Chapter 6

Tino held up the pendant watching the chain glint in the evening sunlight. There was nothing significant about it other than it looked old. He let it twist and dangle as the carriage swayed.

"What's that?" Behr grumbled softly stirring from his sleep, Lükas now sleeping peacefully beside them.

"I don't know…just something I picked up…" He let it dangle a little longer before he heard Ravis calm the horses down for a break. Slipping the chain back around his neck to hide under his shirt Tino slid up beside the boy. "How much further?"

"Not too much longer. Another day at the most." The horses came to a full stop nickering softly bending down to nibble at the grass. "I-I'm going to lead them to water. You can rest if you want."

"Okay. Thank you again Ravis." Tino smiled. The boy gave a wave over his shoulder taking the horses downhill where a small stream cut across the forest floor.

"I don't trust him." Behr murmured surprising Tino. Turning around, the Finn fixed his companion with a confused pout. "What?"

"Why don't you trust him?"

The Swede watched the small boy water the horses from his place in the carriage, his eyes narrowing. "His accent. He's from the outer eastern lands of Scandinavia."

"And?"

"Tino you can't be that thick." He scoffed at the other making him pout heavier. "Baltic land. That boy is Baltic. And he's leading us right out of Finland."

"It's somewhere safe Behr, he said so." Tino chided him, stepping out and walking around to stretch his legs. "He saved us and put distance between us and that man. It'll give us time to think of a better plan should we run into him again."

"We?"

"Yes, we." Tino turned to frown hard at him. "You can fight with me all you want but I'm not going anywhere. Not until we find the prince and chase that man out of our land. No one is safe! Not me, my family and I have a duty! This is what I want and you can't change my mind." The bear sighed shaking his head not saying anything more on the matter making the Finn smile. "So we'll lie low for a while. We can send a message to the king who must be on edge already."

Behr nodded, looking beside him hearing the rustling of a waking Lükas. "Awake?"

"Getting there." He murmured, stretching with a sound pop and groan. Looking around his gaze went from laid back to somewhat befuddled. "What are we doing out this far east?"

"Amazing Lükas." Tino's eyes widened. "How did you know where we were?"

"The trees here are indigenous to north eastern Finland." He too stepped out and joined Tino in walking around the wooded area. "The air is getting colder too. Where is our escort taking us again?"

"I don't know, he just said somewhere safe." Tino shrugged.

"That sounds suspicious." Lükas gave the Finn a look before the bear also gave Tino a look.

"Don't look at me like that Behr." Tino frowned at him before turning his attention back to the mage. "I know it does but he just saved us. And we don't know where we are, what if we upset him? We have to trust him."

"I know where we are, in the middle of nowhere." Behr scowled.

"Be reasonable Behr." Lükas calmed him. "Tino does have a point. We have to keep the boy's trust. But we must know where we are going." By that time their driver returned with happily watered horses.

"H-Hey we can get back on the road now." He smiled, tying the horses back up to the carriage. While he was distracted Lükas turned back to face Tino leaning in.

"It has to be you."

"Me what?"

"You're the one he seems most pleasant with. He trusts you."

"I-I don't know…" Tino looked up at his friend before looking towards the happy albeit nervous looking boy making sure he had the horses fastened up right. "I mean I'll try…"

"Everyone ready to go?" Ravis looked back at his group.

"We're good, let's get going." Tino smiled at him, making himself comfortable sitting up front with him.

"Alright. Hiya!" A slap of the reins against the beasts of burden and they were off once again. Tino looked back nervously into the carriage noting how seriously Behr and Lükas were talking. He'd have to get the answer out but as innocently as possible. Then he stopped and laughed softly despite himself, the soft chuckle catching Ravis' attention. "Tino? What's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh…I was just thinking about my parents…just a couple days ago I was in my small village getting scolded by my mother. And now so much has happened…I was just thinking, hoping that they were safe."

"I-I bet they are." He smiled at Tino, eyes wide and bright. He was so sweet but there was something lingering around him that made him nervous.

"Hm…so…um, did you ever find your brothers?"

"I did!" Ravis peeped. "One at least, the other had to run an errand. He'll be meeting with us once we arrive."

"Oh, um, just where is it we'll be meeting your brother?"

"In Russia, didn't I tell you?" Somewhere in the back of the carriage there was a loud crack that made both boys jump with a startle. "What was that?!"

"I-I'll check." Tino smiled and pat his shoulder then slipped into the back sitting beside the mage who was trying to keep the bear from moving. "Behr what's wrong?"

"Did he say Russia?!"

"Y-Yeah…"

"You idiot we can't go into Russia! Tell him to stop the carriage!"

"Why not?! Why can't we?!"

"That country is out of our jurisdiction, I'd rather not have anything to do with it!"

"Oh but Behr we have to have a plan! He might offer us food and a place to stay."

"I don't care, tell him to stop the carriage!" Behr growled louder.

