Belokurikha, Mount Cerkovka (Mt Church)

Vladimir approached Belokurikha. It was situated at the foot of Mt Cerkovka.

Once a big centre with resorts centred around the medicinal thermal waters there, much of the town now lay in ruins. But there were tracks and signs of a population and Vladimir followed these into Belokurikha.

Soon he spotted some men who appeared to be transporting bricks gathered from ruins in a hand drawn cart.

Greetings, I came urgently to pass a message to the horsemen. He said.

The men didn't bother taking much of a look at him busy with their hauling. Merely shouting directions at him.

Soon Vladimir arrived at a fenced off area where 10 or so horses were being tended to by a young lad.

He spoke to the boy. "You have beautiful horses !!" Wait.. are these the famous Budyonny horses? "

The lad looked up from his work smiling.

Yeah. The best horses, maybe in the world, he said. You've heard of the Budyonny, he asked?

Just some old legends from the campfire, Vladimir replied.

Which one is your leader's, he asked?

The boy pointed at one of the horses. "That one belongs to Arkady, the Lieutenant."

Gifted with a name to deliver his message to, Vladimir thanked the boy and headed off towards the riders within.