"It takes a village"~ for the PicFic photo prompt challenge 8/13 Part 3

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

                                 

Napoleon called in to Gavrii’s shelter, announcing his arrival before crawling inside.

“Ah Napoleon, I have heard you and Illya fared well during the night, that is indeed a blessing.”

“Maybe a bit of Solo luck as well, “ the American replied. “What did you want to see me about?”

“I have made decision, go to Krasna on our own. It is best you and Illya head East now.  The weather is against you and if we continue to get more snow, it will make journey to Black Sea nearly impossible. It will be hard enough even in good weather, and with Illya not being well...”

“We promised to see you safely to Krasna,” Napoleon protested.

“That I think would not be wise. The villagers there are family for the most part and the less they see and know the safer they will be.”

Daciana stuck her head inside the shelter, “Husband we have a problem.”

Both men gave her a hard stare, waiting on her words.

“Young Mitka is gone!”

“Who’s he?” Napoleon asked.

“He is one of those who did not want to give you and Illya our help. He only came with us because his parents forced him. I fear he has gone in search of the troops. This is not good, “Gavril rubbed his brow. “We must break camp now and part ways.”

“Did Mitka know we were heading to Krasna?”

“No, only a few of us knew that, so that will give us some advantage. Though the snow will now make it easier for us to be tracked from here."

This was an unexpected turn of events, and Napoleon had to agree with Gavril. He and Illya were now a major liability to these people and couldn’t risk bringing them into more danger. Nodding gravely to the village elder, Napoleon headed back to his partner.

Illya agreed with Solo, and tried to get up from under the blankets, but felt as weak as a newborn. “Napoleon, this is not good, perhaps it is best you go documents and leave me here.  I can write down what I remember. This mission must be completed, and that means I am expendable.”

“Not a chance in hell buddy boy,” Solo cut him off, before leaving their lean-two again.

A half hour later Napoleon reappeared. “Your chariot awaits my friend.”

The villagers had built a sled, allowing Illya to lay down while his partner pulled it by rope.

At first, the prideful Russian refused, but as he stumbled, falling into the snow, he realized they were right. He was helped onto it and covered with the three blankets, and beside him was laid a small sack of potatoes and turnips, along with a small cooking pot. The were given a box of matches, one of the hatchets and a hand saw to allow them to build their own shelters. It was estimated it would take them at least ten days to travel to the Black Sea, barring any heavy snow storms.

The agents tried refusing the food, but Gavril, Daciana and the other villagers would hear nothing of it.

“We will have enough until we we get to Krasna, but you must eat your supplies sparingly as you do not want to be stealing from anyone along journey, lest that alert people to your presence.”

The UNCLE agents didn’t argue further, and thanked these kind people for their help and generosity. These villagers gave up their homes to save them, and that wouldn't be forgotten.

The camp was destroyed and the villagers walked again, in single file to hide their numbers, waving their silent farewells.

Napoleon and Illya watched until they were out of sight, and the American adjusted the rope around his chest and shoulders, getting the sled off to it’s start.

“Good thing you have a skinny Russian ass,” Napoleon grinned as the sled moved easily behind him, though his words fell on deaf ears as Illya was asleep again.

It was a short while later that Napoleon heard a noise from behind them , and he quickly brought the sled to a halt, turning with his gun in his hand.

“Who’s there?”

A dark haired young man, perhaps barely in his twenties stepped out from behind the trees..

“It is me Radu, Gavril’s nephew. I come to help you.”

Illya woke up at that moment, calling out to him.” Nu. Trebuie să te întorci. Tu nu poate fi pus în pericol_No. You must go back. You cannot be put in danger.”

“Aceasta a fost decizia mea. Nu se poate face acest lucru fără ajutor_this was my decision. You cannot do this without help. After my parents died, my Uncle and my village raised me to do what was right. So I will stay..”

Illya peered out from beneath blankets at his partner, knowing the boy was right. “It is up to you Napoleon, as you are the one doing the heavy work.”

“No it is up to me,” Radu said, taking the rope from around Napoleon’s shoulders, and together they pulled the sled behind them, more easily as two lightened the load.

“Your village raised you well Radu,” Napoleon smiled as they hauled the sled through the woods...

The boy stayed with them through the entire trip, and as they neared the destination, the sled was now a burden. Illya was feeling much stronger and was able to walk at first with help from Radu and his partner. A few more days of walking, and though tiring easily, he finally managed without help.  Napoleon’s ankle was all but healed as well.

They made their final camp near a forest-lined lake on the  fringes the Black Sea coast at Neptun, though they dared not go into town.

The boy had been raised well as he wordlessly went about building their shelters, hunting for food and cooking. Between the supplies and the game he caught in snares, they actually ate well.

“Radu, it was very brave of you to leave your people and come help us. You are far from home now and will have a lonely journey back, “Illya said as he sat beside the boy near the fire. He was concerned about him, but didn't want to voice his worry.

“I honor my village by doing this. Someday I hope my country will be free of oppression... maybe you can come back to visit.”

“Would that would be true, and that it happens our lifetime,”Napoleon stepped up behind them. “Let’s get some shut-eye gentlemen, tomorrow is the last leg of our journey and I’d like to get an early start before sunrise. Fishing boats head out just after sunup so I don't want to risk missing them."

They each crawled into their shelters, not as heavy as were built when first fleeing Sorenesti. As they neared the sea, the temperatures  became warmer.

The next morning after a few hours they stared at the waters of the Black Sea, just as the sun rose into a beautiful sky filled with pinks and yellows reflecting on soft clouds. They all smiled, seeing such a glorious sunrise, and hoped it was a good omen.

A fishing village was found along the rocky shore; the agents struck a deal with a fishing boat captain to give them passage to Istanbul.

Farewells were quickly said, and the dark-haired boy stood on the docks as Napoleon and Illya climbed on board. Solo turned around waving to Radu but Illya remained with his back to the shore, looking out onto the water with an uncomfortable expression.

“Hey chum, don’t you want to at least wave goodbye to the kid?”

“Napoleon, you know it is not my way to look back.  He did well and I thanked him, though I fear for him on his return journey. I do not want him to see that in my eyes.”

“Or the fact that you’re nervous about getting seasick perhaps,” the American snickered.

“Oh, thank you so much for reminding me.”

Napoleon stared at the Russian. "Don’t go getting all ‘I have a bad feeling’ on me. He’ll be fine and so will we...once we get over Waverly ripping us apart for not coming home with the information.”

“That is ‘all’ the information my friend,” Illya reminded him, pointing to his blond head.

“Okay, I stand corrected. Glad for that noggin’ of yours partner mine,” Napoleon said as he cast off the lines; they’d be helping on the boat as part of their passage.

As the engine started with a roar and a belch of smoke, and the boat motored away from the docks, Napoleon caught his Russian friend turn back and give a quick wave to the boy....

“Hmmm, there’s hope for you after all Kuryakin,” he whispered to himself.

Comments

[avrovulcan.livejournal.com]

Brilliant story! Glad they made a new friend in Radu.

[mrua7.livejournal.com]

Thank you for that very generous compliment. I may bring Radu back in another story.