Four Encounters

I first saw Ignat Drobysh at the end of my second year. Early summer, glorious weather; my girlfriends and I were leaving our final exam. We’d planned to celebrate our successful semester at a nearby café when, suddenly, a young man sprawled on the pavement before us. Whether tripped by oncoming students or simply stumbled, I wouldn’t have given him a second glance were it not for the circumstances. Thin, awkward, dressed in something ill-fitting and a dingy brownish hue. Notebooks, pens, and textbooks scattered everywhere. The sight was both distressing and faintly comical.

I pursed my lips, staring at this unfortunate impediment, waiting for it to remove itself from my path; circumventing him was beneath my dignity. He crawled, gathering his belongings, then raised his head, glancing at us with a shy, hesitant smile.

«Hello, Marin».

Marin, a recent addition to our circle, sighed dejectedly, seemingly embarrassed by his approach.

«Hello, Ignat», she whispered. Turning to us, she grimaced. «That’s my cousin, Ignat Drobysh. We… her voice was barely audible» , hardly speak. «His family lives in the suburbs».

The surprise in the young man’s eyes was genuine. Someone had been less than truthful—I even knew who. But it didn’t concern me. I simply waited for this oddity to clear the way.

I wasn’t arrogant or cruel. Not at all. I help when asked, feed stray cats and dogs (should they happen upon the university grounds), and always give alms to the poor (though rarely encountering them, as I travel by car with a chauffeur).

In my life, I don’t notice ordinary, unremarkable people like this young man. They are empty space, smoke; uninteresting, inside and out. I only wonder why such individuals attend our prestigious university, the best in the country. Ah yes, Father mentioned a few remaining scholarships for the, shall we say, gifted from the common folk…

I moved forward. The young man quickly stepped aside, nearly scattering his painstakingly collected books again. I instantly dismissed him from my thoughts; today was far too perfect to be marred by underachievers.

Summer lay ahead: holidays, gifts, a vacation with my parents at our seaside villa, a yacht cruise, and countless other delightful surprises life bestows upon those like me—beautiful, intelligent, and wealthy.

«My goodness», Mila, walking beside me, breathed, shocked.

I turned. What now?

Christian was catching up, bearing a massive bouquet of my favorite dark purple tulips. My friends gasped in unison. Yes, I know he’s the most handsome man in the university, adored by every female student. And he’s the eldest son of the kingdom’s Minister of Finance. But I wasn’t born in an alleyway either. My father is a former Prime Minister, now retired and overseeing the kingdom’s maritime transport. I’m the top student in my year, always achieving top marks, and twice elected the university’s beauty queen.

«I invite you all to Le Royal to celebrate the end of exams», Chris announced loudly, offering the bouquet and affectionately putting his arm around my shoulders. «I’ve reserved the main hall and invited the team».

My friends squealed with delight. I surveyed the entourage. Le Royal was indeed the finest, most expensive restaurant in the capital, yet they weren’t all from impoverished families. What was with this excessive jubilation? Ah, yes. The team… Christian captained the university football team, meaning the restaurant would host the heirs to the kingdom’s wealthiest families.

I smiled, inhaling the intoxicating scent of the flowers. Life is beautiful. I’m the capital’s leading beauty, admired by all, madly loved by one of the kingdom’s most eligible bachelors, an only daughter, heiress to a vast fortune, with a magnificent future awaiting.

***

My second encounter with Ignat came a little over a year later, and this time it was my fault. Late summer, Father and I were in the capital. He on business, I for only two days—Lilian, my best friend, was celebrating her birthday, and missing it would have been terribly uncouth.

Christian had been insufferable since morning, arriving early with flowers. Honestly, I planned to break up with him immediately after the holidays; he’d become more tiresome than old, worn-out shoes. I’d spent the entire day suppressing my frustration to avoid a tantrum. Alas, I failed…

This idiot—there’s no other word for it—in the midst of Lilian’s birthday celebrations, knelt before me and presented a vulgar ring, more like a rounded cobblestone, offering his hand and heart. I nearly burned with shame. Christian didn’t even realize he’d made a fool of me. His arrogance and vanity enraged me. Could he have possibly imagined, for a second, that I would marry him?!

Ten minutes later, we were driving home in his car, furiously arguing. The day was ruined, and he still didn’t understand why I was angry! Finally, I declared that I was nauseated by him and never wanted to see him again.

My ex-boyfriend slammed on the brakes, shouting:

«Then I don’t want you either! Get out!»

I leaped onto the road and slammed the door shut. The car sped off, leaving me stranded on the highway.

