Original subtitles

Life in Kievan Rus is wonderful. Everyone does what they do best.

Farmers are farming, artisans are making things…

The Prince of Kiev is busy, too,

especially today, he is hosting a foreign envoy.

Anteep, come here!

I need the sleeve sewn back on.

See our ladies? They're the prettiest in the world, that's a scientific fact.

Envious, are you? Walk down any street, you'll see they're all like that. Cheers!

It's ready, Prince.

What bothers me is,

I pretty much built this country with my own two hands…

but they don't appreciate me.

We do, Prince, we all appreciate you.

I work relentlessly hard, I give all my strength for them.

And there's no other way. When I'm gone, that'll be the end.

There will be no more Russia.

-What is it, Prince? -A sharp pain… in my heart.

I think it's gone, now.

No, I feel it again.

We need a doctor here!

Why call for a doctor?

I know a thing or two about medicine.

What do we have here? Do you recognize me?

How many fingers am I holding up? Correct, zero! We have a false alarm!

The light is fading…

This looks serious. Did you call for a doctor?

Call for the Heroes.

No, they know nothing about medicine. You need a specialist.

-Hurry. -On my way!

Hooves, don't fail me!

Don't go anywhere. I'll be right back.

Go, buddy!

Onward!

Out of my way!

This is a matter of national importance! Give way to the bearer of bad news!

Our Prince is dying!

Our Prince is dying!

We won't catch anything today. My mother-in-law is visiting.

I got up as quietly as a mouse, opened the door to leave,

and all of a sudden, I hear, "Good luck fishing, Ilya."

Who does that?

Yeah, it's bad luck if a wife even just sees her husband off to go fishing,

but a mother-in-law…

And you can't even say anything to her. You didn't, did you?

I did. I said, "Thank you… Mom."

Brothers, how many did you catch?

Wow.

You don't count the catch while you're fishing. It's bad luck.

Want to snack on some dry fish?

-You brought fish with you? -I hope you didn't shave this morning.

-I did. Is that bad luck, too? -What a dummy.

Ilya! Dobrynya!

-Look! -Where?

Your float! You've got a bite!

Nice! Is that thanks to your mother-in-law?

-Dobrynya, you've got a bite, too! -Now, we're talking!

We won't be coming home empty-handed, now.

I see you guys prefer small fry!

Julius?

Dying…

-What? Who's dying? -Be more specific. Are you dying?

I…

The Prince is dying.

The Prince?

Well, what is it? Say it like it is.

I'm prepared for the worst.

Have mercy on me, Prince!

Stop! I changed my mind.

Say it in a soft kind of way, like, "It's nothing serious, Prince."

Well? What, cat got your tongue? You… Sharp pain again.

Say something, Doctor. Can't you see the Prince is worried?

It's hard to say for certain.

The symptoms are familiar, but the cause is unclear.

Will I live?

Take a mayfly for example. For it, a day lasts a lifetime, but for us…

-A day? -It's hard to say.

I can't wait!

I can't wait for the Heroes forever!

Don't you worry.

They're here, Prince!

Guys, can we go back and get my fishing rods?

Come on, Julius, only a few steps left to go.

Well done. I knew you'd manage just fine.

My loyal friends! My dear boys!

See how quickly things can change. Death takes the best of us.

Don't cry or mourn for me…

That's just an idiom. Mourn as hard as you can and shed plenty of tears.

Your honorable deeds will be remembered and cherished forever.

Yes, and your bad deeds will be forgotten.

It's all in God's hands.

Why did you leave us, sweet Prince?

How are we supposed to live without you?

No! Bury me together with him!

-Julius… -Did he leave me anything in his will?

You're crushing me, Julius.

He's alive!

I haven't even died properly yet, and you're already plundering my wealth?

You really scared me there, Prince. Nearly to death.

I should write my will, though.

We'll respect your will, Prince, but who would inherit the throne?

-Excuse me, may I have some more? -Go back to the dining room.

