© A FAIRY TALE 

There’s a green oak-tree by the shores
Of the blue bay; on a gold chain,
The cat, learned in the fable stories,
Walks round the tree in ceaseless strain:
Moves to the right – a song it groans,
Moves to the left – it tells a tale.
There’re marvels there: the wood-spite roams,
Midst branches shines the mermaids’ tail;
There are the strangest creatures’ traces
On the mysterious paths and moors;
There stands a hut on hen’s legs, hairless,
Without windows and doors;
There visions fill a vale and forest;
There, at a dawn, come waves, the coldest,
On the deserted sandy shore,
And thirty knights, in armors shone,
Come out the clear waves in a colon,
And their sea-tutor – them before;
There a brave prince, in a fight, shortest,
Makes to surrender a king, dread;
There, to men’ views, a wizard, worthless,
O’er woods and seas, through clouds, aired,
Carries a worrier on his beard;
A princess pines away in prison,
And a wolf serves her without treason;
A mortar, with a witch in it,
Walks as if having somewhat feet;
There’s King Kashchey, o’er his gold withered;
There’s Russian odour… Russian spirit!
 (A.S.Pushkin “Ruslan and Lyudmila” 1820)
EXT AN ANCIENT RUSSIAN VILLAGE - A YARD – MORNING
A wooden peasant’s house stands on a glade, covered with green grass. There is a fence around the house. A man and a woman put some things on a cart. The man brings a cow and ties it to the cart. A small seven-year-old boy (Nikita [ni’ki:ta]) sits on the cart and holds reins in his hands. The man comes up to him and takes the reins away. 
FATHER
I’m sorry but you’ll have to stay at home with your sister, son!
The man takes the boy and puts him on the ground. The boy is upset. The woman comes up to her son.
MOTHER
Honey, I’ll bring you lollipops and honey-cakes from the fair, I promise!
She kisses the boy.
MOTHER
Obey your sister, honey!
A young girl of twenty (’Masha) comes up to the cart. She carries a woolen shawl.
MASHA
I’ve found it, mother! Here it is.
Mother takes the shawl. The man and the woman get on the cart. The man takes the reins.
FATHER
We’ll be back in four days. God save you, children!
They leave the yard. The cart moves along a road that goes through a field of golden wheat. The children wave their hands. Masha takes Nikita by a hand.
MASHA
Come on, little brother. We have to feed the pigs and chickens.
NIKITA
And then we’ll go to the meadow, shan’t we?
MASHA
Of course we shall!
The girl shuts the gate and the children go to a barn.
EXT TSAR’S PALACE – DAYTIME
Tsar’s palace is situated on a hill in the middle of a town surrounded by a white stone wall. The gold domes of cathedrals sparkle in the sunshine. A lot of carts move along the road that leads to the town. Enormous gate of the town is open. One of the carts belongs to Masha’s parents. They move slowly. They are in a good mood. It is very noisy. The fair is in a full swing.
INT TSAR’S BEDROOM – DAYTIME
The old tsar lies on the bed. He is ill. His three sons stand at the bed. The tsar coughs. The youngest son (Ivan [I’van]) gives him some water in a silver cup. The tsar drinks a bit and lies back.
TSAR
My days are coming to an end, my sons.
1st SON
Don’t say such cruel words, father.
2nd SON
You’re going to reign for many more years.
Tsar chuckles.
TSAR
You are good sons… I am old but my ears still can hear the sounds of the fair.
1st SON
Ivan, close the window!
TSAR
No! No! I like to hear that life goes on and my people are happy. You can find anything you like on the fair but for one thing… The only thing I need.
IVAN
What is it, father? Tell us what it is and we shall go around the world to bring it to you!
TSAR
Even if you could I would never let you go. It is such a dangerous quest!
2nd SON
We never avoid danger!
TSAR
I know, my sons, you are brave and devoted, but never would I send my children to this dark place!
1st SON
But what is this that you need so desperately?
TSAR
One sage told me once a story…
IVAN
What kind of a story?
TSAR
A story about magic apples that can retrieve strength, health and youth.
1st SON
What a wonder!
TSAR
Indeed! These apples belong to the dark magician – Kosh Immortal who lives in a faraway land and guards the apples like his own life!
2nd SON
We shall find these apples and bring them to you or die!
TSAR
No! It is too dangerous!
1st SON
Then let Ivan stay by your side!
The 1st and the 2nd sons laugh. Ivan frowns. The two sons leave.
TSAR
Don’t get upset, my boy. I would never forgive myself if anything bad happened to you.
IVAN
I am a man! I am twenty one already!
TSAR
I know, son. And I know you are more a man than your elder brothers.
IVAN
Then why don’t you bless me and let me go!
Ivan kneels at father’s bed. The tsar puts his hand on Ivan’s head.
TSAR
My boy, I know that your heart is so brave and devoted that if I could get these apples I would get them from you. With my blessing or without.
Ivan gets up.
TSAR
But I beg you to be with me when my last minute comes.
Ivan gives a bow and leaves the room. The tsar shakes his head.
EXT A MEADOW – DAYTIME
The sun shines brightly. The meadow is covered with bright blue cornflowers. Nikita runs about playing with a kite. Masha sits on the grass and makes a wreath of flowers. From time to time she raises her head and looks at the kite. The grass is too high for her to see Nikita. The meadow is surrounded by a thick forest. In the distance a cloud appears. Masha looks at the cloud.
NIKITA
Sister! Sister! Look how high the kite is!
MASHA
Very high!
The girl takes another flower. The cloud approaches and gradually we can see it is a flock of large swans. Masha gets up and goes to a spring. She puts on the wreath on her head. The girl watches the kite that moves to the forest. The girl comes up to the spring, squats, takes a handful of water and starts drinking. Suddenly a gust of wind blows. Masha raises her head and sees an enormous swan at her face. The girl screams and closes her face with her hands. The flock of birds flies close to the ground. Their wings almost touch cornflowers. Masha turns around and looks after the birds. She breathes irregularly. She takes another handful of water and drinks. The girl gets up. She looks at the forest but she can’t see the kite. The girl frowns.
MASHA
Nikita!
There is no reply.
MASHA
Brother! Answer me!
She walks quickly to the forest where she last saw her brother’s kite in the sky.
MASHA
Nikita!
The girl gets nervous. She is frightened. She runs to the forest and suddenly she stops. The girl looks at the ground. She squats and takes the kite from the ground.
MASHA (whispers)
Nikita!
She jumps up and cries out.
MASHA
Nikita!
Suddenly the flock of huge swans flies out of the forest and knocks the girl down onto the ground. The birds go higher and higher carrying away the small boy. Masha raises her head and looks after the birds.
MASHA
No! Brother!
She gets up and runs after the birds that fly away very quickly. The girl runs until the birds fly out of her sight. The girl stops. She closes her mouth with her hand.
MASHA
No! My brother! What do I tell my parents! They’ve kidnapped my brother!
EXT THE PEASANT’S HOUSE – DAYTIME
Masha runs up the porch, opens the door and enters the house.
INT A ROOM – DAYTIME
Masha runs into the room. She walks to and fro. She is shocked. She doesn’t know what to do. She sits down on the bench. Suddenly a voice is heard. It is a house elf, who sits on the stove. He looks like a tiny old man with a knee-length beard.
THE HOUSE ELF
You’ve lost him.
Masha raises her head and looks around.
MASHA
Who is it?
THE HOUSE ELF
Me.
MASHA
Who..?
She sees the house elf and cries out.
MASHA
What are you?
THE HOUSE ELF
How very polite of you! I am your house elf.
MASHA
But…but…You are not real!
THE HOUSE ELF
I am! So what are you going to do now?
MASHA
I… I don’t know! These birds! Where are they from? What do they need? Why did they take my brother?
THE HOUSE ELF
How do I know? Go and ask them!
Masha comes up to the elf. He gets frightened.
MASHA
How come I’ve never seen you before?
THE HOUSE ELF
I didn’t want you to see me.
MASHA
Why are you talking to me now then?
THE HOUSE ELF
I don’t know…I have to go.
He gets up.
MASHA
No! Wait! You know these birds, don’t you?
THE HOUSE ELF
Why do you think so? I know nothing. I’m just a house elf.
MASHA
You’ve come here to help me, haven’t you?
THE HOUSE ELF
I never help anybody!
MASHA
Please, I beg you! Tell me where these birds belong to?
THE HOUSE ELF
If I tell you will you leave me alone?
MASHA
I will!
THE HOUSE ELF
These birds belong to Kosh Immortal.
MASHA
Do you know where he lives?
THE HOUSE ELF
I told you about the birds, now leave me alone!!!!
MASHA
Please! Where does he live?
THE HOUSE ELF
I don’t know! I only know the person who knows it!
MASHA
How can I find the person?
THE HOUSE ELF (proudly)
I am the only one who knows the way!
MASHA
Then you are going with me!
THE HOUSE ELF
No way! No! I never leave houses! No!
Masha grabs the elf and carries him to a bag she is wearing on her belt. The elf tries to resist. He screams and tries to bite Masha’s hand. The girl puts him into the bag.
THE HOUSE ELF
I am indignant! No one has ever treated me like this! You are a nasty girl! I’ll have my revenge!
Masha opens the bag and looks at the elf.
MASHA
Stop shouting! I will let you go when you’ve helped me.
THE HOUSE ELF
Girls can’t be trusted! They always lie!
MASHA
If you don’t stop shouting I’ll give you to pigs!
The house elf shuts his mouth and only grumps quietly. Masha goes to the dinner-table, takes some bread, puts it into a bundle and leaves the house.
EXT YARD – DAYTIME
Masha goes to the gate.
THE HOUSE ELF
You don’t know what you are doing! You are going to kill us both!
MASHA
I must bring back my brother before our parents return from the fair. At least I must try.
The girl closes the gate and goes along the meadow in the direction where the swans have disappeared. 
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
The dark magician is looking at a plate. The plate is magical. An apple rolls around on the edge of the plate. In the middle of the plate the magician can see Masha who walks along the meadow. Kosh Immortal is old, wrinkled and bony. He turns around and looks at Nikita who stands surrounded by swans. The magician smiles with an appalling smile.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Hello, my boy! I hope these nasty birds haven’t scared you!
NIKITA
Who are you? Bring me back home! My sister will get angry!
Kosh laughs and starts coughing.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Your sister! Your beautiful sister is a very nice girl! She won’t get angry. I am afraid you’ll have to stay with me. I need you more than your family does!
NIKITA
My sister is very brave! She will come here and take me home!
Kosh laughs and starts coughing very intensively. He can’t stop. He bents and kneels on the floor.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Don’t say such things anymore! You are killing me!
NIKITA
Yes, she will come and kill you!
Kosh comes up to Nikita.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Do you know who you are talking to? I am Kosh Immortal! No man can kill me!
NIKITA
My sister will! She is very smart!
Kosh screams.
KOSH IMMORTAL
What a stupid boy! I am IMMORTAL! Do you know what it means?
NIKITA
I don’t care! My sister…
Kosh grabs his head and runs to his throne.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Take him away!