Once I’d calmed down and looked around, I discovered my purse—containing my phone and money—was still in the car, and the area was hardly salubrious. Sparse passersby regarded me with bewildered stares. In my evening gown, laden with jewels, and designer heels, I resembled an exotic bird that had flown into a garbage dump.

All I needed was a taxi, but, naturally, not a single car with the telltale checkered pattern passed, and those that stopped were far too suspicious.

Why had I quarrelled with Christian at this precise moment? Why couldn’t I have waited until I reached home? Eventually, I decided to get out of the way and walked toward the low houses of some village, aiming for a tall spire—either a town hall or a church. Perhaps someone would lend me a phone so I could call a taxi myself?

«Wow! What a beauty!»

I never turn to such pronouncements. I’m repulsed by compliments delivered in places like this dump, by people like this. Their “courtesies” make me feel like I’ve wallowed in mud. As if I’ve been reduced to their level.

But this time, it felt as if someone tugged at a string, and I turned. Two young men stood to my right. One, the one who’d exclaimed, was unremarkable. A round, simple face, unblemished by intellect. The other… I stared at the vaguely familiar face.

«Ignat?», My memory has never failed me, and I immediately recalled Marin’s pathetic tale of her poor cousin who lived in the suburbs. Well, this encounter was most opportune; I hoped he had a phone.

Only one thing bothered me—there wasn’t a flicker of recognition in Ignat’s eyes. Had he forgotten me?! Pushing my annoyance aside—this wasn’t the time—I approached the pair.

«Hello, Ignat», I said smoothly, in a friendly tone. «I’m a little lost. Could you lend me your mobile? I need to call a taxi».

I don’t have a phone, the young man replied, bewildered. I turned to his friend, who spread his hands apologetically. “Poor provincial peasants,” I mentally cursed.

«You’re my sister’s friend», Ignat finally solved the puzzle. I nodded, grimacing sourly. «There’s a payphone on the square, in front of the town hall. Come on, I’ll take you», he turned and headed down a narrow, dirty alleyway. «It’s faster».

I glanced disdainfully at the graffiti-covered walls, piles of rubbish, and hurried after him, trying to hold my breath. The stench was so overpowering my eyes watered. His companion offered a hand for support, but seeing my expression, quickly withdrew it.

«My name is Fyodor, I nodded without looking. Don’t think»… he stammered, peering at my face, «…we don’t have nice areas here. If you stayed longer, I could show you the square, the market, the monuments, even the dairy factory»…

He babbled on, while I mentally dismembered Christian into tiny bloody pieces and fought for breath. I’d have to throw away my clothes and shoes. I could already feel the stench seeping into the fabric. It was a shame; I’d only worn this dress once, and it suited me perfectly. The shop where I bought it assured me it was a one-of-a-kind piece. Because of this lout, I’d lost so much money and my nerves. Father, of course, would support me. He always does. But Mother, predictably, would be against it. She and Christian’s mother are best friends.

Suddenly, Ignat stopped and knelt. I drew closer. A dead kitten lay in a pile of garbage. Tiny, skinny, with matted fur stained with blood. Ignat gently covered the body with his hand, and I felt a wave of nausea. Brrr. How could anyone touch such filth?

«What are you do»… I began, when a meow interrupted me. Ignat removed his hand, and I saw a fluffy, ginger kitten, perfectly healthy. It hissed, spat, and darted into the alleyway. I stared after it, dumbfounded.

«Didn’t understand what that was?», Fyodor peered over my shoulder. I shrugged, obscuring the view.

«Nothing», I said, ensuring my voice sounded indifferent. «Ignat found a kitten, it ran away».

«But I saw»…

«You imagined it», I insisted. Why, I didn’t know, but I was certain what had happened wasn’t for public consumption.

We continued walking, and as the square and the checkered taxis came into view, I almost convinced myself the incident was a figment of my imagination. I’m a normal person and naturally don’t believe in magic or supernatural things. “This simply can’t be,” I told myself, trying to banish the strange event from my mind.

***

My third encounter with Ignat was at the city diving championship held in our university pool. It was the end of our fourth year; I sat with my entourage in the best seats near the diving platform. The stands were packed. Almost the entire university was there; most of the participants were our students.

I’m not particularly fond of sporting events; the sight of half-naked bodies preening themselves was distasteful, but Marin had decided to compete, and my friends and I had to support her. My new boyfriend, Max Zabolodsky, the grandson of the Zabolodsky whose statue stands in the capital’s central square, was also participating. He’s not as handsome as Chris, but he’s far more intelligent.

