Voivode Court of Moldavia-Wallachia

[Mettermrck]

Iasi, Moldavia

He was filled with relief simply for arriving in Moldavia itself. The journey had been so windy and circular that Diego had despaired of ever reaching the distant principality. And now, at least, he was at his goal, whatever that meant. He spurred his horse towards the gate of the main castle, his mind wrestling with the problem of how to find one woman in the midst of what seemed to be a vast foreign land. Diego sighed. He was a fool to think it would be so easy.

The voyage out of Venice had been uneventful – at least save for the run-in with Ionian pirates off Cephalonia. Yet their ship had survived and the small convoy had reached Constantinople with little incident. Diego’s expectations of the grand city were highly disappointed. The once great capital of the Eastern Roman Empire seemed to be a decaying relic of lost glory. Some of his fellow passengers told wildly fantastic tales of an infidel sack mere decades previous, the city’s recapture, and then its loss once more to infidels.

It was in Constantinople that the dreams returned in fuller force than ever before – more vivid, loud, sinister. The shouting voice seemed harsher, more accusative, as if the city itself represented something. Diego still believed that the vision focused on the Lady Nadia, but he was confused at the mysterious Latin element to the dream. What about her? Was it as simple as finding her? He certainly hoped so, and secretly relieved when he left Constantinople on a small packet boat bound for the Euxine Sea.

The typical overland route to Moldavia was impossible. Armies were ranging all over the Balkans, and there was no safety in a foreigner journeying through the lands of Rumelia and Wallachia. In order to reach Moldavia, Diego had engaged a ship up to the Lithuanian province of Jedisan, which bordered to the east of Moldavia. Since most of the fighting was centered in the Dobrujda, those ports were off limits. Diego’s party had to make a harrowing trip over the foothills of the Carpathians before, after an anxious period of weeks, Diego at last looked upon Moldavia, Nadia’s home, wherever she might be.

Riding up to the gates, he noted the lack of people, a clear sign of a state at war. Although it was hard to tell for sure, it seemed as if there were fewer guards. No doubt many were away at war. He approached the nearest guard. ”Greetings. I am Sir Diego de la Braga. I would like an audience with whomever is in charge?”

 

[von Streusser]

The guard looked the man over...he was no Venetian, and therefore not a threat. "Right, follow me." The soldier led Diego through the gate and into the main keep. "The Voivode is away on campaign, as are Prince Petru, Prince Bogdan, and Princess Maia. I will take you to Chancellor Iestu, he is managing things until their return." The pair walked up several flights of winding stairs and through dark corridors, the imposing stone walls of Castle Iasi pressing in on them from all sides.

There was some slight scampering coming from a hallway off to one side, and a little boy ran through an open doorway to join the guard and Diego. The guard laughed and reached down to shake the little boy's hand. "Lord Stefan, good to see you! How does your grace fare this day?"

"Quite well" said the young lad, perhaps 5 or 6 years of age. "Who's this?"

"Ah, this is Sir Diego de la Braga, come to meet with the Chancellor."

"de la Braga? His name sounds like that other fellow's...are you from Portugal, Sir Diego?"

The guard turned back to address Diego. "We currently have a Portugese scholar staying with us, Rodrigo...de Braganza, I think his name is? He's been studying the Vlach people...ah, that's us, and writing a history of the area. It's remarkable, from what I've heard." The guard pushed open a set of double doors, and the room opened up into a vast main hall. Inside, the large hall was lit with many torches, and at the other end Diego could see an old man and several pages opening up dozens of crates and inspecting the contents. At the sound of the three approaching, the old man looked up.

"Chancellor Iestu, I present to you Sir Diego de la Braga."

"Thank you" said the old man, waving a hand to dismiss the guard, who took little Stefan's hand and led him away. "Please excuse the mess" the Chancellor gestured to the crates, out of which many works of art, bags of spices, and various trade goods were flowing. "We're still sorting through all we gained in the sack of Venice...now then, as you already know, I am Chancellor Nicolai Iestu, serving in our Voivode's stead...what can I do for you, Sir Diego?" Though the man was clearly getting up there in years, his voice was clear and his eyes still sparkled with life. Every so often their conversation was punctuated by a muted exclamation at the beauty or value of a piece pulled from the crates.