Maybe we should hold an election?

An election?

Why did you leave us?

Shush! Too early for that.

One moment you're dying, the next, you're not. This is kind of fun!

Wait, there's Zabava!

My beloved niece. Almost my flesh and blood.

But how can I put this innocent child on the throne?

Our enemies will strike as soon as the word gets out.

Everyone wants a piece of our land.

We'll protect your niece, Prince.

And she has a husband. Yelisey.

He's a nobody!

Not anymore. Zabava is studying sciences in Constantinople,

and Yelisey is keeping busy as well.

He used to be my apprentice. The young man is a true patriot.

Why is he not serving his country, then?

He is studying military arts in a Byzantine university.

Yelisey is the right kind of guy.

Here are your orders, boys.

You are to go to Constantinople and escort my niece back here.

Along with what's his name… The husband. Safeguard the heiress and--

Wait! Instead of just entrusting everything to the girl,

why not consider other candidates from your inner circle?

I, for instance, have served you loyally,

working like a horse and hoofing my best for public service!

I have seniority and priceless experience. Zabava and Yelisey are much too young.

So, what if he is a patriot? I love my country, too, I just don't advertise that.

You're right, let's keep quiet about it all for now.

Tell Zabava I miss her dearly and want to see her and her husband.

Don't mention my illness. If she starts wailing, she'll get unwanted attention.

And we don't want that. We're surrounded by enemies.

You'll go with them. There might be political matters to deal with.

Use a carrier pigeon to report everything to me.

Make haste now, my dears.

Any day now, our enemies will find out that we are weak

and start circling around us like vultures.

Why do I smell fish?

Stop!

Stop!

Incoming!

Daddy, I'm home.

Uh-oh, this is the Emperor's palace.

Here, wear this for now.

That was a fun ride!

Thanks for your service. Good job. You're dismissed. And so are you.

Our pleasure, sir!

-Having fun as usual? -Hi, Dad.

Who are these folks?

They're from the university.

The big guy is our math teacher.

The skinny one is the astronomy professor.

Excellent. You're all doing a great job. Thanks for looking after my son.

You may go now.

See you tomorrow. You all get 'A's, except for the astronomy guy. Dad?

You lazy, good-for-nothing bum, get off the throne!

-When I was your age-- -So what?

I have a 100-humanpower chariot! Even you don't have one like that.

The Prince of Kiev has fallen ill.

He's on his deathbed. I heard he's sent for an heir.

Some people have all the luck!

You don't take after me, that's for sure.

Whatever! I'm proud to be Momma's boy.

The Prince of Kiev's only heir is his niece who studies science here.

You'll have to marry her.

I won't!

I can't marry her, she's already married!

Who is her husband? A prince of royal blood?

Speak up, don't hold your tongue.

He's not a royal. He's the treasury bookkeeper. His name's Yelisey.

Checkmate.

Calm down and try to remember where you last saw it.

-I don't remember. -You're always forgetting things.

When did I forget anything?

I asked you three times to fix the barn gate. Did you?

-Did you look in the dresser? -Where's that?

-Next to the cupboard. -Where's that?

It's where we keep tableware.

It can't be there. I'll check in the cellar.

You made too many pickles.

-You'll thank me later. -Thank you.

-Take this for now, maybe? -A sickle?

-They'll give you a replacement sword. -A wooden one at best.

-Good, you'll be safer that way. -But others will have real swords.

-Well, find yours, then! -I'm looking. It's gone.

You found it?

Thank goodness it's turned up.

It wouldn't have "turned up" had I not found it.

-You put it there, not me. -Really? Want to start over?

-No. -Good.

-Too early? -Yes.

Got it. See you tonight, then.

Wait. Let me see.

I found your sword, and you lost your ring? Where is it?

We had sword practice yesterday,

I took it off so it wouldn't get scratched. I'll get it back.

Is your wedding ring so unimportant to you that you just left it there?

