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The sun shone brightly over the valley, warming its inhabitants with its heat. The animal kingdom had long since awakened and was tending to its own affairs. Bees pollinated flowers and gathered honey, hares worked in the garden, caring for carrots and cabbage, beavers built a dam, and butterflies flew playfully to the songs of birds. Then, Andrey the centaur stepped out of his house. He washed himself with water from a bucket and began to warm up, running his usual twenty laps around the house. This was his morning exercise. Then he took a basket and headed into the forest for mushrooms. Along the way, he greeted all living creatures and, as usual, played a prank on an old hedgehog by kicking him hard, sending him flying across the entire meadow. With a smile on his face, he continued on. Crossing the bridge where he and his friends usually fished, Andrey the centaur heard cries for help. The voice was familiar; it was his friend—Evgeny the cyclops...
Andrey the centaur ran toward where the cries for help were coming from. Approaching the spot, he began to slow his pace and carefully started sneaking between the trees. In a meadow, he saw his friend Evgeny surrounded by a gang of dwarves. There were three of them in total; the leader was named Sergey, and the other two were Arseniy and Artemiy. They were pushing the cyclops, hitting his legs with hammers, calling him names, and mocking him. Andrey the centaur was infuriated by what he saw, and a plan immediately formed in his head—to charge at the dwarves with fists and hooves, which is exactly what he did. Without shouts or screams, he ran straight at the offenders. The dwarves heard the sound of hooves too late and failed to react. With a running start, Andrey struck one of the dwarves with his hooves so hard that he flew far into the bushes and did not get up again. On the second, he placed the basket over his head and pushed him into a nearby ravine. The third dwarf tried to run away, but Evgeny threw a boulder at him and hit him in the head; the dwarf remained lying on the ground. After the skirmish, Andrey asked his friend what those scoundrels wanted from him. Evgeny said that they often picked on him simply because he was different from them, and also because the name of such a freak ends in "Y," just like their names. The dwarves didn't like that. These reasons seemed strange to the centaur, but would a friend lie? Then Evgeny suggested that Andrey take a walk into the dark part of the forest, where he said he had found something interesting. Andrey agreed, especially since he had already lost his basket and wouldn't be able to gather mushrooms anyway.
-----
The centaur and the cyclops walked toward the dark part of the forest, while meanwhile, Sergey the dwarf, whom Andrey had pushed into the ravine, woke up. He began searching for his companions, and when he found them, it turned out they were both dead. The blows had been too powerful. Filled with rage and a desire for revenge, Sergey headed home to the same village of dwarves. He decided to gather his kin to settle scores with the half-humans who killed his friends. But he found no support among his own, as the attitude toward him in the village was far from the best; he and his buddies had managed to cause trouble there as well, so everyone viewed them negatively. Growing even more furious, but this time at the dwarves, Sergey decided to carry out the revenge himself. He took a crossbow and a small axe from home and set off after his targets. However, he didn't know where they had gone, so he decided to return to the place where he last saw them. There, he decided to rest for a bit and have a snack. During his meal, he heard a sound coming from nearby bushes. Sergey took the axe and headed toward the noise. He walked carefully and quietly, swinging back significantly so that the blow would be strong enough for an instant kill of any probable enemy. When he got close to the bushes, a raccoon jumped out and leaped at the dwarf. Out of surprise, he dropped the axe and fell to the ground. After several seconds of struggle, the dwarf finally managed to push the raccoon away. Grabbing his axe, he charged at the raccoon.
- Mercy! Don't kill me! - the raccoon shouted.
The dwarf stopped, - why did you attack me?!
- I attacked?! - the raccoon wondered. - I got scared and thought you wanted to kill me, so I jumped.
- Me? Kill?! You were the first one moving in the bushes; I thought some predator was hunting me.
- What? No, I just caught a scent and came for it. Maybe you'll treat me?
- Why on earth would I? Find your own food.
- Pleaaaase.
- No, I said. And anyway, I'm leaving; I have business.
- What business?
- None of yours.
- Hm. By any chance, are you looking for a centaur and a cyclops?
- Possibly them, why?
- I can help you find them, but in exchange for food.
- Do you actually know where they are?
- Of course, I saw exactly where they headed.
- Well then, it's a deal.
For a moment, a wicked smile appeared on the raccoon's face, but it vanished immediately as he began to eat.
- So where did they go?
- Hrrmrm..ammrr...mmm..*chomp*...ey went t...dark part of f...rest...
- WHAT? Stop talking with your mouth full!
- Hgmm... They went into the dark part of the forest.
- There??? But what would they want there? - the dwarf wondered.
- ..I.... don't kno.. - the raccoon answered while chewing.
- Fine, that doesn't matter. We are heading after them.
-----
*a bit earlier*
Andrey and Evgeny were walking slowly toward the most dangerous part of the forest. Although it was more like a neighboring forest than a part of the forest where the centaur and cyclops lived. There are many different forests around, and almost all of them stand close to one another; each is unique. For example, in the southeast there is a stone forest, and in the south an ice forest. The dark forest was to the west, not far from the mushroom forest, where giant mushrooms grow instead of trees. Each forest was dangerous in its own way. The danger of the dark forest lay in the fact that it contained many wicked creatures. Therefore, almost no one goes into this forest. In the past, many adventurers visited it in search of treasures, but now everyone has forgotten about them. Nowadays, people value life over gold and precious stones. But that's for humans; a cyclops needs them very much. It is not only a lack of funds, but also a love for jewels. So Evgeny would sometimes stroll into the dark forest, surveying the surroundings, but he never went deep inside. One day luck smiled upon him, and he found something large and iron. It was oval-shaped and roughly the size of Andrey's house. People could absolutely fit inside it. Unfortunately, Evgeny failed to open it and returned home. This happened two days ago, and today he was returning to that spot with his friend to finish what he had started...
