The most powerful of the fairies of the magical land in modern times. Possesses the secret of eternal youth and rare beauty. She came from the Big World almost simultaneously with three other sorceresses - Villina, Bastinda and Gingem. By lot, Stella went to manage the Pink Country, inhabited by Chatterboxes. It is known that Stella at some point unsuccessfully tried to wean her subjects from talking too much, depriving them of speech for a while.

Borrowing an image by other authors

He is a character in the fairy tale by Leonid Vladimirsky "Pinocchio in the Emerald City".

The prototype of Stella

The prototype of the "Volkovskaya" Stella was Glinda the Good (Eng. Glinda the Good) from L. F. Baum's Oz fairy tale series. The role of Stella in The Wizard of Oz almost completely coincides with the role of Glinda in Baum's book The Amazing Wizard of Oz.

However, in the numerous sequels that followed Baum's first book, Glinda turns out to be a much more prominent and active character than Stella in Volkov's sequels, and there is no further similarity between the actions of Glinda and Stella. Glinda takes a significant part in the affairs of the Land of Oz, more than once comes to the aid of its inhabitants, often visits the Emerald City and, in particular, becomes the patroness of Princess Ozma. Stella, on the other hand, is rather a symbolic attribute of the Magic Land: it is mentioned in every book, but practically does not interfere in the course of events, no matter how serious threats hang over the country.

The rest of the journey through the forest was uneventful. When the travelers left the forest, a steep rocky mountain opened up before them. It was impossible to get around it - there were deep ravines on both sides of the road.

It's hard to climb this mountain! said the Scarecrow. “But the mountain is not a flat place, and since it stands in front of us, it means that we must climb over it!”

And he climbed up, tightly clinging to the rock and clinging to each ledge. The rest followed the Scarecrow.

They climbed quite high, when suddenly a rough voice called out from behind a rock:

- Who's there? asked the Scarecrow.

A strange head appeared from behind a rock.

- This mountain is ours, and no one is allowed to cross it!

“But we have to cross,” said the Scarecrow politely. “We are going to the country of Stella, and there is no other way here.

- Go, but do not pass!

A little plump little man with a big head on a short neck jumped out onto the rock with laughter. His thick hands clenched into huge fists, with which he threatened travelers. The little man did not seem very strong, and the Scarecrow boldly climbed up.

But then an amazing thing happened. The strange little man hit the ground with his feet, bounced into the air like a rubber ball, and hit the Scarecrow in the chest with his head and strong fists. The scarecrow, somersaulting, flew to the foot of the mountain, and the little man, deftly getting to his feet, laughed and shouted:

- A-la-la! That's how we do it, jumpers!

And, exactly on a signal, hundreds of jumpers jumped out from behind the rocks and hillocks.

The lion became furious and quickly rushed to the attack, growling menacingly and whipping his tail on the sides. But several jumpers, flying into the air, hit him so hard with their flat heads and strong fists that the Lion rolled down the mountainside, somersaulting and meowing in pain, like the simplest cat. He got up, embarrassed, and limping away from the foot of the mountain.

The Tin Woodman swung his ax, tried the flexibility of his joints, and resolutely climbed up.

- Come back, come back! Ellie screamed, and weepingly grabbed his arm. - You will crash on the rocks! How are we going to collect you in this remote country?

Ellie's tears instantly made the Woodcutter return.

“Let's call the flying monkeys,” suggested the Scarecrow. “You can’t do without them here, pickup, pickup!”

Ellie sighed.

- If Stella meets us unfriendly, we will be defenseless ...

And then suddenly Totoshka spoke:

“It’s a shame to confess to a smart dog, but you can’t hide the truth: you and I, Ellie, are terrible fools!”

- Why? Ellie was surprised.

- But how! When the leader of the flying monkeys was carrying you and me, he told us the story of the golden hat… After all, a hat can be passed around!

- So what? Ellie still didn't understand.

- When you use the last magic of the golden cap, you will give it to the Scarecrow and he will again have three magics.

- Hooray! Hooray! they all shouted. - Totoshka, you are our savior!

“It’s a pity, of course,” said the dog modestly. “That this brilliant idea hadn’t crossed my mind before.” Then we would not suffer from floods ...

"There's nothing you can do about it," Ellie said. - What happened, you can’t bring it back ...

“Let me, let me,” interrupted the Scarecrow. - This is what it turns out ... Three, yes three, yes three ... - He counted on his fingers for a long time. - It turns out that I, yes the Woodcutter, yes the Lion, we can order the flying monkeys nine more times!

- Have you forgotten about me? Toto said offendedly. - I can also be the owner of the golden hat!

"That's a huge disadvantage for a ruler," the Tin Woodman said seriously. I'll take care of you in my spare time.

Now Ellie could safely use her last magic. She spoke magic words, and the Scarecrow repeated them, dancing with joy and shaking his soft fists at the warlike jumpers.

There was a noise in the air, and a flock of flying monkeys descended to the ground.

- What do you want, owner of the golden cap? the leader asked.

- Take us to Stella's palace! Ellie replied.

- Will be done!

And the travelers instantly found themselves in the air.

Flying over the mountain, the Scarecrow made monstrous grimaces at the jumpers and cursed desperately. Jumpers jumped high into the air, but could not get the monkeys and raged with anger.

The mountain, and behind it the whole country of blinkers, quickly left behind, and the gaze of travelers opened up a picturesque fertile country of talkers, which was ruled by the kind sorceress Stella.

The talkers were nice, friendly people and good workers. They had the only drawback - they were terribly fond of chatting. Even when they were alone, they talked to themselves for hours on end. Powerful Stella could not wean them from chatter. Once she made them dumb, but the talkers quickly found a way out: they learned to use gestures and crowded the streets and squares for days on end, waving their arms. Stella saw that even she could not change the talkers, and returned their voice.

The favorite color in the country of talkers was pink, like blue for munchkins, purple for winkers, and green in the Emerald City. The houses and hedges were painted pink, and the inhabitants dressed in bright pink dresses.

The monkeys lowered Ellie and her friends in front of Stella's palace. The guard at the palace was carried by three beautiful girls. They looked with surprise and fear at the appearance of flying monkeys.

Farewell, Ellie! said the leader of the flying monkeys in a friendly manner. “Today you called us for the last time.

- Farewell, farewell! Ellie screamed. - Thanks a lot!

And the monkeys flew away with noise and laughter.

- Don't get too excited! shouted the Scarecrow after them. - Next time you will have a new master and you will not get rid of him so easily! ..

- Is it possible to see the good sorceress Stella? Ellie asked the guard girls with bated breath.

“Tell me who you are and why you have come here, and I will report on you,” the eldest replied.

