Up to Miracles: A Stone’s Throw from a Fairy Tale

By Zeynab Salimova

Alex is looking forward to the Christmas party but is a little disappointed when his parents tell him he has to look after his little sister, Annie. Nonetheless, they attend the party near their home. However, when Alex insults Santa Claus, the brother and sister find themselves thrust into a world where fairy tales are real and miracles are just a part of everyday life. Alex suddenly finds himself in the role of guardian to his little sister, and he must protect her throughout their long perilous journey through a strange world.

As they make their way through an exotic, magical world, they are surrounded by the weirdest of creaturesdragons, trolls, unicorns, witches, and queens. They learn that some are foes but others are friends. They find themselves shanghaied into a war between the queens of the four seasonsspring, summer, autumn, and winter. Even more eerie is the fact that many of those they meet seem to know all about them and why they ended up here in the first place. But no one is too willing to share this information with the siblings, for how else would the children learn their lesson?

Forced to grow up, Alex takes charge of the situation. He knows only two things for sure: that he is responsible for the safety and well-being of his little sister and that they have to find a way to return to their parents. Its not a small feat since they have no idea where they really are. Will they be able to find their way back home? Will they ever be allowed to return? Alex refuses to lose hope, and Ann refuses to lose faith. They got here somehowso there must be a way back . . . right?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jun 30, 2018
• ISBN: 9781984536839

Zeynab Salimova

Zeynab Salimova was born in Baku. At the age of 34, with her family, Ms. Salimova moved to New York. Zeynab Salimova has published several collections of lyrical poems, fantasy stories and a novel The Garnet Bunches that was her first book published in the United States. Zeynab Salimova holds PhD and MBA degrees, and is a member of the Union of Azerbaijani Writers.

Book preview

Up to Miracles

A Stone’s Throw from a Fairy Tale

Zeynab Salimova

Copyright © 2018 by Zeynab Salimova.

Edited by: Elizabeth Compton

Associate Editor: James Compton

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Book Illustration by Riad and Jeyla Hajiyev

Book Cover by Riad Hajiyev

Library of Congress Control Number:      2018907394

ISBN:                  Hardcover                        978-1-9845-3685-3

                            Softcover                           978-1-9845-3684-6

                            eBook                                978-1-9845-3683-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Rev. date: 06/28/2018

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

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CONTENTS

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Chapter 39

Chapter 40

Chapter 41

Chapter 42

Chapter 43

Chapter 44

Chapter 45

Chapter 46

Chapter 47

Chapter 48

Chapter 49

CHAPTER 1

W AKE UP, SLEEPYHEAD! You’ll be late for the party!

As the first rays of the late winter sun began to light up the room, Father’s hand was bothering Alex, who was hiding under his warm blanket.

Alex was ten years old, and in the fourth grade. His little sister, Annie, just started school last fall, walking into the classroom for the first time. As her big brother, it had somehow become his job to make sure she got to and from school safely. He didn’t really mind so much – they were friends and he loved his little sister. He just wasn’t so happy about the added responsibility of having her follow him around for the next few years.

Stretching in his bed, Alex yawned and mumbled, Yeah, just a minute, Dad. He shook his head, remembering the incredible dream he had last night. They were some kind of amazing characters, almost like from a fairy tale, and they were arguing among themselves about the seasons. Alex thought that was absolute nonsense. He had already learned in school that the seasons were established, independent of each other. How else do you separate spring, summer, autumn and winter? That’s the kind of nonsense his little sister would come up with! Alex considered himself to be almost grown.

Alex? Get up, honey. Now Mom was leaning over the bed, kissing him on the cheek and stroking his hair. Annie is already up and washed, and is sitting at the breakfast table.

Alex pricked up his ears. Annie never woke up before him and was never in a hurry to wash up. Where is she going so early? he mumbled.

Don’t you remember, dear? Mom said, smiling. Today is the day you both go to the Christmas party.

Mom, I don’t want to go with her! Alex protested. She’s just a little girl!

That’s right, Mom agreed. "She is just a little girl. She’s younger and small and needs someone like her big brother to go with her, to look after her and protect her. Mom’s gentle hands fell on his shoulders. She needs you. You are her hope and support. You make her feel safe."