- Why are we going there?
- You'll find out later; it's a surprise.
- I want to know now.
- No, when we get there, you'll see for yourself. It's hard to describe, but you'll like it.
- Did you find something?
- Yes, something interesting and large, but I couldn't open it alone.
- Do you think the two of us can handle it?
- Why not?
- Well, since you couldn't open it alone, maybe we won't be able to do it together either. And what will we use to open it?
- Hm, I didn't really think about that.
- As always. You never think.
- Are you starting again?!
- What? Am I not right?!
- You...
*thud*
The cyclops tripped over a stone and crashed to the ground.
- Hey, are you alive?
- ....
- Evgeny?
- ....
The centaur sharply struck the cyclops in the side with his hoof, causing him to jerk and come to his senses immediately.
- Huh? What?
- Look, - Andrey pointed to a meadow where a small house stood under a large tree.
- A house? I didn't know anyone lived here.
- Neither did I. Let's go take a look; maybe the owner of the house can help us.
Approaching closer, they saw that it was not an ordinary house, but a house with a garden, and quite a large one at that. An old man in a gray mantle and a cone-shaped hat of the same color was working there. He was digging in the ground on his knees and didn't even notice two non-humans approaching him from behind.
- H... - the cyclops wanted to say hello, but the centaur stopped him with a sharp movement.
*whispering*
- Wait, let's scare him. (Explanation: Andrey is a rather strange centaur, and since childhood he has loved playing pranks on old people. Perhaps that is why he was expelled from the clan by the elders and now lives in the animal forest)
- Don't, we are going to ask him for help, and after your little jokes, he might refuse us.
- Well fine, we'll just take everything we need from him ourselves.
- Are you suggesting we rob him?!
- Why not? The house is nice; there must be valuables.
- Valuables? - Evgeny loved all sorts of things and trinkets, especially other people's. But at the same time, he was a very peace-loving cyclops, so he rarely fought anyone and didn't eat meat at all.
- Yes, you love them so much.
- Well-l-l, I don't know...
- Ahem-ahem.
The friends turned around and saw that the old man had already stood up from the garden bed and was looking at them.
- Hello! - the centaur exclaimed happily.
- Greetings to you, young... non-humans. What brings you to me? - the old man smiled.
- We ca...
- Wait, say nothing. Better look at my new spell.
The old man took a small trowel from his sleeve, waved it over a tiny sprout he had just planted, and spoke magic words. At that same instant, the little sprout began to grow, and after ten seconds, there was already a bush with six tomatoes in its place.
- Now those are wonders! - the cyclops sincerely admired what he saw.
- Yes, yes, but that's not all! I can make many plants grow; that is essentially what I do here. It is my hobby, my work, and my sustenance.
- So you are a wizard? - Evgeny asked.
- You could say that. But usually, wizards live in towers, create destructive spells, summon creatures, brew potions, while I deal with plants.
- Yes, plants are much more interesting, - Andrey noted sarcastically.
- Perhaps you are hungry? Come in, let's have lunch.
- We wouldn't refuse.
- By the way, what are your names, gentlemen?
- I am Evgeny, and he is Andrey.
- Very pleased. I am Nikolai.
The friends entered the wizard's house, ate, and told him about their goals. The old man agreed to go with them, as he had long wanted to study plants from the dark forest and obtain a couple of samples for himself.
And so our three friends were heading toward the iron thing that Evgeny had found.
- Are you comfortable?
- Yes, - answered the old man, sitting astride the centaur.
- Glad for you.
- Look over there, - the wizard pointed slightly to the side with his finger, - do you see a huge oak there?
- No, - the non-humans answered in unison.
- Neither do I. And do you know why? Because it's gone.
- How is it gone? Where? - the cyclops inquired.
- I don't know. But that doesn't matter; we will need to turn right near that spot and visit my friend.
- What other friend? - Andrey protested.
- The one who will help us open this thing of yours.
- We thought you would help us, - Evgeny said sadly.
- Me? How? I am not a battle mage and cannot do anything with iron.
- And your friend?
- He is not a mage, but he can certainly help us.
- And who is this friend of yours?
- He is an elf.
- AN ELF?!
- Exactly.
- And how can an elf help us? They don't know how to do anything except their sorcery, archery, masterful swordplay, knowledge of the language of animals, expert blacksmithing with which they create the best weapons and armor in the whole world, writing the best songs and poems, preparing the most delicious wine, and growing long hair.
- I can grow hair too! - Andrey chimed in, - Look how beautiful it is, - the centaur made a sharp movement of his head, nearly knocking the old man off.
- Hey, be careful! - the elder yelled, - No, this elf does not fit your description at all, Evgeny.
- No? - the cyclops wondered.
- My friend creates mechanical devices, various constructions, and does a bit of blacksmithing. A completely non-canonical elf, isn't he? - Nikolai chuckled.
- Well now, it will be interesting to see him.
*after some time*
- Here we are; my friend lives here.
The elf's house was a very unusual structure, intricate and made predominantly of iron. It was located near a small cave, around which carts stood, and various tools and many boulders lay on the ground.
- Alexander! - the old man shouted at the top of his lungs.
