Johann and Petro were visiting a nearby furniture maker to buy a crib for the newest edition to the Fransson family. It wouldn’t be too long before the baby would be born. Johann wanted to get as much ready as possible, for the rumblings of war against the Poles were getting ever louder. His ex brother in law had been a relatively major noble, and his disappearance had caused the Poles to act like an overturned nest of angry wasps.
Johann explained carefully what kind of crib he wanted. It had to be sturdy, for if the indications of the child’s size was determined by the largeness of Roxana this child was going to be huge, yet had to be capable of being quickly taken apart for travel. The man agreed that it could be done, but it would take some time, especially with all the intricate carvings that had been asked to be made.
The women in the camp had been busily making blankets and other baby items. Roxana herself making baby clothes. The camp would be moving further east to ensure that the ebb and flow of war would leave it untouched, and the children would be safe. The women, children, and men unable to go to war would see to the move.
Petro and Johann returned to the camp. Petro’s father, aged and missing an arm, greeted them heartily.
“I wish I were going with you,” He said.
“I know, father,” Petro smiled,” It will be a grand adventure.”
Johann handed the old man a packet of paper,” Please take care of this for me. It is some instructions in the event I don’t happen to return. I have no doubt that I will, but I do like to be prepared. I’m a family man now.”
“Understandable, young man. I will be honored to take care of it. It is not written in Swedish, is it?”
“No, it’s not.”
“Good, good.”
“Father, we have much to do before we go.”
“Be off with you then,” the old man grinned,” And don’t have too much fun!”
The two men jogged off to their respective tents to finish their preparations. Johann finished his packing quickly, for he wanted to spend his last night with his wife before he went off to war. The two spent the night alone, making love gently before falling asleep. In the morning, Johann fixed his wife breakfast before the two of them left the tent.
The entire camp was a beehive of activity. Men were saying tearful good byes to loved ones, women were comforting children. Horses stamped and blew, and harness jangled in the morning air. The sun was just sneaking a peek over the horizon when Johann kissed his wife, hugged his niece and nephews, and shook hands with Petro’s father.
Settling himself into the saddle he nudged his horse next to Petro’s. He waved fondly in good bye before cantering off with the rest of the brave Cossacks. Petro nodded gravely to his father before wheeling about and following along besides his dearest friend.
“Well, my friend,” Petro said,” It’s time to go spank some Poles.”
“Yes it is,” Johann agreed,” No one shall be allowed to interfere with the Cossack lands, or despoil the Wild Fields.”
“Spoken like a true son of the steppes,” Petro replied with approval,” You have come a long way, Ivan. Who knew all those years ago that you would stay and become an integral and respected part of the Sich.”
Johann chuckled,” I’d have to agree with you. But I must say that it has been the greatest period of time in my life. Living…..loving…defending a way of life to the utmost. There is nothing more honorable, nor as fine.”
“You always did have a way with words. Are you sure you aren’t a poet?”
Johann blinked at him,” I don’t believe so, but who knows?”
The men continued to ride, meeting up with two other Cossack groups as planned. Everyone was in high spirits, and it was expected that it would not take long to prove to the Poles that it was a very bad idea to mess with the Cossacks. The gold of the men glinted in the sunlight and some were chatting spiritedly about how many of the Poles they would kill.
Some even made bets about who would kill the most Poles. Johann convinced Petro that such betting was a bad idea, for who could really know in the heat of battle what man had killed the most enemies? It was more important to stay alive, kill the enemy, and win the battle. Plus, of course, win the war….
Nalivayko, I am planning on their being a birth of twins...Perhaps boys...Named Ivan and Petro, of course...
