They continued their journey of riding by day and camping by night until they reached the Katun River.
There was a large community living by the river - they warmly welcomed the riders.
When Arkady introduced Vladimir as a the young man who had helped capture and kill Ilya and his bandits.. the locals begun treating him as a VIP
Coming up to shake his hand and thank him as a protector..
Arkady explained that Ilya was a bandit leader thereabouts who often led night raids on villages such as this one by the river Katun. During these raids children had been stolen to take to mines or scavenge sectors..
The beginning of a legend began to emerge of the brave young lad - Vladimir with his Ovcharka who had come down out of the mountains and saved the Riders from ambush and killed Ilyer and his bandits.
That night there was some festivities in the village as they shared food and drink in celebration of the Riders passing thru and for the vanquishing of the bandits.. For the first time Vlad enjoyed Vodka..
Vlad woke the next day with a smile on his face, for the hospitality and favor that he had been shown for the first time in his life..
He was tending to his horse when he noticed Recoil and Zoya arrive with the Mountain Dog.
Hello hero Vladimir!! They greeted him mockingly.
He thrust his chest out and replied - young beauties - you've heard of my glories... and quickly grabbed for Recoils waist...
Strangely she let him catch her waist...,
then in his embrace smiled up into his eyes - so he kissed her lightly,
But only for a second..
then she pushed him away and he released her waist..
Hero tend to your horse!! She ordered smiling and breathless,
then she spun and led Zoya away...
The dog meanwhile stood and stared at him for a second
As if appraising what had happened
then left following the girls..