The Emperor is summoning bookkeeper Yelisey. This is urgent.

It's "battlemaster," not "bookkeeper." Messengers these days… Go now.

Sorry, sweetheart, duty calls.

Love you.

Shoo! Get away from me! You smell of fish!

Well, how are you, Yelisey?

How's life? How's work?

Work is fine, but it's not my calling. I want to serve in the military.

That would make me happy and my wife proud.

She's of royal blood, you know.

Is she, really? How curious. And you are a bookkeeper.

How does she feel about that? Check.

She doesn't know the army rejected me, but I will get into university

and study to be a battlemaster. I'm well prepared for it. Look!

One, two, three, four, five, six…

The guy is a tough cookie… Very headstrong.

…Twenty-six, twenty-seven… Are you counting? I can go on.

Very impressive. I'll get you into the military.

Stop fanning me.

You'll guard the border at the far outpost.

The border? Great!

Yes. Divorce your wife, and off you go. You're welcome.

Divorce? But I love her!

So what if you do? Think about it. She could've married a prince, her equal.

As they say, "A sow is no match for a goose."

-A goose? -That's just an allegory.

Oil and water don't mix. Everyone to his equal.

Love lives in cottages as well as in court… No, not that one.

But we vowed to be together forever when we exchanged rings.

So, where's your ring now?

I left it with the duty guard yesterday and forgot to get it back.

Checkmate, Your Majesty.

What? How in the name of…

I'll go, Your Majesty. Got work to do, and my ring to get back.

Sit.

We don't have an agreement. In this case, checkmate to you.

Hurry up, Alyosha!

Get away from me!

I beg your pardon.

Right…

"We arrived. No incidents to report. Alyosha got a bit seasick."

There was something else… The most important thing!

There, all done.

Here, hold this.

Now, fly!

What's the holdup? You birds are all brainless. Go!

Take that, stupid bird!

They sure love their altitudes here.

If we go in a straight line, we'll get there in about 29 minutes.

Nah, too long of a walk. Better to hitch a ride.

Let's ask a local.

Howdy, stranger. Where might we find a cartman?

There's a cart, but no horse to be seen.

We have Julius. He's as good as a real horse.

Yeah, right! Dream on!

I am an envoy of the Prince of Kiev! It's not my mission here to pull carts.

What? This is an inkwell.

And in here, I have paper. Those reports won't write themselves!

Get in, dear tourists. I'll get you into town fast as the wind.

Where there's a cart, there's always a cartman.

Wow, what's this exotic bird called?

An ostrich is better than a bird, It'll get you wherever you want.

Where to? I can show you around. Business or leisure?

I'll get you a good price. You have money, right?

We have money. Let's go.

Sorry, not taking the horse. It smells of fish.

What?

That's uncalled for! And I'm not going to ride that thing, anyway.

You devil chicken!

Julius, just run along, so you don't get lost.

Is that how it is? All right. We'll see who's going to "run along."

You're going to eat… my dust.

Well, I didn't start this.

Wow, that birdie sure is fast!

Hey, that's not fair! You don't have an inkwell to weigh you down!

I have all our travel allowance!

Write down, "Item No. 1874."

Are you sure? We have enough decrees now to live by for a century.

Write it. This is my testament.

I must advise future generations on how to rule the country.

A letter from Julius! Read it to me!

-Are they heading back? -"We arrived. No incidents to report."

Thank God for that.

"P.S. Our travel allowance is depleted."

What? The cunning rascal!

Money is all he thinks about. Write a reply on the other side.

Hurry on, my dears. I don't have much longer.

Concerning your allowance, you'll answer for every penny spent!

Anteep dear, close the window. The wind is giving me the chills.

Of course, Prince. Right away.

What? This is an inkwell. And in here, I have money. Let's play?

Crooks… Let me recover the losses!

Thanks for helping me out of the inkwell!

You can keep the birdcage! Oh, no, anything but this.

What was that?

It's you. You scared me. Let me see the reply.

