediately that merchant will grow wiser.

And what? She's talking! shouted the boyar Morozov. - We will give silver for the Nightingale the Robber. The one who catches it.

Wow! - Chumichka was surprised. - How he invents! For nothing that woman!

The king tapped his staff.

So write it down!

There is one more news here, - the guy from the mirror suddenly said. “But I don’t know whether to say it or not?” Painfully unusual news. You can't have it for everyone.

The thought is silent.

Your Majesty, - said Chumichka, - order the boyars: who knows how to keep a secret - let him stay, who does not know how - let him go home!

So be it.

Makar agreed.

Boyar Chubarov immediately headed towards the exit.

Well, to hell with it, this secret! If you don't know - don't talk!

Now speak! the clerk ordered the mirror.

So, - said the guy, - our king is going to leave us. Tired, he says. Tired, he says, to reign. He wants to go to the village.

How so?! - the clerk started up. - And I?

He fell on his knees before the king:

Do not destroy, the king-father! What is a kingdom without a king! Whose thoughts shall I write down?

What, without me, there will be no thoughts? Makar was surprised.

What are these thoughts! - Chumichka shouted. - If they are not royal?!

Nothing, nothing! Everything will be fine. There are boyars here, and Vasilisa the Wise, - Makar reassured him. - And my word is firm - I'll leave. To Grandma. I will sunbathe like everyone else. Hay to mow. I will catch bream with a bait. Any questions?

There is! There is! shouted the boyar Morozov. - What are you going to catch?

How - for what? To the worm!

I ask for words! I ask for words! - demanded Morozov. He climbed forward and spoke: - Dear boyars! Bream - he is a cunning fish. He won't go for the worm. It is necessary to take it for semolina porridge!

And they started a long fishing conversation.

Chapter Four

At that time, in Baba Yaga's hut, the saucer suddenly became cloudy and nothing could be seen.

Why? - asked Mitya.

The Serpent Gorynych flew out to hunt, - answered Baba Yaga. - He'll stir up the air now. You won't see anything until the evening. Let him fail, wonderful! So that everything burst with him, at the most beautiful!

Why do you call him amazing? And pretty? Mitya was surprised.

But because you can’t scold him, ”Baba Yaga explained. Whoever scolds him, he will eat.

And will you eat, grandma?

It won’t eat me,” the old woman answered. - Will choke. But you won't get into trouble!

Grandma, is your king Makar good? - asked Mitya.

Nothing, economic, fair. And he consults with Vasilisa the Wise.

Well, what is she like, Vasilisa the Wise?

Asked too! Yes, she is my niece! She came up with so many things - not to count! And walking boots! And an apple - on a saucer! And the flying carpet!

Domovoy helps her, - put in Kikimora, - her assistant.

You know what, grandmother, but I like you at your place, - said Mitya to Baba Yaga. - Can I stay here for a while?

Live all summer long! Baba Yaga answered. Just don't go where you don't need to, that's all.

Evening came imperceptibly, and the saucer cleared up again. Mitya bent down and began to look. And again he saw the royal palace. Behind the palace was a bathhouse. Steam was coming out of the bath.

Tsar Makar, covered in soapy foam, was sitting on a bench, and Gavril's attendant whipped him with a broom.

Bring on the park! Bring on the park! - shouted his majesty, splashing foam. - As if you are not washing the king! Broom me, broom dear! Oooh!

Then the king thought:

Hey, Gavrila, do you think the army won't scatter here without me? If I leave?

It shouldn't, your majesty. Why would he run away?

And how will he take it and run away!

And what! Gavrila agreed. - Take it and run away. How long does it take to run away?

OK. How about merchants? Will they stop trading with overseas countries?

Merchants? No, of course not. Why should they stop?

And how will they take it and stop?

And what? They may stop. Stopping is not hard. This is possible in no time, - the servant agreed, whipping the king with a broom.

Well, there won't be a war here without me? How do you think?

Must not be. Who needs it, this war?

And how will the enemies attack, what then?

And when they attack, then it will be, ”said Gavrila confidently. - If they didn’t attack, then it’s another matter!

Oh you! Makar got angry. - Sense from you! Run away, don't run away! Stop, don't stop! Attack, don't attack! And that's the way it works for you! I would have kept quiet.

And he, steamed, plunged into his thoughts.

... Meanwhile, the clerk Chumichka, with his hands behind his back, walked around the royal palace.

And how can I be now? he reasoned. - I'll be lost. Who needs me without a king? After all, now they will force me to work! They will send you to the kitchen.

And he ran to look for the royal daughter Nesmeyana.

... Nesmeyana with her servant Fyokla sat on the shore of a dry pond and roared at the top of her voice:

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh - mom! Oh-oh-oh - dad!

Nesmeyana Makarovna, - said Chumichka, - come off for a minute, there is a case.

Which? - asked Nesmeyana, ceasing to cry.

The king, your father, is going to leave us. Wants to go to the village. Here's the trouble!

Yah?! - the daughter was surprised. - What village?

What's the difference what? Well, what's the difference?

If we go to Marfino, that's good. And if in Pavshino - so bad!

Now the clerk was surprised:

Yes, because there is a goading bull! That's why.

Princess, we need to save the kingdom, go talk to the priest. He can only listen to you.

I can not. I must cry, - said Nesmeyana. - When I pay a whole pond, they will give me a carriage.

Well, Nesmeyanochka, dear, - begged Chumichka. - I'll pay for you. I'll try with Fyokla Sergeevna.

Nesmeyana went to the king, and Chumichka sat down in her place and wept bitter tears.

Half an hour later Nesmeyana returned.

Persuaded! - she said. - Everything is fine. Let's go to Marfino. Bulls don't butt there!

You only think about bulls, dear Nesmeyana Makarovna! - Chumichka shouted.

In the hut on chicken legs, Baba Yaga, Mitya and Kikimora, without stopping, watched what the saucer showed. Until it faded again.

Probably, it was the Serpent Gorynych who was returning home from hunting.

You'll see tomorrow! Now go to sleep!

It was late. Kikimora said goodbye to them and went into her swamp. Mitya lay down on a bench under the window and fell asleep very quickly.

And Baba Yaga fiddled with the stove for a long time. She washed the dishes and muttered something eternal, babina-yagina under her breath.

Chapter Five VASILISA THE WISE

The next day, early in the morning, Baba Yaga woke the boy.

Here's your bucket. Run to the river for milk, and pick up sour cream in a jar.

Mitya took a bucket, put a lid in it, and jumped over the dewy grass towards the river. The sun was shining. Black thunderclouds floated from that unfabulous side. But over the river they melted and turned into pleasant white clouds.

Mitya leaned down from the bridge and scooped up some sour cream and milk. And then he noticed some strange red stones on the shore.

He picked one up and saw that it was real cheese, "Dutch", or maybe "Yaroslavl".

Miracles, and more! - said the boy. He put the cheese under his arm and quickly ran home.

They had breakfast with Baba Yaga and went out onto the warm, sun-warmed porch.

Baba Yaga began to speak:

There, far, far away, do you see a big mountain?

I see grandma.

This mountain is cursed. No matter how many people went there, no one came home!

That's fun!

You have fun, - the old woman agreed. - What about parents? They need a son, not a goat! ..

Grandmother, - Mitya interrupted her, - but you can only look into a magic saucer in the evening?

Why? Watch all day long. When there is time!

Let's see then?

Come on, said Baba Yaga. She took out a saucer and placed it in the middle of the table.

Then Kikimora came, and the three of them began to watch what happened next.

This time they saw the blue tower of Vasilisa the Wise. Near the tower the clerk Chumichka was spinning. He stood by the porch, listened to what was going on inside, and knocked. Nobody responded. Then he pushed open the door and entered. The door behind him immediately closed, and the lock clicked. He must have been magical. Or English.

It was the workshop of Vasilisa. Old books stood on the shelves, unprecedented flowers grew on the windows. Something was cooking in a cast-iron pot on the stove. Some kind of healing potion.

The scribe lifted the lid and sniffed.

A large table blocked off the workshop. On it were various tools and two bottles of living and dead water. Hats, bags, boots and other things were neatly arranged on a bench against the wall. In the corner stood a forged chest, and next to it was a dish with red and green apples.

Chumichka picked everything up, touched and examined. And things were calm. But as soon as he opened the chest, a heavy club jumped out and began to beat the clerk on the sides.

Are you out of your mind? - Chumichka shouted. - Guard! Oh oh! Mother! Oh oh! Fathers! Kill!

There was a slight chime, and Vasilisa the Wise entered the house! Her dress was embroidered with fabulous flowers, and on her head was a kokoshnik with crystal pendants.

Club, in place! Vasilisa ordered.

The club calmed down and went into the chest.

Excuse me, mother! - the clerk began to make excuses. - I accidentally opened the chest. I didn't want to, but he took it and opened it. And how this beater will pop out!

Vasilisa smiled.

Do not be sad! But we did a great job with you. The club was tested. So tell me, how does it work? Good?

Okay, works well! - Chumicka rubbed the bruised places. - But why is she beating her own?

And that’s why he beats, so that they don’t get into other people’s affairs! Your happiness is that you have not yet tasted an old apple. Grandpa would have left.

Vasilisa took a self-shaking purse from the bench and shook out several copper nickels.

Here, put it on the bruises. It will immediately become easier.

The clerk tried the nickels on his teeth, held them for a while near the bruises, and slipped them imperceptibly into his pocket.

What did you complain about? asked Vasilisa the Wise.

But with what, - answered Chumichka. - Tell me, mother, who is the strongest person in our kingdom?

Perhaps Koschei the Deathless. He is the strongest. And what?

Yes, nothing. And where is he now?

But I won't say this. You will know a lot - you will grow old soon!

And it is not necessary! And it is not necessary! I don’t need to know this,” Chumichka agreed. - I'm just so interested. Out of curiosity.

Oh, you're cunning, clerk! Vasilisa said. - And Koschei is a state secret. And not everyone needs to know about it.

She took a bronze bell from the table and rang it. Her assistant came in - a short and big-headed uncle Brownie.

Here, uncle, take the guest, - Vasilisa told him. - Give him some tea. And things are waiting for me.

And what? And drink. I have just boiled tea, - answered the Brownie.

He and Chumichka went into the upper room. The brownie busied himself with the cups and saucers, and the clerk sat down on a bench by the stove and began to question his uncle.

Listen, here you are working for Vasilisa the Wise for a year, but you don’t know many things, ”he said.

Is this what I don't know?

But who is the most powerful person in the kingdom?

Strongest? - Uncle thought. - Yes, perhaps, Nikita Kozhemyaka. Vasilisa Afanasievna measured his strength with horses. So he pulled eight horses.

But no! The strongest in our kingdom will be Koschey the Immortal, - objected Chumichka.

The brownie thought about it.

It's right. Yes, only he, Koshchei, has a secret. If he, Koschei, is alone, then any boy can handle him! But if he has friends or an army, then there is no one stronger. Then he will knock over a hundred-year-old oak tree with his sword. He is not afraid of fire, or water, or anything at all.

You see, but you didn’t know that,” said Chumichka.

How did you not know? - uncle was taken aback. - I knew!

Yes?! - exclaimed Chumichka. - And you tell me then, where is he, Koschey the Immortal, is now?

And in the royal cellar he is chained! It's been there for two hundred years!

Just then, a horse stomped outside the window.

What's this? Has anyone come to you? asked the clerk.

No, on the contrary, - answered the uncle. - Vasilisa Afanasyevna left. To Lukomorye for living water. Living water has come out of us.

Interesting, interesting, - the clerk muttered. He got up from the stool. - Well, I'm going, uncle. Good health to you!

I don't, uncle. There is no appetite.

He's up to something stupid! - exclaimed Baba Yaga, when the fabulous city was no longer visible again.

Who? - asked Mitya.

Yes, this clerk. That's who. If I were there, I would look after him, my dear!

Grandma, how far is it to get there? - asked Mitya.

Oh, you fool! Yes, as long as you get, you will stop five pairs of shoes.

And I figured out how to get there! Will you just take me with you?

Okay, talk. But I won't go on foot!

And you don’t have to walk, - answered Mitya. - After all, the hut has legs?

Yes, said Baba Yaga.

Here we are in the hut and go. Why would her feet disappear?

Baba Yaga was amazed:

Well done! I have been living in a hut for three hundred years, but this never crossed my mind! Now I will show this Chumichka. And I became old to fly in a mortar. And the age is not the same!

In fact, it's hard to come up with! - said Kikimora. - And ride around the kingdom. And you can stay with Vasilisa the Wise!

When are we leaving, grandma?

Yeah right now! - answered the old woman. - We have nothing to gather. Everything is in our house!

She went down to the cellar, picked up potatoes for the journey, took off the linen that was drying in the yard, and gave Kikimore the last orders:

You look after my garden. Cabbage fields, carrots propoli. If any prince appears, say that I am not there - she left for the capital. Yes, they are tired. Three visit each day. Feed, drink and put everyone to sleep! An inn has been set up! And if there is no me, they will start to respect me.

That's right, that's right, - agreed Kikimora. - There is no life from them, from the princes. Don't worry about the garden. I will do everything.

Mitya and Baba Yaga went out onto the porch, and Mitya ordered:

Hut, hut, march forward step by step!

Baba Yaga's hut trampled on the spot, took a few hesitant steps and ran forward, cheerfully creaking logs. Apparently, she had long wanted to stretch her chicken legs.

And the lakes, forests, fields and all kinds of other open spaces floated towards.

Chapter Six Nightingale the Robber

The sun rose higher and higher. And the road went on and on. It turned first to the right, then to the left between the green hills and seemed to lead anywhere but forward, not in the right direction.

Baba Yaga went into the hut to take care of the housework. And Mitya was sitting on the porch. Suddenly he saw a post on the road. A letter was nailed to the post. Mitya jumped off the porch and read:

ROYAL DECREE

Our Tsar Makar Vasilyevich ordered to catch the daring criminal Nightingale the Robber. He is tall. Strong additions. One-eyed. He is fifty years old. There are no special marks. Both legs are left.

For the capture of a living or dead reward - half a barrel of silver.

Today's year. Summer is current. Written by the clerk Chumichka.

“How quickly everything is done by the king! thought Mitya. “Yesterday they were only talking about the robber, but today the decree is already hanging!”

He caught up with the hut and jumped onto the porch. The road descended from the hillock and now went through the forest. And suddenly a huge blockage of trees appeared ahead. And a shaggy head with an eye patch immediately appeared above the blockage.

Hey you, the head asked. - Who are you?

Like who?

And so, what will your life be like?

My name is Mitya!

And you are not a relative of Ilya Muromets by chance?

No. I'm just Mitya. And what?

And then. Hands up!

What for? - the boy was surprised.

And then! - The man upstairs showed a hefty club. - How to fuck on the head!

Mitya realized that in front of him was none other than the Nightingale the Robber ... Tall growth, strong build. For the capture, the reward is half a barrel of silver. But this did not please Mitya at all.

Well, turn out your pockets! - ordered the robber. - Get everything out of the house. And furs, and jewelry, and all kinds of furniture!

No, - said Mitya, - furniture is not allowed. Baba Yaga will swear.

Baba Yaga? - the robber was alarmed. - And who is Ilya Muromets related to?

Then let him swear as much as he wants.

Baba Yaga leaned out the window.

How dare you stop us? Yes, we have a very important matter in the capital!

The door swung open with a thud, Baba Yaga flew out of the hut in a mortar with a whirlwind. She had a broom in her hand. Blows rained down on the unlucky robber. Baba Yaga flew from right to left, and her broom flickered so fast that all you could hear was: boom! .. Boo-m-boom-boom-boom! .. Boom-boom! .. Boom! Fuck!

Finally, the Nightingale managed to hide in the hollow of a hundred-year-old oak. Baba Yaga poked it with a broom once or twice. - Here I will pour boiling water into the hollow for you! Or I'll throw coals! You'll jump right out!

Apparently, her threat had an effect on the robber. He hurriedly pulled out a stick with a piece of white cloth at the end.

That's it! Baba Yaga said. She grabbed a rag and calmly flew into the hut. - Tell him to take it all apart. Cleared the road! she said to Mitya.

How! - the robber leaned out of the hollow. - You will leave, and I will pick again!

And you will collect like a pretty one! cried the old woman.

Grandma, he doesn't need to collect! Mitya intervened. - We have to go back.

Correctly. Don't collect! You will understand, and only! Baba Yaga agreed.

Glancing warily at the hut, the Nightingale began pulling away the trees.

Listen, - Mitya told him, - why didn't you whistle? After all, from your whistle, everyone falls dead.

Why? The robber sighed. - I got my teeth knocked out. In, - he showed, - like a front rage!

It was only then that Mitya noticed that the Nightingale the Robber was lisping heavily.

And you get new teeth.

- Insert, insert! Gold is needed!

Why - gold? You can also insert iron. Like my grandmother.

What am I, Izh village, or something! The robber chuckled. - With us, among the robbers, there are only yellow ones. Zhashmeyut with iron!

But now the road was cleared, and the hut ran further to the capital city. Mitya and Baba Yaga hurried her all the time. They were very worried that Chumichka would cause some trouble in the fabulous capital.

And in the meantime it was getting dark.

Chapter Seven KOSHCHEI THE IMMORTAL

Darkness gradually shrouded the royal palace and the Milky River. Everyone in the palace was asleep. Everyone except the clerk Chumichka. He lay in bed, sticking his beard out from under the covers, pretending to be asleep just in case. And he listened.

Silence! The clerk threw off the covers and crept up to the door without breathing. It opened without the slightest noise, and Chumichka began tiptoeing down the stairs. Not a single floorboard creaked as he walked quietly through the state rooms.

Here is the exit from the palace. The clerk cautiously opened the heavy oak door. Bang Bang Boom! rumbled outside the door. It was an archer from the night guard who was guarding the entrance to the palace. He slept on the porch, leaning against the door frame.

Chumichka was frightened, but, it seems, in vain: no one in the palace woke up. The clerk safely got out onto the porch, he took the sword from the sheath of the sleeping archer and carefully put the guard in place. Then he walked along the wall and found himself at the door leading to the dark basement. There were kept brooms, brushes, cans of paint and other household items of the main servant of Gavrila.

The clerk took a flint and flint from his pocket, lit a fire and lit a candle. Lighting his way, he walked down the corridor and found himself in front of a small, iron-bound door.

On it, covered in cobwebs, hung a sign:

CAREFULLY! LIFE THREATENING!

Under the tablet was a skull and two crossbones.

Jing-ding-ding ... - was heard from behind the door. - Blam-blam-blam ... Slap ...

The clerk began to look under the rug for the key. The large, rusty key was not under the rug, but on the lintel. So, they hid it especially carefully. Chumichka took an oil can from his pocket and dripped some oil into the keyhole. Then the key turned silently, and the door opened.

By the dim flame of a candle, he saw Koshchei the Immortal chained to the wall. Koschey hung on chains.

From time to time, he kicked off the wall with his feet and, swaying forward, flopped again on the stonework. Therefore, it turned out incomprehensible: ding-ding-ding ... Slap ...

Hello, Your Majesty, - the clerk said timidly.

Hello! - answered Koschey, nervously tapping his fingers on the wall. - Remove this thing, and so everything is visible.

The clerk blew out the flame, and Koshchei's eyes shone ominously in the darkness.

So I listen to you.

It seemed that Koschey was very busy and could give Chumichka two minutes, no more.

I have come to offer you the throne of our state! the clerk said timidly.

So, so, - Koschey tapped his fingers. - The throne is good. What about your king? Makar, I think?

And the king is going to leave us. Leave for the village.

Well then. That's where he belongs. Makars must chase the calves!

Ah, how well you said! - exclaimed Chumichka. - Can I write it down in a book? Not to forget.

I see you're a good thinker, - said Koschey. - And what is your position?

Scribe, Your Majesty, I'm just Chumichka the clerk.

From now on you are not a clerk! Koschey said. - I make you my friend. First friend and adviser!

Glad to try, your majesty!

Now take this off me! - Koschei rattled chains. - Just lubricate me first. And then I will raise such a creak - all the guards will come running!

Chumichka oiled Koshchei and began sawing the chains on his arms and legs. As soon as he sawed through the last chain, Koschei fell down with a terrible roar.

Here's the trouble! he exclaimed. - I forgot how to stand!

Chumichka tried to lift Koshchei and felt an incredible weight: Koshchei was all made of iron.

I need to drink twelve buckets of water, - said Koschey, - then my strength will return.

The clerk brought an empty shopping bag, loaded the lax Koshchei and, groaning, went to the nearest well.

CHAPTER EIGHT THE TSAR AND KOSHCHEI

It was deep night, but Mitya and Baba Yaga did not sleep. They sat and watched the apple roll on the saucer. From time to time Baba Yaga jumped up and ran from corner to corner with small steps.

Oh, we didn't make it! Oh, no warning! What is the next?!

Or maybe they can handle Koshchei? - asked Mitya.

Maybe they will, or maybe they won't! Baba Yaga answered thoughtfully and again looked into the magic saucer.

The moon was shining over the royal palace. Chumichka got water from the well and gave it to Koshchei the Deathless.

He drank and drank. And with every sip it got stronger and stronger.

Finally, he straightened up to his full height and drank the last, twelfth bucket.

And you're done, Chumichka! Tomorrow I will give you this bucket filled to the brim with gold!

Thanks your majesty! - answered the clerk, and thought to himself:

"Little badie! Should be replaced. Put more!

And now forward! - commanded Koschey. - I can't wait to put on the royal crown.

They walked past the sleeping guard to the throne room. In the darkness, Koshchei's eyes shone with a cheerful green light.

Chumichka tried to light a candle with a flint and flint, but Koschey was ahead of him. He snapped his fingers, sparks flew, and the candle lit.

And now, Chumichka, bring me a pen and paper and bring the king here.

The clerk left. And Koschey sat on the throne and put on the royal crown.

Soon a sleepy tsar appeared in a dressing gown and slippers.

That's what, my dear, - Koschey said authoritatively, - now you take pen and paper and write that the throne, crown and state are inferior to me!

For nothing in the world! - stubborn Makar. - I don't even think about it!

Your Majesty, but you were still going to leave for the village, - Chumichka intervened.

Today I assembled, and tomorrow I figured it out! - exclaimed the king. - And I would leave the throne to Vasilisa the Wise! Or someone smarter from the boyars. Hey guard, come to me!

The chief of the palace guard entered.

That's what, foreman, take the guys who are healthier and take this one that's on my throne! - ordered the king.

Why ten? Koschey was surprised. - Who said "ten"? Centurion, to me!

How is the centurion? Is he a centurion? Makar asked.

No, of course not, - answered Koschei. Does he really look like a centurion? Such a brave guy! Thousander - that's who he is from this moment! Thousand, here!

Thousand, here! - shouted the king.

The surprised guard turned to the king.

Million, back! Why is there a millionth, billionth, to me, step by step march! - ordered Koschey.

Entered the main royal servant Gavrila. He looked in surprise first at the king, then at Koshchei.

Hey, Gavrila, - the king turned to him, - who are you for? For him or for me?

I am for you, your majesty.

So you're against me? - severely asked Koschey.

No, why not? - said Gavrila. - Of course, I'm for him, but I'm not against you.

Well, tell me, Gavrila, did I feed you? Makar asked.

Fed, your majesty.

Dressed up, Your Majesty...

So come to me!

Listen, Your Majesty!

Wait a minute, Gavrila, - Koschei stopped him. - Do you want to continue to be fed?

I want, your majesty.

Dressed up?

I want, your majesty.

So come to me!

Listen, Your Majesty!

So, you, Gavrila, are for him? the king said sadly. - So you're against me?

Why? Gabriel answered. - I, of course, for him. But not against you, Your Majesty.

Well, what are we going to do with the king? - asked Koschei.

He should be executed, Your Majesty! - said Chumicka. - It will be calmer in the state.

Don't you feel sorry for him? Koschei chuckled.

It's a pity. What a pity! After all, I loved him like a father, while he reigned. But for business it is necessary!

What do you think, billionaire?

As you command, your majesty!

Clever, bright head! Well, that's what: this one in the basement. As it is, in slippers, - he nodded towards the king. - And everyone else immediately sleep. Tomorrow in our kingdom will begin new life!