 

[Mettermrck]

Iasi, Moldavia

Diego was surprised as he listened to the Chancellor's words. Gained from the sack of Venice? "I left Venice not more than a month ago. Fortune indeed favored my voyage if I avoided a siege and occupation. Remarkable." He dwelled on thoughts of what Venice must look like presently. Would the city fade like the once-mighty imperial city of Constantinople? Was he, Diego, the witness to the passing of the past? He sighed and returned to matters at hand. "Well, Your Excellency, I've come on a diplomatic mission of sorts. I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of a Sir Sorin cel Cumplit and his household at the jousting tournament held in Oporto. While there I made a promise to visit his household. I confess to a poor knowledge of your lands, and would appreciate any guidance on how to locate Sir Sorin's lands?"

He leaned back, taking in his surroundings. Diego was amused by the arrival of the young Stefan, and was somewhat intrigued that there was another Portuguese present in this far off land. Perhaps when he returned from his trip.

 

[von Streusser]

The Chancellor pulled out two seats and sat down in one of them, gesturing for Diego to take the other. "Yes, I'm glad you weren't caught in that...the whole thing is a most unfortunate affair, and rumor has it that the Hungarians are threatening to raze the city to the ground if the Venetian army does not come forth for a fight...I have no doubt he will keep his word." The old man sighed. "It would be...a loss on the scale of Constantinople. Still, they are our allies, and we fight by them...I just hope that Venice can be preserved.

Now then, about your question...Sir Sorin cel Cumplit...well, he is the Chieftain of the Marius tribe, and I know where their camp is. But if you were expecting to visit Sorin, I'm afraid you're out of luck. He and the rest of his warriors are on campaign with the Voivode, all that would be there now are the women, children, and elderly, I'm afraid."

 

[Mettermrck]

Iasi, Moldavia

Diego nodded. He was debating whether the absence of Nadia's father and brothers would be a help or a hindrance. It would make his visit easier, though no doubt he would suffer consequences later, when they found out. But he had come all this way and could not in good conscience avoid visiting her simply due to the absence of the menfolk. "That may be. Yet I could not come all this way and not pay my respects at least to Sir Sorin's family." He leaned back, hoping that sounded innocent enough.

 

[von Streusser]

A broad grin spread across Chancellor Iestu's face as he listened to Diego. Nicolai had met Sir Sorin and his family many years ago, just after the death of Sorin's wife. Two boys, both probably at war, and a little girl...

"Tell me, Sir Diego...you look the type, did you joust in this tournament where you met Sir Sorin and his family?" The young man had come a long way to visit Sorin's daughter, yes indeed. Well, there would be men at the campsite to supervise them, even if they were not her father or brothers. The Chancellor called over to a guard.

"Please take Sir Diego to the Marius tribe's campsite, post haste." Turning back to Diego, he winked. "Good luck with your trip, young knight...and may the mountains be kind to you." The guard stood at attention, waiting for the young nobleman's signal to lead the way.

 

[Mettermrck]

Iasi, Moldavia

It was so easy, far easier than he ever thought possible. Diego was almost stunned when the Chancellor instructed a soldier to show him to Sorin's camp. He was actually going to find her! In the middle of this vast foreign land. He felt the first tingling of nervousness as he thought about it. His dreams were becoming a reality, and they were frightening to contemplate.

"Yes, I jousted, barely. Alas, I proved my worth cheap that day. And yet...uh, Sorin's family, was kind enough to respect me even so." He almost said Nadia. He wasn't sure if the Chancellor knew the real purpose for his visit, and did not want to volunteer the information so easily. "I thank you for your kindness, Your Excellency. I hope to return soon." He stood to follow his guide, and wondered how far a ride it was to Sorin's camp. His vision was accomplished at last. He had sought for the east, and would meet his goal. And hopefully, the dreams would pass.

 

[Blade!]

Izmayil, Drobudja: The Secret Friday Mosque of Ruma Neighborhood

Of all the missionaries in the Order of Umm-Hakim covertly active in Drobudja, Jasmine-i-Tlemscen was most beloved; not only for her tireless work among the poor and oppressed of her Anjuman, but for the perception that she had facilitated the toppling of the Venetian governors.

As Moldavian troops marched down from the highlands and Venetians scurried to leave their holdings, the merchant overlords were often met on the roads at night by the long oppressed Mulim Vlach and their long knives. Word of the promise of Muslim and Vlach liberation spread not only between the secret Anjumans but overseas as well, the word traveling across the Mediterranean. Merchants, already convinced by the Drobudja Dissertation, had sent coinage to the petite Jasmine-i-Tlemscen in the hopes of a second attempt to help their Muslim bretheren.