"We arrived. No incidents to report. Alyosha got a bit seasick.

Our travel allowance…"

I don't get it. You brought my own letter back to me?

I gambled away… I mean, we spent all of our allowance money!

I'm running around, solving state matters here,

and you're wasting time fluttering in the clouds? Here, go!

And don't come back without money!

Messengers these days…

Right, where was I going? What was it that I needed?

Travel allowance… What was it for?

Zabava, Yelisey, are you home?

Dobrynya? Ilya? Alyosha? What brings you here?

Did something happen?

I made it!

Packed your bags yet? What a dirty city, nothing like Kiev.

The guys and I were just sailing by

and I suddenly remembered what the Prince said before he died…

I mean, before we left. He said, "See my niece in Constantinople."

He really misses you. So, pack up and come with us to visit your uncle.

I'd love to, but…

How is his health these days?

Alyosha, why don't you go chop some wood for Zabava?

Got you.

I really want to see Uncle, but I can't leave my studies behind.

As soon as I finish my exams, I'll--

No. He won't last that long. Let's go, time is ticking.

Who "won't last?"

I said he "wants to see you fast."

There's something you're not telling me.

I think I'd better go and help Alyosha chop wood.

No, Zabava, your uncle is doing fine. Just grab Yelisey and let's go. Now.

Yelisey can't go either. He's got a report to submit.

What kind of report? Are they having a military field day?

No, he submits monthly reports, he is a treasury bookkeeper.

A bookkeeper? But he came here to study military arts.

Yes, but they failed him. He's so embarrassed, he still hasn't told me.

So, he's a bookkeeper.

That's not what I taught him.

Your apprentice has flunked your subject!

Emperor Basileus is summoning Zabava Putyatisna to his palace.

What do you want from me, madam?

Mademoiselle, not madam.

-Russian? Where from? Name? -Yelisey.

-What's this? -My abacus. I'm a royal bookkeeper.

Cool thing. Hold on to it for now. How are things back home?

How's the weather? What's going on in the world… in general?

There's no stability.

You are Nightingale the Robber, right?

You robbed the Novgorod merchant of a shipload of fur.

Three.

You also robbed the Kiev treasury.

Twice.

You also tried to steal Ilya Muromets' horse,

but he knocked your tooth out and threw you in prison.

-I like you, young man. -You're… a nice person… too.

I'm so tired of this place. I miss home.

I'm craving Mom's cabbage pies.

My wife Zabava makes the best ones…

Forget about pies, buddy.

Those who angered the Emperor stay here for life.

No, I'm here by mistake. They'll come for me soon.

Come for you…

Best not to be here when they come for you.

Want to see your wife again?

Then come with me.

Or are you staying here?

Is that you, Anteep?

At your service, Prince.

My soul is not at rest. I need you to write something down.

I'm ready.

No, wait. Tell me, Anteep, and be honest. Was I a good ruler?

I'll tell you the truth, Prince, even if that costs me my life…

You're the best.

Really? But sometimes, I punished you people.

But that's the only way! That's how we ought to be treated.

That's true. Take off your hat.

We didn't mean to scare you, fair lady.

I'm pretty brave. Where's the exit?

Ten steps down the corridor, to your left.

Excuse us.

-What's a fair lady doing here? -What fair lady?

Freeze!

Run, young man!

That was smooth!

Thanks for that, bookkeeper. I owe you one.

Stop!

Push!

-I need to get my ring back. -What ring? Are you crazy?

Hold this, please.

We're escaping from prison, you get it?

I do, but I'm not leaving without my ring.

Where's the ring?

-He stole some gold! -Gotcha!

Listen to me! The treasury's been robbed!

Raise the alarm! Report to the Emperor!

-Who will guard the treasury? -I'll stay here, count the losses.

You watch him, and I'll tell the Emperor.

Right. One, two, three, four, five…

Ilya, what a pleasant surprise! What brings you here?