Ellie told, and the girl went with a report, and the rest proceeded to the travelers with questions. But before they knew anything, the girl returned:

- Stella asks you to the palace!

Ellie washed, the Scarecrow cleaned himself up, the Tin Woodman oiled the joints and carefully polished them with a rag and emery powder, and the Lion dusted himself for a long time, scattering dust. They were fed a hearty meal, and then led to a richly decorated pink room, where the sorceress Stella sat on the throne. She seemed to Ellie very beautiful and kind and surprisingly young, although for many centuries she had ruled the country of talkers. Stella smiled affectionately at the newcomers, seated them in chairs, and turning to Ellie, said:

“Tell your story, my child!”

Ellie began a long story. Stella and her entourage listened with great interest and sympathy.

“What do you want from me, my child? Stella asked when Ellie had finished.

“Take me back to Kansas, to my mom and dad. When I think about how they grieve for me, my heart shrinks from pain and pity ...

“But you said that Kansas is a dull and gray dusty steppe. And look how beautiful we are.

“Still, I love Kansas more than your wonderful country!” Ellie responded warmly. Kansas is my home.

- Your wish will come true. But you must give me the golden hat.

- Oh, with pleasure, madame! True, I was going to give it to the Scarecrow, but I am sure that you will dispose of it better than he.

- I will arrange so that the magic of the golden cap will benefit your friends, - said Stella and turned to the Scarecrow: - What do you think to do when Ellie leaves you?

“I would like to return to the Emerald City,” the Scarecrow replied with dignity. “Goodwin appointed me ruler of the Emerald City, and the ruler must live in the city he rules. After all, I can’t manage the Emerald City if I stay in the Pink Country! But I am confused by the way back through the country of jumpers and across the river where I drowned.

- After receiving the golden hat, I will call the flying monkeys, and they will take you to the Emerald City. You can not deprive the people of such an amazing ruler.

So is it true that I'm amazing? asked the Scarecrow, beaming.

More than that, you are the only one! And I want you to be my friend.

The Scarecrow bowed admiringly to the good sorceress.

– What do you want? Stella turned to the Tin Woodman.

“When Ellie leaves this country,” the Tin Woodman began sadly, “I will be very sad. But I would like to get into the country of the Winkies, who elected me as the ruler. I will bring my bride to the Purple Palace, who I am sure is waiting for me, and I will rule over the miguns, whom I love very much.

- The second magic of the golden cap will make the flying monkeys transport you to the land of winkies. You do not have such wonderful brains as your fellow Scarecrow the Wise, but you have a loving heart, you have such a brilliant look and I am sure that you will be an excellent ruler for the Winkies. Let me consider you my friend.

The Tin Woodman slowly bowed before Stella.

Then the sorceress turned to the Lion:

Now tell me about your desires.

- Behind the country of jumpers lies a wonderful dense forest. The beasts of this forest have recognized me as their king. Therefore, I would very much like to return there and spend the rest of my days.

- The third magic of the golden cap will transfer the brave Lion to his animals, who, of course, will be happy having such a king. And I also count on your friendship.

The lion importantly gave Stella a big strong paw, and the sorceress shook it in a friendly way.

“Later,” said Stella. “When the last three magics of the golden cap have been fulfilled, I will return it to the flying monkeys so that no one else can bother them with the fulfillment of their desires, often senseless and cruel.

Everyone agreed that it was impossible to dispose of the hat better, and glorified Stella's wisdom and kindness.

“But how will you get me back to Kansas, madam?” the girl asked.

“Silver shoes will take you through forests and mountains,” the sorceress replied. - If you knew their wonderful power, you would have returned home on the same day that your house crushed the evil Gingem.

“But then I wouldn’t have got my amazing brains!” exclaimed the Scarecrow. “I would still scare the crows in the farmer’s field!”

“And I wouldn’t have my loving heart,” said the Tin Woodman. “I would stand in the woods and rust until I crumble to dust!”

“And I would still be a coward,” roared the Lion. – And, of course, he would not become the king of beasts!

"It's all true," Ellie replied. “And I do not regret at all that I had to live so long in Goodwin's country. I am only a weak little girl, but I loved you and always tried to help you, my dear friends! Now, when our cherished desires have been fulfilled, I must return home, as it was written in Villina's magic book.

“It hurts and we are sad to part with you, Ellie,” said the Scarecrow, the Woodcutter, and the Lion. “But we bless the moment when the hurricane threw you into Fairyland. You taught us the dearest and best thing in the world - friendship! ..

Stella smiled at the girl. Ellie put her arms around the neck of the big bold Lion and gently fingered his thick, shaggy mane. She kissed the Tin Woodman and he wept bitterly, forgetting his jaws. She stroked the Scarecrow's soft, straw-stuffed body and kissed his sweet, good-natured painted face...

“Silver slippers have many miraculous properties,” said Stella. – But their most amazing property is that in three steps they will take you even to the ends of the world. You just need to hit your heel on the heel and name the place ...

“Then let them take me to Kansas now!”

But when Ellie thought that she was parting forever with her faithful friends, with whom she had to go through a lot together there, whom she saved so many times and who, in turn, selflessly saved her, her heart sank with grief, and she sobbed loudly .

Stella stepped down from the throne, gently hugged Ellie and kissed her goodbye.

- It's time, my child! she said kindly. - It's hard to part, but the hour of goodbye is sweet. Remember that now you will be at home and hug your parents. Farewell, don't forget us!

- Goodbye, goodbye, Ellie! her friends exclaimed.

Ellie grabbed Toto, knocked her heel against her heel, and called out to her shoes:

“Take me to Kansas, to dad and mom!”

A violent whirlwind swirled Ellie, everything merged in her eyes, the sun sparkled in the sky in a fiery arc, and before the girl had time to be frightened, she sank to the ground so suddenly that she rolled over several times and released Toto.

", " " and " "; also mentioned in the rest of the books in the fairy tale series.

Stella in Volkov's books

Stella is a kind sorceress, the most powerful of the fairies of the magical land in modern times. Possesses the secret of eternal youth and rare beauty. She came from the Big World almost simultaneously with three other sorceresses -, and. By lot, Stella went to the management of the Pink Country, inhabited. It is known that Stella at some point unsuccessfully tried to wean her subjects from talking too much, depriving them of speech for a while.

Borrowing an image by other authors

He is a character in the fairy tale "".

The prototype of Stella

The prototype of the "Volkovskaya" Stella was (Eng. Glinda the Good) from the fairy tale series about . The role of Stella in The Wizard of Oz almost completely coincides with the role of Glinda in Baum's book "".