Lükas sighed sitting back in his seat. "Tino is right you know. We need a plan. If the checkpoint from Finland to Sweden is secured we have to find another way around the enemy. It's my understanding that partial ownership of Finland is under rule from Russia isn't that right?"

"Yes…particularly the area we're in right now…" Tino nodded.

"If we can garner Russia's interests in our favor, we may have an ally on our hands to help stamp out the threat this man Kirkland poses."

"If Russia doesn't want to destroy us first." Behr fixed both Lükas and Tino with a sour look. "It's a dangerous gamble."

"Oh Behr you make it sound like he's taking us to the heart of the country."

"Don't 'oh Behr' me, I meant what I said."

"Is everything okay back there?!" Ravis called out from the front, he sounded worried.

"O-Oh we're fine! My bear just tripped over a piece of wood!" Tino looked back to see the very offended look the Swede now had. "Hush Behr. Think about it. If Sweden is under siege by these men then the partial custody of Finland will follow. That means all the routes Sweden covers from the southern lands down to the canals to Denmark will be secured by the time we get there on foot. My parents and the villagers have carriages and horses and things like that to travel by. They'll gain passage to Denmark safely but it'll be too late for us. It'll take days before we even see the harbors."

"Again he's right." Lükas nodded towards the Finn.

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Behr scoffed.

"We'll go into Russia. Ravis will offer us shelter and maybe we can work out a plan. We might be able to borrow a boat."

"A boat?!"

"To sail back around to Sweden undetected."

"Sounds like a plan to me." Lükas nodded. "For now anyway. Did Ravis say where in Russia he was taking us?"

"No, he just said we were going to be meeting up with his brother." Tino sighed and sat back looking up at the cloth top over the carriage. "It might be a good idea to sleep right now, nighttime will fall shortly."

"You sleep then." Behr sighed. "I'll keep watch. I'll let you know if something comes up." With a smile Tino made himself comfortable in the back of the carriage on some soft furs curling up letting the sway lull him off to sleep.

It was a while later when Tino stirred awake, frowning at the temperature around him. He shivered and tried searching for some more furs to wrap around him. "Cold." He whispered and gasped as a dense mist of air left his lips. That cold? Quietly he slipped up to the front of the carriage where Behr sat looking out beside a cloaked Ravis. Off to the side Lükas had nodded off to sleep, he looked so tired…maybe they took turns keeping watch? If so why didn't they wake him?

He wrapped the fur around his form tightly before poking his head out wincing at the cool air nipping his face. "Where are we?"

"Russia." Behr muttered solemnly.

Tino's eyes gaped open, his jaw dropped as he took in the view. The snow that fell was stark white as the horses cantered along the shoreline. Turning his view out towards the ocean he saw great glades and walls of ice floating in the water that shimmered in all colors of the rainbow in the early rising sunbeams even from behind the low opaque clouds. The snow that fell reflected the hazy morning light as well making it all the more magical.

"Why are we by the ocean?" He asked, wiping the flurries off of his face.

"The forests of north eastern Russia are too thick to travel by caravan this time of year." Ravis continued ushering the horses along.

"It's pretty…" Tino continued taking in the views with a small smile before noticing the still gruff if not hardened frown that seemed plastered to Behr's face. "Behr what's wrong?"

"Look up."

"Look up?" His eyes followed the trail of the shoreline up to a steep hill and thin ledge leading to an eroding ancient castle on a cape. Tino's jaw dropped. "Are we going there?"

"Y-Yes." Ravis' smile was strained, his voice sounding more nervous than it ever had. "See my brothers and I are in service to the owner of this house."

"House?"

"Th-That is what he calls it." It didn't take long for Lükas to glance out as well. His eyes widened as they caught sight of the castle. He pulled Tino back into the back of the carriage.

"Lükas, what's wrong?"

"I want you to listen to me. Be careful and stay close." He leaned in, usual calm eyes showing a hint of worry.

"I don't understand. Where are we? What is that place?"

"That is Lord Braginsky's dwelling." Tino covered his mouth.

"Th-The horrible man that slaughtered countless villages all over Scandinavia?!"

"No, this is his son." Lükas gestured towards the direction of the castle and urged Tino to sit back down before telling him anything else. "A few years ago Ivan Braginsky the first met his death. His son, Ivanov Braginsky the second is a very benevolent man but we should keep our wits about us. He now rules in his father's place."

Tino was a little scared. He never heard the tales of Russia or its rulers before except what his parents had told him. 'But don't worry' they told him, 'Russia holds no power over us here. Sweden rules over us.' "H-He is kind?"

"He is. A bit eccentric but as I said, keep your wits about you. We will be in his home. Anything could happen."

"I-I understand…how do you know him Lükas?" The Finn began nervously wringing his fingers together.

"My king used to travel here once every few years and I would accompany him." Lükas' worried eyes saddened remembering his rulers.

"What for?"