We came to see our friends,

and decided to come along with Zabava. Do you mind?

Not at all! We're not strangers, are we?

Ilya, I didn't know you had connections here! We must use them!

A talking horse? How curious. Sell the horse to me, Ilya.

Why did you need to see Zabava? We plan to take her to Kiev.

So… you are Zabava Putyatisna.

Well, your beauty is beyond words.

-This throne's bigger than the Prince's. -Hey, get off! That's not your place.

This throne will soon be mine! I'm the prince!

-The prince? No way! -Look over there.

Oh, pardon…

You're so perfect. What could my bookkeeper Yelisey be missing?

What do you mean, "missing?"

Exactly. Why did he run off with that Italian girl?

Sure, she's beautiful, but not nearly as gorgeous as you are.

By the way, he asked me to give his wedding ring back to you.

-What? -The rascal!

That's not what I taught him…

I don't believe it.

My son Leonid will confirm my words. Have you two met? Come here, son.

The pride of Byzantium.

The best horseman, archer… and Chess player.

Isn't he a stud? What I'm saying is, you should marry him.

Excuse me… I need to be alone right now.

Good girl. She's heartbroken, but doesn't let it show. A true royal.

I know all about heartbreak.

I'll talk to her. This is a delicate matter. I'll be back soon.

Zabava! Zabava darling, wait for me!

Have mercy on me, Emperor! Bad news. The treasury's been robbed.

What has the world come to! People stealing from their own emperor!

-Who did it? Are there any witnesses? -Just one. A bookkeeper named Yelisey.

Your Imperial Majesty, the audit revealed a shortage of gold.

Dobrynya?

Hi, Yelisey. Enjoying your military service?

Big deal, only one bag of gold got stolen.

We'll get this straight now. Suspect,

why were you at the crime scene?

Me? Well, Nightingale and I… We were escaping.

So, you had an accomplice. Treasury theft is punishable by death.

Dobrynya, you believe me, right?

I don't know what to believe now.

I expected to see you with a sword, not an abacus.

I got rejected. They said I was too smart to be in the military.

-Smart? You stole our gold! -But I reported the theft!

Or were you distracting the guards to let your accomplice get away?

Nightingale is not my accomplice! I met him just now, in the dungeon.

I wonder who put you in there.

Nobody did. It was an accident. You and I were playing Chess and…

Arrest the criminal.

Dobrynya, I'm not a thief! Nightingale the Robber is!

Ten bags of gold! This guy really has no shame.

Yelisey said, only one bag…

He's a thief and can't be trusted. I checked everything myself.

It's ten bags. So, at dawn, Yelisey will be executed.

Otherwise, my people will revolt and demand fair judgement.

-Lock the treasury. Execution at dawn. -Execution.

Maybe even sooner.

This is all very odd. Who's telling the truth? Could Yelisey really…

We must find Nightingale. Only he knows the truth.

Let's look for him in the Russian district. We'd better hurry.

Zabava dear? Open the door! It's me, your friend Julius.

Don't stress. So, your husband ran off, big deal!

Don't! He's not worth it!

A letter from the Prince?

"Our travel allowance is depleted…" My letter again?

You're packing your things? Smart move. Go see your uncle!

I'll kill him.

He's about to die, anyway… Wait, who are you talking about?

Yelisey.

I never want to see him again.

I have a message… from the Emperor.

Give me a moment…

No time to chat, leaving for Kiev.

Bookkeeper Yelisey was caught… robbing the royal treasury.

Zabava!

Couldn't you have come later? Zabava! Whoa! I mean, wait!

I'd marry her, but I don't think she likes me much.

You're a fool. You have to woo her.

How's do I do that?

Tell her she's special, recite some poetry, compliment her eyes.

I don't know any poetry. Her eyes are just like everyone else's.

-Say they're like sapphires. -Yeah, right.

You are God's punishment to me.

Go to her, and make her fall in love with you by tomorrow.

But where is she?

