al councils with his leshy noblemen and the celebrations in the village that followed. He would chase after vila warrior women and flirtatious, dangerous rusalka on St. John’s Eve, searching fo

rpetual pipe. She took Morozko under her ho

rhaps a package just like Ded Moroz and Snegurochka carried on the winter holidays. He had n

me for Morozko to make good on his promise to Baba Yaga. She summoned him

as nothing wh

ross the sky. Firs bent like widows in the wind. It

surprised to see that he held an infant in his arms. “A baby?” he asked, thinking it one of babushka’

” Baba Yaga’s iron teeth flashed. “Spill a

ing and examined the child’s face. “Her soul

brown earth. “Take her home to your tsar courtesy of your babushka. Bathe her in the banya and ruddy her flesh with

tand for this. The borders to Earth are all closed save your world-

his eyes out and wear them so he sees my point of view.” S

babus

with you.” Baba Yaga took her pestle,

ked down at

like you won't end up in

gur

ld swallow you in one gulp. Your soul would be all mine to play with. A trin

ut and touched

uh

the infant close as snow crunched under his boots. “For

cirrus allowed the moon to shine through. Morozko's fur coat sheltered hi

d the sauna with him. Anya nestled

ed, peering into her eyes. “So where exactly

ed out i

cked his finger. Anya nipped the so

“She does not have a very good track record with children. Neither do most nechist. We either steal them as thralls, eat or drow

a c

give you milk, but I might

m fern flowers that bloomed on Ivan Kupalo, or St. John’s Eve, the summer festival of love

a d

ed Anya as she nursed. “Witch’s brew. There is no

nto his coat. Morozko sm

that for an introduction, mooncalf? Alcoholic baby food, Mother Mokosh have mercy.” Morozko adjusted his collar. He peered into the future, as banni

at carried you through the darkness. The banya now runs through your veins. Let it cleanse you of human weakness.

Morozko clut

to forever protect you, especi