Upon leaving the hall, they saw Recoil and the giant mountain dog seated by the stables watching the hand groom the horses. "Recoil" Vladimir called out. Recoil and the Ovcharka's heads turned simultaneously in their direction. Welcome nodded the lieutenant towards them. "Good job Vasily!" he said encouragingly to the stable hand. Who glanced up and smiled proudly. Come, come.. Vladimir., bring your friends through.
I have someone I have someone for you to meet, who will appreciate your company he nodded towards Recoil and the mountain dog.
He then led them up a path between the hall and the stables. They soon arrived at a metal gate. Two riders stood by it. Upon seeing the lieutenant the rider stubbed out a cigarette and straightened up, "lieutenant" he stated perfunctorily and opened the gate for them. There was a further walled off area past the gate, the path turned right and passed behind it. The lieutenant called out to beyond the wall. "Male company, permission to enter"
They heard some talking within and then then a voice responded saying "enter."
They followed the path around the wall. Beyond it was a pool of steaming water with steps leading down into the pool. Beside the pool were two ladies, a thin young lady seated on a chair - she appeared quite ill and thin - eyes dim and face shaded with a floral hat, tending to her was a second older matronly lady.
"Guests Lieutenant?" asked the older of the two ladies.