Where is he?

Suck your belly in.

Oh, fair lady, your eyes are just like huge sapphires.

Stop it, you're making me shy.

Where's Yelisey?

In the dungeon. Treasury theft is punishable by death.

-That's good. -I understand. Wait, what's good?

I have one favor to ask.

Look, I can't change the court's decision.

I want to chop his head off myself!

Zabava, you've had a tough day and…

Well, that can be arranged.

-Leonid, show her the way. -Come on, let's go.

No, stop. Being an official representative, I can't sanction--

And in the meantime, you and I will hold talks… at the highest level.

"Highest level" sounds good.

Still no sign of the pigeon, Prince.

What a lazy bird! Close the window, then. It's cold.

Write next, "Award the royal executioner with a medal."

The executioner?

Of course! He's done so much good for me and the country!

Item No.2, "Pass my apologies on to Methodius the translator."

Methodius died in the dungeon a year ago.

Then he doesn't need my apologies.

Plus, the list will be shorter. We'll save on paper.

Somebody's knocking, Anteep. Open the door.

It's the pigeon! With a letter from Julius.

Read it to me!

"Hurry on, my dears. I don't have much longer.

Re: allowance, you'll answer for every penny spent!"

The dumb bird brought my own letter back to me!

Send it back. Time is ticking.

Can't do anything right without me. Messengers these days-- Ouch!

Easy there! You doctors will get me killed before my time!

Sorry, Prince. Medicine is not an exact science.

RUSSIAN DISTRICT

We have Russian goods for all! From balalaikas to nesting dolls!

TOYS

-So many people here. -We'll have trouble finding Nightingale.

-I suggest we charge. -Charge what?

I don't know. Just a suggestion.

Let's look around. Keep a close watch and listen as you go.

THE TAVERN

Eat and drink, my brothers! Today, we celebrate!

My treat! No one will leave hungry!

Hello there, Nightingale.

Ilya?

Yes, you're not dreaming. Now, return the gold you stole.

That's some whistle!

Hold the fort, brothers! He'll run out of breath soon.

Shoo! Out you go, scoundrels!

Where did you hide the rest of the gold, Nightingale?

-What are you talking about, Ilya? -You stole ten bags from Basileus.

Ten bags? I barely managed to make away with one.

I had such a lousy partner, all he could lift was his abacus!

-Is he lying? -I don't think so.

Because of you, an innocent man might lose his head.

Wait. If you approach an animal with kindness, it'll be kind to you.

Whoa!

I see, you're not a real bear. Go and dance some more, then.

Let's chase him!

No need. I think Nightingale is right, it wasn't ten bags.

I knew that my apprentice Yelisey couldn't be a thief.

So, that was about Yelisey…

But why would Basileus put the blame on Yelisey?

I know Basileus well. He has something wicked on his mind.

Well, he's an emperor. What can you ask for?

We need answers. Let's go, time is ticking.

Yelisey… He's a good kid.

I like it here. The weather is nice, there's plenty of food.

You know, I've asked the Prince for a raise so many times, all in vain.

But when he needs something done, it's always "a job for Julius."

Like this time, he said to me, "Bring my niece and her husband to Kiev."

My travel allowance is peanuts!

And I'm a gambler… It's not a sin, it's an illness.

I feel your indignance.

Right? By the way, you have swindlers operating in the port.

That's why we can't afford the return trip.

Plus, we need to help Zabava, now, that her husband is in prison.

I just don't know what to do.

Any husband is replaceable

with one whose blood is royal and whose wealth is great.

The main thing is, Leonid loves her. Can't live without her.

His father gives his blessing, and so does the bride's witness.

Sounds logical so far.

One salary in Kiev,

and another one in Constantinople. For life.

I now realize that everything sounds perfectly logical.

More importantly, it's all for love.

So, it's a deal, then. I'm counting on your cooperation.

Hey there.

Zabava! My love!

-What's this fat guy doing here? -How dare you?