As a woman, she had always been small and soft spoken, but people saw within her the kind of light that was in the Reverend Mother herself... a will and determination that was undying. For this, her flock was very defensive of her person, and as the people within the hidden mosque realized there was a large and armed party outside their door, a panic ensued as men and women alike picked up swords to defend the young woman.

Jasmine-i-Tlemscen, however, bid them to drop their arms and to follow her. She saw Radu had come, and put her faith in both mankind and Allah as she marched up the stairs and out into daylight, dressed in Vlach style and with only a simple staff in her hand.

Despite Jasmine's calm faith, she was surprised when it turned out that Voivode Stefan II, the Warlord of Moldavia himself, stood asking for her. This was an honor and unexpected shock to the young woman. In truth, the presence of highborn, or Ashraf, was no strange thing to her; As the youngest daughter of a noble family growing up in Tlemscen she was well aware of such things, but she had since left that life to help the less fortunate.

*She nodded her head gently at Radu and more deeply at the Voivode*

"My lord. May I be the first to welcome you to your new holdings on behalf of the Ummah in Drobudja."

*She raised her head, smiled warmly, and moved her hand in the direction of the humble entrace to the basement*

"This honor is unexpected, would you take some tea with your new subjects?"

Jasmine knew that if the man Radu had spoken the truth, then it was important to make connections between the Muslims in Drobudja and their new liege in order to secure their long term secureity and safety, but likewise if the Muslim Vlach were not convinced that this man was honorable and would protect them, there would be no peace, and Jasmine would have failed in her current calling.

 

[von Streusser]

"I have had the pleasure of meeting Sorin's family...their respect is hard-won, and something to be cherished. Yet, if you have it, then you have mine as well. Go in peace son, and know the gates of Castle Iasi will always be open to you." With that, the Chancellor rose from his place and headed back towards the crates to inspect and distribute Moldavia's prizes.

The soldier gave Diego a once-over. "Follow me...it is not a long ride, the Hammers keep close to Iasi. But it will be a fairly difficult one if you are not used to riding mountains." He led Diego back the way he had come, out into the courtyard where horses already awaited them, Diego's mount brushed and fed. The soldier tossed himself up into the saddle with astounding grace, considering he was fully armored. Once the Portugese man was ready, the Vlach gave his horse a kick and they rode off, out the front gate, then turning hard onto a side trail that carried them off into the Carpathians.

Their ride took them through several passes and over trails that hugged mountainsides, with steep drops below. The view was beautiful, the country still wild and untamed in many places. The guard's mood lightened and visibly improved as he breathed the fresh air of the wilderness. They sent herds of deer and packs of wolves scattering before them as they rode hard towards the camp of the Marius tribe. It was dusk when they saw a plume of smoke rising into the sky in the distance. "That's our destination" said the soldier, spurring his horse a little harder.

 

[von Streusser]

"It would be my pleasure" Stefan said, bowing his head to the young woman. He reached down and unfastened his sword belt, giving the weapon to Radu who ran it over to Bogdan. Thus unarmed, the Voivode of Moldavia and his agent Radu Ciobanul followed Jasmine-I-Tlemscen down into the Secret Friday Mosque.

"I thank you for your congratulations" he said, his tone perfectly cultured and polite, catching Radu off-guard. He was used to a very gruff Stefan II, a man who demanded respect and obedience from others, not one who treated them as his equal. But in front of this woman, he smiled and showed perfect manners and grace. "It is my understanding that my soldiers were not responsible alone for the removal of the Venetians from this area...the valor of my Moslem brethren in this province is commendable. But the purpose of my visit is to personally thank you for helping to raise the money that made this all possible."

Stefan looked about the mosque...it was modest, as a basement in a warehouse could be expected to be, but there was an admirable determination in the face of everyone present, a truly Vlach quality. He bowed his head to the assembled men and women respectfully. He continued in a voice just slightly louder than necessary to speak with the young woman, to be certain that everyone in the room could hear him...though with the silence that pervaded the place as they watched him, this was unneccessary. "A promise was made to you back when those funds were secured, Lady Jasmine. And I wanted to personally assure you that that promise will be kept."

