Читать книгу Collection of mysticism. + author’s biography including essays about books - Tsvetana Alekhina - Страница 3

The gods greeted each other and took their places. The hall was empty, it was very dark and there was a deathly silence. This silence did not bode well. The hall was huge, and it seemed to me that it would be heard even if a snowflake fell. That is what happened. First, a fire lit up on the suspended chandelier, which was swinging, and then a whirlwind of snowflakes began. Again, there was a deathly silence. The fire went out. Only the outlines of the gods were visible.

The same old woman appeared, her appearance was still terrible. My friends were surprised to see her.

– Is it really your grandmother?

– Yes. I replied dryly.

The old woman began to build a fire. She brought dry brushwood, and tried to set it on fire, but she could not do anything. The brushwood was too cold and saturated with moisture. This process took time, and everyone silently waited for the result. The fire began to flare up and went out. Mara was amused by this, and she sat silently and smiled, I could see a grin in her eyes. The fire went out before it had time to ignite. The old woman bent down to light it again. Bat, she was thrown away by an invisible force, and with such force that she hit the ice wall, but immediately stood up briskly and looked in the direction of the gods. No one moved, everyone was looking at the extinguished fire. Mara laughed, it amused her. The flame broke out, of course. In addition, it flared up like a pioneer bonfire. The appearance of this flame was not natural, more like an artificial one. While the flame was burning, I wanted to get to my grandmother, but my friends stopped me.

– It’s not time yet. Wait.

– She’s right here, she can hear me.

– «She’s not the only one who’ll hear you. I listened to my friend and stayed where I was.

Then the souls flew away and took seats for the guests. Devils teamed up with trolls. The chandelier made of ice began to sway, the flame of the fire burned evenly. Nothing-foreshadowed trouble. Gradually, one by one, the dead who were standing next to us began to disappear. It was not known where they had gone. The cold hall turned into a taiga, it was the summer time of the year. The thickets parted by themselves, forming a flat clearing. The fire continued to burn, all the evil spirits began to come out of the thickets, ghouls, goblins, demons, there were so many of them that I could not see them and even find out which of them, who. They all climbed out of the darkness, came up and bowed to Mara. This ritual did not last long. When all this was over, and they disappeared, dark gods began to come out into the clearing, who had a direct connection with the dark world and expressed their respect to Mara. Mara received them kindly, and they went back to the depths of the taiga. The flames of the bonfire subsided. It illuminated the holiday. Then the taiga parted, forming an abyss, and the whole picture collapsed, and the hall took on its former appearance, and the same lighting, the chandelier continued to sway. Then one of the dead men appeared and removed the remains of the fire, after which he disappeared along with the remains.

It was the turn of the invited guests, they lined up in pairs, devils and trolls did not part. They flew up to the gods and gave them the skulls they came with. It was more of a gift for Koshchei. He decorated his home and even furniture with them. After these events, it was the turn of her favorite guests. She accepted them generously. The pile of skulls disappeared, at the snap of two fingers of their owner. The servants brought tables and chairs for dead souls to sit at them, only in human form. They took the form of sitting down at the table, and did it by seniority. First the male elders sat down, then the female ones. Only then, in the order of dying, the bodies and souls mixed up and sat down as they had to. The sight of these bodies spoke for itself. It looks like they died a long time ago, and are already used to being in the dark. They did not pretend to be anything more, they liked their existence. Their eyes shone with a transparent light, and the shell around their eyes betrayed the absence of life. Their bony fingers were like skeletal bones, their hair was lifeless, and they were not breathing. They were just sitting at the table.

The guests took their seats and sat waiting for something. We continued to watch. An old woman appeared, she appeared out of thin air and splashes of frozen water scattered in different directions. In her hands, she held the pot from which I managed to drink the magic drink. The servants carried wooden cups, one dead man carried a tray with dishes, and another poured this drink and distributed them to the guests. There were several of them, and they did their job quickly. One of them made a mistake and was immediately deleted. The scattered like flakes of snow, and in his place was another. Then all the servants quickly disappeared.

– How are you going to save her if she appears and disappears? It can turn into flakes of snow at any moment.

– Yes, you are right. I do not know myself anymore. Can I approach Mara herself?

– «What are you going to tell her?»

– Let him take me, and let the grandmother go.

– You are stupid! Why. You still have your whole life ahead of you; you are only twenty-five.

– I know. Bat, it is also my fault that she is suffering.

– I do not think so. It is her fault that you are here being alive. She told you fairy tales. Our argument was interrupted by a third.

– Quiet. Do not collect troubles. We are already in hell. Her husband will also make skulls out of us. Let us wait. Maybe the grandmother actually knows something. We must wait for the moment.

– «You’re right.

The guests were sitting peacefully at the tables; the hosts of the holiday were talking about something among themselves, or even not talking, but exchanging glances. The house cleaner collected the empty dishes from the guests and disappeared. Trolls came out into the hall and began their single dance. They were dancing something beautiful, trying to please the guests, something like a ballet. In my opinion, this ball was nothing special. I had more idea how to do my job faster and get away from here. I looked away and thought for a second, closing my eyes. As soon as I did that, I heard a sharp sound. It was like a creak. I looked into the hall. Guests, devils and tables, everything was cleaned. The guests took their seats as before. Devils and trolls were sitting in their places. The tables disappeared.

Mara Marena was standing in the middle of the hall. She stood tall and began to change her appearance. Her hair looked like the sun, it was golden, a light beautiful dress complemented the image of spring. Having taken the form of summer, the color of her hair remained the same golden, and she was even more beautiful. In autumn, she looked like a decrepit old woman in old clothes and a hump on her back, and with the arrival of winter, she turned into a young beautiful woman. Her beauty was fatal. I could not get enough of her. Her hair was decorated with a crown with precious stones; her gaze was stern and proud. She was a great goddess.

The festive hall changed its beauty with her. It all started in spring, despite the time of year there has never been light here. The light was a bonfire on which people burned an effigy of spring. At that moment, Mara wrinkled her face and clenched her hands into fists. This picture ended abruptly.