Chapter Nine DANGEROUS TROUBLE (beginning)

The next morning, Baba Yaga lamented for a long time:

What to do now? Back, or what, to return?

You can't go back, - said Mitya. - We did not have time to warn the king, but maybe at least we will help out Vasilisa the Wise!

And that, - agreed the old woman. - Koschey will now kill her from the light. Go.

And then a breathless Gray Wolf ran up to the hut.

Stop, stop! I need to consult with you!

Consult, but quickly, - Baba Yaga ordered. - We need to hurry!

You see, over there, behind the gardens, the old woman lives, - began the Wolf. - Her goat was so small! Harmful! Either he will eat cabbage, or he will chew underwear, or he will break the roof with his feet. And the old woman kept wailing: “Oh, you are so-and-so! May the wolves eat you!” So my friend and I took one and ... rescued the old woman. And she came and cried: “Oh, you are my pretty little gray one! How can I live without you?! I'll take it and drown myself! I can only find a heavier stone!” And I'm a good wolf. I wanted the best. What should I do now? Please advise. Too bad for grandma!

Baba Yaga thought.

And I don't know. And I don’t know, - she answered, - and it’s not up to you at all now! We ourselves have a mouth full of worries. Koschei wants to sit on the kingdom!

Can I say? - asked Mitya.

Here's what you do: catch an ordinary hare or a mouse. Can you?

I can. What for?

And take it to that lake from which you can not drink. Drink - you will become a goat!

I know this.

And let him drink from the lake. He will turn into a goat. Give the kid to your grandmother.

Aye boy! Well, thank you, - the Wolf was delighted. - The second time you help me out. You know what, take a tuft of wool from the back of my neck. I just started shedding. If you feel bad, you throw it in the air. I'll run right away. I will save you from any trouble!

And that's what happened there.

The sun was crushed in the latticed windows, and the throne room was festive. Koshchei the Immortal, rattling his armor, was pacing in the middle of the hall, and Chumichka, Gavril's servant and billionaire Nikita with a huge two-handed sword on his knees were seated on a bench near the wall.

Today I walked around your kingdom, - said Koschey, - I looked around and I must say that your kingdom is seedy! Here, for example, the army. I went to the barracks at night. He took the trumpet and sounded the alarm. What do you think came out of it?

What? asked Gavrila.

Nothing. Five archers appeared with bowlers and spoons. They probably decided that there would be a training distribution of food! Such an army is useless to me! My enemies have such an army! Next time I'll execute every tenth! Well, tell me, - continued Koschey, - what should be the army in the state?

Ours, native, resourceful! - suggested Gavrila.

Koschei shook his head.

No, and don't! the attendant quickly agreed.

The army must be ruthless! And then native, resourceful and all that. And we must urgently call the Serpent Gorynych, the Nightingale the Robber and the Cat Bayun. They are my old friends, with them no one will be afraid of us!

Your Majesty, - Chumichka decided to insert the word, - maybe we should invite Likho One-Eyed too?

What for? What's the use of him? - asked Koschei.

And we will send it to the enemies. They have such problems in the economy - just rejoice!

Good idea! Koschey agreed. - So, let's call him.

He walked slowly around the room again.

And now here's what. Here I looked into your treasury and was amazed. No castle, no sentry. Not a treasury, but a passage yard. Yes, they will steal all the gold from you!

And our king said that people should be trusted! - ventured to say Gavrila.

Yes? Koschey turned around. - And where is your king now?

Sitting in the basement.

Here's something!

How subtle! - exclaimed Chumichka. - I will definitely write it down in a book.

I order you to put a sentry at the treasury! Koschei continued. - And embed the lock so that the sentry himself does not climb there. And give me the key!

Let's do it, Your Majesty!

And the last thing, - said Koschei sternly. - Vasilisa the Wise immediately take into custody! Let him make flying carpets, treasure swords and crossbows for us. With her help, we will conquer all the neighboring kingdoms!

She won't," said Gavrila. - I know her well, our mother.

You don't know me well! It won't, so we'll take our heads off!

Your Majesty, - Chumichka intervened. - I myself am afraid of this Vasilisa. Too smart! So, she doesn't exist. She went to Lukomorye for living water.

So set up an ambush! As soon as it appears, grab it immediately! Got it, billionaire?!

Yes sir!

And you, Chumichka, write letters immediately. And send runners wherever you need them. And gather me a boyar thought. Let's live. I became Immortal only because I never lost a minute!

... And on the bank of the dry pond behind the cowshed, Nesmeyana and Fyokla were still roaring. And the pond filled up little by little.

Chapter Ten DANGEROUS TROUBLE (continued)

Bearded boyars gradually filled the hall.

Why were we brought together? they wondered. - Yesterday after all only thought was!

I just cracked a nut with a door, - said the boyar Chubarov, - they already shout to me: “Let's run to the thought!” I never ate a nut! Now the chickens are pecking!

I didn't drink honey! - the boyar Demidov was upset. - My aunt brought me from the village!

The clerk Chumichka entered, and with him a billionaire armed to the teeth with archers.

My dear boyars, - began the clerk, - our amiable falcons! I have come to tell you important news. A new king has been sent to us! And soon a new life will begin in our kingdom! Hurray, boyars!

Hurrah! - picked up the billionaire.

Hooray! - uncertainly held out the boyars. - And where did the old king go?

How - where? - Afonin explained to himself. - If they sent a new one, then they sent the old one! Am I right?

Cleverly, - agreed Chumichka. - Simple and clear.

We don't want a new king! Chubarov suddenly shouted. - Give back the old one!

Also sent to me! - Demidov supported him. - Who asked you? Send back!

Quiet, boyars! Suddenly, an authoritative voice rang out. And Koschey the Deathless entered the hall, rattling his armor. His green eyes blazed. - Listen to me carefully, and I will reveal the whole truth to you! he began. - Your king has gone to the village! Rest. Collect flowers and berries. And before leaving, he asked me for a long time to take his place. And I agreed. I am your new king! Look at me boyars! In all your kingdom there is no warrior equal to me! I am the strongest! I am the bravest! I am the most immortal of you! I'll teach you how to ride! To swim! Slash with swords! And you will shoot a bow just like me! Come on, give me a bow and arrows here!

The billionaire hastily carried out the order.

Light a candle at the end of the hall!

The candle was lit. In complete silence, Koschey raised a heavy combat bow and, almost without aiming, fired. The arrow flew like lightning through the hall, extinguished the candle and half went into the wall.

Wow! the boyars sighed in admiration.

Hooray! shouted Chumichka and the billionaire.

Well? Take me as king?

And what? Why not take it! - shouted the boyars.

Let's take it and take it!

Let him reign, since Makar asked!

Can I shoot? - asked boyar Morozov.

And me, - picked up his friend Demidov.

Please, - answered Koschey and nodded to Chumichka.

The clerk crossed the hall at a run, pulled the arrow out of the wall and handed it to the bearded boyars.

All members of the royal council took turns shooting. They made noise. Got hot. They bet. They threw their hats on the ground. But it's all in vain. The candle burned down to the end, and its flame did not even waver once.

And I don't need a new king! - Boyar Chubarov suddenly declared. - I like the old one better!

I see, I have not only supporters! Koschey said calmly. - I love brave people! Hey, Chumichka, bring a tray of coals from the kitchen!

Chumichka ran out and soon returned with a tray full of hot coals. Koschei took some papers from the table, broke several arrows and threw them on the tray. A bright flame erupted. He stretched out his hand into the fire and in front of the astonished boyars began to slowly turn it. The hand grew hotter and hotter and finally lit up with a bright crimson light.

And if I say hello to you with this very hand? he asked the boyar.

Chubarov was silent.

Don't you understand, boyar, that I can't get in the way?!

He walked across the hall and placed his red-hot palm against the wall. There was a hiss, and smoke billowed. And when he took his hand away, a clear imprint of his five remained on the tree.

Got it? - Asked Koschey and went out.

And everyone who was in the hall: the billionaire, and Chumichka, and the boyars, and the archers, - they all were silent for a long time. And for a long time before their eyes stood the red-hot hand of Koshchei the Deathless. The fun was ruined.

Chapter Eleven FINIST - CLEAR FALCON

The hut on chicken legs ran forward. Mitya and Baba Yaga hurried her all the time.

Grandmother, - the boy asked, - how long do we still have to go? Is it soon?

Soon only a fairy tale is telling! Baba Yaga said. - And the veal is cooked! I may be in a hurry more than you! To rescue Vasilisa! We'll be there tomorrow evening.

And suddenly the hut limped, creaked with all the logs and staggered. Mitya and Baba Yaga almost fell from their stools to the floor.

They jumped up and ran out onto the porch.

On the road, not far from the hut, a strange human figure wandered. In a dress and at the same time in trousers, with long gray hair - not a man, not a woman.

Hey you, give me a ride! said the figure in a loud, raspy voice. And it was also not clear from the voice, who was it - a man or a woman?

I'll take you! I'll take you like that! Baba Yaga answered. - Get out of the way.

Are you afraid? the scarecrow giggled. - And you're doing the right thing. Everyone is afraid of me! I would instantly turn your hut into logs. No, we'll meet again. No one has left me yet! Scoundrels!

And the hut shook again. And something even rattled and rang in it.

Who is it? - asked Mitya, when the strange figure was left far behind.

This is famously one-eyed. To crush him with a pine tree! Where it appears, do not expect good there. It will pass along the bridge - the bridge will fall apart. He will spend the night in the house, everything is over! And fights begin there, and quarrels. And the roof collapses. Even the cows are mad! From this Likha all the troubles in our kingdom come!

Mitya rushed into the hut.

Grandma, come here!

Baba Yaga came in next and gasped - an apple rolled from corner to corner on the floor. And after him slipped fragments of a broken saucer.

Baba Yaga and Mitya could no longer see what was happening in the capital.

Meanwhile, archers led by Chumichka approached Vasilisa's tower.

Open immediately! By order of Koshchei the Immortal!

Powerful fists banged on the door.

But Uncle Brownie did not even think of opening it. He grabbed a new cap of invisibility from the bench, put it on and disappeared. Just in time! The door swung open, and hefty archers burst into the workshop.

Here he is! I saw it with my own eyes! shouted the clerk Chumichka. - He's hiding somewhere!

Archers scattered around the room. They looked into the stove, under the bench, into the closet, but found no one.

Chumichka fussed along with everyone. And if he noticed some interesting little thing, he imperceptibly put it in his pocket. This made Domovoy more and more angry. Here the clerk thrust a self-shaking wallet into his bosom. And the uncle could not stand it:

Hey you literate! Put it on it's place!

Who is literate? How literate? - Chumichka spoke, looking around. But he didn't show his wallet.

You are literate and there are literate! Domovoy said. - Put it to whom they say. And how I crack!

Who will crack? Who will I crack? - asked Chumichka. He looked into every corner of the workshop. And the archers paid no attention to their conversation.

Here the clerk was next to Domovoy, and Uncle Domovoy hit him on the back of the head with all his might.

Archers crowded around. In the turmoil, someone brushed off the Brownie's hat. He dragged her to him - the archers did not give up. The cap cracked and tore.

Gotcha, dove! shouted the clerk triumphantly. - Knit him!

The uncle was tied up and with a tasteless kitchen towel in his mouth was laid on a bench, and then left alone.

There was a crystal chime. Vasilisa the Wise rode up to the tower on horseback. She jumped to the ground, untied two earthenware jars from her saddle, and whistled. The horse neighed and galloped away into the fields. And Vasilisa opened the gate.

Immediately, as if from under the ground, four archers sprang up.

What is this guard of honor? Vasilisa was surprised.

This is not a guard, - the elder said gloomily. - You were ordered to be taken into custody.

Who ordered?

Koshchei the Immortal.

That's how! Where is Makar? What about him? Vasilisa asked.

I don't know, said the archer. And I'm not allowed to talk to you!

Aren't you afraid to keep me in custody?!

Maybe I'm afraid. Yes, but they will cut off my head, as I will not fulfill the order.

Vasilisa the Wise entered the tower and saw Domovoy tied hand and foot on the bench. She untied him and gave him living water from a pitcher.

Well, tell me, uncle, why did they bandage you like that? Or send where assigned?

No, mother, they didn’t appoint, ”Domovoy answered. - I wanted to warn you that trouble. He laid out different signs. So Chumichka ordered me to be tied up.

Uncle told Vasilisa how Chumichka found out from him about Koshchei the Deathless. As Koschey spoke in a thought with the boyars. And how he announced that King Makar went to the village.

He’s lying all the time,” Vasilisa said. Makar didn't go anywhere. Not otherwise than in the basement chained sits.

And then there was a knock on the door.

What? Vasilisa asked, going out onto the porch.

The clerk handed her a note:

Your order came from Koshchei the Deathless.

He already orders me, - said Vasilisa. - What does his immortal majesty want?

She unfolded the paper and read:

Vasilisa the Wise from Koshchei the Immortal.

I order you, Vasilisa, to urgently invent and manufacture:

1. Crossbows - 200

2. Flying carpets - 100

3. Cap of invisibility - 1

4. Treasure swords - 50

The deadline is three days and three nights. And if you do not follow the order, my sword is your head off your shoulders.

Koschei the Deathless.

Oh yes letter! Vasilisa said. Well, why did he need all this?

I don’t know, mother, I don’t know,” the clerk began to fuss. Maybe he's out hunting? Now the ducks are flying. The hunt is the best! Sat down on the carpet. Fly and shoot!

And he needs swords for the economy, ”Vasilisa supported. - Chop the cabbage. Now the cabbage is the best! Sat down and watch how she cuts! So tell him that I'm not his assistant. Swords do not cut cabbage, but cut people's heads!

My business side! replied the clerk. - My business is to convey the order!

And he left. And archers with drawn swords remained to guard the blue tower.

Uncle Brownie, make me some strong tea, ”Vasilisa said to the assistant. - I have to think.

And she sat and thought. And only occasionally went from corner to corner. And then crystal bells rang in the house.

Here Vasilisa went out onto the porch, took a handkerchief from her pocket and waved it. A gray falcon's feather fell out of the handkerchief and began to spin in the air. And a falcon appeared in the sky. So he hit the ground and turned into good fellow Finist - Yasna Sokol.

Hello, Vasilisa the Wise! Why did you call me - drink honey or cut enemies?

Not to honey now! Vasilisa answered. - Hops are noisy - the mind is silent! I have an assignment for you.

Tell me, Finist asked. - I'll do anything!

Now you will fly to Lukomorye. There you will find a huge tree. The chest is hidden on the tree. There is a bear in the chest. In a bear - a hare. And in this hare there should be the death of Koshchei. Bring it to me here.

Okay, the guy replied. - Wait for me tomorrow at noon!

He again turned into a falcon and flew into the blue sky.

Vasilisa Afanasyevna, how do you know about Koshcheev's death? Domovoy was surprised. Or who told you?

Nobody said. I figured it out myself.

Very simple, uncle. After all, he, Koschei, must cherish his death as the most precious thing. Like gold and precious stones. Where are they usually stored?

In chests!

So Koshchei's death is in the chest. But Koschey is cunning. He understands that the chest will be looked for in the ground. And he will hide it where no one will guess.

On the tree? Uncle thought.

On a tree, Vasilisa confirmed. - Everyone will think that the tree is in the forest. And Koschei will choose a tree away from the forest. Where?

At Lukomorye, - said Domovoy.

Right. Well done, uncle.

But how do you, mother, know about the bear? And about the rabbit?

And it's simple. Koshchei's death must be guarded by someone. Koschei does not trust people. So it's an animal. Most likely a bear. He is the strongest among us.

But the bear is a clumsy and clumsy animal, ”said Vasilisa. - And you need someone who, in extreme cases, could run away. For example, a hare. Got it now?

Now I understand, - the uncle nodded his head. - Now everything is clear.

But that’s what I’m afraid of, ”continued Vasilisa,“ as if there were no bird in this hare. Or mice. Well, okay. Finist there on the spot will figure out what's what!

Well, you have a bright head, mother! - admired Domovoy. - How many years I have been working with you, and every time I am surprised!

They could only wait.

Chapter Twelve

Bonfires were burning on a huge square behind the barn, people were crowding and music was playing. They were waiting for the arrival of the Serpent Gorynych.

There he flies, - said Koschey to the boyars and the clerk Chumichka. - See?

Where? Where? - the boyars fussed. All of them were with swords, because after the arrival of Gorynych, military exercises were scheduled.

Over there, - Koschei held out his hand. - Right above the forest! However, half an hour passed before the boyars noticed a small black dot in the sky.

The kite flew quickly and silently. So he put his paws forward and landed, drawing two deep black furrows across the field.

Hooray! shouted Koschei.

But no one supported him. There were no boyars. Disappeared.

Finally, boyar Afonin got out of some hole.

Will he eat us?

No, Koshchei answered. - He is kind, right, Gorynych?

The Three-Headed Serpent stirred.

Right, said one of his heads.

Of course, - supported the other.

And the third did not say anything, but only smiled: they say, how could it be otherwise?

Can you pet him? asked Chubarov.

You can, - allowed Koschey.

The boyars gradually got out of the ditch.

And he won't give us a ride? - asked boyar Demidov.

Now I know. Will you ride them, Gorynushka?

I can, - answered the Serpent.

And the boyars began to climb on his back in a crowd. They sat comfortably, holding each other tightly.

The serpent took off, flapped its wings and slowly flew over the palace.

Hooray! the boyars shouted in unison. - Hooray!

But then they quickly fell silent, because the Serpent flew too high.

So he made two circles over the royal grounds and landed again. Silent boyars fell like peas on the ground.

Thank you, Gorynych, - said Koschey. - Now get settled. Do you see the cowshed by the pond? You will live there... Hey, Gavrila, is everything ready in the barn?

Everything, your majesty.

Then feed the guest, give him a drink and put him to bed. He must have been tired from the road. Look, feed better! You'll feel better, understand?

How not to understand? I understand,” Gavrila answered sadly.

And the boyars and I will go to study military affairs.

And what? Let's go to! the boyars agreed. - Once ordered!

Military exercises have begun.

It was evening when a cart pulled by a gray horse drove up to the royal palace. There was a cat in the cart. A huge black cat with a white star on his chest and with terrible steel claws. Sheaves of bright yellow light shot from the Cat's eyes.

He jumped off the cart and started up the steps. Two archers blocked his way.

Well, get out of here!

The cat silently turned its yellow eyes on them. The beams of light narrowed, and the archers began to yawn. Slowly, slowly, they sank onto the porch and, as if on cue, fell into a heroic sleep.

The cat stepped over them and entered the palace.

Chapter Thirteen

On the way to the fairy-tale capital, One-Eyed Likho wandered. It wandered at the invitation of Koshchei the Immortal. And where it took place, the flowers withered and the weather deteriorated. Behind Likha rode a man in a cart.

Hey, man, - Likho said, - well, give me a ride!

Sit down, said the man. - It's a pity, isn't it?

Famously sat down behind the peasant. Immediately something crunched below, and one wheel fell off.

Here's the trouble! - the man groaned. - Brand new wheel!

And Likho chuckled softly.

The peasant jumped down from the wagon, took out an ax from under the hay and began to tap on the axis. He swung once, twice, and how he fucked himself on the finger!

Famously laughed louder and got down on the road.

Ah, to you! - the man got angry.

He grabbed the whip, swung, wanted to hit Likho and unexpectedly hit the horses. The horses neighed, took off and carried the three-wheeled cart right through the oat field.

Well, I'll show you! - the man was furious. And, brandishing his whip, he set off to run after Likh.

And it, picking up the skirts of the dress, rushed at full speed. Here Likho jumped over a small wooden bridge over the river, and it immediately collapsed. The poor man flopped straight from the shore into the river.

What did you eat? Fatty fool! shouted Likho from the other side. - I'll show you more! Rustic bastard!

And Likho is gone. And the wet man walked along the shore for a long time and spat in different directions. Then, picking up the wheel, he went in search of the runaway cart.

Half an hour later, Mitya and Baba Yaga drove up to the same bridge.

E-ge-ge! said the old woman. - Yes, no way, famously visited here! The entire bridge is broken.

Grandmother, - Mitya was surprised, - but how could it have visited us before? We overtook him.

It is where it wants to appear. And in front, and behind, and in five more places, - the old woman answered. - A hut can not pass here!

So, let's go on foot, - said Mitya.

They began to take out of the house what could be useful to them on the road. Baba Yaga rolled out the stupa, put a blanket and a warm scarf in it. She wrapped the fragments of the saucer in a rag and slipped it into her bosom. And Mitya took with him only a piece of wool that the Gray Wolf gave him. Mitya had nothing else.

They examined the hut for the last time, and the boy noticed a small patch on the window. The one that Baba Yaga took from the Nightingale the Robber. Mitya began to examine him.

In the very corner was embroidered: "Tablecloth, sir..."

Grandmother! the boy shouted. - It's a piece of tablecloth-samobranki?

And that's right! the old woman agreed.

Come on, tablecloth, give us something to eat! Mitya ordered.

The patch curled up. And when he turned around, there were pieces of black bread and half a salt shaker with salt on it.

Hey, what about porridge? Baba Yaga said.

But nothing else appeared.

Lazy, the old woman decided.

Maybe this is the corner of the tablecloth on which the bread lies, - Mitya said. - And porridge is placed in the middle.

Where is the tea?

I don't know, grandma. But now we will try differently. Hey, tablecloth, - he said, - we want bread with butter!

And with sausage! - inserted Baba Yaga.

The patch curled up and unfolded again. This time the bread was already buttered and the sausage was on top.

Now it's different! said the old woman.

Then Baba Yaga hung a lock on the door of the hut and ordered her:

Go to the forest and wait for us there! Yes, look, do not walk around idle! And don't let strangers in!

The hut sighed, puffed and reluctantly headed towards the forest.

Behind the travelers was a long road, and ahead of the bridge. Somewhere not far away, beyond the bridge, lay the capital city.

And Mitya and Baba Yaga went there.

Hey you! A man in red boots ran up to them. - Have you seen the Nightingale the Robber?

And what? Baba Yaga asked.

The letter was ordered to be delivered to him. Koschei calls him to help. Isn't he on this road?

He is not on this road, - Mitya answered.

And never was! said the old woman.

The runner thought:

Where can I run now?

And you run the other way, uncle.

Right. Run, honey, there! Baba Yaga said.

Only also remains, - the runner has agreed. - So all my life I run back and forth, here and there! I haven't seen my wife in six months!

Chapter Fourteen SUMA, GIVE SMART

Finist - the Clear Falcon did not fulfill the instructions of Vasilisa the Wise.

I did everything as ordered,” he said the next day. - I found an oak near Lukomorye, and on it is a chest, about which you spoke. I turned into a good fellow, began to swing the branches. The chest fell - and shattered! From it the bear jumped out and run! I'm wearing a bear hat! I knocked him down, I'll see what happens next.

And what was? - asked Domovoy.

The hare jumped out of the bear. And across the fields. I threw a mitten at the hare. Knocked him out. The duck flew out of the hare. What do you think the attack is? I turned into a falcon - and after her! He hit a duck, and an egg fell out of it! I'm after the egg. Pounded him with his beak. Well, I think everything - completed the assignment. An no. The needle fell out of the egg - and down. Right into the haystack. I searched, searched - I do not see a needle. And so she remained in a haystack. Don't be angry, Vasilisa!

Vasilisa the Wise thought for a moment.

It's a shame that this happened. Well, Finist, fly around all our heroes. Tell them trouble has come. We are all unhappy: Koschei sat on the throne. You have to fight with him.

Let everyone take a squad. And let everyone come to Pleshcheevo Lake.

And how are you, Vasilisa? - asked the hero. "Maybe I should let you out first?"

I will take care of myself. Well, goodbye.

Finist again turned into a falcon and flew out the window, so no one from the Koshcheev guard was noticed.

And half an hour later, an ancient, bent old woman came out of the tower of Vasilisa the Wise.

Where are you, grandma? - the archers got worried. - Well, back!

So I need to go to the market! Buy vegetables for dinner. Feed Vasilisushka, - answered the old woman.

No one is allowed to leave! - archers balked. - Just let it in.

It will be worse for you, as she dies of hunger! Grandma threatened.

The guards scratched their heads.