After a few seconds, an elf came out of the house in dirty work clothes, which mostly consisted of pockets, fasteners, metal bits, and other incomprehensible parts. His hair was short, and protective goggles covered his eyes. Seeing him, the cyclops looked sadly at the rags he was wearing. Then he looked at his friend, and the sadness vanished immediately, as Andrey was walking around completely naked.
- Hello, Nikolai, - the elf greeted his friend and pushed the goggles up to his forehead, - are these your friends?
- Yes, meet them. This is Evgeny, and this is Andrey.
- Hello, my name is Alexander.
- Yes, we already know and have heard of you, - the centaur declared.
- I see, Nikolai has already told you about me. Something tells me that you didn't come just for nothing.
- You are right, my friend. These two need our help in a very unusual matter. I think you will like it too.
- Since you say so, then fine. I am ready to listen.
-----
Meanwhile, in another part of the forest.
- I shouldn't have listened to you. We should have taken the usual road instead of turning onto a supposedly short path, - the dwarf was angry.
- Oh come on, this way we'll catch them faster.
- Look at this place! There are swamps all around, and it looks almost like the dark forest.
- That's because we've almost arrived. This area is gloomy and dark, but it's much safer here than in the dark forest.
- How do you know? You're just an ordinary raccoon.
- I am not entirely an ordinary raccoon, and you shouldn't consider me inferior just because I am an animal and you are not. Raccoons can be smarter than dwarves.
- Fine, fine. Do you even know the way? Will we definitely come out in...
- Sh-sh-sh, - the raccoon interrupted the dwarf, - do you hear that?
Something was moving in the trees, and quite fast.
- Yes. What is it?
- Don't be afraid, we are being watched. Let's walk calmly, as if no one is there.
- What? Calmly? What if it attacks us?
- I thought dwarves were brave...
- They are! We fear nothing and no one.
- Yeah, I remember what your eyes looked like when I jumped out of the bushes.
- You know, I've heard that raccoon meat is very tasty.
- Try catching me first, - the raccoon playfully waved its tail in front of the dwarf's face. The latter looked at him angrily but did nothing.
- By the way, - the raccoon continued, - how are you going to get revenge on them? You are alone, and there are two of them, and they are bigger than you, stronger.
- Hm, - the dwarf thought, - I think I can...
Suddenly, something appeared before the travelers. It was hanging from a tree, looking at them with its huge eye and smiling bloodthirstily.
- Pruvet, - the monster said.
- A-A-A-A-A!!! - the dwarf screamed and ran away.
The raccoon ran after him. The monster didn't lag behind either; it moved deftly through the tree branches using its tentacles, jumping from one to another.
- Run faster, it's moving after us!
- I know, I'm already running with all my might.
- We need to split up, - the raccoon shouted and turned left.
- No, don't leave me alone! - the dwarf screamed back, but the raccoon had already vanished without a trace; however, neither the monster was seen nor heard.
The dwarf ran a bit further and stopped, beginning to listen for sounds. But it was useless; other than the buzzing of insects, there was no sound. He began to move further through the forest, pushing through numerous shrubs, vines hanging from trees, thickets, avoiding small swamps. Suddenly, a growl was heard, but it sounded more like the moans of someone in distress. Sergey decided to check who was making these sounds. After walking a few meters, he looked into the bushes and saw an interesting sight. A minotaur was stuck in a swamp and could not get out. Seeing the dwarf, the horned one called out to him.
- Hey, help me!
- Why? You'll just eat me later.
- Don't be afraid, I don't eat those like you.
- Since when? Is dwarf meat worse than others? You insult me, buddy.
- Are you going to help me or not?
Sergey remembered what the raccoon had told him about the strength of the cyclops and centaur, so he decided to help the minotaur.
- Fine, I'll help you, but how? I can't even reach you.
- You have an axe, use it!
- An axe? It's too short.
- You fool! Cut down a small tree or a branch and give it to me, then try to pull me out.
- Ah, one second, wait.
- Waiting, waiting, where else would I go. Just hurry up, the swamp won't wait.
The dwarf ran to a small tree and began to chop it. After a couple of seconds, the rustle of leaves was heard. The dwarf immediately stopped chopping and stared upward. Right then, the monster with tentacles fell on him from above.
- Puchemю tu ubujal? - asked the one-eyed creature.
- WHO ARE YOU?! What do you want from me? - the dwarf spoke fearfully.
- Don't be afraid, he's not evil, - reassured his companion the raccoon, who had appeared out of nowhere.
- Let it get off me!
- As you wi-i-ish, - the monster slid off the dwarf, caught a branch and hung from it.
- Meet him, this is Zloboglaz.
- Ochen pruyatno.
- Yes, yes, I am also glad to meet... m..Zloboglaz.
- Puzhaluysta, nazuvayte minya Vlad.
- Fine, Vlad.
The raccoon noticed the minotaur and asked the dwarf:
- Who is that?
- Ah, it's a minotaur; he asked me to pull him out.
- Thank you for remembering me, - the one shouted.
- But how will we pull him out? He is so big and heavy.
- I don't know...
- Pozvoolte mne poumoch.
Zloboglaz, moving quickly through the branches, reached the minotaur, hung over him and lowered his tentacle.
- Hvatuaysya, ya tubya vutashchu.
The minotaur grabbed the tentacle with both hands, and Zloboglaz began to pull him. Having pulled out the victim, Vlad swung him and tossed him onto the shore.
- Thank you very much, - the minotaur thanked his rescuers, - without you I would have perished in this swamp. Now I am in your debt.
- No need to thank us, - the raccoon stated modestly, - we just did a good deed. I think you would have done the same.
- Yes, of course.
- By the way, you happen to have an opportunity to help us with one good deed.