Swans attack the boy. Nikita backs and as soon as he gets to a wall a cage falls from the ceiling. The cage closes like an overturned petal and lowers Nikita into a hole in the floor. Kosh Immortal falls into the throne.
KOSH IMMORTAL
It is a torture! I hate children! I must kill him! But his sister…
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Masha walks along a path. 
THE HOUSE ELF
I can’t sit in the bag. Let me out of here!
MASHA
You’ll try to escape.
THE HOUSE ELF
I won’t.
MASHA
Old house elves can’t be trusted. They always lie.
THE HOUSE ELF
You are a nasty girl! I am not old! I’m only three hundred years old! You’ve made me go with you at least let me see the world! 
MASHA
All right.
 She opens the bag and takes the elf out of it. The girl sits him onto her shoulder.
THE HOUSE ELF
You could have taken a horse!
Masha shies away.
MASHA
Don’t shout into my ear! My parents took our horse to the fair.
THE HOUSE ELF
One horse in the house! I should try to find a richer family!
He thinks something over and his face shows he has some kind of a trick on his mind. Suddenly he shouts right into Masha’s ear.
THE HOUSE ELF
HELLO!
Mash gives a start and sweeps the elf away from her shoulder with her hand. The elf falls down right into a puddle. He sits there frowning. He has got wet through. Masha sees him and starts laughing.
THE HOUSE ELF
Why are you laughing, nasty girl!
MASHA
It always happens this way when one does base things! Come on!
She takes the elf out of the puddle, wipes him with her handkerchief. The elf resists.
THE HOUSE ELF
It is humiliating!
MASHA
Do you want to go back to the bag?
THE HOUSE ELF
No!
MASHA
Then sit quietly!
 She puts the elf on her shoulder and goes on. A huge red half-transparent horseman appears in the horizon above the trees. He slowly rides out of sight. The sun shines in the sky.
INT STABLE – DAYTIME
1st and 2nd Tsar’s sons get ready for the quest. Ivan enters the stable.
1st SON
So, you have come to wish us good luck?
IVAN
I am going with you.
2nd SON
Are you kidding? Stay at father’s side where you belong to.
1st SON
We shall have no time to look after you!
2nd SON
Your horse has broken its leg! What are you going to ride – a dog?
They laugh, jump on the horses and ride away. Ivan stands in the stable. Then he goes to the farthest stall where a huge black stallion stands. Ivan opens the door of the stall and leads the horse out of it. The horse looks at Ivan angrily. Ivan takes a saddle and puts it on the horse. The stallion gets furious. Ivan calms him down stroking him. Then he jumps up on the horse and gallops away from the stable.
INT TSAR’S BEDROOM – DAYTIME
The tsar lies in bed, his eyes closed. A servant runs into the room and kneels.
SERVANT
Your Highness! The young prince has taken Furious and ridden away after his brothers!
The tsar laughs quietly.
TSAR
My youngest son knows what to do.
EXT ROAD – DAYTIME
Two princes ride slowly along the road. One of them sees a horseman in the distance.
1st SON
Look there! This horseman has a good horse!
As the horseman approaches the princes recognize him.
2nd SON
It is Ivan! He has stolen Furious! Father is going to kill him!
1st SON
If Kosh Immortal won’t do it first!
They laugh. Ivan stops near the brothers.
2nd SON
I see you found a horse!
IVAN
I am going with you.
1st SON
We can see that! Well, let’s go.
They go on their way.
EXT CROSSROADS – DAYTIME
Masha stands on the crossroads. In front of her there is a huge stone with an inscription. It says:
“If you go to the right – you will lose your horse.
If you go straight – you will get rich.
If you go to the left – you will lose your life”
MASHA
Where do I go from here?
THE HOUSE ELF
How do you think? Use your brains if you have any!
MASHA
To the left?
THE HOUSE ELF (sarcastically)
No, go straight and Kosh Immortal will make you rich!
Masha turns to the left and continues her way.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Nikita sits in the cage and tries to open it. A door of the chamber opens and a huge ugly troll appears. He is accompanied with three black enraged dogs.  The boy is scared. He looks at the troll with his eyes wide open. The troll comes up closely to Nikita.
TROLL
Sit quietly or I’ll throw you to that dogs.
Nikita nods his head. The troll goes to a door, opens it and lets the dogs go. The troll comes up to the boy and gives him some bread and a cup of water. Then the creature sits down comfortably and closes its eyes.
EXT CROSSROADS – EVENING
Three princes stand in front of the stone with the inscription:
“If you go to the right – you will lose your horse.
If you go straight – you will get rich.
If you go to the left – you will lose your life”
1st SON
As I am the eldest son I am to first one to chose! I shall go straight, get rich and buy the apples from Kosh Immortal.
2nd SON
I shall go to the right. Ivan has such a good horse it is a shame if he loses it!
1st SON
 Good luck, fool!
The two princes laugh and ride away. Ivan strokes his horse.
IVAN
It seems to me we are on the right way, my friend.
He turns to the left and rides away.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Masha walks through a forest. As she goes further into the forests the trees lose leaves and look grimmer. The sun sets beyond the trees. The howls of wolves can be heard. Masha gives a start.
THE HOUSE ELF
Let us go home…
MASHA
Don’t be afraid. They are far away.
The howls get louder.
THE HOUSE ELF
Far away?!!!
MASHA (not so confident)
Yes, they must be…
The girl suddenly disappears from our view. She screams falling down a precipice. The girl falls waist-deep into a bog.
MASHA
Oh, boy! Oh, no!
Slowly Masha gets deeper and deeper. She catches a thin dry branch and tries to pull herself out of the bog but the branch gets broken. The girl throws away a fragment of the branch. She looks back and gives a cry. On the top of the hill a pack of wolves stands. They growl. The girl tries to get out of the bog frantically.
THE HOUSE ELF
They are far away! Huh!
The house elf covered with dirt stands on the solid ground.
MASHA
Oh, elf! Help me!
THE HOUSE ELF
Help you? Why? Now I can go home!
The house elf turns around and hides himself in the bushes.
MASHA
No! No, please! Don’t do this to me! Elf! No! What do I do now?
The wolves start to come down from the hill. Masha tries desperately to get out of the bog but in vain. The wolves come closer to the girl. They walk cautiously, showing their teeth. The girl is desperate. She throws a handful of mud into a wolf’s face. The wolves only get angrier. Suddenly a strong branch of a green tree appears in front of the girl’s face. The house elf bents a young birch-tree that grows near the bog. Masha is surprised. She grabs the tree and pulls herself out of the bog just in time as a wolf’s fangs crack close to her feet. The wolf falls into the bog and drowns. The other animals back and growling disappear in the forest. Masha grabs the house elf and kisses him in the cheek.
MASHA
Thank you, dear elf!
The elf pretends to be irritated but he is pleased.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Ivan slowly rides Furious. The prince looks around. A huge black half-transparent horseman rides in the horizon. The sun sets. The forest gets thicker and gloomier as he moves forward. Suddenly he can hear a woman’s cry. Ivan stops. He listens to sounds attentively. It is very quiet in the forest. A dry branch cracks behind the rider. He turns around. There is no one there. Ivan rides to the precipice. He stops and looks down. Ivan can see the bog. Some bubbles appear on the surface of the bog. A strange sound similar to a howl is heard.
IVAN
Come on, Furious! Let’s find another way.
He turns the horse and rides away from the hill into the forest.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – EVENING
Masha gets out of the bog. Kosh sees that in his magic plate. He panics.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No! No! No!
He looks into the plate again.
KOSH IMMORTAL
It is very dangerous! It can destroy my plans!
He goes to his throne, sits down on it and starts to think something over.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Ivan leads the stallion by the reins. The forest is very thick and the prince makes a way by using his sword. He cuts the branches of wild rose but the thorns grab and tear his clothes. The moans and groans can be heard from everywhere. The forest seems to be alive. Finally, Ivan gets through the bush and finds himself on a glade. He sees something frightening and backs. Furious neighs and backs too. In the middle of the clearing there is a grey wolf whose paw is in a trap. The grey wolf is larger than usual. He doesn’t growl. He looks right into Ivan’s eyes. The prince takes his sword and comes closer ready to attack. Suddenly the grey wolf starts speaking in a male voice.
THE GREY WOLF
Hello!
Ivan shies away and falls down onto the ground. The grey wolf sighs.
THE GREY WOLF
As usual…
Ivan jumps up to his feet.
IVAN
You can talk? How can this be?
THE GREY WOLF
Don’t you want to kill me anymore?
Ivan picks up the sword and poses.
THE GREY WOLF
Now I am to tell you:”Don’t kill me, good man. I’ll come in handy for you later.”
Ivan lowers his sword.
THE GREY WOLF
Thank you, good man. Now can you set me free?
Ivan hesitates.
THE GREY WOLF
Come on! You’ll thank me one day!
Ivan comes closer. He doesn’t trust the grey wolf.
IVAN
Try to bite me and I’ll cut you in two with one blow!
THE GREY WOLF (not impressed)
Scary!
Ivan sets the wolf free. The grey wolf starts to roll on the ground.
THE GREY WOLF
Oh, yeah!
He stops and sits up.
THE GREY WOLF
Now, tell me what are you doing here, young man?
IVAN
I’m looking for Kosh Immortal’s castle. I ought to obtain magic apples for my father.
The grey wolf starts laughing Homeric laughter. Ivan frowns.
THE GREY WOLF
Usually they look for fiancées. Listen to me very carefully, good man. By the way, what is your name?
IVAN
Ivan.
THE GREY WOLF
I should have known better. And you are a prince, aren’t you?
IVAN
I am.
The grey wolf sighs.
THE GREY WOLF
All the princes are alike. They think they are special and can fight Kosh Immortal. Listen to me kid, I am old and, as some say, wise. Go home and forget about the apples.
Ivan frowns, takes Furious by the reins and continues his way. The grey wolf follows him.
THE GREY WOLF
Do you know what “immortal” means? It means he can’t be killed!
IVAN
I don’t care! I must find the apples.
THE GREY WOLF
They do not exist.
Ivan stops amazed.
IVAN
What?.. I don’t believe you.
Ivan goes to the forest. The grey wolf sighs.
THE GREY WOLF (to himself)
At least I made an attempt… Wait for me! I’ll try to help you.
And they hide themselves in the thick forest.
EXT FOREST – NIGHT
Masha walks through the forest. She doesn’t feel comfortable at all. An owl hoots in the distance. The house elf sits on the girl’s shoulder and brushes his beard peacefully.
MASHA
Where are we going to?
THE HOUSE ELF
You wanted to find out where Kosh lives, didn’t you?
MASHA
I did, but it is so late now.
THE HOUSE ELF
It is not far from here. But promise me one thing.
MASHA
Anything.
THE HOUSE ELF
I’ll stay in your bag and you won’t tell her that I am with you.
MASHA
Tell who?
THE HOUSE ELF
Promise!
MASHA
All right! All right I promise! But who is she?
THE HOUSE ELF
Baba Yaga.
MASHA
That old witch! No way! I’m not going there! She will eat me! Why didn’t you tell me at once!
THE HOUSE ELF
Do you want to find your brother?
Masha looks very sad.