Okay, - said one of them, - stay here for now, and I'll run after Chumichka.

Chumichka at that time was spinning on the bank of a dry pond.

Nesmeyana and Fyokla sat there and cried.

Are you crying, Nesmeyana Makarovna?

I'm crying. And what?

But nothing. Cry, cry for health. I won't interfere with you. You are just trying in vain!

Why?

And so, - answered Chumichka.

Putting his hands behind his back, he walked slowly around the pond.

What are you talking about? cried Nesmeyana. - They'll give us a carriage!

Yes! - supported Fyokla.

They won't give you anything! - answered Chumichka, going around the whole pond around.

How - will not give? After all, the father promised!

Yes? Where is your father now?

I do not know where. That's where. Go and find out for yourself.

How can I go? I must cry.

And as you wish!

Listen, cry for me. And I’m running to the palace, ”said the princess.

No, - objected Chumichka, - I don’t want to cry now. I used to cry. You yourself, Nesmeyana Makarovna. Without me already!

Then an archer ran up to him and said something in his ear. And the clerk quickly left.

What to do? Nesmeyana asked Thekla. - What did he say?

Don't know.

And I don't know.

Maybe cry first? There's not much left.

Let's cry, - Nesmeyana agreed.

... And Chumichka was already approaching the blue tower.

Where did you come from, grandma? Why haven't I seen you before? he asked cheekily.

And I always lay on the stove, - answered the old woman. - I didn't get out of there.

What is out now?

Here I had to. You won't let my granddaughter in.

And what kind of bag do you have? Where did you take it?

The bag is like a bag. Ordinary business. Vasilisa gave it to me.

Vasilisa the Wise has nothing ordinary! - Chumichka objected. - She has magical things. Well, come here!

But you're right, honey. This bag is truly magical. You tell her: "Suma, give mind!" - and she will give you, add mind. You'll be smarter right away!

And she went, leaning on a heavy knotted stick. This stick was somewhat familiar to Chumichka. Where did he see her? But where - the clerk could not remember!

The old woman stepped aside, took a red apple out of her pocket and began to eat. She ate and got younger and younger.

And now, instead of the old woman, Vasilisa the Wise stood in front of the astonished archers and Chumichka.

Hold on! - shouted Chumichka. - Get her now!

It wasn't there! Vasilisa whistled, and a horse appeared as if from under the ground. They only saw her.

Chumicka got scared.

What to do? Tell Koshchei - he will kill! Do not say - it will also kill!

He remembered the magic bag.

Well, summa, give mind! Yes, hurry up!

Two hefty fellows jumped out of the bag.

Do you need to be mindful? they asked with one voice.

The fellows ran up to the clerk and began to beat him with their huge fists.

We do not kill, but we invest our mind! - the good fellows answered sedately.

The clerk rushed to Koshchei the Deathless.

Who are you? Koschey asked sternly when all three ran up to him.

We are two of the bag! - answered the good fellows, continuing to beat Chumichka.

Well, back to the bag! - ordered Koschey.

And the fellows carried out the order.

Father Koschey! cried the clerk. - Vasilisa the Wise has escaped! You lied to me, damn it! Spent!

Koshchei's eyes turned from green to red.

Do you know what you've done, fool? She will now gather an army against us. May Makara be released. What will you sing then?

Or maybe we should remove Makar? suggested the clerk. - They will release no one. BUT?

Have to. There is no other way out. Well, clerk, for the first time I forgive you. And on the second I will forgive. And don't expect mercy on the third. I'll crush it into powder!

I'm listening, your majesty. May I write this in a book?

At least cut your nose! Koschey answered.

Chapter fifteen IN THE CAPITAL

Through the city, Baba Yaga and Mitya made their way through the back streets. It is not known what order is in the capital. But the other travelers seemed to think the same way. And there were more people in the back streets than on the main streets.

None of the passers-by were surprised to see Baba Yaga in a mortar. And many greeted her.

What, have you come to visit?

Stay.

It's clear. And who is this? Will your granddaughter be?

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Pretty boy. Ginger.

Mitya looked around with interest. The houses were low. Each house has a garden. In general, the city was more like a large village. Only he was festive and bright. The platbands on the houses were decorated. And the sky was twice as blue. And cows are twice as brown. And all passers-by were beauties and handsome men.

Mitya looked at the royal palace for a very long time. Then he and Baba Yaga went on.

And as soon as they moved away from the palace, a cart with two broad-shouldered men drove up to him.

Hey, guy, - the men asked the archer, - where are Solovyov, robbers, accepted here?

I’ll find out now, ”said the archer and disappeared behind the door.

Soon he returned with Chumichka.

Here, - said the men, - they brought a robber. Where to take it here?

What have you done?! cried the clerk. - Yes, how dare you carry our best friend Koshchei bound in carts? Well, untie him!

Eva, how come! one man said to another.

Who knew he was a friend?! - agreed the second. - If he is a real bandit!

Get out while you're safe! - ordered Chumichka.

He took the stunned Nightingale by the arm and solemnly led him into the palace.

Mitya and Baba Yaga at that time were already near the blue tower. They knocked for a long time until Uncle Brownie came out to them.

Here is who? Who came there? he asked, looking at the guests through the gate.

Here we are, - mimicked Baba Yaga. - You didn't know, did you?

Now found out! Domovoy spoke happily. - Now I see! Come on, dove! You haven't been for a long time. And whose is this boy?

The boy is with me. With me. Let's open the gate!

Uncle creaked the gate.

Now. So, it will be granddaughters?

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Pretty boy. Ginger.

They went into the house.

Where is Vasilisa? Baba Yaga asked.

No Vasilisa. She ran away, - answered the uncle. - Gather an army for Koshchei. And I'm taking care of the house.

Well, tell me, what are you doing here? the old woman demanded. - Yes, ceiling!

Now. I'll only think of tea. Here Vasilisa Afanasyevna and I came up with one thing. Magic. She makes her own tea. The milk itself boils. She does everything herself. It's called a samovar.

And the uncle told them what had happened. And how the Serpent Gorynych flew in and rolled the boyars. And about Kota Bayun. And about how Vasilisa the Wise ran away. Meanwhile, the tea was getting cold.

And where is Aunt Vasilisa now? What she does? - asked Mitya.

I don't know, - answered Domovoy. - If only I had a magic saucer, I would see everything. So it doesn't exist!

There is something it is, only broken, - said Baba Yaga.

So you can glue it! Domovoy rejoiced. - This is us in a moment. We are trained in this. Well, come here!

Baba Yaga gave him fragments of a saucer, and Domovoy set to work. He himself was small, but his hands were large and red. A whole planer could easily hide in them. But with these hands, he could do anything. Half an hour later, the saucer was like new. Uncle wiped it off with a clean kitchen towel and set it on the table. Then he quietly launched a pouring apple at him.

And everyone saw fields, roads, rivers and forests. And then there was a huge lake Pleshcheyevo.

Where the river flowed into the lake, there was a tent. Bogatyrs with their retinues drove up to the tent one after another. Vasilisa the Wise came out to meet them and bowed to each of them from the waist.

Thank you, Ivan - Cow's Son, for coming to rescue us from trouble. And thank you, Ivan Tsarevich.

What is there! - the heroes were embarrassed. - We must - then we will do it.

The riders kept coming and coming.

Then Emelyushka the Fool drove up on his self-propelled stove. And everyone started making fun of him.

You look at him! - Tsarevich Ivan grabbed his sides. - I came to fight on the stove!

Look, don't get fried there! shouted the laughing Prince Anisim. - Roll from side to side!

A friend of the heart - a baked cockroach! - Finist, the Clear Falcon, teased Emelya.

And Emelya himself was not laughing. He was on one side of a narrow river, and the whole army on the other.

Finally, Emelya chose a smaller place and ordered the stove to go straight into the water. And then there was a hiss, and a cloud of steam flew into the air. Water got into the furnace. Emelya spun on the stove. And the heroes laughed even louder.

And what are you laughing at, fools?! - shouted Ivan - Cow's Son. - He's here for your benefit! Wants to help you!

Help? - the heroes were surprised. - Yes, he did not hold a saber in his hands! Is that a poker!

Or grab!

And who will cook dinner for you? Shchi there or porridge? Or did you take your grandmothers with you? - sneered Ivan - Cow's Son.

No, - the good fellows answered, - we did not take the grandmothers.

That's it!

And indeed, good fellows! Vasilisa the Wise remarked. - Than to laugh in vain, they would show the strength of a valiant! They would pull the stove out of the river!

Immediately, four heroes, four young princes: Ivan Tsarevich, Stepan Tsarevich, Athanasius Tsarevich and Tsarevich Anisim - jumped off their horses and, as they were, in armor, entered the river.

They bent down, picked up the stove and carried it lightly, like a feather, to the steep bank.

Don't be offended, Emelyushka! We are not evil!

Yes, well, what is there! Nothing! Emelya hesitated. - Think!

And he began to throw dry birch logs into the stove.

Then Baba Yaga removed a clean towel from the carnation and covered the magic saucer.

Why, grandma? - asked Mitya.

Because because. Go to sleep. Tomorrow you will check it out, - the old woman answered.

No matter how much Mitya begged her, she made him lie down on a bench by the window and wrapped him in a warm blanket.

Chapter Sixteen THE RIVER OF MILK

Early in the morning there was a knock on the door of the blue chamber. The sleepy Brownie grumbling went to open it.

A minute later he returned with some piece of paper.

What's there? Who complained? Baba Yaga asked.

Gavrila came - the king's servant, - answered the Brownie, looking at the sheet in confusion. - The order was brought to him from Koshchei the Deathless. And he is illiterate. Asks to read.

So read it to him.

I can not. I'm not literate either! Whatever you want, I can solder, repair, disassemble something. And the letter doesn't stick in my head. No matter how much Vasilisa suffered with me, it was all to no avail! And you, as yourself, can you read by chance?

Found the lady! Baba Yaga said angrily. - I had nothing to do, only letters to learn. Vowels consonants. A and B were sitting on the pipe.

Maybe I'll read it? - asked Mitya.

Are you educated?

I'm going to school!

The brownie incredulously handed the boy a piece of paper. Mitya unfolded it and read:

Servant Gavrila.

Do not feed the snake Gorynych, do not give water, so that he is angrier. For lunch we will give him Makar to eat.

Koschei the Deathless.

Baba Yaga gasped:

Poor Makar and to be devoured by this scarecrow, three-headed and pop-eyed!

The brownie looked at her warily.

Most wonderful! Swiftwing! - Baba Yaga came to her senses.

And if you take it and say the opposite? Mitya suggested. - That the Serpent Gorynych needs to be fed.

Well, and then?

And then we'll rescue Makar. I have a plan.

Let's try, - said Domovoy.

He respectfully looked at the boy and went to call Gavrila. Gavrila dried his feet for a long time and bowed.

Yes, you have guests! - he said, seeing Baba Yaga. - And what will it be, granddaughters? he asked about Mitya.

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Pretty boy. Ginger.

Mitya unfolded the paper and read:

Feed the Serpent Gorynych so that he becomes kinder, so that he can neither lie down nor stand up!

Koschei the Deathless.

Is that how it's written?

Well, yes, - said Baba Yaga. - How else?

Where can I get so many cows? gasped Gavrila. - For him, for the wonderful Herod?

But it doesn’t say here, ”Mitya answered.

Nothing, - confirmed Domovoy.

Gavrila left, lamenting.

Well, what did you come up with? Tell me, - asked Baba Yaga.

And here's what. You, grandmother, sit in a mortar and fly to that lake, from which they become goats. Bring water. We will give it to Gorynych.

I won't leave you alone! - objected the old woman. Yes, it's hard for me to fly. I'm tired.

But what about?

Do not know how!

Nothing, I'm running away, - said Domovoy. - I have walking boots Hidden in the attic.

Here you go! Baba Yaga agreed.

That's what they decided on. And they also decided that Mitya and Baba Yaga would return to the hut and go to Pleshcheev Lake. It's dangerous to stay here.

At noon, on the road to the barn where the Serpent Gorynych lived, a sad procession appeared.

Makar walked ahead with his head bowed and in slippers. Two archers rode on horseback on the sides.

And behind, also on a horse, the billionaire himself, with a naked sword in his hand. Gavril's servant was sitting on a bench by the cowshed and resting.

Open the gate! - ordered the billionaire. - Here, brought to be eaten!

It is forbidden! Gavrila was worried. - No way! They just had lunch! They ate three cows! They can burst!

I know nothing! - answered the billionaire. - Do not have lunch! What do I care? I have orders in my hands. Must eat, and that's it!

Well, if you have to, - said Gavrila, - then it's another matter! If only he shouldn't! He went to open the gate. - And who will there be?

None of your business! Whomever is needed, that will be! - answered the billionaire.

Gavrila carefully looked at the prisoner.

Yes, no way, this is the king-father! he cried. - What is it doing? Really you, dear, to be eaten? This scarecrow! Yes, so that he chokes on you, our gilded one!

Nevertheless, he took the hook out of its socket and pulled the gate leaf towards him.

Well how are you? How at least healthy, tell me?

Thank you, I'm not complaining, - Makar replied. - One thing offends me - I blew the kingdom! So many people let down! And they believed me!

Come in. There is no time to waste! - ordered the billionaire. A hefty archer pushed Makar with his sword. And the gate closed behind him.

What kind of people are we losing? What people! - said Gavrila and firmly locked the gate on a hook.

Where to now? - asked the billionaire.

How - where?

Well, where are you talking to your Serpent from? The order must be given to him.

It's on top. From the attic. There is a special window there.

Well, take it!

The archers tied their horses and climbed up a steep ladder to the attic.

Hey, you! Take him! - shouted the billionaire Serpent. - Koschei ordered!

The serpent stirred, grunted, muttered something, but did not budge.

And then Brownie ran up to the cowshed.

Well, what do you have there? Doesn't eat? he shouted to the archers and Gavrila.

None!

And I brought special water. For appetite. Give it to him?

Let's! - ordered the shooter.

The brownie entered the cowshed and handed the Serpent Gorynych a jug.

He threw back one of his heads and drank all the water in one fell swoop. And then it began! The serpent rustled its wings, rustled like a falling tent, came in waves and began to decrease.

Let's run! shouted Domovoi to Makar and rushed to the gate. Makar is behind him.

They jumped on their horses. A minute - dust swirled along the road.

The billionaire rolled down from the attic head over heels. Behind him are two shooters. Gavrila was the last to jump out.

Run to Koshchei! shouted the billionaire. - Report immediately!

Together with the archers, he seized a cart from some peasant and drove it into the city. And Gavrila rushed about in the cowshed:

What will happen now? What will happen? Save who can!

He knew that he did not have to wait for good from Koshchei. And he ran into the forest.

Chapter Seventeen THE MAGIC SHAWL

Who escaped?

The Tsar and Domov escaped! Get on your horses and leave!

Send Gorynych after them! - commanded Koschey. - Send immediately!

The billionaire turned pale and took off his hat.

No more Gorynych!

How - no?

They made a goat out of him.

Are you crazy?

I'd rather go crazy, Your Majesty. They gave him something to drink, and he became a kid.

Horse! cried Koschei the Deathless. - Horse immediately! Bayun to me!

The servants ran after Bayun.

And they brought the heroic Koshcheev horse to the porch.

And everyone who was nearby - the billionaire, Chumichka and the Nightingale the Robber - also jumped on their horses.

Even One-Eyed Dashingly perched on some kind of horse. But the horse under him crashed against the damp ground, and Likho did not go anywhere.

Cat Bayun was the last to run out of the palace and jumped on his gray horse. His iron claws gleamed ominously.

And the chase began along the road.

For a long time, the alarming horse neighing came from afar.

Stop! - said at this time Makar Domovoy. - Lie down on the damp earth and listen - is anyone chasing us?

The housewife did just that.

I hear a horse neigh! This Koschey is catching up with us! But nothing, I have one gift. I kept it on the darkest day. Vasilisa the Wise gave it to me.

The brownie took a handkerchief from his pocket and threw it on the ground. There was a huge lake behind.

And the hooves clattered again.

And Koschei the Deathless was already approaching the new lake.

Everyone swim! he ordered.

But what about you? - asked Chumichka. - You will drown!

Everyone swim! repeated Koschei. - And wait for me on the other side! And take my horse. Bayun will lead him!

The suite obeyed. And Koschey himself remained on the shore and slowly began to enter the water. Here she came to his shoulders. Here she hid it with her head. Koschei walked along the bottom.

Horses cut through the water, and people swam alongside, holding on to the reins. On the opposite bank they huddled together and began to wait for Koshchei. He came out of the water covered in seaweed and, without shaking himself off, jumped on his horse.

Immediately the lake disappeared, as if it never existed.

And Domovoy and Makar also sailed. They swam across the Milky River.

Here their horses walked along the jelly bank and began to chew grass.

Look! - Makar showed Domovoi to small black dots on the opposite bank. - Again they. Don't leave us!

The brownie thought. Then he took out from his bosom half a loaf of black bread wrapped in a rag, began to break off pieces and throw them into the middle of the river.

How not to leave! Let's go! Milk turns sour from bread!

Bread fell into the river, and where it fell, yogurt twists immediately turned out.

There were more and more of them. The river began to seethe and become agitated more and more! And, finally, it happened - the curd ice drift went!

We cannot overcome this. They left, - said Koschey, who came to the rescue. - Listen, Bayun, can you put them to sleep?

The cat squinted.

Far away!

Well, a billion! Koschey said coldly. - You will answer me for this! Link it!

And Koschei with his retinue turned back to the palace.

Well, now where? Makar asked when Koschei and his retinue disappeared into the green fields.

Yes, to Pleshcheev Lake! Domovoy answered. - All of us gather there.

Chapter Eighteen BEFORE THE BATTLE ON THE KALINOV BRIDGE

At noon, a breathless sentinel rode up to the palace of Koshchei the Immortal.

Your Majesty, the army is coming towards us!

What army? Where?

I don't know, your majesty. Only a lot of them and all on horseback!

Anxiety! shouted Koschei. - Hey, Chumichka, gather the boyars immediately!

He went into the room where the magic mirror was kept.

Come on, mirror, tell me

Yes, tell the whole truth

Are we in trouble?

Is the enemy coming here?

As always, a guy in a white shirt appeared in the mirror. He looked at Koshchei with all his eyes, but said nothing.

Answer, - ordered Koschei. - What kind of army is coming towards us? Who is in command?

I won't," the boy said.

Vasilisa the Wise did not invent me for you. And for Makar the king. So that he knows what is happening in the kingdom.

For Makar the king? - Koschei grinned and slammed his hand on the glass.

There was a groan, and the mirror shot out of its frame in a thousand little sparks.

Bearded, preoccupied boyars were already gathering in the Duma. All of them were in chain mail and with swords.

Everyone is here? - asked Koschei.

Along with him came Chumichka, Cat Bayun, One-Eyed Likho and the Nightingale the Robber with new gold teeth.

Everything, everything! the boyars shouted in unison.

Count in numerical order!

The first! shouted the boyar Afonin.

Second! shouted Demidov.

Excellent! Koschey said. - Now listen to me! An enemy has appeared in our country. He wants to destroy us. He doesn't like our rules. And we like them. Right, boyars?

That's right, your majesty! - the members of the tsar's duma chimed in chorus.

So let's destroy it. Let's smash it to smithereens! - exclaimed Koschey.

Hooray! - Chumichka shouted.

Hooray! - picked up the boyars.

And what kind of enemy is that? - asked the most incredulous of the boyars - the boyar Chubarov.

Yes, we have one enemy, - Chumichka explained, - Vasilisa the Wise, and Makar, too!

Koshchei gave him a warning look. But it was already too late.

And Vasilisa is not my enemy! Demidov said. - She gave me a magic candle. Self-candle!

And Makar is not my enemy! shouted the boyar Morozov. He used to ride me in a sleigh as a child!

And me! Skameikin picked up.

And he gave me a bait.

And they said that the king is in the village! It turns out they lied. Let's not go fight him!

Ah well? Koschey said. - You do not want! Come on, Likho, teach them a little!

Now! Liho giggled. - Oh, I have them!

It came closer to the boyars and began to look at them affectionately. And strange things began to happen to the boyars: the boyar Afonin jumped up and, for no reason at all, drove the boyar Skameykin on the top of his head. Skameikin did not remain in debt.

He grabbed Afonin's beard, and they both rolled on the floor.

Boyar Morozov suddenly had a fever and a runny nose. He never had a handkerchief, and he did not know at all what to do with a cold.

Under the boyar Kachanov, a shop broke through, and he, in all combat armor, crashed to the floor.

There was not a single boyar with whom some kind of misfortune would not have happened. To which the boyar Yakovlev was careful and always stepped aside, but all the same, one bump after another jumped up in him, one bruise after another appeared.

Well, how? - said Koschey. - Are you going to fight?

The boyars paid no attention to him.

Excuse me, - said Afonin to Skameikin. - It's all famously one-eyed.

Do you think I was going to drag you by the beard? Skameikin answered. - And it was not in my thoughts!

Are you going to fight? - once again asked Koschey.

Fight yourself! Chubarov answered him. - You Vasilisa, too, will instruct bruises!

And we are not your friends! You are a deceiver! - supported Afonin.

If you don't want, don't! Koschey said. - Come on, Bayun, put them to sleep! Let them sleep until our victory.

Bayun stepped forward and looked first at one boyar, then at another. And everyone he looked at immediately fell to the floor and fell asleep right on the spot. A minute later all the boyars were asleep. Only snoring was heard.

At that moment a brownie ran into the Duma under a white flag. He handed Koshchei a letter. Koschei unfolded the scroll and read:

Koshchei Immortal.

We invite you to come forward. Then maybe we'll have mercy on you

Vasilisa the Wise, Makar and the Bogatyrs.

Well? - asked Domovoy. - Will there be an answer?

It will, - said Koschei. - Let them be themselves. Then I may have mercy on them!

Chapter Nineteen THE BATTLE ON THE KALINOV BRIDGE

Mitya and Baba Yaga rode in a hut on chicken legs behind the heroic army. And the army was already approaching the city.

Baba Yaga strictly forbade Mitya to leave the hut.

But they were always visited by guests. Gossip a little and look at the outlandish boy. So small, but already able to read!

Here the Brownie came running in walking boots to thank Baba Yaga for a wonderful apple - on a silver platter.

Thank you, grandmother, from Ivan - the Cow's Son, our boss. Now he can see everything that Koshchei is doing. He's Koschey, right?

What? Baba Yaga asked.

After all, he is unscrupulous, he gathered all the peasants of the surroundings and forces him to fight. Who, he says, will not go, I will destroy his family.

Affairs! Baba Yaga said. - Well, what else is new?

The military council is coming. They decide who to release against Lich One-Eyed. It's like that - it ruins everything. Against him, any warrior becomes useless. And the horses begin to limp.

And then came Makar.

Is it you, boy, who invented the thing with the Serpent?

I am Uncle Makar.

Thank you. Yes, they say you are still literate. Is it true?

Trained, uncle Makar.

Come to me as a clerk instead of Chumichka. And the pay is good. And the work is good. Easy.

There is nothing for him to do in clerks! Still young! Baba Yaga intervened. - Let him sit at home, help his father and mother. And what are you doing here? she pounced on the king. - First, cope with Koshchei, and then call for work!

But Makar was no longer listening.

He watched as two blacksmiths on a traveling forge-cart repaired someone's old chain mail.

And how do you hold the hammer! How are you holding up? Makar shouted at the young blacksmith. - Who works with a hammer like that? Well, look how it should be!

On the move, he climbed into the cart and left with the blacksmiths.

The capital city was already ahead. And Koschey the Deathless with his retinue rode out of the city to meet the heroes.

Baba Yaga saw a high hill to the side and ordered the hut to stop there.

Everything, she said. - Now I'll watch. And I will not fight. It's not a woman's business - to fight!

And Baba Yaga and Mitya sat down on the steps of the porch.

Both troops converged at the bridge over the Milk River. The first from Koshcheev's troops to the bridge was the terrible Nightingale the Robber. With new gold teeth.

And I'll get out! - answered Ivan - the Cow's Son. - Not enough I chopped your brother in my lifetime!

The bridge creaked and staggered under the weight of the opponents.