However, in the numerous sequels that followed Baum's first book, Glinda turns out to be a much more prominent and active character than Stella in Volkov's sequels, and there is no further similarity between the actions of Glinda and Stella. Glinda takes a significant part in the affairs of the Land of Oz, more than once comes to the aid of its inhabitants, often visits the Emerald City and, in particular, becomes the patroness of Princess Ozma. Stella, on the other hand, is rather a symbolic attribute of the Magic Land: it is mentioned in every book, but practically does not interfere in the course of events, no matter how serious threats hang over the country.

Chapter one

Heaven for Chatterboxes

In the south of the land of Thorn, behind the high mountains, where the brave and wayward Marrans live, lies the Pink Country. The climate here is milder than in neighboring countries, the forests are friendlier, the flowers are more beautiful, the butterflies and dragonflies are more beautiful. Only here sprawling palm trees and huge baobabs grow, and only here there are almost no predatory animals, spiders and - wow! - snake. And this is very good, because the little people living in the Pink Country are not particularly courageous. Perhaps because of their timidity, they do not like to travel, which is why they rarely visit their neighbors - Munchkins, Miguns and residents of the Green Country. But with the Marrans they communicate constantly. Severe and warlike Jumpers are very fond of when Chatterboxes ... however, you will learn about this a little later.

It is difficult to say why the Pink Land is so noticeably different from other parts of the Magic Land. There is a legend that it was here that the great sorcerer Thorn first settled down to rest when he arrived on the American mainland. The magician liked the lands around so much that he allegedly exclaimed: “Yes, this is a real paradise! Perhaps I will stay here forever - after all, there is no better place to find! And then Thorn began to grow new beautiful forests, create rivers and lakes of fabulous beauty, cover the meadows with a wonderful carpet of flowers, more and more scarlet and pink.

Elsewhere, Thorn did a great job, too. He spared neither strength nor imagination, but it happens in the life of both people and sorcerers: the first love is the strongest. The pink country turned out better than the rest.

Until now, you and I have not had to meet with the amazing inhabitants of this wonderful country. True, Ellie once visited here - remember how the sorceress Stella helped her return to Kansas? However, Ellie did not really have time to get to know the Talkers - she was in a hurry to go home to her parents. But if the girl had lingered in the Pink Country for at least a day or two, then many things would have surprised and puzzled her.

And the point here is not the Chatterboxes themselves - they are almost no different from the inhabitants of neighboring countries. As a matter of fact, all the inhabitants of the magical land are one and the same people - arzals, since ancient times living on the North American mainland. Thorn liked the little men. They were so timid, trusting and sweet that the sorcerer had no doubt that they would get along well with the Fairy Folk.

After the death of the great sorcerer, a lot of changes took place in the Magic Land. A pack of wolves wandered here through a pass in the Round the World Mountains. They took a liking to the dense, impenetrable forests of the Violet Country, and in a few years the wolves bred so that the poor arzals in this part of the land of Thorn simply could not live. Going to the forest for mushrooms and berries, every minute they expected the attack of ferocious predators. From constant nervous tension, the little men began to blink fearfully. For this, the neighbors called them Migunami. However, don't blink, don't blink - it won't save you from wolves. Willy-nilly, the Winkies had to learn how to forge weapons: swords, spears and arrows, in order to defend themselves from wild animals. Iron and copper ores were plentiful in the Purple Land, so over time the Winkies became skilled artisans. Those of them who lived in the dense forests in the east became not so timid, and some, like the blacksmith Argut we knew, were not inferior in courage and strength even to underground miners.

The people who lived in the Blue Country were distinguished by the fact that they loved to eat very much. The sorcerer Thorn grew wonderful gardens here in his time, blooming and fruiting all year round. It is clear that the hands of local arzals naturally reached for the next pear or peach. Little men had to eat several dozen fruits a day. They chewed almost all the time. Over the years, this has become a habit, for which they were nicknamed Munchkins. A bit of an offensive name, isn't it? And not entirely fair - after all, there were no more skillful and hard-working farmers in the Magic Land.

But the inhabitants of the central, Green, country got plenty of everything - forests, flowers, and fruit trees. Predators did not like these places - the forests were too cheerful and bright here. And gardens did not grow here at every step, so the locals had no particular reason to become like Winkers or Munchkins, and therefore they were still called simply arzals.

The chatterboxes were the luckiest of all. After Thorn's death, all the rulers they chose ruled so well that the country prospered. And after the sorceress Stella appeared in the Pink Country, their affairs went remarkably well.

Stella was an amazing and mysterious woman. She never remembered her past life in the Big World and was very angry when her subjects showed excessive curiosity - but this was perhaps the only case when a shadow of discontent came over her friendly face.

Remember how Villina told Ellie that Stella is Goodness incarnate? And in fact, there was no more beautiful and kind woman on earth, ready to help everyone and everyone. In addition, she was a powerful sorceress, the queen of flowers and the patroness of all arts. She immediately liked the lovely Chatterboxes very much, and Stella did everything to develop the wonderful gift of this wonderful people.

What was this gift? It’s not at all that the Talkers were talkers, no! They were excellent storytellers - dreamers and inventors. And the very country in which they lived contributed to this - after all, it was full of miracles! For no reason at all near the house on the lawn, a fountain could clog, and ordinary river pebbles could turn into gems. The stars in the sky all night long played hide and seek, and the moon sometimes scattered wonderful fireworks across the sky. In the rivers there were not only trout, but also goldfish. A butterfly, sitting on a blade of grass, could turn into a flower, and those, in turn, often fluttered in the air, waving the petals like wings. As you can see, the Arzals who lived in the Pink Country had something to tell each other about. But you must admit that any story sounds much more interesting if it is slightly embellished and blossomed with your imagination, right?

The young sorceress was very fond of listening to the incredible stories invented by the Talkers, but she was no less fascinated by dancing, music and painting. Unfortunately, in these arts, the Chatterboxes were not up to par. True, in the Pink Country there were several remarkable poets - but that's all.

Then Stella's eyes turned to neighboring countries. Alas, Gingema and Bastinda were evil sorceresses and kept their peoples, as they say, with an iron fist. Stella's power would have been enough to destroy these sorceresses, but she was too kind for this. And then she acted differently. With the help of sorcery, Stella found the most talented Munchkins, Winkies and Arzals, and inspired them with the idea: go to the Pink Country, they are waiting for you there!

Some little people, especially young people, succumbed to this magical call. One beautiful and at the same time sad day, they said goodbye to their relatives and set off on a long journey. Of course, the parents tried to keep them - but not very insistent. Life under Gingham and Bastinde was far from sweet, and in the Rose Country, according to rumors, grace reigned.