"Business. Peaceful operations of trading and selling. Most of the time it was about where we stood on political ends, establishing a working relationship."

"Did it work?"

"Never found out." Lükas shook his head with a sigh. "But I know this place well. And I know the man well enough. Stay close to me and Behr. If he is feeling generous we may get that boat you mentioned earlier." The both of them grunted as the carriage hit stone and began its ascent up into the hills.

It didn't take too much longer for the horses to tug them around to the ledge and out over the rickety bridge connecting part of the cape to the mainland. Within minutes Tino was staring up at the shadow the dark gates cast over him.

"Who goes there?!" A voice shouted high up in the sentry look out tower.

"It's me! Ravis!" The boy called out from his seat. Before them the gates slowly creaked open from the inside allowing the Latvian boy to bring the carriage into the courtyard. Tino watched from his seat inside the caravan in awe. A number of different men in furred jackets walked about their business, most of them ushered the shivering horses along, dusting the snow off of them. He watched as Ravis spoke to them in a language he didn't know, no doubt Russian, then jumped as he turned back to addressed him. "We're clear to go in."

Tino first, then Behr lastly Lükas followed Ravis in a line up to the main stairs as the men lead the horses and carriage away to the stables. The Finn tried not to stare but the castle's inhabitants looked so intimidating! He shivered at the cold looks he was given and did as Lükas asked, sticking close.

Ravis eagerly led Tino and the others up the long stairway at a brisk pace where immediately they were greeted by a young man with soft green eyes and long brown hair holding the front doors wide open. "Toris!" Ravis exclaimed, rushing to hug him.

"Ravis, you've been gone so long." The man called Toris smiled, hugging back. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. I-I brought them." He smiled.

"Did you?" Toris looked up in surprise.

"This is Tino." Ravis pulled away from the taller man reaching to pull in the Finn in closer making him chuckle nervously. "He's the one who saved me from those strange men."

"So you're the ones." Toris' brilliant green eyes widened sizing up the small party of three. "You must come in out of the cold! Our Master Lord Braginsky wants to speak with you." He turned away to lead the trio inside out of the cold. The violet eyed boy took one look outside before the iron doors shut with a creaky clank. "We had been expecting you." The Lithuanian smiled holding a candelabra as he lit it.

It seemed to be just as cold in here as it was outside Tino noted as he shivered again and hugged himself tight. "Oh really?"

"Yes. This way. Stay close." Down the cold dark hallways they walked. As old as the castle's interior looked, it was still amazing. Tino caught sight of old paintings along the walls. A few mirrors and many other Russian artifacts lied scattered on the walls as well but he didn't have the time to look, Toris was too fast of a walker. It was almost strange how Toris seemed nervous as well.

"So…your name is…Toris right?" Tino jogged up beside him with a smile, Lükas and Behr taking large steps to keep up.

"That's right. And you're Tino?"

"I am." He smiled with a nod. "And you said you were expecting us?"

"Yes Ravis told me about you." Toris gave him the same nervous smile Ravis did. "See we were on a return trip from Sweden when the attacks started. Lord Ivan sent us on a reconnaissance mission and during the raid we were separated. When we found each other again he told me about you and how you had saved him. Our third brother shared information about how the Swede-Finnish borders were secure and Ravis rushed off. Unfortunately I had orders to return immediately." At last Toris came to a stop in front of a large set of doors framed in intricate ancient design. "I'm glad to see he is safe and sound… Ah here we are..."

Tino smiled for the care Toris displayed for the small boy then turned to look at the door blinking softly. "What is this?"

"This is my master's chambers." He turned to face them before raising his hand to knock. Swallowing his nervousness he rapped loudly twice. "Lord Ivan! I bring the guests!" Silence answered them as the green eyed male stood where he was trying to remain still. With a gasp he stepped back as the door slowly creaked open.

"Come in." The quiet voice came from within. Toris smiled to the group and presented the open door to them allowing them passage inside.

Tino and the others entered the dark room. They frowned in confusion when Toris shut the door shrouding them in the darkness. The Finn about to open his mouth to ask gasped as a burst of light ignited the room with a roar and searing warmth. From behind them they heard the scraping sound of metal on stone. Spinning around to investigate they found a tall prominent figure standing proudly eyes to the floor, donning a thick coat and long scarf that dragged down to the floor dangling just inches from the old decaying carpet. He rested a hand on the now roaring fireplace mantelpiece, the other hand on a fire poker using it as a makeshift cane. The man known as Lord Ivan Braginsky turned his gaze up from the floor to them smiling slowly, his dead purple eyes slowly coming to life. "…"

"Welcome friends. To Russia."

Author's Notes: A rather short chapter. But I had inspiration for this chapter almost as instantly as I updated the last chapter. I thought this seemed like a nice cliff hanger for now. Hopefully I can update again just as quickly. Please review and let me know what you think! And if later on should this story catch anyone's interest lol anyone is welcome to do fanart if they so desire it