Alex felt good. He appreciated the sentiment that he was brave and made Annie feel safe. But he was also frustrated, because he knew the entire party would be centered around taking care of his sister, and he wouldn’t be able to hang out much with the guys doing the things they liked to do. But Mom, he said, the boys will all be laughing at me!

Well, let them laugh, Mom answered. Don’t pay attention to their selfish stupidity. You are the big brother. As such, it’s up to you to protect and defend your sister. Teach her how to act in different situations, and help her grow and learn how to be sociable and behave properly.

What if she doesn’t listen to me? Alex asked slyly.

Mom smiled. Well, that’s too bad. But you know, you and Annie don’t always obey me or your Dad. But we don’t wash our hands of you, do we?

Grumbling, Alex answered, But we’re your kids.

Yes, Mom answered. Dad, me you and Annie. We are all family, and therefore should help and protect each other. It’s important for the older kids to help support and teach the younger ones. Looking him in the eye, Mom asked, Tell me, do any of us – Annie, me or your Dad – do we ever turn away from you?

Looking down, Alex said, No you always help us. Then his cunning eyes flashed and he said, But boy you sure can get mad at us sometimes!

We love you, Mom answered simply. And because we love you, we discipline you. We only raise our voices or get angry when you are being naughty, or when you get careless and don’t pay attention to anything around you.

Dad looked into the room again. Hey, what’s going on? He was smiling as he made an angry look. Alex knew he wasn’t really angry. Come on, get up, wash your face and go get some breakfast! Before your sister eats it all!

Alex admired his father greatly, and wanted to be just like him. He hoped to be as good a father to his own kids someday as Dad was to him. So he stood up and went into the bathroom while Mom was making the bed. He splashed water on his face and looked at his reflection. He was delighted as always to see how much he resembled his father, with his big eyes and broad cheekbones. His dark hair was still messed up from his sleep, but his wet hand and a comb had him looking presentable in no time.

Alex, his Mom called, are you coming? Your breakfast is getting cold!

I’m coming, Mom! he called. A rebellious strand of hair was refusing to lay down, so he wet his hand again and patted it down good. This time it stayed.

He hurried downstairs to have his breakfast. Annie was already finished and now was peppering Mom and Dad with a lot of questions.

Will Santa Claus be there? she asked. And the elf?

Of course, Dad replied. Holding up the party invitation, he pointed to it and said, See? They even put their picture on the card!

How about trolls? Annie pressed. And goblins? Behind his parents’ backs, Alex rolled his eyes. He was dreading going to this party with his sister. His parents wouldn’t be there and he would be the one pestered with all of these ridiculous questions, with his friends looking on and probably laughing at him.

There will be a wide variety of characters there, my dear, said Mom patiently. But you must also remember something. All of the fabulous characters and stories that you hear are very often taken from real life.

Count Dracula? she squealed, covering her eyes in mock horror. Is he real? Alex knew she wasn’t really frightened. Annie’s childish mind wanted to see Dracula in person, and if at all possible, to touch him with her own hands.

Dad laughed. Of course, he’s real, he said. But you’d better hurry up and get ready, or you’ll be late for the party.

Suddenly in a panic, the girl hollered, Alex! Hurry up and finish your breakfast! Or Santa Claus will give all of the presents to the other children!

Oh relax, Alex grumbled. We won’t be late! He was a little irritated at the whole situation. He considered himself too old for this type of nonsense. He knew his father had bought tickets for himself and Annie to get into the party, and he also knew that they would each receive a gift. He didn’t say that to his sister. He only said, Our gifts aren’t going to disappear!

What are you going to ask Santa for? Annie asked. Mom said that wishes come true at Christmas and we only need to ask the nice old man with the beard! Gleefully, she added, If we have been good, then Santa can’t refuse!

Alex shot a sidelong glance at his father. He had asked for a new model car. The same one all of his friends wanted for Christmas. But Dad was always busy with problems at work. He said that Santa Claus would bring it on Christmas Eve. Remembering the conversation with his father, he just sighed deeply.

I know what I want. I just don’t know if I’ll get it, he mumbled. Now go and change your clothes. And hurry up!

Is it time to go? she asked excitedly.

Yes, it is, Alex grumbled. "Now hurry up, or you are going to make us late!"

Okay, she yelled, running towards her room. I’ll be ready in a minute! Don’t go without me!

There’s no chance of that, Alex thought to himself.

