. He could steam and ice the different pools just so, and his reputation began to precede him. Morozko worked for different leshys in different kingdoms who had carved Buyan up between them

ng for a place to belong but never finding it. He was camping by the Volga River one night when he heard the click-clack creak of a hut on

ed like

ince Morozko,” Ba

bushka. Every day that I wander farther into the wilds I find that I am losing my way.

– I can give it all to you if

father’s kingdom. “I have nothing of value – I threw my inheritance away, I travel with onl

in Morozko’s direction: “Your word, half-blood bannik. One day I will ask you to do me a favor. If you v

alka and absolutely nothing that suits me. I have had my heart broken by a vampir with hair like autumn leaves. My money was stolen

ch, drink my vodka, eat a pierogi, and stop wallowing in your misery. I will take you to Tsar Dmitri’s em

his woods from Saint Vladimir the Great when Russia was first formed. The one with an

that needs tending. The old bannik died. Clim

zko

ste and your face to Dima’s realm!” Baba Yaga

adied himself on the femur railing. When they landed, they were in a hollow tucked awa

old Dima he would have a visitor. His staff are excited to meet you – that or scared of wha

bled appearance let on. She mounted her hovering mortar, churne

el young again. Being chased by a pre

ine you were ever much to look a

ked at the sight of it. His smoky magic reached out and sensed the power and enchantment of the bathhouse. He measur

eadow fronting the inn. The smile on the

e, my son,”

nor,” Morozko said, kneel

e are all just keepers of the woods, wayward souls in the haven that is my forest. Here you will find lecherous vodyanoi mermen that can outdrink you

gentle steam. He stretched on his wolfskin bed and looked up at the ceiling, which would look j

desk, dipped a quill into an inkpot

My wandering heart is now, de