I immediately saw something wrong in Marin’s takeoff. Her foot slipped sideways, and she tumbled awkwardly, falling. I briefly wondered if she’d miss the water or catch the edge of the pool with her hand. She caught it. But not with her hand, with her head. It happened in a flash—Marin grazed her temple on the tile and plunged into the pool. A red stain immediately spread in the water.

For a moment, the hall was frozen in shock. A five-meter fall, after all. Suddenly, a young man leaped from the far stands and raced towards the water. He dove in like a swallow and clasped the girl, holding her head. My God! That’s not how you should do it. What if she has a concussion or a spinal fracture?

Ignat—it was him—lifted Marin over the edge and laid her on her back. People began to gather. I also went down and approached the barrier. Suddenly, the girl opened her eyes as if nothing had happened and sat up.

«I fell so clumsily, she said», embarrassed, clutching her chest. «Will my score be ruined?»

Our university doctor, one of the first to reach her, carefully examined Marin’s head and declared with relief:

«Calm down, nothing serious. Just a scratch on your temple. We’ll take the girl to the infirmary and examine her. The competition will continue tomorrow, after the pool is cleaned. Thank you, everyone».

I thoughtfully looked at the water. The spreading pink stain had reached the middle. Marin was placed on a stretcher and carried away. I waved to the girls—go on ahead, I’ll catch up—and then opened the gate and went to the platform. Ignat stood thoughtfully by the edge, staring at the water.

The stands quickly emptied. However much I denied it, I was too close and heard the horrible gurgling sound when Marin hit her head. Everyone in the front rows heard it. I don’t know if they’ll try to forget it or think they imagined it, but…

«Are you crazy? » I whispered angrily. «What are you doing?»

Ignat looked at me in surprise. I came even closer, practically touching him.

«There were several thousand people here, and many saw what really happened. Sooner or later, they’ll put two and two together».

«Should I have let Marin die? » Ignat said coldly. «So, that’s the kind of friend you are».

«You should have waited until she was taken to the infirmary and then healed her there, without witnesses».

Ignat looked away.

«It was a matter of seconds. She was already dead by the time I reached her».

«But the kitten»… I began.

«It’s different with people», Ignat replied sharply, as if unwilling to discuss it. «It’s more complicated».

«So, this isn’t the first time you’ve done this?!»

I stared at him, stunned. Who is he? A mage? A wizard? Can he bring the dead back to life? I’d never heard of anything like it. As a child, I read about a man who walked on water and resurrected his friends. They supposedly hanged or burned him in the end.

The young man shrugged. So, not the first time.

«You’re insane», I hissed, «narrowing my eyes. Never do that again, especially in a public place. Can you imagine the consequences?»

«I had to do it», Ignat said stubbornly and headed for the exit. I watched him go, dumbfounded. Idiot! Doesn’t he understand?

Life in the kingdom had been changing rapidly. Our kind, generous king had died, and his son, about whom no one knew anything, ascended the throne. But Father once mentioned during dinner that we would all cry yet. When I asked why, he explained that his son was slightly unhinged and had spent almost ten years locked up in an asylum.

The new king’s first decree was to ban the carnivals and masquerades held in the capital, and later in all other cities. Fairs and street trading were also banned. It went further. Censorship was introduced, and the borders were closed. All foreigners were expelled from the country. The number of guards increased dramatically.

Then, after some time, Father shared incredible news—the king didn’t want to see educated women. All universities, institutes, and colleges were discouraged (read: forbidden) from enrolling female students.

«That way, we’ll reach the Stone Age», I scoffed. Father reassured me that the advisors had finally persuaded the king to allow those already enrolled to finish their studies.

The following year was a turning point. I hardly went out. I didn’t walk in the park, didn’t go to restaurants or theaters. A chauffeur drove me to university from our mansion, soon joined by two bodyguards. Strange posts began to appear on the streets, and one day I saw hanging bodies—real people—on them. And this was in the central square! I couldn’t sleep for days after that sight.

Father ordered the windows of the limousine to be darkened.

To my questions about what was happening, Father waved me off with a crooked smile:

«You’re better off not knowing».

Inside the university, everything remained the same, but I sometimes noticed panic in the professors’ eyes, a panic they couldn’t hide. Ominous rumors circulated everywhere. One student was arrested for appearing in the square with a slogan—freedom for prisoners. Another was beaten, another sent to hard labor. And the strangest thing was that the king had suddenly become terribly religious, and we all had to worship some unknown god. Pray regularly, attend church, and donate money.

“What nonsense,” I decided. “I won’t pray to anyone.”