Then summer came. The picture changed its screensavers the way I had seen it before when I came here and saw the abandoned dwellings of the gods. It was dark enough here for the summer season, and the black sun served as the light. Spring and summer left quickly enough, but autumn was delayed. It was a damp and cold picture. There was a dark and gloomy street in the hall. Gray wooden houses stood in an abandoned state. There was no light in them and the street was illuminated by a lantern. It was drizzling outside, but no one felt it from those present, the rain did not touch them. The trees stood like gnarled guards.

The picture began to slowly change its screensaver. The water began to freeze gradually, turning into icicles. The raindrops turned into flakes of snow and a blizzard began. Mara was coming into her own. The blizzard rose stronger and stronger until it turned into a tornado and abruptly stopped. After the stop, the picture disappeared, and the inhabitants of the hall, all except the gods, were covered with ice. All the servants, devils, trolls and guests in human form. They all turned into ice statues. This picture has already surfaced before my eyes. I remember this moment well. My grandmother was standing in a half-bent state and held a shaman’s tambourine in her hands. The Winter Palace was fabulously beautiful, as was its owner. Winter frowned. Mara has come into her own.

I finished my story. A doctor came into the room and interrupted him. The doctor was doing his rounds. He said rather sad words for me. My friend should be discharged soon. I had already become attached to him and I did not want to part with him. In addition, after the experience I was afraid to stay in the ward alone. The doctor left the room. There has been no talk about my discharge yet.

– Don’t be sad. We will meet again, you will see. I took a deep breath in response. How quickly you can get used to a person, I thought. I was sad because so many things happened to me in such a short period, I met a person, now everything is ending, and we will have to part. What a pity. Alternatively, maybe I really dreamed everything and nothing happened. I thought and went out into the corridor.

– Where are you going?

– Just to walk. Walk to the bathroom, I joked.

– Let’s go together. My friend never let me go alone, and I did not even think about why. We walked down the corridor, drank coffee, and I continued my story.

The inhabitants of the castle assumed their former forms. Many guests disappeared, turning into splashes of snow. So they got rid of unnecessary guests. Everything took its former form. The ice thawed a little and became much warmer, although no one felt the cold. Mara threw her gaze at my grandmother, and she turned into a young girl. Beautiful enough for her age and position, but no one could compare with Mara. The girl straightened up to her full height and carefully looked in the direction of Mara. No one dared to look her in the eye.

A moment later, the castle disappeared, and we found ourselves in the winter garden. Everything took its former form, only instead of the old woman there was a girl standing and shamanizing by the fire. The guests separated, the trolls and devils separated from the spirits and lived by themselves. Only the chosen guests remained, and this final part of the holiday was for them. They were facing each other and they were separated by fire. Only the chosen guests remained, and this final part of the holiday was dedicated to them. The gods sat invariably, as they sat originally in the castle. Koschei, did not take his eyes off his wife, he admired her beauty. His eyes glittered greedily; his bony fingers fingered the handle of the throne, lined with skulls. Mara looked with her icy eyes at the fire; her gaze was cold and ruthless, and still changed color.

The old girl was still brewing a miraculous drink; it was already the third pot. My friends and I were standing under a tree and continued to watch what was happening.

– You should have approached her in the castle. However, it will not work out here. See how it turned out.

– I see.

– Then she will disappear and that is it.

– We need to catch the moment, as soon as the moment succeeds, I will immediately use it.

– We all believe in you.

The effect of the drink was beginning to end, and we began to feel cold.

– Do you feel the same as me?

– You will not believe it, but yes! Same as you.

– She is brewing a new potion. If you drink it, then the action will last.

– And how will we do it?

– Let’s hope for a miracle.

The girl continued to cook and shamanize at the same time. In addition, every time the shamanic words intensified, she became older. First, it was a girl, then a girl-woman, then a young woman, and so gradually, she turned back into a poor old woman. She stood hunched over by the fire and continued to brew a potion.

The drink was ready. The old woman poured it into the same wooden cups and distributed it to the servants. They drank and assumed human form. Then the servants carried it to the others. First to souls, then to demons and trolls. Everything went smoothly. I saw how the drink remained in the pot. Fumes were coming from it. After drinking the drink, the Sabbath began. Demons, trolls and souls were having fun. The old woman and the servants stood aside, they could not take part. The fun was in full swing. In addition, I decided that this was a chance and I should take it.

We walked around the tall fir trees, the holiday remained ahead. After walking a little forward, I got as close as possible to the grandmother. The three of us were shaking from the cold. She had her back to us. I plucked up the courage and called her in a low voice. She heard me from the first call, but did not dare to look back. I realized this and waited. She exchanged a glance with one of the servants. This dead man sneaked into our Christmas trees and brought a cup of drink. We drank it one for three, forgetting that we were drinking from the hands of a dead man. The gods were watching the Sabbath and did not notice what was happening. The fire was blazing with a bright flame and we were not visible. The old woman took a few steps back and without turning to face us began a dialogue.

– Why are there three of you here?

– We do not know ourselves. A friend replied.

– Well, he is fine, and what are you doing here? With three, it will be more difficult.

– «Don’t they know we’re here?»

– I think they know; only the three of you will be more difficult to save.

– How to understand?

– It means that he died alone and dragged his tail behind him. You should not be here.

– And what should I do now?

– Rescue drowning people.

The potion began to work, and we felt a surge of strength and stopped feeling cold.

– You have been here too long; you have already spent too much time. It is time for you to get back. In addition, in order not to get into the court again, you need to close the passage to the other world. It is an unmarked grave. You need to make it personalized, install an obelisk and a fence. In addition, no more going to the cemetery at this time of year. It is better in spring or summer. This grave has taken away many lonely souls. I will try to send you back. However, this Koschei is a powerful sorcerer. No, matter how he enchanted you.

I looked around. We were in a beautiful garden. It was night all around, snow and a bonfire lit up the clearing. I had no idea where I could go or run away here. Devils and trolls were having fun; this holiday was to their liking. The souls stood aside and watched the fun. They adopted the image of ghosts; probably it was more convenient for them. The celebration was in full swing.

– Actually, we came to save you. I said firmly. Grandma could not stand it and looked around.