The nightingale the robber put two fingers in his mouth and whistled with a terrible whistle. Even the grass around was withered. And all the black crows that flocked to the battle fell dead from the sky. But the Cow Son did not even flinch. Vasilisa the Wise made him wear a winter hat under his helmet. And the nightingale's whistle was not terrible to him.

They converged like two mountains came together. Even sparks flew in all directions. The nightingale the robber whistled well, but he did not know how to fight honestly. He was bad with a sword. Ivan knocked the sword out of his hands, picked up the robber and threw him under the bridge, right into the jelly bank. Sprays flew in different directions, and the Nightingale got stuck in jelly up to his ears.

Cat Bayun jumped out onto the bridge and looked at Ivan - the Cow's Son with his magical eyes. No matter how Ivan strengthened himself, no matter how he struggled with sleep, he could not resist. He fell and, defenseless, fell asleep right on the bridge. The cat jumped up on his chest and began to tear the chain mail with steel claws.

Several horsemen from the left bank rushed to the aid of the hero. But Bayun directed his lantern eyes at them, and they fell from the horses, as if they had been knocked down.

But this was foreseen by Vasilisa the Wise. She stepped forward, and in her hands was something wrapped in a rag. A magic club jumped out of the rag and flew towards Bayun. In vain he rolled his eyes. In vain he growled and showed his claws. The club flew up to him and let's beat on the sides.

The cat left the hero and rushed under the protection of Koshchei the Deathless.

Here Koschei decided to release famously one-eyed.

It slowly passed by the baton, and the baton crumbled into small splinters. And Likho stood up on the bridge and giggled.

Four young heroes - Ivan Tsarevich, Stepan Tsarevich, Athanasius Tsarevich and Tsarevich Anisim - jumped on their horses and flew forward.

But before they reached the middle of the bridge, the bridge staggered under them and collapsed. And all four, together with the horses, fell into the Milk River.

Like this! Likho said kindly. - Be smarter!

Then Maryshko, Paranov's son, stepped forward. The man looks like a hero. He accomplished many feats in his lifetime. Put a lot of villains in their place.

He'll get rid of Likh! Baba Yaga said to Mitya. - He's got it all! I know him well! He came to me a hundred times!

... Maryshko took out a combat bow, put in a heavy arrow and took aim. But the bowstring suddenly jingled and broke. She slapped the hero in the face, so much so that a red mark remained on his face for a long time.

Maryshko became angry and wanted to throw a club at Likho. But the club escaped from the hands of the heroes and flew back to his army. And there a few riders fell dead to the ground.

What did you eat? Likho said even more affectionately. - That's what you need, fat-bellied.

Then Finist, the Clear Falcon, flew out of Vasilisa's army.

He flew to Lich, hit the ground and became a good fellow. But as soon as he swung his saber to cut off Likh's head, the steep bank collapsed under him, and Finist collapsed into the river.

Where can you, heroes, deal with me?! You are all fools!

And there was confusion in the army of Vasilisa the Wise.

And Koshcheevo's army rejoiced.

No, Baba Yaga said to Mitya. - Apparently, you can't do without me! Now I'm done with this Leah! Come on, give it a harder grip!

Wait, grandmother, - the boy answered. Let's try another remedy.

What remedy?

Do you remember: we have a friend Wolf? Grey Wolf?

I remember. So what?

You see, he is a good wolf. And when he approaches Leah, he will become bad. After all, Likho spoils everything. And if the Wolf becomes bad, no one will do well. Correctly?

That's right, that's right. But where to look for your wolf?

You don't have to look for it. He will come running now.

Mitya pulled a tuft of wool from his pocket, which the Gray Wolf had given him, and tossed it up. And the Wolf was at the porch.

Hello boy. Did you call me?

Called the Gray Wolf.

Why did you need me?

You see, - said Mitya, - on the other side is a man in a dress?

No, Wolf answered. - I see a woman in trousers there.

I'm talking about her. She needs to be bitten.

I can't, - the Wolf stubbornly stubbornly. - Elderly woman. Not even anyone's grandmother. Uncomfortable. Maybe do something else?

And they don’t ask you who to bite, who not to bite! Do what you're told! Baba Yaga intervened.

The wolf hesitated.

I still can't.

Well, you can’t, you don’t have to, ”Mitya said. - Parrot then.

I can scare, - the Wolf agreed and ran.

He swam across the river and began to get closer to Likh. And Likho stared at him with one small eye.

Only this time Likho's sorcery turned against him. The closer the Wolf ran, the angrier he became. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, his eyes sparkled. He growled and even howled.

The wolf ran up to Likh and clung to his leg with all his might.

Guard! Likho screamed. - They gnaw!

And it started to run. Koschei immediately realized that the time had come to intervene in the battle himself.

Forward! - he shouted and rushed to the heroes.

Archers from his army galloped after him, and the peasants from the surrounding villages all, as one, galloped in the opposite direction.

But before Koshcheev's horse had even taken three steps, the One-Eyed Likho, escaping from the Wolf, jumped into the saddle behind Koshchei.

Get lost! - shouted Koschei, drawing a huge sword.

He swung at Likho to deal with him. But the hilt of the sword broke off, and the blade flew off to the side.

The unarmed Koschey turned his horse to ride away from the enemies. But now the horse has failed. He limped and fell to the ground. That's what famously one-eyed meant!

Here Koshchei was attacked by heroic horsemen. They scattered his retinue across the open field, and Koshchei himself was tied up with iron chains. And Koschei could not do anything. Because his strength disappeared along with the army.

Yours is taken! - he said. So our time has not yet come!

He didn't say anything more.

CHAPTER TWENTY AFTERTALE

This time it was quiet in the boyar duma. The bearded boyars were sleeping and did not see Tsar Makar enter the hall together with Vasilisa the Wise. Gavrila followed behind.

Hey you! Get up! Makar ordered. - Why did you fall asleep?

No, they do not sleep with their own sleep, ”said Vasilisa the Wise. - This is all Kota Bayun's work!

Himself,” Gavrila confirmed. - People told me.

And you shut up empty head. I haven't forgiven you yet!

I am silent, I am silent, the king-father.

And there is nothing to be silent. And run and bring a dozen roosters here. We'll wake them up now!

Wait, Vasilisa said. I'll wake them up in no time.

She took out a vial of living water and sprinkled it on the boyars.

The boyars stirred and began to open their eyes.

Ege-ge-ge! - suddenly said Afonin, who had awakened. - Yes, no way, the king has come!

Right! - picked up Demidov. - And the beard, and the crown - everything is in place.

And here we had such a dream! Such a dream! shouted the boyar Chubarov.

What dream? Makar asked.

And such. That Koshchei was sent to us. That he invited the Serpent Gorynych.

Yes, and Famously One-Eyed!

And Kota Bayun.

You here sleep more, in a thought! Vasilisa said. - You don’t even dream about it!

We won't do it again! - shouted the boyars.

Enough! Get enough sleep!

That's what, boyars, - said Makar. - I came to tell you the news. I'm tired of ruling the kingdom. I want to go to the village!

And we? Are we with you too? Chubarov shouted.

And you will stay here. You will help Vasilisa. I decided to leave her instead.

Babu something? gasped Yakovlev.

But Morozov gave him such a cuff that he immediately fell silent.

How are you going to reign, Vasilisa? Makar asked.

I would stay, - said Vasilisa. - But what about the harvest? I'm not very good at these things.

The king went to the window.

But it's true! Autumn on the nose. Only you can manage the harvest. Yes, and I will be late, I will help you. I'll pass on the work. I'll look after the boyars. Let them get used to you. Is it coming?

Well! You can also try.

Here the joyful Nesmeyana burst into the hall. Behind her is a smiling Fyokla.

That's it, - the princess said cheerfully. - They cried.

What did they cry? Makar was surprised.

The pond wept.

What other pond?

Well, that one. Behind the barn.

And who asked you?

How - who asked? You yourself said how we will pay a whole pond, you will give a carriage!

Spoke? Makar asked the servant.

Of course he did. I heard with my own ears.

I'm not up to you now, - said Makar. - I have a crop on my nose.

And the carriage?

What is a carriage?

I'm not giving it. We need horses now.

Give them a carriage! shouted the boyar Afonin. - Let them get off!

Well, that's it! Makar said sternly. “Either you leave now, or I will send both of you to the village to knit sheaves.

Ah-ah-ah-ah! roared Nesmeyana.

Ah-ah-ah-ah! - picked up Thekla.

But they didn't scream so confidently. Then they left altogether.

The Boyar Duma set to work.

Meanwhile, far, far away, on the other side of the Milk River, two old women were escorting a red-haired boy to the station. One of them was Baba Yaga, and the other was just a grandmother - Glafira Andreevna.

The trees in the forest were beginning to turn yellow. It was time for Mitya to go to study, and they walked to the train.

Well, how! Did you have a good rest? - asked Glafira Andreevna.

Good, - answered Mitya.

And did Egorovna help with the housework? Or did Grandma have to do everything herself?

Helped, helped, - said Baba Yaga. Now it is no longer Baba Yaga, but grandmother Yegorovna.

+7

With drawings by Valery Alfeevsky, subsequently reprinted many times, including illustrations by Viktor Chizhikov.

In 2017, the Kamensk-Ural Drama Theater "Drama Number Three" hosted the premiere of the play "Vacation in Lukomorye" based on the play by Ilya Gubin, based on the novel by Eduard Uspensky.

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Plot

In the summer, Mitya, a city schoolboy, visits his grandmother Glafira Andreevna in the countryside. One day she sends him to visit her great-aunt Yegorovna, who lives alone. Mitya goes to Yegorovna through the forest and discovers that he has fallen into the world of fairy tales: he meets a talking Gray Wolf, sees a milk river flowing through the forest with jelly banks, and Yegorovna turns out to be Baba Yaga (although kind) and lives in a hut on chicken legs.

Meanwhile, Koschey orders Makar to be devoured by the Serpent Gorynych, however, Mitya and Baba Yaga, who arrived to help, trick the Serpent into giving water from a magical lake, which turns those who drink it into goats. The serpent becomes a kid, and Makar runs away to Vasilisa the Wise and her army. The boyars from the boyar Duma refuse to go to fight on the side of Koshchei, and the cat Bayun puts them to sleep. Koschey goes to battle with his old friends and an army recruited by force from the peasants.

Folklore characters.

Dmitry Bykov, in his Odin program on Echo of Moscow, commented on Uspensky's new images of the heroes of Russian fairy tales: "" In the book "Down the Magic River" Eduard Uspensky presents the reader with familiar images familiar from childhood fairy tale characters in a new, light and, one might say, good-natured interpretation. No character in Down the Magic River seems to be truly evil and obnoxious. And the boy Mitya, traveling through the "kingdom" becomes the reader's guide to the world of a new Russian fairy tale.

This fairy tale was written by the favorite children's poet and writer Eduard Uspensky. Yes, this name is widely known, because he is a public person and creates his masterpieces even now. How much do we know about him? That is the question:-)
Eduard Nikolaevich Uspensky was born in the Moscow region in the city of Yegorievsk on December 22, 1937.
After graduation school life E. Uspensky became a student at the Moscow Aviation Institute. During the years of study at the institute literary works began to appear in print.
The path to Uspensky's work begins in humorous genre together with A. Arkonov. Children's poems began to be published in Literaturnaya Gazeta and heard on the radio.
Eduard Uspensky was also a screenwriter for cartoons. Despite the change of generations, cartoon characters remain in the hearts of all viewers for a long time.
E.N. Uspensky also wrote for such well-known programs as "Ships came into our harbor", "ABVGDeyka", "Baby Monitor".
The author's works were published on 25 foreign languages and are popular in Holland, France, Japan, Finland, USA.
Of course, everyone can easily answer the question: "Who invented Cheburashka, Crocodile Gena and their friends, Uncle Fyodor, Postman Pechkin and Kota Matroskin, leading the investigation of Kolobkov, and also - Toad Zhabych Skovorodkin, a great journey Down the magic river, Bakhram's legacy, Guarantee little men, 25 professions of Masha Filippenko, the program "Ships entered our harbor", "Abevegedeyka", "Baby Monitor", and much, much, much more ??? "After all, this is all he is our beloved and highly respected Eduard Nikolaevich Assumption!!!
And another no less significant character responsible for the birth of this wonderful book is Viktor Aleksandrovich Chizhikov. Born September 26, 1935 - People's Artist Russian Federation, the author of the image of the bear cub Mishka, the mascot of summer Olympic Games 1980 in Moscow.
Victor Chizhikov was born into a family of employees in Moscow. In 1953 he graduated from the Moscow high school No. 103. In 1952 he began working in the newspaper "Housing Worker", where he received his first experience as a cartoonist. In 1953-1958 he studied at the Moscow Polygraphic Institute at the art department. Since 1955 he has been working in the Krokodil magazine. Since 1956 he has been working in the magazine Funny Pictures. Since 1958 he has been working in the Murzilka magazine. Since 1959 he has been working in the magazine Vokrug Sveta.
Member of the Union of Journalists of the RSFSR (since 1960). Member of the Union of Artists of the RSFSR (since 1968). Member of the editorial board of the Murzilka magazine (since 1965). Chairman of the jury of the children's drawing competition "Tick-tock" held by the TV company "Mir" (since 1994). Chairman of the Children's Book Council of Russia since 2009.
So talented and famous people hard at work on this wonderful book. Of course, you should not discount the AST publishing house, which gave it to us :-)
At the end of the book there is a wonderful article about the writer and artist :-) Be sure to read it very interesting.

Chapter One THE MAGIC PATH

In one village, a city boy lived with a grandmother. His name was Mitya. He spent holidays in the village.

He spent the whole day swimming in the river and sunbathing. In the evenings, he climbed onto the stove, watched his grandmother spin her yarn, and listened to her fairy tales.

And here in Moscow everyone is knitting now, - the boy said to his grandmother.

Nothing, - she answered, - soon they will start spinning.

And she told him about Vasilisa the Wise, about Ivan Tsarevich and about the terrible Koshchei the Immortal.

And one morning his grandmother said to him:

That's what. Take some goodies and go to my cousin's aunt - Yegorovna. Stay with her, help with the housework. And she lives alone. The old one has completely become. That and look, it will turn into Baba Yaga.

Okay, - said Mitya.

He took the gifts and went along the path through the forest. Everything is straight and straight. As his grandmother told him.

And suddenly a big, big Gray Wolf ran out to meet the boy. Much more than those that usually sit in the zoo.

Hello, he said in a human voice. - Have you by any chance seen a goat here? Gray like that?

Mitya was at first confused, and then said:

No... I didn't see a goat.

Hmmm, - thoughtfully drawled the Wolf, - it means that I should be without breakfast today. He sat on his hind legs. - But the girl did not come across to you? So small, with a basket? In a red cap?

No, - answered Mitya, - and the girl did not come across to me.

Hmm, - the Wolf drawled even more thoughtfully, - it means that I should be without lunch today! He turned and ran back into the forest.

The boy felt sorry for the Wolf, and he said:

Do you want me to feed you? I have a pie with me.

The wolf stopped.

With what? With meat?

No. With cabbage.

I don't want to, said Wolf. - I would eat sausages. Do you have a sausage boy?

There is, - answered Mitya. - Only I'm afraid my grandmother will scold me.

What else is a grandmother? Wolf asked. Because gray wolves are always interested in other people's grandmothers and granddaughters.

Grandmother Yegorovna. I'm going to her.

For you, she may be a grandmother, - Wolf grinned, - but for me ... well, not even a bit. Don't worry, she won't scold you. You treat me, and I'll still be useful to you!

The path crossed the green meadow and ran down to the river.

A white mist hung over the river and smelled of milk. A bridge rose above the mist.

Is this river a milky one? - the boy was surprised. - Nobody told me about it.

He stopped in the middle of the bridge and watched for a long time how sunbeams ran along the light milky waves. Then he went on. His footsteps resounded in the silence, and multicolored bug-eyed frogs jumped into the milk from the jelly banks. They must have been made from jelly.

Then the path led the boy through a dark forest and ran into a low wooden fence. Behind the fence stood a dilapidated hut on chicken legs.

Hut, hut, - said the boy, - come on, turn your back to the forest, and front to me!

The hut turned.

That's great! Mitya was surprised. - And now to the left! One-two!

The hut turned to the left.

And now march in place! One-two! One-two!

One-two ... One-two ... - the hut marched, raising dust.

And one could hear how cups and saucers rattled and rolled on the shelves inside.

But then the window opened, and some old woman leaned out of it.

What are you bullying? What are you bullying? she screamed. - That's how I'll jump out, how I'll jump out, how I'll crack with a broom!

Hello, - said Mitya to her. - And you, grandmother, who? Are you Baba Yaga?

Yes, the old woman replied. - And who are you?

I am Mitya.

What else Mitya?

Ordinary, Sidorov.

What am I to do with you?

Like what?

And so. If you were Ivan Tsarevich, I would give you tea and put you to bed. If you were a boy Ivashka, I would boil you in a cauldron. And what should I do with Mitya, I won’t even know!

I don't need to cook, - said the boy. - After all, I brought you guests.

From whom are the hotels?

From my grandmother Glafira Andreevna. I am her grandson.

Why didn't you just say so? So you are my cousin! And I wanted you with a broom! You wait. I instantly.

And in the hut something rustled, rustled, moved. Obviously, the floor was swept, a fresh tablecloth was covered and clean dishes were taken out.

Finally the door swung open and the boy climbed the steps.

The house was clean and cool. Baba Yaga, with a big nose, dressed up and combed, was sitting at the table, and next to her was a small, musty and somehow all green unfamiliar old woman.

Why are you, grandma, so wet? the boy asked her. - As if they got out of the swamp?

And I got out of the swamp, ”the old woman answered. - I live there, in the swamp. For a thousand years, probably!

Blimey! I have never heard of people living in the swamp. Yes, another thousand years!

Of course, - the old woman was offended. - You have probably heard about Baba Yaga. What am I? I don't fly in a mortar. I don't feed Ivanov Tsareviches. I just live in a swamp, that's all!

Yes, you know her! This is Kikimora swamp! Baba Yaga intervened. She lives right next door. Went out for a visit.

Are you Kikimora? Then I know about you. You, together with Leshy, scare people in the forest. Correctly?

What is there together! Expect help from him! You have to do everything yourself!

She calmed down a bit.

Still, it's nice - an outsider, a city boy, but knows something about you.

And they began to drink tea with lingonberry and cranberry jam.

And talk about this and that. About the fifth, about the tenth. About the thirteenth and fourteenth.

There was a saucer on the table, the old woman looked into it all the time. And an apple rolled on a saucer.

And what's that? the boy asked.

This is an apple - on a silver platter, - answered Baba Yaga. - A gift to me from Vasilisa the Wise. She came to visit, so she left. She comes up with a lot!

What can be seen on it, on this saucer?

Yes, whatever you want. We all now know what is happening in our kingdom! - said Kikimora.

Yes, you sit closer and look. - Baba Yaga moved a stool to the boy.

Mitya looked ... and this is what he saw.

CHAPTER TWO TSAR MAKAR

On the bank of the wide Milky River stood the royal palace.

It was hot. Flies buzzed. From the heat, the milk turned sour in some places, and curdled milk turned out in the backwaters.

The palace is quiet. All the inhabitants hid somewhere from the unbearable heat of the sun.

And only in the throne room it was cool. Tsar Makar sat on the edge of the throne and watched as Gavril's servant slowly rubbed the floors.

And how do you rub? How do you rub? - shouted the king. - Who rubs the floors like that? Well, give me! I'll teach you right now!

It is impossible, your Majesty, - Gavrila answered sedately. - It's not a royal business - to rub the floors. If someone sees - you won’t get around to talking. You are already sitting, rest yourself.

Pah you! Makar sighed. - And what kind of life do I have? You can’t work with an ax - it’s undignified! You can’t rub the floors - it’s indecent! Well, tell me, Gavrila, do I have a place to live in this house?

No, - Gavrila answered, - you don’t have to live in this house!

Well, tell me, Gavrila, have I seen anything good in my life?

Didn't see, Your Majesty. You didn't see anything.

No ... if you think about it, - said the king, - then there was something good.

Well ... if you think about it, - Gavrila agreed, - then it was. This is clear. And he shuffled his brush again.

Oh, you, “it was - it wasn’t” ... You won’t hear a good word from you! Here I will leave everything, - continued the tsar, - and I will go to the village to my grandmother. I will fish with a rod. Plow like all people. And in the evening I will play songs on the mound. Hey, Gavrila, - the king ordered, - give me a balalaika here!

No, Your Majesty, he replied. - You are not supposed to play the balalaika. This is not a royal job. I will give you a harp. Strum all day long.

He removed the harp from the wall and, slapping his bare feet, approached the king. Makar settled himself comfortably on the throne and sang:

In the dark forest, in the dark forest

Forest, forest...

Will I open, will I open,

Will I break it, will I break it...

Here he stopped.

Hey, Gavrila, what am I going to plow?

Pashenka, Your Majesty, pashenka.

Oh yes, the king agreed and finished singing:

Pashenka, pashenka,

I will sow, I will sow

I will sow, I will sow...

Hey, Gavrila, what will I sow?

Hemp flax, Your Majesty. Linen-hemp.

Flax-hemp, flax-hemp! - repeated Makar and ordered: - Hey, Gavrila, write down the words for me on a piece of paper. Too bad the song is good!

So I'm illiterate, your majesty.

That's right, that's right, - Makar remembered. - Nu and darkness in my kingdom!

The royal clerk Chumichka entered the hall.

Your Majesty, the whole boyar thought has been gathered, - he said. - They are waiting for you.

E-he-he! the king sighed. - Is the magic mirror ready?

It's all right, Your Majesty, don't worry!

Then let's go! But still, you know, Chumichka, - he said importantly, putting on the crown, - being a king is just as bad as not being a king!

Great idea! exclaimed the clerk. - I will definitely write it down in a book!

This is stupidity, not an idea! Makar objected.

Do not argue, your majesty! Don't argue! I know better. It's my job to write down your thoughts. For grandchildren. For them, your every word is gold!

If so, write, - Makar agreed. - Yes, look, don’t make mistakes so that I don’t blush in front of my grandchildren later! Chapter Three BOYAR DUMA

The Boyar Duma was buzzing like a beehive. The bearded boyars had not seen each other for a long time and now they were sharing the news.

And I was in the village! - Boyar Morozov shouted. - I swam in the river! I picked berries - viburnum, all kinds of raspberries!

Think village! - answered the boyar Demidov. - I went to the Blue Sea. Roasted on the sand.

So what is your sea? objected the boyar Afonin. - Also unseen! I've sailed on a raft along the Milky River and then I am silent! I ate sour cream!

But then the heavy oak doors swung open and the king solemnly entered the hall. In his hand he held a scroll. Behind him appeared the clerk Chumichka with a pen and an inkwell in a bag.

Quiet! Quiet! the king tapped with his staff. - Look, make a noise!

The boyars fell silent.

Everyone is here? Makar asked. - Or no one?

Everything, everything! the boyars shouted from their seats.

Now let's check. The king unrolled the scroll. - Boyar Afonin?

Here, - answered the boyar Afonin, the one who sailed along the Milk River.

Demidov?

OK. And Morozov? Benchkin? Chubarov? Kara-Murza?

Present!

Good. Well. The king laid down the scroll. - But I don’t see Kachanov. Where is he?

And his grandmother fell ill, - boyar Afonin explained. The most bearded and therefore the most important among the boyars.

He has a grandmother, then he has a grandfather! Makar was angry. - Here I will put him in a closet, all his grandmothers will immediately recover.

At this time, two archers brought a magic mirror into the hall and removed the cover from it. The king went to the mirror and said:

Oh you, mirror, my light,

Please answer quickly:

Are we in trouble?

Is the enemy coming here?

The mirror darkened, and a guy in a white shirt appeared in it.

All is well in our kingdom! - he said. “And there is no danger for us. But there are troubles, even as many as two.

And you come on in order, - ordered Chumichka. - In turn.

First things first, the Nightingale the Robber showed up, escaped from custody. I've already robbed two merchants.

What do we do? Makar asked.

Streltsov must be sent, - answered Chumichka. - To catch the swindler!

Correctly! It's true he says! the boyars shouted in unison.

