Chapter 50 - Vasilisa at Home

General Summary

The Yokels decide to seek shelter in Sobolevo, the larger of the two villages in Bobchinsky's domains. The village houses most of the trappers employed by the boyar, as well as two taverns. Vasilisa Priamovna leads her companions to the one owned by a certain Petrov. The owners are happy to see her, and offer to open a tab for her friends, including even the heavily drinking volot Biggy. Having settled down, Vasilisa shares stories with the proprietors - about Oniric Shadow, about her travels, and about the recent goings on at the estate. Curiously, a yam station opened up on the outskirts of the tiny, out-of-the-way village around the time Vasilisa left. In one way, it makes sense for it to be here, as the estate is at the terminus of the fur route, at least on this side of the Nor' border. Perhaps the khan needs to be kept up to date on the fur supply, Still, given the distance to the larger Norik or Kochmak settlements, and the unlikelihood of a Kochmak army coming this far north, the presence of a waystation is unexpected, especially given the recent difficulties in trading with Kuz' tribespeople. Chonkorchuk scans the establishment to see if he can notice the presence of co-ethnics, but notices none.  
Before turning in, Vasilisa agrees to send a messenger to Bobchinskoye, to inform Gennadii of her arrival. The next day, a messenger named Timofei arrives from the boyar, informing Vasilisa that Gennadii expects her to call on him sometime that day. Vasilisa takes her companions to the estate, and there, introduces them to the resident estate manager - Boris' cousin. Gennadii is impressed with Biggy, though he relates, as have several others between here at Yolga, that this is not the first giant that has recently been sighted in the area. He also speaks to the Yokels about the cat that has blocked the way to the fur-trading Kuz' to the northeast. Apparently, he sits atop a high pole, lulls travelers to sleep, and then, tears them apart with his metal-sharp claws. Vasilisa suspects that the cat is in the service of Baba Yaga. However, moreso than with Biggy, Gennadii, who is a widower, is predictably impressed with Sasha, who he invites for an outing to inspect trapping areas. Before taking leave of the Yokels, Vasilisa agrees to help Gennadii deal with the cat in exchange for the boyar paying for the Yokels' stay at Petrov's while they recuperate, and 15 sable pelts. 
The Yokels spend two weeks on the estate. During that time, Plamen ministers to Vasilisa, who begins to recover from the trauma she sustained after sacrificing her wolf in the Subterranean Book. She also completes, and is able to sell, several more bows. Plamen, who is now able to turn into an eagle, also starts keeping tabs on a flock of crows that congregate around the yam. His companions find their relationship with the yam messengers quite disturbing. The beast whisperer also flies beyond the frontier and is able to catch a glimpse of the infamous cat, who does seem to be perched on a clearing in the woods, atop of a spire reminiscent of a totem pole. Sasha carouses with Bobchinsky, and though she receives no marriage proposals, she does get a couple of expensive gifts - a sable coat and hat. Chonkorchuk and Biggy, for their part... The Yokels also become acquainted with Father Matvei - the boyar's confessor, as well as Yakov, Gennadii's xxxx.

Rewards Granted

• 15 sable pelts (Vasilisa)
• 1 sable coat and 1 fur hat (Sasha)

Character(s) interacted with

• Gennadii Bobchinsky
• Petrov, tavern owner in Sobolevo
• Father Matvei
• Timofei
• Yakov, Gennadii's xxx

Report Date

20 Feb 2021