– Have you come to save a dead soul? My place is here. I am already dead. However, you need to run away from here; otherwise you will find yourself in my place.

– I have been thinking about it. She did not see our faces and talked to the Christmas trees. Turning away from us, she resumed her former pose.

– Do you want to take my place? In addition, where do you want to send me?

– In the bright Iriy.

– What he wanted. Who will let me in there? In addition, how long have you known about Iriy?

– My sister told me. You can get there. You can be saved. You were just stolen by dark forces.

– It is. But…

Our conversation was interrupted, and she walked away from us.

– What are the next steps?

– We are waiting for her. We do not have enough support. We need our supporter.

– Find supporters in hell. It sounds ridiculous. If this is blurted out there at the top, then we will find supporters elsewhere.

– I have been thinking about it too. My grandmother took her place by the fire and began to throw firewood into the fire.

– If she throws firewood, then the Sabbath is not over yet.

– «It doesn’t look like it.

After taking a few steps back, she said she knew the way to another dimension. However, if they think of us, we will stay here forever as servants. We agreed to take the risk.

The three of us began to crawl through the snow in the direction indicated by the grandmother. She assured us that she would catch up with us when they got rid of her and she would not be needed. Our path was as follows: first, we had to disappear from sight. Then go to a certain place, from this place go through a snow tunnel, it was the most dangerous way, then go to another dimension through an ice bridge, this is the threshold of Navi. The bridge should be laid out because winter has come and the water has frozen, this bridge was intended for guests leaving the holiday. On the other side we had to go through the same houses, there we had to go through a green tunnel and go out to an oak tree, and there the grandmother had to take us to our world of the living. After hearing the information, I became unsure of myself. Remembering what I have already been through and I will have to go through it again. The scariest thing for me was that it was all in vain. It was impossible to save my grandmother, and I was responsible for my friends.

I made my way with a heavy heart. I did not want to leave her. I could not even hug my grandmother. My friends understood the reason for my sadness and tried to comfort me.

– Don’t be sad, she promised to catch up with us, so she will catch up. It was the only consolation, and it warmed my soul in this icy world.

The gods were too busy celebrating. Mara was having fun playing with the blizzard. Koschei sculpted skull figures out of snow, respectively, not by himself, but with the help of magic. He was amused by it, and he was carried away with it. This was the most favorable period for escape. The old gods were thinking about something of their own and focused on the fire. They were not interested in the holiday, and they were bored watching the dancing evil spirits, ghosts joined this evil spirits and the heat began. The ghost servants stood further away from the fire, and made a circle of fencing, thereby emphasizing their insignificance.

The snow tunnel actually turned out to be the most difficult. We walked through it like a maze. It has been a long way. Coming out of it, it seemed to us that we had not been walking for so long. We reached the bridge and waited for my grandmother.

– It seems to me that we need to run across as soon as possible.

– Me too.

– I do not. I will be waiting for her. I am only here for her.

– If she finds out about it, you will not live.

– I do not care.

– Let’s go together, one of the friends suggested to the other.

– I think we should go together. If we wait, the bridge may melt, and we will not get to the other side in any way, unless Mara herself carries us. Your grandmother can disappear and reappear. She will find us that is a fact. Let us go together. I hesitated, but an inner voice told me to go, and I went.

We ran across the bridge and looked back. The view was even more beautiful than before. Winter has come into its own and the ice has strengthened. Now nothing was falling, everything was covered with ice. The bridge was paved and it was not scary to walk on it as we walked for the first time. He was strong and handsome. I was a little sad that I did not watch the holiday to the end, and I wonder how it will end.

My friends were walking from side to side and waiting for further action. Then we had to go and pass four houses.

– Who remembers how to walk, I jokingly asked.

– I remember. We looked around and saw our ghost friend. We were so happy to see him that we wanted to hug him, forgetting that he was a ghost.

– «You’ll have that opportunity soon,» he said jokingly. I was looking forward to seeing this soul in the flesh.

We followed the flying package, accelerating our pace each time. I looked around, remembering the places I had walked once. With the arrival of winter, everything has changed, I thought.

– It is not with the arrival of winter. These are still the halls of Mara. When we come to the world of Navi, everything is different there.

– Yes, but everything has become much more beautiful. The Spirit said nothing, and we quickened our pace. I fell silent, and so did my neighbor. Silence reigned in the ward. – Next will be the most interesting.

– I get it. So let us smoke and take a break. I am tired. For the first time in all this time, my neighbor said that he was tired. It seemed strange to me, but I did not argue, and we went out. On time after lunch sleep, he asked how I would get home.

– Will you fly alone? Or will your sister come for you?

– Of course. I will fly alone.

– Will your friends accompany you?

– Yes. Of course they do. Nothing has changed. It is all over and the danger is over. My friend sighed heavily, and I continued the story.

We approached the houses and Koshchei’s house stood in front of us. Nothing has changed; it is as if we never left. We tried to leave as soon as possible. His house was very creepy. Each time the places became scarier, and the more we moved away from the snow palaces, the more the horror and dampness overtook us. When I reached Velez’s house, I breathed a sigh of relief.

The hardest part was over. I remembered the path we had left to go, and it seemed easy to me. It was a green tunnel and we were waiting for a meeting with grandma. Passing by the house, I tried to look into the windows, out of curiosity, hoping to see something interesting. It was impossible, the house was so protected that it was simply impossible to look through these windows.

When we reached the tunnel, we stopped and looked at the way we had done. It was a long way that was left behind. I felt uneasy, and began to shake with excitement. I felt the danger, and began to doubt that I would see my grandmother again. I took the first step and dived into the tunnel, followed by the footsteps of friends. There was a deathly silence. No one said a word. I looked at our friend the ghost; he was hiding his eyes from me all the time. Although he had nothing but his eyes. I wanted to ask what was wrong, but I knew he already knew what I was thinking.

The entrance to the tunnel disappeared, and we were in darkness. I took my friend’s hand and asked if he felt the same as me? The green tunnel turned icy. I felt him well, there was no doubt, and he was all made of ice.

– Do you think so too? I asked again, so as not to doubt.