 

[Mettermrck]

Marius Tribe Campsite

Diego had never seen such a wide-open space in his life, the vast grasslands leading down from the Carpathians, a rugged wilderness which embodied vigor and an untamed spirit – much like the girl he had met so far away, he grinned as he spurred his horse towards the plume of smoke the guide had pointed to. It was a sparse spread, a series of humble homes and hamlets, resting snug along a rise in the open plains. There appeared to be many people scurrying around, purposeful and with an eye towards whatever task they were performing. These were a determined people, then, Diego thought as his mount slowed to a trot.

He turned and spotted a field of what looked to be tall grass...almost brown, like wheat? And suddenly the visions of his dream came back. The wheatfield! And the girl dancing away from him, twirling in the breeze. It was here! So this was where he was meant to go, he thought with a relieved sigh. Why was he so relieved? Surely the dream was apparent. Around his neck he fingered his scarf, given to him so long ago by Nadia, a mark of her favor. Did he still have it? Would she think him foolish, silly for traveling so far on a whim. Surely he couldn’t tell her about his dream. No, she would deem him mad. But you’ve come all the way from Portugal to see her! Surely that wasn’t mad in and of itself.

And so they rode into the campsite, attracting the stares of its inhabitants. Diego wondered how he must looked, dressed in the casual chain mail of his journey armor, his bright standard emblazoned on the shield strapped to his horse. How many western knights had these people seen?

 

[von Streusser]

The knight traveling through the campsite was a strange sight indeed, and whispers traveled through the village of the odd-looking outlander. However, he was escorted by a Moldavian, so the looks stayed those of curiousity, as opposed to hostility and fear.

The soldier led Diego into the common area, dismounting and leaving his horse, unhitched, to eat. "I will stay in the village until you are ready to return to Iasi...it's a chance to come home anyway." He gave a broad grin, and turned around to hug a rapidly approaching old woman. They exchanged a few words in Vlach before she kissed him on the cheek and started to lead him away. Turning his head back over his shoulder, he yelled out "the big pavilion, over there...that's where you want to go!"

An old man stood at the corner of the green, between Diego and the indicated pavilion. He watched the knight approach, and as he drew close said "Are you Diego de la Braga, Knight of Portugal?"

 

[Mettermrck]

Marius Tribe Campsite

Diego watched the soldier walk off with his family, and had sudden idea of just how far away from home he really was. What a crazy thought coming all this way for a girl he had known for only a few days. It was with a slight grin that he turned to regard the older man who had addressed him. He had the weathered look of someone who had had a hardy life on the open plains, full of vigorous activity. His eyes were sharp, insightful, and no doubt he was weighing and measuring Diego as he approached. Whoever he was, Diego had the inkling that he was judged worthy. "Yes, I am he," he said, nodding, surprised at how the man knew his name.

 

[von Streusser]

"Well well well...to finally meet you in the flesh. Come come, dinner will be served in just a few moments, we can't have you missing it, now can we?" The old man shuffled slowly along a path to the pavilion, pushing open a tent flap and gesturing Diego inside. A quick look around the room showed a large iron pot over a fire, bubbling away happily, a wooden table with some benches and one large chair, and a girl with her back turned taking some meat out of a pan and putting it on two plates.

"It's about time you got back, grandpa" said the beautiful familiar voice. "Dinner's ready."

A loaf of bread lay in the center of the table, and two sets of cutlery sat out, one in front of each bench facing each other. The old man shuffled into the tent and touched the girl's shoulder, speaking softly. "I think you had better set out an extra plate tonight, Nadia."

The girl turned, her dark hair crossing her face and obscuring her vision a moment before she could pull it to the side. The light of recognition illuminated her face, and she yelled out "Diego!" and ran to him, throwing both arms around his neck. "My God, it's really you!" She pulled back and looked at him. "Come in come in! Sit down, eat with us...what are you doing here?!"

 

[Mettermrck]

Marius Tribe Campsite

Diego was surprised that the old man knew him. Did Nadia tell him about Oporto? He shook his head slightly, looking around the quaint camp. He was a little surprised at the rural camp Nadia and her people lived in. Were they not nobles? Where was the castle? He instinctively looked to the horizon, as if expecting to find a large stone fortress somewhere. Then he put the thought out of his mind, and entered the tent. Again, the quaint simplicity of it struck him. He knew Sir Sorin had not looked the part of the typical western knight, but he was surprised at how open the tribe lived. What a strange people...