That's right, that's right, - agreed Makar. - Yes, it's expensive to send archers. A lot of money is needed. And the horses will have to be torn off. And now the work is the most in the field.

But what about? exclaimed the clerk.

Let's ask Vasilisa the Wise.

What to ask her? What is she, smarter than us, or what? shouted the boyar Afonin.

Know smarter! Makar said sternly. - Since her people called the Wise One. Hey, come to me!

A boy ran in in brand new red ankle boots.

That's what, little one, run to Vasilisa the Wise and ask her what to do with the Nightingale the Robber?

The boy nodded and ran out of the room.

And the boyars began to wait, scratching their beards. Out of breath, the boy ran back:

She says that pictures should be sent around the villages. Like, the Nightingale the Robber escaped. He is so old. Whoever catches it will be rewarded with half a barrel of silver. The men will immediately catch him.

But a good idea! Makar said. - Right, boyars?

Correctly!

What is there! the boyars agreed.

And the guy in the mirror was waiting.

Well, what's the second news? the king asked him.

But what is it. The merchant Syromyatnikov from the Milk River took the sleeve to his gardens. Water the cabbage with milk. And dirty milk flows back into the river.

That's it, I see, the sour cream was somehow not like that! shouted the boyar Afonin. The one that floated on the Milky River.

OK OK! The king raised his hand. - What are we going to do?

Would flog him. On the square in front of the people, my dear, - Chumichka said insinuatingly.

Will not go! Merchants to flog - the goods can not be seen! Makar objected.

Gold words! agreed the clerk. How did I not think of this myself? This must be written down. This should be left for the grandchildren!

Yes, you wait with your grandchildren! Hey little one! - called the king of the runner. - Run again to Vasilisa. What will she advise?

Uncle king, why do I keep running to her? Let's call her here, - said the boy.

Where is this seen? Baba, let me into the royal thought! - Chumichka got excited.

It is forbidden! - shouted the boyars. - It's not a woman's business - to sit in a thought! Let him advise at home!

And the boy rushed for the answer. Five minutes later he reported to the king:

She says, you need to take half a barrel of silver from the merchant! Immediately that merchant will grow wiser.

And what? She's talking! shouted the boyar Morozov. - We will give silver for the Nightingale the Robber. The one who catches it.

Wow! - Chumichka was surprised. - How he invents! For nothing that woman!

The king tapped his staff.

So write it down!

There is one more news here, - the guy from the mirror suddenly said. “But I don’t know whether to say it or not?” Painfully unusual news. You can't have it for everyone.

The thought is silent.

Your Majesty, - said Chumichka, - order the boyars: who knows how to keep a secret - let him stay, who does not know how - let him go home!

So be it.

Makar agreed.

Boyar Chubarov immediately headed towards the exit.

Well, to hell with it, this secret! If you don't know - don't talk!

Now speak! the clerk ordered the mirror.

So, - said the guy, - our king is going to leave us. Tired, he says. Tired, he says, to reign. He wants to go to the village.

How so?! - the clerk started up. - And I?

He fell on his knees before the king:

Do not destroy, the king-father! What is a kingdom without a king! Whose thoughts shall I write down?

What, without me, there will be no thoughts? Makar was surprised.

What are these thoughts! - Chumichka shouted. - If they are not royal?!

Nothing, nothing! Everything will be fine. There are boyars here, and Vasilisa the Wise, - Makar reassured him. - And my word is firm - I'll leave. To Grandma. I will sunbathe like everyone else. Hay to mow. I will catch bream with a bait. Any questions?

There is! There is! shouted the boyar Morozov. - What are you going to catch?

How - for what? To the worm!

I ask for words! I ask for words! - demanded Morozov. He climbed forward and spoke: - Dear boyars! Bream - he is a cunning fish. He won't go for the worm. It is necessary to take it for semolina porridge!

And they started a long fishing conversation.Chapter Four

At that time, in Baba Yaga's hut, the saucer suddenly became cloudy and nothing could be seen.

Why? - asked Mitya.

The Serpent Gorynych flew out to hunt, - answered Baba Yaga. - He'll stir up the air now. You won't see anything until the evening. Let him fail, wonderful! So that everything burst with him, at the most beautiful!

Why do you call him amazing? And pretty? Mitya was surprised.

But because you can’t scold him, ”Baba Yaga explained. Whoever scolds him, he will eat.

And will you eat, grandma?

It won’t eat me,” the old woman answered. - Will choke. But you won't get into trouble!

Grandma, is your king Makar good? - asked Mitya.

Nothing, economic, fair. And he consults with Vasilisa the Wise.

Well, what is she like, Vasilisa the Wise?

Asked too! Yes, she is my niece! She came up with so many things - not to count! And walking boots! And an apple - on a saucer! And the flying carpet!

Domovoy helps her, - put in Kikimora, - her assistant.

You know what, grandmother, but I like you at your place, - said Mitya to Baba Yaga. - Can I stay here for a while?

Live all summer long! Baba Yaga answered. Just don't go where you don't need to, that's all.

Evening came imperceptibly, and the saucer cleared up again. Mitya bent down and began to look. And again he saw the royal palace. Behind the palace was a bathhouse. Steam was coming out of the bath.

Tsar Makar, covered in soapy foam, was sitting on a bench, and Gavril's attendant whipped him with a broom.

Bring on the park! Bring on the park! - shouted his majesty, splashing foam. - As if you are not washing the king! Broom me, broom dear! Oooh!

Then the king thought:

Hey, Gavrila, do you think the army won't scatter here without me? If I leave?

It shouldn't, your majesty. Why would he run away?

And how will he take it and run away!

And what! Gavrila agreed. - Take it and run away. How long does it take to run away?

OK. How about merchants? Will they stop trading with overseas countries?

Merchants? No, of course not. Why should they stop?

And how will they take it and stop?

And what? They may stop. Stopping is not hard. This is possible in no time, - the servant agreed, whipping the king with a broom.

Well, there won't be a war here without me? How do you think?

Must not be. Who needs it, this war?

And how will the enemies attack, what then?

And when they attack, then it will be, ”said Gavrila confidently. - If they didn’t attack, then it’s another matter!

Oh you! Makar got angry. - Sense from you! Run away, don't run away! Stop, don't stop! Attack, don't attack! And that's the way it works for you! I would have kept quiet.

And he, steamed, plunged into his thoughts.

... Meanwhile, the clerk Chumichka, with his hands behind his back, walked around the royal palace.

And how can I be now? he reasoned. - I'll be lost. Who needs me without a king? After all, now they will force me to work! They will send you to the kitchen.

And he ran to look for the royal daughter Nesmeyana.

... Nesmeyana with her servant Fyokla sat on the shore of a dry pond and roared at the top of her voice:

Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh - mom! Oh-oh-oh - dad!

Nesmeyana Makarovna, - said Chumichka, - come off for a minute, there is a case.

Which? - asked Nesmeyana, ceasing to cry.

The king, your father, is going to leave us. Wants to go to the village. Here's the trouble!

Yah?! - the daughter was surprised. - What village?

What's the difference what? Well, what's the difference?

If we go to Marfino, that's good. And if in Pavshino - so bad!

Now the clerk was surprised:

Why?

Yes, because there is a goading bull! That's why.

Princess, we need to save the kingdom, go talk to the priest. He can only listen to you.

I can not. I must cry, - said Nesmeyana. - When I pay a whole pond, they will give me a carriage.

Well, Nesmeyanochka, dear, - begged Chumichka. - I'll pay for you. I'll try with Fyokla Sergeevna.

Nesmeyana went to the king, and Chumichka sat down in her place and wept bitter tears.

Half an hour later Nesmeyana returned.

Persuaded! - she said. - Everything is fine. Let's go to Marfino. Bulls don't butt there!

You only think about bulls, dear Nesmeyana Makarovna! - Chumichka shouted.

In the hut on chicken legs, Baba Yaga, Mitya and Kikimora, without stopping, watched what the saucer showed. Until it faded again.

Probably, it was the Serpent Gorynych who was returning home from hunting.

You'll see tomorrow! Now go to sleep!

It was late. Kikimora said goodbye to them and went into her swamp. Mitya lay down on a bench under the window and fell asleep very quickly.

And Baba Yaga fiddled with the stove for a long time. She washed the dishes and muttered under her breath something eternal, woman-yagin. CHAPTER FIVE VASILISA THE WISE

The next day, early in the morning, Baba Yaga woke the boy.

Here's your bucket. Run to the river for milk, and pick up sour cream in a jar.

Mitya took a bucket, put a lid in it, and jumped over the dewy grass towards the river. The sun was shining. Black thunderclouds floated from that unfabulous side. But over the river they melted and turned into pleasant white clouds.

Mitya leaned down from the bridge and scooped up some sour cream and milk. And then he noticed some strange red stones on the shore.

He picked one up and saw that it was real cheese, "Dutch", or maybe "Yaroslavl".

Miracles, and more! - said the boy. He put the cheese under his arm and quickly ran home.

They had breakfast with Baba Yaga and went out onto the warm, sun-warmed porch.

Baba Yaga began to speak:

There, far, far away, do you see a big mountain?

I see grandma.

This mountain is cursed. No matter how many people went there, no one came home!

Why?

That's fun!

You have fun, - the old woman agreed. - What about parents? They need a son, not a goat! ..

Grandmother, - Mitya interrupted her, - but you can only look into a magic saucer in the evening?

Why? Watch all day long. When there is time!

Let's see then?

Come on, said Baba Yaga. She took out a saucer and placed it in the middle of the table.

Then Kikimora came, and the three of them began to watch what happened next.

This time they saw the blue tower of Vasilisa the Wise. Near the tower the clerk Chumichka was spinning. He stood by the porch, listened to what was going on inside, and knocked. Nobody responded. Then he pushed open the door and entered. The door behind him immediately closed, and the lock clicked. He must have been magical. Or English.

It was the workshop of Vasilisa. Old books stood on the shelves, unprecedented flowers grew on the windows. Something was cooking in a cast-iron pot on the stove. Some kind of healing potion.

The scribe lifted the lid and sniffed.

A large table blocked off the workshop. On it were various tools and two bottles of living and dead water. Hats, bags, boots and other things were neatly arranged on a bench against the wall. In the corner stood a forged chest, and next to it was a dish with red and green apples.

Chumichka picked everything up, touched and examined. And things were calm. But as soon as he opened the chest, a heavy club jumped out and began to beat the clerk on the sides.

Are you out of your mind? - Chumichka shouted. - Guard! Oh oh! Mother! Oh oh! Fathers! Kill!

There was a slight chime, and Vasilisa the Wise entered the house! Her dress was embroidered with fabulous flowers, and on her head was a kokoshnik with crystal pendants.

Club, in place! Vasilisa ordered.

The club calmed down and went into the chest.

Excuse me, mother! - the clerk began to make excuses. - I accidentally opened the chest. I didn't want to, but he took it and opened it. And how this beater will pop out!

Vasilisa smiled.

Do not be sad! But we did a great job with you. The club was tested. So tell me, how does it work? Good?

Okay, works well! - Chumicka rubbed the bruised places. - But why is she beating her own?

And that’s why he beats, so that they don’t get into other people’s affairs! Your happiness is that you have not yet tasted an old apple. Grandpa would have left.

Vasilisa took a self-shaking purse from the bench and shook out several copper nickels.

Here, put it on the bruises. It will immediately become easier.

The clerk tried the nickels on his teeth, held them for a while near the bruises, and slipped them imperceptibly into his pocket.

What did you complain about? asked Vasilisa the Wise.

But with what, - answered Chumichka. - Tell me, mother, who is the strongest person in our kingdom?

Perhaps Koschei the Deathless. He is the strongest. And what?

Yes, nothing. And where is he now?

But I won't say this. You will know a lot - you will grow old soon!

And it is not necessary! And it is not necessary! I don’t need to know this,” Chumichka agreed. - I'm just so interested. Out of curiosity.

Oh, you're cunning, clerk! Vasilisa said. - And Koschei is a state secret. And not everyone needs to know about it.

She took a bronze bell from the table and rang it. Her assistant came in - a short and big-headed uncle Brownie.

Here, uncle, take the guest, - Vasilisa told him. - Give him some tea. And things are waiting for me.

And what? And drink. I have just boiled tea, - answered the Brownie.

He and Chumichka went into the upper room. The brownie busied himself with the cups and saucers, and the clerk sat down on a bench by the stove and began to question his uncle.

Listen, here you are working for Vasilisa the Wise for a year, but you don’t know many things, ”he said.

Is this what I don't know?

But who is the most powerful person in the kingdom?

Strongest? - Uncle thought. - Yes, perhaps, Nikita Kozhemyaka. Vasilisa Afanasievna measured his strength with horses. So he pulled eight horses.

But no! The strongest in our kingdom will be Koschey the Immortal, - objected Chumichka.

The brownie thought about it.

It's right. Yes, only he, Koshchei, has a secret. If he, Koschei, is alone, then any boy can handle him! But if he has friends or an army, then there is no one stronger. Then he will knock over a hundred-year-old oak tree with his sword. He is not afraid of fire, or water, or anything at all.

You see, but you didn’t know that,” said Chumichka.

How did you not know? - uncle was taken aback. - I knew!

Yes?! - exclaimed Chumichka. - And you tell me then, where is he, Koschey the Immortal, is now?

And in the royal cellar he is chained! It's been there for two hundred years!

Just then, a horse stomped outside the window.

What's this? Has anyone come to you? asked the clerk.

No, on the contrary, - answered the uncle. - Vasilisa Afanasyevna left. To Lukomorye for living water. Living water has come out of us.

Interesting, interesting, - the clerk muttered. He got up from the stool. - Well, I'm going, uncle. Good health to you!

I don't, uncle. There is no appetite.

He's up to something stupid! - exclaimed Baba Yaga, when the fabulous city was no longer visible again.

Who? - asked Mitya.

Yes, this clerk. That's who. If I were there, I would look after him, my dear!

Grandma, how far is it to get there? - asked Mitya.

Oh, you fool! Yes, as long as you get, you will stop five pairs of shoes.

And I figured out how to get there! Will you just take me with you?

Okay, talk. But I won't go on foot!

And you don’t have to walk, - answered Mitya. - After all, the hut has legs?

Yes, said Baba Yaga.

Here we are in the hut and go. Why would her feet disappear?

Baba Yaga was amazed:

Well done! I have been living in a hut for three hundred years, but this never crossed my mind! Now I will show this Chumichka. And I became old to fly in a mortar. And the age is not the same!

In fact, it's hard to come up with! - said Kikimora. - And ride around the kingdom. And you can stay with Vasilisa the Wise!

When are we leaving, grandma?

Yeah right now! - answered the old woman. - We have nothing to gather. Everything is in our house!

She went down to the cellar, picked up potatoes for the journey, took off the linen that was drying in the yard, and gave Kikimore the last orders:

You look after my garden. Cabbage fields, carrots propoli. If any prince appears, say that I am not there - she left for the capital. Yes, they are tired. Three visit each day. Feed, drink and put everyone to sleep! An inn has been set up! And if there is no me, they will start to respect me.

That's right, that's right, - agreed Kikimora. - There is no life from them, from the princes. Don't worry about the garden. I will do everything.

Mitya and Baba Yaga went out onto the porch, and Mitya ordered:

Hut, hut, march forward step by step!

Baba Yaga's hut trampled on the spot, took a few hesitant steps and ran forward, cheerfully creaking logs. Apparently, she had long wanted to stretch her chicken legs.

And the lakes, forests, fields and all kinds of other expanses swam towards them.Chapter Six Nightingale the Robber

The sun rose higher and higher. And the road went on and on. It turned first to the right, then to the left between the green hills and seemed to lead anywhere but forward, not in the right direction.

Baba Yaga went into the hut to take care of the housework. And Mitya was sitting on the porch. Suddenly he saw a post on the road. A letter was nailed to the post. Mitya jumped off the porch and read:

ROYAL DECREE

Our Tsar Makar Vasilyevich ordered to catch the daring criminal Nightingale the Robber. He is tall. Strong additions. One-eyed. He is fifty years old. There are no special marks. Both legs are left.

For the capture of a living or dead reward - half a barrel of silver.

Today's year. Summer is current. Written by the clerk Chumichka.

“How quickly everything is done by the king! thought Mitya. “Yesterday they were only talking about the robber, but today the decree is already hanging!”

He caught up with the hut and jumped onto the porch. The road descended from the hillock and now went through the forest. And suddenly a huge blockage of trees appeared ahead. And a shaggy head with an eye patch immediately appeared above the blockage.

Hey you, the head asked. - Who are you?

Like who?

And so, what will your life be like?

My name is Mitya!

And you are not a relative of Ilya Muromets by chance?

No. I'm just Mitya. And what?

And then. Hands up!

What for? - the boy was surprised.

And then! - The man upstairs showed a hefty club. - How to fuck on the head!

Mitya realized that in front of him was none other than the Nightingale the Robber ... Tall growth, strong build. For the capture, the reward is half a barrel of silver. But this did not please Mitya at all.

Well, turn out your pockets! - ordered the robber. - Get everything out of the house. And furs, and jewelry, and all kinds of furniture!

No, - said Mitya, - furniture is not allowed. Baba Yaga will swear.

Baba Yaga? - the robber was alarmed. - And who is Ilya Muromets related to?

Then let him swear as much as he wants.

Baba Yaga leaned out the window.

How dare you stop us? Yes, we have a very important matter in the capital!

The door swung open with a thud, Baba Yaga flew out of the hut in a mortar with a whirlwind. She had a broom in her hand. Blows rained down on the unlucky robber. Baba Yaga flew from right to left, and her broom flickered so fast that all you could hear was: boom! .. Boo-m-boom-boom-boom! .. Boom-boom! .. Boom! Fuck!

Finally, the Nightingale managed to hide in the hollow of a hundred-year-old oak. Baba Yaga poked it with a broom once or twice. - Here I will pour boiling water into the hollow for you! Or I'll throw coals! You'll jump right out!

Apparently, her threat had an effect on the robber. He hurriedly pulled out a stick with a piece of white cloth at the end.

That's it! Baba Yaga said. She grabbed a rag and calmly flew into the hut. - Tell him to take it all apart. Cleared the road! she said to Mitya.

How! - the robber leaned out of the hollow. - You will leave, and I will pick again!

And you will collect like a pretty one! cried the old woman.

Grandma, he doesn't need to collect! Mitya intervened. - We have to go back.

Correctly. Don't collect! You will understand, and only! Baba Yaga agreed.

Glancing warily at the hut, the Nightingale began pulling away the trees.

Listen, - Mitya told him, - why didn't you whistle? After all, from your whistle, everyone falls dead.

Why? The robber sighed. - I got my teeth knocked out. In, - he showed, - like a front rage!

It was only then that Mitya noticed that the Nightingale the Robber was lisping heavily.

And you get new teeth.

- Insert, insert! Gold is needed!

Why - gold? You can also insert iron. Like my grandmother.

What am I, Izh village, or something! The robber chuckled. - With us, among the robbers, there are only yellow ones. Zhashmeyut with iron!

But now the road was cleared, and the hut ran further to the capital city. Mitya and Baba Yaga hurried her all the time. They were very worried that Chumichka would cause some trouble in the fabulous capital.

In the meantime, it began to get dark.Chapter Seven KOSHCHEY THE IMMORTAL

Darkness gradually shrouded the royal palace and the Milky River. Everyone in the palace was asleep. Everyone except the clerk Chumichka. He lay in bed, sticking his beard out from under the covers, pretending to be asleep just in case. And he listened.

Silence! The clerk threw off the covers and crept up to the door without breathing. It opened without the slightest noise, and Chumichka began tiptoeing down the stairs. Not a single floorboard creaked as he walked quietly through the state rooms.

Here is the exit from the palace. The clerk cautiously opened the heavy oak door. Bang Bang Boom! rumbled outside the door. It was an archer from the night guard who was guarding the entrance to the palace. He slept on the porch, leaning against the door frame.

Chumichka was frightened, but, it seems, in vain: no one in the palace woke up. The clerk safely got out onto the porch, he took the sword from the sheath of the sleeping archer and carefully put the guard in place. Then he walked along the wall and found himself at the door leading to the dark basement. There were kept brooms, brushes, cans of paint and other household items of the main servant of Gavrila.

The clerk took a flint and flint from his pocket, lit a fire and lit a candle. Lighting his way, he walked down the corridor and found himself in front of a small, iron-bound door.

On it, covered in cobwebs, hung a sign:

CAREFULLY! LIFE THREATENING!

Under the tablet was a skull and two crossbones.

Jing-ding-ding ... - was heard from behind the door. - Blam-blam-blam ... Slap ...

The clerk began to look under the rug for the key. The large, rusty key was not under the rug, but on the lintel. So, they hid it especially carefully. Chumichka took an oil can from his pocket and dripped some oil into the keyhole. Then the key turned silently, and the door opened.

By the dim flame of a candle, he saw Koshchei the Immortal chained to the wall. Koschey hung on chains.

From time to time, he kicked off the wall with his feet and, swaying forward, flopped again on the stonework. Therefore, it turned out incomprehensible: ding-ding-ding ... Slap ...

Hello, Your Majesty, - the clerk said timidly.

Hello! - answered Koschey, nervously tapping his fingers on the wall. - Remove this thing, and so everything is visible.

The clerk blew out the flame, and Koshchei's eyes shone ominously in the darkness.

So I listen to you.

It seemed that Koschey was very busy and could give Chumichka two minutes, no more.

I have come to offer you the throne of our state! the clerk said timidly.

So, so, - Koschey tapped his fingers. - The throne is good. What about your king? Makar, I think?

And the king is going to leave us. Leave for the village.

Well then. That's where he belongs. Makars must chase the calves!

Ah, how well you said! - exclaimed Chumichka. - Can I write it down in a book? Not to forget.

I see you're a good thinker, - said Koschey. - And what is your position?

Scribe, Your Majesty, I'm just Chumichka the clerk.

From now on you are not a clerk! Koschey said. - I make you my friend. First friend and adviser!

Glad to try, your majesty!

Now take this off me! - Koschei rattled chains. - Just lubricate me first. And then I will raise such a creak - all the guards will come running!

Chumichka oiled Koshchei and began sawing the chains on his arms and legs. As soon as he sawed through the last chain, Koschei fell down with a terrible roar.

Here's the trouble! he exclaimed. - I forgot how to stand!

Chumichka tried to lift Koshchei and felt an incredible weight: Koshchei was all made of iron.

I need to drink twelve buckets of water, - said Koschey, - then my strength will return.

The clerk brought an empty shopping bag, loaded the lax Koshchei and, groaning, went to the nearest well.

It was deep night, but Mitya and Baba Yaga did not sleep. They sat and watched the apple roll on the saucer. From time to time Baba Yaga jumped up and ran from corner to corner with small steps.

Oh, we didn't make it! Oh, no warning! What is the next?!

Or maybe they can handle Koshchei? - asked Mitya.

Maybe they will, or maybe they won't! Baba Yaga answered thoughtfully and again looked into the magic saucer.

The moon was shining over the royal palace. Chumichka got water from the well and gave it to Koshchei the Deathless.

He drank and drank. And with every sip it got stronger and stronger.

Finally, he straightened up to his full height and drank the last, twelfth bucket.

And you're done, Chumichka! Tomorrow I will give you this bucket filled to the brim with gold!

Thanks your majesty! - answered the clerk, and thought to himself:

"Little badie! Should be replaced. Put more!

And now forward! - commanded Koschey. - I can't wait to put on the royal crown.

They walked past the sleeping guard to the throne room. In the darkness, Koshchei's eyes shone with a cheerful green light.

Chumichka tried to light a candle with a flint and flint, but Koschey was ahead of him. He snapped his fingers, sparks flew, and the candle lit.

And now, Chumichka, bring me a pen and paper and bring the king here.

The clerk left. And Koschey sat on the throne and put on the royal crown.

Soon a sleepy tsar appeared in a dressing gown and slippers.

That's what, my dear, - Koschey said authoritatively, - now you take pen and paper and write that the throne, crown and state are inferior to me!

For nothing in the world! - stubborn Makar. - I don't even think about it!

Your Majesty, but you were still going to leave for the village, - Chumichka intervened.