- What kind of deed?
- We'll tell you everything now, - the raccoon spoke with such interest as if he personally wanted to get revenge on the centaur and cyclops.
- Maybe I should tell? - Sergey interrupted.
- Fine, as you wish.
- The matter is as follows, m... By the way, what is your name?
- Vladimir, - answered the minotaur.
- So, Vladimir...
-----
- Thanks for the weapon, Alexander. Although, I hope we won't need it, - Evgeny said, admiring his bow.
- I hope so too, - the elf replied.
- Andrey, maybe we can swap? I think you'll handle shooting better than me.
- Sure, I don't mind, - the centaur handed his sword to the cyclops, - it's just a pity there are no arrows.
- Don't be upset; perhaps we'll find some weapon in the forest. There must be many corpses of adventurers there, and weapons should have remained with them, - the wizard joined the conversation.
- And it's so beautiful and cute here. Sticky mud, mold on trees, mosquitoes flying, something stinks, something is constantly dripping from the trees, and I've also hit a spiderweb with my face several times, - the elf spoke sincerely.
- Wait, - the cyclops began to carefully examine the surroundings, - it's that way, - he pointed deeper into the forest, - we're almost there.
-----
In another part of the forest, the dwarf and minotaur were having a discussion while Zloboglaz and the raccoon went ahead for reconnaissance.
- So will you help us or not?
- I don't even know. Since when is revenge a good deed?
- Since those two killed my companions.
- Well-l-l... the thing is, in this particular matter, I cannot help you.
- Why?
- It's a long story.
- Tell it.
- I am cursed. An old harpy cast a curse on me. She took away my physical strength, but in return, I became very resilient and tough; I am hard to wound.
- What a long story.
- ...
- So you mean you cannot cause anyone harm?
- Exactly. My blows are practically useless.
- Imagine that. And why did she do that to you?
- The thing is, I was a very wicked and boisterous minotaur; I walked through the forest and attacked every living thing I met. One day I discovered a harpy's nest and destroyed it. That's why one of the winged witches cursed me.
- Well, quite deserved.
- Yes, I know. But since then, I have become a completely different minotaur.
- Fine, in that case, you will be our protector. You'll make sure they don't harm me.
- Agreed.
At this time, as always unexpectedly, Zloboglaz appeared.
- Yaa nashuol them. Let's go.
- Fine, show the way. Although wait, Vladimir, take my axe; you'll use it to protect.
- It is too small for me.
- Ah yes, right. What are those huge paws of yours for, then, - the dwarf replied dissatisfiedly. - Vladislav, then you take the axe; you'll attack them from the trees.
- Haurosho, - Zloboglaz took the weapon with one of his tentacles.
- That's it, now let's go, - commanded the dwarf.
-----
- Here we are. Behold the wonder! - the cyclops pointed to a large iron oval lying under a tree.
Everyone gasped at once.
- This is very, very interesting, - the elf murmured with interest and approached the object. - You know, this looks like a small airship, but only made of iron and without a balloon, or like an underwater apparatus, but without an engine; at least there are no signs that this thing can move.
- Yes, it's completely smooth, except for this door. We need to open it.
- We'll do that now, - the elf took out tools and began tinkering with the iron piece.
- Maybe I should help? - the cyclops asked.
- Yes, you can.
While Alexander and Evgeny tried to open the door, Andrey and Nikolai stood aside. Or rather, Andrey stood, and Nikolai sat on him.
- Maybe get off?
- No, I'm fine here. Besides, it's dirty down there.
- But what about the plant samples? How will you collect them while sitting on me?
- Well, I'll tell you, and you'll bend over and collect them.
Just as the centaur wanted to be rude to the old man, a clang of iron suddenly rang out.
- It worked! We opened it! - the elf shouted happily and looked inside.
Unfortunately, the opening turned out to be small, and not everyone could fit through.
- Yes, from the outside it looks larger, but inside it's just a small room, - the cyclops was slightly disappointed.
Meanwhile, the elf had already climbed into the apparatus and was examining it thoroughly. Evgeny didn't want to leave the elf alone with his treasures and also looked in.
- Find anything?
- Yes, there is a pile of papers with notes and blueprints; on one of them it says "teleportation machine"; it seems this apparatus is exactly that. There are also many various devices, a strange lever, next to which is a map with markings and numbers, and also two skeletons and a full suit of armor, although it looks more like an iron man.
- And that's all? No treasures?
- All these things are much better than any treasures!
- To each their own, - Evgeny replied in a dissatisfied tone.
- Fine. I'll look for something else now.
The cyclops stuck his head out of the opening and sat on the ground.
- Find anything? - Andrey asked him.
- Just junk.
- Such a pity, my condolences.
- Hello, - the centaur heard a voice behind his back and, turning around, saw an old acquaintance, Sergey, with a minotaur and a raccoon standing next to him.
- You?! What do you want here?
- I've come for you.
- Didn't get enough, huh?
- I will avenge my friends on you!
- You? Ha-ha.
- You laugh in vain, centaur, - the dwarf waved his hand.
At that moment Vladislav hung from a tree and, swinging the axe, launched his blow at the cyclops. But Evgeny managed to dodge, and the blade of the axe hit the teleportation machine; a clang rang out. With a sharp movement, the cyclops pulled Zloboglaz off the tree and threw him toward the dwarf. Falling to the ground, Vladislav immediately climbed back up the tree.
- Well that's it, you asked for this, - the dwarf threatened with anger in his voice. - Vladimir, you know what to do.
The minotaur nodded and headed toward the centaur and his friends. Then the elf's head and half of his torso appeared from the machine; in his hand he held a dark vessel resembling a bottle.
