Introduction Short stories are a unique genre where the concentration of time and events creates a condensed intensity, offering endless opportunities for exploration. The four short tales collected here under one cover are all thematically different from one another. The only thread connecting them is a shared geography: each takes place in Russia during various periods of the 20th century. The English translations are followed by the original texts in Russian. The Oath, the story that gives its name to this collection, recounts a dramatic event that unfolds during the protagonist's mandatory military service in the northern reaches of Russia. The Red Triangle is a triptych of three short historical vignettes focusing on Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin-key figures of the Soviet Bolshevik Revolution and its aftermath. These individuals played monumental roles in shaping the country's history, and their importance cannot be overstated. The Evil Sorceress tells the tale of an aging former stage actress whose mundane daily life is suddenly disrupted, bringing forth vivid memories of her long-forgotten childhood in the wake of unexpected events. Finally, The Idealist reflects the tragic experiences of a generation captivated by the bright promises of Bolshevik socialism, only to be shattered by the oppressive force of Stalin's tyrannical rule. His reign of terror forever altering the lives of several generations of Russians.