MASHA
I do, but…
THE HOUSE ELF
There is no other way to find him. Here we are!
The house elf gets into Masha’s bag. In front of a girl a hut on hen’s legs stands.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – NIGHT
Nikita sits in the cage. The ugly troll who guards the boy sleeps leaning to a wall. He snores loudly. The keys from the cage lie on his fat belly. Nikita tries to reach the keys but the troll is too far away. Suddenly the boy can hear a strange noise – some kind of scratching. Nikita looks around and sees a mouse near the cage.
MOUSE
Good boy, can you give some of your bread?
Nikita takes a piece of bread and puts it near the mouse. The mouse starts eating hungrily.
MOUSE
Thank you, little boy. What are you doing here in this cage?
NIKITA
Kosh Immortal has kidnapped me. But I know that my sister is coming after me. She is very brave.
EXT FOREST – NIGHT
Masha stands in front of the hut on hen’s legs.
MASHA
I can’t do that! I’ll find the way myself.
THE HOUSE ELF
Don’t be stupid. She is the only one who knows both how to find and how to kill Kosh.
MASHA
She’s going to eat me alive if I go there!
THE HOUSE ELF
She never eats anybody alive. She likes them well cooked.
MASHA
How come you know so much about her?
THE HOUSE ELF
I’m old and wise. Come on! Your brother is waiting for you!
Masha sighs and comes up to the hut.
MASHA
The hut! Turn your front to me and your back to the forest!
The hut starts turning around slowly. The door opens and an old ugly untidy witch Baba Yaga appears. She smells the air.
BABA YAGA
I am smelling Russian scent! Who is there?
Masha steps forward.
MASHA
It is me, old lady! I’m sorry for bothering you but I need your help.
BABA YAGA
Who are you? Come closer I can’t see you properly. I am too old!
Masha makes another step forward.
BABA YAGA
Closer, closer, my child.
Masha comes up to the hut. Baba Yaga grabs her hair and drags the girl into the hut. Masha screams. The door closes.
EXT FOREST – NIGHT
Ivan sits on the ground near a fire. The grey wolf lies nearby.
IVAN
You told me you know the way to Kosh Immortal’s castle.
The grey wolf yawns.
THE GREY WOLF
I do, but the way is so hard and dangerous that it’s better for you not to go there.
Ivan throws some wood into the fire.
THE GREY WOLF
The castle stands on the rock at the sea. The only way to get there is to climb up the cliff, but to get to the cliff you’ll have to fight with the dragon that guards the path, to get to the path you’ll have to cross a burning moor where no life can exist, to get to the burning moor you’ll have to get over a bottomless abyss. And all the stuff like this.
IVAN
Where are the apples?
THE GREY WOLF
The apples are in the castle.
IVAN
Why is his name Immortal?
THE GREY WOLF
Because he can’t be killed by any known weapon.
IVAN
But he can be killed, can’t he?
THE GREY WOLF
Yes, and you’ll need all your courage to get this weapon.
INT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – NIGHT
Baba Yaga stays at the large pot. She boils a potion. Masha sits on the bench in the corner of the hut.
BABA YAGA
So, Kosh Immortal has kidnapped your brother?
MASHA
He has.
BABA YAGA
And you are looking for him?
MASHA
I am.
BABA YAGA
Why did you come here? Don’t you know I never help humans?
MASHA
I know! I mean I heard about it but he told me…
Baba Yaga rushes to Masha.
BABA YAGA
Who?
MASHA (hesitating)
One…old…wise…man.
BABA YAGA
I see…
She turns around and suddenly she blows some dust on Masha. The girl starts coughing. The house elf sneezes in the bag. Baba Yaga grabs the bag and pulls out the house elf. The house elf resists.
BABA YAGA
Aha! I knew I would see you again!
Masha keeps on coughing.
MASHA
Again? What does it mean again?
BABA YAGA
It is my hose elf. He has run away from me. But now I got you!
EXT FIELD – NIGHT
The 2nd son sits at a fire. He eats bread and drinks milk. Suddenly he hears some kind of a noise behind him. The son turns around but can see nothing. He shrugs his shoulders and keeps on eating. His horse snorts.
2ND SON
Calm down! There is no one here.
A stone hits the son in the head. The son jumps up. 
2ND SON
Who’s that?
Another stone hits him in the chest.
2ND SON
Who are you, coward?
A stone hits him in a knee. The son kneels. He grabs his sword.
2ND SON
Come out and fight if you are a man!
Another stone hits him right in the forehead and the son falls down unconscious.
EXT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – NIGHT
Baba Yaga stands on the porch. Masha stands in front of the hut. Before the girl stands a barrel.
BABA YAGA
Here is a barrel of poppy seed. The old witch Kikimora [ki’kimora] has mixed it with the soil. If you manage to separate poppy seed from soil till sunrise I’ll teach you how to defeat Kosh Immortal. If you don’t…I’ll eat you up!
Laughing Baba Yaga enters her hut.
INT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – NIGHT
Baba Yaga closes the door.
BABA YAGA
Now I’ll have some sleep! Tomorrow I’ll have a nice dinner!
She giggles. The house elf sits in a cage and hatingly looks at Baba Yaga who goes to bed.
EXT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – NIGHT
Masha looks at the barrel desperately. She sits down and starts to separate poppy seed from soil by touch in the darkness.
EXT FOREST – NIGHT
Ivan sits at the fire. The grey wolf sleeps beside him. Ivan is going to have some sleep. He takes his bag and jumps away from it. There is a green snake under the bag. Ivan grabs his sword and attacks the snake. The snake starts speaking with a female voice.
SNAKE
Don’t kill me, Ivan! Don’t deprive my children of their mother! You’d better give me some milk and you’ll see I’ll come in handy one day.
Ivan hesitates. He takes a flask of milk and a large leave. The prince pours some milk into the leave, puts it on the ground and steps back. The snake crawls up to the leave and drinks the milk.
SNAKE
Thank you, Prince Ivan! 
The snake crawls away into the darkness.
EXT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – NIGHT
Masha has done half of the job. As morning comes the sky gets brighter. Masha is nervous. A huge white horseman appears in the horizon. He slowly rides bringing a new day with him. Masha stands up and addresses to him.
MASHA
I beg you, Bright Morning! I beg you, Red Sun! Give me some more time! Don’t wipe the night away!
The white horseman turns around and darkness falls. Masha sits down and continues her work. 
EXT FIELD – MORNING
The 2nd son regains consciousness. He stands up moaning. He looks around. There is nobody in the field. The 2nd son notices he doesn’t have his sword anymore. He sees that there is no bag beside him. He looks at the place where his horse stood the previous evening but there is no horse there.
2ND SON
Thieves! Damn you! They’ve robbed me!
EXT FOREST – MORNING
Ivan sleeps with his head on the saddle. The grey wolf wakes up and yawns. He looks at the rising sun. The grey wolf gets up and stretches himself. He comes up to Ivan and wakes him up.
THE GREY WOLF
Wake up, Prince Ivan. It is time to go.
 Ivan wakes up. He sits up and rubs his eyes.
IVAN
What a long night!
THE GREY WOLF
Indeed! And it is very bizarre. What made Red Sun stay in bed longer than usual?
 EXT HUT ON HEN’S LEGS – MORNING
Baba Yaga appears on the porch. She anticipates victory.
BABA YAGA
Good morning, my child.
The smile disappears from Baba Yaga’s face. The barrel is full of poppy seed and a heap of soil is beside the barrel. Masha stands near the barrel.
MASHA
I have completed your task, Baba Yaga. Now you tell me how I can find my brother.
Baba Yaga screams and runs into the hut. Then she appears again holding a bow and arrows in her hand.
BABA YAGA
You go to the green oak-tree by the shores. On this oak-tree there hangs a box. In this box you’ll find the way to defeat Kosh Immortal. And don’t forget: Kosh Immortal’s death is on the tip of a needle. Take this! You are going to need this. 
Baba Yaga throws the bow and arrows to the girl. The witch is about to enter the hut.
MASHA
Thank you, Baba Yaga. What about the house elf?
BABA YAGA
What about him?
MASHA
I won’t be able to find the oak-tree without him.
Baba Yaga grumps and shuts the door. Then she appears again holding the cage with the house elf. She puts him on the porch.
BABA YAGA
You must come back to me after that!
She enters the hut. Masha opens the cage and takes the house elf.
THE HOUSE ELF
It is all your fault! Now I’ll have to come back here.
MASHA
You won’t have to. You didn’t do it before you won’t do it now!
The girl and the house elf go to the forest.
EXT FIELD – DAYTIME
The 2nd son walks along the field. He is very angry.
2ND SON
These thieves! I am going to find them! And when I find them I’ll have my revenge!
He stumbles over a stone. Angrily the 2nd son kicks the stone away. Then he understands.
2ND SON
The stone on the crossroads! If you go to the right you’ll lose your horse! I have gone to the right! No!
Suddenly he falls down into a pit. It is obviously a trap of some kind.
2ND SON (screams)
NO!!!!
INT A PALACE – DAYTIME
The 1ST Tsar’s son sits at a table that is richly laid. A King sits at the table.
KING
Well, young Prince! Soon we’ll become one family! It is very good news!
The 1st son smiles to the King’s daughter who sits next to the King.
KING
You have deserved my daughter and half of the kingdom.
1ST SON
My father will be happy. And so shall I.
He takes a gold cup.
1ST SON
Long live the King!
All the guests at the table repeat after the 1st son. The 1st son drinks and smiles to the King’s daughter.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Nikita sits in the cage. The mouse runs to the sleeping ugly troll. The mouse stops hesitating.
NIKITA
Go, please! Get me the keys, please!
The mouse climbs up the troll. She carefully takes the keys and runs back to Nikita. The keys jingle. The troll stops snoring, sneezes and starts snoring again. The mouse brings the keys to Nikita.
THE MOUSE
Take the keys, good boy, and run away from here! 
NIKITA
Thank you, little mouse!
He takes the keys, opens the cage and quietly, so that he wouldn’t wake the troll up, walks down the corridor.
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Ivan rides Furious, the grey wolf runs beside him. The forest is gloomy, the trees are naked and their branches look like crooked fingers. The weather gradually gets worse. It starts snowing.
IVAN
Where are we going to?
THE GREY WOLF
To the cave where the magic sword lies.
The longer they go the more snow falls on the ground.
THE GREY WOLF
Be careful! It is the territory of the Lull-cat. If one hears his purr-lullaby he is gone! Try not to make any sounds.
They quietly move on. High above them in the trees the black large Lull-cat creeps up on them. The Lull-cat purrs jumping noiselessly from one tree to another. Ivan’s horse moves more and more slowly. The grey wolf shakes his head and yawns. Ivan rubs his eyes.
IVAN
I am so sleepy.
THE GREY WOLF
We must not stop. It is too dangerous.
But he can hardly make a step. Ivan drops the reins and leans to the stallion’s neck. Suddenly Furious falls down sleeping. Ivan falls down onto the ground but he can’t get up. 
THE GREY WOLF
Don’t sleep!
