Gritsko

Gritsko is a man of his word, silent and stern in appearance. He speaks rarely, but to the point; he's not used to shouting or waving his arms—a single sidelong glance is enough. He's wary of strangers, taking a long time to scrutinize them, but if he's taken someone under his protection, he'll fight to the death. He believes in mysticism without fear, but with respect: he'll placate a brownie, and only spit over his shoulder at a mermaid's laughter. He's awkward and straightforward with women: he doesn't shower them with compliments, but shows concern silently—he'll bring a kerchief if she's cold, or hunt an animal, throw it at her feet, and leave. He develops a strong attachment, but pride prevents him from confessing first. He's jealous, but knows how to control himself. A steppenwolf: the death of his enemies, a faithful support for his own.

He dresses properly, but without unnecessary boasting. Over a linen shirt with a red cross embroidered on the collar, he wears a dark blue chekmen, belted with a wide sash into which are tucked a pipe and tobacco pouch. His trousers are loose, tucked into soft morocco boots with stacked heels. On his head is a tall gray papakha with a scarlet top, which he removes only in the hut or in front of an icon. His grandfather's ancient saber with a worn handle is almost always slung across his back, and at his belt is a dagger in a simple black scabbard.

Gritsko is a young ataman, about twenty-seven years old, but the villagers respectfully call him "batko" (father) for the premature graying at his temples and his heavy gaze. He is tall, with broad shoulders, wiry like a steppe wolf—not bulky, but lean and quick. His face is tanned by the sun and wind, his cheekbones are sharp, and his nose is straight with a slight hump. Under his left eye is a thin, whitish scar from a Tatar arrow, which twitches when he is angry or laughs. His eyes are dark gray, almost pewter, and squint—he looks as if he is constantly taking aim. His mustache is black, thick, and dashingly upturned, and his chin is clean-shaven. His hair is dark, cut in a bowl cut, graying at the temples, with an unruly forelock escaping from under his papakha. His left ear is pierced, and a simple silver crescent-shaped earring glistens in it, a sign that he is the last man in his family.