- Hey, stop banging on the iron! Look at what I found, - with these words the elf opened the bottle, ignoring the guests.
Black smoke immediately began to emerge from it, a great deal of smoke. Everyone stopped at once and stared at this huge black spot, which took the form of a dragon. The monster immediately swept upward, then plummeted back down, straight toward the group of onlookers.
Andrey the centaur ran toward where the cries for help were coming from. Approaching the spot, he began to slow his pace and carefully started sneaking between the trees. In a meadow, he saw his friend Evgeny surrounded by a gang of dwarves. There were three of them in total; the leader was named Sergey, and the other two were Arseniy and Artemiy. They were pushing the cyclops, hitting his legs with hammers, calling him names, and mocking him. Andrey the centaur was infuriated by what he saw, and a plan immediately formed in his head—to charge at the dwarves with fists and hooves, which is exactly what he did. Without shouts or screams, he ran straight at the offenders. The dwarves heard the sound of hooves too late and failed to react. With a running start, Andrey struck one of the dwarves with his hooves so hard that he flew far into the bushes and did not get up again. On the second, he placed the basket over his head and pushed him into a nearby ravine. The third dwarf tried to run away, but Evgeny threw a boulder at him and hit him in the head; the dwarf remained lying on the ground. After the skirmish, Andrey asked his friend what those scoundrels wanted from him. Evgeny said that they often picked on him simply because he was different from them, and also because the name of such a freak ends in "Y," just like their names. The dwarves didn't like that. These reasons seemed strange to the centaur, but would a friend lie? Then Evgeny suggested that Andrey take a walk into the dark part of the forest, where he said he had found something interesting. Andrey agreed, especially since he had already lost his basket and wouldn't be able to gather mushrooms anyway.
-----
The centaur and the cyclops walked toward the dark part of the forest, while meanwhile, Sergey the dwarf, whom Andrey had pushed into the ravine, woke up. He began searching for his companions, and when he found them, it turned out they were both dead. The blows had been too powerful. Filled with rage and a desire for revenge, Sergey headed home to the same village of dwarves. He decided to gather his kin to settle scores with the half-humans who killed his friends. But he found no support among his own, as the attitude toward him in the village was far from the best; he and his buddies had managed to cause trouble there as well, so everyone viewed them negatively. Growing even more furious, but this time at the dwarves, Sergey decided to carry out the revenge himself. He took a crossbow and a small axe from home and set off after his targets. However, he didn't know where they had gone, so he decided to return to the place where he last saw them. There, he decided to rest for a bit and have a snack. During his meal, he heard a sound coming from nearby bushes. Sergey took the axe and headed toward the noise. He walked carefully and quietly, swinging back significantly so that the blow would be strong enough for an instant kill of any probable enemy. When he got close to the bushes, a raccoon jumped out and leaped at the dwarf. Out of surprise, he dropped the axe and fell to the ground. After several seconds of struggle, the dwarf finally managed to push the raccoon away. Grabbing his axe, he charged at the raccoon.
- Mercy! Don't kill me! - the raccoon shouted.
The dwarf stopped, - why did you attack me?!
- I attacked?! - the raccoon wondered. - I got scared and thought you wanted to kill me, so I jumped.
- Me? Kill?! You were the first one moving in the bushes; I thought some predator was hunting me.
- What? No, I just caught a scent and came for it. Maybe you'll treat me?
- Why on earth would I? Find your own food.
- Pleaaaase.
- No, I said. And anyway, I'm leaving; I have business.
- What business?
- None of yours.
- Hm. By any chance, are you looking for a centaur and a cyclops?
- Possibly them, why?
- I can help you find them, but in exchange for food.
- Do you actually know where they are?
- Of course, I saw exactly where they headed.
- Well then, it's a deal.
For a moment, a wicked smile appeared on the raccoon's face, but it vanished immediately as he began to eat.
- So where did they go?
- Hrrmrm..ammrr...mmm..*chomp*...ey went t...dark part of f...rest...
- WHAT? Stop talking with your mouth full!
- Hgmm... They went into the dark part of the forest.
- There??? But what would they want there? - the dwarf wondered.
- ..I.... don't kno.. - the raccoon answered while chewing.
- Fine, that doesn't matter. We are heading after them.
-----
*a bit earlier*
Andrey and Evgeny were walking slowly toward the most dangerous part of the forest. Although it was more like a neighboring forest than a part of the forest where the centaur and cyclops lived. There are many different forests around, and almost all of them stand close to one another; each is unique. For example, in the southeast there is a stone forest, and in the south an ice forest. The dark forest was to the west, not far from the mushroom forest, where giant mushrooms grow instead of trees. Each forest was dangerous in its own way. The danger of the dark forest lay in the fact that it contained many wicked creatures. Therefore, almost no one goes into this forest. In the past, many adventurers visited it in search of treasures, but now everyone has forgotten about them. Nowadays, people value life over gold and precious stones. But that's for humans; a cyclops needs them very much. It is not only a lack of funds, but also a love for jewels. So Evgeny would sometimes stroll into the dark forest, surveying the surroundings, but he never went deep inside. One day luck smiled upon him, and he found something large and iron. It was oval-shaped and roughly the size of Andrey's house. People could absolutely fit inside it. Unfortunately, Evgeny failed to open it and returned home. This happened two days ago, and today he was returning to that spot with his friend to finish what he had started...
- Why are we going there?
- You'll find out later; it's a surprise.
- I want to know now.
- No, when we get there, you'll see for yourself. It's hard to describe, but you'll like it.