The grey wolf falls asleep and lies down on the ground feebly. Ivan, the grey wolf and Furious lie on a glade sleeping and snow falls on their bodies. The Lull-cat sits on a branch of a tree. He washes its muzzle with a paw. Then he stretches himself and shows his huge claws. The Lull-cat jumps down onto the ground. His green eyes shine. He comes up to a trunk of a tree and starts sharpen his claws. Purring he comes up to Ivan and is going to bite Ivan’s neck when suddenly the Lull-cat gets hit with something. The Lull-cat somersaults and falls down. Masha stands near Ivan’s body holding a large branch of a tree in her hands. The house elf peeps out of the bag. He is obviously frightened. The Lull-cat gets up, his fur stands on end. He hisses and is going to throw himself on the girl. 
MASHA
Get out of here, dirty beast!
She throws away the branch and takes her bow and an arrow. She aims at the Lull-cat. The Lull-cat backs and hides himself in the forest.
THE HOUSE ELF
Is he gone?
MASHA
He is.
The house elf gets out of the bag proudly. He shouts after the Lull-cat.
THE HOUSE ELF
Huh! And don’t come back here! Or I’ll tear out all your whiskers!
The grey wolf gets up shakily. The house elf sees the grey wolf, screams and hides himself in Masha’s bag. Masha turns around and aims her bow at the grey wolf. Ivan wakes up and gets up rubbing his eyes. He sees Masha.
IVAN
What happened?
Furious gets up from the ground.
THE GREY WOLF
It was the Lull-cat.
IVAN
Who are you, nice girl? What are you doing here?
The grey wolf makes a step towards Masha. She is tense.
MASHA
Don’t you move!
IVAN
We haven’t done anything wrong. Put down your bow and tell me what happened to us.
Masha lowers her weapon a bit.
MASHA
You were sleeping and a huge black cat was going to hurt you. I shooed him away.
THE GREY WOLF
Great! I was rescued by a girl! What a shame!
MASHA (to Ivan)
Is it your wolf? How come he can speak?
IVAN
I wish I knew…
MASHA
Who are you? Where are you going to?
Ivan gives a bow.
IVAN
I am Prince Ivan. I am going to Kosh Immortal to get magic apples. And who are you, beautiful girl?
MASHA
I am Masha. Kosh Immortal has kidnapped my younger brother and I am looking for him.
IVAN
Our roads go together. We may help each other.
MASHA
Yes. We may.
THE GREY WOLF
It is a bad idea!
The house elf speaks out of the bag.
THE HOUSE ELF
I absolutely agree with the beast!
THE GREY WOLF
Who called me a beast?
IVAN
Who is it?
MASHA
It is my house elf.
THE GREY WOLF
Why isn’t he at home then?
MASHA
He helps me to find the road to Kosh Immortal’s castle.
The house elf gets out of the bag.
THE HOUSE ELF
I don’t think we should join this strange company! I don’t want to be eaten by a wolf at night!
THE GREY WOLF
Girls only bring troubles. 
MASHA
But for me you would have already been in the cat’s stomach! 
IVAN (insulted)
We wouldn’t have! We had a plan and you’ve ruined it.
MASHA
Next time when you are in trouble I’ll just pass you by. We are not going to join you! Come on, elf!
She turns around and goes to the forest.
IVAN
We shouldn’t have hurt her. She won’t be able to rescue her brother.
THE GREY WOLF
Forget about her. We have no time to look after her. Think about your father. Come on! 
They go into the forest.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Nikita walks down a dark gloomy corridor. The walls are decorated with horrible statues and busts of horrible creature. The boy is frightened. He suddenly hears Kosh Immortal’s scream in the distance.
KOSH IMMORTAL
He’s escaped! Find him, you, idiot!
Nikita starts running down the corridor. In the distance he can hear barking of dogs. The boy runs downstairs. At the end of the corridor he can see the troll who is accompanied by three horrible huge dogs with burning red eyes. Nikita runs away. He can see a door at the end of a corridor. The sounds of the chase get louder. The boy runs to the door opens it and screams. The door opens into an abyss. Down there waves of an ocean roar. The boy hangs on the door’s handle.
NIKITA
Help!
A huge ugly troll’s hand grabs him and drags back into the castle. The troll takes the boy and carries him back to the cage. The dogs jump trying to bite the boy. Suddenly they get frightened. Kosh Immortal appears. He comes up to Nikita.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Did you really think it is so easy to get out of here?
He laughs.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Stupid boy! Put him back into the cage.
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Everything is covered with snow. Masha walks with the house elf on her shoulder. A bit behind her Ivan rides his horse. The grey wolf runs beside the prince. Masha looks back over her shoulder.
IVAN
Don’t be afraid! We are not following you. We just go in the same direction.
MASHA
I am not afraid!
They walk in silence. There are fewer and fewer trees around them.
IVAN (whispers to the grey wolf)
I thought it is the way to the magic sword.
THE GREY WOLF
It is.
IVAN
Why is she going there too?
THE GREY WOLF
I don’t know. Ask her if you like.
Ivan hesitates.
THE HOUSE ELF (whispers to Masha)
I’m afraid they are following us. They don’t know where to go.
MASHA
Let them go.
IVAN
How do you know you are going the right way?
MASHA
I was told where to go.
IVAN
By whom?
MASHA
It is none of your business.
They walk in silence. Now they walk in the open.
IVAN
We can help each other if we…
He stops talking and listens to something.
MASHA
If what?
IVAN
Hush... Can you hear that?
Everybody listens.
MASHA
What?
IVAN
That!
MASHA
I can’t hear anything.
Suddenly the ground beneath them cracks open. They fall down into a river. They stood on the ice. The ice cracks and floats carrying them down the stream.
EXT FIELD – DAYTIME
The 2nd son gets out of the pit. He is covered with mud and grass. His fingers bleed. He lies down on the ground breathing heavily.
2ND SON
Finally!
He sits up and looks around. High in the sky vultures soar. The 2nd son laughs.
2ND SON
You won’t get me!
He shows them his fist. 
2nd SON
I need my horse!
He gets up. Then it dawns to him.
2ND SON
If I lost my horse, Ivan might have already lost his life!
EXT RIVER – DAYTIME
Ivan climbs out of water onto a large ice floe. The grey wolf is already there. Ivan grabs Masha’s hand and drags her on the ice floe. They got wet through. They shiver. The ice floe carries them down the stream. Furious is on the bank of the river already.
MASHA
It’s so cold. How can we get to the bank? 
Ivan looks at the forest.
MASHA
Where is my house elf? Oh, no! He’s drawn!
THE HOUSE ELF
No, I haven’t!
The house elf sits on the grey wolf’s back.
THE GREY WOLF
Get off my back, you, insect!
THE HOUSE ELF
It can’t be any worse!
MASHA
It can! Waterfall!
She points at the place where water falls down a great precipice.
IVAN
Give me your bow!
Masha gives him the bow and arrows. Ivan ties a rope to an arrow and shoots it into a tree. Then he pulls the rope. The ice floe gets closer to the bank. As soon as they get close enough Ivan shouts.
IVAN
Hurry up! Jump!
They grey wolf and Masha jump on the bank of the river just in time as the ice floe breaks in two and Ivan falls into water again. He holds the rope in his hands. Masha helps him to get on the bank. They sit on the snow breathing heavily. 
IVAN
We must make a fire to get warm.
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Masha sits at a fire. Ivan takes off the saddle from Furious’s back. He opens his bag and takes a large warm cloak out of it. 
IVAN
It is dry.
He comes up to Masha and covers her with the cloak. The grey wolf makes a face.
THE GREY WOLF
I knew it! Girls always cause troubles.
Ivan sits down close to the fire and warms his hands.
MASHA
Thank you for saving my life.
IVAN
I should have thanked you before.
MASHA
Come here. You’ll catch a cold.
Ivan comes up to the girl and sits down beside her. They sit at the fire wrapped in one cloak. The grey wolf snorts. Something on his back attracts his attention. The house elf sits comfortably covered with the wolf’s fur.
THE GREY WOLF
Great!
INT TSAR’S BEDROOM – DAYTIME
The Tsar looks through the window.
TSAR
I shouldn’t have let them go!
He goes to his bed. He is very sad.
EXT FAIR – DAYTIME
A lot of people walk around. They are happy. Musicians play merry music. Children watch theatrical performances. Masha’s parents sell crops.
MOTHER
How are our children?
FATHER
They are fine, I am sure!
MOTHER
My heart is not calm.
FATHER
Don’t worry. I am sure they are baking bread or feeding chickens or playing in the yard. They are very obedient children. They are safe and sound.
MOTHER
They are. And Masha is so sensible.
EXT WATERFALL – DAYTIME
Ivan, Masha, the grey wolf and Furious stand at the waterfall.
IVAN
Are you sure it is here?
THE GREY WOLF
I know that.
MASHA
Are you sure we have to go there?
THE GREY WOLF
If you want to defeat Kosh Immortal you’ll have to.
IVAN
You can stay here.
MASHA
No, I am coming with you.
They go to the waterfall and hide themselves behind the falling streams.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME.
Kosh looks at his magic plate. He is surprised.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Who is this man? What is he doing there?
He jumps up from his throne and walks to and fro.
KOSH IMMORTAL
He can ruin everything!
He hits a gong. A snake creeps up to him.
KOSH IMMORTAL
You’ll make sure the man won’t get out of the cave.
The snake hisses and disappears.
INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan go farther into the cave. It is dark and quiet there. Ivan carries a flashlight.
MASHA
I am scared.
IVAN
You may still go back.
MASHA
No, I’m going with you.
They keep on going. Suddenly a flock of bats fly at them. The bats are large and they attack Masha and Ivan. Masha screams. Ivan grabs the girl’s hand. He waves the torch shooing away the bats. They finally fly away. 
EXT WATERFALL – DAYTIME
The grey wolf, Furious and the house elf are at the waterfall. The grey wolf sits and looks at the waterfall. The house elf searches his own pockets.
THE GREY WOLF
What are you doing?
THE HOUSE ELF
Some useful things.
Why didn’t your go with them?
THE GREY WOLF
It is their task not ours. If they want to defeat the dark magician they must overcome all the difficulties.
THE HOUSE ELF
Masha doesn’t want to defeat anybody. She only needs her brother.
THE GREY WOLF
Do you think Kosh Immortal will give up without a fight?
THE HOUSE ELF
We have some secret weapon so we don’t need your help.
THE GREY WOLF
Why are you here then?
THE HOUSE ELF
Helping you.
The grey wolf laughs.
THE GREY WOLF
We don’t need any help from such an insect like you are!
A flock of bats fly out of the waterfall. The grey wolf shies away. The house elf laughs. 
INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan walk gingerly deeper into the cave. Ivan has a sword and Masha has a bow at the ready. The walls of the cave are covered with spider’s web. Ivan lights the way with a flashlight. A deafening scream is heard. Ivan and Masha give a start. They turn around.
MASHA
What is it?
IVAN
I don’t know. Don’t fall behind.
They keep on moving. The scream is heard again. It sounds louder than before. At the same moment Masha’s foot steps on a stone and floor underneath the girl disappears and Mash falls down. Her scream merges into the other one. Ivan keeps on going.
IVAN
We are coming closer to this creature. Give me your hand.
There is no reply.
