It was a clear brisk morning, and Vladimir Kozlovsky, proud member of the elite Druzhina, as his father was before his retirement, sat astride his black horse and sighed. The Tsar had sent him here, to Kraschevia's southern border, to meet four people. He narrowed his eyes as he saw four figures on horses of their own in the distance.
"That's them, Zastranyek," he said, patting his mount's neck. "I'm sure of it."
He rode towards the figures, stopping in front of them. He struck an impressive figure, he thought, in his black leather, backed with steel and insulated with bearskin. His black hair was slicked back, a prevailing style at court, and his eyes were a deep shade of blue.
"My master, Tsar Vasily the Second, bids you welcome," he said.
"Thanks… I'm Richard, and this is Zedd. Kahlan and Cara are behind me."
"I see that the ladies are a Mord-Sith and a Confessor," Vladimir observed. "The older man must be a powerful wizard… I also wield magic. I'm Gifted with both sides."
"A War Wizard," Zedd mused. "Intriguing… so is Richard, but he has yet to fully unlock his power. He's the Seeker of Truth."
"Intriguing… I am Vladimir Ivanovich Kozlovsky. What brings you four to Kraschevia?"
"We're looking for the Blades of Garash," said Cara. "They're supposed to help us defeat an invasion of the Keeper's minions… they'll be led by Darken Rahl."
"Darken Rahl…" Vladimir spat. "He and his father invaded Kraschevia… and were defeated. My father fought in what is known as the Great Patriotic War."
"I'm his brother."
"Richard!" Kahlan warned. "Didn't you hear him?"
Vladimir chuckled, his mood shifting. "As long as you're not him," he said. "I can't pass judgement on people I've only just met. So, now I know what we're after. The Tsar sent me to act as your guide. But he insisted we stay at his palace for a few nights, and has granted us an audience. It's about three days' ride from here."
"The invasion could begin in a month," said Cara.
"Then we'll have to be fast."
The five rode towards the palace, and the Tsar's hospitality.