Tsar Ivan the Terrible

Returning to his homeland, Serebryany learns that Ivan the Terrible has instituted the oppressive oprichnina. The tsar's enforcers terrorize peasants as the population endures new tyranny. While traveling, Serebryany intervenes to protect peasants under attack by the oprichniki and frees two prisoners captured by bandits.

Upon arriving in Moscow, Elena has been forced into marriage with Morozov to escape Vyazemsky's advances. Vyazemsky, desperate for her affection, turns to dark magic by consulting a miller reputed to practice sorcery.

Serebryany appears before Ivan at the tsar's court and faces punishment for his defiance. He is spared when Boris Godunov and Maxim Skuratov intercede on his behalf.

Vyazemsky, Skuratov, and Basmanov vie for influence within the inner circle of the oprichnina. Their machinations create a tense atmosphere of accusations and betrayal around the tsar.

Vyazemsky, with the tsar's tacit approval, attacks Morozov's home and abducts Elena, assaulting her. Elena escapes and seeks refuge in a convent.

Basmanov accuses Vyazemsky of practicing witchcraft to harm Ivan. He secretly obtains a protective talisman from the same sorcerer Vyazemsky had consulted.

Skuratov implicates Basmanov in treachery, further fanning Ivan's paranoia. The tsar wavers between suspicion and remorse as loyalties fray.

Ivan is haunted by visions of his misdeeds and by the memory of his late wife Anastasia. His inner turmoil swings between remorse and cruelty as he rules the realm.

Arrested for attacking the oprichniki, Serebryany is freed by grateful outlaws who name him their leader. He persuades them to abandon banditry and join the fight against invading Tatars, achieving a hard-won victory.

Morozov survives Vyazemsky's assault and demands justice. Ivan decrees a trial by combat, and Morozov's champion prevails.

The tsar orders Vyazemsky's execution, attributing his downfall to witchcraft. Meanwhile, Ivan humiliates Morozov by appointing him court jester, a move that backfires when Morozov condemns Ivan's tyranny and is sentenced to death.

Encouraged by Skuratov, Ivan turns against Basmanov and sentences him to execution. Basmanov's life is spared through the intervention of a holy fool.

Serebryany races to find Elena, only to learn her trials have led her to take monastic vows. He is left devastated as Elena becomes a nun and he confronts the consequences of Ivan's tyranny.

Despite the shifting fates around the court, Ivan's oppressive rule continues to cast a shadow over the land. Serebryany's heartbreak remains as Elena's vow closes a chapter, leaving him to face an uncertain future.