Meanwhile, what disgrace has befallen besieged Kiev?  Crowds of the enemy descended from the hills with the sunrise.  Swords hit armor; clouds of arrows were released, and the plain was flooded with blood.  Russians and Pechenegs fell.  The fight continued until the dark of night; neither the enemy nor the defenders conquered.  Deep are their dreams.

The hills and forests brighten, and the heavens awake.  Then their sleep is interrupted.  A warrior thunders a battle cry.  A splendid soldier on his steed brings terror among the enemy.  It is Ruslan.  Wherever his terrible sword swings, heads fly from shoulders.  The Pechenegs flee.  Kiev triumphs.

Ruslan enters the silent tower where Ludmila slumbers.  He touches her calm face with the secret ring.  The princess opens her bright eyes.  She recognizes him! The prince embraces his bride and they are reunited.  Vladimir’s anger expires.  Farlaf admits his terrible villainy and the happy Ruslan forgives him.  Even the dwarf is accepted into the palace.  Finally, great Prince Vladimir feasts with his entire family.

Daniel W. Marshall is a free-lance writer based in Missouri.  Part one of this series, “Pursuing Their Fate,” appeared in the May 1995 issue of THE WORLD & I.  The author wishes to thank Nadia Danett for her assistance in translation.