Читать книгу Chintamani Chronicles. Crystal of Truth - Anastasia Sergeevna Bondarenko - Страница 2

…A flash of dazzling light that lit up the sky made everyone gathered frightenedly cover their eyes with their hands. It was followed by a terrible rumble, and then the earth trembled violently. Not understanding what was happening, people ran out of their houses, looking in horror towards the sea. Pressing the frightened girl close to her, the young woman, frozen, did not take her eyes off the blinding fireball, which was getting closer and closer with every moment…

– Queen, hurry, we must leave…

The girl who ran up to her looked inquiringly at her mistress. However, she just shook her head.

– No, Rada. I must be with my people at this hour…

– But… queen, the city is doomed. Come on, the gates will open soon…

The young woman seemed to hesitate for a moment. But only for a moment… Then she shook her head, and resolutely said, turning to the girl:

– No, Rada, I can’t. Please, take care of Darina…

– Mother, what are you talking about? – firmly squeezing her mother’s hand, the girl, eyes full of tears, looked at the queen. She hugged her daughter, but immediately released her from the ring of her arms and looked intently into her eyes.

– Darina, do you remember what I taught you?

– Y-yes, b-but…

– Then you also know that nothing in this world disappears without a trace. I’ll always be with you. But remember – now you have a big responsibility, as a future princess… Please, fulfill my last request – do not step on the path of chaos and darkness, try to bypass it… For I do not want you or your children to repeat the fate of Daaria…

Sobbing, the girl hugged her mother, but she resolutely stood up and looked up to where the flame flared up. Having made up her mind, she, having kissed her daughter, took out a pendant from behind the collar of her dress and put it on her neck.

– It will protect you. Don’t take it off, never… Promise?

– Yes mom…

– Rada, please. As soon as I leave, run to the grove. There you will find my father. Here, give him this… He knows what to do.

With these words, the Queen gave the girl a sealed bundle and with a firm step went to the stairs leading down. The earth shook violently. Grabbing the princess in her arms, Rada rushed to run away from the palace. Hugging the nurse tightly by the shoulders, the girl hid her tear-stained face on her chest. She did not see how a terrible roar was heard, and the palace collapsed. But already when she stood at the Star Gate, she remembered a huge wave that was rushing towards the city, sweeping away everything in its path. Then something incredible happened: a bright ray of light rose over the city, from which the night became clearer than day. The wave receded. And then there was a blinding flash of light and everything was enveloped in darkness.