Mark was a rich merchant. One night, three beggars came to his house. They asked to stay at his house for the night. Mark was reluctant. But his daughter, Anastasia, requested him to let them stay. They slept in a loft. Anastasia overheard the beggars talking of the seventh son born to peasant Ivan. They decided to name him Vassali. They would also give him all Mark’s property. Anastasia told Mark everything. The next morning, Mark went to the next village and took the boy from Ivan saying that Ivan was poor and won’t be able to raise him properly. He threw the baby over a cliff. Some merchants were passing by and heard the baby crying. They picked him up and handed over to Mark. At night, Mark put the child in a barrel and threw him into the sea. The monks found the baby and decided to bring him up. The boy lived with the monks and grew up to be a handsome young man. One day, in the course of his journey, Mark reached the monastery.
Vassali Meets the Beggars
Here, Mark got to know about Vassali and it was clear that he was his godson whom he had tried to kill. Mark consulted the monks and took Vassali with him to make his fortune. He sent him with a letter to his wife saying the boy should be killed upon arrival. On the way to Mark’s home, Vassali met the three beggars. They blew on his letter and changed the words. Now, instead of being killed at Mark’s house, he was married to his daughter, Anastasia. Mark returned home and was very angry. He sent Vassali on a journey to his friend, the Serpent King, to collect rent. At the Serpent King’s house, Vassali met a beautiful girl who saved him from the Serpent King. Vassali thanked her and went home. He reached the river and sprang into the ferryboat. But the ferryman jumped off and Mark had to take his place. For years, Mark had been ferrying people.