– We think so too. There is no doubt. We are in the ice. There is only one question, is it a green tunnel or have we been moved to a snowy one.

It is hard.

– I was scared. Moreover, I did not know what to do. – What suggestions? I asked in a whisper.

– Let’s move on. It will be visible there in the clearing. We continued on our way with the hope of salvation.

– Your chance of salvation is not great, and my fate has long been sealed. Our friend spoke softly. I felt sorry for him, and I did not know how to help him. Our journey through the tunnel was ending, and the closer the exit got, the scarier it was for me.

Coming out of the tunnel, I straightened up to my full height and saw her. She stood and looked at me with her icy gaze. I wanted to sink through the ground, but I was already underground. Her icy gaze pierced my soul, and I felt like Kai, kidnapped by the snow queen. Deep down, this queen charmed me, and I did not want to part with her. On the contrary, I wanted to talk to her, stay with her for longer. But I felt like her slave and trembled before her.

My friends came out of the tunnel and froze in confusion. They did not know how to behave. They moved aside, and I joined them, taking a few steps back. Our ghost friend managed to hide, and we did not give him away. We realized that no one had thought of him. I also realized that he has a plan in his head for our universal salvation.

The whole clearing was covered with ice. As when icicles hung from green trees, my grandmother was also covered with ice. The ice on the moss created a thickness and looked massive. I realized that she had brought her grandmother here to settle accounts with me, and I did not know where to start. I wanted to speak first, but I did not dare. I was ready to give my life to free my grandmother’s soul and be close to this goddess, to be her slave forever. I looked resolutely in her direction and plucked up the courage to say the first words.

– Take me to your place. That is the first thing I said. I wanted to say something completely different, but out of fear, that is what came out of me. In response, Mara laughed angrily and began to circle in the air. We stood there and were afraid to move. There was an ice statue of my grandmother in front of us, and we were afraid to be like her.

– What should we do now? A friend who panicked all the time said this.

– I will try to persuade her. She will pick me up and let you go.

– I do not think she needs it.

– It seems to me that she does not need you. She needs my grandmother and me.

– Do you mind staying here along the way! I understand that!

– Which is noticeable. I said without denial.

– Yes, indeed. It is all written on your forehead. Your grandmother was talking about an oak tree. This is the transition to our world of the living. Maybe you will distract her, and we will take out your grandmother and run away ourselves.

– How do you imagine all this? This soul needs to be conducted. I do not know what is going to happen.

The storm subsided and snow quietly fell on the ground, and we began to wait for the attack. The oak tree was not far from us and we just had to run to it. But I didn’t know what to do in order to be there, at the top. Only the grandmother knew about it. It turned out to be a vicious circle. Moreover, I fell into despair. I sat down on my knees and began to sob. My helplessness was killing me. Tears started rolling down my face, one, two, and three. They were dripping, and I heard the ice cracking. The crunch of ice made me look up. The ice began to break and fragments scattered everywhere.

This event greatly enraged the dark goddess, and she began to rush viciously. – There is no place for tears, love and kindness here. Mara threw her evil look at me, a blizzard flew at me with it, but she quickly calmed down and disappeared. The ice continued to fly apart and we had to protect our face with our hands. His crunching cut the hearing, and together with the face, we had to squat down and cover our ears.

When everything was quiet, we stood up and there was a terrible picture in front of us. We were in the same green clearing, and there were fragments of ice on it. I noticed an oak tree, it stood as before, the same green and strong, forever young, I thought. To my surprise, my grandmother came up to us, already without fear. I took it as a good sign.

– Isn’t it dangerous for you to walk around the realm of the dead like this? I asked jokingly.

«The danger is over.

– You are wrong. We looked around and saw a ghost. All the most interesting things are ahead.

I finished my story, leaned back and fell silent.

– «So that’s the thing. Said my neighbor.

– In what? What do you mean?

– I did not tell you. Moreover, the doctors do not really care, but you had better find out now.

– What?

– Come with me.

– Where to?

– You said that fragments of ice were flying.

– Yes, I did.

– You also said whether I believe you. I told you that yes, I do. Therefore, we do not have a mirror in our room, but you should see it. I do not even know how to tell you about it. In addition, we got up and left the ward.

We went into the men’s room and went to the mirror. My friend took me to the mirror, and I did not look at my reflection boldly, for the first time in all these days.

– All these days I have been trying to shield you from this, but I will be discharged soon, it is time to see.

The main character from the horror movie was looking at me in the reflection. My face was scarred and its color was bright red. For some reason. The scars were long healed, there were many of them. I looked like a monster. In addition to all this, my head was like a gray harrier. I felt like an elderly freak, in my twenty-five. I stood silently by the mirror. My friend Vova stood aside and was silent. In the reflection, I saw this man’s tears welling up looking at me. I was pleased with his friendly love for me. The dead pause continued, and I sank into despondency, looking into my eyes in the reflection. – How could something happen in such a short period of time that not everyone would believe it? – For what? I thought. I hit the mirror with my fist and stepped aside.

– Let’s smoke. Suggested Vova. I gladly agreed and it became easier for me. We returned to the ward. The thought that my neighbor would be discharged tomorrow made me sad.

– Don’t be sad. We will definitely meet again. I looked at him sadly. My thoughts occupied my scars on my face. I could not understand why I did not feel them. My face just burned from the resulting cold. I have not washed for so many days; maybe that is why I did not feel them. My face was smeared with some kind of cream, and it gave me relief. I plucked up the courage and touched the scar. To my surprise, my face felt smooth to the touch. How is this possible? I ran both hands over my face and felt nothing. I got out of bed and went out. Going to the toilet, I went to the mirror and looked at myself closely. What a freak I am. I was terrible. But running my hands over my face, I didn’t even feel burns.

– It is strange I do not feel these scars. Maybe they were a long time ago, and I do not remember.

– I do not think so. You need to remember everything to the end. When you were brought here, your scars were fresh.

– Maybe it was not scars, but a severe burn that burst.

