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were sent by coach to Moscow, she to become Ivan’s wife and Yuri to become a Kadet.
    The driver of the three-horse sleigh had carefully reined in the animals as he maneuvered the sleigh through the maze of streets lined with log houses that encompassed the Wooden City, so named because of its principal building material.
    â€œHas anyone told you of Kitai Gorod?” the driver asked, amused at the pair as they stared in awe at their surroundings.
    â€œWe’re new to Moscow,” Halya had said hesitantly. “What is Kitai Gorod?”
    â€œIt is the third city within Moscow and so called because the people who live here fill their kitais with earth, piling the one on top of the other against the walls to stave off attacks from invaders.”
    â€œI want to see the palaces where the nobles and the Czar live!” Yuri had cried out in boyish excitement.
    â€œFirst we have to travel through Red Square. Once we travel through Spassky Gate we will be in the Kremlin. To your left is Czar Ivan’s home, the Terem Palace. To your right are the chasovnyas, the private chapels of the influential citizens of Moscow. The structure you see being worked on is St. Basil’s, the Czar ordered it built to commemorate his victory over the Tatars. Your tour is over. Wait on the stairwell and servants will take you to the Czar.”
    Was it only three years ago when she and Yuri stood on the stairwell waiting for Ivan’s servants?
    Yuri had succeeded in becoming a soldier. But instead of becoming the Czar’s wife, she had become his mistress.
    Aware once more of her surroundings, Halya stepped from her bath into the robe her maid held out for her.
    â€œFetch my clothes and dress my hair, quickly now, for I have little patience this day. I want to spend as much time with my brother as possible,” she explained to the fearful servant.
    The girl, near tears, worked in quiet desperation, knowing the princess would show no mercy when it came to anyone save the Czar and her brother.
    The maid stood back respectfully, hoping for a quiet word of approval.
    â€œIt took you long enough,” Halya said furiously. “If you’re finished, why do you stand there? Leave me!”
    When the door had closed behind the trembling girl, Halya examined herself in the mirror, pleased with her appearance except for the hateful expression on her face. Studying herself, she realized her callous behavior toward the maid was meant for Ivan. God, how she detested him for what he was doing to her brother. Forcing a smile to her lips, however, she flounced from the room to console Yuri and wish him a safe and speedy return.
    Halya walked through the halls and archways and down the stairways that led from the Terem Palace to the building where men of the Zemsky Sobor were quartered.
    Thrusting open the door of Yuri’s room, she threw herself into his arms. “Yuri, tell me it isn’t true, tell me you aren’t going to Volin. Did you do something? Is the Czar banishing you? If you did something wrong, perhaps I can help you,” she pleaded desperately.
    â€œHalya, calm yourself. It is not a punishment. The trip to Volin could well be the greatest opportunity of my career. Don’t you understand, Halya, the Czar chose me to represent him, his own emissary, to the Cossacks. I’m to have the privilege of handpicking the horses from the Cosars! It’s an honor, Halya, and one I am proud of,” he said excitedly, his handsome face beaming. “Be proud of me. Of all the men he could have chosen, he selected me.” Enthusiasm burst from his whole being, culminating in his handsome face, his grin emphasizing the deep cleft in his chin.
    Halya was shocked at his words. Indebted to the Czar for sending him on a mission that could be extremely dangerous! She must get through to him and make him understand how dangerous and unpredictable the Cossacks were.
    â€œIf I do all that is asked, this