But, alas, I couldn’t ignore it because, shortly after, several men in black arrived at our physics lecture and announced that instead of physics, we would have religion classes.

«Just try skipping them», one of the men scanned the hall with a grim expression. «You’ll regret it».

One day, Father summoned me to his study and sat me beside him.

«I know how important your diploma is», he began vaguely. «I think I can arrange for you to get it externally. We’ll assemble a commission, and you’ll take the exams».

«But Dad, I only have six months left until graduation».

«I doubt we even have six months», I stared at my father, dumbfounded.

«Is it that bad?»

He nodded sadly.

«You and Mother will leave for the south, Pyatigorsk, I’ve made all the arrangements», Father continued. «Land borders are closed, but there’s a sea route».

«And you», I grabbed his hand. «Are you coming with us? »

Father shook his head negatively. Tears welled up in my eyes.

«Why?»

«I must stay. Don’t argue», he waved his hand, cutting me off. You won’t need anything; «I’ve transferred most of our assets to Pyatigorsk banks».

Later, I learned that Father had joined the Resistance. Apparently, they wanted to overthrow the king and place his nephew on the throne. It was all top secret, and they didn’t fill me in on the details.

I passed my exams externally, received my diploma, and a few days later, Mother and I boarded a yacht and crossed the Middle Sea, leaving behind the maniac king, total control, and our homeland.

Two years passed. I closely followed events in my native country, reading newspapers and listening to radio news, but found nothing encouraging. Things only got worse. Prisons overflowed, people were executed in the streets. The church had become so powerful that it formed inquisition squads and planned to ban classical education altogether.

The first attempt on the king’s life failed. I was terrified for Father, but he didn’t come under suspicion, and those who were caught chose suicide rather than betraying their associates.

In two years, I managed to marry Nicholas Urban, the heir to one of Pyatigorsk’s wealthiest families, and divorce him. I opened a beauty salon chain, then closed it. I started a fashion magazine, only to lose interest. I was tired of banquets, parties, the adoration of fans, and the bright southern sun.

I eagerly read the infrequent letters from my friends, which Father smuggled across the sea. Lilian and Susan had left the country, just like me. Only they went north, to Moraya. Marin married a captain of the new royal guard and now lives comfortably. Though, she mostly stays home, caring for her one-year-old son; she doesn’t know what her husband does. Marin was surprised by my interest in Ignat’s fate but wrote that he hadn’t finished university and now works as an orderly in a clinic for the poor in his province.

For some reason, Ignat’s fate worried me more than the others. I had accidentally witnessed a real miracle, and the realization haunted me. Something incredible, magical, defying logical explanation existed in the world. Beautiful and amazing, incomparable to wealth, external beauty, love, or passion. Something that easily erased everything I knew, everything I lived for.

It tore my heart apart and simultaneously filled me with a strange reverence.

I reread a small notice listing the names of those arrested and sentenced to death, disbelieving my eyes. Ignat Drobysh was to be executed in five days in the central square for heresy, disobedience to the Holy Inquisition, and forbidden sorcery.

What nonsense? What sorcery? Have they gone mad? I paced back and forth across the terrace, shouting. Mother rushed in, followed by the servants.

«I must go home», I finally regained control.» I’ll go to the port today».

Mother tried to faint. The maids rushed for smelling salts, but I continued as if nothing was happening:

«I’m not in danger; I’ll be home early tomorrow morning. Father gave me the contact details of reliable people. They will help me cross the sea».

Despite Mother’s pleas to stay, I was adamant. Of course, I didn’t tell her the real reason; she got the version that I missed Father and was very worried about him. In reality, I was going to save Ignat. I didn’t know how yet, but I had to do it. I had enough money; I would persuade Father to help, and if not, there would always be people who would do anything for gold. I would get Ignat to Pyatigorsk; let him revive cats and heal people there.

This was the least I could do. And I would.

Father was overjoyed to see me, but even more surprised. I honestly told him why I’d come.

«But the execution already took place», he said in response to my plea for help. «Yesterday afternoon».

«What? » My voice trembled. «The newspaper said in five days. What about the trial? The evidence? Maybe you misunderstood? Made a mistake?»

Father shrugged grimly.

«They don’t bother with trials and lawyers anymore. I know for sure the execution happened because a member of our organization was executed in the same batch. »

With a wildly beating heart, I rushed to embrace Father, squeezing him tightly, as if trying to protect him from danger. Tears streamed from my eyes.

«Why did you stay here? Why didn’t you leave for Pyatigorsk? It’s such a risk; they could arrest you at any moment! What will I do if they execute you?!»