«I couldn’t have been mistaken. I do not know how to explain it all myself, but maybe it is not over yet and there will be a sequel. In any case, you will have to get out of here, out of this city, and I will personally control it. I hope that you will be safer there in your city. Her territory is here all year round. Now she is a full-fledged host, now is her time. We both fell silent and looked out the window. It was bitterly cold outside the window. A street lamp illuminated the street and snowflakes could be seen circling. This street darkness reminded me of the darkness in which I had been for so long. It was warm in the ward, and it gave me peace and protection. I looked at my hands and was surprised. They no longer bothered me and there was no trace of what had happened on them.

– How can I? So fast?

– What do you mean?

– My hands. They do not bother me anymore, and there are no marks on them. When I woke up, I could not bend my fingers. I remember that.

– I remember that too. That is why I decided to help you. Your condition was terrible. And I thought you had been beaten up and wanted to sort it out. Nevertheless, you recovered so quickly that I am surprised myself.

– This is actually a mystery going on. I felt uneasy at heart. Moreover, suddenly again I have to go through what I have already experienced. I was attacked by fear and I became afraid to be alone.

– It is possible that yes. You need to tell me everything to the end, and then it will be easier for me to send you home to your sister. You will be under guardianship there. There was still time before dinner, and I continued my story.

We stayed in the clearing and waited for the decision that my grandmother would make. – To make the transition from this world to another, you need to go to the oak tree and wait for the effect of the drink to end. As soon as it ends at this very moment, you will need to hold on to the oak tree, and you yourself will be transported to the world of the living. As soon as you are transported, you will need to immediately install a monument and a fence on this grave. If you do not do it in the shortest possible time, then history will repeat itself.

– And in whose name to order a monument? My grandmother looked in the direction of the ghost.

– Ask him. This is his grave. I was stunned. All this time we were protected by a soul from an unnamed grave. What magic.

We headed towards the oak tree. The effect of the drink was going to end very soon. There was a very short distance left and a snow wall grew up in front of us. I immediately realized whose tricks they were and touched the wall with my hand. The snow was soft as a blanket. We took a decisive step and walked through the wall knowing that it would do nothing. Another wall grew up in front of us and turned into an avalanche of snow rolling down on us, we had to run in the opposite direction, and our oak tree was moving away from us. We ran fast and made a stop. Looking back, we saw that the avalanche remained in place, and our oak tree went out of sight. In response, we heard malicious laughter. This laughter shook the trees.

Nature remained cold in autumn. The clearing ahead remained the same green. Moreover, the snow gave all this an inexplicable fact. One of the friends who had already made such an attempt decided to repeat it again; he took and ran ahead, deciding that he would thereby achieve his goal. Maybe he was right. He disappeared from view and I felt sorry for him.

– What will happen to him?

– I do not know.

I noticed that my grandmother became nervous, and realized that it was bad. My ghost friend looked at me with chagrin.

– We can only help with the transition, and we do not have such powers to fight it. Only sunlight is against her. But that’s not possible. Therefore, these worlds are divided into dark and light. I sighed regretfully.

– Let’s try again. Suddenly it turned out, and we headed towards the oak tree. Nothing interfered with our campaign. The departed friend was not in sight. And we didn’t know his fate.

An oak tree appeared on the horizon, we had a hope to get there without incident, and we accelerated our pace. The friend was still not in sight, and we decided that he had entered the world of the living.

– «Is it just me, or has she really left us alone?»

– The Sabbath is not over yet. In addition, she is getting ready to ferry the guests over the bridge. Very soon she will appear. We need to hurry. I was worried about the question why my grandmother cannot be the same ghost as others.

– Because your grandmother is not exiled like us, and is not an honored guest. She is chosen as an intimate servant. The grandmother cast an unhappy glance in the direction of the ghost. The effect of the drink was ending, I felt it and so did my friend.

– Soon there will be guests here, and then we will not be well. The oak tree was a few steps away, and we could be at home any minute.

– And why should the guests be here? Are not they the inhabitants of this world?

– Inhabitants. It is just that the procession for the holiday always starts from this place. We should be lucky and they will not end up here.

We reached the oak tree. There were a few minutes left before the end. I had a chill and felt weak. My friend leaned against an oak tree and fell asleep.

– I wonder where our friend is.

– He is already in his apartment.

– At least one good news.

Trolls arrived and surrounded the tree. All the others came for them, including the ghosts who were not allowed to attend the holiday.

– It is going to be hot now.

– I told you to save yourself. Moreover, you decided to save me.

– Don’t worry; I know the fate of your soul. The spoken words revived my grandmother, and she straightened up to her full height.

The ghosts from among the invited guests came as close as possible. Their presence made it creepy enough. The demons were sitting in the trees and watching what was happening.

– Have they come to fight with us?

– I do not know myself.

– «Are we really that dangerous?»

– Most likely, Mara Marena wants to have fun. The holiday is over, and there is not enough entertainment.

– We also just disturbed her peace.

– And that is right.

– What will happen to us?

– Everything will be fine. Our friend the ghost uttered these words with such confidence that it made me feel better and I was sure of him.

A horde of evil spirits surrounded us from all sides, and I felt helpless. I just had to wait for my fate. Although the words – «that everything will be fine» planted hope in me. Our company was separated in a split second. Everyone turned out to be alone. In addition, I did not know who was where. Pain pierced my heart. At that moment, I wanted to die. Even though I was already dead. I was in hell, and I did not know how to get out of here. I did not achieve what I wanted, and I was separated from the souls close to me.

I was on some kind of ice field. I was alone and there were snowy plains all around. I did not see anything but snowfields. Moreover, I started shaking from the cold. The effect of the drink was losing its power and there was no one to help me. I did not think about myself, most of all I wanted to live out these minutes in the company of my entourage. I felt like I was dying. I fell face first into the snow and fell into unconsciousness. I woke up from blows to the face. Opening my eyes, I saw two unfamiliar people in front of me. I did not immediately understand where I was, looked around, and saw an ice field. Consciousness began to return to me. These two gave me a small vial, saying that my grandmother had given it to me. I remembered everything and quickly came to my senses. We had to go back urgently. There was a war between the dark forces near the oak tree.

– Who are you?