The Pink Palace has become a blooming garden of all arts. At first, Stella herself taught the arriving guests dancing, playing various musical instruments, painting - in a word, each one, depending on his desire and abilities. Almost two hundred courtiers-Chatterers gathered daily in the palace. They were very proud of their difficult service - after all, someone had to participate in numerous balls, listen to new songs and musical compositions, admire paintings and outfits created by palace tailors. Of course, any other Chatterbox could come to the palace - the doors were wide open for everyone.

So, in prosperity and peace, the Pink Country lived.

But one day, about twenty years before Ellie's first appearance in Fairyland, there was a strong earthquake - the same one that led to the appearance of the Big Cracks in Blueland.

After that, a lot has changed in the Pink Country - and not all for the better.

Chapter Two

Strange wonders in Daisies

One early morning, a miller named Wolp from the village of Romashki went to the meadow to see how the wheat was ripening. He took with him a small bag of grain from the last harvest, the day before yesterday. No one in the country of Chatterboxes had ever heard of plowing the land and fertilizing it, but any man knew how to grow a good crop in an ordinary meadow. It was a simple matter - a rash of grain on any grass, but just make sure that the seeds do not fall on clover or cornflowers - ears are not tied on them.

Wolp was a short, burly, middle-aged Chatterbox with a plump, rosy-cheeked face and short, slicked-back silver hair. Among the neighbors in the village, he was known as a man of sound mind and calm. “Such an extra will not lie,” neighbors said respectfully about Volpe, and this was pure truth. Volp did not really like to fantasize, and he did not invent more than two or three incredible stories in a day. But order always reigned at his mill, and anyone who wished could come at any time of the day for flour. They paid for it, as elsewhere in the Pink Country, with the freshest, freshly invented stories. They had no idea about money in this region - and why should they, when there is plenty of everything everywhere and the Talkers work not as a burden to themselves, but for joy? But to listen to what good people composed or learned from other Chatterboxes, everyone was interested.

Going outside the outskirts, Volyt stood for a while, admiring his mill - it rose on a small hillock, near the lake. Today, the wings of the mill did not rotate, and the sound of hammers could be heard from behind the log walls. Wolp smiled contentedly as his sons worked, making minor repairs.

“Not bad-rno, not bad-rno,” Volp purred and went down the slope to the river Bindweed.

On the bridge he stopped to retie the sash around his round belly, and at the same time pull up his scarlet silk trousers. It was already hot, and the miller unbuttoned his blue velvet waistcoat and lemon-colored shirt.

Wolp's mood was excellent. Last night in the village pub he won the first prize - three mugs of the best beer for the story of how he and his youngest son Cyrus once went to the mill, met a winged dragon there and, after a long fight, forced the tamed monster to turn the millstones with clawed paws.

Passing through a linden grove, the miller came to the Middle Meadow. He was golden from countless ears of wheat. Here and there, on the bright yellow carpet, there were colorful patches of flowers. Harvest, of course, was not to be expected from them, but Volp was not at all going to pull out at least one flower - they made his soul feel more cheerful, and the aroma in the air was such that even his head was spinning.

Wolp untied the pouch of seeds and, scooping up a handful, tossed them onto the nearest dark green patch of grassy carpet. Wheatgrass grew here, and it was a mess. After waiting a minute or two, the miller noticed how tiny spikelets appeared on the tops of the blades of grass. The deed was done, and Volpe went on, looking sharply around, looking for other uncultivated parts of the meadow.

Suddenly, somewhere in the north, a thunderclap rolled, followed by a second, a third. The clear sky was covered with a whitish haze, and something bitter wafted in the air.

Melnik was surprised. Thunderstorms in the Pink Country were not uncommon, but he could not remember something so strange. Where are the black clouds, where is the gusty wind, where is the downpour, finally?

Thunder rolls got closer and closer. Wolp became frightened and was about to make up his mind to go home in good health, when suddenly there was a roar very close, at the other end of the meadow. The ground trembled, and the miller fell, hitting his side painfully. Then the peals began to move away and finally subsided.

Volp, sighing and lamenting, rose heavily to his feet. He saw with chagrin that his brand new bloomers needed an urgent wash. It was, of course, unpleasant. But, on the other hand, now there is something to tell your friends about over a glass of beer! He will make an excellent story out of this strange thunderstorm without clouds and downpour! This time it will be possible to leave the dragon alone, and tell about how an evil underground giant went to war on the Pink Country, but Volpa came across him in trouble.

A bitter haze thickened in the air. The miller coughed, burying himself in his handkerchief. His eyes began to water. And then Chatterbox noticed that at the far end of the meadow a quivering column of smoke was rising from the ground.

"Fire, right?" Volp thought worriedly and hurried straight to the post. What was his surprise when he saw a large hole among the multi-colored flowers, as if just dug by someone. Acrid smoke rose from a hole in the ground.

The oddities didn't end there. Right before our eyes, the meadow began to change. The golden color almost everywhere disappeared as if by magic. Volp leaned over and couldn't believe his eyes. All the ears of wheat fell off at once, and did not have time to ripen!

What are miracles? muttered the miller.

Unfortunately, the entire future wheat crop was lost - and the reason for this was acrid gray smoke!

Worried Volp hurried to the village. Passing a linden grove, he froze, dumbfounded. Something happened to old trees. As elsewhere in the Pink Country, all sorts of things grew on them: oranges, buns with jam, butter biscuits and more. All these fruits, of course, were wild, and therefore small and not very tasty. Chatterers in their gardens grew various edible things five times larger than wild ones, and therefore no one, except for animals and birds, was attracted to forest gifts. But of course, the housewives themselves baked the best bread and pies, and therefore the demand for flour has always been high.

But be that as it may, the gray smoke got to the lindens and turned them into ... well, it’s not clear what! All the fruits - ripe and green - lay on the ground, and nothing but leaves remained on the branches. You can go crazy...

Lamenting loudly, the portly Wolp rushed to the village, but soon ran out of steam. Running to the nearest thickets of alder, he chose a suitable thick branch with a fork, broke it and sat down as if on a horse.

- Turn into a horse! he shouted. "Hurry, I'm in a hurry to the village."

NOTHING HAPPENED. Volpe's eyes widened in surprise.

“Miracles, and nothing more…” he whispered. - Good people, what is happening today?

He shook the branch once, twice - but she decidedly did not want to come to life. With a curse, Volp got down from the branch and stuck it into the ground with force. She, as it should, immediately took root. The young tree was quickly covered with leaves and flowers, and apricots began to set in a minute. Wolp breathed a sigh of relief and wiped the sweat from his forehead - well, at least something is working properly at last! Like a sin, a breeze brought a cloud of smoke from the meadow, it enveloped the tree - and all the fruit ovaries instantly fell to the ground.

Only then did it dawn on the miller what troubles the gray smoke could cause to the village. He started to run towards the river, but then returned and, just in case, broke another long branch. This time everything happened as expected. After Volp shouted: "Turn into a horse!" - the branch instantly threw out long shoots - legs, the fork was overgrown with a large flat fungus-saddle, and at the front end a spherical "head" with a long mustache-reins appeared.

