The Road to Arico

The tournament is over! The masks are off.

Deep night had long since fallen upon the small town of Lazerville, but its inhabitants could not sleep. The square by the old church was full of people. Despite this, a dead silence reigned all around. No one dared to make the slightest sound. Confusion was written on the townspeople's faces. It seemed even the air was saturated with anxiety. All eyes were fixed on the tearful girl with her hands tied behind her back and the man in the gold-embroidered doublet standing on the wooden platform in the center.

The man took out a sheet of paper. His voice pierced the silence.

— By order of the Queen!

The messenger paused. He scanned the crowd with his gaze.

—

As part of the annual tribute to Her Majesty, to the castle of El — the most beautiful girl from each town and village belonging to the Kingdom, to serve Her Majesty the Queen and her son, Prince Verev.

A cry rang out in the crowd. An elderly woman fainted.

…

The day was unbelievably hot even for that time of year. The scorching air seemed to burn the lungs from within. And the blazing sun, as if mocking the lone traveler, had no intention of hiding behind a cloud. But the lanky lad in a straw hat with a bundle over his shoulder confidently strode barefoot along the dusty road.

The journey to the Arico valley was not a short one, but even then, in Lazerville, watching the riders disappear into the distance, Erge had sworn to himself to reach the castle of El no matter what.

Again and again, the fateful night's moments surfaced in the boy's memory. His heart clenched at the mere thought of what that animal, that werewolf, that half-man-half-wolf, the Queen's son Verev, could have done to her. Legends were told of his cruelty and insane passion for young beauties, making families lock their doors tighter and hide the unfortunate girls far away on the day the annual "living" tribute to the Queen was paid.

— Ah, is she even still alive? My dear, dear Iri!

Suddenly, from above came the chattering of wings and strange sounds, vaguely resembling a song.

— Lyalya lyalya lyalya, lyalya lyalya…

The lad looked up, when suddenly a pink speck flashed before his eyes. Someone squeaked. A blow to the forehead knocked the traveler off his feet.

Erge came to on the ground.

He jumped up. Looked around. No one.

An indignant little voice came from below.

— What a clumsy oaf, watch where you're going, you jerk, you almost crumpled my wings!

On the ground, with its crooked hairy legs tucked under, sat a creature resembling a human, only smaller, no more than seven inches tall. Plump little hands carefully smoothed out a pink pleated skirt. Pouting lips were framed by sparse short stubble. The naked chest and stomach were completely covered in black curly hair. Nearby on the ground lay a small pink stick with a radiant star on the end.

Erge was taken aback. In his time, he had seen many things, but he had never encountered anything like this. With difficulty, the lad overcame his confusion.

— But you're a man!

Erge blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

— And you're a nasty, rude lout! — the creature squeaked indignantly.

Erge was embarrassed.

— Sorry, I didn't see you.

— Didn't see me, he says! You're all like that! — the creature dusted itself off, straightened its skirt, and rose into the air.

— Wait! I didn't mean to offend you. My name is Erge.

The creature looked the lad over distrustfully.

— Olya Basco. A little fairy.

— A whaaat… ? — Erge extended his hand and then immediately snorted with laughter.

Olya shook his head reproachfully. But Erge was no longer paying attention to him. Bursts of laughter, one after another, shook the lad's body.

— I don't understand what's so funny? Yes, I'm a little fairy. And anyway, I don't have time for this with you. I'm in a hurry to the fairy parade in Arico, and I'm running late.

The meaning of the words didn't immediately sink in for Erge. Suppressing another chuckle, the lad finally asked.

— Where are you flying to?

— Oh, you country bumpkin! I'm telling you — to the fairy parade. It's a tradition, once a year fairies from all over the world meet in one place, dress up nicely, smile, and march in a parade where they advocate for their rights to be recognized by society…

— No, wait, you said you're flying to Arico?

The fairy clicked his tongue, rolled his eyes, but nodded affirmatively.