Ten minutes later, Annie came out of her room. Though he was irritated that it took her so long to get dressed, Alex admitted to himself that she did look very pretty in her long, white dress with the fancy lace bordering the garment edges. Her dark, wavy hair was beautifully styled on top of her head, and cascaded down her shoulders. She wore white, fancy shoes with small heels, decorated with sequins. She wore white gloves and carried what appeared to be a magic wand. Waving the wand daintily through the air, Annie said, On Christmas Eve, I shall be a fairy!

Alex ignored her and hurried in to change into his own costume. He came out dressed as a captain. Surely a captain who had been on many long voyages at sea. His left hand rested at his side, while in his right hand, he held a real telescope that he had made with the help of his father.

They decided to decline Dad’s offer to drive them to the school, choosing to walk there by themselves. It wasn’t an issue of the distance, or the worry of wrinkling their respective costumes. They were trying to get into character. In days of old, when real fairies walked arm in arm with real sea captains, there were no cars. Not even the balloon had been invented yet. People moved from place to place under the power of their own feet, and only the wealthy used horse-drawn carriages for long distances.

CHAPTER 2

T HE CHRISTMAS PARTY was in full swing. Everyone was laughing, playing and enjoying the many delicious treats. Almost without thinking, Alex enjoyed himself, despite the fact that he was stuck with his little sister. Finally, to everyone’s delight, Santa Claus arrived. He waved, smiled, bowed graciously, and then started handing out gifts to the children. Excitement filled the room and everyone anxiously awaited their turn to speak to the jolly old gentleman.

Finally, it was Alex’s and Annie’s turn.

Ho ho ho, laughed the old gentleman with the big bag at his side. So tell me, what do you want from Santa Claus?

Eyeing the bag, Alex could see a large, rectangular box in the contours of the sack. He pointed his finger at it, and said, Well, my Dad promised me a new model car to build.

The old man nodded knowingly at Alex, giving him a sly wink, but a very kind smile as he said, But of course, you don’t believe in Santa Claus or his bag full of wonders, do you?

Of course not! Alex replied defiantly. These gifts are not from you, but from our parents! Even your beard isn’t real!

Leaning closer, Santa said, Not real, you say? He looked so much bigger now, so Annie snuggled closer to her brother. Looking at her, Santa Claus asked, And you, little girl. Do you not believe in fairy tales, either?

Annie wanted to shout, Yes I do believe in fairy tales! But she was too shy to contradict her brother, so she only nodded and smiled. She figured this way, she was still supporting her brother, but still did not deceive Santa Claus.

Smiling at her, Santa Claus said, Well, then, come closer. Today is a holiday all over the world. So I will allow you to pull out one of the whiskers from my beard.

What for? Alex demanded.

Alex%2c%20Annie%20and%20Santa.psd

First of all, said Santa reprovingly, do not interrupt the adults! When Alex sheepishly nodded his agreement, the old man continued. Secondly, to reassure you that I have a very real beard. There are no rubber bands holding it in place! He pulled on his own whiskers to emphasize the point. And thirdly, by pulling a hair, you can make a wish. And it will surely come true!

Alex was sure the old man was joking. Doubtfully, he said, Pull it out yourself, then!

Well, said the old man with a good humored wink of his eye, the thing is, only the one who pulls it out can make a wish. Usually I do it myself, but today, for the sake of celebration, I will make an exception.

Alex took his sister’s hand, meaning to take her away from there. We do not believe in that kind of nonsense! Waving his hand dismissively at the old man, he said, Make a wish on your own!

As you wish, the old man said. To their astonishment, sparks flew out of Santa’s eyes, and almost burned his beard. I will pull the whisker out myself and make a wish, since you are unbelievers.

Yeah, sure, growled Alex, though he was a little rattled by the sparks. He took two steps towards the closet nearby, figuring it had to be some kind of trick. He and his sister would not pay any attention to this nonsense. He no longer believed in fairy tales.

Santa Claus watched them with interest. Then he pulled a whisker from his own beard, and put it into the palm of his other gloved hand. He blew it towards the kids and whispered something into his beard. No one else appeared to notice and Alex was reaching for the door, while pulling Annie, who was doing her best to look back longingly at Santa.