– We are the souls who were not allowed to the celebration. Soon our time will end, and we will become ghosts. And while it has not expired, we need to urgently return to the place. We are the ones who were rejected by Mara Marena and we came to your defense. You and your friend. We will help you to return, and we will help you to ease the fate of your grandmother. In return, you and your friends will block this entrance to the underworld. Many souls were stolen through this magical passage.

– Where are we now?

– Not far. It is all a trick of the eye. You and your grandmother are left here in this underground world. Your friends have abandoned you. They are now at home in the apartment.

– Are you a psychic too?

– Almost. There are no ordinary mortals on this holiday. Everyone here has supernatural powers.

– So what is going on there now?

– Now our rejected souls are trying to help you and your grandmother. Your drink will not last long, no one knows about it. Therefore, we need to go as soon as possible. In addition, there we will help you.

– I remember for sure that everyone got here through the Kalinov Bridge.

– That is right. But everyone here is dead, and you are not. So go quickly. Soon everyone will leave here, including your grandmother. Moreover, you will stay. Moreover, we will not know your fate. We quickened our pace and in an instant found ourselves in a clearing.

There was a war between ghosts in the clearing. Little demons and bats did not participate in it. They took the position of the audience. For them, it was a continuation of the holiday. There were no gods in sight; I knew they were here somewhere, watching what was happening. I was looking for my grandmother, looking from side to side.

– Don’t fuss. It is too early. I looked around and saw my friend. Mara is hiding her. When she gives it to you, you will need to move to another world in the shortest minutes. You do not have to hide. They will find you anyway. The ghosts were fighting each for their place. There was hatred between them for each other. There was no point in this rebellion; everyone will take his or her place later anyway.

– But what about the grandmother?

– And your grandmother. I remembered my friend’s words again, «that everything will be fine.» His words came true and completely relied on him.

In an instant, everything stopped and everyone lined up in a row. Everyone lined up in the order in which they came to the holiday. Souls accompanied by evil spirits. Then the trolls, followed by the servants. A view of the Kalinov Bridge opened and a very slow procession began. Everything happened here in a matter of seconds. The pictures changed their screensavers as if someone was flipping through a book. There was nothing to plan or think about, everything changed every second.

The view of the Kalinov Bridge was clearly visible, but not to the end. I remembered this episode as I watched this procession from the other side of the bridge. Moreover, he remembered the three-headed serpent. I asked my ghost friend, «Why are we here?» If the oak tree is still there, on the other side of the bridge.

– It does not matter. They are about to move from the halls to their abode, and you need to get to yours. The oak tree will remain in its place. You do not need to get into their abode.

– I did not understand anything. But he silently agreed.

The trolls began their march, and behind them stood a huge regiment of souls. The souls were indignant. They were not happy with the outcome, but they had no choice but to walk in silence. Each of them looked back and looked in my direction. Maybe they did not want to help me as much as they wanted to save themselves. Deep down, I felt sorry for them.

– Don’t forget that this is a resident of evil. There is no one to feel sorry for. I looked at the ghost. Maybe he is right, I thought. It was the turn of the souls, and they were the last to complete this procession. I understood that I would have to say goodbye to my friend now. It made me sad.

– Don’t be sad. Now the most interesting thing will begin. He never lied, and I believed him. The souls were finishing their procession, and my friend disappeared. The picture changed its screensaver, as it was. And, I was left alone. I was in the same clearing where I had already been several times. At the place where the fire once burned, there was a smooth green cover. Everything was bare and empty. Even the green foliage did not save me from the fear of loneliness. There had just been a continuation of the Sabbath, and now I was standing alone and I had no one to lean on.

I saw my grandmother and ran up to her. But it turned out to be a vision. I heard hysterical laughter and realized that she was laughing at me. I began to look around looking for her with my eyes. Silence surrounded me. I could not stand it and called her.

– Mara. Come out. Show yourself to my eyes. In response, I heard the echoes of my own echo. —Are you afraid of me?» After the spoken words, she appeared before me in all her glory. I looked at her and I was not afraid. I have lost all my fear. I already had nothing to lose. She came up to me in a tight and I felt the icy cold that came from her. Not daring to touch her, I raised my head and looked into her eyes. Knowing that no one dares to do this, I did it. Mara did not expect such a turn of events turned into snow and began to rush around the clearing. I did not know why I had angered her so much, but she did not like it. Perhaps the only explanation for this was that I was not afraid of her, but on the contrary, I wanted to be closer to her, and her beauty fascinated me. Forgetting about my fear, I stood rooted to the spot and watched the snowflakes. I completely forgot about my grandmother.

This event distracted my thoughts for a moment, I completely forgot where I was, and that Mara has a jealous husband-a magician. And the fact that I will soon run out of the effect of the drink and about the safety of the grandmother. I was waiting for her to act, but she turned into a blizzard and disappeared. Koschei appeared instead of her, and at the click of two fingers, he gave me the dead soul of my grandmother. He left her on the green grass and disappeared. She was lying motionless. Although she was already dead, but this time she was dead even in hell. She was at a young age, looking like a young witch, I had already seen her like this at a holiday. Her appearance was like a doll with long black hair. I was afraid to approach her, and even more so to touch her. The effect of the drink was ending, and I began to feel chills. I did not pay attention to it, referring to the stress I suffered. Realizing that she was already dead, I did not know what to do with her.

I remembered the ghost’s words that it was necessary to get to the oak tree. I picked her up and carried her to the tree. She was lighter than a mannequin was. She was really like a doll. I put her under a tree and took her by the hand. Looking at the ass, I saw my real grandmother and I felt sick. I realized that everything was in vain. I did not know if it was she or not. No longer feeling afraid, I went to meet her. Coming closer, the grandmother turned into snowflakes and began to circle with laughter. I sat down on my knees and fell into despair. I had no choice but to leave this world of the dead and go to my dimension. I went to the oak tree, sat down and leaned my back against its trunk, closed my eyes and waited for my fate. My expectation did not justify my hopes; I was still in the same place. Going over my thoughts, I thought that the effect of the drink had ended, or had I already died? Alternatively, has he gone mad? I could not figure out what was wrong with me. Everyone has already disappeared somewhere, I am the only one left. Where am I? In addition, what am I? I did not know what to do.