The miller joyfully sat on the young "horse" and, grabbing the reins tighter, galloped to the village.

Unfortunately, he did not meet any of the neighbors on the street. Having galloped to his house, the miller pulled on the reins, stopped the horse and dismounted from the saddle.

“Get food until I get back,” he ordered. The living branch nodded and wandered along the fence, nibbling on the lush grass. Volp meanwhile rushed to the house. From the open windows came the aroma of freshly baked pies with apricot and banana jam.

The miller's house, like all the other Chatterers, looked like a pot-bellied tower with a conical roof covered with colorful tiles. Around the house were flowerbeds with all sorts of wonderful flowers. The Chatterboxes' favorite plants grew along the paths, jasmine bushes trimmed into the shape of balls and mushrooms, and behind the house, the branches of many fruit trees bent from ripe fruits.

Volpe hurried up the porch and into the kitchen. At the stove, his wife, magnificent Zelda, conjured. Singing something, she was frying goulash from finely chopped blue fruits in a frying pan. The delicious smell of beef floated in the air - the fact is that in the Pink Country meat of all kinds was grown on trees.

Seeing her agitated, dusty husband, Zelda shook her head reproachfully.

“And where have you been lying around like that, dear hubby?” Go wash your hands, breakfast is on the table.

- What's the breakfast! Volp exclaimed. - Just listen to what I saw in the meadow ...

“And I don’t want to know anything,” Zelda snapped. “I don’t have time to listen to your slanderous stories. Soon the sons will come from the mill, and I have not yet had time to make their favorite cider. Moreover, soaked linen lies in the basin, and in the cellar ...

Volp waved his hand dismissively. He sat down at the table and, eating meat-filled pies and washing them down with milk, nevertheless managed to tell his wife about a strange thunder, a hole in the ground and acrid smoke, after which herbs and other most ordinary plants turn into ... well, it is not known what.

“We must urgently go to Stellaria,” concluded the miller, wiping his lips with a napkin. - Ruler Stella should know about what is happening in our Daisies! How about something serious?

Zelda threw up her hands.

“And what did you think, old man?” she wailed. “At your age to make such long journeys?” It's fifty miles to Stellaria, you won't make it until tomorrow evening! Send one of your sons, if you're so impatient. A hole in the ground - you have to come up with something like that!

- Yes, I did not invent, but I saw it with my own eyes! said Volp angrily, rising with difficulty from the table. “But sons cannot be trusted with such a thing - they are still small to talk with the sorceress Stella. Togo and look, foolishly they will confuse everything. I'll go myself - something important!

No matter how his wife persuaded him, no matter how lamented, the miller remained adamant. Putting an impressive supply of pies and a flask of water into a knapsack, he kissed Zelda and hurried to his "horse". During this time, it has noticeably grown, the branches-legs have become thicker and longer, a magnificent tail has appeared behind, and the “head” has grown almost three times and began to resemble a horse’s.

“It turned out to be a good horse,” Volp said approvingly and affectionately patted his “horse” on the saddle. I'll call you Quick. Hey Quick, do you know the way to our capital Stellaria?

The horse nodded his head and neighed softly.

The miller waved his hand to his wife, who was standing on the porch, climbed into the saddle and rushed through the village to the main road. On the outskirts he met one of the neighbors named Lopastic. He was the best local fisherman and spent days on end at the lake with a fishing rod in his hands. Of course, fish fruits grew in every garden, but the housewives still preferred fresh trout or salmon, so Lopastic had a lot of orders.

Seeing Volp galloping along the street, Lopastik raised a kukan with two dozen fish and shouted:

“Hey, hello Volp!” Look what's the catch, huh? The miller rushed past, only waving his hand in greeting.

Lopastik was offended:

Where are you, neighbor? I did not have time to tell you my morning story - the most amazing in the world!

It must be said that the Chatterboxes had a long-standing custom - to treat their acquaintances with newly invented stories. It was considered very impolite to refuse to listen to them, even if you were in a hurry on business. However, the Chatterboxes were rarely in a hurry - they lived a calm, measured life.

But Volp was clearly in a hurry, and that was surprising.

Having galloped another fifty meters, the miller changed his mind. He pulled on the reins, turned his “horse” around and rode up to Lopastik. He smiled broadly.

“Listen, neighbor, what an amazing thing happened to me today. I fish for trout, and take a hefty turtle out of the water and swim out. On her back was a shell the size of my head. She suddenly opened up and spoke in a human voice ...

“Stop talking nonsense, Lopastik! Volp snapped. “Things like this happen here, and he tells me about the sink.” Run to the fields, gather all the men. Let them take shovels, axes, and nails, and hasten to the Middle Meadow. There was a hole in the ground. It needs to be buried or covered with a shield of planks, okay?

The blade was taken aback.

What is this, your morning story? - he asked.

The miller had to tell in detail about everything that had happened to him. The blade thought about it. Unlike his fellow villagers, in his younger years he traveled around the Pink Country, lived in Stellaria for two years and even knew several Miguns and Munchkins - palace musicians and artists. So he quickly realized what had happened in the Middle Meadow.

“Uh, our business is bad…” he said sadly. - I don’t know where this gray smoke came from, but one thing is clear - it destroys the magic.

- What? Volpe was taken aback. - What is magic?

Blade started to explain, but the miller did not understand. Where in their small village to take the magic? Stellaria is another matter, and nothing unusual has happened in their Daisies for a hundred years.

Blade just waved his hand, realizing that the miller would not be able to explain anything anyway.

- All right, ride to the capital, - he said at last, - Find there a shoemaker named Tilbil - this is my distant relative. Tilbil makes shoes for many courtiers. He will quickly bring you together with the ruler Stella!

Volp nodded and, turning his steed, rushed along the road to the forest. And Lopastik released a fish into the nearest stream - now there was no time for it - and hurried to the other end of the village.

Melnik was right. Something serious really happened in the Pink Country.

Chapter Three

Violets Tamiza

Wolpe's journey through the Rose Country took two days. Later, the miller described it in the book "Journey from Daisies to Stellaria and Back", which became the favorite reading of all Chatterboxes. In it, Volp told about his amazing adventures: about the fight with three dragons, about the fight against swamp ghosts, about meeting with a terrible werewolf and much, much more. What really happened to him, no one ever found out - and who cares? The main thing is that the book turned out to be very exciting and useful for young people. Village youths began to consider it a matter of honor to break an alder branch at least once a year and go to the capital on a tree horse. They not only learned a lot about their country - which is wonderful in itself - but after such a trip, they had enough topics for stories for a whole year. The girls were very fond of listening to road stories and admired the courage and strength of their young friends.

