Unless something changes, there will one day be no such place as Izmoroz.”
Jorge was embarrassed to admit, even to himself, that he’d never given much thought to such things.
After a moment, he said, “Well, at least you’re still allowed to have these baths.” Now that he had become more accustomed to the heat and nakedness, he could feel the water relaxing his muscles in a way he hadn’t felt since leaving the college, as if soaking away weeks’ worth of travel grime. “Or, sorry… banyas? Is that the right word?”
“You would be wise not to use that word in Gogoleth, I think,” said Yuri. “But yes, we are grateful for the banyas and other small miracles we’re allowed.”
“A banya purifies the soul as well as the body,” said Dima. “And those who bathe during winter find favor with Lady Marzanna and don’t get sick.”
“Interesting.” Jorge could smell certain herbs and minerals in the water and wondered if that had something to do with the protection from illness. Was it some folk remedy that he could use in his apothecary work? Perhaps Master Velikhov’s “fieldwork” was already paying off.
“Of course,” continued Dima, “there is one more thing to do for it to be a true banya.”
“What’s that?”
“Why, cool off in the snow, of course!”
“Wait, what?”
Jorge watched with growing horror as the two men climbed out of the tub and made their way toward the door.
“Wait…,” Jorge said again. “Naked?”
23
On your way to Roskosh Manor, Lieutenant Portinari?”
Sebastian was about to climb into a carriage when he heard General Savitri Zaniolo’s voice. He turned to see the thin, black-haired man strolling toward him, a pleasant smile on his face, but an odd gleam in his eyes.
“Good afternoon, General.” Sebastian saluted him sharply.
Sebastian wasn’t sure what to make of the general. He seemed a clever man. Perhaps a little unnervingly so. It was as if no matter what he said, he was also thinking something else. Commander Vittorio had told Sebastian that Zaniolo was, among other things, in charge of intelligence gathering for the imperial army in Izmoroz. Sebastian supposed that his unnerving presence might then merely be an unavoidable aspect of his job. In that case, the man could hardly be blamed for it.
“You’ve been spending a lot of evenings at Roskosh Manor lately, Lieutenant,” said Zaniolo.
Sebastian could feel his cheeks reddening. “Oh, yes, well the commander said it was fine if—”
Zaniolo waved his hand dismissively. “I’m certainly the last person to criticize anyone for their preoccupation with the fairer sex, and Galina Odoyevtseva is one of the most striking beauties in all Izmoroz. Besides, I see you out there in the yard every day practicing your magic or assisting General Marchisio with cavalry drills. Your diligence puts a poor rogue like me to shame.”
“With respect, General, Commander Vittorio speaks most highly of your invaluable contributions to the empire.”
“He is too generous, I’m sure.” Zaniolo’s smile did not quite seem to reach his eyes, and once again Sebastian felt as though he did not know what the general’s true thoughts were. Then he patted Sebastian’s shoulder. “Well, good luck to you tonight, Lieutenant.”
“Why would I need luck, sir?”
“Hadn’t you heard? Lord Prozorova has returned from his travels. Tonight, you will dine with Galina Odoyevtseva’s father for the first time, and I don’t need to tell you what an important event that will be.”
Sebastian felt a chill run down his spine. “I-important, sir?”
“Why yes. You have been courting Lord Prozorova’s daughter for over a month without his consent, so you will have to work doubly hard to impress him now.”
“I had not realized… that is to say, the word courting hadn’t really…”
Zaniolo looked surprised. “Oh? Are you saying your interest in Galina Odoyevtseva is merely as friends? Fellow appreciators of literature?”
“Well, no…” Now Sebastian could feel his skin warming. Hot, cold, why couldn’t he keep his emotions in check?
“Then, my boy, don’t be disingenuous.” He gripped both of Sebastian’s upper arms and gave him a hard look. “Call it what it is, Lieutenant. A proper, gallant courtship.”
“Y-yes, sir.”
“And if I may speak frankly, you had better impress his lordship this evening if you wish to continue courting her. Do you take my meaning?”
Sebastian’s throat felt dry and he had to swallow before he could respond. “Yes, sir.”
Zaniolo beamed at him and this time the smile seemed quite genuine. “Wonderful. Now, go forth!” He spun Sebastian around and pushed him toward the carriage.
“Thank you, sir,” Sebastian said over his shoulder. “I appreciate your advice.”
“Not at