- Did you find something?
- Yes, something interesting and large, but I couldn't open it alone.
- Do you think the two of us can handle it?
- Why not?
- Well, since you couldn't open it alone, maybe we won't be able to do it together either. And what will we use to open it?
- Hm, I didn't really think about that.
- As always. You never think.
- Are you starting again?!
- What? Am I not right?!
- You...
*thud*
The cyclops tripped over a stone and crashed to the ground.
- Hey, are you alive?
- ....
- Evgeny?
- ....
The centaur sharply struck the cyclops in the side with his hoof, causing him to jerk and come to his senses immediately.
- Huh? What?
- Look, - Andrey pointed to a meadow where a small house stood under a large tree.
- A house? I didn't know anyone lived here.
- Neither did I. Let's go take a look; maybe the owner of the house can help us.
Approaching closer, they saw that it was not an ordinary house, but a house with a garden, and quite a large one at that. An old man in a gray mantle and a cone-shaped hat of the same color was working there. He was digging in the ground on his knees and didn't even notice two non-humans approaching him from behind.
- H... - the cyclops wanted to say hello, but the centaur stopped him with a sharp movement.
*whispering*
- Wait, let's scare him. (Explanation: Andrey is a rather strange centaur, and since childhood he has loved playing pranks on old people. Perhaps that is why he was expelled from the clan by the elders and now lives in the animal forest)
- Don't, we are going to ask him for help, and after your little jokes, he might refuse us.
- Well fine, we'll just take everything we need from him ourselves.
- Are you suggesting we rob him?!
- Why not? The house is nice; there must be valuables.
- Valuables? - Evgeny loved all sorts of things and trinkets, especially other people's. But at the same time, he was a very peace-loving cyclops, so he rarely fought anyone and didn't eat meat at all.
- Yes, you love them so much.
- Well-l-l, I don't know...
- Ahem-ahem.
The friends turned around and saw that the old man had already stood up from the garden bed and was looking at them.
- Hello! - the centaur exclaimed happily.
- Greetings to you, young... non-humans. What brings you to me? - the old man smiled.
- We ca...
- Wait, say nothing. Better look at my new spell.
The old man took a small trowel from his sleeve, waved it over a tiny sprout he had just planted, and spoke magic words. At that same instant, the little sprout began to grow, and after ten seconds, there was already a bush with six tomatoes in its place.
- Now those are wonders! - the cyclops sincerely admired what he saw.
- Yes, yes, but that's not all! I can make many plants grow; that is essentially what I do here. It is my hobby, my work, and my sustenance.
- So you are a wizard? - Evgeny asked.
- You could say that. But usually, wizards live in towers, create destructive spells, summon creatures, brew potions, while I deal with plants.
- Yes, plants are much more interesting, - Andrey noted sarcastically.
- Perhaps you are hungry? Come in, let's have lunch.
- We wouldn't refuse.
- By the way, what are your names, gentlemen?
- I am Evgeny, and he is Andrey.
- Very pleased. I am Nikolai.
The friends entered the wizard's house, ate, and told him about their goals. The old man agreed to go with them, as he had long wanted to study plants from the dark forest and obtain a couple of samples for himself.
And so our three friends were heading toward the iron thing that Evgeny had found.
- Are you comfortable?
- Yes, - answered the old man, sitting astride the centaur.
- Glad for you.
- Look over there, - the wizard pointed slightly to the side with his finger, - do you see a huge oak there?
- No, - the non-humans answered in unison.
- Neither do I. And do you know why? Because it's gone.
- How is it gone? Where? - the cyclops inquired.
- I don't know. But that doesn't matter; we will need to turn right near that spot and visit my friend.
- What other friend? - Andrey protested.
- The one who will help us open this thing of yours.
- We thought you would help us, - Evgeny said sadly.
- Me? How? I am not a battle mage and cannot do anything with iron.
- And your friend?
- He is not a mage, but he can certainly help us.
- And who is this friend of yours?
- He is an elf.
- AN ELF?!
- Exactly.
- And how can an elf help us? They don't know how to do anything except their sorcery, archery, masterful swordplay, knowledge of the language of animals, expert blacksmithing with which they create the best weapons and armor in the whole world, writing the best songs and poems, preparing the most delicious wine, and growing long hair.
- I can grow hair too! - Andrey chimed in, - Look how beautiful it is, - the centaur made a sharp movement of his head, nearly knocking the old man off.
- Hey, be careful! - the elder yelled, - No, this elf does not fit your description at all, Evgeny.
- No? - the cyclops wondered.
- My friend creates mechanical devices, various constructions, and does a bit of blacksmithing. A completely non-canonical elf, isn't he? - Nikolai chuckled.
- Well now, it will be interesting to see him.
*after some time*
- Here we are; my friend lives here.
The elf's house was a very unusual structure, intricate and made predominantly of iron. It was located near a small cave, around which carts stood, and various tools and many boulders lay on the ground.
- Alexander! - the old man shouted at the top of his lungs.
After a few seconds, an elf came out of the house in dirty work clothes, which mostly consisted of pockets, fasteners, metal bits, and other incomprehensible parts. His hair was short, and protective goggles covered his eyes. Seeing him, the cyclops looked sadly at the rags he was wearing. Then he looked at his friend, and the sadness vanished immediately, as Andrey was walking around completely naked.
- Hello, Nikolai, - the elf greeted his friend and pushed the goggles up to his forehead, - are these your friends?
- Yes, meet them. This is Evgeny, and this is Andrey.
- Hello, my name is Alexander.