IVAN
Masha…
He looks back but he can’t see the girl.
IVAN
Masha! Where are you? Masha!
He walks back to find Masha’s bow on the ground.
INT CHAMBER – DAYTIME
Masha falls down on the solid ground. She shakes her head and looks around. Her eyes widen with fear. She screams.
INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Ivan can hear Masha’s scream.
IVAN
Masha!
Another scream is heard. It comes from the underground. Ivan kneels and tries to find the way down. Masha screams again.
INT CHAMBER – DAYTIME
Masha leans to a wall desperately. A huge black horse with horrible fangs and sharpened hoofs throws itself at the girl. The horse is chained. There are skeletons and bones under its hoofs. The horse is obviously carnivorous. Her hoofs are covered with blood. The creature guards a pass. Masha tries to escape the horse’s hoofs. The horse stands on its back legs. One of her front hoof hits the wall right next to Masha’s face and tears off a piece of the wall. A piece of stone hits Masha’s cheek and it starts bleeding. The girl screams.
 INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Ivan looks for the way down desperately. He grabs his sword and starts hitting the ground.
IVAN
Now! Open up!  
EXT WATERFALL – DAYTIME
The grey wolf rolls in the snow. The house elf boils something in a pot on fire.
THE GREY WOLF
What is it you are making?
THE HOUSE ELF
Potion for strength.
The grey wolf comes up to the fire and smells the boiling potion. The house elf hits him slightly on the nose with a spoon. The grey wolf sneezes.
THE GREY WOLF
They might be needing it now. Especially if they’ve already met the horse.
 INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Ivan hits the ground with the sword, the stones sparkle. He steps on the stone and falls down underground.
INT CHAMBER – DAYTIME
Ivan falls down onto the ground in front of Masha. He looks up and sees Masha’s bleeding face.
IVAN
What..?
The horrible deafening scream cuts the air. Ivan looks back and sees the horse.
IVAN
Good God!
He jumps up holding his sword. He picks up his torch. The prince covers Masha with himself. In one hand he holds the flashlight in the other the sword. The horse is furious. Ivan starts fighting it with both the sword and the flashlight. The horse backs opening the pass. Ivan pushes Masha to the pass slightly.
IVAN
Go! Go!
The horse jumps up and Ivan cuts its knee with the sword. The horse neighs and backs opening the pass. Masha and Ivan run into the opening leaving the huge horse behind. Masha falls down. She is shaking. Ivan helps her to get up.
IVAN
Are you all right?
Masha nods silently. She is obviously not all right. Ivan takes a handkerchief and wipes blood from Masha’s cheek.
IVAN
Come on. We have to go.
They move on.
EXT WATERFALL – DAYTIME
The grey wolf and the house elf lie on the ground. They play dice and drink the poition.
THE HOUSE ELF
You are cheating!
THE GREY WOLF
I’m not!
THE HOUSE ELF
You are! I saw it! 
INT CAVE – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan walk cautiously down the pass. 
MASHA
It is so hot here!
IVAN
Indeed! And it is very weird!
Form behind a light appears. As it moves closer it gets brighter. Neither the prince nor the girl can see it.
IVAN
What is this sound?
MASHA
I don’t know.
Ivan looks back over his shoulder. The thing he sees frightens him. He grabs Masha’s hand.
IVAN
Run!!!
Masha looks back and sees a huge burning globe that rolls towards them covering the whole pass. Masha screams. They run like hell but the globe gets closer. Ivan stops abruptly. Masha runs mechanically. Something that is in front of her makes her stop abruptly and she falls down. Ivan holds her hand firmly. In front of them there is an abyss. Over the abyss hangs a shaky bridge. Down there a lava-river flows. Ivan looks back and sees the approaching burning globe. 
IVAN
Come on!
MASHA
No way! The bridge is too old!
IVAN
Come on!
They run on the bridge. Hardly have they reached the middle of the bridge the globe reaches the edge and falls down into the lava-river ruining the bridge. Ivan and Masha hang on the ropes of the bridge. Ivan climbs up holding Masha by the hand. The girl screams. He gets to the edge of the abyss and crawls onto the ground. He helps the girl to climb up to him. They sit on the edge of the abyss and look down.
MASHA
How do we come back now?
IVAN
I don’t know. Come on! Let’s go!
He helps Masha to get up and they go into another pass in the rock. 
INT CHAMBER – DAYTIME
Ivan and Masha enter a chamber. Behind them a huge rock moves closing the way out. Masha rushes to the rock.
MASHA
There is no way out!
IVAN
Look here!
Masha turns around and sees the magic sword that hangs on the wall. The sword is covered with spider’s web and dust but jewels on the handle sparkle in the light. At the sword a skeleton lies. Its hand stretches to the sword.
MASHA
What killed him?
IVAN
I don’t know.
He is going to come up to the sword then suddenly a huge stone underneath the sword starts moving. We can see it is an enormous snake. Masha screams, Ivan shies away. The snake raises its ugly head and hisses. It moves slowly towards Ivan. Masha shoots an arrow but the arrow doesn’t penetrate the snake’s skin. It seems to be armored. Ivan hits the snake with his sword and the weapon falls apart. Masha and Ivan lean to the wall.
MASHA
It’s over.
Ivan takes her by the hand. Then between them and the snake appears the green snake Ivan saw in the forest.
THE SNAKE
Don’t touch them, Snake King!
SNAKE KING
Why shouldn’t I?
THE SNAKE
This man took pity in me and fed me with milk. Let them go.
SNAKE KING
Kosh Immortal ordered to kill them.
THE SNAKE 
The dark magician is not your master. You don’t have to obey him. Remember, he killed your brother!
SNAKE KING
Yes, he did. I obey you, my Queen.
The snake king crawls into a pass in a wall.
THE SNAKE
Take the magic sword, Prince Ivan. You deserve it.
Ivan comes up to the wall and takes the magic sword. The wall opens up and a way out appears. Ivan takes Masha’s hand and they leave the cave.
EXT WATERFALL – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan appear out of an opening in the cliff right next to the waterfall. The grey wolf and the house elf jump up from the ground and look at the couple.
THE GREY WOLF
What took you so long?
THE HOUSE ELF
Have you found the magic sword?
IVAN (sarcastically)
They are glad to see us alive as far as I can see.
Masha smiles, comes up to the waterfall and drinks water. Ivan sits down on the ground. He is exhausted. Masha pours some water into a flask. 
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Kosh looks at the magic plate. He can see Masha and Ivan walking in the forest. Masha rides Furious. Ivan walks beside her.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No! Urgh!
He jumps up and runs about the hall.
KOSH IMMORTAL
The dragon won’t let them pass!
He falls back on the throne feebly. His hands shake.
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan sit at a fire. Masha gets up.
IVAN
What is wrong?
MASHA
I don’t know. Somebody seems to be crying.
IVAN
I can’t hear anything.
MASHA
I’ll be right back.
IVAN
Be careful.
The girl goes into the forest.
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Masha walks through the thick forest covered with snow. The sound of moaning and crying is obviously heard. As she comes closer she finds a pit in which a small bear cub sits. He must have fallen down there and he can’t get out. 
MASHA
Oh! Poor thing!
She jumps down into the pit. The bear cub is frightened. Masha comes up to him carefully, strokes him and picks him up. She helps him to get out of the pit and then climbs out of it herself. As soon as she reaches the surface she gets up, turns around and freezes. Right next to her stands a huge bear. Masha looks up in awe.
THE BEAR
Thank you, nice girl, for saving my child. The time will come when I’ll come in handy.
The bears go away into the forest. Masha breathes out with relief.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Nikita sits in the cage at a small window. A small sparrow sits down on the window-sill. Nikita puts some bread crumbs on his hand and hand it to the bird. The small bird jumps onto Nikita’s hand and starts pecking.
NIKITA (whispers)
Find my sister, little sparrow. Tell her I am alive and I am waiting for her.
The sparrow listens to the boy and flies away into high blue sky. Nikita looks after the bird.
EXT A BOTTOMLESS ABYSS – DAYTIME
Masha and Ivan stand on the edge of the abyss. One cannot see the other edge of it.
IVAN
We are not gonna make it.
Masha sits down on the ground and starts crying. Ivan comforts her. A small point approaches them steadily. As it comes closer one can tell the sparrow. It flies up to Masha sits down on her knee. The bird hops and sings. The girl looks at the bird. The later flies up and flies over the bottomless abyss. Masha gets up and wipes the tears away.
MASHA
We must try. My brother needs my help. He is waiting for me.
And the girl makes a step right into the abyss. Ivan rushes to her. He wants to grab her hand but it is too late. But the girl doesn’t fall down. She seems to hang in the air.
IVAN
It is not real! The abyss is not real! I can’t believe it!
THE GREY WOLF
It is a test on determination.
They all cross the bottomless abyss.
EXT CROSSROADS – DAYTIME
The 2nd brother comes up to the stone with the inscription:
“If you go to the right – you will lose your horse.
If you go straight – you will get rich.
If you go to the left – you will lose your life”
He looks very bad. His clothing is torn. He has no shoes on. His feet are dirty and injured. He glares at the stone.
2ND SON
Lose my horse?! Lose my horse?! I’ve lost everything, damn you!
The 2nd son kicks the stone, screams from pain and jumps on one foot.
EXT PALACE YARD – DAYTIME
The 1st son walks around the palace yard. He is luxuriously dressed. He is satisfied with his life.
1ST SON (to himself)
I wonder where this Ivan-fool is?
EXT BURNING MOOR – DAYTIME
Furious doesn’t want to go to the burning moor. Ivan pulls him by the reins but the horse neighs and resists.
THE GREY WOLF
Leave it alone. Let’s go.
IVAN
I can’t go without a horse!
THE GREY WOLF
You are not going to need it. Leave it here. It will be waiting for you.
Ivan lets go the reins. He comes up to the stallion and strokes its muzzle.
IVAN
Wait here. Nothing can hurt you here. I’ll be back.
Ivan, Masha, the grey wolf and the house elf cross the burning moor. They walk gingerly. The moor burns and boils. Suddenly something moves in the distance. Masha looks back.
MASHA
What can live in such a place?
THE GREY WOLF
Only one creature…
THE HOUSE ELF
What creature?
THE GREY WOLF
This one!
The ground under their feet moves and rises. They jump away. The burning ground rises higher and turns into an enormous burning worm.
MASHA
Oh no!
She backs and falls down. Ivan takes out his magic sword out of the sheath. The grey wolf jumps to Masha and pushes her away from the worm. The house elf hides himself in Masha’s bag.
THE HOUSE ELF
What am I doing here????!!!
The burning worm throws itself at Ivan. Ivan fights with it. Masha takes her bow and shoots at the worm’s head.
THE GREY WOLF
It’s useless!
The arrow hits the worm and burns up. The worm turns its head and attacks Masha. The girl backs, but the worm’s body blocks the way. The worm takes the heroes into a ring and this ring gets smaller. Ivan hits the worm, drops the sword, and falls down. The worm opens its horrible jaws and is going to swallow the prince when Masha pours some water out of her flask right into the worm’s eye. The creature squeals. The house elf closes his ears with his hands. Ivan grabs his magic sword and cuts off the worm’s head. The worm falls into the burning moor. Everything gets quiet. The heroes stand breathing irregularly. They are stained with soot. The house elf opens his eyes and ears. He peeps out of the bag.
