The Three Golden Hairs

In a small village nestled between two great rivers, there lived a young girl named Anastasia. She was known throughout the land for her kind heart and sharp mind. One day, while out gathering wildflowers with her grandmother, Olga, they stumbled upon a mysterious old woman.

The old woman, dressed in tattered finery, beckoned them closer. "Ah, Anastasia, I have been searching for you," she said in a voice both croaky and wise. "I possess three golden hairs, the most precious thing in all the land." She rummaged through her cloak, revealing a small pouch containing the glittering locks.

"But beware, young one," continued the old woman, "for I will give these hairs to whomever solves my riddle: 'What can be broken, but never held? What can be given, but never sold?'". Anastasia's eyes sparkled as she pondered the question. After some thought, she replied, "The answer is a promise!"

Olga gasped in surprise. "How did you know that?" The old woman chuckled and handed over the three golden hairs. "Well done, Anastasia! You have proven yourself to be cleverer than most."

But little did they know, a wicked sorcerer named Kostya had been eavesdropping on their conversation from afar. He vowed to steal the golden hairs for himself. That night, under the light of a full moon, he snuck into the village, intent on kidnapping Anastasia and forcing her to reveal where she hid the precious strands.

As Kostya crept closer to Anastasia's hut, he spotted Olga standing guard outside. Not one to back down from danger, Olga stood tall, despite being well into her golden years. She confronted the sorcerer, shouting, "You'll not take my dear Anastasia without a fight!" The villagers soon heard the commotion and rushed to their aid.

Together, they chased Kostya away with torches and pitchforks. With the sorcerer vanquished, Anastasia returned the three golden hairs to their rightful owner – but only after she had carefully considered what to do with them. In the end, she decided to give them to the village elder as a gift, ensuring that they would bring prosperity and good fortune to their community.

From that day forward, Anastasia was hailed as a hero for her bravery in standing up against evil. And the villagers celebrated her sharp mind, which had unlocked not only the answer to the riddle but also a brighter future for all.