- Yes, we already know and have heard of you, - the centaur declared.
- I see, Nikolai has already told you about me. Something tells me that you didn't come just for nothing.
- You are right, my friend. These two need our help in a very unusual matter. I think you will like it too.
- Since you say so, then fine. I am ready to listen.
-----
Meanwhile, in another part of the forest.
- I shouldn't have listened to you. We should have taken the usual road instead of turning onto a supposedly short path, - the dwarf was angry.
- Oh come on, this way we'll catch them faster.
- Look at this place! There are swamps all around, and it looks almost like the dark forest.
- That's because we've almost arrived. This area is gloomy and dark, but it's much safer here than in the dark forest.
- How do you know? You're just an ordinary raccoon.
- I am not entirely an ordinary raccoon, and you shouldn't consider me inferior just because I am an animal and you are not. Raccoons can be smarter than dwarves.
- Fine, fine. Do you even know the way? Will we definitely come out in...
- Sh-sh-sh, - the raccoon interrupted the dwarf, - do you hear that?
Something was moving in the trees, and quite fast.
- Yes. What is it?
- Don't be afraid, we are being watched. Let's walk calmly, as if no one is there.
- What? Calmly? What if it attacks us?
- I thought dwarves were brave...
- They are! We fear nothing and no one.
- Yeah, I remember what your eyes looked like when I jumped out of the bushes.
- You know, I've heard that raccoon meat is very tasty.
- Try catching me first, - the raccoon playfully waved its tail in front of the dwarf's face. The latter looked at him angrily but did nothing.
- By the way, - the raccoon continued, - how are you going to get revenge on them? You are alone, and there are two of them, and they are bigger than you, stronger.
- Hm, - the dwarf thought, - I think I can...
Suddenly, something appeared before the travelers. It was hanging from a tree, looking at them with its huge eye and smiling bloodthirstily.
- Pruvet, - the monster said.
- A-A-A-A-A!!! - the dwarf screamed and ran away.
The raccoon ran after him. The monster didn't lag behind either; it moved deftly through the tree branches using its tentacles, jumping from one to another.
- Run faster, it's moving after us!
- I know, I'm already running with all my might.
- We need to split up, - the raccoon shouted and turned left.
- No, don't leave me alone! - the dwarf screamed back, but the raccoon had already vanished without a trace; however, neither the monster was seen nor heard.
The dwarf ran a bit further and stopped, beginning to listen for sounds. But it was useless; other than the buzzing of insects, there was no sound. He began to move further through the forest, pushing through numerous shrubs, vines hanging from trees, thickets, avoiding small swamps. Suddenly, a growl was heard, but it sounded more like the moans of someone in distress. Sergey decided to check who was making these sounds. After walking a few meters, he looked into the bushes and saw an interesting sight. A minotaur was stuck in a swamp and could not get out. Seeing the dwarf, the horned one called out to him.
- Hey, help me!
- Why? You'll just eat me later.
- Don't be afraid, I don't eat those like you.
- Since when? Is dwarf meat worse than others? You insult me, buddy.
- Are you going to help me or not?
Sergey remembered what the raccoon had told him about the strength of the cyclops and centaur, so he decided to help the minotaur.
- Fine, I'll help you, but how? I can't even reach you.
- You have an axe, use it!
- An axe? It's too short.
- You fool! Cut down a small tree or a branch and give it to me, then try to pull me out.
- Ah, one second, wait.
- Waiting, waiting, where else would I go. Just hurry up, the swamp won't wait.
The dwarf ran to a small tree and began to chop it. After a couple of seconds, the rustle of leaves was heard. The dwarf immediately stopped chopping and stared upward. Right then, the monster with tentacles fell on him from above.
- Puchemю tu ubujal? - asked the one-eyed creature.
- WHO ARE YOU?! What do you want from me? - the dwarf spoke fearfully.
- Don't be afraid, he's not evil, - reassured his companion the raccoon, who had appeared out of nowhere.
- Let it get off me!
- As you wi-i-ish, - the monster slid off the dwarf, caught a branch and hung from it.
- Meet him, this is Zloboglaz.
- Ochen pruyatno.
- Yes, yes, I am also glad to meet... m..Zloboglaz.
- Puzhaluysta, nazuvayte minya Vlad.
- Fine, Vlad.
The raccoon noticed the minotaur and asked the dwarf:
- Who is that?
- Ah, it's a minotaur; he asked me to pull him out.
- Thank you for remembering me, - the one shouted.
- But how will we pull him out? He is so big and heavy.
- I don't know...
- Pozvoolte mne poumoch.
Zloboglaz, moving quickly through the branches, reached the minotaur, hung over him and lowered his tentacle.
- Hvatuaysya, ya tubya vutashchu.
The minotaur grabbed the tentacle with both hands, and Zloboglaz began to pull him. Having pulled out the victim, Vlad swung him and tossed him onto the shore.
- Thank you very much, - the minotaur thanked his rescuers, - without you I would have perished in this swamp. Now I am in your debt.
- No need to thank us, - the raccoon stated modestly, - we just did a good deed. I think you would have done the same.
- Yes, of course.
- By the way, you happen to have an opportunity to help us with one good deed.
- What kind of deed?
- We'll tell you everything now, - the raccoon spoke with such interest as if he personally wanted to get revenge on the centaur and cyclops.
- Maybe I should tell? - Sergey interrupted.
- Fine, as you wish.
- The matter is as follows, m... By the way, what is your name?
- Vladimir, - answered the minotaur.
- So, Vladimir...
-----
- Thanks for the weapon, Alexander. Although, I hope we won't need it, - Evgeny said, admiring his bow.
