C2 Chapter 2

As they began their journey, there was a palpable silence between Jane and Jake. As the silence began to grow awkward, Jake decided to start a conversation with Jane, asking her where she was from. Jane smiled and told him she was from a city far away, but what Jake didn't know was that Jane was originally from the palace. She practically grew up there with the Prince and only left to find her own path, but she would always return when missed or needed. Unfortunately, she was needed in the palace again, but she traveled around as well. In return, Jane asked Jake where he was from, to which he replied that he was from a faraway village with an uncommon name. They got off their ride at midnight and started walking on foot. Jane was holding the leash of her horse, Midnight.

As they walked, Jane and Jake began to engage in light conversation and joking with each other. Jake asked Jane if she missed her family, to which she replied that they saw each other four times a year. She also asked Jake the same question, but noticed a sad expression on his face. When she apologized, Jake claimed it was fine and explained that his family had died in a war that had occurred seven years ago between the foreigners and villagers. When Jane asked which war he was referring to, Jake replied that it was the war between the foreigners and villagers. Jane was unaware of the war, as she had grown up in the palace and had been protected from such events.

As they conversed, they entered an empty village, and they both had to observe what was going on. They entered a room and found that all the villagers had been frozen except for a cat. It was eerie, cold, and almost freezing. Jake anticipated that the village had been cursed and that only the pure of heart could free the villagers by lifting the curse with a drop of blood. Jane remembered what had been said to her by the fortune teller and the old man who mentioned her being pure of heart. Jake continued to talk about the cursed village while Jane drew out her sword. Jake stopped her out of fear and asked what she was doing. Jane assured Jake that she wasn't doing anything irrational, but she had to try lifting the curse. Jane explained to him that all she needed was a drop of blood at the center of the village and inside the well.

Jake assisted Jane to the center of the village, where she used her sword to make a cut on her hand. However, nothing happened when the blood dropped on the floor. Jane was disappointed and convinced that she wasn't pure of heart after all. She turned her back to leave with Jake, but Midnight started jumping and trying to tell her to turn around. When they turned back to see what was happening, everything started changing to color, and the villagers were freed from the curse. They came out to see what was going on and bowed down to praise Jane after seeing her hand bleeding. Jake was shocked at what had happened and was worried about the danger that would arise from it.

Jane went ahead to ask an old man where to find a white horse as snow. The old man replied that the horse was a myth, and nobody had ever seen it. Jake felt disappointed and agitated, knowing that it would take forever before they reached the palace. As they continued their journey, Jake was quiet, and Jane was cautious with her words to him. She asked him what was wrong, but he replied with "nothing." After Jane persuaded Jake to tell her what was bothering him, he revealed that he was worried about the danger they were in because many people would be looking for her, both good and bad. He also tried to explain to her that the white horse was a myth, and nobody had ever seen it.

Jake was furious as Jane remained completely unfazed, despite his attempts to convince her that the white horse was merely a myth that no one had ever seen. "Don't worry, have a little faith," Jane replied with a confident smile, further enraging Jake.

As he ranted, Jane calmly approached him, taking his hand and leading him to the other side of the horse to reassure him. Though he felt a brief sense of relief, his heart rate soon spiked again, and Jane's did too. Their intense gaze was interrupted by the sudden appearance of a young boy covered in blood.

The boy gasped out the horrific news that soldiers from the palace were slaughtering everyone in the village. Jane quickly took charge, calming the boy and asking for directions. Despite Jake's misgivings, he had no choice but to follow her to the village and ask questions later.

Upon arriving, Jane recognized the palace soldiers and boldly confronted them, commanding them to stop. Everyone present, including the bloodthirsty soldiers, was stunned by her fearlessness and purity of heart.

Jake realized that the soldiers were under a spell, but before he could stop her, Jane approached the commander. When he raised his sword to strike her down, she grasped his hand, and he came to his senses. The rest of the soldiers quickly followed suit, awed by Jane's power to dispel their enchantment.

The villagers marveled at the miracle they had witnessed and whispered among themselves that Jane was blessed. The soldiers apologized for their actions and warned Jane that the witch responsible would soon be seeking revenge. However, Jane refused their offer to provide an escort, insisting that she already had a companion.

The villagers bowed to Jane, and the young boy thanked her personally. When Jane asked if he knew anything about the white horse, the boy eagerly offered to take them to it.

The trio followed the boy to the location of the horse, where it appeared before them, shining bright as snow. The horse approached Jane and knelt before her, signifying that it had chosen her as its master.

As Jake watched in awe, Jane explained to the horse why she needed its help, and the horse accepted. Jake decided to accompany her on her journey, and Jane took the boy under her wing, promising to keep him safe.

As they departed the village, an old woman appeared, holding a staff and mumbling an incantation. Jake tried to protect Jane, but the witch managed to put him under a spell, commanding him to rip out Jane's heart and bring it to her.

As Jane frantically backed away, she remembered the stone of purity that had been given to her. Drawing it out, she held it close to her heart and closed her eyes, and a brilliant light flashed around her.

When the light faded, the witch had vanished, and Jake had regained his senses. He hugged Jane tightly, relieved that he hadn't hurt her. As they rode away on their horses, the villagers sent their blessings, and Jane knew that she had found the strength and courage to face whatever lay ahead.