He was about to turn the door knob, but all of a sudden, it disappeared. Instead, Alex touched the icy branch of a tree, plastered with snow on one side. But the snow was strange – it had an unfamiliar, pinkish tinge. Tightening his grip on her hand, he glanced at Annie, who was looking around with her eyes opened wide. They stared at each other for a moment, then looked up at the sky, which was filled with heavy, gray clouds. They looked like they were going to fall to the ground, crushing every living thing in their path.

Though it was quickly getting dark, Alex looked around in the dwindling light and could see they were on the edge of a pine forest, nestled under a thick blanket of pink and white snow. They could smell the pine needles, and in the distance, they could hear the knocking of a woodpecker, going about its business in the thick woods. Turning around to look behind them, there was only a large, snow-covered field, stretching all the way to the edge of the growing darkness.

Alex, whimpered Annie, who was absolutely terrified, where are we?

I don’t know, he replied, still looking around. But it seems that Santa Claus pulled a trick on us!

So we got to the magic country? Annie asked, curiosity and excitement overriding her fear.

I don’t believe in magic, Alex said firmly. We’ll have to try to figure out where we are. Looking around, he added, I’m sure it’s going to be night really soon. He scanned the horizon, trying to see if there were any other people nearby.

But there was nothing and no one else in this black and pink horizon before their eyes. On one side, there was the rapidly darkening forest, and on the other side, the field with the strange colors. The dark and gloomy sky was showering the children with fluffy, pink snowflakes that fell noiselessly to the ground. In any other time and circumstance, it would be very pretty. But this was no time to stand around, admiring the beauty. Night was coming. It was snowing and cold. And they had no shelter from the elements.

Alex, whined Annie, who was exhausted and near tears, I want to go to sleep.

You can’t go to sleep in the forest in winter! he said firmly. Then, noticing the fear in her eyes, he softened his tone and tried to reassure his little sister. Don’t worry, Annie, he said soothingly. I’ll think of something.

Without warning, there was a gentle wind, which brought the smell of smoke, and food cooking in the fire. It smelled delicious and their stomachs reacted with hungry growls. They wanted to eat.

Annie, do you smell that? Alex asked, with hope in his voice. He waved his hand towards the woods. Surely there is a cabin or a camp nearby and they are preparing dinner now. Maybe if we follow the smell, they’ll give us something to eat!

What if it’s a witch’s house? Annie timidly asked her brother. "Like in Hansel and Gretel? What if she wants to cook and eat us?"

That’s nonsense! Alex snarled. There are no such things as witches! That’s just another fairy tale. Taking another look at their situation, he knew that they had to find shelter and fast. They couldn’t spend the night here in the open, under a snow-covered fir tree. Tugging on her hand to lead her along, Alex smiled to comfort his little sister. Come on, he said, we have to find some shelter before it’s completely dark.

Hand in hand, they ventured into the forest, following the enticing smell of the food. They tried to stick to higher ground to avoid the deeper snow. From the higher vantage point, they were able to see greater distances, but no sign of anything familiar. Finally, the kids saw small pines. Directly behind them was a cabin. Smoke was coming out of the chimney. The cabin was small and a little rickety. There was a pile of firewood that was lightly covered with snow next to the front porch.

Now their attention was drawn to the trees that surrounded them. They were higher up than before, so they were able to see the needles. Even in the darkening sky, they could see that the tree’s needles were not green, as they should be, but somehow, were purple!

Yanking on her brother’s arm, Annie asked, Alex, do you see these purple needles?

It probably only seems like that to us because of the darkness and we’re hungry and tired, Alex reassured her. But he could see the purple needles clearly in front of his eyes. They shook his confidence to the core. Changing the subject, he said, Come on, Annie, there’s the house. It’s very close now. Soothingly he added, We’ll find help there.

They hurried through the trees and brush in the darkening forest and found themselves in front of the strange structure. It was built of stones. It must have been built long ago, because now, the stones were covered in some kind of bluish moss. They couldn’t see any windows on this side, but they may have been covered by the moss. The front door was slightly ajar. They heard a strange sound coming from inside. It sounded like a hiss, then a click, then the hiss again. This repeated over and over.