— Listen, I'm actually heading there myself. I mean, not to the parade, of course, but to the castle of El. The cursed Queen and her werewolf son are holding my beloved there. I have to save her before it's too late, understand? And I don't know those places well. Maybe you'd agree to keep me company? And it's more fun to travel together, huh?

Olya studied Erge seriously for a minute. On one hand, he didn't want to listen to this boor's mockery the whole way. But at the same time, something attracted him to the youth. So what if he's a fool? At least he's some kind of protection. And in these parts, a little fairy could use that. And besides, he's right — it is more fun together.

And the fairy, waving his hand, flew ahead of the lad, his wings sparkling in the sun.

The new acquaintances were silent the whole way. Olya was still offended at Erge. And Erge, feeling guilty, didn't dare speak first.

By evening, the heat subsided. The unbearable heat gave way to a pleasant coolness. On the horizon, the sunset spread like a crimson stain.

Leaves rustled underfoot. The travelers entered the forest.

With each moment, the darkness thickened around them. Olya waved his wand, and a pleasant pink light was born from the star. It seemed the guys had entered a land of giants. Gigantic trees, their tops reaching high into the starry sky, were awe-inspiring.

Every rustle, every sound made the travelers glance around warily. Every step was difficult.

A chill blew in.

— I'm freezing, — Olya whispered.

A muffled growl was heard from somewhere. The guys stopped, listening.

Olya moved closer to Erge's shoulder.

— Did you hear that too? — the fairy whispered.

The lad nodded almost imperceptibly.

— Maybe we imagined it?

The guys exchanged glances. The growl sounded right behind them. The travelers slowly turned around. Erge swallowed.

From the darkness, two yellow eyes, each the size of a large apple, stared at them.

With a trembling hand, Olya brought his wand closer.

Before them was a beast. A huge muzzle was framed by a thick, shaggy mane. A powerful torso ended in clawed paws. Short fur stood on end. The beast bared its teeth, revealing sharp fangs.

Erge was the first to come to his senses.

— Run! — echoed.

The lad ran for all he was worth. The fairy, keeping up, flapped his wings. The beast's breath could be felt on their backs. It seemed the chase would never end.

At some point, the predator caught up with them. A huge paw froze in the air. Olya pressed himself into Erge's shoulder.

— We're done for! — the fairy squeaked and shut his eyes.

— Chikhanus-marekhanus!

A bright flash of green light momentarily illuminated everything around.

Rolling its eyes, the beast twitched its whiskers, took a short breath. Another, and another. And sneezed loudly, showering the travelers with green slime.

The predator collapsed to the ground, grabbing its nose with its paws. And like a small playful kitten, it began rolling on the grass, sneezing non-stop.

Only now did the companions notice another figure standing a little apart. It was a tall old man in a green cloak. A white beard reached down to the ground. Deep wrinkles crisscrossed his serious face. The old man's head was crowned with a hat, and in his hands was a staff with a burning flame at its tip.

The strange stranger struck his staff on the ground.

— Get out of here, you mangy dog!

The beast jumped back, whimpering fearfully, and, tucking its tail, disappeared into the thicket of the forest.

The guys still couldn't believe what was happening. Just a second ago, their lives had hung by a thread.

— Thank you, — both stammered.

The seemingly stern old man suddenly smiled.

— Oh, it's nothing, no need for thanks! Good thing I was passing by, otherwise you might have become someone's dinner. By the way, what are a young man and… uh… doing here at night?

The old man looked at the travelers. Shivering from the cold, dirty, frightened, they were a pitiful sight.

Their savior slapped his forehead.

— What an old fool I am! Instead of offering shelter, I'm here with my questions! Forgive me. Come on, my house isn't far from here. You can wait out the night there, it's dangerous to be in the forest now, especially as you've already seen for yourselves.

The companions exchanged distracted glances.

— Don't be afraid. Do you really think I saved you just to feast on you myself? Come on, can an old stump harm anyone? And besides, I have no teeth to eat you with.

