Planet Vlad

Who are you boy? One of them asked?

Looking the man in the steadily in the face, Vladimir replied, "I have just arrived at Belokurikha, and have an urgent message for Arkady. Lieutenant Arkady.

The burly man looked at him for a minute vetting Vladimir in his mind, then he nodded his head and lead Vladimir over to a tall moustached rider.

Lieutenant he said, a messenger for you, he says he has just arrived in Belokurikha.

The Lieutenant gestured for Vladimir to follow and lead him out of the room. They stood together and then he said. Who are you boy? I know all the messengers.

Vladimir breathed deep and explained why he had come.

"Early last night... my friend and I, a girl, were traveling to Belokurikha, we saw a glow of a campsite fire, so I crawled towards it to find out who they were, if they were a threat, he explained.

Arkady nodded his head understanding... these were dangerous times for travelling, especially for a young girl.

I lay by the campsite close enough to try to listen to their conversation.

They had a leader a man Ilya, and about 20 or so men. They were sharpening long sticks... about this long.... Vladimir demonstrated with his hands. to ambush horse riders coming out of Belokurikha tonight, he said.

I didn't hear much by from their talk. I knew that I had to come quickly before tonight and warn who-ever they were ambushing. I have left my companion safely beyond their camp. Once I had crawled past their camp and was clear of their site, I ran straight here to warn you.

You were the only riders I could find in Belokurikha...