I ran away from the oak tree, sat down on my knees and began pounding on the grass with my fist. – Where are you all? Tears rolled out of my eyes, one, two, and three. And I started crying. As soon as the tears touched the ground at the same moment, everything was covered with ice, including me. The ice covered my head, and I became an iceman.

– There is no place for tears here. Mara was circling above me like a whirlwind. I did not feel cold, but I felt immured, and I could not move.

Koschei appeared and brought my grandmother. We met her eyes, and I realized that it was she. My grandmother was waiting for the same fate as me. She was also covered with ice. I looked at her and my heart sank. Forgetting that she was dead and did not feel the cold, I treated her as if she was alive. I did not know how to help her and began to remember what this goddess was afraid of. Remembering the words of the ghost, «the only thing that can destroy them is sunlight.» Yes, I thought it is not real. Sunlight does not shine here. «There is no place for tears here.» It dawned on me, tears that is what can save us from it at least for a moment. I tried to cry, but I could not. Tears did not roll out of my eyes. And I didn’t know how to call them. Moreover, I remembered another phrase she said recently – «there is no place for tears, kindness and love.» Love that is what should help. And I screamed with all my might, «Grandma, I love you! I screamed until the ice melted and my grandmother turned into a ghost.

Tears rolled out of my eyes, and touched the ice with which I was covered. The ice collapsed with a crash and ice fragments remained. I ran up to Grandma and hugged her. But she turned out to be a ghost, and I felt the air.

– Don’t fly away. Wait. I will help you. I promised you. My grandmother smiled sweetly and became a ghost, like a cellophane bag. But even of all the cellophane bags present that have been here recently, I would immediately recognize her. – Let’s go quickly to the oak tree. I tried to drag her away, but it was in vain. I could not have physical contact with her. I took decisive steps towards the oak tree, hoping that she would come with me. Nevertheless, she was not coming. I looked at her pleadingly.

– «We’re not going to make it. Go alone.

– I came for you.

– I know. But go alone before it’s too late. And don’t forget about the grave.

– I remember. But I do not know the name of the deceased. How will I erect a monument?

– Konstantin. My name is Konstantin. I looked around and saw him. How so. You did not leave with everyone.

– As you can see, no. Friends do not leave their friends. You need to hurry along with your grandmother. Otherwise, it is about to start, and even I cannot help you. I have an unmarked grave, and that gives me an advantage. I can disappear for a short time. However, not at all.

I looked pleadingly at my grandmother. She made hesitant movements in my direction. As soon as she made them, an earthquake immediately began. The clearing began to shudder.

– Your tears will not help you. You will all stay here forever. It is here, even without its place here. We have completely lost our fear. The three of us froze in fear. My heart was jumping out of my chest, and it seemed to me that I could hear it pounding.

– What now? I whispered faintly.

– You look like your friend who was always whining. I told you everything would be fine. I looked up hopefully, hoping to see the sky and pray. Yes, yes, to pray. For the first time in my life, I wanted to do it, but the sky was not visible, instead there was darkness, and the black sun was shining above us. I sat down on my knees and began to pray. I did not even know who or what I believed in anymore. However, I prayed hard.

The earthquake intensified, I felt myself staggering from side to side. I sat and held on to the ground with my hands.

– That is what you made her angry. I have never seen her like this.

– «You should have run when I told you to. You would have been saved.

– «I’m not a coward. I will take you with me.

– You should be proud of your grandson. The grandmother looked in his direction and said nothing.

I felt like my strength was leaving me, and I was about to pass out. I was familiar with this state. I have already studied it during my stay in the underworld. I understood that I was going to fall into unconsciousness and then it would be too late.

– We need to distract her. Let him crawl to the tree, I heard him say these words to my grandmother. They both went to the oak tree and wrapped their arms around it to form a ring. It turned out to be a vicious circle. This enraged Mara and she went there herself, in person.

– What are you doing here? What do you think I cannot handle you? A gang of servants. You will serve me until the end of your days. Her eyes were sparkling, and she directed the blizzard towards the oak tree. Nevertheless, to my surprise, the oak could not freeze. I was amazed by what was happening. How is this possible? There is a defense against her charms.

It turned into a blizzard and began to circle over them. I took advantage of this and approached them. They took me into their ring, and I began to wait for a wonderful return home. The ghost looked at the grandmother, and she looked at him approvingly. They opened their hands, and I stayed. As soon as they moved away from the oak tree, Mara threw my grandmother away and she fell to the icy floor. Everything was covered with ice again, except the oak. She was lying on the bare ice. Her soul regained the body of a young girl. She lay still.

– It is time. The ghost shouted. Take it and bring it here. I picked her up and went. Mara attempted to make me fall. But I resisted, and held my burden tightly. The appearance of Koshchei caused me panic. I realized that I could not cope. – You can handle it. Bring it faster.

Mara cast an evil glance in the direction of her husband. – I will deal with them myself. These are my uninvited guests. Koschei disappeared, and I quickened my pace. I did not have time to reach it and dropped it at the feet of the magic tree. I knelt down next to her, took her icy hand and began to kiss her.

– I miss your fairy tales so much. I said, and a tear rolled out of my eye. As soon as this happened, the body of my young grandmother began to disperse into microparticles of light and disappear. She seemed to evaporate. – What is going on?

– Your grandmother is leaving this world. And goes into another dimension. You saved her, just as if you dreamed! Congratulations!

– What will happen to her?

– Well, either she will get into the bright Iriy, or be born again. Mara was furious. In addition, she walked towards me. – Hug the oak tree and think about the good.

– And you?

– I will take your grandmother’s place.

– How do you understand this?

– It means that I am staying here instead of your grandmother. I will serve Mara. In addition, you will seal the entrance to the underworld. Moreover, everything will stop.

– I cannot leave you here. You are my friend now.

– You cannot save all the inhabitants of the kingdom of darkness. It is impossible. Go. You have been here too long. Your goal has been achieved. Your friends were not supposed to be here. You have done many things. It is time for you, there’s no time left at all. Goodbye.