You, punch him.

Why?

I didn't rob the treasury! I swear!

I don't care about the treasury! I want to know about the Macedonian!

-What Macedonian? -The one you cheated on me with!

Hey, that's enough!

Why would I cheat on my beloved wife?

Zabava, believe me.

Why would I? You lied to me about serving in the military.

I know they rejected you.

All right. Hit me.

No, enough of that. We came here to chop his head off.

I don't need your head.

I don't need you, either. Say hi to your Greek lover.

You said she was Macedonian…

So, it's true about the Macedonian!

Zabava!

I'll marry you. Get me out of here.

Get your arm off me, or I'll break it.

Zabava!

I love you!

There you are. Zabava, we need to talk.

I want to listen. I'm her future husband, by the way.

Fine. I'll go to my father and tell him the good news.

So, it's decided, then? Wonderful! When's the wedding?

I'm not going to marry that toothy slob!

I have a husband. Yelisey.

But you chopped his head off.

No. I looked him in the eyes.

He couldn't have left me for the Macedonian, or robbed the treasury.

Sounds right, but the picture looks convincing.

He's a young man surrounded with irresistible temptations.

He's weak, yes, but not a thief or a cheater. That's just not who he is.

Well, still, give Leonid a chance. He's a fine fellow.

Dad! Hey, Dad! She didn't chop his head off…

but she said she'd marry me.

You hear me? That means I'm getting married.

So, stop calling me a loser.

Excellent.

KIEVAN RUSSIA

The first thing we'll do, is revise the borders.

-No, I don't want to revise borders. -Stop that nonsense, you halfwit.

Why halfwit? After marrying Zabava, I'll become the new Prince of Kiev.

So, why would I give my own land to random rulers?

Are you calling me a "random ruler," you fatso? You'll do as I say, and…

But we've got to do something about Yelisey.

I know. We should get him executed, just as we planned.

You think you're smart, but no.

First, we've got to neutralize the Heroes, and then execute Yelisey.

Mommy…

Oopsie-daisy.

So, you want a piece of our land? This is what you'll get! Ow!

Don't pay attention to us. Get back to dividing Russian lands.

Zabava, run! They're traitors!

Zabava!

Yes!

Idiots. How come big strong soldiers can't overpower a young woman?

Julius?

Yelisey! I'm so happy to see you! Basileus is trying to take over Kiev.

The Prince will put up a good fight.

He's ill, that's why he sent for you two.

Now, Basileus wants his son to marry Zabava.

Like so.

Nice! I'm thirsty.

Hey! There's water in here! Guards? Can anyone hear me?

We're going to drown.

The door won't open. Let's try opening the hatch.

Let's at least call for help. Lift me up.

How about you lift me up instead?

Help! Somebody save me! I'm drowning!

A bad omen. We'll have to go around.

We'll lose time. Let's not go around, we're almost at the gate.

-Yes, but we can't ignore bad omens. -I suggest we charge.

Why not?

That's actually a good idea. We'll save on distance and time.

Well done, Alyosha. This way, now.

Julius, the water is rising. How much further?

Not much, we're almost there.

Look, a well!

Let's take some water with us. It's too hot here.

Ouch! What the hell?

Julius?

-Alyosha? -Why are you in there?

-What happened? -Where is Zabava?

Stop asking silly questions and get us out, or we'll drown!

Hold onto the bucket.

Alyosha!

Dobrynya! You're back… Where's Zabava? I must save her!

You're all wet. You can't perform heroic feats looking like that.

Hey, sir, come over here.

Do us a favor, kind sir.

Look, a welcome party.

Brave fellows.

I, Lord of the East,

by the power given to me, now pronounce you--

Wait!

-Aladdin? -She has a husband!

Before God and people!

Yelisey!

And those who challenge that will have to fight me!

Seize him.

What?

-Zabava! -Yelisey!

Why you little…

Daddy? Why you little…

Arrest him. He is a conspirator against the state!

