From the introduction: Vadim and Vasilisa are the descendants of adventuring folk: Vadim’s father defeated Krampus years ago and Vasilisa’s mother kept the family safe with her witchcraft. However, Vadim and Vasilisa have turned their backs on the heroic life, which has in part led to their predicament. Vadim and Vasilisa have brought upon their family the wrath of a winter spirit, the Krampus, who resides in the nearby barrow. This was triggered when Vasilisa turned away a beggar, the elf Morozko. Morozko sheltered in the family’s Timber Store and, when Nikita, the young daughter of the family, took pity on him, he encouraged her to steal a snowglobe from the barrow.