As for Volp, when he arrived in Stellaria, he sought out the shoemaker Tilbil. An hour later, the miller was taken to the Pink Palace and introduced to the ruler Stella. Upon learning of a strange incident in Daisies, the sorceress was alarmed. She created a golden cloud with a spell and, together with Volp and three Marran warriors from her personal guard, set off on a flight to the north of the country. Going down to the Middle Meadow, the sorceress found a crowd of village men there, animatedly discussing something. The hole in the ground was covered with a thick shield of boards, but this did not help. The acrid smoke managed to seep through the tree and had already filled the whole area.

Protecting Daisies, all the women and children gathered on the outskirts of the village. Waving palm branches like fans, they tried to drive away the clouds of smoke creeping from the Middle Meadow. They didn't do it well. Some gardens have already died, and almost all the flowers near the houses withered and withered.

Stella spent almost half a day in Romashki. With the help of magic, she closed the hole in the ground and destroyed the evil mist. With a wave of her hand, the sorceress restored all the gardens and flower beds. Then, accompanied by a very proud Volp and a cloud of children, she visited almost all the village houses. The hostesses simply lost their feet, not knowing how best to meet the ruler. To their amazement, Stella turned out to be a simple and very sweet woman. She found a kind word for each hostess: she praised one for the order in the house, the other for skillful needlework, the third for delicious pies and cakes.

But most of all, the children rejoiced at the meeting with the sorceress. Stella created fireworks of stunning beauty for them, then showered them with sweets and candies, then taught them the simplest magic spells. When the sun began to decline towards the forest, the ruler of the Pink Country said goodbye to the hospitable inhabitants of Daisies, ascended a golden cloud along with three Marranas and soared into the air. And then there was a major surprise. The children suddenly gained white wings and took to the air together! Like a flock of birds, they circled the sky, screaming with delight. After escorting the cloud with the sorceress to the forest, they smoothly sank to the edge. The wings behind their backs disappeared, but the joy of the guys did not diminish: after all, they had just flown!

Villina arrived at Stellaria the next morning. The look of the elderly ruler of the Yellow Country was preoccupied.

Both sorceresses retired for a long time in Stella's chambers. What the conversation was about, the curious courtiers did not find out. However, now every morning a cloud flew out of the palace with the Marran guardsmen. They were seen in the sky in all parts of the country. The talkers were by no means stupid and realized that their ruler was afraid of something. There were rumors that here and there the earth began to shake violently for no reason. Most often this was the end of the matter, but sometimes cracks and holes appeared in the soil. The Marran Guards quickly discovered them, and then Stella herself flew to these places and, with the help of magic, closed the gaps in the ground.

Many years have passed since then. Everything went on in this fertile land as before, but the courtiers began to notice that their ruler was no longer absent from the Pink Country. She didn’t even fly to visit Villina. Outwardly, the young beauty did not change, but the ladies-in-waiting closest to her knew that in the morning shadows began to appear under Stella's eyes, and her face looked a little less fresh than usual. It seemed that Stella was very tired - but what was the reason for this? Were the stories about some underground giant who intended to destroy Stella and capture the Pink Country really true?

Once strange guests appeared in the palace - and the inhabitants of Stellaria had a new fertile ground for rumors.

And it all started with the fact that one morning a deer galloped to the front entrance of the Pink Palace. She was covered in sweat and dust, and a small purple pouch hung around the neck of a graceful animal. I must say that Stella was very fond of animals and often walked in the park, playing and talking with them. But wild animals were usually not allowed into the palace. An exception was made only for doe-messengers. The color of the pouches they carried around their necks signified the country from which the letter was brought. The purple color showed that the Bold Lion wrote the letter to Stella - not himself, of course, but one of the Miguns under his dictation.

The doors swung open, and a butler named Dojan Bold stepped out to meet the doe. He bowed politely to the messenger, and the doe returned the same. Then, tired after a long journey, the animal was honorably escorted into the living room. Soon Stella came out in a simple white dress. Gently patting the doe on the head (after which her fatigue immediately disappeared), the sorceress asked the butler to feed the animal, and in the meantime she took out a parchment scroll from the bag. The letter made her very sad. The Bold Lion wrote that in recent months he began to feel unwell. His eyes weakened, his teeth dulled, and the king of beasts was increasingly sleepy. The lion, as befits a mighty beast, calmly met the signs of impending old age. “I convened a Council of Beasts, at which my eldest son was elected the new king,” he wrote. “I have decided to retire. I know in my forest one deaf tract and in a week or two I will go there, already forever. It is a pity that before death it will not be possible to meet you, beautiful Stella, as well as with old friends - the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and Villina. That is, of course, you can meet, but it’s useless - it will be very difficult to part. I also wrote farewell letters to them. I wish I could say goodbye to my dear Ellie. She must have gotten old too. The Scarecrow writes that Faramant and Dean Gior are no longer the same as before. Well, such is life - there is time for both a beautiful flowering and a sad sunset. Farewell, wonderful, amazing Stella, and may the sun always smile at you, and all misfortunes bypass far away!

After reading this touching letter, Stella burst into tears. She loved the Bold Lion very much, and she felt sorry for Faramant and Din Gior. All three friends have done so much to bring peace and tranquility to their countries. But…

Wiping her tears, Stella took a crystal bell from the mother-of-pearl table and rang.

The door to the living room swung open, and the butler entered the hall with a bow.

“Dear Dozhan, please call my gardener Savar,” the ruler asked.

Soon Savar appeared. It was a tall, thin Munchkin, slightly stooped, with long arms almost to the knees. His palms were disproportionately large, and his fingers were knotty. The sunken-cheeked face was also not very beautiful, especially with thick eyebrows and a hooked nose. Savar had no hair on his head - the gardener shaved it almost every day, believing that they only interfere with work. But Savar's eyes were amazing - large, dark blue. They shone with such kindness that anyone who spoke with Savar instantly stopped noticing his unsightly appearance.

Bowing low, Savar looked expectantly at the sorceress.

She got up and walked around the room, her head down thoughtfully. Then she looked directly into Savar's eyes and quietly asked:

- My dear friend, tell me, how do Tamiza's violets feel in our garden?

The gardener winced. For many years, after the flight of Tamiz, the first gardener and florist of the Rose Palace, Stella did not mention this name.

“Very well, mistress,” answered Savar, worried. “They grow at the far end of the garden, near Tamiz's house. I have repeatedly tried to plant them in other flower beds, but nothing happened. Apparently, my teacher Tamiz knew some secret. It's a pity - after all, there are no such large violets anywhere else!

Stella smiled.