I hugged the tree like the first time I was here. In addition, at that moment, a tear rolled out of my eye. However, she was no longer there, but here in this world. – It turns out that love actually saves the world. In addition, the kingdom of darkness is the kingdom of darkness, and there is no place for love and tears.

– Maybe it is. But your tears have melted even the underworld. See how it happens.

– I myself was surprised that tears can help grief. Maybe it is something else, not tears. She was furious when her tears touched the ice.

– Maybe it is from the heat. If the tears are sincere, then they are hot, and the underworld is beating with warmth and light. Tears drown the ice. What happened then?

– Then I found myself in the same place in the cemetery. I was half-naked, and I started freezing instantly. It was bitterly cold outside. I ran to get warm. I was haunted by the thought that she could overtake me and I would go back to hell. I ran out of the cemetery and went to meet the cars. I tried to stop the ride, but they all drove by thinking I was crazy. One of the cars stopped, and I explained everything by saying that I was not a local and got lost in the cemetery. They gave me a ride to my friend’s house, and I went into the apartment.

– Did your friends recognize you right away?

– They did not say anything. And I didn’t feel anything. It is possible that nothing happened. Our meeting with Mara was not the last.

– How not the last?

– All the most interesting things will be ahead. My friend looked at me with surprise. We went out into the corridor to walk and smoke, although it was forbidden. But everyone who could not do without cigarettes did it. – My friends will install a fence and a monument tomorrow. And the passage for the living to the world of the dead will be closed. When I crossed the threshold of the apartment, I did not know what to say to my friends. I did not know if it was true or not. Alternatively, I am actually frozen and lost. To be honest, remembering those events, I remember that I was tired. I am tired of running around the cemetery, the underworld and thinking is it true or not.

– And we wanted to go look for you. Just don’t know where? In the cemetery? On the other hand, to hell! These words were uttered with such a laugh that I was not pleased. From their ridicule, I realized that it was all true.

– We were lucky. Our souls were not cleaned up.

– Don’t get excited ahead of time. First, you need to close the passage, and then rejoice.

– That is right.

They were saying these words, and I flopped down on the sofa and closed my eyes. The warmth relaxed my body, and I fell asleep in a sitting position. My hands and face were burning, my head hurt terribly, maybe from the cold, or maybe from nervous overexertion. I slept in this position for several hours. When I woke up, I came to my friends in the kitchen.

– Tell me how it is in hell without us!

– I would not be so happy if I were you. Remember how you got there. You were sitting here laughing, and the kitchen was covered with ice.

– He is right. Get it over with. It will be calmer this way. There was silence in the kitchen. – I hope this was your last visit to your grandmother.

– Grandma is no more. I managed to save her soul.

– Tell me, how did you do it? What was there without us? I told my friends everything that happened. About how the ghosts tried to help me, how I was an ice statue. And about how our ghost friend took my grandmother’s place. – Yes, your grandmother was lucky. God rest her soul.

– Don’t say that.

– Why?

– «I don’t even know where she is anymore. In Paradise or relocated. And how to remember her now after what I saw.

– Yes, a difficult question.

– «I’ll talk to my sister about that. She should know.

– What now?

– «I don’t know. I need to talk to my sister.

At that time, I still did not understand what had happened. And most importantly, I understood that I had nothing to do here. I did everything I could and everything that was required of me. All I had to do was get on a plane and fly home. But I didn’t want to do it, and I couldn’t tell my sister or my friends about it. She held me, Mara. Her gaze burned my soul with cold. I was ready to do anything just to see her again. It was my dream.

I told my sister everything, she listened to me attentively, I listened to lectures about how I put my life and the lives of friends in danger. She earnestly asked me to come back as soon as possible. It was dangerous for me to stay here. She did not need my friends, and I was the cause of all the troubles. I understood this and did not argue with her. A plane ticket was taken. For tomorrow. History repeated itself.

– The main thing is that nothing happens during these days!

– Do not collect troubles on our heads. He will fly away, and you and I will stay.

– Don’t swear! It is over.

– It is not yet known. I saw one of my friends nervous. Moreover, his depression was transmitted to me. – What did your sister say?

– You are not in any danger. All the danger is on me. However, do not provoke an angry goddess.

I fell silent. My friend listened to me attentively. – So why these scars on the face.

– I do not want to talk about them now. It is a scary story. Maybe a little later. We returned to the ward. Everything in the ward was gloomy and dim. I did not feel well and I did not have the strength to speak. It seemed to me that I had spent an eternity in this ward, which would never end, without knowing why. These three nights spent here in conversation with a stranger passed like a flash, I did not want to part with him and therefore did not want tomorrow to come. Tomorrow he will be gone, I thought, and a pain pierced my heart. I closed my eyes remembering what I had already told and strained my memory to remember what was left to relive.

My friend Vladimir was such a good person. He never got into my soul, but he saw what was going on inside me. He understood the person and could pick up the keys to him. I liked that trait in him. He is also ready to come to the rescue at any moment, go to investigate, stand up for protection. He reminded me of my friend from the underworld, who was always there until my last minute there, he even sacrificed himself, realizing that he would die anyway. This is true friendship.

Today was my last night with a friend. In the morning, he will be gone, and that night I told him about my last night in Norilsk. – The ticket was bought. It remains to survive the night. Everything was the same as last time. I had a bad feeling. I was shaking from the inside. The fear did not leave me. And despite these fears, I didn’t want to leave. I was thinking of an action plan to stay for a few days and see her again. I did not lose hope that maybe she would still want to see me herself, to take revenge on me for what I had done. But no, I felt that there was no and I would have to look for her myself.

My mind was telling me what would happen if you got to her. You are going to stay there forever. I understood that. And what happens if I don’t see her again? It will be the pain of the blow. I am the one who is going to be healed for all eternity. I am going to live like hell because I did not get there again and did not see her. The only way to get there is to go right now to the cemetery to that yet unnamed grave and wait for the dimension between the worlds to come. Then I will not be able to do it anymore. I no longer thought about my sister, about tickets, about myself. The only thing I was sorry for was that I did not have time to say goodbye to my sister, knowing that I would not see her again. But I didn’t have time to think. I waited until my friends were asleep, dressed warmly and left the apartment.