Today I assembled, and tomorrow I figured it out! - exclaimed the king. - And I would leave the throne to Vasilisa the Wise! Or someone smarter from the boyars. Hey guard, come to me!

The chief of the palace guard entered.

That's what, foreman, take the guys who are healthier and take this one that's on my throne! - ordered the king.

Why ten? Koschey was surprised. - Who said "ten"? Centurion, to me!

How is the centurion? Is he a centurion? Makar asked.

No, of course not, - answered Koschei. Does he really look like a centurion? Such a brave guy! Thousander - that's who he is from this moment! Thousand, here!

Thousand, here! - shouted the king.

The surprised guard turned to the king.

Million, back! Why is there a millionth, billionth, to me, step by step march! - ordered Koschey.

Entered the main royal servant Gavrila. He looked in surprise first at the king, then at Koshchei.

Hey, Gavrila, - the king turned to him, - who are you for? For him or for me?

I am for you, your majesty.

So you're against me? - severely asked Koschey.

No, why not? - said Gavrila. - Of course, I'm for him, but I'm not against you.

Well, tell me, Gavrila, did I feed you? Makar asked.

Fed, your majesty.

Did you dress?

Dressed up, Your Majesty...

So come to me!

Listen, Your Majesty!

Wait a minute, Gavrila, - Koschei stopped him. - Do you want to continue to be fed?

I want, your majesty.

Dressed up?

I want, your majesty.

So come to me!

Listen, Your Majesty!

So, you, Gavrila, are for him? the king said sadly. - So you're against me?

Why? Gabriel answered. - I, of course, for him. But not against you, Your Majesty.

Well, what are we going to do with the king? - asked Koschei.

He should be executed, Your Majesty! - said Chumicka. - It will be calmer in the state.

Don't you feel sorry for him? Koschei chuckled.

It's a pity. What a pity! After all, I loved him like a father, while he reigned. But for business it is necessary!

What do you think, billionaire?

As you command, your majesty!

Clever, bright head! Well, that's what: this one in the basement. As it is, in slippers, - he nodded towards the king. - And everyone else immediately sleep. Tomorrow, a new life will begin in our kingdom!

The next morning, Baba Yaga lamented for a long time:

What to do now? Back, or what, to return?

You can't go back, - said Mitya. - We did not have time to warn the king, but maybe at least we will help out Vasilisa the Wise!

And that, - agreed the old woman. - Koschey will now kill her from the light. Go.

And then a breathless Gray Wolf ran up to the hut.

Stop, stop! I need to consult with you!

Consult, but quickly, - Baba Yaga ordered. - We need to hurry!

You see, over there, behind the gardens, the old woman lives, - began the Wolf. - Her goat was so small! Harmful! Either he will eat cabbage, or he will chew underwear, or he will break the roof with his feet. And the old woman kept wailing: “Oh, you are so-and-so! May the wolves eat you!” So my friend and I took one and ... rescued the old woman. And she came and cried: “Oh, you are my pretty little gray one! How can I live without you?! I'll take it and drown myself! I can only find a heavier stone!” And I'm a good wolf. I wanted the best. What should I do now? Please advise. Too bad for grandma!

Baba Yaga thought.

And I don't know. And I don’t know, - she answered, - and it’s not up to you at all now! We ourselves have a mouth full of worries. Koschei wants to sit on the kingdom!

Can I say? - asked Mitya.

Speak!

Here's what you do: catch an ordinary hare or a mouse. Can you?

I can. What for?

And take it to that lake from which you can not drink. Drink - you will become a goat!

I know this.

And let him drink from the lake. He will turn into a goat. Give the kid to your grandmother.

Aye boy! Well, thank you, - the Wolf was delighted. - The second time you help me out. You know what, take a tuft of wool from the back of my neck. I just started shedding. If you feel bad, you throw it in the air. I'll run right away. I will save you from any trouble!

And he disappeared into the field. And the hut ran on. Mitya and Baba Yaga rode and looked into the magic saucer. They were very worried about what was happening in the fairytale palace.

And that's what happened there.

The sun was crushed in the latticed windows, and the throne room was festive. Koshchei the Immortal, rattling his armor, was pacing in the middle of the hall, and Chumichka, Gavril's servant and billionaire Nikita with a huge two-handed sword on his knees were seated on a bench near the wall.

Today I walked around your kingdom, - said Koschey, - I looked around and I must say that your kingdom is seedy! Here, for example, the army. I went to the barracks at night. He took the trumpet and sounded the alarm. What do you think came out of it?

What? asked Gavrila.

Nothing. Five archers appeared with bowlers and spoons. They probably decided that there would be a training distribution of food! Such an army is useless to me! My enemies have such an army! Next time I'll execute every tenth! Well, tell me, - continued Koschey, - what should be the army in the state?

Ours, native, resourceful! - suggested Gavrila.

Koschei shook his head.

No, and don't! the attendant quickly agreed.

The army must be ruthless! And then native, resourceful and all that. And we must urgently call the Serpent Gorynych, the Nightingale the Robber and the Cat Bayun. They are my old friends, with them no one will be afraid of us!

Your Majesty, - Chumichka decided to insert the word, - maybe we should invite Likho One-Eyed too?

What for? What's the use of him? - asked Koschei.

And we will send it to the enemies. They have such problems in the economy - just rejoice!

Good idea! Koschey agreed. - So, let's call him.

He walked slowly around the room again.

And now here's what. Here I looked into your treasury and was amazed. No castle, no sentry. Not a treasury, but a passage yard. Yes, they will steal all the gold from you!

And our king said that people should be trusted! - ventured to say Gavrila.

Yes? Koschey turned around. - And where is your king now?

Sitting in the basement.

Here's something!

How subtle! - exclaimed Chumichka. - I will definitely write it down in a book.

I order you to put a sentry at the treasury! Koschei continued. - And embed the lock so that the sentry himself does not climb there. And give me the key!

Let's do it, Your Majesty!

And the last thing, - said Koschei sternly. - Vasilisa the Wise immediately take into custody! Let him make flying carpets, treasure swords and crossbows for us. With her help, we will conquer all the neighboring kingdoms!

She won't," said Gavrila. - I know her well, our mother.

You don't know me well! It won't, so we'll take our heads off!

Your Majesty, - Chumichka intervened. - I myself am afraid of this Vasilisa. Too smart! So, she doesn't exist. She went to Lukomorye for living water.

So set up an ambush! As soon as it appears, grab it immediately! Got it, billionaire?!

Yes sir!

And you, Chumichka, write letters immediately. And send runners wherever you need them. And gather me a boyar thought. Let's live. I became Immortal only because I never lost a minute!

... And on the bank of the dry pond behind the cowshed, Nesmeyana and Fyokla were still roaring. And the pond filled up little by little.

Bearded boyars gradually filled the hall.

Why were we brought together? they wondered. - Yesterday after all only thought was!

I just cracked a nut with a door, - said the boyar Chubarov, - they already shout to me: “Let's run to the thought!” I never ate a nut! Now the chickens are pecking!

I didn't drink honey! - the boyar Demidov was upset. - My aunt brought me from the village!

The clerk Chumichka entered, and with him a billionaire armed to the teeth with archers.

My dear boyars, - began the clerk, - our amiable falcons! I have come to tell you important news. A new king has been sent to us! And soon a new life will begin in our kingdom! Hurray, boyars!

Hurrah! - picked up the billionaire.

Hooray! - uncertainly held out the boyars. - And where did the old king go?

How - where? - Afonin explained to himself. - If they sent a new one, then they sent the old one! Am I right?

Cleverly, - agreed Chumichka. - Simple and clear.

We don't want a new king! Chubarov suddenly shouted. - Give back the old one!

Also sent to me! - Demidov supported him. - Who asked you? Send back!

Quiet, boyars! Suddenly, an authoritative voice rang out. And Koschey the Deathless entered the hall, rattling his armor. His green eyes blazed. - Listen to me carefully, and I will reveal the whole truth to you! he began. - Your king has gone to the village! Rest. Collect flowers and berries. And before leaving, he asked me for a long time to take his place. And I agreed. I am your new king! Look at me boyars! In all your kingdom there is no warrior equal to me! I am the strongest! I am the bravest! I am the most immortal of you! I'll teach you how to ride! To swim! Slash with swords! And you will shoot a bow just like me! Come on, give me a bow and arrows here!

The billionaire hastily carried out the order.

Light a candle at the end of the hall!

The candle was lit. In complete silence, Koschey raised a heavy combat bow and, almost without aiming, fired. The arrow flew like lightning through the hall, extinguished the candle and half went into the wall.

Wow! the boyars sighed in admiration.

Hooray! shouted Chumichka and the billionaire.

Well? Take me as king?

And what? Why not take it! - shouted the boyars.

Let's take it and take it!

Let him reign, since Makar asked!

Can I shoot? - asked boyar Morozov.

And me, - picked up his friend Demidov.

Please, - answered Koschey and nodded to Chumichka.

The clerk crossed the hall at a run, pulled the arrow out of the wall and handed it to the bearded boyars.

All members of the royal council took turns shooting. They made noise. Got hot. They bet. They threw their hats on the ground. But it's all in vain. The candle burned down to the end, and its flame did not even waver once.

And I don't need a new king! - Boyar Chubarov suddenly declared. - I like the old one better!

I see, I have not only supporters! Koschey said calmly. - I love brave people! Hey, Chumichka, bring a tray of coals from the kitchen!

Chumichka ran out and soon returned with a tray full of hot coals. Koschei took some papers from the table, broke several arrows and threw them on the tray. A bright flame erupted. He stretched out his hand into the fire and in front of the astonished boyars began to slowly turn it. The hand grew hotter and hotter and finally lit up with a bright crimson light.

And if I say hello to you with this very hand? he asked the boyar.

Chubarov was silent.

Don't you understand, boyar, that I can't get in the way?!

He walked across the hall and placed his red-hot palm against the wall. There was a hiss, and smoke billowed. And when he took his hand away, a clear imprint of his five remained on the tree.

Got it? - Asked Koschey and went out.

And everyone who was in the hall: the billionaire, and Chumichka, and the boyars, and the archers, - they all were silent for a long time. And for a long time before their eyes stood the red-hot hand of Koshchei the Deathless. The fun was spoiled.Chapter Eleven FINIST - BRIGHT FALCON

The hut on chicken legs ran forward. Mitya and Baba Yaga hurried her all the time.

Grandmother, - the boy asked, - how long do we still have to go? Is it soon?

Soon only a fairy tale is telling! Baba Yaga said. - And the veal is cooked! I may be in a hurry more than you! To rescue Vasilisa! We'll be there tomorrow evening.

And suddenly the hut limped, creaked with all the logs and staggered. Mitya and Baba Yaga almost fell from their stools to the floor.

They jumped up and ran out onto the porch.

On the road, not far from the hut, a strange human figure wandered. In a dress and at the same time in trousers, with long gray hair - not a man, not a woman.

Hey you, give me a ride! said the figure in a loud, raspy voice. And it was also not clear from the voice, who was it - a man or a woman?

I'll take you! I'll take you like that! Baba Yaga answered. - Get out of the way.

Are you afraid? the scarecrow giggled. - And you're doing the right thing. Everyone is afraid of me! I would instantly turn your hut into logs. No, we'll meet again. No one has left me yet! Scoundrels!

And the hut shook again. And something even rattled and rang in it.

Who is it? - asked Mitya, when the strange figure was left far behind.

This is famously one-eyed. To crush him with a pine tree! Where it appears, do not expect good there. It will pass along the bridge - the bridge will fall apart. He will spend the night in the house, everything is over! And fights begin there, and quarrels. And the roof collapses. Even the cows are mad! From this Likha all the troubles in our kingdom come!

Mitya rushed into the hut.

Grandma, come here!

Baba Yaga came in next and gasped - an apple rolled from corner to corner on the floor. And after him slipped fragments of a broken saucer.

Baba Yaga and Mitya could no longer see what was happening in the capital.

Meanwhile, archers led by Chumichka approached Vasilisa's tower.

Open immediately! By order of Koshchei the Immortal!

Powerful fists banged on the door.

But Uncle Brownie did not even think of opening it. He grabbed a new cap of invisibility from the bench, put it on and disappeared. Just in time! The door swung open, and hefty archers burst into the workshop.

Here he is! I saw it with my own eyes! shouted the clerk Chumichka. - He's hiding somewhere!

Archers scattered around the room. They looked into the stove, under the bench, into the closet, but found no one.

Chumichka fussed along with everyone. And if he noticed some interesting little thing, he imperceptibly put it in his pocket. This made Domovoy more and more angry. Here the clerk thrust a self-shaking wallet into his bosom. And the uncle could not stand it:

Hey you literate! Put it on it's place!

Who is literate? How literate? - Chumichka spoke, looking around. But he didn't show his wallet.

You are literate and there are literate! Domovoy said. - Put it to whom they say. And how I crack!

Who will crack? Who will I crack? - asked Chumichka. He looked into every corner of the workshop. And the archers paid no attention to their conversation.

Here the clerk was next to Domovoy, and Uncle Domovoy hit him on the back of the head with all his might.

Archers crowded around. In the turmoil, someone brushed off the Brownie's hat. He dragged her to him - the archers did not give up. The cap cracked and tore.

Gotcha, dove! shouted the clerk triumphantly. - Knit him!

The uncle was tied up and with a tasteless kitchen towel in his mouth was laid on a bench, and then left alone.

There was a crystal chime. Vasilisa the Wise rode up to the tower on horseback. She jumped to the ground, untied two earthenware jars from her saddle, and whistled. The horse neighed and galloped away into the fields. And Vasilisa opened the gate.

Immediately, as if from under the ground, four archers sprang up.

What is this guard of honor? Vasilisa was surprised.

This is not a guard, - the elder said gloomily. - You were ordered to be taken into custody.

Who ordered?

Koshchei the Immortal.

That's how! Where is Makar? What about him? Vasilisa asked.

I don't know, said the archer. And I'm not allowed to talk to you!

Aren't you afraid to keep me in custody?!

Maybe I'm afraid. Yes, but they will cut off my head, as I will not fulfill the order.

Vasilisa the Wise entered the tower and saw Domovoy tied hand and foot on the bench. She untied him and gave him living water from a pitcher.

Well, tell me, uncle, why did they bandage you like that? Or send where assigned?

No, mother, they didn’t appoint, ”Domovoy answered. - I wanted to warn you that trouble. He laid out different signs. So Chumichka ordered me to be tied up.

Uncle told Vasilisa how Chumichka found out from him about Koshchei the Deathless. As Koschey spoke in a thought with the boyars. And how he announced that King Makar went to the village.

He’s lying all the time,” Vasilisa said. Makar didn't go anywhere. Not otherwise than in the basement chained sits.

And then there was a knock on the door.

What? Vasilisa asked, going out onto the porch.

The clerk handed her a note:

Your order came from Koshchei the Deathless.

He already orders me, - said Vasilisa. - What does his immortal majesty want?

She unfolded the paper and read:

Vasilisa the Wise from Koshchei the Immortal.

I order you, Vasilisa, to urgently invent and manufacture:

1. Crossbows - 200

2. Flying carpets - 100

3. Cap of invisibility - 1

4. Treasure swords - 50

The deadline is three days and three nights. And if you do not follow the order, my sword is your head off your shoulders.

Koschei the Deathless.

Oh yes letter! Vasilisa said. Well, why did he need all this?

I don’t know, mother, I don’t know,” the clerk began to fuss. Maybe he's out hunting? Now the ducks are flying. The hunt is the best! Sat down on the carpet. Fly and shoot!

And he needs swords for the economy, ”Vasilisa supported. - Chop the cabbage. Now the cabbage is the best! Sat down and watch how she cuts! So tell him that I'm not his assistant. Swords do not cut cabbage, but cut people's heads!

My business side! replied the clerk. - My business is to convey the order!

And he left. And archers with drawn swords remained to guard the blue tower.

Uncle Brownie, make me some strong tea, ”Vasilisa said to the assistant. - I have to think.

And she sat and thought. And only occasionally went from corner to corner. And then crystal bells rang in the house.

Here Vasilisa went out onto the porch, took a handkerchief from her pocket and waved it. A gray falcon's feather fell out of the handkerchief and began to spin in the air. And a falcon appeared in the sky. So he hit the ground and turned into good fellow Finist - Yasna Sokol.

Hello, Vasilisa the Wise! Why did you call me - drink honey or cut enemies?

Not to honey now! Vasilisa answered. - Hops are noisy - the mind is silent! I have an assignment for you.

Tell me, Finist asked. - I'll do anything!

Now you will fly to Lukomorye. There you will find a huge tree. The chest is hidden on the tree. There is a bear in the chest. In a bear - a hare. And in this hare there should be the death of Koshchei. Bring it to me here.

Okay, the guy replied. - Wait for me tomorrow at noon!

He again turned into a falcon and flew into the blue sky.

Vasilisa Afanasyevna, how do you know about Koshcheev's death? Domovoy was surprised. Or who told you?

Nobody said. I figured it out myself.

Very simple, uncle. After all, he, Koschei, must cherish his death as the most precious thing. Like gold and precious stones. Where are they usually stored?

In chests!

So Koshchei's death is in the chest. But Koschey is cunning. He understands that the chest will be looked for in the ground. And he will hide it where no one will guess.

On the tree? Uncle thought.

On a tree, Vasilisa confirmed. - Everyone will think that the tree is in the forest. And Koschei will choose a tree away from the forest. Where?

At Lukomorye, - said Domovoy.

Right. Well done, uncle.

But how do you, mother, know about the bear? And about the rabbit?

And it's simple. Koshchei's death must be guarded by someone. Koschei does not trust people. So it's an animal. Most likely a bear. He is the strongest among us.

But the bear is a clumsy and clumsy animal, ”said Vasilisa. - And you need someone who, in extreme cases, could run away. For example, a hare. Got it now?

Now I understand, - the uncle nodded his head. - Now everything is clear.

But that’s what I’m afraid of, ”continued Vasilisa,“ as if there were no bird in this hare. Or mice. Well, okay. Finist there on the spot will figure out what's what!

Well, you have a bright head, mother! - admired Domovoy. - How many years I have been working with you, and every time I am surprised!

They could only wait.Chapter Twelve Zmey Gorynych

Bonfires were burning on a huge square behind the barn, people were crowding and music was playing. They were waiting for the arrival of the Serpent Gorynych.

There he flies, - said Koschey to the boyars and the clerk Chumichka. - See?

Where? Where? - the boyars fussed. All of them were with swords, because after the arrival of Gorynych, military exercises were scheduled.

Over there, - Koschei held out his hand. - Right above the forest! However, half an hour passed before the boyars noticed a small black dot in the sky.

The kite flew quickly and silently. So he put his paws forward and landed, drawing two deep black furrows across the field.

Hooray! shouted Koschei.

But no one supported him. There were no boyars. Disappeared.

Finally, boyar Afonin got out of some hole.

Will he eat us?

No, Koshchei answered. - He is kind, right, Gorynych?

The Three-Headed Serpent stirred.

Right, said one of his heads.

Of course, - supported the other.

And the third did not say anything, but only smiled: they say, how could it be otherwise?

Can you pet him? asked Chubarov.

You can, - allowed Koschey.

The boyars gradually got out of the ditch.

And he won't give us a ride? - asked boyar Demidov.

Now I know. Will you ride them, Gorynushka?

I can, - answered the Serpent.

And the boyars began to climb on his back in a crowd. They sat comfortably, holding each other tightly.

The serpent took off, flapped its wings and slowly flew over the palace.

Hooray! the boyars shouted in unison. - Hooray!

But then they quickly fell silent, because the Serpent flew too high.

So he made two circles over the royal grounds and landed again. Silent boyars fell like peas on the ground.

Thank you, Gorynych, - said Koschey. - Now get settled. Do you see the cowshed by the pond? You will live there... Hey, Gavrila, is everything ready in the barn?

Everything, your majesty.

Then feed the guest, give him a drink and put him to bed. He must have been tired from the road. Look, feed better! You'll feel better, understand?

How not to understand? I understand,” Gavrila answered sadly.

And the boyars and I will go to study military affairs.

And what? Let's go to! the boyars agreed. - Once ordered!

Military exercises have begun.

It was evening when a cart pulled by a gray horse drove up to the royal palace. There was a cat in the cart. A huge black cat with a white star on his chest and with terrible steel claws. Sheaves of bright yellow light shot from the Cat's eyes.

He jumped off the cart and started up the steps. Two archers blocked his way.

Well, get out of here!

The cat silently turned its yellow eyes on them. The beams of light narrowed, and the archers began to yawn. Slowly, slowly, they sank onto the porch and, as if on cue, fell into a heroic sleep.

The cat stepped over them and entered the palace.Chapter Thirteen

On the way to the fairy-tale capital, One-Eyed Likho wandered. It wandered at the invitation of Koshchei the Immortal. And where it took place, the flowers withered and the weather deteriorated. Behind Likha rode a man in a cart.

Hey, man, - Likho said, - well, give me a ride!

Sit down, said the man. - It's a pity, isn't it?

Famously sat down behind the peasant. Immediately something crunched below, and one wheel fell off.

Here's the trouble! - the man groaned. - Brand new wheel!

And Likho chuckled softly.

The peasant jumped down from the wagon, took out an ax from under the hay and began to tap on the axis. He swung once, twice, and how he fucked himself on the finger!

Famously laughed louder and got down on the road.

Ah, to you! - the man got angry.

He grabbed the whip, swung, wanted to hit Likho and unexpectedly hit the horses. The horses neighed, took off and carried the three-wheeled cart right through the oat field.

Well, I'll show you! - the man was furious. And, brandishing his whip, he set off to run after Likh.

And it, picking up the skirts of the dress, rushed at full speed. Here Likho jumped over a small wooden bridge over the river, and it immediately collapsed. The poor man flopped straight from the shore into the river.

What did you eat? Fatty fool! shouted Likho from the other side. - I'll show you more! Rustic bastard!

And Likho is gone. And the wet man walked along the shore for a long time and spat in different directions. Then, picking up the wheel, he went in search of the runaway cart.

Half an hour later, Mitya and Baba Yaga drove up to the same bridge.

E-ge-ge! said the old woman. - Yes, no way, famously visited here! The entire bridge is broken.

Grandmother, - Mitya was surprised, - but how could it have visited us before? We overtook him.

It is where it wants to appear. And in front, and behind, and in five more places, - the old woman answered. - A hut can not pass here!

So, let's go on foot, - said Mitya.

They began to take out of the house what could be useful to them on the road. Baba Yaga rolled out the stupa, put a blanket and a warm scarf in it. She wrapped the fragments of the saucer in a rag and slipped it into her bosom. And Mitya took with him only a piece of wool that the Gray Wolf gave him. Mitya had nothing else.

They examined the hut for the last time, and the boy noticed a small patch on the window. The one that Baba Yaga took from the Nightingale the Robber. Mitya began to examine him.

In the very corner was embroidered: "Tablecloth, sir..."

Grandmother! the boy shouted. - It's a piece of tablecloth-samobranki?

And that's right! the old woman agreed.

Come on, tablecloth, give us something to eat! Mitya ordered.

The patch curled up. And when he turned around, there were pieces of black bread and half a salt shaker with salt on it.

Hey, what about porridge? Baba Yaga said.

But nothing else appeared.

Lazy, the old woman decided.

Maybe this is the corner of the tablecloth on which the bread lies, - Mitya said. - And porridge is placed in the middle.

Where is the tea?

I don't know, grandma. But now we will try differently. Hey, tablecloth, - he said, - we want bread with butter!

And with sausage! - inserted Baba Yaga.

The patch curled up and unfolded again. This time the bread was already buttered and the sausage was on top.

Now it's different! said the old woman.

Then Baba Yaga hung a lock on the door of the hut and ordered her:

Go to the forest and wait for us there! Yes, look, do not walk around idle! And don't let strangers in!

The hut sighed, puffed and reluctantly headed towards the forest.

Behind the travelers was a long road, and ahead of the bridge. Somewhere not far away, beyond the bridge, lay the capital city.

And Mitya and Baba Yaga went there.

Hey you! A man in red boots ran up to them. - Have you seen the Nightingale the Robber?

And what? Baba Yaga asked.

The letter was ordered to be delivered to him. Koschei calls him to help. Isn't he on this road?

