As it happened, Alexander was now creeping towards the back of the stage, wanting to warn Michael about Kotov's plans.
When he reached the smallish room in which all the actors got ready, he called out loudly, his voice coming through the band's music.
Michael, who was busy bobbing up and down in a dance with another actor, was shocked for a moment. Why are you calling me? I'm in a play! He thought incredulously. For a short while he pretended not to hear his friend until there was nothing for it.
Still dancing to the music, he hop skipped off the stage and into the dressing room.
"What are you doing?" He hissed in disbelief, confronting Alexander in frustration. His friend grabbed him by his arm and led him further away from the door, Michael bursting with questions at his friends serious frown.
"Listen Michael. They've arrested Anna Korevna... Saw it with my own eyes. And I met Kotov too, he seemed to be going about some sneaky business..." Alexander explained the goings on to Michael, a frown creasing his worried brow.
"But what has this to do with me?" Michael was looking so lost that Alexander put his arm around him, conversing in a low tone.
"Kotov asked me where you were. I just know that something bad is going to happen... So you must flee" Alexander sat down, watching as his friend paced the room apprehensively.
"Flee? Flee where? To my parents... To water their vegetable garden? I think not!" Michael's voice was shrill with disbelief. His friend indicated that they should keep the volume down.
Alexander got up, having thought of an idea. "No. You won't go to you parents. You'll go to Catstat (city near the Ruscatia shoreline)".
Michael looked incredulous at this suggestion. "What?! Catstat! That's miles away!" He resumed his agitated pacing around the room, wringing his paws frantically.
Standing up Alexander appealed to his friend. "But you've always said that you wished to go to Catstat. You wished you could go to the sword fighting school there."
Michael nodded his head hesitantly, stammering "w- well. I w-wish" gaining control of himself he added more forcefully "I wish"
Alexander nodded, scanning the room. "Pack a light bag with your things, clothes, your sword and other necessary stuff"
Sitting down wearily, Michael nodded. "And il take my books and... A globe."
Alexander rolled his eyes, looking disbelieving. "What globe? You'll have to travel fast"
Suddenly a voice called out from the stage. "Cossack!" It was the lead actor, his voice tense as he struggled to call Michael back to the stage. Both the friends turned to each other.
"I've got to finish this play and then... I promise that il run for it" hugging his friend, Michael hurried back onto the stage.
" good luck... You might need it" Alexander whispered as he strode away from the play and back into the night.