THE HOUSE ELF
We did it?
THE GREY WOLF (sarcastically)
Yes, WE did it! 
And the house elf faints.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
The heroes walk through a forest.
IVAN
We should stop and have some rest. It is dangerous to go at night.
MASHA
I am a bit hungry.
IVAN
Make a fire. I’ll go and look for some game.
He walks into the forest. The grey wolf lies down and licks his fur. Masha makes a fire.
THE HOUSE ELF
Why don’t you go with him?
THE GREY WOLF
I’m looking after you.
THE HOUSE ELF
We can take care for ourselves.
MASHA
Stop arguing! Why can’t you live peacefully?
THE HOUSE ELF
I don’t trust wild beasts.
MASHA
The wood is wet. The fire won’t burn.
The house elf comes up to the wood, clicks with his fingers and fire starts burning.
MASHA
Oh! Thank you, elf.
The house elf snorts and goes to the forest.
MASHA
Where are you going?
THE HOUSE ELF
For a walk. I’m tired of wolf’s scent.
The grey wolf shows him the tongue.
MASHA
Be careful.
The house elf hides himself in the forest.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Ivan walks between the trees with the bow at the ready. He sees a falcon on a tree. The prince takes an arrow and aims at the bird. The bird speaks.
THE FALCON
Don’t kill me, Prince Ivan. I’ll come in handy one day.
Ivan hesitates but lowers his bow.
THE FALCON
Thank you, young prince. Go further and you’ll find something to eat.
Ivan goes further and sees an apple-tree covered with fruit. The apple-tree speaks.
THE APPLE-TREE
Help me, good man. My branches are about to break because of the fruit. 
Ivan comes up to the apple-tree and shakes its trunk. The fruit falls from the branches and they rise.
THE APPLE-TREE
Oh! What a relief! Thank you, good man. Take some of my apples and they’ll satiate your hunger for many hours.
IVAN
Thank you, the tree.
He takes some apples.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
The house elf walks grumping. He doesn’t look around. Behind him a large hungry fox creeps. It is going to attack the house elf. As it is ready to jump sharp teeth grabs the elf’s collar and the fox jumps onto an empty place. The grey wolf stands holding the house elf in his jaws.
THE FOX
It is my prey! Give it to me!
The grey wolf shakes its head. The fox shows its teeth.
THE FOX
He is mine!
The grey wolf shakes his head.
THE FOX
Give him to me!
The grey wolf spit the house elf out.
THE GREY WOLF
You are not going to get him.
The fox attacks the grey wolf and they start fighting. The house elf climbs up a tree and watches the fight from a branch. Finally the fox runs away.
THE GREY WOLF
You can take care for yourself you say! Huh!
EXT FOREST – DAYTIME
Ivan, Masha, the grey wolf and the house elf get through a thick forest. It rains. The heroes make their way through thorny undergrowth. The undergrowth seems to be alive. It grabs the heroes clothing. A branch catches Masha’s hair. The girl screams and tries to set her hair free. Ivan helps her by cutting the branch with a sword. They get out of the undergrowth and stand staring straight before them.
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME
IVAN
The dragon!
MASHA
The oak-tree!
THE GREY WOLF
Here we go!
THE HOUSE ELF
We are finished!
And he hides himself into the bag. In front of our heroes lies a path that leads to a hill on top of which a huge green oak-tree grows. A silver box on a gold chain hangs on a branch of the tree. An enormous dragon guards the path. The creature raises its huge head and looks at the heroes.
IVAN
It is too easy. What’s the trick?
THE GREY WOLF
You’ll see.
One after another two more heads rise.
IVAN
Got it.
MASHA
The tree!
IVAN
What about it?
MASHA
Kosh Immortal’s death is there in the box!
IVAN
Go and get it! I’ll distract the dragon!
Ivan takes his magic sword. The dragon stands up and spreads its wings. The three heads spit out flame out their mouths. Ivan comes closer to the dragon. Masha follows him. The heads try to bite the heroes. Ivan suddenly attacks the dragon. The heads turn to the prince.
IVAN
Run!
 Masha runs by the dragon. Ivan fights with the creature.
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME 
One of the heads turns after the girl. The dragon’s tail blocks the way. The head tries to bite Masha. The girl does her best to avoid it. 
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME
Ivan fights with the two more heads. The dragon makes him back to the undergrowth. Ivan cuts off one of the head. The dragon squeals deafeningly. Ivan catches his breath and gets startled. Instead of the cut-off one two new heads appear.
THE GREY WOLF
You must find the main head!
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME 
Masha aims an arrow at the dragon’s head but the head spits the flame at Masha. 
IVAN
Wolf! Help her!
The grey wolf runs to the girl. The dragon tail hits the girl. She falls down and doesn’t move. Her belt tears apart and the bag falls down. She raises her head feebly and looks up. The enormous head stares at the girl. It opens the mouth and is about to burn the girl up. She screams. The grey wolf throws himself at the head’s neck and bites it. The head squeals. The dragon shakes the head furiously. 
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME 
Ivan cuts off another head. Two more heads appears. He fights with four heads simultaneously. Ivan backs and the undergrowth catches the prince’s arms. The prince tries to get out of the trap desperately. 
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME 
The other head throws the grey wolf off itself. The grey wolf hits a trunk of a tree, turns over several times, stops and doesn’t move again.
MASHA
Wolf!!! No!!!
She picks up her bow from the ground determinedly. The ugly head turns to the girl. She aims at it and shoots an arrow. It penetrates the head’s eye. The dragon shakes the head. Masha runs to the hill. 
EXT OPENING - DAYTIME 
Ivan does his best to free himself but the undergrowth holds him so very tightly. The five heads are about to burn the prince up. He makes one last attempt and the flame burns the empty bush. Ivan turns around and hits the head with the arrow in the eye. The dragon explodes. Ivan falls down on his knees. Suddenly he sees unmoving wolf.
IVAN
No! Wolf! No!
The prince comes up to the wolf.
EXT HILL – DAYTIME
Masha stands at the oak-tree. She looks up at the silver box.
MASHA
How do I get it?
She tries to climb the tree but the trunk is too smooth and the branches are too high. She tries to hit the box down with her weapon but it won’t work. Suddenly the large bear appears.
THE BEAR
Let me help you, nice girl!
The bear shakes the tree and pushes it down to the ground. The tree falls down.
MASHA
Thank you, good bear.
She kneels at the box and opens it up. Out of the box a duck flies up into the sky.
MASHA
No!
She runs after the flying duck down the hill. She aims at the duck but it flies too high for an arrow to reach it. The falcon appears in the sky. It soars high in the sky and then attacks the duck. The duck falls down, hits the ground and turns into a hare. The hare runs away. Masha grabs another arrow, aims at the hare and shoots. The hare summersaults and disappears. On the ground an egg lies. Masha runs up to the egg and picks it up from the ground. She smiles. The girl finds a stone and hits the egg against it but in vain. The egg won’t break. The girl frowns. She gets up and turns around listening. No sounds can be heard.
MASHA
Ivan!
No reply follows.
MASHA
Ivan! Wolf!
Silence. The girl closes her face with hands.
EXT HILL – DAYTIME
Ivan comes up to the oak tree.
IVAN
Masha!
There is no reply. Ivan sits down on the ground and hides his face in his hands.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Kosh Immortal grabs his magic plate and throws it against the wall.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Too close! They’ve come too close!
He hits the gong and the cage with Nikita appears.
KOSH IMMORTAL
You are right! Your sister is very brave and she is coming after you.
NIKITA
I told you! She’ll bring me back home!
KOSH IMMORTAL
Don’t be so sure, little boy! You may get back home but she won’t!
The dark magician comes up to the boy.
KOSH IMMORTAL
She’ll have to stay with me!
He claps his hands and the cage opens. Nikita falls down on the floor.
KOSH IMMORTAL
If she wants to see you alive, of course!
Kosh Immortal laughs.
EXT CLIFF – DAYTIME
Masha climbs up the high cliff. A strong wind blows. Kosh Immortal’s speech is heard.
KOSH IMMORTAL’S VOICE
She’ll have to marry me. I need her young, devoted, brave, hot heart to get my strength back and rule the world. I must get the heart when it is still beating. You are, my little boy, is just a bait!
Masha gets to the door to Kosh Immortal’s castle. The huge doors open and Masha enters the castle. The doors close.
INT HALL – DAYTIME
Masha enters the hall. Kosh Immortal gets up from his throne and goes towards the girl.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Welcome, nice girl! Masha, if I am not mistaken! You must be hungry! It was such a long way!
The dark magician claps his hands and an opulently laid table appears.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Help yourself!
MASHA
Where is my brother?
KOSH IMMORTAL
Oh! He is such nice a boy!
MASHA
Where is he?
KOSH IMMORTAL
At first we’ll have to talk!
MASHA
Why did you kidnap my brother?
KOSH IMMORTAL
Right to the point! Why? Indeed! Why do I need this little boy? Well, you see, it is not the boy I needed! The point is that I actually don’t need the boy…
Masha seems not to understand the dark magician.
KOSH IMMORTAL
The point is that I need…you!
Masha is startled. Kosh laughs.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Will you marry me, Masha?
MASHA
What???? Never!
KOSH IMMORTAL
You will change your mind soon!
He claps his hands and a wall moves away showing Nikita. A snake wraps around the boy.
MASHA
No! Nikita! Let him go!
KOSH IMMORTAL
Will you marry me?
MASHA
No!
The snake squeezes the boy more tightly. The boy screams.
MASHA
No! Wait! I’ll do it! But only if you let him go!
The dark magician claps his hands and the snake disappears. Masha rushes to her brother and hugs him. Nikita whispers.
NIKITA
Don’t do it, sister! He’s going to kill you to rule the world!
MASHA
Don’t worry, brother! I’ll be all right!
Masha turns to Kosh Immortal.
MASHA
Bring him back home! Now!
KOSH IMMORTAL
As you wish, my queen! But at first, you’ll give me the egg! Yes, I know everything, naughty girl!
Masha hesitates. Then she takes the egg out of her bag and hands it to the dark magician.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Now!
He claps his hands and a flock of swans appears. 
KOSH IMMORTAL
Take this boy back home.
They grab the boy. The dark magician addresses a swan.
KOSH IMMORTAL
You, take this back where it belongs.
He gives the egg to the swan. The swans fly up.
NIKITA
No! Sister!
The birds fly away.
EXT HILL – DAYTIME
Ivan sits on the oak-tree trunk. The house elf comes up to him.
THE HOUSE ELF
Alive?
Ivan raises his head.
IVAN
The house elf! Where have you been all this time?
THE HOUSE ELF
In my bag! Where else could I be? Everybody has forgotten about me! I’m indignant! By the way, where are they? Where is this beast?
Ivan shakes his head wordlessly.
THE HOUSE ELF
He…perished?
IVAN
He did.
The house elf sits down on the ground.
THE HOUSE ELF
Where is Masha?
