Chapter 11 : A Princess's Heart Made

Yaga's gaze softened, touched by the sincerity in Miloslava's voice. She placed a gentle hand on the young girl's shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring.

"I would be honored to teach you, my dear," Yaga replied, her voice filled with warmth and encouragement. "But remember, the path of a healer is not an easy one. It requires patience, dedication, and a deep respect for the natural world. Are you willing to embark on this journey with me?"

Miloslava nodded eagerly, her heart brimming with excitement at the prospect of learning from Yaga. She knew that the road ahead would be challenging, but she was determined to persevere—to unlock the mysteries of herbal medicine and harness its power for the benefit of others.

“But for now, you should return home in the morning. Your parents would be worried sick. Surely you know how dear you are to them.”

Miloslava bowed her head, unable to meet Yaga’s eyes. “Alright. But can I come back?” She asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Yaga's smile softened, her eyes filled with warmth as she nodded in affirmation. "Of course, my dear," she replied gently. "You are always welcome here, whenever you need guidance or simply a place to rest."

Miloslava's heart swelled with gratitude at Yaga's words, a sense of relief washing over her like a gentle tide. She had found a mentor and a friend in the village medicine woman, someone who understood her deepest desires and aspirations, the mother figure she had sought for so long.

As the night wore on, Yaga gently guided Miloslava to a cozy bed of straw in the corner of the cottage, tucking her in with a warm blanket and a soft pillow. The flickering glow of the fire cast dancing shadows across the room, creating a sense of serenity and peace that enveloped the young girl like a comforting embrace.

"Rest now, my dear," Yaga whispered softly, her voice a soothing melody in the quiet of the night. "You've had a long journey, and tomorrow is a new day filled with endless possibilities."

With a grateful smile, Miloslava closed her eyes, the events of the day fading into the recesses of her mind as she drifted into a peaceful slumber. The rhythmic sound of her breathing filled the room, a gentle lullaby that echoed in the stillness of the night.

But as dawn approached and the first light of morning began to filter through the windows, a sudden commotion erupted outside the cottage. The sound of hooves pounding against the dirt road and voices raised in alarm shattered the tranquility of the village, sending a shiver of unease down Miloslava's spine.

The villagers emerged from their homes, bleary-eyed and disheveled, to behold a sight that sent a chill down their spines. A contingent of soldiers, clad in gleaming armor and mounted atop sturdy steeds, had descended upon their humble abode with an air of grim determination.

With military precision, the soldiers fanned out across the village, their movements swift and purposeful. They wasted no time in their search, their steely gazes scanning every nook and cranny, every shadowy corner where their quarry might seek refuge.

The soldiers turned over wagons, their powerful arms heaving the wooden carts aside with little regard for the belongings they contained. Crates were overturned, their contents spilled onto the ground in a chaotic jumble, as the soldiers sifted through the debris in search of their elusive target.

Meanwhile, the villagers watched in trepidation as their homes were invaded, their sanctuaries violated by the unwelcome presence of armed men. Mothers huddled their children close, their hearts pounding with fear as they prayed for deliverance from the impending storm.

But the soldiers showed no mercy as they pressed forward, their swords held aloft in readiness for any sign of resistance. They burst into every home without hesitation, their heavy boots echoing against the wooden floors as they conducted their relentless search.

Yaga's expression darkened with concern as she hurried to the window, her eyes scanning the chaos unfolding in the streets below. "Soldiers," she muttered grimly, her voice tinged with fear. "They're searching for someone."

Miloslava's heart pounded with dread as she realized the soldiers' presence could only mean trouble. She knew she had to act quickly to protect herself and Yaga from whatever danger lurked outside.

Miloslava rose from her bed, her mind racing as she searched for a way to escape unnoticed. But before she could formulate a plan, a sharp knock sounded at the door, followed by the sound of heavy boots approaching. Afraid for the first time in her life, Miloslava remained rooted behind the thick curtain, her breath caught in her throat as she listened to the sounds of turmoil outside. She could hear the shouts of the soldiers, the frantic cries of the villagers, and the pounding of her own heart as it threatened to burst from her chest.

Yaga's eyes widened with alarm as she turned to Miloslava, her voice urgent. "Quickly, child, hide!" she whispered, her tone filled with urgency. "I'll do what I can to keep them at bay, but you mustn't let them find you."

With a nod of understanding, Miloslava darted behind a nearby curtain, her heart pounding with fear as she waited for the soldiers to enter. Outside, the chaos of the village continued to escalate, the air thick with tension and uncertainty.

As the door creaked open and the soldiers entered the cottage, Yaga stood her ground, her expression resolute as she faced the intruders with steely determination. "What do you want?" she demanded, her voice unwavering despite the fear that gnawed at her heart.

But the soldiers paid her no heed, their eyes scanning the room with cold detachment as they searched for their quarry. And as they drew closer to Miloslava's hiding place, she held her breath, praying that they would pass her by unnoticed.

With each passing moment, the tension in the air grew thicker, suffocating in its intensity. Miloslava knew that she and Yaga were in grave danger, their very lives hanging in the balance as the soldiers drew closer with each passing moment.

But even in the face of such overwhelming odds, Miloslava refused to succumb to despair. With a steely resolve, she braced herself for whatever fate awaited her on the other side of the curtain, determined to face whatever trials lay ahead with courage and determination.

But fate had other plans, and before she could react, a pair of sharp eyes locked onto her hiding spot, and a voice rang out with chilling authority.

"There she is! Seize her!"