He is not on this road, - Mitya answered.

And never was! said the old woman.

The runner thought:

Where can I run now?

And you run the other way, uncle.

Right. Run, honey, there! Baba Yaga said.

Only also remains, - the runner has agreed. - So all my life I run back and forth, here and there! I haven't seen my wife for half a year! Chapter fourteen

Finist - the Clear Falcon did not fulfill the instructions of Vasilisa the Wise.

I did everything as ordered,” he said the next day. - I found an oak near Lukomorye, and on it is a chest, about which you spoke. I turned into a good fellow, began to swing the branches. The chest fell - and shattered! From it the bear jumped out and run! I'm wearing a bear hat! I knocked him down, I'll see what happens next.

And what was? - asked Domovoy.

The hare jumped out of the bear. And across the fields. I threw a mitten at the hare. Knocked him out. The duck flew out of the hare. What do you think the attack is? I turned into a falcon - and after her! He hit a duck, and an egg fell out of it! I'm after the egg. Pounded him with his beak. Well, I think everything - completed the assignment. An no. The needle fell out of the egg - and down. Right into the haystack. I searched, searched - I do not see a needle. And so she remained in a haystack. Don't be angry, Vasilisa!

Vasilisa the Wise thought for a moment.

It's a shame that this happened. Well, Finist, fly around all our heroes. Tell them trouble has come. We are all unhappy: Koschei sat on the throne. You have to fight with him.

Let everyone take a squad. And let everyone come to Pleshcheevo Lake.

And how are you, Vasilisa? - asked the hero. "Maybe I should let you out first?"

I will take care of myself. Well, goodbye.

Finist again turned into a falcon and flew out the window, so no one from the Koshcheev guard was noticed.

And half an hour later, an ancient, bent old woman came out of the tower of Vasilisa the Wise.

Where are you, grandma? - the archers got worried. - Well, back!

So I need to go to the market! Buy vegetables for dinner. Feed Vasilisushka, - answered the old woman.

No one is allowed to leave! - archers balked. - Just let it in.

It will be worse for you, as she dies of hunger! Grandma threatened.

The guards scratched their heads.

Okay, - said one of them, - stay here for now, and I'll run after Chumichka.

Chumichka at that time was spinning on the bank of a dry pond.

Nesmeyana and Fyokla sat there and cried.

Are you crying, Nesmeyana Makarovna?

I'm crying. And what?

But nothing. Cry, cry for health. I won't interfere with you. You are just trying in vain!

Why?

And so, - answered Chumichka.

Putting his hands behind his back, he walked slowly around the pond.

What are you talking about? cried Nesmeyana. - They'll give us a carriage!

Yes! - supported Fyokla.

They won't give you anything! - answered Chumichka, going around the whole pond around.

How - will not give? After all, the father promised!

Yes? Where is your father now?

I do not know where. That's where. Go and find out for yourself.

How can I go? I must cry.

And as you wish!

Listen, cry for me. And I’m running to the palace, ”said the princess.

No, - objected Chumichka, - I don’t want to cry now. I used to cry. You yourself, Nesmeyana Makarovna. Without me already!

Then an archer ran up to him and said something in his ear. And the clerk quickly left.

What to do? Nesmeyana asked Thekla. - What did he say?

Don't know.

And I don't know.

Maybe cry first? There's not much left.

Let's cry, - Nesmeyana agreed.

... And Chumichka was already approaching the blue tower.

Where did you come from, grandma? Why haven't I seen you before? he asked cheekily.

And I always lay on the stove, - answered the old woman. - I didn't get out of there.

What is out now?

Here I had to. You won't let my granddaughter in.

And what kind of bag do you have? Where did you take it?

The bag is like a bag. Ordinary business. Vasilisa gave it to me.

Vasilisa the Wise has nothing ordinary! - Chumichka objected. - She has magical things. Well, come here!

But you're right, honey. This bag is truly magical. You tell her: "Suma, give mind!" - and she will give you, add mind. You'll be smarter right away!

And she went, leaning on a heavy knotted stick. This stick was somewhat familiar to Chumichka. Where did he see her? But where - the clerk could not remember!

The old woman stepped aside, took a red apple out of her pocket and began to eat. She ate and got younger and younger.

And now, instead of the old woman, Vasilisa the Wise stood in front of the astonished archers and Chumichka.

Hold on! - shouted Chumichka. - Get her now!

It wasn't there! Vasilisa whistled, and a horse appeared as if from under the ground. They only saw her.

Chumicka got scared.

What to do? Tell Koshchei - he will kill! Do not say - it will also kill!

He remembered the magic bag.

Well, summa, give mind! Yes, hurry up!

Two hefty fellows jumped out of the bag.

Do you need to be mindful? they asked with one voice.

Yes, me.

The fellows ran up to the clerk and began to beat him with their huge fists.

We do not kill, but we invest our mind! - the good fellows answered sedately.

The clerk rushed to Koshchei the Deathless.

Who are you? Koschey asked sternly when all three ran up to him.

We are two of the bag! - answered the good fellows, continuing to beat Chumichka.

Well, back to the bag! - ordered Koschey.

And the fellows carried out the order.

Father Koschey! cried the clerk. - Vasilisa the Wise has escaped! You lied to me, damn it! Spent!

Koshchei's eyes turned from green to red.

Do you know what you've done, fool? She will now gather an army against us. May Makara be released. What will you sing then?

Or maybe we should remove Makar? suggested the clerk. - They will release no one. BUT?

Have to. There is no other way out. Well, clerk, for the first time I forgive you. And on the second I will forgive. And don't expect mercy on the third. I'll crush it into powder!

I'm listening, your majesty. May I write this in a book?

At least cut your nose! - answered Koschey. Chapter fifteen IN THE CAPITAL

Through the city, Baba Yaga and Mitya made their way through the back streets. It is not known what order is in the capital. But the other travelers seemed to think the same way. And there were more people in the back streets than on the main streets.

None of the passers-by were surprised to see Baba Yaga in a mortar. And many greeted her.

What, have you come to visit?

Stay.

It's clear. And who is this? Will your granddaughter be?

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Mitya looked around with interest. The houses were low. Each house has a garden. In general, the city was more like a large village. Only he was festive and bright. The platbands on the houses were decorated. And the sky was twice as blue. And cows are twice as brown. And all passers-by were beauties and handsome men.

Mitya looked at the royal palace for a very long time. Then he and Baba Yaga went on.

And as soon as they moved away from the palace, a cart with two broad-shouldered men drove up to him.

Hey, guy, - the men asked the archer, - where are Solovyov, robbers, accepted here?

I’ll find out now, ”said the archer and disappeared behind the door.

Soon he returned with Chumichka.

Here, - said the men, - they brought a robber. Where to take it here?

What have you done?! cried the clerk. - Yes, how dare you carry our best friend Koshchei bound in carts? Well, untie him!

Eva, how come! one man said to another.

Who knew he was a friend?! - agreed the second. - If he is a real bandit!

Get out while you're safe! - ordered Chumichka.

He took the stunned Nightingale by the arm and solemnly led him into the palace.

Mitya and Baba Yaga at that time were already near the blue tower. They knocked for a long time until Uncle Brownie came out to them.

Here is who? Who came there? he asked, looking at the guests through the gate.

Here we are, - mimicked Baba Yaga. - You didn't know, did you?

Now found out! Domovoy spoke happily. - Now I see! Come on, dove! You haven't been for a long time. And whose is this boy?

The boy is with me. With me. Let's open the gate!

Uncle creaked the gate.

Now. So, it will be granddaughters?

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Pretty boy. Ginger.

They went into the house.

Where is Vasilisa? Baba Yaga asked.

No Vasilisa. She ran away, - answered the uncle. - Gather an army for Koshchei. And I'm taking care of the house.

Well, tell me, what are you doing here? the old woman demanded. - Yes, ceiling!

Now. I'll only think of tea. Here Vasilisa Afanasyevna and I came up with one thing. Magic. She makes her own tea. The milk itself boils. She does everything herself. It's called a samovar.

And the uncle told them what had happened. And how the Serpent Gorynych flew in and rolled the boyars. And about Kota Bayun. And about how Vasilisa the Wise ran away. Meanwhile, the tea was getting cold.

And where is Aunt Vasilisa now? What she does? - asked Mitya.

I don't know, - answered Domovoy. - If only I had a magic saucer, I would see everything. So it doesn't exist!

There is something it is, only broken, - said Baba Yaga.

So you can glue it! Domovoy rejoiced. - This is us in a moment. We are trained in this. Well, come here!

Baba Yaga gave him fragments of a saucer, and Domovoy set to work. He himself was small, but his hands were large and red. A whole planer could easily hide in them. But with these hands, he could do anything. Half an hour later, the saucer was like new. Uncle wiped it off with a clean kitchen towel and set it on the table. Then he quietly launched a pouring apple at him.

And everyone saw fields, roads, rivers and forests. And then there was a huge lake Pleshcheyevo.

Where the river flowed into the lake, there was a tent. Bogatyrs with their retinues drove up to the tent one after another. Vasilisa the Wise came out to meet them and bowed to each of them from the waist.

Thank you, Ivan - Cow's Son, for coming to rescue us from trouble. And thank you, Ivan Tsarevich.

What is there! - the heroes were embarrassed. - We must - then we will do it.

The riders kept coming and coming.

Then Emelyushka the Fool drove up on his self-propelled stove. And everyone started making fun of him.

You look at him! - Tsarevich Ivan grabbed his sides. - I came to fight on the stove!

Look, don't get fried there! shouted the laughing Prince Anisim. - Roll from side to side!

A friend of the heart - a baked cockroach! - Finist, the Clear Falcon, teased Emelya.

And Emelya himself was not laughing. He was on one side of a narrow river, and the whole army on the other.

Finally, Emelya chose a smaller place and ordered the stove to go straight into the water. And then there was a hiss, and a cloud of steam flew into the air. Water got into the furnace. Emelya spun on the stove. And the heroes laughed even louder.

And what are you laughing at, fools?! - shouted Ivan - Cow's Son. - He's here for your benefit! Wants to help you!

Help? - the heroes were surprised. - Yes, he did not hold a saber in his hands! Is that a poker!

Or grab!

And who will cook dinner for you? Shchi there or porridge? Or did you take your grandmothers with you? - sneered Ivan - Cow's Son.

No, - the good fellows answered, - we did not take the grandmothers.

That's it!

And indeed, good fellows! Vasilisa the Wise remarked. - Than to laugh in vain, they would show the strength of a valiant! They would pull the stove out of the river!

Immediately, four heroes, four young princes: Ivan Tsarevich, Stepan Tsarevich, Athanasius Tsarevich and Tsarevich Anisim - jumped off their horses and, as they were, in armor, entered the river.

They bent down, picked up the stove and carried it lightly, like a feather, to the steep bank.

Don't be offended, Emelyushka! We are not evil!

Yes, well, what is there! Nothing! Emelya hesitated. - Think!

And he began to throw dry birch logs into the stove.

Then Baba Yaga removed a clean towel from the carnation and covered the magic saucer.

Why, grandma? - asked Mitya.

Because because. Go to sleep. Tomorrow you will check it out, - the old woman answered.

No matter how much Mitya begged her, she made him lie down on a bench by the window and wrapped him in a warm blanket. Chapter Sixteen MILK RIVER

Early in the morning there was a knock on the door of the blue chamber. The sleepy Brownie grumbling went to open it.

A minute later he returned with some piece of paper.

What's there? Who complained? Baba Yaga asked.

Gavrila came - the king's servant, - answered the Brownie, looking at the sheet in confusion. - The order was brought to him from Koshchei the Deathless. And he is illiterate. Asks to read.

So read it to him.

I can not. I'm not literate either! Whatever you want, I can solder, repair, disassemble something. And the letter doesn't stick in my head. No matter how much Vasilisa suffered with me, it was all to no avail! And you, as yourself, can you read by chance?

Found the lady! Baba Yaga said angrily. - I had nothing to do, only letters to learn. Vowels consonants. A and B were sitting on the pipe.

Maybe I'll read it? - asked Mitya.

Are you educated?

I'm going to school!

The brownie incredulously handed the boy a piece of paper. Mitya unfolded it and read:

Servant Gavrila.

Do not feed the snake Gorynych, do not give water, so that he is angrier. For lunch we will give him Makar to eat.

Koschei the Deathless.

Baba Yaga gasped:

Poor Makar and to be devoured by this scarecrow, three-headed and pop-eyed!

The brownie looked at her warily.

Most wonderful! Swiftwing! - Baba Yaga came to her senses.

And if you take it and say the opposite? Mitya suggested. - That the Serpent Gorynych needs to be fed.

Well, and then?

And then we'll rescue Makar. I have a plan.

Let's try, - said Domovoy.

He respectfully looked at the boy and went to call Gavrila. Gavrila dried his feet for a long time and bowed.

Yes, you have guests! - he said, seeing Baba Yaga. - And what will it be, granddaughters? he asked about Mitya.

Great-granddaughter. Tribal.

Pretty boy. Ginger.

Mitya unfolded the paper and read:

Feed the Serpent Gorynych so that he becomes kinder, so that he can neither lie down nor stand up!

Koschei the Deathless.

Is that how it's written?

Well, yes, - said Baba Yaga. - How else?

Where can I get so many cows? gasped Gavrila. - For him, for the wonderful Herod?

But it doesn’t say here, ”Mitya answered.

Nothing, - confirmed Domovoy.

Gavrila left, lamenting.

Well, what did you come up with? Tell me, - asked Baba Yaga.

And here's what. You, grandmother, sit in a mortar and fly to that lake, from which they become goats. Bring water. We will give it to Gorynych.

I won't leave you alone! - objected the old woman. Yes, it's hard for me to fly. I'm tired.

But what about?

Do not know how!

Nothing, I'm running away, - said Domovoy. - I have walking boots Hidden in the attic.

Here you go! Baba Yaga agreed.

That's what they decided on. And they also decided that Mitya and Baba Yaga would return to the hut and go to Pleshcheev Lake. It's dangerous to stay here.

At noon, on the road to the barn where the Serpent Gorynych lived, a sad procession appeared.

Makar walked ahead with his head bowed and in slippers. Two archers rode on horseback on the sides.

And behind, also on a horse, the billionaire himself, with a naked sword in his hand. Gavril's servant was sitting on a bench by the cowshed and resting.

Open the gate! - ordered the billionaire. - Here, brought to be eaten!

It is forbidden! Gavrila was worried. - No way! They just had lunch! They ate three cows! They can burst!

I know nothing! - answered the billionaire. - Do not have lunch! What do I care? I have orders in my hands. Must eat, and that's it!

Well, if you have to, - said Gavrila, - then it's another matter! If only he shouldn't! He went to open the gate. - And who will there be?

None of your business! Whomever is needed, that will be! - answered the billionaire.

Gavrila carefully looked at the prisoner.

Yes, no way, this is the king-father! he cried. - What is it doing? Really you, dear, to be eaten? This scarecrow! Yes, so that he chokes on you, our gilded one!

Nevertheless, he took the hook out of its socket and pulled the gate leaf towards him.

Well how are you? How at least healthy, tell me?

Thank you, I'm not complaining, - Makar replied. - One thing offends me - I blew the kingdom! So many people let down! And they believed me!

Come in. There is no time to waste! - ordered the billionaire. A hefty archer pushed Makar with his sword. And the gate closed behind him.

What kind of people are we losing? What people! - said Gavrila and firmly locked the gate on a hook.

Where to now? - asked the billionaire.

How - where?

Well, where are you talking to your Serpent from? The order must be given to him.

It's on top. From the attic. There is a special window there.

Well, take it!

The archers tied their horses and climbed up a steep ladder to the attic.

Hey, you! Take him! - shouted the billionaire Serpent. - Koschei ordered!

The serpent stirred, grunted, muttered something, but did not budge.

And then Brownie ran up to the cowshed.

Well, what do you have there? Doesn't eat? he shouted to the archers and Gavrila.

None!

And I brought special water. For appetite. Give it to him?

Let's! - ordered the shooter.

The brownie entered the cowshed and handed the Serpent Gorynych a jug.

He threw back one of his heads and drank all the water in one fell swoop. And then it began! The serpent rustled its wings, rustled like a falling tent, came in waves and began to decrease.

Let's run! shouted Domovoi to Makar and rushed to the gate. Makar is behind him.

They jumped on their horses. A minute - dust swirled along the road.

The billionaire rolled down from the attic head over heels. Behind him are two shooters. Gavrila was the last to jump out.

Run to Koshchei! shouted the billionaire. - Report immediately!

Together with the archers, he seized a cart from some peasant and drove it into the city. And Gavrila rushed about in the cowshed:

What will happen now? What will happen? Save who can!

He knew that he did not have to wait for good from Koshchei. And he rushed into the forest. Chapter Seventeen THE MAGIC SHAWL

Who escaped?

The Tsar and Domov escaped! Get on your horses and leave!

Send Gorynych after them! - commanded Koschey. - Send immediately!

The billionaire turned pale and took off his hat.

No more Gorynych!

How - no?

They made a goat out of him.

Are you crazy?

I'd rather go crazy, Your Majesty. They gave him something to drink, and he became a kid.

Horse! cried Koschei the Deathless. - Horse immediately! Bayun to me!

The servants ran after Bayun.

And they brought the heroic Koshcheev horse to the porch.

And everyone who was nearby - the billionaire, Chumichka and the Nightingale the Robber - also jumped on their horses.

Even One-Eyed Dashingly perched on some kind of horse. But the horse under him crashed against the damp ground, and Likho did not go anywhere.

Cat Bayun was the last to run out of the palace and jumped on his gray horse. His iron claws gleamed ominously.

And the chase began along the road.

For a long time, the alarming horse neighing came from afar.

Stop! - said at this time Makar Domovoy. - Lie down on the damp earth and listen - is anyone chasing us?

The housewife did just that.

I hear a horse neigh! This Koschey is catching up with us! But nothing, I have one gift. I kept it on the darkest day. Vasilisa the Wise gave it to me.

The brownie took a handkerchief from his pocket and threw it on the ground. There was a huge lake behind.

Forward!

And the hooves clattered again.

And Koschei the Deathless was already approaching the new lake.

Everyone swim! he ordered.

But what about you? - asked Chumichka. - You will drown!

Everyone swim! repeated Koschei. - And wait for me on the other side! And take my horse. Bayun will lead him!

The suite obeyed. And Koschey himself remained on the shore and slowly began to enter the water. Here she came to his shoulders. Here she hid it with her head. Koschei walked along the bottom.

Horses cut through the water, and people swam alongside, holding on to the reins. On the opposite bank they huddled together and began to wait for Koshchei. He came out of the water covered in seaweed and, without shaking himself off, jumped on his horse.

Immediately the lake disappeared, as if it never existed.

..And Domovoy and Makar also sailed. They swam across the Milky River.

Here their horses walked along the jelly bank and began to chew grass.

- Look! - Makar showed Domovoi to small black dots on the opposite bank. - Again they. Don't leave us!

The brownie thought. Then he took out from his bosom half a loaf of black bread wrapped in a rag, began to break off pieces and throw them into the middle of the river.

- How not to leave! Let's go! Milk turns sour from bread!

Bread fell into the river, and where it fell, yogurt twists immediately turned out.

There were more and more of them. The river began to seethe and become agitated more and more! And, finally, it happened - the curd ice drift went!

We cannot overcome this. They left, - said Koschey, who came to the rescue. - Listen, Bayun, can you put them to sleep?

The cat squinted.

- Far away!

- Well, a billion! Koschey said coldly. - You will answer me for this! Link it!

And Koschei with his retinue turned back to the palace.

- Well, now where? Makar asked when Koschei and his retinue disappeared into the green fields.

- Yes, to Pleshcheev Lake! Domovoy answered. - All of us gather there.

- Forward!

And Makar and Domov galloped on. Chapter Eighteen BEFORE THE BATTLE ON THE KALINOV BRIDGE

At noon, a breathless sentinel rode up to the palace of Koshchei the Immortal.

- Your Majesty, the army is coming to us!

- What army? Where?

- I don't know, Your Majesty. Only a lot of them and all on horseback!

- Anxiety! shouted Koschei. - Hey, Chumichka, gather the boyars immediately!

He went into the room where the magic mirror was kept.

Come on, mirror, tell me

Yes, tell the whole truth

Are we in trouble?

Is the enemy coming here?

As always, a guy in a white shirt appeared in the mirror. He looked at Koshchei with all his eyes, but said nothing.

- Answer, - ordered Koschei. - What kind of army is coming towards us? Who is in command?

“I won’t,” the guy said.

- Why?

“Vasilisa the Wise did not invent me for you. And for Makar the king. So that he knows what is happening in the kingdom.

- For Makar-king? - Koschei grinned and slammed his hand on the glass.

There was a groan, and the mirror shot out of its frame in a thousand little sparks.

Bearded, preoccupied boyars were already gathering in the Duma. All of them were in chain mail and with swords.

- Everyone is here? - asked Koschei.

Along with him came Chumichka, Cat Bayun, One-Eyed Likho and the Nightingale the Robber with new gold teeth.

- Everything, everything! the boyars shouted in unison.

- Calculate in order of numbers!

- The first! shouted the boyar Afonin.

- Second! shouted Demidov.

And so on until the very last boyar Yakovlev.

- Excellent! Koschey said. - Now listen to me! An enemy has appeared in our country. He wants to destroy us. He doesn't like our rules. And we like them. Right, boyars?

- That's right, your majesty! - the members of the tsar's duma chimed in chorus.

So let's destroy it. Let's smash it to smithereens! - exclaimed Koschey.

- Hooray! - Chumichka shouted.

- Hooray! - picked up the boyars.

- And what kind of enemy is it? - asked the most incredulous of the boyars - the boyar Chubarov.

- Yes, we have one enemy, - Chumichka explained, - Vasilisa the Wise, and Makar, too!

Koshchei gave him a warning look. But it was already too late.

- And Vasilisa is not my enemy! Demidov said. - She gave me a magic candle. Self-candle!

- And Makar is not my enemy! shouted the boyar Morozov. He used to ride me in a sleigh as a child!

- And me! Skameikin picked up.

- And he gave me a fishing rod.

- And they said that the king is in the village! It turns out they lied. Let's not go fight him!

- Ah well? Koschey said. - You do not want! Come on, Likho, teach them a little!

- Now! Liho giggled. - Oh, I have them!

It came closer to the boyars and began to look at them affectionately. And strange things began to happen to the boyars: the boyar Afonin jumped up and, for no reason at all, drove the boyar Skameykin on the top of his head. Skameikin did not remain in debt.

He grabbed Afonin's beard, and they both rolled on the floor.

Boyar Morozov suddenly had a fever and a runny nose. He never had a handkerchief, and he did not know at all what to do with a cold.

Under the boyar Kachanov, a shop broke through, and he, in all combat armor, crashed to the floor.

There was not a single boyar with whom some kind of misfortune would not have happened. To which the boyar Yakovlev was careful and always stepped aside, but all the same, one bump after another jumped up in him, one bruise after another appeared.

- Well, how? - said Koschey. - Are you going to fight?

The boyars paid no attention to him.

“Excuse me,” Afonin said to Skameikin. - It's all famously one-eyed.

- Do you think I was going to drag you by the beard? Skameikin answered. - And it was not in my thoughts!

- Are you going to fight? - once again asked Koschey.

- Fight yourself! Chubarov answered him. - You Vasilisa, too, will instruct bruises!

- We're not your friends! You are a deceiver! - supported Afonin.

- Don't want to, don't! Koschey said. - Come on, Bayun, put them to sleep! Let them sleep until our victory.

Bayun stepped forward and looked first at one boyar, then at another. And everyone he looked at immediately fell to the floor and fell asleep right on the spot. A minute later all the boyars were asleep. Only snoring was heard.

At that moment a brownie ran into the Duma under a white flag. He handed Koshchei a letter. Koschei unfolded the scroll and read:

Koshchei Immortal.

We invite you to come forward. Then maybe we'll have mercy on you

Vasilisa the Wise, Makar and the Bogatyrs.

- Well? - asked Domovoy. - Will there be an answer?

- It will, - said Koschei. - Let them be themselves. Then I may have mercy on them! Chapter nineteen BATTLE ON THE KALINOV BRIDGE

Mitya and Baba Yaga rode in a hut on chicken legs behind the heroic army. And the army was already approaching the city.