- I hope so too, - the elf replied.
- Andrey, maybe we can swap? I think you'll handle shooting better than me.
- Sure, I don't mind, - the centaur handed his sword to the cyclops, - it's just a pity there are no arrows.
- Don't be upset; perhaps we'll find some weapon in the forest. There must be many corpses of adventurers there, and weapons should have remained with them, - the wizard joined the conversation.
- And it's so beautiful and cute here. Sticky mud, mold on trees, mosquitoes flying, something stinks, something is constantly dripping from the trees, and I've also hit a spiderweb with my face several times, - the elf spoke sincerely.
- Wait, - the cyclops began to carefully examine the surroundings, - it's that way, - he pointed deeper into the forest, - we're almost there.
-----
In another part of the forest, the dwarf and minotaur were having a discussion while Zloboglaz and the raccoon went ahead for reconnaissance.
- So will you help us or not?
- I don't even know. Since when is revenge a good deed?
- Since those two killed my companions.
- Well-l-l... the thing is, in this particular matter, I cannot help you.
- Why?
- It's a long story.
- Tell it.
- I am cursed. An old harpy cast a curse on me. She took away my physical strength, but in return, I became very resilient and tough; I am hard to wound.
- What a long story.
- ...
- So you mean you cannot cause anyone harm?
- Exactly. My blows are practically useless.
- Imagine that. And why did she do that to you?
- The thing is, I was a very wicked and boisterous minotaur; I walked through the forest and attacked every living thing I met. One day I discovered a harpy's nest and destroyed it. That's why one of the winged witches cursed me.
- Well, quite deserved.
- Yes, I know. But since then, I have become a completely different minotaur.
- Fine, in that case, you will be our protector. You'll make sure they don't harm me.
- Agreed.
At this time, as always unexpectedly, Zloboglaz appeared.
- Yaa nashuol them. Let's go.
- Fine, show the way. Although wait, Vladimir, take my axe; you'll use it to protect.
- It is too small for me.
- Ah yes, right. What are those huge paws of yours for, then, - the dwarf replied dissatisfiedly. - Vladislav, then you take the axe; you'll attack them from the trees.
- Haurosho, - Zloboglaz took the weapon with one of his tentacles.
- That's it, now let's go, - commanded the dwarf.
-----
- Here we are. Behold the wonder! - the cyclops pointed to a large iron oval lying under a tree.
Everyone gasped at once.
- This is very, very interesting, - the elf murmured with interest and approached the object. - You know, this looks like a small airship, but only made of iron and without a balloon, or like an underwater apparatus, but without an engine; at least there are no signs that this thing can move.
- Yes, it's completely smooth, except for this door. We need to open it.
- We'll do that now, - the elf took out tools and began tinkering with the iron piece.
- Maybe I should help? - the cyclops asked.
- Yes, you can.
While Alexander and Evgeny tried to open the door, Andrey and Nikolai stood aside. Or rather, Andrey stood, and Nikolai sat on him.
- Maybe get off?
- No, I'm fine here. Besides, it's dirty down there.
- But what about the plant samples? How will you collect them while sitting on me?
- Well, I'll tell you, and you'll bend over and collect them.
Just as the centaur wanted to be rude to the old man, a clang of iron suddenly rang out.
- It worked! We opened it! - the elf shouted happily and looked inside.
Unfortunately, the opening turned out to be small, and not everyone could fit through.
- Yes, from the outside it looks larger, but inside it's just a small room, - the cyclops was slightly disappointed.
Meanwhile, the elf had already climbed into the apparatus and was examining it thoroughly. Evgeny didn't want to leave the elf alone with his treasures and also looked in.
- Find anything?
- Yes, there is a pile of papers with notes and blueprints; on one of them it says "teleportation machine"; it seems this apparatus is exactly that. There are also many various devices, a strange lever, next to which is a map with markings and numbers, and also two skeletons and a full suit of armor, although it looks more like an iron man.
- And that's all? No treasures?
- All these things are much better than any treasures!
- To each their own, - Evgeny replied in a dissatisfied tone.
- Fine. I'll look for something else now.
The cyclops stuck his head out of the opening and sat on the ground.
- Find anything? - Andrey asked him.
- Just junk.
- Such a pity, my condolences.
- Hello, - the centaur heard a voice behind his back and, turning around, saw an old acquaintance, Sergey, with a minotaur and a raccoon standing next to him.
- You?! What do you want here?
- I've come for you.
- Didn't get enough, huh?
- I will avenge my friends on you!
- You? Ha-ha.
- You laugh in vain, centaur, - the dwarf waved his hand.
At that moment Vladislav hung from a tree and, swinging the axe, launched his blow at the cyclops. But Evgeny managed to dodge, and the blade of the axe hit the teleportation machine; a clang rang out. With a sharp movement, the cyclops pulled Zloboglaz off the tree and threw him toward the dwarf. Falling to the ground, Vladislav immediately climbed back up the tree.
- Well that's it, you asked for this, - the dwarf threatened with anger in his voice. - Vladimir, you know what to do.
The minotaur nodded and headed toward the centaur and his friends. Then the elf's head and half of his torso appeared from the machine; in his hand he held a dark vessel resembling a bottle.
- Hey, stop banging on the iron! Look at what I found, - with these words the elf opened the bottle, ignoring the guests.
Black smoke immediately began to emerge from it, a great deal of smoke. Everyone stopped at once and stared at this huge black spot, which took the form of a dragon. The monster immediately swept upward, then plummeted back down, straight toward the group of onlookers.
