In the broad court of the castle, Ivan saw an old man.
“Who are you, you brave man?” The old studied Ivan curiously.
“I am Ivan Tsarevich, son of Tsar Bailyanyin and Tsaritsa Nastasya, Golden Tress.”
“That makes you my nephew.” The old man cried happily. “What are you doing here, in my kingdom.”
“I am searching for my mother who was taken away by Whirlwind.” On learning that he was the older man’s nephew, Ivan told the old man everything about how his mother had gone missing and how his brothers had gone in search of her. “Do you know where my mother is?” Ivan asked the older man hopefully.
The old man shook his head. “I do not know where your mother is. But I can help you.”
Ivan was surprised.
The old man handed over a ball to him. “Roll this ball and follow it, wherever it goes.”
Ivan was curious as the old man continued. “The ball will lead you to a steep mountain. In that mountain, you will find a cave. Go inside the cave and you will find iron claws there. Wear those claws in your hands and legs and climb up that mountain.” The old man nodded slowly. “There is a chance that you will find your mother there.”
Ivan thanked the old man for his help.
Then Ivan threw the ball. The ball rolled on and on and Ivan followed it from behind his horse.
As Ivan rode on, he was surprised. Because Ivan saw his brothers with their troops camped on a huge open field.
Adapted from Russian Folktales
No comments:
Post a Comment