Enisov is a village nestled in a valley, overlooked by the brooding fortress of its boyar, Stepan Krasnyi. The sheltered valley floor is farmed for arable crops, and sheep and cows graze on the slopes. The inhabitants avoid climbing to the tops of the hills, convinced there are terrible monsters lurking and ready to pounce as soon as they discover the village’s location. Visitors may be attacked on sight as scouts for the monsters or not allowed to leave for fear they will lead the monsters back.[1a]