“Julia, what do you know of the gods?” the king asked me.

  “Well, what I heard in church. The gods created this world. They watch over us, and grant marriages and sometimes grant prayers.”

  “So, you haven’t heard the story of the nine maidens?” he asked.

  I shook my head. “I haven’t.”

  “It is not a story that priests often tell. It is in an ancient text that is hard to read. Let me explain then. During the early ages of man. A time long, long ago. The gods made a deal with us. In times of great danger, they would name a maiden of their aspect. Nine of the gods agreed to this. The maiden is a figure of great importance as she is the gift to help us protect our world.”

  I looked at the ring. The symbol of wind was there. “And you're saying that this ring means I was chosen as one of these nine maidens?”

  “That is exactly what I am saying. You are the Maiden of Wind,” he said.

  I shook my head. “No, no no. That can’t be true. I’m just a village girl! I am not some world saver. I don’t even know how big the world is! Hatula village is said to be small.”

  The king looked at Christopher. “Hatula village?”

  “Her home village. It is on the grasslands near the Tutadove border. Apparently, at the moment, they have fewer than eighty people there.”

  “I see. Well, be it what it is. The God of Wind picked you, Julia. This is not something you can simply ignore. If you are worried about your ability. Don’t be. I shall be sending you a teacher. Let us discuss Hatula. I can bring many great things to that land. It shall be a new holy land after all, the place the next Maiden of Wind calls home.”

  “But… well,” I paused. “What does a wind maiden do exactly?”

  The king took a breath. “A fair question. The wind maiden receives the blessing of wind. A powerful magic that she stores for the Hero of Wind. You will need to form a connection with him so you can empower him to fight. That is fundamentally the job of the maiden.”

  “Magic? But I don’t know any magic. I am not anything special. I just wanted to get married and have kids with Kevin.”

  “Kevin?” he asked, looking at Christopher.

  “The man she tried to marry. It failed,” he said.

  “I see,” the king said. “The gods ordain weddings. You will not be permitted to marry anyone other than the Hero of Wind. This is the rule of the gods. Nothing can be done about it. If Kevin could not marry you, then he is not worthy of being a hero. Unfortunately, that cannot be changed.”

  “No. Kevin,” I said as I fell to my knees. But I loved him. I started tearing up a bit. I thought they were going to help me.

  Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

  “Where did she go?” the king asked.

  “She’s here, she seems emotional at the last thing,” Christopher said.

  Of course, I was emotional! Imagine being told you can’t marry the man you love.

  “Maiden of Wind. Rise, let me see you,” he said.

  Christopher came to me and tried to lift me. “You must obey the king.”

  I stood up and looked at him. I didn’t know what to say. This was a lot to think about.

  “I understand this is a lot for you to take in, but I must gain one answer. Do you intend to do your duty as the Maiden of Wind?” he asked.

  “I don’t think I can. You’d probably be better off finding a different maiden,” I said.

  He paused for a moment and rubbed his bread. After about a minute, he finally spoke up. “We won’t get a new Maiden of Wind until you die, so if you are refusing. I will kill you.”

  “Kill?” I said. My heart began racing. I… but. Wait. “Wait. I… don’t do that!”

  “I won’t just kill you,” he added. “Your parents. All of Hatula village. They will die with you.”

  “Why!” I screamed. “That… that doesn’t make sense!”

  “Right now, only they, Baron Christopher, and I know you are the holy Wind Maiden. Leaving them alive to discuss what they saw is risky, perhaps only a small risk. Killing one village that small, which doesn’t even seem to teach their people the station of a King, is hardly an issue. Knowing what will happen. Do you still plan to refuse your duty?”

  I… my whole body began sweating. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t even think I could be this wind maiden thing.

  “That’s enough, if even that doesn’t change her mind. Then it is decided. The chief is with you, right?”

  “Her parents as well,” Christopher said.

  No! Why! I thought he was supposed to protect us.

  “Kill them all.”

  “Wait!” I shouted. “I don’t even know if I can do what you're asking of me.”

  “I told you. I will give you a teacher. Let me clarify if you try your best at your duty. And you simply fail. Hatula village will be spared. But if you won’t even try. They will all be killed tonight. Are you saying you will try?”

  “Yes!” I said. “I will try! Please don’t hurt my family.”

  “Okay,” he said. “Let me make something else clear. Unless you betray me or break your promise to do your duty, then Hatula village will be safe. I shall protect it with all the force of this kingdom. I will also do as I said before, take steps to make it better. So as long as you work with me and do your duty. Hatula will be safe.”

  I nodded slowly. I didn’t know what to say, and my heart and mind were racing a mile a minute. I could feel sweat dripping from my chin.

  “Hmm. I have a task for you. Don’t worry, Baron Christopher will do most of this. But you need to remain at his estate for now. So your parents and chief need to leave unaware of what is going on. He will tell them that I have a job for you, that you are eager to do it, and that the payment will be sent to Hatula. I want them to return to the village thinking their daughter is happy with this situation. If you cannot handle even this much, well, kill all four of them in that event.”

  “Yes, your majesty,” Christopher said.

  “Contact me again when it is done.”

  With that, the water lost its color and once again became just a large bowl of water.

  I looked at Christopher with panic in my eyes. “You will kill us?”

  “If we fail yes. But do not fret. I think passing this will be a simple matter. I have no reason to believe anyone needs to die. If you trust me, that is.”