Father smiled sadly. He pushed me back at arm’s length, looked into my eyes.

«I can’t do otherwise, forgive me.»

And suddenly I understood what he meant. He loved his homeland so much that he was ready to sacrifice his life for it. Let him be wealthy, let him be able to leave at any moment for a place of peace and quiet, let him live comfortably and serenely for the rest of his life—there are things more important than that.

Yes, there are. And I have them too. Only for me, it’s not the country or the abstract concept of the people. Individual people are more important to me. Mother, Father, Ignat, the almost stranger who performs miracles.

«I have to see him, find out if he’s alive or not, Father tried to object but quickly realized it was pointless»; I possessed his stubbornness and tenacity.

«And if he’s alive, you’ll help me find fighters to free him», Father sighed heavily and said:

«I’ll try. But only at night; there are too many guards during the day. »

Ten minutes later, I was in an armored car, veiled from head to toe as women are now expected to dress. My bodyguard, also my driver, was the most expensive mercenary in the country. I wasn’t afraid for my safety. I was only afraid of what I would soon see.

The car stopped. The driver opened the door. I walked to the central square—the one I remembered as a place of celebrations, carnivals, and fairs.

It was about six in the morning; the sun hadn’t yet risen above the rooftops. In the center, where the Zabolodsky monument used to be, stood a crudely constructed long platform. A dozen drowsy guards patrolled around it.

I approached, clenching my fists, digging my nails into my skin, paralyzed with horror. Ignat hung on the edge, on some strange device consisting of two crossbeams, his hands and feet nailed to the wood. Pale to the point of blueness, the wood beneath him was blackened with blood.

I feared he was dead. I approached the edge of the dreadful structure and touched his bare foot with my fingers. Ignat struggled to open his eyes. It seemed as though all the world’s pain emanated from them. My throat constricted, and the hairs on my skin stood on end.

I swallowed and couldn’t utter a word, silently battling tears, staring into his face.

A guard approached and began speaking in a gruff, irritated voice. Without looking, I removed a heavy gold bracelet from my wrist and held it out. The guard turned and walked away.

«Why? » I whispered, looking up at Ignat. He tried to smile. And I mentally answered for him with the same words my father had said that morning—I can’t do otherwise.

«Hold on until night», I clasped his icy feet, as if trying to warm them. «Please, don’t die. I’ll save you. Just until night».

Ignat subtly shook his head negatively. Whether answering that he couldn’t or rejecting the very possibility of salvation. Suppressing my sobs, I groaned and slumped onto the stones, unmindful of the mud and blood beneath me. I felt that if I started crying now, I would never stop.

“Why are you alone? Why didn’t those you saved rescue you? Where are they?”

“You came, that’s enough,” Ignat replied with his eyes.

“Enough? Enough for one person?”

“Yes, if I could change his world, then that’s enough...”

“God,” I whispered, for the first time addressing someone I’d never seen and didn’t believe in, “help him. He’s a good, kind man, he’s done nothing wrong. He’s only just beginning his journey, he’s so young, let him live.”

Silence was the answer. I stared at Ignat’s pale face, hoping for a miracle.

“Why can you revive others, but not yourself?”

The young man remained silent. His eyes darkened with pain; his body trembled violently. I don’t know how much time passed, how long I knelt before him. Guards approached me several times, and each time I lost another piece of jewelry. I didn’t care. I was covered in gold; if it helped, I would give everything I owned just to have Ignat taken down.

“I will remember you, I will always remember you,” I whispered incessantly.

And he smiled silently, and in his eyes was a light that heals, dispels darkness, and fills the soul with happiness.

We didn’t love each other, didn’t go for walks together, didn’t kiss, didn’t plan a life together. I spoke to him a couple of times, but for some reason I had the feeling that without him my world would collapse, become empty and meaningless. Something beautiful was leaving with him, and I didn’t know how to hold onto it.

I won’t go to Pyatigorsk. I’ll stay here with Father. I won’t let people forget who and what they lost. What our world lost. I simply won’t. I will fight the king, and if necessary, sacrifice my life, just so that no one else dies because of him.

I’m a beautiful girl, I know how to pretend, to lie, to smile even at people I hate. If necessary, I’ll sneak into his bedroom, into his bed, become his favorite.

I hope it doesn’t come to that, but I’m ready.

Whether I end my life on the scaffold with dislocated joints, or lying in bed, surrounded by children and grandchildren, it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I can say, facing death—I did everything I could; I have nothing to reproach myself for.

The End.