”Let’s not discuss this for a moment,” said Sylvia. “For now, let’s think about us. I want to focus on us,” a presence of sly smile gave away on the seductive face. In reaction, he was sailing close and closer to the coast of river, as to avoid the visibility under Polish greens of forestry. Any mission is at-risk, so the assessment is as necessary as any time.

“Tiger, how is it that you never gave me a cease of the dose of happiness,” came a warm reception. Rowing along the river, Xavier smelled the fresh Polish air. “The history itself is fantastic. Wasn’t it said to be that the medieval black plague might have originated in the lands of Poland-”

“Let’s not talk about that,” snapped Sylvia. “Let’s focus on us.”

And so Sylvia moved closer to him, when she moved the heavy box of wine collection to the opposing direction from middle, as to balance the canoe itself. That thing must have weighed some 100 lbs, Xavier thought. Even Sylvia wore a flattering British dress, with a white color, a pinkish collar on feminine sombrero, and a little woven wooden umbrella-shield, which has just replaced the spot of wine box.

The assurance has calmed Xavier, as if it is the only sharp-knife point left to his own years of loneliness. “Yes, Princess Sylvia of Ninaguo,” said Xavier quietly. Canoe drifting slowly and slowly, and she has moved quietly to the gentleman’s side, kissing his cheek.

“Sylvia,” gulps Xavier, “we’re on a mission.”

“More like honeymoon mission,” swooned Sylvia. “Didn’t you read the report that you’d written yourself?”

“Actually, Patrick wrote some of it, as a cover.”

“How brilliant of him.”

“Perhaps,” said Xavier cautiously. “How do we know if we’re not being led to the trap of lion’s den?”

“He saved us from Brandenburg,” hissed at the cheek. “Hasn’t that gotten to your head yet?”

“No, that hasn’t crossed my thought. It’s just,” sighed Xavier, “that Belarus is a suspicious one. Latvian, Lithuanian, and even Estonian spies are working hard to enclose our fates of safety.”

“I said no need to worry,” shot back Sylvia. As she moved her lovely lips toward the spot, he reacted little by pressing his lips to give a kiss of mu-ah.

And a noise of accelerating marine boat echoed few miles ahead.

—END OF PART 1—