IVAN
I’ve lost her trace.
THE HOUSE ELF
But she didn’t..? I mean, she is alive, isn’t she?
Ivan shrugs his shoulders. The house elf jumps up.
THE HOUSE ELF
We have to find her!
IVAN
I don’t know what to do now. I’m lost.
They sit in silence.
EXT FAIR – DAYTIME
Masha’s parents sell the cow.
MOTHER
My heart is not calm! Something has happened to our children. I can feel it!
FATHER
Don’t worry! We’ll go home tomorrow. 
He kisses her in the cheek. 
EXT HILL – DAYTIME
Ivan examines the silver box.
IVAN
It is empty!
The house elf turns around.
THE HOUSE ELF
What?
IVAN
It’s empty.
THE HOUSE ELF
But then… She did it!
IVAN
Who did what?
THE HOUSE ELF
Masha! She found Kosh Immortal’s death! She must have gone to his castle! We must go! Now!
Ivan gets up. He looks at the sky.
IVAN
What is there?
He points at a flock of birds.
THE HOUSE ELF
They are Kosh Immortal’s swans. Why are they here?
IVAN
They are carrying something! Oh! It’s a little boy!
THE HOUSE ELF
Masha’s brother!
Ivan and the house elf hide themselves behind the trunk of the oak-tree. The flock of swans but one bird lands on the hill. The bird that carries Nikita soars in the sky. A swan carries the egg in its beak.
THE HOUSE ELF (whispers)
Kosh Immortal’s death!
Ivan takes his magic sword, attacks the swan and takes the egg. The birds fly up.
THE HOUSE ELF
They are taking the boy away!
The falcon appears. He attacks the swan and the bird drops Nikita down. Ivan runs up to Nikita.
IVAN
Are you all right?
NIKITA
My sister! She is there! Kosh Immortal wants to kill her!
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Masha sits at the richly laid table. Kosh Immortal pours her some wine into a gold cup.
MASHA
Why do you need me?
KOSH IMMORTAL
I am old and weak and I need someone to give all this to.
MASHA
You are Immortal!
KOSH IMMORTAL
Am I? Oh! Yes! I forgot!
He laughs. Masha has an idea. She gets up.
MASHA
Show me my castle, husband!
KOSH IMMORTAL
Your castle?! Husband?! I can see I’ve made the right choice!
He giggles. The dark magician claps his hands and Masha’s clothes changes into luxurious dress decorated with purls and diamonds.
EXT HILL – DAYTIME
Ivan, Nikita and the house elf look at the egg that Ivan holds in his hand.
THE HOUSE ELF
Break it!
Ivan hits the egg against a stone. The egg won’t break.
NIKITA
Hit it harder!
IVAN
I do!
THE HOUSE ELF
Use your sword!
Ivan takes the sword and hits the egg. The egg won’t break.
IVAN
We must go there!
He grabs the house elf and takes Nikita by a hand and go down the hill. 
 INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – A CHAMBER – DAYTIME
Kosh Immortal shows Masha the chamber where he keeps his treasures. The room is full of gold and jewelry.
KOSH IMMORTAL
This is all yours!
Masha walks among the treasures. She takes a handful of gold coins.
KOSH IMMORTAL
It belongs to you!
Masha sees a cane made of amber.
MASHA
I like this thing.
She stretches her hand to touch the cane.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No! Never touch it!
MASHA
Why?
KOSH IMMORTAL
Anyone who touches the cane dies.
Masha is puzzled.
MASHA
You don’t want me to die?
KOSH IMMORTAL
No, I don’t.
MASHA
Why?
Kosh hesitates. The girl stretches her hand to touch the cane.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No! Don’t do it!
MASHA
Why do you need me?
The dark magician doesn’t answer. Masha stretches her hand a little bit closer to the cane.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No! I need you so that I could rule the world!
MASHA
And if I die?
KOSH IMMORTAL
I’ll have to wait another thousand years to find the one!
MASHA
Nikita must have come home already…
KOSH IMMORTAL
Of course! He is safe and sound. He is at home waiting for the parents. Let’s go! Come on! I have so many wonders in my castle. Let me show you them!
Masha smiles and… grabs the cane.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No!!!
Masha falls down dead.
INT KOSH IMMORTAL’S CASTLE – DAYTIME
Ivan, Nikita and the house elf enter the hall. Kosh Immortal sits on his throne.
NIKITA
Where is my sister?
KOSH IMMORTAL
She’s getting ready for our wedding.
Ivan takes his magic sword and the egg. Kosh Immortal is frightened. He jumps up from the throne and approaches Ivan.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Let us make an exchange. I’m giving you the girl – you’re giving me the egg.
Ivan hesitates.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Just imagine her to be my wife…
Ivan throws the egg to the dark magician. The latter catches the egg and smiles.
KOSH IMMORTAL
Here you are!
He clicks his fingers. The wall moves away and the heroes see a crystal coffin that hangs on chains. Masha lies in the coffin.
IVAN
No!
The house elf closes his mouth with a hand. Nikita rushes to the dark magician.
NIKITA
I’ll kill you!
He pushes Kosh Immortal. The dark magician falls down and drops the egg. The egg rolls into a corner of the hall. Ivan takes his magic sword and goes to Kosh Immortal. The little mouse gets out of a burrow. She hits the egg with her tail and the egg breaks.
KOSH IMMORTAL
No!!!!!!!
Ivan looks back at the mouse. There is a needle inside of the egg. The mouse takes the needle and bites off its tip. Kosh Immortal screams and turns into ashes. The walls collapse showing a wonderful tree covered with sparkling magic apples and a spring with two streams of black and blue water. Ivan goes to the crystal coffin. Nikita and the house elf cry. The mouse turns into a beautiful fairy.
FAIRY
Don’t cry, my boy! A devoted loving heart doesn’t die so easily! Look there!
Nikita sees as Ivan opens the lid of the crystal coffin. The prince kisses Masha in her lips and…the girl opens her eyes.
NIKITA
Sister!
He rushes towards his sister. They hug each other. Ivan helps Masha to get out of the coffin. The fairy joins them.
FAIRY
You have fulfilled your tasks. Ivan, take the magic apples. You father needs them badly. Masha, pour some water in you flasks. The black one is dead water – it can cure wounds. The blue one is live water – it can retrieve life. Go home! Your beloved ones are waiting for you!
The heroes take each other’s hands and leave the castle.
EXT HILL – EVENING
The oak-tree lies on the ground. The heroes come up to the tree. The grey wolf limping comes up to the heroes.
MASHA
The grey wolf! You are alive!
Masha and Ivan stroke the animal. The latter is pleased.
THE GREY WOLF
You…did this?
IVAN
Yes, we did.
THE HOUSE ELF
While you were having rest we might have been killed many times!
The house elf can hardly hold back tears. He is so glad to see the grey wolf alive.
EXT TSAR’S BEDROOM – EVENING
The Tsar lies in bed and looks through the window at the sunset. A tear runs down his cheek.
EXT CROSSROADS – EVENING
The 2ND son sleeps leaning to the stone with the inscription. A rider comes up to him. It is the 1st son.
1ST SON
Brother?
The 2nd son wakes up.
2ND SON
Brother?
1ST SON
What’s happened to you? You look like a peasant!
2nd SON
Oh! I’ve lost my horse as the stone predicted. I was robbed. And as far as I can see you got rich.
1ST SON
Oh yes, I did! Now I can buy the magic apples from Kosh Immortal. Will you come with me?
2ND SON
You bet!
They move to the left.
EXT FORMER BURNING MOOR – EVENING
The former burning moor now looks like a green meadow.
MASHA
The burning moor! Amazing!
IVAN
Look! Furious!
The stallion grazes at the meadow. As it hears Ivan’s voice it looks up and gallops to the heroes. Ivan strokes his muzzle. Then the prince takes Nikita and sits him on the horse. Ivan takes Furious by the reigns and the move on.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
The 1st and the 2nd sons walk through the forest. The place doesn’t look dangerous at all.
1st SON
I can’t see why this quest is called dangerous!
2nd SON
Fairy-tales for children!
EXT CROSSROADS – EVENING
The stone with the inscription.
“If you go to the right – you will lose your horse.
If you go straight – you will get rich.
If you go to the left – you will lose your life”
The third line slowly disappears.
EXT GLADE – EVENING
The grey wolf stands in front of Masha and Ivan.
THE GREY WOLF
Well, I have to go now. From this place you may go home without a fear.
IVAN
Are you sure you want to leave?
THE GREY WOLF
The forest is my home. You’ll be safe and sound now. 
Masha hugs the grey wolf’s neck. Ivan strokes his head. The house elf comes up to the grey wolf.
THE HOUSE ELF
Well, I’m glad I met you. And, thank you…
The grey wolf licks the house elf. The house elf grumps wiping his face. The grey wolf runs to the forest. Masha comes up to the fire and sits down. She takes off her belt with two flasks of the magic water and puts it on the ground.
NIKITA
I’ll go and look for some berries.
MASHA
No! Don’t go there alone!
THE HOUSE ELF
I’ll go with him.
IVAN
Be careful! Don’t go too far into the thicket!
They go to the forest. Ivan sits down beside Masha.
IVAN
I am so glad you are all right.
Masha smiles.
IVAN
I mean…That kiss in the castle…It was…
They are about to kiss as two riders come to the glade. Ivan jumps up.
IVAN
Brothers!
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Nikita and the house elf stand at a bush covered with wild raspberry. They eat the berries hungrily. 
THE HOUSE ELF
I wish we had a basket…
NIKITA
Yeah!
EXT GLADE – EVENING
The two princes get down from the horses. Ivan and Masha get up to welcome them.
1ST SON
Well, Ivan! I see you haven’t wasted your time!
IVAN
Neither have you, my brother!
1ST SON
I am the King’s son-in-law!
IVAN
Congratulations!
2ND SON
Who is that beauty?
IVAN
Masha
Masha bows.
IVAN
Kosh Immortal kidnapped her brother and she helped me to defeat him!
2ND SON
What courage!
1ST SON
To defeat Kosh Immortal?
IVAN
Yes! And, brothers, I got the magic apples!
Ivan comes up to his horse, takes the apples out of his bag and shows them to the princes. They are surprised.
1ST SON
You mean to say you have obtained the magic apple and would bring them to our father?
Ivan smiles.
1ST SON
Congratulations, my younger brother! I was wrong. I thought you are still a little boy. Let me give you a hug!
He comes up to Ivan and hugs him. Secretly the 1st son takes a knife and stabs Ivan right in the heart. Masha screams.
EXT FOREST – EVENING
Nikita and the house elf eat the raspberry. Suddenly they hear Masha’s scream.
NIKITA
Sister!
He runs to the glade.
EXT THICKET – EVENING
The grey wolf walks through the thicket. Suddenly he stops and smells the air.
THE GREY WOLF
Something is wrong!
He turns around and runs back.
EXT GLADE – EVENING
Masha is down on her knees at Ivan’s dead body.
2ND SON
What have you done?
The 1st son takes Ivan’s bag with the magic apples and hangs it on his own horse. Masha gets up and takes Ivan’s sword.
MASHA
Murderers! You’ve killed your own brother!
