Page:The Russian story book, containing tales from the song-cycles of Kiev and Novgorod and other early sources.djvu/129

 stood at his side with the cup of wine in one hand and the sword in the other. Nikitich set aside the wine and taking the sword in his hands cut off the head of Marina with one sharp stroke.

In the morning, as the young man went to his bath, a great company of princes and nobles met him in the passage:

"Hail, Nikitich," they cried courteously. "How is it with your bride?"

"Hail, princes and nobles, heroes and courtiers of Vladimir," said the young man with a jolly laugh. "Last night I was wedded and no longer alone. This morning I am alone and no longer wedded, for I have cut off the head of my troublesome bride, who had brought to their death many heroes and princes of Holy Russia."

Then he went to his bath, and returning to the court of Vladimir was given a seat in the great corner while he told his wonderful adventure. "There is no need," said the Prince, "to cross the boundless plain for strange happenings, for to the adventurous the adventure may come in a narrow lane."

But in spite of the words of his Prince, Nikitich now longed to roam the open plain to seek fresh adventures. So he set out on the very next day and wandered on and on until he came to a widespreading oak on which a pied raven, half of whose wings were white, sat croaking, croaking, croaking. So harsh was its voice that Nikitich strung his bow, fitted a flaming arrow to the cord and prepared to