Chapter 5, pgs. 258 - 319 Summary

Boris inspects his estate. His income does not cover his expenses. He will be in debt unless he receives some favor from the tsar. The only thing he can do is to increase the tax burden on the peasants.

Boris and Elena are in Moscow. The tsar has recovered from his illness. In July, Elena says she is pregnant and Boris is happy. Elena spends most of their time with her family. Stephen, the priest from Russka, visits and tells him some of the peasants are leaving because of the heavy tax burden. The monastery will help the peasants if the tax burden isn't relieved.

In November, back in Russka, two visitors arrive from Moscow. The priest from Moscow wanted to see the icons at the monastery, so Boris made the arrangements with Stephen. Heresy trials are taking place...