Help! They're trying to kill me!

We should get going, brothers.

You're right, Alyosha. We still need to help Yelisey.

Gentle in manner, strong in deed. To the palace!

Caution! Three heroes at work!

-What? -I've always wanted to say that.

Well done, bookkeeper.

He's not a bookkeeper, he's a hero. I taught him well.

Sorry, Basileus, but we marry by mutual consent, such is our tradition.

It's good to have traditions, but we need to promote progressive marriages.

And for treasury theft and conspiracy, we need to promote punishment.

There was no theft. Here's your gold.

Stop slandering our friend Yelisey.

Now, we're going to sail back home, and you stay here where you belong.

You won't have it your way this time, Ilya Muromets.

Now is my turn to win.

Ho?

This is a bombard, guys. I've read about it. It's lethal!

Yes, and now, this bombard will blow you into dust.

-I have a tactical plan. I surrender. -Shut up, Julius.

Fine, but my plan was great.

Hey there!

Nightingale? Are you here to surrender?

I'm here to make a deal.

I return the rest of the gold, you release my partner and his friends,

and we forget about our little conflict.

Well…

As a result of negotiations, the parties reached a mutually beneficial agreement.

Dad, what about me and my throne? I want to get married.

You promised me a wife, Dad! We even got the cannon out.

Oh, it's burning.

-Leave it, you dummy! -It's burning, Dad!

Leonid, I'm serious right now.

Yelisey my boy, come here. Don't be scared.

Well, young man, from now on, your title is Hero of Byzantium.

Bring forth a laurel wreath and a certificate of gratitude.

Praise the hero who saved the Emperor!

Yelisey…

-I feel pretty tired. -Chinese medicine will cure that.

Listen, don't take offence. It wasn't me, it was all Daddy's idea.

I don't need your Zabava.

To be honest, she's not my type. I want to marry for love.

Very well. Now, we can go home.

Zabava, where did you learn martial arts? Can you teach me?

Your stunts with the abacus were great, too.

Forgive me for lying to you about my job.

I was scared of losing you.

Don't be silly. I love you just the same, with a sword or an abacus.

Hurry up, or we might be too late. We'll arrive to find Kiev mourning,

they'll say, "You're late, he passed away."

Who passed away?

Prince.

Darn it, Alyosha, you just can't keep your mouth shut!

Why didn't you tell me?

Don't get angry, Zabava. We weren't supposed to mention his illness.

What if we're too late?

I'll never see my uncle again!

We'll be going against the wind. That will be tough.

I can help if help is needed.

Nightingale?

Consider it my ticket back home.

We have a deal. Hold on tight, everyone.

How are you feeling, Prince?

Not good, Anteep. There's a strange whistling noise in my ears.

This must be my end coming.

Look outside. What is it?

That's it. Death has come for me.

-Julius? -Prince… alive… We made it.

We're already there.

Sorry, Prince. Nightingale got carried away.

-Uncle! Dear Uncle! -Zabava, honey!

Uncle, how are you feeling?

What do you have in there?

-A needle. -A needle?

Your lousy tailor left the needle inside when he sewed the sleeve back on!

I heard in China, they use needles as medicine.

Here! Feeling better now?

Scoundrels!

Wait, does that mean I'm healthy? I'm not dying?

Uncle, I'm so happy!

Isn't this great, Anteep? Don't just stand there, announce the good news!

Thank you for your service, my boys.

Hey, you, what's your name again?

Hero of Byzantium, Savior of the Emperor, Yelisey Silovich!

This guy? Savior of Byzantium?

Yelisey Silovich.

This calls for a celebration!

Here! This document clears your criminal record.

Good stuff.

But if you return to your old ways, Nightingale, this paper won't help.

Don't lose that abacus, partner.

So long, big guys! Until next time!

Let's go, brothers. We've got things to do.

WE MADE

AND YOU WATCHED

THE 9TH FILM

ABOUT THE THREE HEROES!