The mystery of the magic horseshoe

Illustrator Leonardo ai

Illustrator Playground ai

© Алексей Сабадырь, 2024

© Leonardo ai, illustrations, 2024

© Playground ai, illustrations, 2024

ISBN 978-5-0064-2955-0

Created with Ridero smart publishing system

Chapter 1: Old house on the edge of the forest

The sun, already tired from a long summer day, gently touched the tops of the trees, coloring them in fiery shades. A warm breeze, smelling of pine resin and wildflowers, played with the foliage, rustling tales of distant lands and magical creatures. On the outskirts of this fabulous forest, as if lost in the thickets, stood an old house.

The house was large and a little sad, as if worn out by many years. Its walls, once painted a bright yellow, were now covered with cracks, like the wrinkles on an old man’s face. Windows like blind eyes looked out at the world, covered in cobwebs and dust. But even in this forgotten corner of the forest there was something charming, something mysterious and attractive.

There was twilight inside the house. The sun’s rays, breaking through the dusty glass, drew bizarre patterns on the floor. The smell of old wood, dusty books and spices stored in the depths of ancient cabinets hung in the air. Two brothers lived here – Vanya and Petya.

Vanya, the older brother, was tall and thin, with dark hair and intelligent gray eyes. He loved reading old books, making up stories, and exploring his surroundings. Petya, the younger brother, was short and plump, with freckles on his nose and radiant blue eyes. He loved to believe in magic, dream of adventures and play with forest animals.

Vanya and Petya were inseparable. They shared everything among themselves – secrets, games, dreams and adventures. They were like two puzzle pieces that fit together perfectly. Their lives flowed calmly and equally, like the flow of a calm river, but in the depths of their hearts burned a spark of unexpected discoveries and magical adventures.

Chapter 2: Mysterious basement

The sound of the wind blowing across the roof of the house and the chirping of birds singing their evening songs were drowned out by the quiet whisper of curiosity that was born in the hearts of the brothers. Vanya and Petya wandered through the attic, as if through a mysterious labyrinth full of dusty treasures and forgotten stories.

Beneath a thick layer of dust lay old suitcases filled with yellow photographs and tattered books, reeking of age and forgotten perfume. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling in garlands, as if decorating this strange and cozy place.

Suddenly, Vanya came across a door, lost among old beams and dusty boxes. It was made of dark wood, with rusty hinges and a keyhole overgrown with cobwebs. Vanya pulled the handle with interest, and the door, as if answering his call, creaked and opened.

Behind the door, a passage opened into the darkness, from which dampness and forgotten secrets wafted. It was a basement forgotten by the whole world. Vanya and Petya lit a candle, the flame of which trembled from the draft, and carefully went downstairs.

The basement was cold and damp, its walls covered with mold and cobwebs. The smell of dampness and old earth hung in the air. In the depths of the basement stood a huge chest, closed with a rusty lock. Vanya and Petya approached it with curiosity and tried to open it. The chest creaked and grumbled, but eventually gave in to their efforts.

There was an old horseshoe in the chest. It was made of iron, with traces of rust and scuffs. But a certain magic emanated from her, which made the brothers’ hearts beat faster. Vanya took the horseshoe in his hands and involuntarily felt the strength and mystery in it. He read the inscription on it: «Fulfills wishes.»

At that moment, a cold wind blew in the basement, extinguished the candle flame and plunged the brother into instant darkness. The brothers’ hearts beat faster, but their curiosity did not subside. They knew that today their lives changed forever.

Chapter 3: The magic horseshoe

Vanya took the horseshoe in his hands. It was warm, as if heated by the sun, and surprisingly smooth, as if it had been polished by the gentle hands of a sorceress. He felt power in her, but not rough, but soft and pleasant, as if magical energy was dormant within her, waiting in the wings.

– Look, Petya, what a beauty! – Vanya whispered, as if afraid to frighten away the secret hidden in this old horseshoe.

– And how shiny! – Petya confirmed, sparks of enthusiastic curiosity lit up in his eyes. – There’s something special about her, I feel it!

Vanya turned the horseshoe over in his hands, looking at it from all sides. He noticed a few scuffs and signs of rust, but they had their own beauty, like scars from long-ago adventures.

– Have you noticed, Petya, that there is something written on it? – Vanya pointed to a small engraving that glittered in the sunlight.

– Makes wishes come true? – Petya read aloud, his voice trembling with excitement. – How cool! Do you believe that she can really perform them?

– I don’t know, Petya, but I would like to find out, – Vanya answered, and there was cautious hope in his voice.