– Oh, Savar, if it were only their size! For many years, Tamizrm and I struggled to give various colors magical properties. You know very well that we have managed to breed a breed of white carnations with an amazing smell that gives people eternal youth.

The gardener bowed once more.

- These are the most amazing flowers in the world, great Stella! It's just a shame that their seeds do not have this magical quality, otherwise they would grow not only on your balcony, but throughout the Pink Country!

“And you think it would be a great boon?” Stella asked softly. Savar shrugged.

“To tell the truth, I have thought about it more than once,” he said. “But I didn’t think of anything. I guess I'm not smart enough to understand such complex things.

“But would you like me to give you eternal youth?” Stella asked bluntly, looking intently at the gardener. - Tell me frankly. It is enough for me to let you inhale the wonderful aroma of these white carnations, and then cast a magic spell - and your wish will come true! BUT DO YOU WANT IT?

“Uh…” Savar hesitated. His sunken cheeks flushed with excitement. – Of course, I would like to… I spent my youth in a remote village near the Moon River and was not very happy. The other Munchkins thought I was obsessed with growing flowers and fruit trees and often laughed at me. Maybe that's why I'm so gloomy and distrustful. But if I could become young again... Oh, then I would... I... I...

The gardener fell silent, unable to find words for excitement. But suddenly he smiled and waved his hand:

No, it wouldn't change anything. Thank Thorne, you called me to your place in time, and I lived here many happy years. If I live that long, well, that's enough for me. I am not such a great gardener and florist - not like Tamiz - to receive eternal youth as a reward. Probably, there are people in the country of Thorn and more worthy!

Instead of answering, Stella handed the gardener a letter and asked him to read it.

Savar did just that.

“I understand you, my lady! he exclaimed happily. “The Bold Lion is the most respected beast in the land of Thorn. He is a friend of Ellie, the Scarecrow of the Wise and Tin Woodman! There is nothing to say here - such a hero can be given eternal youth.

Stella smiled sadly.

“It is unlikely that he will want this, for the same reasons as you, Savar,” she said quietly. “The Bold Lion's wife died five years ago, and his sons have already grown up. Will Leo want to become younger than them?

"I wouldn't want to if I were him," Savar remarked.

“That's why I asked you about Tamiz's violets. Since the flight of my first gardener, I have never approached his house. And not only because it hurts me to remember his betrayal. You see, Savar, in recent years, Tamiz and I have been trying to grow violets that can give people ETERNAL LIFE.

Savar widened his eyes in surprise.

- Immortal life? Isn't that the same as eternal youth?

- Of course not! You said yourself that you wouldn't want to go back to your past. Now you are a man in his prime, a master of his craft, respected by all courtiers and townspeople. Wouldn't you like to stay like this for many, many years?

Savar's eyes lit up.

– This is a completely different matter! he exclaimed briskly. “I really don’t really want to become a sucker again, let alone remain a boy forever. But such as now ... Yes, I could move mountains! I already have experience and knowledge, and I have enough strength. I do not argue that eternal life is much more attractive than eternal youth. Now I understand you, dear Stella. I am sure that the Bold Lion will be happy to receive such a wonderful gift!

- Yes, I hope. Although Tamiz and I didn't finish the job and I'm not entirely sure about the strength of the fragrance of these flowers. I'm afraid you'll have to breathe in their scent every day, otherwise the magic will dissipate. But I'm more worried about something else.

Savar nodded.

“I understand, my lady. You are a great sorceress, and your kindness is legendary throughout the land of Thorn. But even you will not be able to give your wonderful gifts to EVERYONE!

Stella darkened.

- Yes. I warned the Boltunovs about this when I first arrived here. But my subjects turned out to be clever. The most respected gathered at the Great Council and made a decision: no one is ever allowed to ask for eternal youth as a gift! Otherwise, it will cause envy and discontent among others. What a pity that people from the Big World lacked such wisdom.

Savar closed his eyes in shock.

“So that’s why you flew to the land of Thorn!”

- Yes. Having found out about my gift, all the kings, princes and simply rich people began to literally besiege my castle, demanding to grant them eternal youth. Some even threatened and tried to use force. I realized that my gift would not bring happiness to either me or people, and flew away here, to a wonderful land beyond the Round the World Mountains. And so far I have never regretted it. But now I'm in a big trouble again. I cannot allow the death of the Bold Lion - but I do not know if the Talkers will understand me.

The gardener considered. He was flattered that the ruler asked him for advice.

"Looks like there's a little trick to do here," he finally spoke. - It's not very good, but what to do? Invite the Bold Lion to the palace, as well as all respected residents of the Emerald City - Faramant and Dean Gior. Let them live here, inhaling the aroma of wonderful violets. By the way, they can be settled together in Tamiz's house - anyway, it has been empty for a long time. And when they realize that they have stopped aging ... well, tell them everything. If they want to leave, of course, we will not hold them back. But in Stellaria they will be very good.

Stella thanked the gardener for the advice and let him go. All night she did not close her eyes, considering what to do. Any deceit or even a little trick was disgusting to her. But if you immediately tell the truth to old friends, then they will most likely refuse out of pride. What to do?

"Great Thorn, why can't I make everyone happy?" she whispered with tears in her eyes. “Why did fate endow me with a magical power that I cannot use?” It's such a pain to be all-powerful and feel powerless. My heart is breaking with pain, and no one in the world even suspects this ...

The next morning, Stella made a difficult decision for herself. Having created a golden cloud, she flew to the Purple Country. Soon the sorceress returned with the Bold Lion. The former master of beasts could not refuse the beautiful Stella's request to stay with her in the palace. As soon as he saw her, he threw all sad thoughts out of his head and immediately felt much better. He's not that old, after all!

A few days later, Stella gave Leo a pleasant surprise. She flew to the Emerald City and brought Faramant and Dean Gior to Stellaria. Both were very old, the hair of friends turned gray, their shoulders were hunched. At the sight of the Bold Lion, the old people were delighted - they no longer hoped to see each other someday!

The three friends settled in Tamiz's house on the shore of the lake, among the sprawling weeping willows. Stella visited them every day and, as if by chance, advised them to inhale the fragrance of flowers more often - they, they say, are very good for health. She especially recommended violets that grew right under the windows.

The old people did this to please their beautiful mistress. Soon they began to notice big changes in themselves. Leo's eyesight improved again, the coat again became thick and acquired a healthy sheen. Faramant's and Dean Gior's backs straightened, shortness of breath disappeared, long-lost appetite returned.

And the three friends realized that the kind Stella helped them with her amazing magic.

