Page 1. Tzar

That took place long time ago and nobody knows whether it really was. In one distant country there lived young Tsar with a beautiful wife, he doted upon. There were, as it used to be, court people, ministers, priests in his kingdom, but the dearest and the closest man to Tsar was his Adviser. Early in their childhood, when they played together Tsar got used to follow his helpful suggestions. However Adviser was so modest, kind and tactful, that there could not appear even a tinge of jealousy or annoyance in the heart of Tsar toward his wise friend.

Once fair Tsarina got astonished when she noticed the deep wisdom lapping in young Adviser’s eyes. “How much you should know,” she thought gazing into his eyes, “How old and wise you should be, while you look young and inexperienced.” “Thank you, my mistress,” his glance answered, “Though, few people notice that.”

Their eyes did not meet anymore that day. But some invisible thread of understanding stretched between them. “Is it possible to talk without words?” fair Tsarina asked herself and the answer came immediately, “Why not?”

Since then she often caught an encouraging glance of Adviser. She sometimes asked him how she should act and straight away she got the same quick speechless answer. “What is there in my future?” she asked one day. “Your future is as fair as you are,” his usual firm and calm look said, “Great things are waiting for you.”

No matter how passing those glances were, it was difficult to hide something from tsarist court people. They were glad with an opportunity to remove the man, who was closer to the Greatest than any other. The first minister volunteered to go to Tsar. “Oh, the Greatest,” he said with a bow, “Today is the holiday of our Single God. Watch your fair wife and the wise adviser during this ceremony. ” “How dare you a hint?” Tsar exclaimed pushing the minister away. But the venomous snake of doubt made her home in Tsar’s heart.

At the ceremony Tsar chose the place so he could watch both. “This is our last talk,” Adviser’s gentle look said, “Don’t cry, as eyes filled with tears cannot see well. Remember me.” Tsarina could not answer anything. Tears in her eyes, she was gazing at her friend and mentor, who was not looking at her any more.

“Can you see, the Greatest?” the first minister murmured in Tsar’s ear. Fury blazed up in Sovereign’s heart. “Go away, all of you,” he exclaimed. Being the last to leave, Adviser lingered in the doorway, “Do you want to hear me out, the Greatest?” “Get out of here,” his answer was sharp and biting like a lash. Adviser gave a silent bow and went out of the hall. “Why? Why?” Tsar thought, biting his lips. “Why is this you, my dearest, my devoted friend and brother? Why is this you?”

A guilty would suffer the severe punishment. By law, a man, who dared encroach on Tsar’s chosen one by a single glance, would be buried alive in one of the Temple’s walls. “What would be your last request before the long wander?” Adviser was asked by High Priest. “I have not seen the Greatest since that fatal day. Let me talk to him,” the sentenced said firmly. “I will tell him about your wish,” High Priest answered, “But I don’t know whether he would like to see you.”

Meanwhile Tsar’s heart was breaking with confusion. “How will I live without wise suggestions of my friend?” he asked himself. “We grew up together; he has been serving me faithfully since childhood. Who will I share my innermost thoughts with?” And he gave an immediate answer, “And what will my folk say? What will happen to my tsar’s power, if the Greatest cannot execute a mere mortal who has dared to drop the reciprocal feeling in the heart of my darling spouse? ” And again he got seized with fury. “Let the will of Gods be!” Tsar exclaimed. “I don’t have a friend anymore!”

When Adviser heard Tsar’s decision, he remained imperturbable. Only his deep eyes darkened and seemed to become fathomless. “Let your will be, the Greatest!” he uttered. “I’ve taught you a lot during my short life, but the most important lesson you’ll get only now. You’ve made the right choice between human affection and firmness of law. You’ve acted in a proper way as it befits the Greatest, and you don’t need my pieces of advice anymore. I am leaving with joy. May God protect you!” After that Adviser did not utter a single word till the last stone shielded the sunlight from him and the Eternal Darkness came.

Though Tsar was forgiven by his friend, that did not bring him happiness, as he had taken that decision in the fury; but fury and anger had been bad advisers. And when Tsar bequeathed the throne to his lovely wife before his death, he said, “I took the burden beyond my strength, my darling. I’ve been feeling the blood of the guiltless all the time. And only now I’ve understood the last lesson of my friend: Neither law, nor Tsar’s power is worth of a man’s life. We are not allowed to deprive of what has been given by the Single God. And before my apart I adjure you to continue my reforms. May God protect you.” With those words Tsar started his long Way.

“Eyes filled with tears cannot see well,” Tsarina remembered. “Wander calmly, my beloved spouse. From now on my eyes will be beyond tears. I promise to carry on your deeds worthily, - as we had the same mentor.”

She looked into the sky studded with bright stars, as distant and wise as Adviser’s eyes; and it seemed to her that the stars were giving her confidence and blessing. Since then Great Tsarina liked looking at stars as if she was consulting with them. And none of her folk knew that it was really so.