Baba Yaga strictly forbade Mitya to leave the hut.

But they were always visited by guests. Gossip a little and look at the outlandish boy. So small, but already able to read!

Here the Brownie came running in walking boots to thank Baba Yaga for a wonderful apple - on a silver platter.

- Thank you, grandmother, from Ivan - the Cow's Son, our boss. Now he can see everything that Koshchei is doing. He's Koschey, right?

- What? Baba Yaga asked.

- After all, he, unscrupulous, gathered all the peasants of the surrounding and forces him to fight. Who, he says, will not go, I will destroy his family.

- Affairs! Baba Yaga said. - Well, what else is new?

- The council of war is coming. They decide who to release against Lich One-Eyed. It's like that - it ruins everything. Against him, any warrior becomes useless. And the horses begin to limp.

And then came Makar.

- It's you, boy, invented a thing with the Serpent?

- I'm Uncle Makar.

- Thank you. Yes, they say you are still literate. Is it true?

- Trained, uncle Makar.

- Come to me as a clerk instead of Chumichka. And the pay is good. And the work is good. Easy.

- There is nothing for him to do in clerks! Still young! Baba Yaga intervened. - Let him sit at home, help his father and mother. And what are you doing here? she pounced on the king. - First, cope with Koshchei, and then call for work!

But Makar was no longer listening.

He watched as two blacksmiths on a traveling forge-cart repaired someone's old chain mail.

- And how do you hold the hammer! How are you holding up? Makar shouted at the young blacksmith. - Who works with a hammer like that? Well, look how it should be!

On the move, he climbed into the cart and left with the blacksmiths.

The capital city was already ahead. And Koschey the Deathless with his retinue rode out of the city to meet the heroes.

Baba Yaga saw a high hill to the side and ordered the hut to stop there.

“Everything,” she said. - Now I'll watch. And I will not fight. It's not a woman's business - to fight!

And Baba Yaga and Mitya sat down on the steps of the porch.

Both troops converged at the bridge over the Milk River. The first from Koshcheev's troops to the bridge was the terrible Nightingale the Robber. With new gold teeth.

- Hey! he shouted in a loud voice. - Do you have a brave man to speak out against me? Come forward!

- And I'll go out! - answered Ivan - the Cow's Son. - Not enough I chopped your brother in my lifetime!

The bridge creaked and staggered under the weight of the opponents.

The nightingale the robber put two fingers in his mouth and whistled with a terrible whistle. Even the grass around was withered. And all the black crows that flocked to the battle fell dead from the sky. But the Cow Son did not even flinch. Vasilisa the Wise made him wear a winter hat under his helmet. And the nightingale's whistle was not terrible to him.

They converged like two mountains came together. Even sparks flew in all directions. The nightingale the robber whistled well, but he did not know how to fight honestly. He was bad with a sword. Ivan knocked the sword out of his hands, picked up the robber and threw him under the bridge, right into the jelly bank. Sprays flew in different directions, and the Nightingale got stuck in jelly up to his ears.

Cat Bayun jumped out onto the bridge and looked at Ivan - the Cow's Son with his magical eyes. No matter how Ivan strengthened himself, no matter how he struggled with sleep, he could not resist. He fell and, defenseless, fell asleep right on the bridge. The cat jumped up on his chest and began to tear the chain mail with steel claws.

Several horsemen from the left bank rushed to the aid of the hero. But Bayun directed his lantern eyes at them, and they fell from the horses, as if they had been knocked down.


But this was foreseen by Vasilisa the Wise. She stepped forward, and in her hands was something wrapped in a rag. A magic club jumped out of the rag and flew towards Bayun. In vain he rolled his eyes. In vain he growled and showed his claws. The club flew up to him and let's beat on the sides.

The cat left the hero and rushed under the protection of Koshchei the Deathless.

Here Koschei decided to release famously one-eyed.

It slowly passed by the baton, and the baton crumbled into small splinters. And Likho stood up on the bridge and giggled.

Four young heroes - Ivan Tsarevich, Stepan Tsarevich, Athanasius Tsarevich and Tsarevich Anisim - jumped on their horses and flew forward.

But before they reached the middle of the bridge, the bridge staggered under them and collapsed. And all four, together with the horses, fell into the Milk River.

- Like this! Likho said kindly. - Be smarter!

Then Maryshko, Paranov's son, stepped forward. The man looks like a hero. He accomplished many feats in his lifetime. Put a lot of villains in their place.

- Oh, he's done with Likh! Baba Yaga said to Mitya. - He's got it all! I know him well! He came to me a hundred times!

... Maryshko took out a combat bow, put in a heavy arrow and took aim. But the bowstring suddenly jingled and broke. She slapped the hero in the face, so much so that a red mark remained on his face for a long time.

Maryshko became angry and wanted to throw a club at Likho. But the club escaped from the hands of the heroes and flew back to his army. And there a few riders fell dead to the ground.

- What did you eat? Likho said even more affectionately. - That's what you need, fat-bellied.

Then Finist, the Clear Falcon, flew out of Vasilisa's army.

He flew to Lich, hit the ground and became a good fellow. But as soon as he swung his saber to cut off Likh's head, the steep bank collapsed under him, and Finist collapsed into the river.

Famously One-Eyed laughed out loud:

- Where can you, heroes, deal with me ?! You are all fools!

And there was confusion in the army of Vasilisa the Wise.

And Koshcheevo's army rejoiced.

- No, - said Baba Yaga to Mitya. - Apparently, you can't do without me! Now I'm done with this Leah! Come on, give it a harder grip!

"Wait, grandma," the boy replied. Let's try another remedy.

- What remedy?

- Do you remember: we have a friend Wolf? Grey Wolf?

- I remember. So what?

- You see, he is a good Wolf. And when he approaches Leah, he will become bad. After all, Likho spoils everything. And if the Wolf becomes bad, no one will do well. Correctly?

- That's right, that's right. But where to look for your wolf?

- You don't have to look for it. He will come running now.

Mitya pulled a tuft of wool from his pocket, which the Gray Wolf had given him, and tossed it up. And the Wolf was at the porch.

- Hello, boy. Did you call me?

- Called, Gray Wolf.

- Why did you need me?

“You see,” said Mitya, “a man in a dress is standing on the other bank?”

- No, - answered the Wolf. - I see a woman in trousers there.

- I'm talking about her. She needs to be bitten.

"I can't," said Wolf. - Elderly woman. Not even anyone's grandmother. Uncomfortable. Maybe do something else?

- And they don’t ask you who to bite, who not to bite! Do what you're told! Baba Yaga intervened.

The wolf hesitated.

- I still can't.

“Well, you can’t, you don’t have to,” said Mitya. - Parrot then.

- I can scare, - the Wolf agreed and ran.

He swam across the river and began to get closer to Likh. And Likho stared at him with one small eye.

Only this time Likho's sorcery turned against him. The closer the Wolf ran, the angrier he became. The hair on the back of his neck stood up, his eyes sparkled. He growled and even howled.

The wolf ran up to Likh and clung to his leg with all his might.

- Guard! Likho screamed. - They gnaw!

And it started to run. Koschei immediately realized that the time had come to intervene in the battle himself.

- Forward! - he shouted and rushed to the heroes.

Archers from his army galloped after him, and the peasants from the surrounding villages all, as one, galloped in the opposite direction.

But before Koshcheev's horse had even taken three steps, the One-Eyed Likho, escaping from the Wolf, jumped into the saddle behind Koshchei.

- Get down! - shouted Koschei, drawing a huge sword.

He swung at Likho to deal with him. But the hilt of the sword broke off, and the blade flew off to the side.

The unarmed Koschey turned his horse to ride away from the enemies. But now the horse has failed. He limped and fell to the ground. That's what famously one-eyed meant!

Here Koshchei was attacked by heroic horsemen. They scattered his retinue across the open field, and Koshchei himself was tied up with iron chains. And Koschei could not do anything. Because his strength disappeared along with the army.

- Yours took! - he said. So our time has not yet come!

He said nothing more. CHAPTER TWENTY AFTERTALE

This time it was quiet in the boyar duma. The bearded boyars were sleeping and did not see Tsar Makar enter the hall together with Vasilisa the Wise. Gavrila followed behind.

- Hey you! Get up! Makar ordered. - Why did you fall asleep?

“No, they don’t sleep in their sleep,” said Vasilisa the Wise. - This is all Kota Bayun's work!

“Himself,” Gavrila confirmed. - People told me.

- And you shut up, empty head. I haven't forgiven you yet!

- I am silent, I am silent, the tsar-father.

- And there is nothing to be silent. And run and bring a dozen roosters here. We'll wake them up now!

“Wait,” said Vasilisa. I'll wake them up in no time.

She took out a vial of living water and sprinkled it on the boyars.

The boyars stirred and began to open their eyes.

- Ege-ge-ge! - suddenly said Afonin, who had awakened. - Yes, no way, the king has come!

- Right! - picked up Demidov. - And the beard, and the crown - everything is in place.

- And we had such a dream here! Such a dream! shouted the boyar Chubarov.

- What dream? Makar asked.

- A like that. That Koshchei was sent to us. That he invited the Serpent Gorynych.

- Yes, and Famously One-Eyed!

- And Kota Bayun.

- You here sleep more, in a thought! Vasilisa said. - You don’t even dream about it!

- We won't do it again! - shouted the boyars.

- Enough! Get enough sleep!

- That's it, boyars, - said Makar. - I came to tell you the news. I'm tired of ruling the kingdom. I want to go to the village!

- And we? Are we with you too? Chubarov shouted.

- And you will stay here. You will help Vasilisa. I decided to leave her instead.

- Babu something? gasped Yakovlev.

But Morozov gave him such a cuff that he immediately fell silent.

How are you going to reign, Vasilisa? Makar asked.

“I would have stayed,” said Vasilisa. - But what about the harvest? I'm not very good at these things.

The king went to the window.

- But it's true! Autumn on the nose. Only you can manage the harvest. Yes, and I will be late, I will help you. I'll pass on the work. I'll look after the boyars. Let them get used to you. Is it coming?

- Well! You can also try.

Here the joyful Nesmeyana burst into the hall. Behind her is a smiling Fyokla.

“That’s it,” the princess said cheerfully. - They cried.

- What did they cry for? Makar was surprised.

- The pond cried.

- What other pond?

- Well, that one. Behind the barn.

- And who asked you?

- How - who asked? You yourself said how we will pay a whole pond, you will give a carriage!

- Spoke? Makar asked the servant.

- Of course he did. I heard with my own ears.

- I'm not up to you now, - said Makar. - I have a crop on my nose.

- And the carriage?

- What is a carriage?

- Will you?

- I'm not giving it. We need horses now.

- Give them a carriage! shouted the boyar Afonin. - Let them get off!

- Well, that's it! Makar said sternly. “Either you leave now, or I will send both of you to the village to knit sheaves.

- Ah-ah-ah-ah! roared Nesmeyana.

- Ah-ah-ah-ah! - picked up Thekla.

But they didn't scream so confidently. Then they left altogether.

The Boyar Duma set to work.

Meanwhile, far, far away, on the other side of the Milk River, two old women were escorting a red-haired boy to the station. One of them was Baba Yaga, and the other was just a grandmother - Glafira Andreevna.

The trees in the forest were beginning to turn yellow. It was time for Mitya to go to study, and they walked to the train.

- Well, how! Did you have a good rest? - asked Glafira Andreevna.

"Good," answered Mitya.

- Did you help Yegorovna with the housework? Or did Grandma have to do everything herself?

- Helped, helped, - said Baba Yaga. Now it is no longer Baba Yaga, but grandmother Yegorovna.

And then they walked in silence.

“Grandma,” Mitya suddenly asked Egorovna, “but the Serpent Gorynych will not appear again?”

- What else is the Serpent Gorynych? - Glafira Andreevna was surprised.

- Three-headed. He almost ate Makar!

- Which Makar? - the old woman was even more surprised.

“Yes, it seemed to him,” Yegorovna, the former Baba Yaga, explained reluctantly.

Apparently, she did not want the village to know about the fairy-tale kingdom. And Mitya didn't ask anything more.

And when the train was leaving the station, Mitya leaned out the window and shouted:

- Grandmothers! Grandmothers! I next year only to you, only to you! I won't go anywhere else! Wait for me!

- Let's see more! Baba Yaga muttered. - You come first, and then speak!

And they wandered alone away from the station.

Everyone has plenty of worries, but the years are still considerable.

Stankevich Elena Vladimirovna
Job title: primary school teacher
Educational institution: MOU secondary school No. 32
Locality: city ​​of Komsomolsk-on-Amur, Khabarovsk Territory
Material name: methodical development
Topic: Meeting with your favorite book
Publication date: 08.06.2016
Chapter: elementary education

1
Integrated extracurricular activity based on the book

E. Uspensky "Down the Magic River"

(with the participation of students of 2 B and 5 B classes)

Cognitive UUD.
- convert information from one form to another: retell (in detail or briefly) texts; - draw conclusions as a result of the joint work of the class and the teacher; - navigate the pages of the work; - find answers to questions in the text, illustrations; - conscious construction of the statement; - analysis of objects, in order to highlight features; - building a logical chain of reasoning; - establishment of causal relationships;
2.

personal results.
- development of the ability to express one's attitude to the characters, to express emotions; - evaluate actions in accordance with a certain situation; - formation of motivation for learning and purposeful cognitive activity; - the formation of an emotional and evaluative attitude to what is read; - awareness of teaching; - development of goodwill towards people; - self-esteem; - adequate response to difficulties; Development of emotional and moral responsiveness;
3.

Regulatory UUD

-
Determine and formulate the goal of the activity with the help of a teacher, - learn to express your assumption based on work with illustrations, - manifestation of initiative and independence, control and correction,
4 .

Communicative UUD
- developing the ability to listen and understand the speech of others; - expressively read and retell the text; - formulate your thoughts orally; - ability to work in a group; - take into account different opinions and seek cooperation, listen and hear others, try to take a different point of view,
2 - speak to an audience, - perform various roles (leader, performer)

Org. moment.
(the song “If you are not so afraid of Koshchei” sounds)
Introductory speech of the teacher about the present reader.

Display by students 5 B class three dramatizations from works

E. Uspensky.
1. And once it was like that. Uncle Fyodor is walking up the stairs and eating a sandwich. He sees a cat sitting on the window. Big-very big, striped. The cat says to Uncle Fyodor: - Wrong you, Uncle Fyodor, eat a sandwich. You hold it with the sausage up, but you have to put it on the tongue with the sausage. Then it tastes better. Uncle Fedor tried it - it really tastes better. He treated the cat and asked: - And how do you know that my name is Uncle Fyodor? The cat replies: - I know everyone in our house. I live in the attic and I can see everything. Who is good and who is bad. Only now my attic is being renovated, and I have nowhere to live. And then they can lock the door altogether. - Who taught you to speak? - Uncle Fyodor asks. “Yes,” says the cat. - Where do you remember the word, where are two. And then, I lived with a professor who studied the language of animals. That's what I learned. Now it is impossible to live without language. You will disappear right away, or they will make a hat out of you, or a collar, or just a foot mat. Uncle Fyodor says: - Come to live with me. The cat doubts: - Your mother will kick me out. - Nothing, will not expel. Maybe dad will intercede. And they went to Uncle Fyodor. 2. - Well, - said director number two, - I like this beast. It looks like a broken toy! I'll take him to work with me. Will you come to me? - I'll go, - answered Cheburashka. - What should I do? - It will be necessary to stand in the window and attract the attention of passers-by. Clear? “Understood,” said the animal. - Where will I live? - Live? .. Yes, even here! - The director showed Cheburashka an old telephone booth that stood at the entrance to the store. 3. And suddenly a big, big Gray Wolf ran out to meet the boy. Much more than those that usually sit in the zoo. “Hello,” he said in a human voice. “Did you happen to see a goat here?” Gray like that?
3 Mitya was confused at first, and then he said: - No ... I did not see a goat. “Hmmm,” the Wolf drawled thoughtfully, “it means I won’t have breakfast today. He sat on his hind legs. - But the girl did not come across to you? So small, with a basket? In a red cap? - No, - Mitya answered, - I didn’t come across a girl either. - Hmm, - the Wolf drawled even more thoughtfully, - it means that I will be without lunch today! He turned and ran back into the forest. The boy felt sorry for the Wolf, and he said: - Do you want me to treat you? I have a pie with me. The wolf stopped. - With what? With meat? - Not. With cabbage. "I don't want to," Wolf said. - I'd like to eat some sausages. Do you have a sausage boy? “Yes,” Mitya replied. - Only I'm afraid my grandmother will scold me. What else is a grandmother? Wolf inquired. Because gray wolves are always interested in other people's grandmothers and granddaughters. - Grandmother Egorovna. I'm going to her. - For you, she may be a grandmother, - Wolf grinned, - but for me ... well, not even a bit. Don't worry, she won't scold you. You treat me, and I'll still be useful to you! - What united all three dramatizations?
Slide: photo by E. Uspensky (year of birth 12/22/1937)
During his long life, E. Uspensky, and this year he will be 78 years old, wrote a whole collection of works, came up with the radio programs “Baby Monitor” and “ABVG-Deika”. He became the director of the Samovar publishing house, which publishes the best children's books, invented the table theater. The heroes of E. Uspensky's books have long become your family. It is he who is the same “wizard in a blue helicopter”, who gives us his kind, funny and such native books. Among the most famous modern children's writers: Boris Zakhoder, Grigory Oster, Sergei Usachev - the writer E. W. stands apart. He is the most famous, the most cheerful, the most mischievous, the most beloved. E.U. really wants to see you guys as good, kind, literate and educated, so in his books he constantly teaches you the mind. This is a difficult task, difficult, but what if it doesn’t work out? Not everyone succeeds, no wonder a good children's writer is a rarity, one in a million. We will focus on just one book by E.W. Down the Magic River today.
Slide: book "Down the magic river."
This story was not born by chance. When E.U. worked in a pioneer camp, he was amazed at how little the guys know the heroes of Russian fairy tales. And he wanted to write a fairy tale in which almost all the characters of Russian folklore would participate. So in 1972, a fairy tale by E. W. appeared, in which the boy Mitya, with the help of ingenuity and resourcefulness, helps the good heroes who have become his friends defeat the deceit, cunning and stupidity of the Serpent Gorynych, Koshchei the Immortal, Nightingale the Robber.
4 A fairy tale joke appeared, a fairy tale game in which the heroes of Russian fairy tales get into stories that they never dreamed of. The tale turned out to be very cheerful, kind, it became a successful continuation of Russian fairy tales. folk tales. Based on this book, in 1982, a wonderful film “There on unknown paths” was shot. And now it's time for us to go on a journey "Down the magic river."
slide: river
First you need to decide on the names of the teams.
1 task: Mosaic
Each team will assemble a mosaic of a fairy-tale hero. 1st team: "Baba Yaga" 2nd team: "Vasilisa the Wise" 3rd team: "Grey Wolf"
Task 2: Confusion (Working with text) There are books on the tables.
Each team receives a text in which they need to find errors and correct them.
1 team:

Baba Yaga.
1. It was dirty and hot in Baba Yaga's house. 2. The nose of Baba Yaga is small, with potatoes. 3. At the table, Baba Yaga sat slovenly and shaggy.
2 team:

Vasilisa the Wise.

1.
Her dress is embroidered with diamonds.
2.
Vasilisa has a crown with pearls on her head.
3.
Unseen trees grew in Vasilisa's workshop.
3

team:
Mosaic Fairy tale lotto Things from a bag One of three Captains competition Liquid apples, rejuvenating Confusion Who is who? results Each team draws out its envelope with a mosaic 1. Clean and cool. 2. Big. 3. Elegant and combed. 1. Fabulous colors. 2. Kokoshnik with crystal pendants. 3. Flowers. 1. Big-big. 2. Grandmothers and granddaughters. 3. Sausage.
5
Grey Wolf.
1. A small Gray Wolf ran out. 2. Gray wolves are always interested in other people's hares. 3. Mitya treated the Wolf to a pie.
Task 3: Fairy lotto.

Slide:

Page 2

Page 10

Page 34

Page 38

Page 48

Page 54

A1:
The boy met a wolf in the forest and wanted to do something nice for him. Mitya said to the Wolf: - Do you want me to treat you? I have a pie with me. The wolf stopped: - And what about the pie? With meat? Not! Question: What was the pie with?
(With cabbage).

A2:
King Makar is sitting in the throne room. Why is he sad? What, in his opinion, did Gabriel's servant do wrong?
(Wrongly rubbed the floors)
.
A3:
Which character's house contained all these things?
(Vasilisa the Wise)
.
B1:
Mitya saw a post on the road. A letter was nailed to the post. Mitya read: Tsar's decree. Our Tsar Makar Vasilyevich ordered to catch the impudent criminal. He is tall. Strong additions. He is 50 years old. There are no special signs. Both legs are left. Question: what was the name of this criminal?
(The nightingale the robber)
.
B2:
How many buckets of water did Koschey the Deathless have to drink in order to become strong again after being released from captivity?
(12)

B3:
On what issue did the Gray Wolf come to consult Baba Yaga and Mitya?
6
(The wolf ate a gray goat from his grandmother, and she is very worried and

mourns).

Task 4: Things from the bag.
The captains take 1 item from the bag. The team answers: what did one of the heroes of the fairy tale do with this thing. one.
copper nickel
(He was advised to apply Vasilisa to the bruises that Chumichka received, beaten with a truncheon). 2.
Hare
(Mitya advised the Wolf to take the hare to the lake. The hare will drink water and become a kid, which the Wolf ate at his grandmother). 3.
Handkerchief
(The brownie threw him to the ground so that the lake would overflow and thus save the king from the persecution of Koshchei). four.
Winter hat
(Vasilisa ordered Ivan the Cow's son to put it under his helmet so that he would not hear the whistle of the Nightingale the Robber when he fought with Koshchei).
Task 4: One of three. Captains competition
Three cabinets - No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. The captain comes out. 1) What was the name of Baba Yaga? 1. Petrovna
2.

Egorovna
3. Danilovna 2) What was the last name of the boy Mitya 1. Ivanov 2. Petrov
3.

Sidorov
3) What kind of bait was boyar Morozov going to catch bream with?
1.

for semolina
2. for a worm 3. for bread 4) What color was Mitya's hair? 1. light
2.

redheads
3. dark 5) How many years did Koschey B. sit in the royal cellar? 1.100
2.

200
3. 300 6) How many invisibility caps did Koschei B. Vasilisa the Wise order to sew?
1.

1
2. 2 3. 3
7
Task 5: Bulk apples.
Each team is given three cut, different shapes, apples. On one apple - the golden words of Tsar Makar, on the other two - the words of other heroes. It is necessary to collect apples, read expressions, determine: who said this?
1 room
1. Being a king is just as bad as not being a king. (Makar) 2. Makars should drive calves. (Koschey)
2 rooms
1. People need to be trusted. (Makar) 2. The army must be ruthless. (Koschey)
3 rooms
1. My sword is your head off your shoulders. (Koschey) 2. Soon only a fairy tale affects. (Baba Yaga)
Task 6: Competition Who is who?
Determine: who is who in this fairy tale? Example: Mitya is a boy. Which of the captains answers faster, he receives a token. 1. Yaga - Baba 2. Makar - king 3. Gavrila - servant 4. Morozov - boyar 5. Chumichka - clerk 6. Nightingale - robber 7. Nesmeyana - daughter 8. Bayun - cat 9. Finist - falcon 10. Gorynych - snake 11. Ivan - cow's son, prince 12. Glafira Andreevna - grandmother. So our journey along the magical river has come to an end. Click on Koshchei
Let's summarize.

Counting tokens.

- Guys, what does the story teach us - the fairy tale “Down the magic river?

(
The fairy tale teaches us to live, inspires faith in goodness and justice. Only together can evil be defeated. Even a little boy can help in something big and important.
What would you say to the author?

8 References 1. Egorova A. A. "Vitamins" from Uspensky [Text] A.A. Egorova // Visiting children's writers. - Volgograd, 2009. - S. 212-215. 2. Uspensky E. N. Down the magic river. - M.: Children's literature, 1972. - 111 p.