The jet left New York and we landed in Mount Ural nine hours later just as rays of the sun streamed in from the mountain. Anna had already organized a fleet of cars to take us to the Lev castle. Madam Irina, Gleb, and Vidam drove in one car while Iva, Anton, Igor, Victor, and I rode in the same car. 

When the gates opened I spoke up, “Welcome." I turned to Viktor and Igor. They were all looking at the castle in awe and I smiled in return ...