As proof, the old man bared his toothless gums. The friends exchanged glances again. The stranger, waving his hand in a friendly manner, strode briskly along a path that had appeared from nowhere.

Deciding to rely on luck, the guys trudged after him.

Soon the trees parted. Before the trio opened a small clearing, illuminated by several lanterns. In its center stood a low but neat little hut.

The old man thrust his staff into the ground by the porch, climbed the low steps, and opened the door, letting the guests go first.

The travelers entered a spacious room and looked around.

Along the walls stretched endless shelves with bottles and jars of all shapes and sizes, the contents of which could only be guessed at. Everywhere, small bunches of dried flowers and herbs added color. In the corner, a wide bench covered with a bearskin apparently served as the inhabitant's bed. Opposite the door, an empty fireplace gaped like a black spot.

A snap of fingers, and in the fireplace, as if by magic, logs appeared and a flame ignited. The fire danced merrily, warming the house and casting bizarre shadows.

While the old man rummaged for clean clothes, the friends settled right on the floor, stretching their chilled hands closer to the warmth.

To Erge, the host offered something resembling a long-sleeved robe, and to Olya, after a moment's hesitation, an old stocking, cutting holes in it for arms and head, thus creating something like a dress.

The little fairy, scrutinizing the new outfit, first pouted his lips in a mannered way, but in the end agreed to put it on.

— Anything's better than walking around filthy!

Suddenly, out of nowhere, a whole table appeared in the middle of the hut, groaning with all sorts of dishes and snacks. The friends, not waiting for an invitation, greedily pounced on the food. The host preferred not to disturb the guests.

When the meal was over and the guests, full and satisfied, leaned back in their chairs, the hospitable old man spoke.

— Well now, let's get acquainted. My name is Nnadi Allakho, the local healer and sorcerer.

— Sorcerer? — the friends were surprised.

— Yes, but more of a healer. I've been treating locals in these forests for as long as I can remember, removing evil eyes, family curses, getting rid of psoriasis, hemorrhoids, gout. So if something delicate is bothering you, don't hesitate, I'll fix it in a jiffy. But enough about me, all about me. Who are you? Where are you headed?

The friends in turn introduced themselves, and Erge told his story porn stories .

The sorcerer's heart could not help but be touched by the young man's bravery, and after sending the tired travelers to sleep, the old man himself could not close his eyes for a long time.

The host quietly dressed, and with a barely audible creak of the door, went out into the cool starry night. As if by touch, he walked around the small yard, touching every bush, every pebble, every log, and dissolved into the forest thicket.

Erge slept more sweetly than ever. For the first time in many days, the lad was full and warm. A serene smile did not leave his sleeping lips. He dreamed of Iri.

Golden curls. A light white dress. Blue, pure, loving eyes.

Erge felt as if in reality he touched a velvety cheek with his rough hand. Embraced her waist.

Soft, tender lips.

White fabric slid to the floor, revealing hips. A slender neck. Small, firm breasts. Squeezed with his hand.

His flesh was already aching. He entered, firmly but gently. Inhale, exhale.

Some rustle.

Erge opened his eyes.

— So, magic powder, staff, spare socks. Seems I haven't forgotten anything?

In the middle of the room stood Nnadi with a sack over his shoulder and a staff in his hand. And he was muttering something under his breath. Hearing a rustle from the bed, he turned.

— Oh, good morning, it's good you're awake. I was thinking, if we set off at dawn, we'll reach the road by noon, what do you say?

Erge looked at him questioningly.

— What's the matter? I decided I simply must go to El with you. I'm not young anymore, God knows when such a chance will come again, to help a young knight save his love. And besides, I've been sitting in one place for too long. So, will you take the old man on the team? — the sorcerer smiled ingratiatingly.

Nnadi knew the forest excellently, and as he promised, by noon the travelers had already reached the road. They walked briskly and cheerfully. The old man didn't let the guys get bored, telling them about forest inhabitants and various creatures. After all, it wasn't for nothing they took him with them; who knew what might await them on the difficult journey, and his gift could serve