Chapter Four

pink palace

Years have passed. Stella never left the Pink Country, and learned about events in other countries only from the ubiquitous birds and from the messages of Villina. She was saddened to hear about the expulsion of the Scarecrow from the Emerald City and that the simple-hearted Tin Woodman fell under the bad influence of the young sorceress Korina. Once Stella went out into the garden to listen to news from magpies and crows, but they told her that they could not fly outside the Pink Country! Surprised Stella went on a cloud in the direction of the Emerald City and stumbled upon an invisible barrier. The sorceress could neither destroy it nor fly over the transparent wall.

Alarmed, Stella returned to the palace. For the first time she thought that Villina could be wrong. Korina turned out to be not only evil, but also a powerful sorceress. Who knows, maybe she built the same impenetrable wall around the Yellow Country? But how then will Ellie get to the land of Thorn? She is already many, many years old - is it possible for an elderly woman to make a long journey to the Round the World Mountains, through the hot and waterless Great Desert without the help of magic? ..

For many years, the Pink Country was cut off from the outside world. Stella, Faramant, Dean Gior and Leo had only one thing to do - to wait and hope for the wisdom of Villina.

In the meantime, things were not quite calm in the palace. And the reason for that was...

However, it's time for us to get acquainted with the magnificent and brilliant court of the ruler Stella.

Dojan Bold, the butler, made his usual morning rounds, striding solemnly with a golden cane in his hand. The huge Pink Palace slept, tired from yesterday's festivity. Every month the ruler Stella arranged big concerts. The most gifted children from all over the country demonstrated their talents these days. Yesterday, the young Chatterers competed in the art of playing various instruments, singing, dancing and, of course, in the skill of telling amazing stories. And after the concert there was a grand ball. Dožan Bold had a hard time - after all, in addition to the courtiers, there were more than three hundred guests in the palace, and all the worries for holding the holiday, as always, fell on his shoulders.

Dojan Bold was a stout, rather tall Chatterbox with a round face and curly dark hair down to his shoulders. He had pleasant manners, a velvety voice and a charming smile. But he knew how to keep his servants strict. He especially kept order in the numerous palace rooms and the quality of the dishes. Dozhan Bold chose cooks himself and mercilessly fired them for the slightest oversight or laziness. He treated the courtiers with noticeable arrogance - gentlemen and maids of honor seemed to him empty loafers, creating unnecessary trouble. There was less sense from them than from furniture. But Dozhan Bold had a weakness for people of art and especially appreciated the skill of artists.

Therefore, he did not begin to throw thunder and lightning when he noticed Master Stilg in the art salon at such an early hour, standing at the easel with a palette and a brush in his hands. It was, of course, a clear mess, but the young artist deserved indulgence.

Dozhan Bold moved sedately towards the painter. Glancing at the unfinished painting, he shook his head reproachfully.

“Well, as much as you can, dear Stilg,” he said softly. “You are determined to displease our ruler.

“I can’t help myself,” the young artist replied without looking back. “For the third time I am redoing the portrait of the maid of honor Agnet, and again it does not work out.

Dojan Bold patted him condescendingly on the shoulder.

- Or rather, you always get a portrait of our dear ruler, - the butler remarked. “Fifty-six already!”

“Fifty-eighth,” the artist clarified. – Stella is so much more beautiful than other women that my hand itself puts her features on the canvas. I am in despair, dear Bold! For three years now I have been living in a palace, and my drawing is getting worse and worse. Sometimes I start to hate myself for mediocrity. The elderly butler smiled.

You are very talented, young man! he said encouragingly. - It is no coincidence that your fifteenth portrait was so to the taste of the lady that she agreed to accept it as a gift and placed it in her living room. Before you, no artist has ever received such an honor! But remember what condition the ruler set?

Stilg was confused.

- Yes. From now on, I have to paint portraits of anyone: ladies-in-waiting, gentlemen, townspeople, children, guardsmen, but not Stella. Believe me, dear Bold, I do my best to fulfill this condition, but I can't!

Dojan Bold frowned.

“Then you will have to leave the palace,” he said. - The maids of honor are very offended by your inattention to their persons. There are so many beauties among them - aren't they worthy of Stilg's brush? I have already heard the irritated remarks of the ladies at your expense. The second lady-in-waiting Agnet even complained to the ruler! But is it only ladies who want to see their portrait? The sweet-voiced singer Yalon turns purple with rage when someone mentions your name. All other artists beg for the honor of painting his portrait, and you, Stilg, look at him as if at an empty place. And the most eloquent of Chatterboxes Tsiron? And the chief fashion designer Mitrid? And the Colonel of Her Majesty's Guard Norgon? I'm not talking about the glorious mayor of Stellaria, the venerable Danor. All of them are worthy, famous people. Think about it, young man. I am in charge of order in the palace, and you are causing discontent among many. Gossip has already begun to circulate about you, one angrier than the other.

- Well, let them, - said Stilg and again began to draw a golden curl on the canvas. - If this portrait fails again, I myself will leave the palace.

The butler didn't know what to say. He took one last look at the canvas and was forced to admit: Stella turned out to be alive. She stood in a pink satin dress on the shore of the lake with a white carnation in her hand and smiled at the squirrels frolicking among the branches of the centuries-old larch. “And what do these artists need? Dozhan thought with surprise. “They are always striving for perfection, always dissatisfied with themselves. And that leads to confusion."

Dojan Bold looked into the kitchen, where the chefs were already finishing preparing breakfast for two hundred people. Here the butler gave some instructions to the chief cook, Wilb, and then left the palace to get some fresh air.

The sun had just risen over the tiled roofs of Stellaria. It was a most beautiful city, in many ways surpassing even the capital of the Magic Land, the Emerald City. True, emeralds did not sparkle in the towers of Stellaria, but all the spiers were covered with pure gold. The walls of the houses were decorated with intricate ornaments, which made the buildings look like huge caskets. The streets were wide, the squares spacious. By order of Stella, the architects erected several large hotels, where guests of the capital could always find a free room. In addition, there were many schools in the city in which children from all over the country were taught various arts.

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Audio fairy tale by Alexander Volkov "The Wizard of the Emerald City", chapter "Stella, forever young sorceress of the Pink Country".
"... A little plump little man with a big head on a short neck jumped out onto a rock ... But then an amazing thing happened. A strange little man hit the ground with his feet, jumped into the air like a rubber ball, and hit the Scarecrow in the chest with his head and strong The scarecrow, somersaulting, flew to the foot of the mountain...
The monkeys lowered Ellie and her friends in front of Stella's palace... They were led into a richly decorated pink hall, where the sorceress Stella was sitting on a throne. She seemed to Ellie very beautiful and kind and surprisingly young, although for many centuries she ruled the country of talkers ...
- Your wish will come true, But you must give me the golden hat...
We offer you to listen online and download for free and without registration the audio fairy tale by Alexander Melenteevich Volkov "The Wizard of the Emerald City".