Fairy Tales, book 1: Firebird
Mercedes Lackey1996

Ilya is the son of a boyar, a Russian prince. In his father's rough-and-tumble household, Ilya is persecuted by his large, doltish older brothers, who delight in tormenting him and making him seem the fool. His only friends are three old people: a priest, a magician, and a woman who toils in the palace kitchens. From them Ilya learns faith, a smattering of magic, and the power of love--all of which he will need desperately, for his life is about to be turned upside down.

The boyar's magnificent cherry orchard is visited at midnight by the legendary Firebird--a gigantic, magnificent hawk whose wings seem to be made of flame. Ilya's father and brothers swear to capture the magical creature--but each fails. When Ilya disobeys his father and makes his own attempt to catch the Firebird, he is banished.

The young man journeys through a fantastical Russia full of magical mazes, enchanted creatures. and untold dangers. Gifted with the ability to understand the speech of animals, Ilya saves the life of a fox, who becomes his most steadfast companion. As happens in the best fairy tales, Ilya falls in love with an enchanted princess, and wins the heart of the Firebird.