The grounds behind The Chruch of Trinity lay dormant. The sounds of nature could barely be heard. But suddenly, that peace was broken. The ground began to quiver violently. A Heavy mist began to fill the air, and flocks of birds flew away out of fear. Large cracks began to form on the ground. 'With my power, I give you life.' a soft voice spoke. 'You are Velna, my warrior.' The surface continued to tremble, and the voice carried on. 'She is the end to all suffering. She is the beginning of the new world. She is the Amber Queen. Protect her.' A hand then reached out of the ground pulling itself up to the surface. 'Protect her.' was the voice's final words. And then It was as if the body was struck by lightning as she jolted upwards and screamed in sheer agony. There she lay, slowly losing consciousness from the pain. Thus the birth of Velna Bilance.
_________________________
Kazimieraz
It was a long trip. We only stopped at night to rest or bathe. We were only a few miles away while Nija lay on my shoulder, sleeping. I mostly enjoyed these moments on the road. She seemed to let her guard down when there was nothing to do but sit and stare out the window. The smell of wildflowers filled my nose. Her scent was intoxicating; I didn't want the trip to end. I leaned my head back, enjoying this moment. The only sound that filled my ears was the horses' hooves going down the trail. It was nice being away from the castle; I could take a little break from responsibilities, my father, and Dejva.
"It's tranquil today." But unfortunately, Dariusz's voice ruined the peace.
I raised my head. "Yes, and I would like to enjoy it without talking." Then, laying my head back down, I thought his comment over.
Since the trip had begun, the forest around us had never been quiet, not even at night. It was always buzzing with the noise of wildlife. The forest was dead silent. "Dariusz, stay alert."
No sooner than I said that, a loud explosion was set off, sending our carriage flying. Nija, now awake, the carriage had rolled over to its side.
"What the hell is going on?" Nija's emerald green eyes turned a darker shade.
"We're being ambushed," Dariusz growled, opening the side door that was now above and jumping out.
"Nija, you stay here." I followed behind Dariusz, turning into my wolf.
I growled and looked at my surroundings. Four assassins stay surrounding us. 'One of them could be the assassin from the other night,' my wolf Karalis growled. Already in his wolf form, Darius growled, took a stance, and prepared to battle.
A malicious laugh came from the group of assassins. "We aren't here to fight you, King of the werewolves." A single body now broke from the group and walked forward. "We want our Amber Queen."
Dariusz linked to me ~ Is she talking about Nija?
I growled ~ Yes. But she not taking her.
"Well, if you didn't come for a fight. You sure are trying to start one." Nija yelled out while climbing out of the carriage.
She calmly walked in between us and the assassins when she was entirely on the ground. The assassins all began to bow. Is she really their Queen? If they were to treat her like royalty, why try to blow us up?
"Your Highness," the assassin raised her head. "We mean no harm. We just want to escort you to The Raganas Forest."
Instantly changing back into human form, I walked up to the assassins. "What the hell do the witches want with Nija!"
"That is none of your concern, you king of the flea mutts." the assassin hissed at me.
"My mate is my concern," I growled, revealing K9's. "And she's not going anywhere."
Nija cleared her throat. "Whoa, calm down. First, I don't know why you're acting like you control my actions. May I remind you I was brought to your castle by force." She crossed her arms. "Secondly, why would I travel with people dressed like the assassin that tried to kill me the other night."
They begin to look and whisper amongst themselves. "We do not understand. The Meklēt Assassins would never harm the Amber Queen."
"The Mek-Mek what?" Nija began to look frustrated.
"The Meklēt Assassins. A select rare amount of witches are specially trained to serve the Queen." The assassin explained more. "To think of harming the Amber Queen is a sin and will feel the wrath of Goddess Kārta."
Nija stood there as if frozen. Her eyes were glossy and lost in whatever world she was in.
__________________
Jevgenija
At the sound of the name, everything rapidly morphed around me.
I-I was home. The fireplace crackled, the flames dancing in warm bliss. I turned my head to the sound of snoring; my father sat back in his chair with a book covering his face. I turned my head again to the chopping sound and stood up, immediately knowing who it was. "Another goddess is Kārta. She is not an enemy, but she is not a friend." She turned to me, but I couldn't see her face. "Now is not the time. You'll know when to see her."
I began trying to walk toward her, but the ground soon started sucking me like quicksand. "Mom!" I cried out, "Mom! Wait! I dont understand. Please wait!" I cried more, trying to now claw my way out.
"Laima will guide you." She turned back around and continued chopping. Then, before I was fully sucked in by the ground, I heard her whisper. "Dzintara valstības karaliene."
"Nija! Hello Nija," Kaz waved his hand in front of me.
"Yeah, Yeah. I'm totally listening." I was now back in front of the assassins.
"Are you okaii? You zoned out for a minute." Kaz placed his hand on my arm.
Shrugging him off, I backed up. "We have to go. Mek-Mek, whatever, you guys can do what you want, but I'm already on a journey." I turned around and walked off.
"As you wish, your highness, but we will meet again."
"I know," I mumbled, and then they were gone.
As I continued walking, Kaz and Dariusz caught up to me. We walked in awkward silence. Things just kept getting weirder for me. This is all too much for me, and to make it worse, Esme still hasn't spoken. Was she even still there?