The Musketeers Follow

“URI, GET PACKED WE’RE GOING TO MOSCOW.” Roman led Ivan into the stable and opened his stall door.

Uri stopped polishing his boots. “Why?”

Roman picked up a brush and wiped Ivan down. “I went to speak with Kira this morning but a servant told me she and her father had left for Moscow. I know he is trying to keep us apart.” He patted his horse. “We tried to reach her in time, but were too late. The train had already pulled out.”

“I think this is a bad idea.” Uri rose from the bale of hay he had been sitting on. “Her father has power and could have you demoted or worse have you discharged. Don’t forget you’re up for a promotion.”

He replied without hesitation, “I’ve already made arrangements for all four of us to leave on the next train to Moscow.”

“Why drag the others into this?”

“Drag who?” Boris said as he and Fëdor entered the stable.

“Roman wants us all to risk our careers to go after a woman,” Uri said.

“Who’s the woman?” Fëdor raised an eyebrow.

“From the other night,” Bois said. “You remember. The beauty that bewitched his senses.”

“Oh, yea.” Fëdor chewed on his mustache.

 “I thought I heard you mention Moscow,” Boris said. “I have an uncle who lives there.”

“Boris.” Uri shook his head. “Don’t encourage him.”

“Look, you are my closest friends and I need your help,” Roman said. “I need Boris because of his contacts. I need you, Uri to help me avoid losing my commission. And you.” Roman laid his hand on Fëdor’s shoulder. “I need you most of all, to find us a good tavern.” He winked at the others. 

Fëdor spoke up. “I’ll go.” Boris replied, “Count me in.” Uri rolled his eyes. “All right, but let’s try and keep our wits about us and not do anything foolish.”

Roman stretched his arm out, palm down. Each man laid his hand on top of the others. “Let us find a woman,” Roman said. In unison they repeated, “Let us find a woman.”