But all these thoughts were quickly discarded as he spotted the young girl across the room, ladling what smelled to be a delicious meal into plates. He couldn't help grinning, in disbelief that he had found her at last, so far away. Who cared about castles...here was Nadia, looking exotic and beautiful, and right here in front him. He was pleasantly shocked when she rushed up to him, feeling her strong arms around his neck - the arms that had once knocked out his squire, he thought with a laugh. Instinctively, he picked her up and twirled her around, before setting her down, realizing with a start that they were being watched. "Nadia...my goodness you're beautiful. What am I doing here? I should think that would be obvious, noble lady. I do still wear your favor, do I not?" he said, gesturing to the scarf he still wore around his neck.

 

[von Streusser]

The old man smiled as he watched the young people meet after such a long time apart. Love was beautiful, and he knew his son would not mind. Nadia's grandfather placed three plates out, and then ladled out three cups of stew. Nadia gave Diego a wicked grin, her eyes pinching a bit as she smiled. "Join us...it's nothing fancy, I didn't know you were coming! Some smoked venison, a potato and vegetable stew, and some fresh bread." She wiped her hands on her dirty and badly beaten up dress, gesturing for Diego to sit at a place her grandfather had set for him, beside her.

Twirling a finger in the scarf he bore about his neck, Nadia's grin continued to expand. "I'm glad you still have this..." she said in a low, quiet voice. The trio sat down to eat, and the old man looked across the table at Diego with a warm smile.

"I've heard a great deal about you, Sir Diego...frankly, it's my hope that now that you're here, Nadia will talk about something else for a change!" He winced as she kicked him under the table, then laughed. Spooning a bit of stew into his mouth, he closed his eyes and savored it. "Marvelously done, Nadia, another fine soup." There was a long moment of silence before he continued.

"When I was young, there were many romantic notions and tales I was familiar with, but I've never seen someone travel so far just to simply see another person...at least not in real life. These are the songs of bards, Lord Diego...not the sort of thing we see before our very eyes. I will not ask what your reasons for coming all this way are, but they must be very important indeed for you to seek out this village at such a distance."

Nadia gave her grandfather a glare. "Well, I don't care why he came all this way...the fact is, that you're here now...and hopefully for a little while at least, yes?" She looked at him expectantly...and found herself longing to get away from this place for a while and on to somewhere more exciting...

 

[Mettermrck]

Diego threw himself into the meal with hearty gusto, surprising himself with how famished he really was. He realized that he hadn’t eaten since the first arriving in Iasi, which was almost a day, not counting the small rations on the journey overland. He didn’t care about how fancy the meal was. It was delicious, and he was ravenous. From time to time, he snuck glances over at Nadia, who was no doubt a little unnerved by his hunger. He grinned sheepishly, a little bit of venison meat falling from his mouth. Embarassed, he blushed and looked down at his plate.

Diego contented himself with listening to the old man speak, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the meal. There were no squires, no servants, and there was a closeness to the occasion that few state dinners back home could ever match. ”You’re a fantastic cook, Nadia,” he said, blushing a little more. ”I’m afraid I’ve eaten up your entire meal, it looks like. I’ve never tasted such excellent food.”

He looked over at the old man, who was discussing his journey. ”I certainly had planned to come to Moldavia as soon as I could...uh....to see Nadia...and, uh...” he blushed again and broke off. Then he thought of the vision he had, wondering if he should even bring it up. ”But circumstances...hmm, sped up my visit. I can’t quite put a handle on it just yet. I’m just glad I’m here. And certainly I’ll be here a while.” He smiled at Nadia, remembering to wipe his face this time. ”I thought perhaps we could go riding this evening? I would love to see the camp and the surrounding lands.” Something about Nadia told him that she could outride him easily, and yet he secretly longed to see it for himself.

 

[von Streusser]

"Well, I'm sorry I didn't have anything more interesting for you" Nadia said with a blush. "Perhaps tomorrow." Her face brightened as she smiled, and ran a hand over the back of his neck, her fingers idly toying with the scarf momentarily. "Regardless, it's good to have one's work appreciated." Her grin turned wicked as she patted his back, then stood to clear the table. She listened attentively as her grandfather and Diego conversed, her face tightening as he stumbled through an explanation, or a dodging thereof, of why he had come.

