Zoya's illness

The lieutenants eyes were glazed over with sadness watching the dog with its head on Zoya's lap..

"She has multiple sclerosis." spoke the lieutenant.

Her time is running out.. We hoped these healing waters would strengthen her.. or some miracle of the waters..might occur.. He said

As a child I would watch her run, ride.. she was full of life energy and hope but then she fell ill. Slowly she lost her strength. Now, even swallowing food or smiling is difficult..

Tomorrow we must return to Novosibirsk to be with her family...

Come with us. Recoil, you can share her carriage. The female company will brighten her.

See..! your Ovcharka is already comforting her.

And, Vladimir - ride with me, I have a spare horse.. You will be a welcome addition to the escort.

Vladimir empathising with the lieutenant's sadness laid an arm on the lieutenants shoulder then looked for a moment to Recoil questioningly...She nodded.

"We're with you..said Vladimir" "It will be our honor to ride with you and escort your friends."