They left the forest and were now on a cleared path, that led right to a low porch with three steps. The children climbed up, holding each others’ hands tightly. Gathering his courage, Alex knocked at the door. No one answered, but in response to his light knocks, the door opened a little wider…

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CHAPTER 3

T HE EVENING TWILIGHT reigned in the room, darkening all of the distant corners of the small dwelling. So the kids could not see anything. The only obvious thing was that there was definitely someone else in the house with them. The clicking sound turned out to be a worn-out old gramophone record, with the inscription, A. Vivaldi on the sticker. Someone’s occasional sniff was coming from the corner, sometimes replaced by a periodic snore. Strangely enough, those sounds did not frighten them, but calmed them. The children wanted to just lie down somewhere and fall asleep.

But they knew they couldn’t just stay in someone’s house without an invitation, for two reasons. First, it wasn’t polite. Second, it could be dangerous. Alex understood this very well, but not wanting to frighten Annie any more than she already was, he squeezed her hand in silent encouragement, and winked at her. Then he made a small cough – not loud enough to cause panic in the sleeping someone across the room, but hoping it was enough to stir them in their slumber. But their rhythmic snoring and sniffing continued, undisturbed. Alex coughed a little louder, but still without result.

While trying to turn around to look for the unseen person in a distant corner, Annie lost her balance. She started to fall, but caught herself with her brother’s hand. However, she kicked something with her foot, causing it to crash loudly to the floor. Alex was convinced that the noise could be heard on the other side of the forest!

But the noise apparently worked. Someone stirred on the other side of the house, and a cracked, very old voice called out, Who goes there?

In a low, scared voice, Alex murmured, It’s us. He had never been in such a situation as this, in a complete stranger’s house while they were sleeping, so he wasn’t sure how to react.

Us? The voice repeated. Who’s ‘us’? It was now obvious that whoever the voice belonged to was in the darkened far corner of the room.

It’s me and my little sister, Annie. My name is Alex, he answered, trying to sound brave. The voice didn’t seem to be evil or angry. Alex felt a little more confident, but he was still squeezing his sister’s hand. He wasn’t sure whether he was trying to protect his sister, or trying to hide himself.

Well, we’ll see about that! said the voice in the corner. There was some rustling and then the room was lit up by a warm, blue light. They let their eyes adjust to the light and saw someone lying in what was obviously an antique, carved bed. Though his face was swollen from sleep, he was a very handsome old man. Their eyes were drawn immediately to the large, white-haired mane on his head, which met the white beard that surrounded his face in a strange sort of white halo. His face also was very white from the powder that had been applied. But to their relief, the eyes that looked out at them from under the thick, bushy eyebrows were kind.

They also noticed a very strange clock hanging over the bed on the wall. The clock had a pendulum and chain, but the pendulum was hanging in a strange position, actually pointing away from its axis. They also noticed a very old violin and bow lying on a nearby shelf. Though there was nothing fancy about them, the children could tell that the master who made them obviously took pride in his work, and did a great job pouring his heart and soul into his creation.

On the opposite wall, the kids saw four antique portraits in beautiful, hand-carved frames. One showed a stern looking old woman wearing white robes and an old-fashioned white wig. Cold radiated from the picture, as if you weren’t standing in front of the portrait, but in front of an open freezer door.

Nearby was another portrait of a different woman, not quite as old, but aging, and surrounded by bright yellow-red colors. However, in spite of the brightness, the woman looked dull, and the picture made them feel almost sad. They didn’t understand why, but the children felt a strong desire to turn away from her and move on.

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The next picture was much more cheerful. It showed a young, vibrant girl wearing a green dress and a big smile. Even her long, flowing hair seemed to be smiling. It was obvious that she was happy, and lights appeared to be dancing in her sparkling eyes.

The last portrait showed a woman who was about thirty years of age. Her face was tired, but content. In her hands, she held a sickle and a wreath of newly harvested wheat.

On the wall opposite from these portraits was alone picture. But the children couldn’t make sense of this one. It was some kind of unimaginable whirlwind of colors.

Alex and Annie didn’t think too much about the pictures, but continued to stare at the old man himself. He wore a long, beautiful cape that was covered with musical symbols. Only his head and his long, dry fingers were visible from underneath it. On a table in front of him, the children’s attention was drawn to what had been an ordinary looking glass jar, but now, it was giving out some kind of strange light. They had never seen anything like it before!

Noticing the direction of their gaze, the old man asked, What? Have you never seen luminous butterflies?

Butterflies? they asked together. They dared to move just a little closer to the table. Inside the jar was what appeared to be an ordinary butterfly, like so many they had seen at