Chapters 7-8, pgs. 455 - 518 Summary

Precopy is present at the interrogation of many soldiers involved in a mutiny. He is part of the secret police bureau. While in Moscow, Eudokia, Daniel and Arina continue to attend Rasknolniki services while the public executions continue for months.

Tsar Peter issues many edicts. The mutiny, or streltsy, has been crushed. Peter is impressed with European ways and wants to change Russia and try bring it out of its backwardness. Procopy explains this to his father.

In 1703, Andrei is traveling to Moscow. He has learned that Nikita is still alive. He has been prosperous and has three children. His son Pavlo is already a Cossack in good standing with Ivan Mazeppa, the ruler of the left bank. Andrei is surprised at the changes in Moscow.

In Russka, the steward and abbot die and are replaced. The...