The old man shot a glance to Nadia over Diego as he stumbled through it, grinning just slightly. "I see. Nadia, I will finish the dishes" he said, rising slowly. "Why don't you take our guest for a ride, show him some of the sights." The old man laughed, then turned back to Diego. "I hope you like landscapes...that's about all there is out this way. Don't get me wrong, they're the most beautiful thing you'll ever see...just wanted to warn you." His eyes twinkled.

Nadia eagerly left the dishes behind, and led Diego by the arm back outside. "Yes, lets go riding...did you bring a horse with you from Portugal, or are you borrowing a Moldavian mount? Oh goodness, I forgot all about my dress! Go and get your horse, I'll change and be right back out." Ducking back into the tent, she re-emerged a few moments later changed into leather riding pants and a plain cotton shirt under a leather vest. "Much better!" Pulling the reigns of a horse hitched near the tent, she swung herself effortlessly into the saddle, and with a wink at Diego, gave her horse a kick and yelled out something in Vlach which sent the creature racing out of the campsite.

 

[Blade!]

Izmayil, Drobudja: The Secret Friday Mosque of Ruma Neighborhood

Jasmine-i-Tlemscen, Sister in the Order of Umm-Hakim, nodded her head and smiled at the Voivode's words, and uncharacteristicly blushing as she sat down on the cushions that had been brought for them. She was very proud of her Vlach flock.

A young girl, no more than eight, brought them Ukranian style tea in two finely carved wooden Crimean cups. The young girl placed her hand on Stephan's fine overshirt, feeling its texture before an older woman pulled her away. Jasmine looked warmly at the girl.

"Hellene, come here and sit next to this man. Do not be afraid for he is your liege and he will protect you... see how big he is?

My Lord, this young girl's mother was used and then killed by Venetians. Her father works as a sailor on the seas and sends money for her care; I work with many of the orphans which resulted from the Venetian plague from which you have freed your people.

Do you take butter or pepper in your tea?"

*Jasmine extended her hand and two small spoons to Stephan*

"As for promises to me, they have been more than fulfilled... and I am sure you will deal with the merchants from my homeland just as honorably. The facilitation of trade will benefit all of the Vlach, and I am more than your willing servant in facilitating communication to my very distant cousin, the Zayyanid Voivode. That is the right word, yes? Please forgive my less than complete grasp of your language."

In fact, Jasmine's grasp of the language was excellent, but despite having been immersed in it for some years, there was an exotic accent that would never leave as long as she lived. Her Ss became Zs, and her Rs came out in gentle enlongated rolls.

"My Lord Ztephan, you are not nearly zo fierce as the Venetian talez, or even the word of your own admiring kinzmen, would make you out to be. I find you quite gentlemanly to zit here with me in theze humble accomadations. Perhapz, in a year'z time you would have the pleazure of taking tea with me in an open air garden mosque, rather than a bazement."

*Jasmine raised her eyebrow and smiled*

"Or perhapz, you zhall build a palace here upon the beautiful zhores of the Black Zea? Your people here are eager to host your protecting prezence. I can only imagine you have left many comfortz and habitz behind in Moldovia proper. I will have to travel there zoon, when thingz here are settled."

 

[Mettermrck]

He was lost, unable to tell one grassy ridge from the next. Had he turned right at that last outcrop or left? There were horse tracks leading in both directions, so Nadia could be anywhere. He grinned nervously, his enjoyment still present, though ebbing slightly as he found himself in the middle of the vast Vlach grasslands without a guide. A foolish thing to do, Diego, he admonished himself. He had been shocked to see Nadia dressed in....trousers?!? And a vest?!? He was quite certain that his jaw had fallen when she had emerged from the tent dressed so. It was....unladylike...it was...unheard of...it was....scandalous...it was...oddly attractive. But before he could respond, she had lept on to her horse – far more expertly then he thought he could manage – and had galloped off. It was a bold challenge, and like a fool, he had taken her up on it.

And it had gotten him here. He was lost. Diego had mounted his horse quickly enough, his chain mail weighing him down somewhat. By then he had the measure of the smaller Vlach ponies and was able to handle the mount well enough, but nothing like the skill of a trained Moldavian, which Nadia quite certainly was. This was no vision of her twirling out of reach in a wheat field...she was galloping away at an incredible rate of speed. Diego put his horse into a gallop, but he knew it was fruitless. Unfortunately for him, he kept up the chase even when he had lost sight of her. Silly fool, he thought. I’ve chased her all the way to Moldavia and I’ve found her. And now, within an hour, I’m lost again.