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The Legend of Peresvet/Chapter Six: Andrey Oslyabya

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Chapter Six:
Andrey Oslyabya

It seemed to me at times

That everything in the world was wrong!

I wondered: “How shall I live?

“God, give me a sign!”

And then I stood with my friend

In the midst of battle, shoulder to shoulder.

And blows rang from our armor,

And sword clashed against sword…

Having known both wounds and sorrows,

We searched for our true path.

We learned the lessons of life

And were now prepared to look for the Lord!

Peresvet

Yegor was looking for an opportunity to listen to Peresvet’s story further. And so, when the time was right, he asked Peresvet to continue:

“I can’t wait to hear how it all turned out! Tell me!”

And so, Peresvet continued his narration:

“After the events in my last story, my life with Rodion continued more or less in the way that we wanted. We became warriors in one of our prince’s squadrons. And we became very famous for our strength and courage.

“Were all our battles righteous? No, not all, apparently…

“Often, the princes quarreled among themselves, made alliances, and seized power over their neighbors. Then they made completely different alliances, so that former friends became enemies…

“It was like we wanted to protect our people and land and to defend our towns from attackers… But the truth and purity of those deeds did not always work out…

“Sometimes, it so happened that those soldiers, with whom we fought shoulder to shoulder in one battle, at other times were our enemies…

“The soldiers of one prince could even choose to go to another prince, and this happened and was not forbidden.

“… And one day, before a battle, I felt such anguish that not even words can describe it!

“… In those days, Rodion and I sincerely considered ourselves believers. But our faith in God’s existence, both his and mine, was very incomplete. We went to church on holidays, attended services as we should have, and took communion.

“But we felt like we were still ‘missing something’, as if what we were doing wasn’t at all related to a life with God.

“Our faith and prayers were separated from the rest of our life.

“Only very little time and space were given to God in our lives.

“And it was as if the rest of our lives was not connected with God, but was tied with battles, victory feasts, and funeral rites for fallen comrades…

“Suddenly, I couldn’t bear it at all! Heavy thoughts came over me!

“I was sitting with Rodion by the fire the night before the battle. And he saw that there was something wrong with me.

“He asked:

‘What’s wrong?’

‘Let’s get away from the prince, Rodion! You and I seem to believe in God, but we live like non-Christians, fighting against our own people! One day the princes make alliances with Lithuanians, and then, another day, — with the Horde*, fighting for power and influence. And we — what are we fighting for?’

‘If you want, we’ll leave after the battle. But to leave before the battle would be a betrayal! Now, we must keep our word to the prince! That’s the honor of a soldier! Cheer up, or they’ll think you’re a coward!’

‘Who cares what they think? My conscience commands me to not raise my sword, neither against my brethren nor against my former comrades.’

“Rodion and I decided to leave the prince after the battle and live peacefully. At this time, Rodion was already married, and his son, Yakov, was growing up…”

* * *

“That battle was unsuccessful for our warriors.

“And in me, there was not that special heady courage and prowess, which usually naturally arose in battles. Before, it was as if a common strength for the entire squad was born during the battle. Through this, the valor of the army strengthened! Through this, the fear of death and pain from wounds was easily overcome in a joint, furious outburst! And that time I had no fear, but I had no desire to fight either. I was only waiting for this fight to be over! I tried not to kill or wound anyone…

“And, of course, I was soon very badly wounded. I fell to the ground at the feet of Rodion. He and I always fought shoulder to shoulder…

“The prince then ordered everyone to retreat.

“Rodion didn’t listen to the order, he stayed.

“I said with all my might:

‘Rodion, go away, I can’t get up… Live for both of us, my brother!’

‘Be quiet! I’m not going anywhere!’

“He covered my body with my own shield. Then he took my sword in his left hand and threw his shield over his back to be at least somewhat covered from the rear.

“So he stood and waited…

“An avalanche of attackers seemed to break against him as the current of a turbulent river breaks against a huge rock.

“He did not even know if I was still alive — or already dead…

“So he stood over my body. He did not take one step back!

“He stood his ground and saved my life… When our men saw this, they rushed to help…

“None of our opponents could even hit Rodion. And the courage he displayed that day earned him great respect from everyone! And for a long time after that battle our warriors and harp singers retold the heroic deed of Rodion Oslyabya in epic tales to raise the warriors’ spirits before battles..

“And so that’s the story! Now you know, Yegor, that I owe my life to my brother Andrey and that many warriors died on the battlefield, but here I am, alive to this day…

“From that day on, Rodion and I never fought or took part in another battle.”

Yegor listened, widening his eyes with surprise, and said:

“So is that monk — Andrey Oslyabya?

“I didn’t even guess that he is your sworn brother Rodion! Andrey, they say, came to the monastery much later than you. I thought Andrey was your brother, and Rodion — your childhood friend…”

“He’s more than a brother to me. Life has connected us tightly. We swore to be brothers when we were six years old — and so we live!

“And now in Christ we are brothers!

“Rodion took monastic vows after me when his wife died and his son grew up.”

“Did you take the monk’s vows then?”

“No. For soon, fate brought me and the Elder together again. But it’s a long story, I'll tell it another time.

“I’m going to Pereyaslavl tomorrow. Hegumen Sergius sends me. The bishop promised books for our monastery and an icon. And if you truly want to know so much, ask Andrey to tell you. He remembers that time better than I do. It took me a long time to recover from my wounds: everything was like a fog…”