The 1st son hits her brutally and the girl faints.
1ST SON
I’m not going to give our kingdom to this boy. I say, WE are going to rule after the father!
The 2nd son thinks it over and nods smiling.
1ST SON
Take the girl. We are going to need her!
The 2nd son grabs Masha. The prince throws the unconscious girl across the horses back and jumps up the horse. The 1st son sits on the horse and holds Furious’s reigns in the other hand. They leave. As soon as they hide themselves in the forest Nikita runs out of the bush. He sees dead prince. 
NIKITA
Sister!
The grey wolf runs out of the thicket and sees everything.
THE GREY WOLF
Too late!
Nikita cries. The grey wolf howls at the Ivan’s dead body.
EXT TSAR’S PALACE – EVENING
Two princes and Furious ride into the open gate.
INT TSAR’S BEDROOM – EVENING
The Tsar lies in bed. He can hear some noise outside. The servant enters the bedroom and kneels.
SERVANT
Your Highness! Two of your sons have returned!
TSAR
Only two? Who is missing?
SERVANT
Prince Ivan hasn’t come back.
TSAR
He might have fallen behind…
SERVANT
Your Highness, I’m afraid the two princes have brought Furious with them.
The two sons enter the bedroom. The 2nd son kicks the servant.
2ND SON
Get out of here!
They come up to father’s bed and bow.
1ST SON
We have brought the thing you asked, father.
He takes the magic apples out of the bag and gives it to the Tsar.
TSAR
Where is Ivan?
The two sons make sad faces.
2ND SON
We are very sorry, but our younger brother was treacherously murdered.
Tsar closes his eyes.
TSAR
By whom?
The 1st son rushes to the door and shouts out.
1ST SON
Bring it here. 
Two guardsmen pull Masha into the bedroom and throw her on the floor. The girl is frightened. She can see the Tsar and kneels before him.
1ST SON
This witch put a spell on our brother, robbed him and murdered him basely!
MASHA
It is not true!
The 2nd son slaps her in the face. Masha’s mouth bleeds.
MASHA
You killed him!
The 1st son grabs the girl’s neck and strangles her a bit.
1ST SON
Can’t you see, father? She is slandering in front of her Tsar.
He frees the girl.
1ST SON
She is a witch! She killed your son! Our brother! She deserves punishment!
TSAR
She does. She will die tomorrow morning! Take her away!
MASHA
No! You must believe me!
The guardsmen grab the girl and take her away.
INT PRISON – NIGHT
The guardsmen pull Masha along the corridor. They stop at a door. One of them opens the door and pushes Masha into a cell. The girl falls down on the floor.
EXT FAIR – MORNING
 Masha’s parents get ready to go home. They get on the cart when a man comes up to them.
MAN
Have you heard? A witch killed the youngest prince!
FATHER
So it is true! I heard some people talking about it yesterday evening but I thought it’s just a tale.
MAN
It is true. They are executing her today on the river. She is going to be drowned!
Masha’s mother crosses herself.
MAN
She deserves that! Are you going to see the execution?
MOTHER
No! We are going home to our children.
MAN
Well, I am going to the river.
He bows and leaves.
EXT GLADE – MORNING
 The grey wolf, the house elf and Nikita gather around an open grave where Ivan’s body lies. The house elf picks up the belt with two flasks on it and throws it into the grave.
THE GREY WOLF
Where did you take it?
THE HOUSE ELF
It was lying there at the fire.
THE GREY WOLF
What? Go down and take it now!
THE HOUSE ELF
I am not going into the grave!
THE GREY WOLF
Go down and get it! It’s magic water!
Nikita jumps down into the grave and hands the flasks to the grey wolf.
THE GREY WOLF
No! No! Open the flasks! Pour some dead water on the wound and some live water in his mouth! Don’t confuse them!
Nikita opens one of the flasks and looks into it.
NIKITA
It’s blue!
THE GREY WOLF
Take the other one!
Nikita opens the other flasks.
THE GREY WOLF
Pour the water on the wound!
Nikita does so. The wound disappears. There is only bloodstain on Ivan’s shirt.
THE GREY WOLF
Give him some live water to drink.
Nikita does so and Ivan opens his eyes and starts coughing. The grey wolf starts jumping around.
THE GREY WOLF
He is alive!!!!
The house elf and Nikita jump for joy. Ivan looks at them without understanding but then he remembers.
IVAN
My brothers! I can’t believe it!
He gets out of the grave and helps Nikita to get out of it. The prince looks around.
IVAN
Where is Masha?
NIKITA
They took her with them.
THE HOUSE ELF
I bet they are up to no good!
EXT RIVER-BANK – MORNING
A crowd of people gathers at the bank of the river. A cart pulled by an ox slowly moves between them. On the cart Masha sits. She is tied with a rope. People look at her in a hostile way. Some of them cross themselves, others spit in her direction.
OLD WOMAN
Witch! Damn you!
The cart moves to the river-bank. There two princes sit on their horses and watch the process. As the cart stops an executioner grabs Masha, pulls her out of the cart and drags to the precipice.
EXT ROAD ALONG THE RIVER – MORNING
Masha’s parents ride along the road.
MOTHER
What is there? So many people…
FATHER
The execution, I believe.
Masha’s mother crosses herself.
MOTHER
Hurry up!
FATHER
Wait here. I want to have a look.
MOTHER
Look at what? As they execute a woman?
FATHER
She is a murderer! It is only fair.
He gets out of the cart.
FATHER
Stay in the cart.
And he goes to the bank.
EXT ROAD – MORNING
A man rides a horse. Suddenly out of the forest the grey wolf appears and blocks the way. The man screams and stops. The horse neighs. Ivan and Nikita run up to the man.
IVAN
Where are you coming from, good man?
MAN
From the town.
IVAN
I want to buy your horse. How much is it?
MAN
Five gold coins.
Ivan gives him a handful of gold coins and sits Nikita on the horse. The man is amazed, he looks at the coins.
MAN
You are in such a hurry to see the execution of a witch?
IVAN
What witch?
MAN
The one who killed the youngest prince. She…
Ivan gallops to the town. The man shrugs his shoulders, puts the coins into the pocket and continues his way.
EXT RIVER-BANK – MORNING
Masha stands on the precipice with her ankles and hands tied. The girl shakes, she is horrified. The Tsar’s sons watch it.
1ST SON (addresses the people)
This woman is a witch! She killed our brother! She deserves the harshest punishment ever! But you are our people. You tell us what to do!
CHORUS
Death!! Death to the witch!
Masha’s father makes his way through the crowd. His wife catches up with him.
MOTHER
I am not going stay in the cart alone.
They come closer to see the execution and freeze shocked. They can see their own daughter is being prepared for the execution.
MOTHER (whispers)
Masha!
The woman is on the edge of hysterics. She tries to scream.
MOTHER
My daughter!
Masha’s father closes his wife’s mouth with a hand.
FATHER
Hush!
He looks at Masha. He is about to cry.
FATHER (whispers)
How? My little girl!
1ST SON (addresses to Masha)
You saw everything yourself! The people know better! So it would be!
The executioner ties a black bandage on the girl’s eyes.
EXT GATE – MORNING
Ivan gallops to the gate. A guardsman sees the “dead” prince, shies away and falls down. Ivan gallops through the town. 
EXT TSAR’S PALACE – MORNING
Ivan rides up to the porch. The servants, who see the prince cross themselves and run away. Ivan runs upstairs into the palace.
INT TSAR’S BEDROOM – MORNING
The Tsar is very weak. He lies in bed. His devoted servant is beside the bed. Ivan rushes into the room. The servant shies away and hides himself in the corner.
IVAN
Father!
The Tsar opens his eyes and sees Ivan.
TSAR
My son! You’ve come to take me with you! I am ready to meet death!
IVAN
Father! I’m alive!
TSAR
Alive? How can this be? This girl killed you!
IVAN
She did not! My brothers tried to. Where is she?
TSAR
Your brothers?
IVAN
Where is the girl?
TSAR
She? Oh, no! They are going to execute her.
IVAN
No! Where?
TSAR
I…I don’t know.
The servant crawls out of the corner.
SERVANT
On the river. They are going to drown her.
Ivan rushes out of the room.
EXT TSAR’S PALACE – MORNING
The grey wolf, Nikita and the house elf stand at the porch. Ivan runs out of the doors.
IVAN
To the river! Hurry up!
And he runs to the stable.
EXT RIVER-BANK – MORNING
The executioner leads Masha to the precipice. Masha’s parents look at this without believing their eyes. The executioner pulls the girl down and she falls into the river. Masha’s mother faints.
EXT STABLE – MORNING
Ivan appears riding Furious. He gallops out of the yard.
EXT RIVER – MORNING
Masha goes down into the water. She tries to free herself from the ropes but in vain. 
EXT RIVER-BANK - MORNING
The 1st son rides up to the crowd.
1ST SON
You saw the murderer was brought to justice! Let it always be so as we are…
He stops and coughs. Ivan gallops through the crowd. The people shy away crossing themselves. 
2ND SON
Not good! It is not good at all!
Ivan rides up to the brothers holding his magic sword in the hand.
1ST SON
Devil! Devil himself!
IVAN
Where is she?
Nikita runs to the edge of the precipice.
NIKITA
Sister!
Masha’s mother regains consciousness and sees her son.
MOTHER
Nikita!
And she faints again.
Ivan rushes to the precipice and jumps into the river. The parents run to Nikita. They hug him and kiss him. The two princes are going to run away but the grey wolf blocks the way growling and makes their horses back to the precipice.
2ND SON
Devil! Devil!
EXT RIVER – MORNING
Ivan dives into the river and swims down to the bottom, where an unmoving Masha lies. He grabs her and swims up to the surface. 
EXT RIVER-BANK – MORNING
The people climb down the precipice as Ivan appears on the surface of the river carrying Masha’s body. He puts her carefully on the ground. He tears off the bandage from her eyes.
IVAN
Wake up! Wake up! Come on!
The people gather around them and stand without saying a word. Ivan cuts the ropes Masha is tied with. He shakes the girl slightly and she starts coughing. The girl regains consciousness and opens her eyes. She sees Ivan and can’t believe her eyes. She touches his face with her fingers.
MASHA
Alive? How come?
Ivan smiles and kisses the girl.
Masha’s parents and Nikita with the house elf make their way through the crowd.
NIKITA
Sister!
He rushes to Masha and hugs her. The parents kneel at beside them and hug their children. The grey wolf shouts from the hill where he guards the two princes.
THE GREY WOLF
What do I do with them?
All the people and our heroes look up at the two murderers.
IVAN
Let them go! Never come back, brothers! You are not welcome here!
He hugs Masha.
INT TSAR’S HALL – WEDDING - DAYTIME 
The table is richly laid. There are a lot of guests. The parents sit beside each other. Nikita plays with the grey wolf. The house elf sits on the table and eats chicken hungrily. He is pleased and satisfied with life. The Tsar looks healthy and happy. Masha and Ivan sit together. They kiss. Nikita and the grey wolf look at them.
NIKITA
And they will live happily ever after?
THE GREY WOLF
As it is supposed to be!

THE END