On November 8th, the Recon Squadron of the Guards Motorized Infantry set out on a reconnaissance mission.
Commander Koshkin planned to go up to the usual mound to survey the situation, but as he spurred his horse halfway there, he suddenly heard the sound of an engine coming from the mountain.
He sharply pulled on the reins, holding his breath to listen more intently.
It was indeed an engine, and the sound was becoming clearer.
He turned and shouted, "Misha (Mikhail's nickname)! Start running! We've encountered the enemy, hurry back and send a message to headquarters!"
Mikhail was the best horseman in the unit, so he always rode the most spirited horse. Hearing the commander's shout, Mikhail immediately turned around, spurring his horse into a wild gallop, hooves kicking up splashes of mud.
While snatching a smoke grenade that he had confiscated from the enemy from his belt, Koshkin shouted, "Prepare the smoke! We need to buy Misha some time!"
