Harold Lamb

“ He heard nothing except a flurry of hoofs when riders galloped through an adjoining alley, and a man laughed recklessly. Turning quickly he beheld three black horses speeding through a lane of gleaming snow and the fluttering cloaks of men riding like fiends. ”

“ Margeret ceased swearing and began to breathe more regularly. By the time the first gray light had crept upon the white roofs he displayed an interest in his visitor.
“He asks,” explained the servant, stumbling out of a doze, “what your honor does in his room.”
Kirdy explained carefully what he sought from the captain, and the shaggy Muscovite interpreted in the strange jargon that master and man had hit upon for mutual intercourse.
“He says your honor is mistaken. There was no order to close the gates. You can ride forth with your divchina at any hour.” ”

“ But it doesn't matter. If my master says you can go through, no one will stop you.”
“Devil take the fellow!” Kirdy thought, and added aloud. “The lady must leave Moscow without delay; she has a quarrel with a boyarin, and is afraid. She must have an order from your master. It has nothing to do with me, but I promised to bear her the order.”
Margeret evidently knew her, because he smiled and nodded.
“Nada—a pretty lass. She watched me drill the pikemen by the Archangel. Nay, my Lord, when I can stand I will do myself the honor of escorting her.” ”