The Firebird (4)

The Firebird (4)

Vislav was satisfied that Ivan had taken at least a feather from the beautiful bird and it was kept under the guard in his palace.

However, from then on, the bird never returned to the garden.

One day the Tsar called his sons again and said, " My dear children, I gave you my blessing. Set off to find the firebird. The one who brings it back alive will receive half of my kingdom now, and inherit the other half after my death. "

Prince Vassili and Dimitri had been jealous of their younger brother ever since he had seized the marvelous feather.

They left together, refusing to take Ivan with them.

He was all set to go by himself to search for the firebird, but his father said to him, " My dear son, you are young and not used to long and difficult journeys. Why don't you stay with me ? I feel I am getting old. What if I died while all three of you were away ? Who would reign in my place ? "

Although the Tsar was very anxious to keep his youngest son at home, in the end he had to let him go.

Ivan asked his father for his blessing, chose a horse and set off on his quest.

He rode for a long time, a very long time.

(4/20)